-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Qo6645vp0pzBCviPMy5KMenbwmmuK/YxVuY7NOP34KGTRFom8LtIK2oDA81FkreA G2S+l0JYOpyvUPYkNz9MjA== 0000950123-03-011866.txt : 20031029 0000950123-03-011866.hdr.sgml : 20031029 20031029103135 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950123-03-011866 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-3/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 8 FILED AS OF DATE: 20031029 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001175483 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798] IRS NUMBER: 810559116 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-3/A SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-109597 FILM NUMBER: 03962440 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O FORTRESS STREET 2: 1251 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS 16TH FL CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10020 BUSINESS PHONE: 2127986100 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O FORTRESS STREET 2: 1251 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS 16TH FL CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10020 S-3/A 1 y90543a1sv3za.txt AMENDMENT #1 TO S-3: NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 29, 2003. REGISTRATION NO. 333-109597 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 --------------------- AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-3 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 --------------------- NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) MARYLAND 81-0559116 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) incorporation or organization)
1251 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS 16TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10020 (212) 789-6100 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices) --------------------- RANDAL A. NARDONE SECRETARY 1251 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS 16TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10020 (212) 789-6100 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) --------------------- COPY TO: DAVID J. GOLDSCHMIDT SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM LLP FOUR TIMES SQUARE NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036-6522 (212) 735-3000 --------------------- APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement as determined by the Registrant --------------------- If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [ ] If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X] If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. [ ] CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM SECURITIES TO BE AMOUNT TO BE OFFERING PRICE PER AGGREGATE OFFERING AMOUNT OF REGISTERED REGISTERED(1)(2) UNIT(2)(3) PRICE(3) REGISTRATION FEE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Warrants, Common Stock... $750,000,000 100% $750,000,000 $60,675 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Such indeterminate number or amount of debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants or common stock of Newcastle Investment Corp. as may from time to time be issued at indeterminate prices. (2) Such indeterminate number of shares of common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares and warrants with respect thereto and such indeterminate principal amount of senior notes and subordinated notes as may from time to time be issued at indeterminate prices. (3) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. --------------------- THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROSPECTUS [NEWCASTLE LOGO] NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. COMMON STOCK PREFERRED STOCK DEPOSITARY SHARES DEBT SECURITIES AND WARRANTS We may offer, issue and sell from time to time, together or separately, our debt securities, which may be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities; shares of our preferred stock, which we may issue in one or more series; depositary shares representing shares of our preferred stock; shares of our common stock; or warrants to purchase debt or equity securities, at an aggregate initial offering price which will not exceed $750,000,000. We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. We may describe the terms of these securities in a term sheet which will precede the prospectus supplement. You should read this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement carefully before you make your investment decision. THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO SELL SECURITIES UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. We may offer securities through underwriting syndicates managed or co-managed by one or more underwriters, through agents or directly to purchasers. The prospectus supplement for each offering of securities will describe in detail the plan of distribution for that offering. For general information about the distribution of securities offered, please see "Plan of Distribution" in this prospectus. An investment in these securities entails certain material risks and uncertainties that should be considered. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 4 of this prospectus. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "NCT." Each prospectus supplement will indicate if the securities offered thereby will be listed on any securities exchange. NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. The date of this prospectus is October 29, 2003 TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE ---- ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS....................................... 1 WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION......................... 1 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS... 2 NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP................................... 3 RISK FACTORS................................................ 4 USE OF PROCEEDS............................................. 16 RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS AND EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES............. 17 DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES.............................. 18 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK................................ 26 DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES............................ 35 DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS..................................... 37 IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS.................................................... 38 FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS........................... 41 ERISA CONSIDERATIONS........................................ 57 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION........................................ 59 LEGAL MATTERS............................................... 61 EXPERTS..................................................... 61
Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to "NCT," "Newcastle," "we," "our," and "us" refer to Newcastle Investment Corp. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. i ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") using a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf process, we may, from time to time, sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $750,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer to sell securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information." You should rely on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of the date of the prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. This prospectus contains summary descriptions of the debt securities, common stock, preferred stock and warrants that we may sell from time to time. These summary descriptions are not meant to be complete descriptions of each security. The particular terms of any security will be described in the related prospectus supplement. WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings can be read and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our SEC filings are also available over the Internet at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Our common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "NCT." Our reports, proxy statements and other information can also be read at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. The SEC allows "incorporation by reference" into this prospectus of information that we file with the SEC. This permits us to disclose important information to you by referencing these filed documents. Any information referenced this way is considered to be a part of this prospectus and any information filed by us with the SEC subsequent to the date of this prospectus will automatically be deemed to update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the following documents which we have already filed with the SEC: - Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002; - Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003; and - Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 29, 2003. Whenever after the date of this prospectus we file reports or documents under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, those reports and documents will be deemed to be a part of this prospectus from the time they are filed. Any statement made in this prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document that is also incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. We will provide without charge, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, excluding any exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is 1 specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Requests should be directed to Newcastle Investment Corp., 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 16th Floor, New York, New York, 10020 (telephone number (212) 798-6100), Attention: Investor Relations. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This prospectus contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the operating performance of our investments and financing needs. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "potential," "intend," "expect," "endeavor," "seek," "anticipate," "estimate," "overestimate," "underestimate," "believe," "could," "project," "predict," "continue" or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, discuss future expectations, describe future plans and strategies, contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition or state other forward-looking information. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, our actual results and performance could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to, changes in economic conditions generally and the real estate and bond markets specifically; adverse changes in the financing markets we access affecting our ability to finance our real estate securities portfolios in general, or in a manner that maintains our historic net spreads; changes in interest rates and/or credit spreads, as well as the success of our hedging strategy in relation to such changes; the quality and size of the investment pipeline and the rate at which we can invest our cash, including cash obtained in connection with CBO financings; impairments in the value of the collateral underlying our real estate securities; changes in the markets; legislative/regulatory changes; completion of pending investments; the availability and cost of capital for future investments; competition within the finance and real estate industries; and other risks detailed from time to time in our SEC reports. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements, which reflect our management's views as of the date of this prospectus. The factors noted above could cause our actual results to differ significantly from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this prospectus to conform these statements to actual results. 2 NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. GENERAL We own a diversified portfolio of moderately credit sensitive real estate securities, including commercial mortgage backed securities, senior unsecured debt issued by property REITs and asset backed securities. Mortgage backed securities are interests in or obligations secured by pools of mortgage loans. We generally target investments rated A through BB. We also own credit leased operating real estate in Canada and Belgium, which we refer to in this prospectus as the "Bell Canada portfolio" and the "LIV portfolio," respectively. We consider credit leased operating real estate to be real estate that is leased primarily to tenants with, or whose major tenant has, investment grade credit ratings. We also own, directly and indirectly, interests in pools of mortgage loans, including residential mortgage loans. We are organized and conduct our operations to qualify as a real estate investment trust (REIT) for federal income tax purposes. We seek to match-fund our investments with respect to interest rates and maturities in order to minimize the impact of interest rate fluctuations on earnings and reduce the risk of refinancing our liabilities prior to the maturity of the investments. Our objective is to maximize the difference between the yield on our investments and the cost of financing these investments while hedging our positions. We focus on investing in moderately credit sensitive real estate securities, including commercial mortgage backed securities, senior unsecured debt issued by property REITs and asset backed securities. We seek to finance our real estate securities through the issuance of debt securities in the form of collateralized bond obligations, known as CBOs, which are obligations issued in multiple classes secured by an underlying portfolio of securities. Our CBO financings offer us structural flexibility to buy and sell certain investments to manage risk and, subject to certain limitations, to optimize returns. We are incorporated in Maryland and the address of our principal executive office is 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 16th Floor, New York, New York, 10020. Our telephone number is (212) 798-6100. Our Internet address is www.newcastleinv.com. newcastleinv.com is an interactive textual reference only, meaning that the information contained on the website is not part of this prospectus and is not incorporated in this prospectus by reference. OUR MANAGER We are externally managed and advised by Fortress Investment Group LLC. As of September 30, 2003, Fortress Investment Group, through its affiliate, owned 2,750,189 shares of our common stock and had options to purchase an additional 1,160,000 shares of our common stock, which were issued in connection with our prior equity offerings, representing approximately 13.4% of our common stock on a fully diluted basis. In addition, we may grant options to purchase shares of our common stock to our manager, or to an affiliate of our manager, in connection with future equity offerings or otherwise, as we have done previously. We have no ownership interest in our manager. Fortress Investment Holdings LLC is the sole member of our manager. The beneficial owners of Fortress Investment Holdings LLC include Messrs. Wesley R. Edens, Peter L. Briger, Jr., Robert I. Kauffman, Randal A. Nardone and Michael E. Novogratz. Our chairman and chief executive officer and each of our executive officers also serve as officers of our manager. Our manager is entitled to receive a base management fee from us and may receive incentive compensation based on certain performance criteria. As required by our management agreement, our manager provides a dedicated management team to us, including a president, chief financial officer and chief operating officer, whose primary responsibility is to manage us. Our manager also manages and invests in other real estate-related investment vehicles and intends to engage in additional management and investment opportunities and investment vehicles in the future. However, our manager has agreed not to raise or sponsor any new investment vehicle that targets, as its primary investment category, investment in United States dollar-denominated credit sensitive real estate securities reflecting primarily United States loans or assets, although these entities, and other entities managed by our manager, are not prohibited from investing in these securities. 3 RISK FACTORS An investment in our Company involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following information, together with the other information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, before buying any of the securities offered hereby. In connection with the forward-looking statements that appear in this prospectus, you should also carefully review the cautionary statement referred to under "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements." RISKS RELATING TO OUR MANAGEMENT WE ARE DEPENDENT ON OUR MANAGER AND MAY NOT FIND A SUITABLE REPLACEMENT IF OUR MANAGER TERMINATES THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT. We have no employees. Our officers are employees of our manager. We have no separate facilities and are completely reliant on our manager, which has significant discretion as to the implementation of our operating policies and strategies. We are subject to the risk that our manager will terminate the management agreement and that no suitable replacement will be found to manage us. We believe that our success depends to a significant extent upon the experience of the manager's executive officers, whose continued service is not guaranteed. THERE ARE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR MANAGER. Our chairman and chief executive officer and each of our executive officers also serve as officers of our manager. As a result, our management agreement with our manager was not negotiated at arm's-length and its terms, including fees payable, may not be as favorable to us as if it had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party. Our manager also manages and invests in other real estate-related investment vehicles and our chairman and chief executive officer and some of our other officers also serve as officers and/or directors of these other entities. Certain investments appropriate for us may also be appropriate for one or more of these other investment vehicles; our manager may make a particular investment through another investment vehicle rather than through us or may, subject to the approval of the independent members of our board of directors, make a co-investment with one or more of these other investment vehicles. Our manager also intends to engage in additional real estate-related management and investment opportunities in the future which may also compete with us for investments. Our management agreement with our manager generally does not limit or restrict our manager from engaging in any business or managing any other vehicle that invests generally in real estate securities, except that neither the manager nor any entity controlled by or under common control with the manager shall raise or sponsor any new investment fund, company or vehicle whose investment policies, guidelines or plan targets as its primary investment category investment in United States dollar-denominated credit sensitive real estate-related securities reflecting primarily United States loans or assets. The ability of our manager and its officers and employees to engage in other business activities may reduce the time our manager spends managing us. The manager is required to seek the approval of the independent members of our board of directors before we engage in a material transaction, including certain co-investments, with another entity managed by our manager. The management compensation structure that we have agreed to with our manager may cause our manager to invest in high risk investments. In addition to its management fee, our manager is entitled to receive incentive compensation based in part upon our achievement of targeted levels of funds from operations. In evaluating investments and other management strategies, the opportunity to earn incentive compensation based on funds from operations may lead our manager to place undue emphasis on the maximization of funds from operations at the expense of other criteria, such as preservation of capital, in order to achieve higher incentive compensation. Investments with higher yield potential are generally riskier or more speculative. This could result in increased risk to the value of our invested portfolio. 4 Termination of the management agreement with our manager is difficult and costly. The management agreement may only be terminated annually upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of our independent directors, or by a vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock, based upon (1) unsatisfactory performance by our manager that is materially detrimental to us or (2) a determination that the management fee payable to our manager is not fair, subject to our manager's right to prevent such a compensation termination by accepting a mutually acceptable reduction of fees. Our manager will be provided 60 days' prior notice of any termination and will be paid a termination fee equal to the amount of the management fee earned by the manager during the twelve-month period preceding such termination. In addition, following any termination of the management agreement, the manager may require us to purchase its right to receive incentive compensation at a price determined as if our assets were sold for their fair market value (as determined by an appraisal, taking into account, among other things, the expected future value of the underlying investments) or otherwise we may continue to pay the incentive compensation to our manager. These provisions may increase the effective cost to us of terminating the management agreement, thereby adversely affecting our ability to terminate our manager without cause. OUR DIRECTORS HAVE APPROVED VERY BROAD INVESTMENT GUIDELINES FOR OUR MANAGER AND DO NOT APPROVE EACH INVESTMENT DECISION MADE BY OUR MANAGER. Our manager is authorized to follow very broad investment guidelines. Our directors periodically review our investment guidelines and our investment portfolio. However, our board does not review each proposed investment. In addition, in conducting periodic reviews, the directors rely primarily on information provided to them by our manager. Furthermore, transactions entered into by our manager may be difficult or impossible to unwind by the time they are reviewed by the directors. Our manager has great latitude within the broad investment guidelines in determining the types of assets it may decide are proper investments for us. WE MAY CHANGE OUR INVESTMENT STRATEGY WITHOUT STOCKHOLDER CONSENT WHICH MAY RESULT IN RISKIER INVESTMENTS THAN OUR CURRENT INVESTMENTS. We may change our investment strategy at any time without the consent of our stockholders, which could result in our making investments that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the investments described in this prospectus. A change in our investment strategy may increase our exposure to interest rate and real estate market fluctuations. RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS WE ARE SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT COMPETITION AND WE MAY NOT COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY. We are subject to significant competition in seeking investments. We compete with several other companies, including other REITs, insurance companies and other investors, including funds and companies affiliated with our manager. Some of our competitors have greater resources than us and we may not be able to compete successfully for investments. WE LEVERAGE OUR PORTFOLIO, WHICH MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR RETURN ON OUR INVESTMENTS AND MAY REDUCE CASH AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION. We leverage our portfolio through borrowings, generally through the use of bank credit facilities, repurchase agreements, mortgage loans on real estate, securitizations, including the issuance of CBOs, loans to entities in which we hold, directly or indirectly, interests in pools of properties or loans, and other borrowings. The percentage of leverage varies depending on our ability to obtain credit facilities and the lender's estimate of the stability of the portfolio's cash flow. We currently have a policy limiting the use of leverage up to 90% of the value of our assets on an aggregate basis. Our return on our investments and cash available for distribution to our stockholders may be reduced to the extent that changes in market conditions cause the cost of our financing to increase relative to the income that can be derived from the assets acquired. 5 Our debt service payments reduce cash flow available for distributions to stockholders. We may not be able to meet our debt service obligations and, to the extent that we cannot, we risk the loss of some or all of our assets to foreclosure or sale to satisfy our debt obligations. We may leverage certain of our investments through repurchase agreements. A decrease in the value of the assets may lead to margin calls which we will have to satisfy. We may not have the funds available to satisfy any such margin calls. THE MORTGAGE LOANS WE INVEST IN AND THE MORTGAGE LOANS UNDERLYING THE MORTGAGE AND ASSET BACKED SECURITIES WE INVEST IN ARE SUBJECT TO DELINQUENCY, FORECLOSURE AND LOSS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSSES TO US. Commercial mortgage loans are secured by multifamily or commercial property and are subject to risks of delinquency and foreclosure, and risks of loss that are greater than similar risks associated with loans made on the security of single-family residential property. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by an income-producing property typically is dependent primarily upon the successful operation of such property rather than upon the existence of independent income or assets of the borrower. If the net operating income of the property is reduced, the borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Net operating income of an income-producing property can be affected by, among other things: tenant mix, success of tenant businesses, property management decisions, property location and condition, competition from comparable types of properties, changes in laws that increase operating expense or limit rents that may be charged, any need to address environmental contamination at the property, the occurrence of any uninsured casualty at the property, changes in national, regional or local economic conditions and/or specific industry segments, declines in regional or local real estate values, declines in regional or local rental or occupancy rates, increases in interest rates, real estate tax rates and other operating expenses, changes in governmental rules, regulations and fiscal policies, including environmental legislation, acts of God, terrorism, social unrest and civil disturbances. Residential mortgage loans are secured by single-family residential property and are subject to risks of delinquency and foreclosure, and risks of loss. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by a residential property is dependent upon the income or assets of the borrower. A number of factors, including a general economic downturn, acts of God, terrorism, social unrest and civil disturbances, may impair borrowers' abilities to repay their loans. Asset backed securities are bonds or notes backed by loans and/or other financial assets. The ability of a borrower to repay these loans or other financial assets is dependant upon the income or assets of these borrowers. We intend to focus on real estate related asset backed securities, but there can be no assurance that we will not invest in other types of asset backed securities. In the event of any default under a mortgage loan held directly by us, we will bear a risk of loss of principal to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the principal and accrued interest of the mortgage loan, which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow from operations. In the event of the bankruptcy of a mortgage loan borrower, the mortgage loan to such borrower will be deemed to be secured only to the extent of the value of the underlying collateral at the time of bankruptcy (as determined by the bankruptcy court), and the lien securing the mortgage loan will be subject to the avoidance powers of the bankruptcy trustee or debtor-in-possession to the extent the lien is unenforceable under state law. Foreclosure of a mortgage loan can be an expensive and lengthy process which could have a substantial negative effect on our anticipated return on the foreclosed mortgage loan. Residential mortgage backed securities evidence interests in or are secured by pools of residential mortgage loans and commercial mortgage backed securities evidence interests in or are secured by a single commercial mortgage loan or a pool of commercial mortgage loans. Accordingly, the mortgage backed securities we invest in are subject to all of the risks of the underlying mortgage loans. 6 ALTHOUGH WE SEEK TO MATCH-FUND OUR INVESTMENTS TO LIMIT REFINANCE RISK, IN PARTICULAR WITH RESPECT TO OUR INVESTMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SECURITIES, WE DO NOT EMPLOY THIS STRATEGY WITH RESPECT TO OUR INVESTMENTS IN MORTGAGE LOANS, WHICH INCREASES REFINANCE RISKS FOR OUR MORTGAGE LOANS. A key to our investment strategy is to finance our investments using match-funded financing structures, which match assets and liabilities with respect to maturities and interest rates. This limits our refinance risk, including the risk of being able to refinance an investment or refinance on favorable terms. We use match-funded financing structures, such as CBOs, to finance our investments in real estate securities. However, we do not employ this strategy with respect to the mortgage loans we invest in, which exposes us to additional refinance risks that may not apply to our other investments. WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MATCH-FUND OUR FUTURE INVESTMENTS WITH RESPECT TO MATURITIES AND INTEREST RATES, WHICH EXPOSES US TO THE RISK THAT WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FINANCE OUR INVESTMENTS ON ECONOMICALLY FAVORABLE TERMS. We focus on investing in credit sensitive real estate securities, including commercial mortgage backed securities, senior unsecured debt issued by property REITs and asset backed securities. We seek to match-fund our investments with respect to interest rates and maturities in order to minimize the impact of interest rate fluctuations on earnings and reduce the risk of refinancing our liabilities prior to the maturity of the investments. If we are unable to match-fund our future investments with respect to maturities and interest rates, we are subject to the risk that we may not be able to finance our investments on economically favorable terms. In addition, when financing our investments through CBOs, we accumulate securities through an arrangement in which a third party provides short-term financing pending the issuance of the CBO securities and we make a cash deposit with such third party. Under such arrangement, if such CBO financing were not consummated we would be required to either purchase the securities and obtain other more expensive financing for such purchase, or pay the third party the lesser of the difference between the price it paid for the securities and the price at which it sold such securities, or our deposit. WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACQUIRE ELIGIBLE SECURITIES FOR A CBO FINANCING, OR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ISSUE CBO SECURITIES ON ATTRACTIVE TERMS, WHICH MAY REQUIRE US TO SEEK MORE COSTLY FINANCING FOR OUR INVESTMENTS OR TO LIQUIDATE ASSETS. IN ADDITION, FOLLOWING THE CLOSING OF A CBO FINANCING, THE RATE AT WHICH WE ARE ABLE TO ACQUIRE ELIGIBLE SECURITIES MAY ADVERSELY IMPACT OUR ANTICIPATED RETURNS. We acquire real estate securities and finance them on a long-term basis, such as through the issuance of collateralized bond obligations. During the period that we are acquiring these assets, we finance our purchases through relatively short-term credit facilities. We use these warehouse lines of credit to finance the acquisition of real estate securities until a sufficient quantity of securities is accumulated at which time we may refinance these lines through a securitization, such as a CBO financing, or other long-term financing. As a result, we are subject to the risk that we will not be able to acquire, during the period that our warehouse facility is available, a sufficient amount of eligible securities to maximize the efficiency of a collateralized bond obligation financing. In addition, conditions in the capital markets may make the issuance of a collateralized bond obligation less attractive to us when we do have a sufficient pool of collateral. If we are unable to issue a collateralized bond obligation to finance these assets, we may be required to seek such other forms of potentially less attractive financing or otherwise to liquidate the assets. In addition, we must invest the net cash raised during the period following each CBO financing. Until we are able to acquire sufficient securities, our returns will reflect income earned on uninvested cash. In general, our ability to acquire appropriate investments depends upon the supply in the market of investments we deem suitable, and changes in various economic factors which may affect our determination of what constitutes a suitable investment. OUR INVESTMENTS IN SUBORDINATED COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES ARE SUBJECT TO LOSSES. In general, losses on an asset securing a mortgage loan included in a securitization will be borne first by the equity holder of the property, then by a cash reserve fund or letter of credit, if any, and then by the "first loss" subordinated security holder. In the event of default and the exhaustion of any equity support, reserve fund, letter 7 of credit and any classes of securities junior to those in which we invest, we will not be able to recover all of our investment in the securities we purchase. In addition, if the underlying mortgage portfolio has been overvalued by the originator, or if the values subsequently decline and, as a result, less collateral is available to satisfy interest and principal payments due on the related mortgage backed securities, the securities in which we invest may effectively become the "first loss" position behind the more senior securities, which may result in significant losses to us. The prices of lower credit quality securities are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than more highly rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic downturns or individual issuer developments. A projection of an economic downturn, for example, could cause a decline in the price of lower credit quality securities because the ability of obligors of mortgages underlying mortgage backed securities to make principal and interest payments may be impaired. In such event, existing credit support in the securitization structure may be insufficient to protect us against loss of our principal on these securities. OUR INVESTMENTS IN SENIOR UNSECURED REIT SECURITIES ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC RISKS RELATING TO THE PARTICULAR REIT ISSUER OF THE SECURITIES AND TO THE GENERAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN SUBORDINATED REAL ESTATE SECURITIES, WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSSES TO US. Our investments in REIT securities involve special risks relating to the particular REIT issuer of the securities, including the financial condition and business outlook of the issuer. REITs generally are required to substantially invest in operating real estate or real estate-related assets and are subject to the inherent risks associated with real estate-related investments discussed in this prospectus. Our investments in REIT securities are also subject to the risks described above with respect to mortgage loans and mortgage backed securities and similar risks, including (i) risks of delinquency and foreclosure, and risks of loss in the event thereof, (ii) the dependence upon the successful operation of and net income from real property, (iii) risks generally incident to interests in real property, and (iv) risks that may be presented by the type and use of a particular commercial property. REIT securities are generally unsecured and may also be subordinated to other obligations of the issuer. We may also invest in REIT securities that are rated below investment grade. As a result, investments in REIT securities are also subject to risks of: (i) limited liquidity in the secondary trading market, (ii) substantial market price volatility resulting from changes in prevailing interest rates, (iii) subordination to the prior claims of banks and other senior lenders to the issuer, (iv) the operation of mandatory sinking fund or call/redemption provisions during periods of declining interest rates that could cause the issuer to reinvest premature redemption proceeds in lower yielding assets, (v) the possibility that earnings of the REIT issuer may be insufficient to meet its debt service and dividend obligations and (vi) the declining creditworthiness and potential for insolvency of the issuer of such REIT securities during periods of rising interest rates and economic downturn. These risks may adversely affect the value of outstanding REIT securities and the ability of the issuers thereof to repay principal and interest or make dividend payments. THE B NOTES AND OTHER DIRECT AND INDIRECT INTERESTS IN POOLS OF REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES OR LOANS THAT WE INVEST IN MAY BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RISKS RELATING TO THE PRIVATELY NEGOTIATED STRUCTURE AND TERMS OF THE TRANSACTION, WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSSES TO US. We invest in "B Notes" and other direct and indirect interests in pools of real estate properties or loans. A "B Note" is a mortgage loan typically (a) secured by a first mortgage on a single large commercial property or group of related properties and (b) subordinated to an "A Note" secured by the same first mortgage on the same collateral. As a result, if an issuer defaults, there may not be sufficient funds remaining for B Note holders. B Notes reflect similar credit risks to comparably rated commercial mortgage backed securities. We also invest, directly or indirectly, in pools of real estate properties or loans. However, since each transaction is privately negotiated, these investments can vary in their structural characteristics and risks. For example, the rights of holders of B Notes to control the process following a borrower default may vary from transaction to transaction, while investments in pools of real estate properties or loans may be subject to varying contractual arrangements with third party co-investors in such pools. Further, B Notes typically are secured by a single property, and so 8 reflect the risks associated with significant concentration. These investments also are less liquid than commercial mortgage backed securities. OUR INSURANCE ON OUR REAL ESTATE IN WHICH WE HAVE INTERESTS AND INSURANCE ON OUR MORTGAGE LOANS AND REAL ESTATE SECURITIES COLLATERAL MAY NOT COVER ALL LOSSES. There are certain types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, terrorism or acts of war, that may be uninsurable or not economically insurable. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations, and other factors, including terrorism or acts of war, also might make the insurance proceeds insufficient to repair or replace a property if it is damaged or destroyed. Under such circumstances, the insurance proceeds received might not be adequate to restore our economic position with respect to the affected real property. As a result of the events of September 11, 2001, insurance companies are limiting and/or excluding coverage for acts of terrorism in insurance policies. As a result, we may suffer losses from acts of terrorism that are not covered by insurance. In addition, the mortgage loans which are secured by certain of our properties contain customary covenants, including covenants that require us to maintain property insurance in an amount equal to the replacement cost of the properties. There can be no assurance that the lenders under our mortgage loans will not take the position that exclusions from our coverage for losses due to terrorist acts is a breach of a covenant which, if uncured, could allow the lenders to declare an event of default and accelerate repayment of the mortgage loans. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE COSTS AND LIABILITIES WITH RESPECT TO OUR REAL ESTATE IN WHICH WE HAVE INTERESTS MAY AFFECT OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. Our operating costs may be affected by our obligation to pay for the cost of complying with existing environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, as well as the cost of complying with future legislation with respect to the assets, or loans secured by assets, with environmental problems that materially impair the value of the assets. Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances on, under, or in such property. Such laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, the presence of hazardous or toxic substances, or the failure to remediate properly, may adversely affect the owner's ability to borrow by using such real property as collateral. Certain environmental laws and common law principles could be used to impose liability for releases of hazardous materials, including asbestos-containing materials into the environment, and third parties may seek recovery from owners or operators of real properties for personal injury associated with exposure to released asbestos-containing materials or other hazardous materials. Environmental laws may also impose restrictions on the manner in which a property may be used or transferred or in which businesses may be operated, and these restrictions may require expenditures. In connection with the direct or indirect ownership and operation of properties, we may be potentially liable for any such costs. The cost of defending against claims of liability or remediating contaminated property and the cost of complying with environmental laws could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. MANY OF OUR INVESTMENTS ARE ILLIQUID AND WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO VARY OUR PORTFOLIO IN RESPONSE TO CHANGES IN ECONOMIC AND OTHER CONDITIONS. Operating real estate and other direct and indirect investments in real estate and real estate-related assets are generally illiquid. In addition, the real estate securities that we purchase in connection with privately negotiated transactions are not registered under the relevant securities laws, resulting in a prohibition against their transfer, sale, pledge or other disposition except in a transaction that is exempt from the registration requirements of, or is otherwise in accordance with, those laws. A majority of the mortgage backed securities, REIT securities and asset backed securities, and all of the B Notes and other directly or indirectly held interests in pools of properties or loans that we purchase are purchased in private, unregistered transactions and are therefore subject to restrictions on resale or otherwise have no established trading market. As a result, our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions may be relatively limited. 9 INTEREST RATE FLUCTUATIONS MAY CAUSE LOSSES. Our primary interest rate exposures relate to our mortgage loans, real estate securities and floating-rate debt obligations, as well as our interest rate swaps and caps. Changes in the general level of interest rates can affect our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on our interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred on our interest-bearing liabilities. Changes in the level of interest rates also can affect, among other things, our ability to acquire mortgage loans and securities, the value of our mortgage loans and real estate securities and our ability to realize gains from the settlement of such assets. Currently, U.S. interest rates are historically low. In the event of a significant rising interest rate environment and/or economic downturn, mortgage and loan defaults may increase and result in credit losses that would adversely affect our liquidity and operating results. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions, and other factors beyond our control. Our ability to execute our business strategy, particularly the growth of our investment portfolio, depends to a significant degree on our ability to obtain additional capital. Our CBO financing strategy is dependent on our ability to place the match-funded debt we use to finance our real estate securities at spreads that provide a positive arbitrage. If spreads for CBO liabilities widen or if demand for such liabilities ceases to exist, then our ability to execute future CBO financings will be severely restricted. Interest rate changes may also impact our net book value as our securities and related hedge derivatives are marked-to-market each quarter. Generally, as interest rates increase, the value of our fixed rate real estate securities, such as commercial mortgage backed securities, decreases, which will decrease the book value of our equity. Our operating results will depend in large part on differences between the income from our assets, net of credit losses, and our financing costs. We anticipate that, in most cases, for any period during which our assets are not match-funded, the income from such assets will respond more slowly to interest rate fluctuations than the cost of our borrowings. Consequently, changes in interest rates, particularly short-term interest rates, may significantly influence our net income. Increases in these rates will tend to decrease our net income and market value of our assets. Interest rate fluctuations resulting in our interest expense exceeding interest income would result in operating losses for us. OUR INVESTMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SECURITIES AND MORTGAGE LOANS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGES IN CREDIT SPREADS. Our investments in real estate securities are subject to changes in credit spreads. The majority of the real estate securities we invest in are fixed rate securities, which are valued based on a market credit spread over the rate payable on fixed rate U.S. Treasuries of like maturity. The value of these securities is dependent on the yield demanded on these securities by the market based on their credit relative to U.S. Treasuries. Excessive supply of these securities combined with reduced demand will generally cause the market to require a higher yield on these real estate securities, resulting in the use of a higher, or "wider," spread over the benchmark rate (usually the applicable U.S. Treasury security yield) to value such securities. Under such conditions, the value of our securities portfolio would tend to decline. Conversely, if the spread used to value such securities were to decrease, or "tighten", the value of our securities portfolio would tend to increase. Such changes in the market value of our portfolio may effect our net equity, net income or cash flow directly through their impact on unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities, and therefore our ability to realize gains on such securities, or indirectly through their impact on our ability to borrow and access capital. Furthermore, shifts in the U.S. Treasury yield curve, which represents the market's expectations of future interest rates, would also affect the yield required on our securities and therefore their value. This would have similar effects on our portfolio and our financial position and operations to a change in spreads. Our investments in mortgage loans are also subject to changes in credit spreads. The majority of mortgage loans we invest in are floating rate loans valued based on a market credit spread to LIBOR. The value of the loans is dependent upon the yield demanded by the market based on their credit. The value of our portfolio would tend to decline should the market require a higher yield on such loans, resulting in the use of a higher spread over the 10 benchmark rate (usually the applicable LIBOR yield). If the value of our mortgage loan portfolio were to decline, it could affect our ability to refinance such portfolio upon the maturity of the related repurchase agreement. Any credit or spread losses incurred with respect to our mortgage loan portfolio would affect us in the same way as similar losses on our real estate securities portfolio as described above. OUR HEDGING TRANSACTIONS MAY LIMIT OUR GAINS OR RESULT IN LOSSES. We use derivatives to hedge our liabilities and this has certain risks, including the risk that losses on a hedge position will reduce the cash available for distribution to stockholders and that such losses may exceed the amount invested in such instruments. Our board of directors has adopted a general policy with respect to the use of derivatives, which generally allows us to use derivatives where appropriate, but does not set forth specific policies and procedures. We use derivative instruments, including forwards, futures, swaps and options, in our risk management strategy to limit the effects of changes in interest rates on our operations. A hedge may not be effective in eliminating all of the risks inherent in any particular position. Our profitability may be adversely affected during any period as a result of the use of derivatives. PREPAYMENT RATES CAN INCREASE, ADVERSELY AFFECTING YIELDS ON OUR RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS. The value of our assets may be affected by prepayment rates on our residential mortgage loans. Prepayment rates on mortgage loans are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a variety of economic, geographic and other factors beyond our control, and consequently, such prepayment rates cannot be predicted with certainty. In periods of declining mortgage interest rates, prepayments on mortgage loans generally increase. If general interest rates decline as well, the proceeds of such prepayments received during such periods are likely to be reinvested by us in assets yielding less than the yields on the assets that were prepaid. In addition, the market value of the mortgage assets may, because of the risk of prepayment, benefit less than other fixed-income securities from declining interest rates. Conversely, in periods of rising interest rates, prepayments on mortgage loans generally decrease, in which case we would not have the prepayment proceeds available to invest in assets with higher yields. Under certain interest rate and prepayment scenarios we may fail to recoup fully our cost of acquisition of certain investments. OUR INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CURRENCY RATE EXPOSURE AND THE UNCERTAINTY OF FOREIGN LAWS AND MARKETS. We own real estate located in Canada and in Belgium, which in addition to all the risks inherent in the investment in real estate generally discussed in this prospectus are also subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, political and economic instability in certain geographic locations, difficulties in managing international operations, potentially adverse tax consequences, enhanced accounting and control expenses and the burden of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws. A change in foreign currency exchange rates may adversely impact returns on our non-dollar denominated investments. Our principal direct currency exposures are to the Euro and the Canadian Dollar. Changes in the currency rates can adversely impact the fair values and earnings streams of our international holdings. We generally do not directly hedge our foreign currency risk through the use of derivatives, due to, among other things, REIT income qualification issues. WE ARE EXPOSED TO RISKS FROM OUR BELL CANADA PORTFOLIO. As of June 30, 2003, approximately 2.7% of our total assets consisted of properties leased to Bell Canada and for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, approximately 11.3% of our revenue was derived from Bell Canada. If the credit quality of this tenant is downgraded, or if it is unable or unwilling to timely pay rent, or if it elects not to renew any significant lease, the value of and revenue from our Bell Canada portfolio would decline. 11 RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMPANY OUR FAILURE TO QUALIFY AS A REIT WOULD RESULT IN HIGHER TAXES AND REDUCED CASH AVAILABLE FOR STOCKHOLDERS. We operate in a manner so as to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Although we do not intend to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) as to our REIT status, we have received the opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP with respect to our qualification as a REIT. This opinion will be issued in connection with the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Investors should be aware, however, that opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS or any court. The opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP represents only the view of our counsel based on our counsel's review and analysis of existing law and on certain representations as to factual matters and covenants made by us and our manager, including representations relating to the values of our assets and the sources of our income. The opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP also relies on various legal opinions issued by other counsel for Newcastle and its predecessors with respect to certain issues and transactions. The opinions, copies of which are filed along with the opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, are expressed as of the date issued, and do not cover subsequent periods. Counsel has no obligation to advise us or the holders of our common stock of any subsequent change in the matters stated, represented or assumed, or of any subsequent change in applicable law. Furthermore, both the validity of the opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, and our continued qualification as a REIT will depend on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis, the results of which will not be monitored by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Our ability to satisfy the asset tests depends upon our analysis of the fair market values of our assets, some of which are not susceptible to a precise determination, and for which we will not obtain independent appraisals. Our compliance with the REIT income and quarterly asset requirements also depends upon our ability to successfully manage the composition of our income and assets on an ongoing basis. Moreover, the proper classification of an instrument as debt or equity for federal income tax purposes may be uncertain in some circumstances, which could affect the application of the REIT qualification requirements as described below. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend that our interests in subsidiaries or other issuers will not cause a violation of the REIT requirements. If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we would be subject to federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates, and distributions to stockholders would not be deductible by us in computing our taxable income. Any such corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders, which in turn could have an adverse impact on the value of, and trading prices for, our stock. Unless entitled to relief under certain Internal Revenue Code provisions, we also would be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which we ceased to qualify as a REIT. The rule against re-electing REIT status following a loss of such status could also apply to us if Newcastle Investment Holdings Corp., a former stockholder of the Company, failed to qualify as a REIT, and we are treated as a successor to Newcastle Investment Holdings for federal income tax purposes. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations" for a discussion of material federal income tax consequences relating to us and our stock. REIT DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR LIQUIDITY. We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our net taxable income, excluding any net capital gain, in order for corporate income tax not to apply to earnings that we distribute. We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. However, differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash could require us to sell assets or borrow funds on a short-term or long-term basis to meet the 90% distribution requirement of the Internal Revenue Code. Certain of our assets generate substantial mismatches between taxable income and available cash. As a result, the requirement to distribute a substantial portion of our net taxable income could cause us to: (a) sell assets in adverse market conditions, (b) borrow on unfavorable terms, or (c) distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures or repayment of debt, in order to comply with REIT requirements. 12 Further, amounts distributed will not be available to fund investment activities. If we fail to obtain debt or equity capital in the future, it could limit our ability to grow, which could have a material adverse effect on the value of our common stock. DIVIDENDS PAYABLE BY REITS DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE REDUCED TAX RATES UNDER RECENTLY ENACTED TAX LEGISLATION. Recently enacted tax legislation reduces the maximum tax rate for dividends payable to individuals from 38.6% to 15% (through 2008). Dividends payable by REITs, however, are generally not eligible for the reduced rates. Although this legislation does not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends paid by REITs, the more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate dividends could cause investors who are individuals to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of the stock of REITs, including our common stock. In addition, the relative attractiveness of real estate in general may be adversely affected by the newly favorable tax treatment given to corporate dividends, which could affect the value of our real estate assets negatively. MAINTENANCE OF OUR INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT EXEMPTION IMPOSES LIMITS ON OUR OPERATIONS. We conduct our operations so as not to become regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. We believe that there are a number of exemptions under the Investment Company Act that may be applicable to us. The assets that we may acquire, therefore, are limited by the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Investment Company Act. In addition, we could, among other things, be required either (a) to change the manner in which we conduct our operations to avoid being required to register as an investment company or (b) to register as an investment company, either of which could have an adverse effect on us and the market price for our stock. ERISA MAY RESTRICT INVESTMENTS BY PLANS IN OUR COMMON STOCK. A plan fiduciary considering an investment in our common stock should consider, among other things, whether such an investment is consistent with the fiduciary obligations under ERISA, including whether such investment might constitute or give rise to a prohibited transaction under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any substantially similar federal, state or local law and, if so, whether an exemption from such prohibited transaction rules is available. THE STOCK OWNERSHIP LIMITS IMPOSED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR REITS AND OUR CHARTER MAY INHIBIT MARKET ACTIVITY IN OUR STOCK AND MAY RESTRICT OUR BUSINESS COMBINATION OPPORTUNITIES. In order for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code to include certain entities) at any time during the last half of each taxable year after our first year. Our charter, with certain exceptions, authorizes our directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve our qualification as a REIT. Unless exempted by our board of directors, no person may own more than 8% of the aggregate value of all outstanding shares of our capital stock, treating classes and series of our stock in the aggregate, or more than 25% of the outstanding shares of our Series B Preferred Stock. Our board may grant such an exemption, subject to such conditions, representations and undertakings as it may determine in its sole discretion. These ownership limits could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in our control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders. Our board of directors has granted limited exemptions to Fortress Principal Investment Holdings LLC, our manager, a third party group of funds managed by Wallace R. Weitz & Company, and certain affiliates of these entities. 13 MARYLAND TAKEOVER STATUTES MAY PREVENT A CHANGE OF OUR CONTROL. THIS COULD DEPRESS OUR STOCK PRICE. Under Maryland law, "business combinations" between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include certain mergers, consolidations, share exchanges, or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities or a liquidation or dissolution. An interested stockholder is defined as: - any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation's outstanding shares; 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 of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding stock of the corporation. A person is not an interested stockholder under the statute if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which he or she otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the board of directors of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least: - 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation voting together as a single group; and - 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 voting together as a single voting group. The business combination statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer, including potential acquisitions that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders. OUR AUTHORIZED BUT UNISSUED COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK MAY PREVENT A CHANGE IN OUR CONTROL. Our charter authorizes us to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock. In addition, our board of directors may classify or reclassify any unissued shares of common stock or preferred stock and may set the preferences, rights and other terms of the classified or reclassified shares. As a result, our board may establish a series of preferred stock that could delay 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. OUR STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN COULD INHIBIT A CHANGE IN OUR CONTROL. We have adopted a stockholder rights agreement. Under the terms of the rights agreement, in general, if a person or group acquires more than 15% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, all of our other common stockholders will have the right to purchase securities from us at a discount to such securities' fair market value, thus causing substantial dilution to the acquiring person. The rights agreement may have the effect of inhibiting or impeding a change in control not approved by our board of directors and, therefore, could adversely affect our stockholders' ability to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price for our common stock in connection with such a transaction. In addition, since our board of directors can prevent the rights agreement from operating, in the event our board approves of an acquiring person, the rights agreement gives our board of directors significant discretion over whether a potential acquiror's efforts to acquire a large interest in us will be successful. Because the rights agreement contains provisions that are designed to assure that the executive officers, our manager and its affiliates will never, alone, be considered a group that is an acquiring person, the 14 rights agreement provides the executive officers, our manager and its affiliates with certain advantages under the rights agreement that are not available to other stockholders. OUR STAGGERED BOARD AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS MAY PREVENT A CHANGE IN OUR CONTROL. Our board of directors is divided into three classes of directors. Directors of each class are chosen for three-year terms upon the expiration of their current terms, and each year one class of directors is elected by the stockholders. The staggered terms of our directors may reduce the possibility of a tender offer or an attempt at a change in control, even though a tender offer or change in control might be in the best interest of our stockholders. In addition, our charter and bylaws also contain other provisions that may delay 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. 15 USE OF PROCEEDS Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds of any offering of securities to invest in real estate-related assets and for general corporate purposes. We will have significant discretion in the use of any net proceeds. The net proceeds may be invested temporarily in interest-bearing accounts and short-term interest-bearing securities that are consistent with our qualification as a REIT until they are used for their stated purpose. We may provide additional information on the use of the net proceeds from the sale of the offered securities in an applicable prospectus supplement relating to the offered securities. 16 RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS AND RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred share dividends and our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods indicated:
SIX MONTHS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, PERIOD FROM ENDED ---------------------------- MAY 11, 1998 TO JUNE 30, 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 DECEMBER 31, 1998 ------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----------------- Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends................ 1.62 1.62 1.90 1.82 1.39 N/A Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges............ 1.70 1.65 2.04 1.92 1.39 N/A
For purposes of calculating the above ratios, (i) earnings represent "Income (loss) before equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries" from our consolidated statements of income, as adjusted for fixed charges and distributions from unconsolidated subsidiaries, and (ii) fixed charges represent "Interest expense" from our consolidated statements of income. The ratios are based solely on historical financial information. 17 DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES As used in this prospectus, debt securities means the debentures, notes, bonds and other evidences of indebtedness that we may issue from time to time. The debt securities will either be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. Senior debt securities will be issued under a "Senior Indenture" and subordinated debt securities will be issued under a "Subordinated Indenture." This prospectus sometimes refers to the Senior Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture collectively as the "Indentures." The trustee under the Indentures will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. The forms of Indentures are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The statements and descriptions in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement regarding provisions of the Indentures and debt securities are summaries thereof, do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the Indentures (and any amendments or supplements we may enter into from time to time which are permitted under each Indenture) and the debt securities, including the definitions therein of certain terms. GENERAL Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be direct unsecured obligations of Newcastle Investment Corp. The senior debt securities will rank equally with any of our other senior and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to any senior indebtedness. The Indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that we may issue and provide that we may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series, in each case with the same or various maturities, at par or at a discount. Unless indicated in a prospectus supplement, we may issue additional debt securities of a particular series without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series outstanding at the time of the issuance. Any such additional debt securities, together with all other outstanding debt securities of that series, will constitute a single series of debt securities under the applicable Indenture. Each prospectus supplement will describe the terms relating to the specific series of debt securities being offered. These terms will include some or all of the following: - the title of debt securities and whether they are subordinated debt securities or senior debt securities; - any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities; - the ability to issue additional debt securities of the same series; - the price or prices at which we will sell the debt securities; - the maturity date or dates of the debt securities; - the rate or rates of interest, if any, which may be fixed or variable, at which the debt securities will bear interest, or the method of determining such rate or rates, if any; - the date or dates from which any interest will accrue or the method by which such date or dates will be determined; - the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of any such deferral period, including the maximum consecutive period during which interest payment periods may be extended; - whether the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the debt securities may be determined with reference to any index, formula or other method, such as one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices, and the manner of determining the amount of such payments; - the dates on which we will pay interest on the debt securities and the regular record date for determining who is entitled to the interest payable on any interest payment date; 18 - the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the debt securities will be payable, where any securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange or conversion, as applicable, and notices and demands may be delivered to or upon us pursuant to the Indenture; - if we possess the option to do so, the periods within which and the prices at which we may redeem the debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to optional redemption provisions, and the other terms and conditions of any such provisions; - our obligation, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase debt securities by making periodic payments to a sinking fund or through an analogous provision or at the option of holders of the debt securities, and the period or periods within which and the price or prices at which we will redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation, and the other terms and conditions of such obligation; - the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if other than denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000; - the portion, or methods of determining the portion, of the principal amount of the debt securities which we must pay upon the acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities in connection with an Event of Default (as described below), if other than the full principal amount; - the currency, currencies or currency unit in which we will pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the debt securities, if not United States dollars; - provisions, if any, granting special rights to holders of the debt securities upon the occurrence of specified events; - any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or our covenants with respect to the applicable series of debt securities, and whether or not such Events of Default or covenants are consistent with those contained in the applicable Indenture; - any limitation on our ability to incur debt, redeem stock, sell our assets or other restrictions; - the application, if any, of the terms of the Indenture relating to defeasance and covenant defeasance (which terms are described below) to the debt securities; - whether the subordination provisions summarized below or different subordination provisions will apply to the debt securities; - the terms, if any, upon which the holders may convert or exchange the debt securities into or for our common stock, preferred stock or other securities or property; - whether any of the debt securities will be issued in global form and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which global debt securities may be exchanged for certificated debt securities; - any change in the right of the trustee or the requisite holders of debt securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable because of an Event of Default; - the depositary for global or certificated debt securities; - any special tax implications of the debt securities; - any trustees, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrars or other agents with respect to the debt securities; - any other terms of the debt securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the Indentures, as amended or supplemented; - to whom any interest on any debt security shall be payable, if other than the person in whose name the security is registered, on the record date for such interest, the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global debt security will be paid if other than in the manner provided in the applicable Indenture; 19 - if the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities of the series is to be payable in one or more currencies or currency units other than as stated, the currency, currencies or currency units in which it shall be paid and the periods within and terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amounts payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined); - the portion of the principal amount of any securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities pursuant to the applicable Indenture if other than the entire principal amount; and - if the principal amount payable at the stated maturity of any debt security of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the stated maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such securities as of any such date for any purpose, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any maturity other than the stated maturity or which shall be deemed to be outstanding as of any date prior to the stated maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the principal amount shall be determined). Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities will be issued in fully-registered form without coupons. Debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the federal income tax consequences and special considerations applicable to any such debt securities. The debt securities may also be issued as indexed securities or securities denominated in foreign currencies, currency units or composite currencies, as described in more detail in the prospectus supplement relating to any of the particular debt securities. The prospectus supplement relating to specific debt securities will also describe any special considerations and certain additional tax considerations applicable to such debt securities. SUBORDINATION The prospectus supplement relating to any offering of subordinated debt securities will describe the specific subordination provisions. However, unless otherwise noted in the prospectus supplement, subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to any existing Senior Indebtedness. Under the Subordinated Indenture, "Senior Indebtedness" means all amounts due on obligations in connection with any of the following, whether outstanding at the date of execution of the Subordinated Indenture or thereafter incurred or created: - the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest due on our indebtedness for borrowed money and indebtedness evidenced by securities, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued by us; - all of our capital lease obligations; - any of our obligations as lessee under leases required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of the lessee under generally accepted accounting principles; - all of our obligations for the reimbursement on any letter of credit, banker's acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit transaction; - all of our obligations in respect of interest rate swap, cap or other agreements, interest rate future or options contracts, currency swap agreements, currency future or option contracts and other similar agreements; - all obligations of the types referred to above of other persons for the payment of which we are responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and 20 - all obligations of the types referred to above of other persons secured by any lien on any property or asset of ours (whether or not such obligation is assumed by us). However, Senior Indebtedness does not include: - any indebtedness which expressly provides that such indebtedness shall not be senior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities, or that such indebtedness shall be subordinated to any other of our indebtedness, unless such indebtedness expressly provides that such indebtedness shall be senior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities; - any of our indebtedness in respect of the subordinated debt securities; - any indebtedness or liability for compensation to employees, for goods or materials purchased in the ordinary course of business or for services; - any of our indebtedness to any subsidiary; and - any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by us. Senior Indebtedness shall continue to be Senior Indebtedness and be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of any term of such Senior Indebtedness. Unless otherwise noted in the accompanying prospectus supplement, if we default in the payment of any principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Senior Indebtedness when it becomes due and payable, whether at maturity or at a date fixed for prepayment or by declaration or otherwise, then, unless and until such default is cured or waived or ceases to exist, we will make no direct or indirect payment (in cash, property, securities, by set-off or otherwise) in respect of the principal of or interest on the subordinated debt securities or in respect of any redemption, retirement, purchase or other requisition of any of the subordinated debt securities. In the event of the acceleration of the maturity of any subordinated debt securities, the holders of all senior debt securities outstanding at the time of such acceleration, subject to any security interest, will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due on the senior debt securities before the holders of the subordinated debt securities will be entitled to receive any payment of principal (and premium, if any) or interest on the subordinated debt securities. If any of the following events occurs, we will pay in full all Senior Indebtedness before we make any payment or distribution under the subordinated debt securities, whether in cash, securities or other property, to any holder of subordinated debt securities: - any dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization of Newcastle, whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership; - any general assignment by us for the benefit of creditors; or - any other marshaling of our assets or liabilities. In such event, any payment or distribution under the subordinated debt securities, whether in cash, securities or other property, which would otherwise (but for the subordination provisions) be payable or deliverable in respect of the subordinated debt securities, will be paid or delivered directly to the holders of Senior Indebtedness in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders until all Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full. If any payment or distribution under the subordinated debt securities is received by the trustee of any subordinated debt securities in contravention of any of the terms of the Subordinated Indenture and before all the Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full, such payment or distribution or security will be received in trust for the benefit of, and paid over or delivered and transferred to, the holders of the Senior Indebtedness at the time outstanding in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders for application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay all such Senior Indebtedness in full. The Subordinated Indenture does not limit the issuance of additional Senior Indebtedness. 21 CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OF ASSETS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS We may not (i) merge with or into or consolidate with another corporation or sell, assign, transfer, lease or convey all or substantially all of our properties and assets to, any other corporation other than a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ours, and (ii) no corporation may merge with or into or consolidate with us or, except for any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ours, sell, assign, transfer, lease or convey all or substantially all of its properties and assets to us, unless: - we are the surviving corporation or the corporation formed by or surviving such merger or consolidation or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease or conveyance has been made, if other than us, has expressly assumed by supplemental indenture all of our obligations under the Indentures; - immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and - we deliver to the trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that the supplemental indenture complies with the applicable Indenture. EVENTS OF DEFAULT, NOTICE AND WAIVER Unless an accompanying prospectus supplement states otherwise, the following shall constitute "Events of Default" under the Indentures with respect to each series of debt securities: - our failure to pay any interest on any debt security of such series when due and payable, continued for 30 days; - our failure to pay principal (or premium, if any) on any debt security of such series when due, regardless of whether such payment became due because of maturity, redemption, acceleration or otherwise, or is required by any sinking fund established with respect to such series; - our failure to observe or perform any other of its covenants or agreements with respect to such debt securities for 60 days after we receive notice of such failure; - certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Newcastle; and - any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series. If an Event of Default with respect to any debt securities of any series outstanding under either of the Indentures shall occur and be continuing, the trustee under such Indenture or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series outstanding may declare, by notice as provided in the applicable Indenture, the principal amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the debt securities of that series) of all the debt securities of that series outstanding to be due and payable immediately; provided that, in the case of an Event of Default involving certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, acceleration is automatic; and, provided further, that after such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal, have been cured or waived. Upon the acceleration of the maturity of original issue discount securities, an amount less than the principal amount thereof will become due and payable. Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to any original issue discount securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of maturity thereof. Any past default under either Indenture with respect to debt securities of any series, and any Event of Default arising therefrom, may be waived by the holders of a majority in principal amount of all debt securities of such series outstanding under such Indenture, except in the case of (i) default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any debt securities of such series or (ii) default in respect of a covenant or provision which may not be amended or modified without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of such series affected. 22 The trustee is required within 90 days after the occurrence of a default (which is known to the trustee and is continuing), with respect to the debt securities of any series (without regard to any grace period or notice requirements), to give to the holders of the debt securities of such series notice of such default. The trustee, subject to its duties during default to act with the required standard of care, may require indemnification by the holders of the debt securities of any series with respect to which a default has occurred before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the Indentures at the request of the holders of the debt securities of such series. Subject to such right of indemnification and to certain other limitations, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series under either Indenture may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of such series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with the applicable Indenture and the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction. No holder of a debt security of any series may institute any action against us under either of the Indentures (except actions for payment of overdue principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on such debt security or for the conversion or exchange of such debt security in accordance with its terms) unless (i) the holder has given to the trustee written notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof with respect to the debt securities of such series specifying an Event of Default, as required under the applicable Indenture, (ii) the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding under such Indenture shall have requested the trustee to institute such action and offered to the trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request; (iii) the trustee shall not have instituted such action within 60 days of such request and (iv) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series. We are required to furnish annually to the trustee statements as to our compliance with all conditions and covenants under each Indenture. DISCHARGE, DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE We may discharge or defease our obligations under the Indenture as set forth below, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of debt securities issued under either the Senior Indenture or the Subordinated Indenture which have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and which have either become due and payable or are by their terms due and payable within one year (or scheduled for redemption within one year) by irrevocably depositing with the trustee money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such debt securities not previously delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of debt securities which have become due and payable) or to the stated maturity or redemption date, as the case may be and we have paid all other sums payable under the applicable indenture. If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may elect either (i) to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to the debt securities of or within any series (except as otherwise provided in the relevant Indenture) ("defeasance") or (ii) to be released from our obligations with respect to certain covenants applicable to the debt securities of or within any series ("covenant defeasance"), upon the deposit with the relevant Indenture trustee, in trust for such purpose, of money and/or government obligations which through the payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on such debt securities to maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments thereon. As a condition to defeasance or covenant defeasance, we must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of such debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance under clause (i) above, must refer to and be 23 based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable federal income tax law occurring after the date of the relevant Indenture. In addition, in the case of either defeasance or covenant defeasance, we shall have delivered to the trustee (i) an officers' certificate to the effect that the relevant debt securities exchange(s) have informed us that neither such debt securities nor any other debt securities of the same series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit and (ii) an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such defeasance or covenant defeasance have been complied with. We may exercise our defeasance option with respect to such debt securities notwithstanding our prior exercise of our covenant defeasance option. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER Under the Indentures, we and the applicable trustee may supplement the Indentures for certain purposes which would not materially adversely affect the interests or rights of the holders of debt securities of a series without the consent of those holders. We and the applicable trustee may also modify the Indentures or any supplemental indenture in a manner that affects the interests or rights of the holders of debt securities with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each affected series issued under the Indenture. However, the Indentures require the consent of each holder of debt securities that would be affected by any modification which would: - change the fixed maturity of any debt securities of any series, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the redemption thereof; - reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount debt security or any other debt security payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof; - change the currency in which any debt security or any premium or interest is payable; - impair the right to enforce any payment on or with respect to any debt security; - reduce the percentage in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of any series, the consent of whose holders is required for modification or amendment of the Indentures or for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the Indentures or for waiver of certain defaults; or - modify any of the above provisions. The Indentures permit the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series issued under the Indenture which is affected by the modification or amendment to waive our compliance with certain covenants contained in the Indentures. PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, payment of interest on a debt security on any interest payment date will be made to the person in whose name a debt security is registered at the close of business on the record date for the interest. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, principal, interest and premium on the debt securities of a particular series will be payable at the office of such paying agent or paying agents as we may designate for such purpose from time to time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at our option, payment of any interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as such address appears in the security register. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, a paying agent designated by us will act as paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. All paying agents initially designated by us for the debt securities of a particular series will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change 24 in the office through which any paying agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series. All moneys paid by us to a paying agent for the payment of the principal, interest or premium on any debt security which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, interest or premium has become due and payable will be repaid to us upon request, and the holder of such debt security thereafter may look only to us for payment thereof. DENOMINATIONS, REGISTRATIONS AND TRANSFER Unless an accompanying prospectus supplement states otherwise, debt securities will be represented by one or more global certificates registered in the name of a nominee for The Depository Trust Company, or DTC. In such case, each holder's beneficial interest in the global securities will be shown on the records of DTC and transfers of beneficial interests will only be effected through DTC's records. A holder of debt securities may only exchange a beneficial interest in a global security for certificated securities registered in the holder's name if: - DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue serving as the depositary for the relevant global securities or DTC ceases to maintain certain qualifications under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and no successor depositary has been appointed for 90 days; or - we determine, in our sole discretion, that the global security shall be exchangeable. If debt securities are issued in certificated form, they will only be issued in the minimum denomination specified in the accompanying prospectus supplement and integral multiples of such denomination. Transfers and exchanges of such debt securities will only be permitted in such minimum denomination. Transfers of debt securities in certificated form may be registered at the trustee's corporate office or at the offices of any paying agent or trustee appointed by us under the Indentures. Exchanges of debt securities for an equal aggregate principal amount of debt securities in different denominations may also be made at such locations. GOVERNING LAW The Indentures and debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws. TRUSTEE The trustee under the Indentures will be named in any applicable prospectus supplement. CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE RIGHTS The prospectus supplement will describe the terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock, preferred stock or other debt securities. These terms will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. These provisions may allow or require the number of shares of our common stock or other securities to be received by the holders of such series of debt securities to be adjusted. 25 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK The following description of the terms of our stock is only a summary. For a complete description, we refer you to the Maryland General Corporation Law, our Articles of Amendment and Restatement, as supplemented through the date hereof (referred to herein as our charter), and our bylaws. We have incorporated by reference our charter and bylaws as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The following description discusses the general terms of the common stock and preferred stock that we may issue. The prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock will describe certain other terms of such series of preferred stock. If so indicated in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock, the terms of any such series of preferred stock may differ from the terms set forth below. The description of preferred stock set forth below and the description of the terms of a particular series of preferred stock set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to our charter, particularly to the articles supplementary relating to that series of preferred stock. GENERAL Under our charter we are authorized to issue up to 500,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, and up to 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value per share. As of the date of this prospectus, 28,090,057 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding, and 2,875,000 shares have been classified and designated as 9.75% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, of which 2,500,000 shares were outstanding. As of the date of this prospectus, there are currently no other classes or series of preferred stock authorized, except the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock. See "Description of Capital Stock -- Stockholder Rights Plan." Under Maryland law, our stockholders generally are not liable for our debts or obligations. COMMON STOCK All outstanding shares of our common stock are duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when authorized by our board of directors out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends. They are also entitled to share ratably in our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, after payment of or adequate provision for all of our known debts and liabilities. These rights are subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of our stock and to the provisions of our charter regarding restrictions on transfer of our stock. Subject to our charter restrictions on transfer of our stock, each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. Except as provided with respect to any other class or series of stock, the holders of our common stock will possess the exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors, and directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast. Holders of our common stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights and have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. Subject to our charter restrictions on transfer of stock, all shares of common stock will have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights. Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business, unless approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders holding at least two thirds of the shares entitled to vote on the matter. 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 of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our charter provides that these matters may be approved by a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. 26 PREFERRED STOCK Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock in one or more series and may determine, with respect to any such series, the powers, preferences and rights of such series, and its qualifications, limitations and restrictions, including, without limitation: - the number of shares to constitute such series and the designations thereof; - the voting power, if any, of holders of shares of such series and, if voting power is limited, the circumstances under which such holders may be entitled to vote; provided, however, that the board of directors shall not create any series of preferred stock with more than one vote per share; - the rate of dividends, if any, and the extent of further participation in dividend distributions, if any, and whether dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative; - whether or not such series shall be redeemable, and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which shares of such series shall be redeemable; - the extent, if any, to which such series shall have the benefit of any sinking fund provision for the redemption or purchase of shares; - the rights, if any, of such series, in the event of the dissolution of the corporation, or upon any distribution of the assets of the corporation; and - whether or not the shares of such series shall be convertible, and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which shares of such series shall be convertible. You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to the series of preferred stock being offered for the specific terms of that series, including: - the title of the series and the number of shares in the series; - the price at which the preferred stock will be offered; - the dividend rate or rates or method of calculating the rates, the dates on which the dividends will be payable, whether or not dividends will be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends on the preferred stock being offered will cumulate; - the voting rights, if any, of the holders of shares of the preferred stock being offered; - the provisions for a sinking fund, if any, and the provisions for redemption, if applicable, of the preferred stock being offered; - the liquidation preference per share; - the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which the preferred stock being offered will be convertible into our common stock, including the conversion price, or the manner of calculating the conversion price, and the conversion period; - the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which the preferred stock being offered will be exchangeable for debt securities, including the exchange price, or the manner of calculating the exchange price, and the exchange period; - any listing of the preferred stock being offered on any securities exchange; - whether interests in the shares of the series will be represented by depositary shares; - a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred stock being offered; - the relative ranking and preferences of the preferred stock being offered as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of our affairs; 27 - any limitations on the issuance of any class or series of preferred stock ranking senior or equal to the series of preferred stock being offered as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of our affairs; and - any additional rights, preferences, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the series. Upon issuance, the shares of preferred stock will be fully paid and nonassessable, which means that its holders will have paid their purchase price in full and we may not require them to pay additional funds. Holders of preferred stock will not have any preemptive rights. PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND RIGHTS Holders of preferred stock will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the board of directors, dividends in additional shares of preferred stock or cash dividends at the rates and on the dates set forth in the related articles supplementary and prospectus supplement. Dividend rates may be fixed or variable or both. Different series of preferred stock may be entitled to dividends at different dividend rates or based upon different methods of determination. Each dividend will be payable to the holders of record as they appear on our stock books on record dates determined by the board of directors. Dividends on preferred stock may be cumulative or noncumulative, as specified in the related articles supplementary and prospectus supplement. If the board of directors fails to declare a dividend on any preferred stock for which dividends are noncumulative, then the right to receive that dividend will be lost, and we will have no obligation to pay the dividend for that dividend period, whether or not dividends are declared for any future dividend period. No full dividends will be declared or paid on any preferred stock unless full dividends for the dividend period commencing after the immediately preceding dividend payment date and any cumulative dividends still owing have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid on all other series of preferred stock which have the same rank as, or rank senior to, that series of preferred stock. When those dividends are not paid in full, dividends will be declared pro rata, so that the amount of dividends declared per share on that series of preferred stock and on each other series of preferred stock having the same rank as that series of preferred stock will bear the same ratio to each other that accrued dividends per share on that series of preferred stock and the other series of preferred stock bear to each other. In addition, generally, unless full dividends including any cumulative dividends still owing on all outstanding shares of any series of preferred stock have been paid, no dividends will be declared or paid on the common stock and generally we may not redeem or purchase any common stock. No interest will be paid in connection with any dividend payment or payments which may be in arrears. Unless otherwise set forth in the related prospectus supplement, the dividends payable for each dividend period will be computed by annualizing the applicable dividend rate and dividing by the number of dividend periods in a year, except that the amount of dividends payable for the initial dividend period or any period shorter than a full dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months and, for any period less than a full month, the actual number of days elapsed in the period. PREFERRED STOCK RIGHTS UPON LIQUIDATION If we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs, either voluntarily or involuntarily, the holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive liquidating distributions in the amount set forth in the articles supplementary and prospectus supplement relating to the series of preferred stock. If the amounts payable with respect to preferred stock of any series and any stock having the same rank as that series of preferred stock are not paid in full, the holders of the preferred stock will share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled. After the holders of each series of preferred stock having the same rank are paid in full, they will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. Neither the sale of all or substantially all of our property or business nor a merger or consolidation by us with any other corporation will be considered a dissolution, liquidation or winding up by us of our business or affairs. 28 PREFERRED STOCK REDEMPTION Any series of preferred stock may be redeemable in whole or in part at our option. In addition, any series of preferred stock may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a sinking fund. The redemption provisions that may apply to a series of preferred stock, including the redemption dates and the redemption prices for that series, will be set forth in the related prospectus supplement. If a series of preferred stock is subject to mandatory redemption, the related prospectus supplement will specify the year we can begin to redeem shares of the preferred stock, the number of shares of the preferred stock we can redeem each year, and the redemption price per share. We may pay the redemption price in cash, stock or other securities of our or of third parties, as specified in the related prospectus supplement. If the redemption price is to be paid only from the proceeds of the sale of our capital stock, the terms of the series of preferred stock may also provide that if no capital stock is sold or if the amount of cash received is insufficient to pay in full the redemption price then due, the series of preferred stock will automatically be converted into shares of the applicable capital stock pursuant to conversion provisions specified in the related prospectus supplement. If fewer than all the outstanding shares of any series of preferred stock are to be redeemed, whether by mandatory or optional redemption, the board of directors will determine the method for selecting the shares to be redeemed, which may be by lot or pro rata by any other method determined to be equitable. From and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on the shares of preferred stock called for redemption and all rights of the holders of those shares other than the right to receive the redemption price will cease. PREFERRED STOCK CONVERSION RIGHTS The related articles supplementary and prospectus supplement will state any conversion rights under which shares of preferred stock are convertible into shares of common stock or another series of preferred stock or other property. As described under "Redemption" above, under some circumstances preferred stock may be mandatorily converted into common stock or another series of preferred stock. PREFERRED STOCK VOTING RIGHTS The related articles supplementary and prospectus supplement will state any voting rights of that series of preferred stock. Unless otherwise indicated in the related prospectus supplement, if we issue full shares of any series of preferred stock, each share will be entitled to one vote on matters on which holders of that series of preferred stock are entitled to vote. Because each full share of any series of preferred stock will be entitled to one vote, the voting power of that series will depend on the number of shares in that series, and not on the aggregate liquidation preference or initial offering price of the shares of that series of preferred stock. PERMANENT GLOBAL PREFERRED SECURITIES A series of preferred stock may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the related prospectus supplement. For most series of preferred stock, the depositary will be DTC. A global security may not be transferred except as a whole to the depositary, a nominee of the depositary or their successors unless it is exchanged in whole or in part for preferred stock in individually certificated form. Any additional terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any series of preferred stock and the rights of and limitations on owners of beneficial interests in a global security representing a series of preferred stock may be described in the related prospectus supplement. DESCRIPTION OF SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK Our Board of Directors has adopted articles supplementary to our charter establishing the number and fixing the terms, designations, powers, preferences, rights, limitations and restrictions of a series of preferred stock designated the 9.75% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Ranking. The Series B Preferred Stock, with respect to distribution rights and the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, ranks (i) senior to all classes or series of our common stock and 29 to all equity securities the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank junior to the Series B Preferred Stock; (ii) on a parity with all equity securities issued by us other than those referred to in clauses (i) and (iii); and (iii) junior to all equity securities issued by us the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank senior to such Series B Preferred Stock. The term "equity securities" shall not include convertible debt securities. Distributions. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when and as authorized by our board of directors, out of legally available funds, cumulative preferential cash distributions at the rate of 9.75% of the liquidation preference per annum, which is equivalent to $2.4375 per share of Series B Preferred Stock per year. Distributions on the Series B Preferred Stock cumulate from the date of original issuance (March 18, 2003) and are payable quarterly in arrears on the last calendar day of each January, April, July and October of each year, or, if not a business day, the next succeeding business day. Liquidation Preference. Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us, holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive out of our assets available for distribution to shareholders (after payment or provision for all of our debts and other liabilities) a liquidating distribution in the amount of a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of payment, whether or not authorized, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of our common stock and any other shares of our equity securities ranking junior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to liquidation rights. Redemption. Except in certain circumstances relating to the preservation of our status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, the Series B Preferred Stock will not be redeemable prior to March 18, 2008. On or after March 18, 2008, we, at our option, upon giving of notice, may redeem the Series B Preferred Stock, in whole or from time to time in part (unless we are in arrears on the distributions on the Series B Preferred Stock, in which case we can only redeem in whole), for cash, at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus all accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption, whether or not authorized. Maturity. The Series B Preferred Stock does not have a stated maturity and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. Voting Rights. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock do not have any voting rights, except that if distributions on the Series B Preferred Stock are in arrears for six or more quarterly periods, then holders of Series B Preferred Stock shall be entitled to elect two additional directors. In addition, so long as any Series B Preferred Stock remains outstanding, subject to limited exceptions, we will be required to obtain approval of at least two-thirds of the then-outstanding Series B Preferred Stock in order to (a) authorize, create or increase the authorized or issued amount of any class or series of equity securities ranking senior to the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to certain rights, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into any such senior securities; or (b) amend, alter or repeal our charter in a way that materially and adversely affects the Series B Preferred Stock. Conversion. The Series B Preferred Stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for our property or securities. POWER TO RECLASSIFY UNISSUED SHARES OF COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK Our charter authorizes our board of directors to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock into other classes or series of stock. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, our board is required by Maryland law and by our charter to set, subject to our charter restrictions on transfer of stock, the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series. Therefore, our board could authorize the issuance of shares of another class or series of stock with terms and conditions more favorable than current terms, or which also could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. Our board also could authorize the issuance of additional shares of our 9.75% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. 30 POWER TO ISSUE ADDITIONAL SHARES OF COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK We believe that the power to issue additional shares of common stock or preferred stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of common stock or preferred stock and thereafter to issue the classified or reclassified shares provides us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs which might arise. These actions can be taken without stockholder approval, unless stockholder approval is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded. Although we have no present intention of doing so, we could issue a class or series of stock that could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control of us that might involve a premium price for holders of common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN Our board of directors has adopted a stockholder rights agreement. The adoption of the stockholder rights agreement could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or could discourage a third party from acquiring, us or a large block of our common stock. Pursuant to the terms of the stockholder rights agreement, our board of directors declared a dividend distribution of one preferred stock purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 16, 2002. In addition, one preferred stock purchase right will automatically attach to each share of common stock issued between October 16, 2002 and the distribution date described below. Each preferred stock purchase right initially entitles the registered holder to purchase from us a unit consisting of one one-hundredth of a share, each a rights unit, of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share, the Series A Preferred Stock, at a purchase price of $70 per rights unit, the purchase price, subject to adjustment. Initially, the preferred stock purchase rights are not exercisable and are attached to and transfer and trade with, the outstanding shares of common stock. The preferred stock purchase rights will separate from the common stock and will become exercisable upon the earliest of (i) the close of business on the tenth business day following the first public announcement that an acquiring person has acquired beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the aggregate outstanding shares of common stock, subject to certain exceptions, the date of said announcement being referred to as the stock acquisition date, or (ii) the close of business on the tenth business day (or such later date as our board of directors may determine) following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result upon its consummation in a person or group becoming an acquiring person, the earlier of such dates being the distribution date. For these purposes, a person will not be deemed to beneficially own shares of common stock which may be issued in exchange for rights units. The stockholder rights agreement contains provisions that are designed to ensure that the manager and its affiliates will never, alone, be considered a group that is an acquiring person. Until the distribution date (or earlier redemption, exchange or expiration of rights), (a) the rights will be evidenced by the common stock certificates and will be transferred with and only with such common stock certificates, (b) new common stock certificates issued after the record date will contain a notation incorporating the stockholder rights agreement by reference, and (c) the surrender for transfer of any certificates for common stock outstanding will also constitute the transfer of the rights associated with common stock represented by such certificate. The rights are not exercisable until the distribution date and will expire ten years after the issuance thereof, on October 16, 2012, unless such date is extended or the rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by us as described below. As soon as practicable after the distribution date, rights certificates will be mailed to holders of record of common stock as of the close of business on the distribution date and, thereafter, the separate rights certificates alone will represent the rights. Except as otherwise determined by our board of directors, only shares of common stock issued prior to the distribution date will be issued with rights. In the event that a person becomes an acquiring person, except pursuant to an offer for all outstanding shares of common stock which the independent directors determine to be fair to, not inadequate and otherwise in our 31 best interests and the best interest of our stockholders, after receiving advice from one or more investment banking firms, a qualified offer, each holder of a right will thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, common stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of ours) having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the right. The exercise price is the purchase price times the number of rights units associated with each right. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, following the occurrence of the event set forth in this paragraph, all rights that are, or (under certain circumstances specified in the rights agreement) were, beneficially owned by any acquiring person will be null and void. However, rights are not exercisable following the occurrence of the event set forth above until such time as the rights are no longer redeemable by us as set forth below. In the event that, at any time following the stock acquisition date, (i) we engage in a merger or other business combination transaction in which we are not the surviving corporation (other than with an entity which acquired the shares pursuant to a qualified offer), (ii) we engage in a merger or other business combination transaction in which we are the surviving corporation and our common stock changed or exchanged, or (iii) 50% or more of our assets, cash flow or earning power is sold or transferred, each holder of a right (except rights which have previously been voided as set forth above) shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, common stock of the acquiring company having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the right. The events set forth in this paragraph and in the preceding paragraph are referred to as the "triggering events." At any time after a person becomes an acquiring person and prior to the acquisition by such person or group of fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding common stock, our board may exchange the rights (other than rights owned by such person or group which have become void), in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock, or one one-hundredth of a share of preferred stock (or of a share of a class or series of our preferred stock having equivalent rights, preferences and privileges), per right (subject to adjustment). We may redeem the rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.01 per right (payable in cash, common stock or other consideration deemed appropriate by our board of directors) at any time until the earlier of (i) the close of business on the tenth business day after the stock acquisition date, or (ii) the expiration date of the rights agreement. Immediately upon the action of our board of directors ordering redemption of the rights, the rights will terminate and thereafter the only right of the holders of rights will be to receive the redemption price. The rights agreement may be amended by our board of directors in its sole discretion at any time prior to the distribution date. After the distribution date, subject to certain limitations set forth in the rights agreement, our board of directors may amend the rights agreement only to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to shorten or lengthen any time period, or to make changes that do not adversely affect the interests of rights holders (excluding the interests of an acquiring person or its associates or affiliates). The foregoing notwithstanding, no amendment may be made at such time as the rights are not redeemable. Until a right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as our stockholder, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends. While the distribution of the rights will not be taxable to stockholders or to us, stockholders may, depending upon the circumstances, recognize taxable income in the event that the rights become exercisable for common stock, other securities of ours, other consideration or for common stock of an acquiring company or in the event of the redemption of the rights as set forth above. A copy of the rights agreement is available from us upon written request. The foregoing description of the rights does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the rights agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN We may implement a dividend reinvestment plan whereby stockholders may automatically reinvest their dividends in our common stock. Details about any such plan would be sent to our stockholders following adoption thereof by our board of directors. 32 TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock and our Series B Preferred Stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, New York, New York. We will appoint a transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursement agent for any new series of preferred stock. The registrar for the preferred stock will send notices to the holders of the preferred stock of any meeting at which those holders will have the right to elect directors or to vote on any other matter. TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS Our charter contains restrictions on the number of shares of our stock that a person may own. No person or entity may acquire or hold, directly or indirectly, (a) shares of our stock representing in excess of 8% of the aggregate value of the outstanding shares of our stock, treating all classes and series of our stock as one for this purpose, or (b) shares of our Series B Preferred Stock representing in excess of 25% of the outstanding shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, in each case unless they receive an exemption from our board of directors. Our charter further prohibits (a) any person or entity from owning shares of our stock that would result in our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Internal Revenue Code or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT and (b) any person or entity from transferring shares of our stock if the transfer would result in our stock being owned by fewer than 100 persons. Any person who acquires or intends to acquire shares of our stock that may violate any of these restrictions, or who is the intended transferee of shares of our stock which are transferred to the Trust, as defined below, is required to give us immediate written notice and provide us with such information as we may request in order to determine the effect of the transfer on our status as a REIT. The above restrictions 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. Our board of directors may exempt a person from these limits, subject to such terms, conditions, representations and undertakings as it may determine in its sole discretion. Our board of directors has granted limited exemptions to Fortress Principal Investment Holdings LLC, our manager, a third party group of funds managed by Wallace R. Weitz & Company, and certain affiliates of these entities. Any attempted transfer or ownership of our stock which, if effective, would result in violation of the above limitations, will cause the number of shares causing the violation (rounded to the nearest whole share) to be automatically transferred to a trust ("Trust") for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries ("Charitable Beneficiary"), and the proposed holder will not acquire any rights in the shares. The automatic transfer will be deemed to be effective as of the close of business on the Business Day (as defined in our charter) prior to the date of such violation. The shares transferred to the Trust will generally be selected so as to minimize the aggregate value of shares transferred to the Trust. Shares of our stock held in the Trust will be issued and outstanding shares. The proposed holder will not benefit economically from ownership of any shares of stock held in the Trust, will have no rights to dividends and no rights to vote or other rights attributable to the shares of stock held in the Trust. The trustee of the Trust will have all voting rights and rights to dividends or other distributions with respect to shares held in the Trust. These rights will be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary. Any dividend or other distribution paid prior to our discovery that shares of stock have been transferred to the Trust will be paid by the recipient to the Trustee upon demand. Any dividend or other distribution authorized but unpaid will be paid when due to the Trustee. Any dividend or distribution paid to the Trustee will be held in trust for the Charitable Beneficiary. Subject to Maryland law, the Trustee will have the authority (i) to rescind as void any vote cast by the proposed holder prior to our discovery that the shares have been transferred to the Trust and (ii) to recast the vote in accordance with the desires of the Trustee acting for the benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary. However, if we have already taken irreversible corporate action, then the Trustee will not have the authority to rescind and recast the vote. If necessary to protect our status as a REIT, we may establish additional Trusts with distinct Trustees and Charitable Beneficiaries to which shares may be transferred. Within 20 days of receiving notice from us that shares of our stock have been transferred to the Trust, the Trustee will sell the shares to a person designated by the Trustee, whose ownership of the shares will not violate 33 the above ownership limitations. Upon the sale, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the shares sold will terminate and the Trustee will distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the proposed holder and to the Charitable Beneficiary as follows. The proposed holder will receive the lesser of (i) the price paid by the proposed holder for the shares or, if the proposed holder did not give value for the shares in connection with the event causing the shares to be held in the Trust (e.g., a gift, devise or other similar transaction), the Market Price (as defined in our charter) of the shares on the day of the event causing the shares to be held in the Trust and (ii) the price received by the Trustee from the sale or other disposition of the shares. Any net sale proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the proposed holder will be paid immediately to the Charitable Beneficiary. If, prior to our discovery that shares of our stock have been transferred to the Trust, the shares are sold by the proposed holder, then (i) the shares shall be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the Trust and (ii) to the extent that the proposed holder received an amount for the shares that exceeds the amount he or she was entitled to receive, the excess shall be paid to the Trustee upon demand. In addition, shares of our stock held in the Trust will be deemed to have been offered for sale to us, or our designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (i) the price per share in the transaction that resulted in the transfer to the Trust (or, in the case of a devise or gift, the Market Price at the time of the devise or gift) and (ii) the Market Price on the date we, or our designee, accept the offer. We will have the right to accept the offer until the Trustee has sold the shares. Upon a sale to us, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the shares sold will terminate and the Trustee will distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the proposed holder. If an investor acquires an amount of stock that exceeds 8% of the number of shares of a particular class, but is less than 8% of the aggregate value of our stock of all classes, subsequent fluctuations in the relative values of our different classes of stock could cause the investor's ownership to exceed the 8% ownership limitation, with the consequences described above. Our charter further provides that, prior to the date shares of our common and preferred stock qualify as a class of "publicly offered securities" (within the meaning of Department of Labor Regulation Section 2510.3-101(a)(2)) or another exception to the "look-through" rule under such regulation applies, (a) no benefit plan investor may acquire shares of our stock without our prior written consent; and (b) any transfers to plan investors that would increase the aggregate plan investors' ownership of any class of shares of our stock to 25% or more of the value of any such class will be void ab initio. If any transfer of shares of our stock to plan investors occurs which, if effective, would result in plan investors beneficially or constructively owning, in the aggregate, shares of any class of our stock in excess or in violation of the above transfer or ownership limitations, then that number of shares of our stock, the beneficial or constructive ownership of which otherwise would cause such plan investors to violate such limitations, shall be automatically transferred to the Trust (as defined above) to be held, subject to certain adjustments, in accordance with the provisions detailed above. All certificates representing shares of our stock will bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above. Every record owner of more than a specified percentage of our stock as required by the Internal Revenue Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder (which may be as low as 0.5% depending upon the number of stockholders of record of our stock), within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, is required to give us written notice, stating his name and address, the number of shares of each class and series of our stock which he or she beneficially owns and a description of the manner in which the shares are held. Each such owner shall provide us with such additional information as we may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of his beneficial ownership on our status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the ownership limits. In addition, each stockholder shall, upon demand, be required to provide us with such information as we may request in good faith in order to determine our status as a REIT, and to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority, or to determine such compliance. These ownership limits could delay, defer or prevent a transaction, or a change in control, that might involve a premium price for our stock or otherwise be in the best interest of the stockholders. 34 DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES We may issue depositary receipts representing interests in shares of particular series of preferred stock which are called depositary shares. We will deposit the preferred stock of a series which is the subject of depositary shares with a depositary, which will hold that preferred stock for the benefit of the holders of the depositary shares, in accordance with a deposit agreement between the depositary and us. The holders of depositary shares will be entitled to all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock to which the depositary shares relate, including dividend, voting, conversion, redemption and liquidation rights, to the extent of their interests in that preferred stock. While the deposit agreement relating to a particular series of preferred stock may have provisions applicable solely to that series of preferred stock, all deposit agreements relating to preferred stock we issue will include the following provisions: DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS Each time we pay a cash dividend or make any other type of cash distribution with regard to preferred stock of a series, the depositary will distribute to the holder of record of each depositary share relating to that series of preferred stock an amount equal to the dividend or other distribution per depositary share the depositary receives. If there is a distribution of property other than cash, the depositary either will distribute the property to the holders of depositary shares in proportion to the depositary shares held by each of them, or the depositary will, if we approve, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds to the holders of the depositary shares in proportion to the depositary shares held by them. WITHDRAWAL OF PREFERRED STOCK A holder of depositary shares will be entitled to receive, upon surrender of depositary receipts representing depositary shares, the number of whole or fractional shares of the applicable series of preferred stock, and any money or other property, to which the depositary shares relate. REDEMPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES Whenever we redeem shares of preferred stock held by a depositary, the depositary will be required to redeem, on the same redemption date, depositary shares constituting, in total, the number of shares of preferred stock held by the depositary which we redeem, subject to the depositary's receiving the redemption price of those shares of preferred stock. If fewer than all the depositary shares relating to a series are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or by another method we determine to be equitable. VOTING Any time we send a notice of meeting or other materials relating to a meeting to the holders of a series of preferred stock to which depositary shares relate, we will provide the depositary with sufficient copies of those materials so they can be sent to all holders of record of the applicable depositary shares, and the depositary will send those materials to the holders of record of the depositary shares on the record date for the meeting. The depositary will solicit voting instructions from holders of depositary shares and will vote or not vote the preferred stock to which the depositary shares relate in accordance with those instructions. LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holder of each depositary share will be entitled to what the holder of the depositary share would have received if the holder had owned the number of shares (or fraction of a share) of preferred stock which is represented by the depositary share. CONVERSION If shares of a series of preferred stock are convertible into common stock or other of our securities or property, holders of depositary shares relating to that series of preferred stock will, if they surrender depositary 35 receipts representing depositary shares and appropriate instructions to convert them, receive the shares of common stock or other securities or property into which the number of shares (or fractions of shares) of preferred stock to which the depositary shares relate could at the time be converted. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF A DEPOSIT AGREEMENT We and the depositary may amend a deposit agreement, except that an amendment which materially and adversely affects the rights of holders of depositary shares, or would be materially and adversely inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the preferred stock to which they relate, must be approved by holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding depositary shares. No amendment will impair the right of a holder of depositary shares to surrender the depositary receipts evidencing those depositary shares and receive the preferred stock to which they relate, except as required to comply with law. We may terminate a deposit agreement with the consent of holders of a majority of the depositary shares to which it relates. Upon termination of a deposit agreement, the depositary will make the whole or fractional shares of preferred stock to which the depositary shares issued under the deposit agreement relate available to the holders of those depositary shares. A deposit agreement will automatically terminate if: All outstanding depositary shares to which it relates have been redeemed or converted. The depositary has made a final distribution to the holders of the depositary shares issued under the deposit agreement upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. MISCELLANEOUS There will be provisions: (1) requiring the depositary to forward to holders of record of depositary shares any reports or communications from us which the depositary receives with respect to the preferred stock to which the depositary shares relate; (2) regarding compensation of the depositary; (3) regarding resignation of the depositary; (4) limiting our liability and the liability of the depositary under the deposit agreement (usually to failure to act in good faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct); and (5) indemnifying the depositary against certain possible liabilities. 36 DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS We may issue warrants to purchase debt or equity securities. We may issue warrants independently or together with any offered securities. The warrants may be attached to or separate from those offered securities. We will issue the warrants under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants. The prospectus supplement relating to any warrants that we may offer will contain the specific terms of the warrants. These terms may include the following: - the title of the warrants; - the designation, amount and terms of the securities for which the warrants are exercisable; - the designation and terms of the other securities, if any, with which the warrants are to be issued and the number of warrants issued with each other security; - the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued; - the aggregate number of warrants; - any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of securities receivable upon exercise of the warrants or the exercise price of the warrants; - the price or prices at which the securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be purchased; - if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants will be separately transferable; - if applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the exercise of the warrants; - any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants; - the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence, and the date on which the right will expire; - the maximum or minimum number of warrants that may be exercised at any time; and - information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any. EXERCISE OF WARRANTS Each warrant will entitle the holder of warrants to purchase for cash the amount of debt or equity securities, at the exercise price stated or determinable in the prospectus supplement for the warrants. Warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date shown in the applicable prospectus supplement, unless otherwise specified in such prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void. Warrants may be exercised as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. When the warrant holder makes the payment and properly completes and signs the warrant certificate at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as possible, forward the debt or equity securities that the warrant holder has purchased. If the warrant holder exercises the warrant for less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate, we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining warrants. 37 IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS The following description of the terms of our stock and of certain provisions of Maryland law is only a summary. For a complete description, we refer you to the Maryland General Corporation Law, our charter and our bylaws. We have filed our charter and bylaws as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. CLASSIFICATION OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Our bylaws provide that the number of our directors may be established by our board of directors but may not be fewer than the minimum required by the MGCL (which is currently one) nor more than fifteen. Any vacancy will be filled, at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, by a majority of the remaining directors, except that a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors must be filled by a majority of the entire board of directors. Pursuant to our charter, the board of directors is divided into three classes of directors. The current terms of the Class I, Class II and Class III directors will expire in 2006, 2004 and 2005, respectively. Directors of each class will be chosen for three-year terms upon the expiration of their current terms and each year one class of directors will be elected by the stockholders. We believe that classification of the board of directors will help to assure the continuity and stability of our business strategies and policies as determined by the board of directors. Holders of shares of our common stock will have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. At each annual meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present, board nominees are elected by a plurality of votes cast. The classified board provision could have the effect of making the replacement of incumbent directors more time-consuming and difficult. At least two annual meetings of stockholders, instead of one, will generally be required to effect a change in a majority of our board of directors. Thus, the classified board provision could increase the likelihood that incumbent directors will retain their positions. The staggered terms of directors may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or an attempt to change the control of us, even though the tender offer or change in control might be in the best interest of our stockholders. REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS Our charter provides that, subject to the rights of any preferred stock, a director may be removed only for cause (as defined in the charter) and only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors. This provision, when coupled with the provision in our bylaws authorizing our board of directors to fill vacant directorships, precludes stockholders from removing incumbent directors except for cause and by a substantial affirmative vote and filling the vacancies created by the removal with their own nominees. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS Under Maryland law, "business combinations" between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include certain mergers, consolidations, share exchanges, or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities or a liquidation or dissolution. An interested stockholder is defined as: - any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation's outstanding shares; 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 of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock of the corporation. 38 A person is not an interested stockholder under the statute if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which he or she otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. However, in approving a transaction, the board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the board. After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the board of directors of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least: - 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation voting together as a single group; and - 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. These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation's common stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. The statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by the board of directors before the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Pursuant to the statute, our board of directors has exempted any business combinations (a) between us and Fortress Investment Group LLC or any of its affiliates, (b) between us and Newcastle Investment Holdings or any of its affiliates and (c) between us and any interested stockholder, provided that any such business combination is first approved by our board of directors (including a majority of our directors who are not affiliates or associates of such interested stockholder). Consequently, the five-year prohibition and the super-majority vote requirements will not apply to business combinations between us and any of them. As a result, such parties may be able to enter into business combinations with us that may not be in the best interest of our stockholders, without compliance with the super-majority vote requirements and the other provisions of the statute. The business combination statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer. CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITIONS Maryland law provides that control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share acquisition have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares owned by the acquiror, by officers of the corporation or by directors who are employees of the corporation are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power: - one-tenth or more but less than one-third, - one-third or more but less than a majority, or - a majority or more of all voting power. Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A control share acquisition means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain exceptions. A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may compel the board of directors of the corporation to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. The right to compel the calling of a special meeting is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay the expenses of the meeting. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting. 39 If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then the corporation may redeem for fair value any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have previously been approved. The right of the corporation to redeem control shares is subject to certain conditions and limitations. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of the shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition. The control share acquisition statute does not apply (a) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction, or (b) to 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 shares of our stock. This provision may be amended or eliminated at any time in the future. AMENDMENT TO OUR CHARTER Our charter, including its provisions on classification of our board of directors and removal of directors, may be amended only by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, except that our board may change our name, or the designation or par value of our capital stock, without stockholder action. ADVANCE NOTICE OF DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS Our bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to our board of directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (i) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (ii) by our board of directors or (iii) by a stockholder of record who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of our bylaws. With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of persons for election to our board of directors at a special meeting may be made only (i) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (ii) by the board of directors, or (iii) provided that the board of directors has determined that directors will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder of record who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of our bylaws. Special Stockholder Meetings. Pursuant to our bylaws, stockholders can request a special meeting only upon written demand of at least a majority of all votes entitled to be cast at such meeting. This could have the effect of making it more difficult for stockholders to propose corporate actions to which our management is opposed. ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS The business combination provisions and, if the applicable provision in our bylaws is rescinded, the control share acquisition provisions of Maryland law, the provisions of our charter on classification of our board of directors and removal of directors, the advance notice provisions of our bylaws and our special meeting requirements could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in the control of us that might involve a premium price for holders of our stock or otherwise be in their best interest. 40 FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS The following is a summary of the material federal income tax consequences of an investment in stock or other securities of Newcastle. For purposes of this section under the heading "Federal Income Tax Considerations," references to "Newcastle," "we," "our" and "us" mean only Newcastle Investment Corp. and not its subsidiaries, except as otherwise indicated. This summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code, the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Treasury Department, rulings and other administrative pronouncements issued by the IRS, and judicial decisions, all as currently in effect, and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences described below. No advance ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS regarding any matter discussed in this prospectus. The summary is also based upon the assumption that the operation of Newcastle and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities will be in accordance with its applicable organizational documents or partnership agreement. This summary is for general information only, and does not purport to discuss all aspects of federal income taxation that may be important to a particular investor in light of its investment or tax circumstances, or to investors subject to special tax rules, such as: - financial institutions; - insurance companies; - broker-dealers; - regulated investment companies; - holders who receive Newcastle stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation; - persons holding Newcastle stock as part of a "straddle," "hedge," "conversion transaction," "synthetic security" or other integrated investment; and, except to the extent discussed below: - tax-exempt organizations; and - foreign investors. This summary assumes that investors will hold our stock as capital assets, which generally means as property held for investment. THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF HOLDERS OF NEWCASTLE STOCK DEPENDS IN SOME INSTANCES ON DETERMINATIONS OF FACT AND INTERPRETATIONS OF COMPLEX PROVISIONS OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAW FOR WHICH NO CLEAR PRECEDENT OR AUTHORITY MAY BE AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF HOLDING NEWCASTLE STOCK TO ANY PARTICULAR STOCKHOLDER WILL DEPEND ON THE STOCKHOLDER'S PARTICULAR TAX CIRCUMSTANCES. YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU IN LIGHT OF YOUR PARTICULAR INVESTMENT OR TAX CIRCUMSTANCES OF ACQUIRING, HOLDING, EXCHANGING, OR OTHERWISE DISPOSING OF NEWCASTLE STOCK. TAXATION OF NEWCASTLE Newcastle elected to be taxed as a REIT, commencing with its initial taxable year ended December 31, 2002. We believe that we were organized and have operated in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT, and intend to continue to operate in such a manner. The law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has acted as our tax counsel in connection with our election to be taxed as a REIT. We have received an opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP to the effect that Newcastle was organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, and that its actual method of operation has enabled, and its proposed method of operation will enable, it to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. It must be emphasized that the opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is based on various assumptions relating to the 41 organization and operation of Newcastle, and is conditioned upon representations and covenants made by the management of Newcastle regarding its organization, assets and the past, present and future conduct of its business operations. While Newcastle intends to operate so that it will qualify as a REIT, given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of factual determinations, and the possibility of future changes in the circumstances of Newcastle, no assurance can be given by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP or Newcastle that Newcastle will so qualify for any particular year. The opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP also relies on various legal opinions issued by other counsel for Newcastle and its predecessors, including Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP and Thacher Proffitt & Wood, with respect to certain issues and transactions. The opinions, copies of which are filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, are expressed as of the date issued, and do not cover subsequent periods. Counsel will have no obligation to advise Newcastle or the holders of Newcastle stock of any subsequent change in the matters stated, represented or assumed, or of any subsequent change in the applicable law. You should be aware that opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS, and no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge the conclusions set forth in such opinions. Qualification and taxation as a REIT depends on the ability of Newcastle to meet on a continuing basis, through actual operating results, distribution levels, and diversity of stock ownership, various qualification requirements imposed upon REITs by the Internal Revenue Code, the compliance with which will not be reviewed by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. In addition, Newcastle's ability to qualify as a REIT depends in part upon the operating results, organizational structure and entity classification for federal income tax purposes of certain affiliated entities, the status of which may not have been reviewed by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Newcastle's ability to qualify as a REIT also requires that it satisfies certain asset tests, some of which depend upon the fair market values of assets directly or indirectly owned by Newcastle. Such values may not be susceptible to a precise determination. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of Newcastle's operations for any taxable year satisfy such requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. TAXATION OF REITS IN GENERAL As indicated above, qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon the ability of Newcastle to meet, on a continuing basis, various qualification requirements imposed upon REITs by the Internal Revenue Code. The material qualification requirements are summarized below under "-- Requirements for Qualification -- General." While Newcastle intends to operate so that it qualifies as a REIT, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge its qualification, or that it will be able to operate in accordance with the REIT requirements in the future. See "-- Failure to Qualify." Provided that Newcastle qualifies as a REIT, it will generally be entitled to a deduction for dividends that it pays and therefore will not be subject to federal corporate income tax on its net income that is currently distributed to its stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the "double taxation" at the corporate and stockholder levels that generally results from investment in a corporation. Rather, income generated by a REIT generally is taxed only at the stockholder level upon a distribution of dividends by the REIT. The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (the "2003 Act"), recently enacted by Congress and signed by President Bush, reduces the rate at which individual stockholders are taxed on corporate dividends from a maximum of 38.6% (as ordinary income) to a maximum of 15% (the same as long-term capital gains) for the 2003 through 2008 tax years. With limited exceptions, however, dividends received by stockholders from Newcastle or from other entities that are taxed as REITs are generally not eligible for the reduced rates, and will continue to be taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income, which, pursuant to the 2003 Act, will be as high as 35% through 2010. See "Taxation of Stockholders -- Taxation of Taxable Domestic Stockholders -- Distributions." Net operating losses, foreign tax credits and other tax attributes of a REIT generally do not pass through to the stockholders of the REIT, subject to special rules for certain items such as capital gains recognized by REITs. See "Taxation of Stockholders." 42 If Newcastle qualifies as a REIT, it will nonetheless be subject to federal tax in the following circumstances: - Newcastle will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed income, including undistributed net capital gains. - Newcastle may be subject to the "alternative minimum tax" on its items of tax preference, including any deductions of net operating losses. - If Newcastle has net income from prohibited transactions, which are, in general, sales or other dispositions of property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, other than foreclosure property, such income will be subject to a 100% tax. See "-- Prohibited Transactions", and "-- Foreclosure Property", below. - If Newcastle elects to treat property that it acquires in connection with a foreclosure of a mortgage loan or certain leasehold terminations as "foreclosure property", it may thereby avoid the 100% tax on gain from a resale of that property (if the sale would otherwise constitute a prohibited transaction), but the income from the sale or operation of the property may be subject to corporate income tax at the highest applicable rate (currently 35%). - If Newcastle should fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, as discussed below, but nonetheless maintains its qualification as a REIT because other requirements are met, it will be subject to a 100% tax on an amount based on the magnitude of the failure adjusted to reflect the profit margin associated with Newcastle's gross income. - If Newcastle should fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (a) 85% of its REIT ordinary income for such year, (b) 95% of its REIT capital gain net income for such year, and (c) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, Newcastle would be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the sum of (i) the amounts actually distributed, plus (ii) retained amounts on which income tax is paid at the corporate level. - Newcastle may be required to pay monetary penalties to the IRS in certain circumstances, including if it fails to meet record keeping requirements intended to monitor its compliance with rules relating to the composition of a REIT's stockholders, as described below in "-- Requirements for Qualification -- General." - A 100% tax may be imposed on some items of income and expense that are directly or constructively paid between a REIT and a taxable REIT subsidiary (as described below) if and to the extent that the IRS successfully adjusts the reported amounts of these items. - If Newcastle acquires appreciated assets from a corporation that is not a REIT (i.e., a corporation taxable under subchapter C of the Internal Revenue Code) in a transaction in which the adjusted tax basis of the assets in the hands of Newcastle is determined by reference to the adjusted tax basis of the assets in the hands of the subchapter C corporation, Newcastle may be subject to tax on such appreciation at the highest corporate income tax rate then applicable if it subsequently recognizes gain on a disposition of any such assets during the ten-year period following their acquisition from the subchapter C corporation. - The earnings of Newcastle's subsidiaries could be subject to federal corporate income tax to the extent that such subsidiaries are subchapter C corporations. In addition, Newcastle and its subsidiaries may be subject to a variety of taxes, including payroll taxes and state, local, and foreign income, property and other taxes on their assets and operations. Newcastle could also be subject to tax in situations and on transactions not presently contemplated. 43 REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATION -- GENERAL The Internal Revenue 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 the special Internal Revenue Code provisions applicable to REITs; (4) that is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to specific provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; (5) the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons; (6) in which, during the last half of each taxable year, not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer "individuals" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code to include specified tax-exempt entities); and (7) which meets other tests described below, including with respect to the nature of its income and assets. The Internal Revenue Code provides that conditions (1) through (4) must be met during the entire taxable year, and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Newcastle's charter provides restrictions regarding transfers of its shares, which are intended to assist Newcastle in satisfying the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. To monitor compliance with the share ownership requirements, Newcastle is generally required to maintain records regarding the actual ownership of its shares. To do so, Newcastle must demand written statements each year from the record holders of significant percentages of its stock in which the record holders are to disclose the actual owners of the shares, i.e., the persons required to include in gross income the dividends paid by Newcastle. A list of those persons failing or refusing to comply with this demand must be maintained as part of the records of Newcastle. Failure by Newcastle to comply with these record keeping requirements could subject it to monetary penalties. A stockholder that fails or refuses to comply with the demand is required by Treasury regulations to submit a statement with its tax return disclosing the actual ownership of the shares and other information. In addition, a corporation generally may not elect to become a REIT unless its taxable year is the calendar year. Newcastle satisfies this requirement. EFFECT OF SUBSIDIARY ENTITIES Ownership of Partnership Interests. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, Treasury regulations provide that the REIT is deemed to own its proportionate share of the partnership's assets, and to earn its proportionate share of the partnership's income, for purposes of the asset and gross income tests applicable to REITs as described below. In addition, the assets and gross income of the partnership are deemed to retain the same character in the hands of the REIT. Thus, Newcastle's proportionate share of the assets and items of income of its subsidiary partnerships are treated as assets and items of income of Newcastle for purposes of applying the REIT requirements described below. A summary of certain rules governing the federal income taxation of partnerships and their partners is provided below in "Tax Aspects of Investments in Affiliated Entities -- Partnerships." Disregarded Subsidiaries. If a REIT owns a corporate subsidiary that is a "qualified REIT subsidiary", that subsidiary is disregarded for federal income tax purposes, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the REIT itself, including for purposes of the gross income and asset tests applicable to REITs as summarized below. A qualified REIT subsidiary is any corporation, other than a "taxable REIT subsidiary" as described 44 below, that is wholly-owned by a REIT, or by other disregarded subsidiaries, or by a combination of the two. Newcastle has several qualified REIT subsidiaries. Other entities that are wholly-owned by a REIT, including single member limited liability companies, are also generally disregarded as a separate entities for federal income tax purposes, including for purposes of the REIT income and asset tests. Disregarded subsidiaries, along with partnerships in which Newcastle holds an equity interest, are sometimes referred to herein as "pass-through subsidiaries." In the event that a disregarded subsidiary of Newcastle ceases to be wholly-owned -- for example, if any equity interest in the subsidiary is acquired by a person other than Newcastle or another disregarded subsidiary of Newcastle -- the subsidiary's separate existence would no longer be disregarded for federal income tax purposes. Instead, it would have multiple owners and would be treated as either a partnership or a taxable corporation. Such an event could, depending on the circumstances, adversely affect Newcastle's ability to satisfy the various asset and gross income requirements applicable to REITs, including the requirement that REITs generally may not own, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the securities of another corporation. See "-- Asset Tests" and "-- Income Tests." Taxable Subsidiaries. A REIT, in general, may jointly elect with subsidiary corporations, whether or not wholly-owned, to treat the subsidiary corporation as a taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS"). The separate existence of a TRS or other taxable corporation, unlike a disregarded subsidiary as discussed above, is not ignored for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, such an entity would generally be subject to corporate income tax on its earnings, which may reduce the cash flow generated by Newcastle and its subsidiaries in the aggregate, and Newcastle's ability to make distributions to its stockholders. A parent REIT is not treated as holding the assets of a taxable subsidiary corporation or as receiving any income that the subsidiary earns. Rather, the stock issued by the subsidiary is an asset in the hands of the parent REIT, and the REIT recognizes as income, the dividends, if any, that it receives from the subsidiary. This treatment can affect the income and asset test calculations that apply to the REIT, as described below. Because a parent REIT does not include the assets and income of such subsidiary corporations in determining the parent's compliance with the REIT requirements, such entities may be used by the parent REIT to indirectly undertake activities that the REIT rules might otherwise preclude it from doing directly or through pass-through subsidiaries (for example, activities that give rise to certain categories of income such as management fees or foreign currency gains). INCOME TESTS In order to maintain qualification as a REIT, Newcastle annually must satisfy two gross income requirements. First, at least 75% of Newcastle's gross income for each taxable year, excluding gross income from sales of inventory or dealer property in "prohibited transactions", must be derived from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property, including "rents from real property," dividends received from other REITs, interest income derived from mortgage loans secured by real property (including certain types of mortgage backed securities), and gains from the sale of real estate assets, as well as income from some kinds of temporary investments. Second, at least 95% of Newcastle's gross income in each taxable year, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, must be derived from some combination of such income from investments in real property (i.e., income that qualifies under the 75% income test described above), as well as other dividends, interest, and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, which need not have any relation to real property. Rents received by Newcastle will qualify as "rents from real property" in satisfying the gross income requirements described above, only if several conditions are met, including the following. If rent is partly attributable to personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property, the portion of the total rent that is attributable to the personal property will not qualify as "rents from real property" unless it constitutes 15% or less of the total rent received under the lease. Moreover, for rents received to qualify as "rents from real property," the REIT generally must not operate or manage the property or furnish or render services to the tenants of such property, other than through an "independent contractor" from which the REIT derives no revenue. Newcastle and its affiliates are permitted, however, to perform services that are "usually or customarily 45 rendered" in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise considered rendered to the occupant of the property. In addition, Newcastle and its affiliates may directly or indirectly provide non-customary services to tenants of its properties without disqualifying all of the rent from the property if the payment for such services does not exceed 1% of the total gross income from the property. For purposes of this test, the income received from such non-customary services is deemed to be at least 150% of the direct cost of providing the services. Moreover, Newcastle is generally permitted to provide services to tenants or others through a TRS without disqualifying the rental income received from tenants for purposes of the REIT income requirements. Also, rental income will qualify as rents from real property only to the extent that Newcastle does not directly or constructively hold a 10% or greater interest, as measured by vote or value, in the lessee's equity. Interest income constitutes qualifying mortgage interest for purposes of the 75% income test (as described above) to the extent that the obligation is secured by a mortgage on real property. If Newcastle receives interest income with respect to a mortgage loan that is secured by both real property and other property, and the highest principal amount of the loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value of the real property on the date that Newcastle acquired or originated the mortgage loan, the interest income will be apportioned between the real property and the other collateral, and Newcastle's income from the arrangement will qualify for purposes of the 75% income test only to the extent that the interest is allocable to the real property. Even if a loan is not secured by real property, or is undersecured, the income that it generates may nonetheless qualify for purposes of the 95% income test. To the extent that the terms of a loan provide for contingent interest that is based on the cash proceeds realized upon the sale of the property securing the loan (a "shared appreciation provision"), income attributable to the participation feature will be treated as gain from sale of the underlying property, which generally will be qualifying income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests. To the extent that a REIT derives interest income from a mortgage loan or income from the rental of real property where all or a portion of the amount of interest or rental income payable is contingent, such income generally will qualify for purposes of the gross income tests only if it is based upon the gross receipts or sales, and not the net income or profits, of the borrower or lessee. This limitation does not apply, however, where the borrower or lessee leases substantially all of its interest in the property to tenants or subtenants, to the extent that the rental income derived by the borrower or lessee, as the case may be, would qualify as rents from real property had it been earned directly by a REIT. Newcastle may indirectly receive distributions from TRSs or other corporations that are not REITs or qualified REIT subsidiaries. These distributions will be classified as dividend income to the extent of the earnings and profits of the distributing corporation. Such distributions will generally constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not under the 75% gross income test. Any dividends received by Newcastle from a REIT will be qualifying income in Newcastle's hands for purposes of both the 95% and 75% income tests. If Newcastle fails to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, it may still qualify as a REIT for the year if it is entitled to relief under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. These relief provisions will be generally available if the failure of Newcastle to meet these tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, Newcastle attaches to its tax return a schedule of the sources of its income, and any incorrect information on the schedule was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. It is not possible to state whether Newcastle would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions in all circumstances. If these relief provisions are inapplicable to a particular set of circumstances involving Newcastle, Newcastle will not qualify as a REIT. As discussed above under "-- Taxation of REITs in General," even where these relief provisions apply, a tax would be imposed based upon the amount by which Newcastle fails to satisfy the particular gross income test. ASSET TESTS Newcastle, at the close of each calendar quarter, must also satisfy four tests relating to the nature of its assets. First, at least 75% of the value of the total assets of Newcastle must be represented by some combination of "real estate assets", cash, cash items, U.S. government securities, and, under some circumstances, stock or 46 debt instruments purchased with new capital. For this purpose, real estate assets include interests in real property, such as land, buildings, leasehold interests in real property, stock of other corporations that qualify as REITs, and some kinds of mortgage backed securities and mortgage loans. Assets that do not qualify for purposes of the 75% test are subject to the additional asset tests described below. The second asset test is that the value of any one issuer's securities owned by Newcastle may not exceed 5% of the value of Newcastle's total assets. Third, Newcastle may not own more than 10% of any one issuer's outstanding securities, as measured by either voting power or value. The 5% and 10% asset tests do not apply to securities of TRSs, and the 10% value test does not apply to "straight debt" having specified characteristics. Fourth, the aggregate value of all securities of TRSs held by a REIT may not exceed 20% of the value of the REIT's total assets. Notwithstanding the general rule, as noted above, that for purposes of the REIT income and asset tests, a REIT is treated as owning its share of the underlying assets of a subsidiary partnership, if a REIT holds indebtedness issued by a partnership, the indebtedness will be subject to, and may cause a violation of, the asset tests, unless it is a qualifying mortgage asset, satisfies the rules for "straight debt," or is sufficiently small so as not to otherwise cause an asset test violation. Similarly, although stock of another REIT is a qualifying asset for purposes of the REIT asset tests, non-mortgage debt held by Newcastle that is issued by another REIT may not so qualify. Interests held by Newcastle in a real estate mortgage investment conduit, or "REMIC," are generally treated as qualifying real estate assets, and income derived by Newcastle from interests in REMICs is generally treated as qualifying income for purposes of the REIT income tests described above. If less than 95% of the assets of a REMIC are real estate assets, however, then only a proportionate part of Newcastle's interest in the REMIC, and its income derived from the interest, qualifies for purposes of the REIT asset and income tests. Where a REIT holds a "residual interest" in a REMIC from which it derives "excess inclusion income", the REIT will be required to either distribute the excess inclusion income or pay tax on it (or a combination of the two), even though the income may not be received in cash by the REIT. To the extent that distributed excess inclusion income is allocable to a particular stockholder, the income (i) would not be allowed to be offset by any net operating losses otherwise available to the stockholder, (ii) would be subject to tax as unrelated business taxable income in the hands of most types of stockholders that are otherwise generally exempt from federal income tax, and (iii) would result in the application of U.S. federal income tax withholding at the maximum rate (30%), without reduction of any otherwise applicable income tax treaty, to the extent allocable to most types of foreign stockholders. See "Taxation of Stockholders." Newcastle believes that its holdings of securities and other assets comply, and will continue to comply, with the foregoing REIT asset requirements, and it intends to monitor compliance on an ongoing basis. No independent appraisals have been obtained, however, to support Newcastle's conclusions as to the value of its total assets, or the value of any particular security or securities. Moreover, values of some assets, including instruments issued in securitization transactions, may not be susceptible to a precise determination, and values are subject to change in the future. Furthermore, the proper classification of an instrument as debt or equity for federal income tax purposes may be uncertain in some circumstances, which could affect the application of the REIT asset requirements. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend that Newcastle's interests in its subsidiaries or in the securities of other issuers will not cause a violation of the REIT asset requirements. ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS In order to qualify as a REIT, Newcastle is required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to its stockholders in an amount at least equal to: (a) the sum of (1) 90% of the "REIT taxable income" of Newcastle (computed without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and net capital gains of Newcastle), and 47 (2) 90% of the net income, if any, (after tax) from foreclosure property (as described below), minus (b) the sum of specified items of noncash income. These distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if declared before Newcastle timely files its tax return for the year and if paid with or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration. In order for distributions to be counted for this purpose, and to give rise to a tax deduction by Newcastle, they must not be "preferential dividends." A dividend is not a preferential dividend if it is pro rata among all outstanding shares of stock within a particular class, and is in accordance with the preferences among different classes of stock as set forth in Newcastle's organizational documents. To the extent that Newcastle distributes at least 90%, but less than 100%, of its "REIT taxable income," as adjusted, it will be subject to tax at ordinary corporate tax rates on the retained portion. Newcastle may elect to retain, rather than distribute, its net long-term capital gains and pay tax on such gains. In this case, Newcastle could elect to have its stockholders include their proportionate share of such undistributed long-term capital gains in income, and to receive a corresponding credit for their share of the tax paid by Newcastle. Stockholders of Newcastle would then increase the adjusted basis of their Newcastle stock by the difference between the designated amounts included in their long-term capital gains and the tax deemed paid with respect to their shares. To the extent that a REIT has available net operating losses carried forward from prior tax years, such losses may reduce the amount of distributions that it must make in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. Such losses, however, will generally not affect the character, in the hands of stockholders, of any distributions that are actually made by the REIT, which are generally taxable to stockholders to the extent that the REIT has current or accumulated earnings and profits. See "-- Taxation of Stockholders -- Taxation of Taxable Domestic Stockholders -- Distributions." If Newcastle should fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (a) 85% of its REIT ordinary income for such year, (b) 95% of its REIT capital gain net income for such year, and (c) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, Newcastle would be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the sum of (x) the amounts actually distributed and (y) the amounts of income retained on which it has paid corporate income tax. Newcastle intends to make timely distributions so that it is not subject to the 4% excise tax. It is possible that Newcastle, from time to time, may not have sufficient cash to meet the distribution requirements due to timing differences between (a) the actual receipt of cash, including receipt of distributions from its subsidiaries, and (b) the inclusion of items in income by Newcastle for federal income tax purposes. Other sources of non-cash taxable income include real estate and securities that are financed through securitization structures, which require some or all of available cash flows to be used to service borrowings, loans or mortgage backed securities held by Newcastle as assets that are issued at a discount and require the accrual of taxable economic interest in advance of its receipt in cash, loans on which the borrower is permitted to defer cash payments of interest, and distressed loans on which Newcastle may be required to accrue taxable interest income even though the borrower is unable to make current servicing payments in cash. In the event that such timing differences occur, in order to meet the distribution requirements, it might be necessary to arrange for short-term, or possibly long-term, borrowings, or to pay dividends in the form of taxable in-kind distributions of property. Newcastle may be able to rectify a failure to meet the distribution requirements for a year by paying "deficiency dividends" to stockholders in a later year, which may be included in Newcastle's deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. In this case, Newcastle may be able to avoid losing its REIT status or being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends. However, Newcastle will be required to pay interest and a penalty based on the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency dividends. FAILURE TO QUALIFY If Newcastle fails to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year, and the relief provisions do not apply, Newcastle would be subject to tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on its taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to stockholders in any year in which Newcastle is not a REIT 48 would not be deductible by Newcastle, nor would they be required to be made. In this situation, to the extent of current and accumulated earnings and profits, all distributions to stockholders that are individuals will generally be taxable at capital gains rates (through 2008) pursuant to 2003 Act, and, subject to limitations of the Internal Revenue Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends received deduction. Unless Newcastle is entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, Newcastle would also be disqualified from re-electing to be taxed as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost. It is not possible to state whether, in all circumstances, Newcastle would be entitled to this statutory relief. The rule against re-electing REIT status following a loss of such status could also apply to Newcastle if Newcastle Investment Holdings Corp., a former stockholder of, and contributor of assets to Newcastle, failed to qualify as a REIT, and Newcastle is treated as a successor to Newcastle Investment Holdings for federal income tax purposes. PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS Net income derived by a REIT from a prohibited transaction is subject to a 100% tax. The term "prohibited transaction" generally includes a sale or other disposition of property (other than foreclosure property) that is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. Newcastle intends to conduct its operations so that no asset owned by Newcastle or its pass-through subsidiaries will be held for sale to customers, and that a sale of any such asset will not be in the ordinary course of Newcastle's business. Whether property is held "primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business" depends, however, on the particular facts and circumstances. No assurance can be given that any property sold by Newcastle will not be treated as property held for sale to customers, or that Newcastle can comply with certain safe-harbor provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that would prevent such treatment. The 100% tax does 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 rates. FORECLOSURE PROPERTY Foreclosure property is real property and any personal property incident to such real property (i) that is acquired by a REIT as the result of the REIT having bid in the property at foreclosure, or having otherwise reduced the property to ownership or possession by agreement or process of law, after there was a default (or default was imminent) on a lease of the property or a mortgage loan held by the REIT and secured by the property, (ii) for which the related loan or lease was acquired by the REIT at a time when default was not imminent or anticipated, and (iii) for which such REIT makes a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure property. REITs generally are subject to tax at the maximum corporate 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. Newcastle does not anticipate that it will receive any income from foreclosure property that is not qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, but, if Newcastle does receive any such income, it intends to make an election to treat the related property as foreclosure property. FOREIGN INVESTMENTS Newcastle and its subsidiaries currently hold and may acquire additional investments and, accordingly, pay taxes, in foreign countries. Taxes paid by Newcastle in foreign jurisdictions may not be passed through to, or used by, its stockholders as a foreign tax credit or otherwise. Newcastle's foreign investments may also generate foreign currency gains and losses. Foreign currency gains are treated as income that does not qualify under the 95% or 75% income tests, unless certain technical requirements are met. No assurance can be given that these technical requirements will be met in the case of any foreign currency gains recognized by Newcastle directly or through pass-through subsidiaries, and will not adversely affect Newcastle's ability to satisfy the REIT qualification requirements. 49 DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING TRANSACTIONS Newcastle and its subsidiaries have, from time to time, and may in the future enter into hedging transactions with respect to interest rate exposure on one or more of their assets or liabilities. Any such hedging transactions could take a variety of forms, including the use of derivative instruments such as interest rate swap contracts, interest rate cap or floor contracts, futures or forward contracts, and options. To the extent that Newcastle or a pass-through subsidiary enters into such a contract to reduce interest rate risk on indebtedness incurred to acquire or carry real estate assets, any periodic income from the instrument, or gain from the disposition of it, would be qualifying income for purposes of the REIT 95% gross income test, but not for the 75% gross income test. To the extent that Newcastle hedges with other types of financial instruments or in other situations (for example, hedges against fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies), the resultant income will be treated as income that does not qualify under the 95% or 75% income tests unless certain technical requirements are met. Newcastle intends to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize its status as a REIT. Newcastle may conduct some or all of its hedging activities (including hedging activities relating to currency risk) through a TRS or other corporate entity, the income from which may be subject to federal income tax, rather than participating in the arrangements directly or through pass-through subsidiaries. No assurance can be given, however, that Newcastle's hedging activities will not give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of either or both of the REIT income tests, and will not adversely affect Newcastle's ability to satisfy the REIT qualification requirements. TAXABLE MORTGAGE POOLS An entity, or a portion of an entity, may be classified as a taxable mortgage pool ("TMP") under the Internal Revenue Code if (1) substantially all of its assets consist of debt obligations or interests in debt obligations, (2) more than 50% of those debt obligations are real estate mortgages or interests in real estate mortgages as of specified testing dates, (3) the entity has issued debt obligations (liabilities) that have two or more maturities, and (4) the payments required to be made by the entity on its debt obligations (liabilities) "bear a relationship" to the payments to be received by the entity on the debt obligations that it holds as assets. Under regulations issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, if less than 80% of the assets of an entity (or a portion of an entity) consist of debt obligations, these debt obligations are considered not to comprise "substantially all" of its assets, and therefore the entity would not be treated as a TMP. Newcastle currently holds interests in TMPs, and its future financing and securitization arrangements may give rise to other TMPs, with the consequences as described below. Where an entity, or a portion of an entity, is classified as a TMP, it is generally treated as a taxable corporation for federal income tax purposes. In the case of a REIT, or a portion of a REIT, or a disregarded subsidiary of a REIT, that is a TMP, however, special rules apply. The TMP is not treated as a corporation that is subject to corporate income tax, and the TMP classification does not directly affect the tax status of the REIT. Rather, the consequences of the TMP classification would, in general, except as described below, be limited to the stockholders of the REIT. The Treasury Department has not yet issued regulations to govern the treatment of stockholders as described below. A portion of the REIT's income from the TMP arrangement, which might be non-cash accrued income, could be treated as "excess inclusion income." The REIT's excess inclusion income would be allocated among its stockholders. A stockholder's share of excess inclusion income (i) would not be allowed to be offset by any net operating losses otherwise available to the stockholder, (ii) would be subject to tax as unrelated business taxable income in the hands of most types of stockholders that are otherwise generally exempt from federal income tax, and (iii) would result in the application of U.S. federal income tax withholding at the maximum rate (30%), without reduction for any otherwise applicable income tax treaty, to the extent allocable to most types of foreign stockholders. See "Taxation of Stockholders." To the extent that excess inclusion income is allocated to a tax-exempt stockholder of a REIT that is not subject to unrelated business income tax (such as government entities), the REIT would be taxable on this income at the highest applicable corporate tax rate (currently 35%). The manner in which excess inclusion income would be allocated among shares of different classes of stock is not clear under current law. Tax-exempt investors, foreign investors and taxpayers with net operating losses should carefully consider the tax consequences described above and are urged to consult their tax advisors. 50 If a subsidiary partnership of Newcastle, not wholly-owned by Newcastle directly or through one or more disregarded entities, were a TMP, the foregoing rules would not apply. Rather, the partnership that is a TMP would be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, and would potentially be subject to corporate income tax. In addition, this characterization would alter Newcastle's REIT income and asset test calculations, and could adversely affect its compliance with those requirements. Newcastle believes that it has no subsidiary partnerships that are or will become TMPs, and intends to monitor the structure of any TMPs in which it has an interest to ensure that they will not adversely affect its status as a REIT. TAX ASPECTS OF INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATED PARTNERSHIPS GENERAL Newcastle may hold investments through entities that are classified as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. In general, partnerships are "pass-through" entities that are not subject to federal income tax. Rather, partners are allocated their proportionate shares of the items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of a partnership, and are potentially subject to tax on these items, without regard to whether the partners receive a distribution from the partnership. Newcastle will include in its income its proportionate share of these partnership items for purposes of the various REIT income tests and in the computation of its REIT taxable income. Moreover, for purposes of the REIT asset tests, Newcastle will include its proportionate share of assets held by subsidiary partnerships. See "Taxation of Newcastle -- Effect of Subsidiary Entities -- Ownership of Partnership Interests." ENTITY CLASSIFICATION The investment by Newcastle in partnerships involves special tax considerations, including the possibility of a challenge by the IRS of the status of any of Newcastle's subsidiary partnerships as a partnership, as opposed to an association taxable as a corporation, for federal income tax purposes (for example, if the IRS were to assert that a subsidiary partnership is a TMP). See "Taxation of Newcastle -- Taxable Mortgage Pools." If any of these entities were treated as an association for federal income tax purposes, it would be taxable as a corporation and therefore could be subject to an entity-level tax on its income. In such a situation, the character of the assets of Newcastle and items of gross income of Newcastle would change and could preclude Newcastle from satisfying the REIT asset tests or the gross income tests as discussed in "Taxation of Newcastle -- Asset Tests" and "-- Income Tests," and in turn could prevent Newcastle from qualifying as a REIT. See "Taxation of Newcastle -- Failure to Qualify," above, for a discussion of the effect of the failure of Newcastle to meet these tests for a taxable year. In addition, any change in the status of any of Newcastle's subsidiary partnerships for tax purposes might be treated as a taxable event, in which case Newcastle could have taxable income that is subject to the REIT distribution requirements without receiving any cash. TAX ALLOCATIONS WITH RESPECT TO PARTNERSHIP PROPERTIES Under the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury regulations, income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership must be allocated for tax purposes in a manner such that the contributing partner is charged with, or benefits from, the unrealized gain or unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution. The amount of the unrealized gain or unrealized loss is generally equal to the difference between the fair market value of the contributed property at the time of contribution, and the adjusted tax basis of such property at the time of contribution (a "book-tax difference"). Such allocations are solely for federal income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners. To the extent that any subsidiary partnership of Newcastle acquires appreciated (or depreciated) properties by way of capital contributions from its partners, allocations would need to be made in a manner consistent with these requirements. Where a partner contributes cash to a partnership at a time that the partnership holds appreciated (or depreciated) property, the Treasury regulations provide for a similar allocation of these items to the other (i.e. non-contributing) partners. These rules may apply to the contribution by Newcastle to any subsidiary partnerships of the cash proceeds received in offerings of its stock. As a result, partners, including 51 Newcastle, in subsidiary partnerships, could be allocated greater or lesser amounts of depreciation and taxable income in respect of a partnership's properties than would be the case if all of the partnership's assets (including any contributed assets) had a tax basis equal to their fair market values at the time of any contributions to that partnership. This could cause Newcastle to recognize, over a period of time, taxable income in excess of cash flow from the partnership, which might adversely affect Newcastle's ability to comply with the REIT distribution requirements discussed above. TAXATION OF STOCKHOLDERS TAXATION OF TAXABLE DOMESTIC STOCKHOLDERS Distributions. Provided that Newcastle qualifies as a REIT, distributions made to its taxable domestic stockholders out of current or accumulated earnings and profits, and not designated as capital gain dividends, will generally be taken into account by them as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporations. With limited exceptions, dividends received from REITs are not eligible for taxation at the preferential income tax rates (15% maximum federal rate through 2008) for qualified dividends received by individuals from taxable C corporations pursuant to the 2003 Act. Stockholders that are individuals, however, are taxed at the preferential rates on dividends designated by and received from REITs to the extent that the dividends are attributable to (i) income retained by the REIT in the prior taxable year on which the REIT was subject to corporate level income tax (less the amount of tax), (ii) dividends received by the REIT from TRSs or other taxable C corporations, or (iii) income in the prior taxable year from the sales of "built-in gain" property acquired by the REIT from C corporations in carryover basis transactions (less the amount of corporate tax on such income). Distributions from Newcastle that are designated as capital gain dividends will generally be taxed to stockholders as long-term capital gains, to the extent that they do not exceed the actual net capital gain of Newcastle for the taxable year, without regard to the period for which the stockholder has held its stock. A similar treatment will apply to long-term capital gains retained by Newcastle, to the extent that Newcastle elects the application of provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that treat stockholders of a REIT as having received, for federal income tax purposes, undistributed capital gains of the REIT, while passing through to stockholders a corresponding credit for taxes paid by the REIT on such retained capital gains. Corporate stockholders may be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains are generally taxable at maximum federal rates of 15% (through 2008) in the case of stockholders who are individuals, and 35% in the case of stockholders that are corporations. Capital gains attributable to the sale of depreciable real property held for more than 12 months are subject to a 25% maximum federal income tax rate for taxpayers who are individuals, to the extent of previously claimed depreciation deductions. In determining the extent to which a distribution constitutes a dividend for tax purposes, Newcastle's earnings and profits generally will be allocated first to distributions with respect to preferred stock, including its Series B Preferred Stock, prior to allocating any remaining earnings and profits to distributions on Newcastle's common stock. If Newcastle has net capital gains and designates some or all of its distributions as capital gain dividends to that extent, the capital gain dividends will be allocated among different classes of stock in proportion to the allocation of earnings and profits as described above. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a stockholder to the extent that they do not exceed the adjusted basis of the stockholder's shares in respect of which the distributions were made, but rather, will reduce the adjusted basis of these shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed the adjusted basis of a stockholder's shares, they will be included in income as long-term capital gain, or short-term capital gain if the shares have been held for one year or less. In addition, any dividend declared by Newcastle in October, November or December of any year and payable to a stockholder of record on a specified date in any such month will be treated as both paid by Newcastle and received by the stockholder on December 31 of such year, provided that the dividend is actually paid by Newcastle before the end of January of the following calendar year. To the extent that a REIT has available net operating losses and capital losses carried forward from prior tax years, such losses may reduce the amount of distributions that must be made in order to comply with the REIT 52 distribution requirements. See "Taxation of Newcastle -- Annual Distribution Requirements." Such losses, however, are not passed through to stockholders and do not offset income of stockholders from other sources, nor would they affect the character of any distributions that are actually made by a REIT, which are generally subject to tax in the hands of stockholders to the extent that the REIT has current or accumulated earnings and profits. If excess inclusion income from a taxable mortgage pool is allocated to any Newcastle stockholder, that income will be taxable in the hands of the stockholder and would not be offset by any net operating losses of the stockholder that would otherwise be available. See "Taxation of Newcastle -- Taxable Mortgage Pools." Dispositions of Newcastle Stock. In general, capital gains recognized by individuals upon the sale or disposition of shares of Newcastle stock will, pursuant to the 2003 Act, be subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 15% (from May 6, 2003 through 2008) if the Newcastle stock is held for more than 12 months, and will be taxed at ordinary income rates (of up to 35% through 2010) if the Newcastle stock is held for 12 months or less. Gains recognized by stockholders that are corporations are subject to federal income tax at a maximum rate of 35%, whether or not classified as long-term capital gains. Capital losses recognized by a stockholder upon the disposition of Newcastle stock held for more than one year at the time of disposition will be considered long-term capital losses, and are generally available only to offset capital gain income of the stockholder but not ordinary income (except in the case of individuals, who may offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income each year). In addition, any loss upon a sale or exchange of shares of Newcastle stock by a stockholder who has held the shares for six months or less, after applying holding period rules, will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of distributions received from Newcastle that are required to be treated by the stockholder as long-term capital gain. If an investor recognizes a loss upon a subsequent disposition of stock or other securities of Newcastle in an amount that exceeds a prescribed threshold, it is possible that the provisions of recently adopted Treasury regulations involving "reportable transactions" could apply, with a resulting requirement to separately disclose the loss generating transaction 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. In addition, legislative proposals have been introduced in Congress, that, if enacted, would impose significant penalties 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 stock or securities of Newcastle, or transactions that might be undertaken directly or indirectly by Newcastle. Moreover, you should be aware that Newcastle and other participants in the transactions involving Newcastle (including their advisors) might be subject to disclosure or other requirements pursuant to these regulations. TAXATION OF FOREIGN STOCKHOLDERS The following is a summary of certain United States federal income and estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Newcastle stock applicable to non-U.S. holders of Newcastle stock. A "non-U.S. holder" is any person other than: (a) a citizen or resident of the United States, (b) a corporation or partnership created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States, or of any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, (c) an estate, the income of which is includable in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source, or (d) a trust if a United States court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more United States fiduciaries have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust. The discussion is based on current law and is for general information only. The discussion addresses only selective and not all aspects of United States federal income and estate taxation. Ordinary Dividends. The portion of dividends received by non-U.S. holders payable out of the earnings and profits of Newcastle which are not attributable to capital gains of Newcastle and which are not effectively 53 connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. holder will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30%, unless reduced by treaty. Reduced treaty rates are not available to the extent that income is excess inclusion income allocated to the foreign stockholder. See "Taxation of Newcastle -- Taxable Mortgage Pools." In general, non-U.S. holders will not be considered to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business solely as a result of their ownership of Newcastle stock. In cases where the dividend income from a non-U.S. holder's investment in Newcastle stock is, or is treated as, effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder's conduct of a U.S. trade or business, the non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to U.S. tax at graduated rates, in the same manner as domestic stockholders are taxed with respect to such dividends, and may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax in the case of a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation. Non-Dividend Distributions. Unless Newcastle stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest (a "USRPI"), distributions by Newcastle which are not dividends out of the earnings and profits of Newcastle will not be subject to U.S. income tax. If it cannot be determined at the time at which a distribution is made whether or not the distribution will exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will be subject to withholding at the rate applicable to dividends. However, the non-U.S. holder may seek a refund from the IRS of any amounts withheld if it is subsequently determined that the distribution was, in fact, in excess of Newcastle's current and accumulated earnings and profits. If Newcastle stock constitutes a USRPI, as described below, distributions by Newcastle in excess of the sum of its earnings and profits plus the stockholder's basis in its Newcastle stock will be taxed under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 ("FIRPTA") at the rate of tax, including any applicable capital gains rates, that would apply to a domestic stockholder of the same type (e.g., an individual or a corporation, as the case may be), and the collection of the tax will be enforced by a refundable withholding at a rate of 10% of the amount by which the distribution exceeds the stockholder's share of Newcastle's earnings and profits. Capital Gain Dividends. Under FIRPTA, a distribution made by Newcastle to a non-U.S. holder, to the extent attributable to gains from dispositions of USRPIs held by Newcastle directly or through pass-through subsidiaries ("USRPI capital gains"), will be considered effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. holder and will be subject to U.S. income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. individuals or corporations, without regard to whether the distribution is designated as a capital gain dividend. In addition, Newcastle will be required to withhold tax equal to 35% of the amount of dividends to the extent the dividends constitute USRPI capital gains. Recently proposed legislation, if enacted, would modify the tax treatment of capital gain dividends distributed by REITs to non-U.S. holders. See "Other Tax Considerations - Legislative or Other Actions Affecting REITs." Distributions subject to FIRPTA may also be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation. A distribution is not a USRPI capital gain if Newcastle held the underlying asset solely as a creditor. Capital gain dividends received by a non-U.S. holder from a REIT that are not USRPI capital gains are generally not subject to U.S. income or withholding tax. Dispositions of Newcastle Stock. Unless Newcastle stock constitutes a USRPI, a sale of the stock by a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. taxation under FIRPTA. The stock will not be treated as a USRPI if less than 50% of Newcastle's assets throughout a prescribed testing period consist of interests in real property located within the United States, excluding, for this purpose, interests in real property solely in a capacity as a creditor. Even if the foregoing test is not met, Newcastle stock nonetheless will not constitute a USRPI if Newcastle is a "domestically-controlled REIT." A domestically-controlled REIT is a REIT in which, at all times during a specified testing period, less than 50% in value of its shares is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. holders. Newcastle believes that it is, and it expects to continue to be, a domestically-controlled REIT and, therefore, the sale of Newcastle stock should not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA. Because Newcastle stock is publicly traded, however, no assurance can be given that Newcastle will be a domestically-controlled REIT. In the event that Newcastle does not constitute a domestically-controlled REIT, a non-U.S. holder's sale of stock nonetheless will generally not be subject to tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI, provided that (a) the stock owned is of a class that is "regularly traded," as defined by applicable Treasury Department regulations, on an established securities market, and (b) the selling non-U.S. holder held 5% or less of Newcastle's outstanding stock of that class at all times during a specified testing period. 54 If gain on the sale of stock of Newcastle were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. holder would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. stockholder with respect to such gain, subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of non-resident alien individuals, and the purchaser of the stock could be required to withhold 10% of the purchase price and remit such amount to the IRS. Gain from the sale of Newcastle stock that would not otherwise be subject to FIRPTA will nonetheless be taxable in the United States to a non-U.S. holder in two cases: (a) if the non-U.S. holder's investment in the Newcastle stock is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. holder, the non-U.S. holder will be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. stockholder with respect to such gain, or (b) if the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and has a "tax home" in the United States, the nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's capital gain. Estate Tax. Newcastle stock owned or treated as owned by an individual who is not a citizen or resident (as specially defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes) of the United States at the time of death will be includable in the individual's gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise, and may therefore be subject to U.S. federal estate tax. TAXATION OF TAX-EXEMPT STOCKHOLDERS Tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and profit sharing trusts and individual retirement accounts, generally are exempt from federal income taxation. However, they are subject to taxation on their unrelated business taxable income ("UBTI"). While some 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, and provided that (1) a tax-exempt stockholder has not held its Newcastle stock as "debt financed property" within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code (i.e. where the acquisition or holding of the property is financed through a borrowing by the tax-exempt stockholder), and (2) the Newcastle stock is not otherwise used in an unrelated trade or business, distributions from Newcastle and income from the sale of the Newcastle stock should not give rise to UBTI to a tax-exempt stockholder. To the extent, however, that Newcastle (or a part of Newcastle, or a disregarded subsidiary of Newcastle) is a TMP, or if Newcastle holds residual interests in a REMIC, a portion of the dividends paid to a tax-exempt stockholder that is allocable to excess inclusion income may be subject to tax as UBTI. See "Taxation of Newcastle -- Taxable Mortgage Pools." Tax-exempt stockholders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, and qualified group legal services plans exempt from federal income taxation under sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) and (c)(20) of the Internal Revenue Code, respectively, are subject to different UBTI rules, which generally will require them to characterize distributions from Newcastle as UBTI. In certain circumstances, a pension trust that owns more than 10% of Newcastle's stock could be required to treat a percentage of the dividends from Newcastle as UBTI, if Newcastle is a "pension-held REIT." Newcastle will not be a pension-held REIT unless either (A) one pension trust owns more than 25% of the value of Newcastle's stock, or (B) a group of pension trusts, each individually holding more than 10% of the value of Newcastle's stock, collectively owns more than 50% of such stock. Certain restrictions on ownership and transfer of Newcastle's stock should generally prevent a tax-exempt entity from owning more than 10% of the value of Newcastle's stock, or Newcastle from becoming a pension-held REIT. TAX-EXEMPT STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNING NEWCASTLE STOCK. OTHER TAX CONSIDERATIONS LEGISLATIVE OR OTHER ACTIONS AFFECTING REITS The recently enacted Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 reduced the maximum tax rates at which individuals are taxed on capital gains from 20% to 15% (from May 6, 2003 through 2008) and on dividends payable by taxable C corporations from 38.6% to 15% (from January 1, 2003 through 2008). While gains from the sale of the stock of REITs are eligible for the reduced tax rates, dividends payable by REITs are 55 not eligible for the reduced tax rates except in limited circumstances. See "Taxation of Stockholders -- Taxation of Taxable Domestic Stockholders -- Distributions." As a result, dividends received from REITs generally will continue to be taxed at ordinary income rates (now at a maximum rate of 35% through 2010). The more favorable tax rates applicable to regular corporate dividends could cause investors who are individuals to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of the stock of REITs, including stock of Newcastle. Recently proposed legislation would modify the tax treatment of capital gain dividends distributed by REITs to foreign stockholders. See "Taxation of Stockholders -- Taxation of Foreign Stockholders -- Capital Gain Dividends." The proposed legislation would treat capital gain dividends received by a foreign stockholder in the same manner as ordinary income dividends, provided that (1) the capital gain dividends are received with respect to a class of stock that is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States, and (2) the foreign stockholder does not own more than 5% of that class of stock at any time during the taxable year in which the capital gain dividends are received. The proposed legislation would apply to taxable years beginning after the date of enactment. The rules dealing with federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department. No assurance can be given as to whether, or in what form, the proposal described above (or any other proposals affecting REITs or their stockholders) will be enacted. Changes to the federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could adversely affect an investment in our securities. STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAXES Newcastle and its subsidiaries and stockholders may be subject to state, local or foreign taxation in various jurisdictions, including those in which it or they transact business, own property or reside. Newcastle owns properties located in a number of jurisdictions, and may be required to file tax returns in some or all of those jurisdictions. The state, local or foreign tax treatment of Newcastle and its stockholders may not conform to the federal income tax treatment discussed above. Newcastle will pay foreign property taxes, and dispositions of foreign property or operations involving, or investments in, foreign property may give rise to foreign income or other tax liability in amounts that could be substantial. Any foreign taxes incurred by Newcastle do not pass through to stockholders as a credit against their United States federal income tax liability. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the application and effect of state, local and foreign income and other tax laws on an investment in stock or other securities of Newcastle. 56 ERISA CONSIDERATIONS A plan fiduciary considering an investment in the securities should consider, among other things, whether such an investment might constitute or give rise to a prohibited transaction under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any substantially similar federal, state or local law. ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code impose restrictions on: - employee benefit plans as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, - plans described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, including retirement accounts and Keogh Plans, - entities whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of a plan's investment in such entities, and - persons who have certain specified relationships to a plan described as "parties in interest" under ERISA and "disqualified persons" under the tax code. REGULATION UNDER ERISA AND THE TAX CODE ERISA imposes certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries of a plan. Under ERISA, any person who exercises any authority or control over the management or disposition of a plan's assets is considered to be a fiduciary of that plan. Both ERISA and the tax code prohibit certain transactions involving "plan assets" between a plan and parties in interest or disqualified persons. Violations of these rules may result in the imposition of an excise tax or penalty. The term "plan assets" is not defined by ERISA or the tax code. However, a plan's assets may be deemed to include an interest in the underlying assets of an entity if the plan acquires an "equity interest" in such an entity. In that event, the operations of such an entity could result in a prohibited transaction under ERISA and the tax code. REGULATION ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR The Department of Labor issued a regulation that provides exceptions to this rule (the "Plan Assets Regulation"). Under this regulation, if a plan acquires a "publicly-offered security," the issuer of the security is not deemed to hold plan assets. A publicly-offered security is a security that: - is freely transferable, - is part of a class of securities that is owned by 100 or more investors independent of the issuer and of one another, and - is either: (i) part of a class of securities registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, or (ii) sold to the plan as part of an offering of securities to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and the class of securities of which such security is part is registered under the Exchange Act within the requisite time. THE SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK AND SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK AS "PUBLICLY-OFFERED SECURITIES" Our common stock and Series B Preferred Stock currently meet the above criteria and it is anticipated that the shares of our common stock being offered hereby will continue to meet the criteria of publicly-offered securities. Applicability of other exceptions to the Plan Asset Regulation with respect to other securities offered hereby will be discussed in the respective prospectus supplement. 57 GENERAL INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS Prospective fiduciaries of a plan (including, without limitation, an entity whose assets include plan assets, including, as applicable, an insurance company general account) considering the purchase of securities should consult with their legal advisors concerning the impact of ERISA and the tax code and the potential consequences of making an investment in these securities with respect to their specific circumstances. Each plan fiduciary should take into account, among other considerations: - whether the plan's investment could give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code, - whether the fiduciary has the authority to make the investment, - the composition of the plan's portfolio with respect to diversification by type of asset, - the plan's funding objectives, - the tax effects of the investment, - whether our assets would be considered plan assets, and - whether, under the general fiduciary standards of investment prudence and diversification an investment in these shares is appropriate for the plan taking into account the overall investment policy of the plan and the composition of the plan's investment portfolio. Certain employee benefit plans, such as governmental plans and certain church plans are not subject to the provisions of Title I of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, assets of such plans may be invested in the securities without regard to the ERISA considerations described here, subject to the provisions of any other applicable federal and state law. It should be noted that any such plan that is qualified and exempt from taxation under the tax code is subject to the prohibited transaction rules set forth in the tax code. 58 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION We may sell the common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares and any series of debt securities and warrants being offered hereby in one or more of the following ways from time to time: - to underwriters or dealers for resale to the public or to institutional investors; - directly to institutional investors; - directly to a limited number of purchasers or to a single purchaser; - through agents to the public or to institutional investors; or - through a combination of any of these methods of sale. The prospectus supplement with respect to each series of securities will state the terms of the offering of the securities, including: - the offering terms, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents; - the purchase price of the securities and the net proceeds to be received by us from the sale; - any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters' or agents' compensation; - any initial public offering price; - any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and - any securities exchange on which the securities may be listed. If we use underwriters or dealers in the sale, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters or dealers for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including: - negotiated transactions; - at a fixed public offering price or prices, which may be changed; - at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; - at prices related to prevailing market prices; or - at negotiated prices. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time. If underwriters are used in the sale of any securities, the securities may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters, or directly by underwriters. Generally, the underwriters' obligations to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities if they purchase any of the securities. If indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, we may sell the securities through agents from time to time. The applicable prospectus supplement will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and any commissions we pay to them. Generally, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. We may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain purchasers to purchase the securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The delayed delivery contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, and the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these delayed delivery contracts. Offered securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to 59 their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreements, if any, with us and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Agents, underwriters and other third parties described above may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments which the agents or underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof. Agents, underwriters and such other third parties may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business. Each series of securities will be a new issue of securities and will have no established trading market other than our common stock which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Any common stock sold will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, upon official notice of issuance. The securities, other than the common stock, may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. Any underwriters to whom securities are sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in the securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. 60 LEGAL MATTERS Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York and Piper Rudnick LLP, Baltimore, Maryland. If the validity of any securities is also passed upon by counsel for the underwriters of an offering of those securities, that counsel will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to that offering. EXPERTS The consolidated financial statements of Newcastle Investment Corp., appearing in Newcastle Investment Corp.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon included therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. 61 PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION. The expenses relating to the registration of the securities will be borne by the Registrant. The following expenses, with the exception of the Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee, are estimates. Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee......... $ 60,675 Trustee Fees and Expenses................................... $ 20,000* Printing and Engraving Fees and Expenses.................... $ 50,000* Accounting Fees and Expenses................................ $ 60,000* NASD Fees................................................... $ 30,500 Legal Fees.................................................. $150,000* Miscellaneous............................................... $ 3,825* --------- Total....................................................... $315,000* =========
- --------------- * Estimated 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 (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment and which is material to the cause of action. The Company's Charter contains such a provision which eliminates directors' and officers' liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. The Charter authorizes the Company, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while a director of the Company and at the request of the Company, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her status as a present or former director or officer of the Company and to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The Bylaws obligate the Company, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while a director of the Company and at the request of the Company, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee and who is made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her status as a present or former director or officer of the Company and to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The Charter and the Bylaws also permit the Company to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of the Company in any of the capacities described above and any employee or agent of the Company or a predecessor of the Company. Maryland law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which the Company's charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Maryland law 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 a party by reason of their service in those capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an II-1 improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) 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 Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify 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 personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders indemnification and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation's receipt of (a) 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 (b) a written undertaking by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS. The Exhibits to this registration statement are listed in the Index to Exhibits beginning on page II-5 and are incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: (i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of 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 Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; (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 1(i) and 1(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement; (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. 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 that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be II-2 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. 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 provisions set forth in Item 15, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act. II-3 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, 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 New York, State of New York on October 29, 2003. NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. By: /s/ WESLEY R. EDENS ------------------------------------ Name: Wesley R. Edens Title: Chief Executive Officer SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NAME TITLE DATE ---- ----- ---- /s/ WESLEY R. EDENS Chief Executive Officer and October 29, 2003 - ------------------------------------------------ Chairman of the Board Wesley R. Edens /s/ KENNETH M. RIIS President October 29, 2003 - ------------------------------------------------ Kenneth M. Riis /s/ DEBRA A. HESS Chief Financial Officer October 29, 2003 - ------------------------------------------------ (Principal Financial and Debra A. Hess Accounting Officer) * Director October 29, 2003 - ------------------------------------------------ David J. Grain * Director October 29, 2003 - ------------------------------------------------ Stuart A. McFarland * Director October 29, 2003 - ------------------------------------------------ David K. McKown * Director October 29, 2003 - ------------------------------------------------ Peter M. Miller By: /s/ WESLEY R. EDENS ------------------------------------ Wesley R. Edens Attorney-in-Fact
II-4 EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NO. EXHIBIT - ------- ------- 1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement for common stock, preferred stock, warrants and debt securities to be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report of the Company on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein. 3.1 Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-90578), Exhibit 3.1). 3.2 Articles Supplementary relating to the Series B Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003, filed with the SEC on May 13, 2003, Exhibit 3.3). 3.3 By-laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-90578), Exhibit 3.2). 4.1 Form of Certificate for common stock (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 33-90578), Exhibit 4.1). 4.2 Form of Senior Indenture. 4.3 Form of Subordinated Indenture. 4.4 Form of any Senior Note with respect to each particular series of Senior Notes issued hereunder (included in Exhibit 4.2). 4.5 Form of any Subordinated Note with respect to each particular series of Subordinated Notes issued hereunder (included in Exhibit 4.3). 4.6 Form of any certificate of designation, preferences and rights with respect to any preferred stock issued hereunder to be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report of the Company on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein. 4.7 Form of any preferred stock certificate to be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report of the Company on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein. 4.8 Form of Warrant Agreement. 4.9 Form of Warrant Certificate (included in Exhibit 4.8). 4.10 Rights Agreement between the Registrant and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2002, filed with the SEC on November 22, 2002, Exhibit 4.1). 5.1 Opinion of Piper Rudnick LLP as to legality. 5.2 Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as to legality. 8.1 Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as to certain tax matters. 10.1 Amended and Restated Management and Advisory Agreement by and among the Registrant and Fortress Investment Group LLC, dated June 23, 2003 (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 106135), Exhibit 10.1). 10.2 Limited Liability Company Agreement of Fortress Investment Group LLC, dated February 6, 1998 (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 33-90578) Exhibit 10.2). 10.3 Investment Guidelines (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 33-90578) Exhibit 10.3). 10.4 Newcastle Investment Corp. Nonqualified Stock Option and Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 106135) Exhibit 10.4). 12.1 Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.+ 21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 106135) Exhibit 21.1). 23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent accountants. 23.2 Consent of Piper Rudnick LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
II-5
EXHIBIT NO. EXHIBIT - ------- ------- 23.3 Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2) 23.4 Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1) 24.1 Powers of Attorney.+ 25.1 Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 of the Trustee under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of, as Trustee under the Senior Indenture will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference. 25.2 Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of, as Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
- --------------- + Previously filed. II-6 EX-4.2 3 y90543a1exv4w2.txt FORM OF SENIOR INDENTURE Exhibit 4.2 ================================================================================ NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. TO [ ] __________________________ INDENTURE Dated as of ________, 200_ SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES ================================================================================ CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THIS INDENTURE RELATING TO SECTIONS 310 THROUGH 318, INCLUSIVE, OF THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939:
TRUST INDENTURE INDENTURE SECTION ACT SECTION Section 310(a)(1) ............................................. 609 (a)(2) ............................................. 609 (a)(3) ............................................. Not Applicable (a)(4) ............................................. Not Applicable (b) ............................................. 608, 610 Section 311(a) ............................................. 613 (b) ............................................. 613 Section 312(a) ............................................. 701 ............................................. 702 (b) ............................................. 702 (c) . ........................................... 702 Section 313(a) ............................................. 703 (b) ............................................. 703 (c) ............................................. 703 (d) ............................................. 703 Section 314(a) ............................................. 704 (a)(4) ............................................. 101 ............................................. 1004 (b) ............................................. Not Applicable (c)(1) ............................................. 102 (c)(2) ............................................. 102 (c)(3) ............................................. Not Applicable (d) ............................................. Not Applicable (e) ............................................. 102 Section 315(a) ............................................. 601 (b) ............................................. 602 (c) ............................................. 601 (d) ............................................. 601 (e) ............................................. 514 Section 316(a) ............................................. 101 (a)(1)(A) ............................................. 502, 512 (a)(1)(B) ............................................. 513 (a)(2) ............................................. Not Applicable (b) ............................................. 508 (c) ............................................. 104 Section 317(a)(l) ............................................. 503 (a)(2) ............................................. 504 (b) ............................................. 1003 Section 318(a) ............................................. 107
NOTE: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS....................................................1 SECTION 101. Definitions...............................................1 SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions......................6 SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee....................6 SECTION 104. Acts of Holders; Record Dates.............................7 SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.....................8 SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.................................8 SECTION 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.........................9 SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents..................9 SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns....................................9 SECTION 110. Separability Clause.......................................9 SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture.....................................9 SECTION 112. Governing Law.............................................9 SECTION 113. Legal Holidays............................................9 SECTION 114. Language of Notices, Etc.................................10 SECTION 115. Submission to Jurisdiction...............................10 ARTICLE II SECURITY FORMS...............................................10 SECTION 201. Forms Generally..........................................10 SECTION 202. Form of Legend for Global Securities.....................10 SECTION 203. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication..........11 SECTION 204. Securities in Global Form................................11 ARTICLE III THE SECURITIES..............................................12 SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable In Series.....................12 SECTION 302. Denominations............................................15 SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating...........15 SECTION 304. Temporary Securities.....................................16 SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange......16 SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.........17 SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved...........18 SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners....................................19 SECTION 309. Cancellation.............................................19 SECTION 310. Computation of Interest..................................19 SECTION 311. CUSIP Numbers............................................19 ARTICLE IV SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE...................................19 SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture..................19 SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money...............................20 ARTICLE V REMEDIES......................................................21 SECTION 501. Events of Default........................................21 SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.......22 SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee................................................23 SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.........................23 SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.............................................24 SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected...........................24 SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits......................................24 SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest...................................25 SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.......................25 SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative...........................25 SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.............................25 SECTION 512. Control by Holders.......................................25 SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults..................................25 SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs....................................26 SECTION 515. Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws..................26
Page ARTICLE VI THE TRUSTEE..................................................26 SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities......................26 SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults.......................................26 SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee................................27 SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities...28 SECTION 605. May Hold Securities......................................28 SECTION 606. Money Held In Trust......................................28 SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement...........................28 SECTION 608. Conflicting Interests....................................28 SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility..................29 SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor........29 SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor...................30 SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business...............................................31 SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company........31 SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent......................31 ARTICLE VII HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY...........33 SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders................................................33 SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders...33 SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee.......................................33 The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto..............33 SECTION 704. Reports by Company.......................................34 ARTICLE VIII CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE.......34 SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.....34 SECTION 802. Successor Substituted....................................35 ARTICLE IX SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES......................................35 SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.......35 SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders..........36 SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.....................37 SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures........................37 SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act......................37 SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.......37 ARTICLE X COVENANTS.....................................................37 SECTION 1001.Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest...............37 SECTION 1002.Maintenance of Office or Agency..........................37 SECTION 1003.Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust........38 SECTION 1004.Statement by Officers as to Default......................38 SECTION 1005.Existence................................................39 SECTION 1006.Maintenance of Properties................................39 SECTION 1007.Payment of Taxes and Other Claims........................39 SECTION 1008.Waiver of Certain Covenants..............................39 SECTION 1009.Additional Amounts.......................................39 ARTICLE XI REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES.....................................40 SECTION 1101.Applicability of Article.................................40 SECTION 1102.Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee....................40 SECTION 1103.Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed........41 SECTION 1104.Notice of Redemption.....................................41 SECTION 1105.Deposit of Redemption Price..............................42 SECTION 1106.Securities Payable on Redemption Date....................42 SECTION 1107.Securities Redeemed in Part..............................42 ARTICLE XII SINKING FUNDS...............................................42 SECTION 1201.Applicability of Article.................................42 SECTION 1202.Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities....43 SECTION 1203.Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund................43 ARTICLE XIII DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE.........................43 SECTION 1301.Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.............................................43
Page SECTION 1302.Defeasance and Discharge.................................43 SECTION 1303.Covenant Defeasance......................................44 SECTION 1304.Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance..........44 SECTION 1305.Deposited Money and Government Obligations to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.................46 SECTION 1306.Reinstatement............................................46 ARTICLE XIV MEETING OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES............................46 SECTION 1401.Purposes for which Meetings may be Called................46 SECTION 1402.Call, Notice and Place of Meetings.......................46 SECTION 1403.Persons entitled to Vote at Meetings.....................47 SECTION 1404.Quorum; Action...........................................47 SECTION 1405.Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings............................................48 SECTION 1406.Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings..........48
INDENTURE, dated as of _________, 200_ between Newcastle Investment Corp. a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland (herein called the "Company"), having its principal office at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10020 and [ ] as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee"). Recitals of The Company The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the "Securities"), which may be convertible into or exchangeable for any securities of any persons (including the Company), to be issued in one or more series as in this Indenture provided. All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid and legally binding agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done. NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH: For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of Series thereof, as follows: ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS SECTION 101. Definitions. 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 United States generally accepted accounting principles, the term "generally accepted accounting principles" with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted as consistently applied by the Company at the date of such computation; (4) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an "Article", a "Section" or an "Exhibit" refers to an Article, a Section or an Exhibit, as the case may be, of or to this Indenture; and (5) 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. Certain terms, used principally in Article Six and Article Thirteen, are defined in those Articles. "Act", when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in Section 104. "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing. "Authenticating Agent" means any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to Section 614 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or more series. "Authorized Newspaper" means a newspaper, in the English language or in an official language of the country of publication, customarily published on each Business Day, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, and of general circulation in each place in connection with which the term is used or in the financial community of each such place. Where successive publications are required to be made in Authorized Newspapers, the successive publications may be made in the same or in different newspapers in the same city meeting the foregoing requirements and in each case on any Business Day. "Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of that board. "Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee. "Business Day", when used with respect to any Place of Payment, means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close. "Commission" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument the United States Securities and Exchange Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time. "Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Company" shall mean such successor Person. "Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee. "Corporate Trust Office" means the principal office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which as of the date hereof is located at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 8W, NY, NY 10286 Attn: Corporate Trust Administration. "corporation" means a corporation, association, company, joint-stock company or business trust. "Covenant Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 1303. "Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 307. "Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 1302. 2 "Depositary" means, with respect to Securities of any series issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as Depositary for such Securities as contemplated by Section 301. "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 501. "Exchange Act" means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time. "Expiration Date" has the meaning specified in Section 104. "Global Security" means a Security that evidences all or part of the Securities of any series and bears the legend set forth in Section 202 (or such legend as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities). "Government Obligation" has the meaning specified in Section 1304. "Holder" means the Person in whose name the Security is registered in the Security Register. "Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed and as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this 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 301. "interest", when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity. "Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security. "Investment Company Act" means the United States Investment Company Act of 1940 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time. "Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise. "Notice of Default" means a written notice of the kind specified in Section 501(4). "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee. One of the officers signing an Officers' Certificate given pursuant to Section 1004 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company. "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel. "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 502. "Outstanding", when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except: 3 (1) Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; (2) Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made; (3) Securities as to which Defeasance has been effected pursuant to Section 1302; and (4) Securities that have been paid pursuant to Section 305 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Company; 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 or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of Holders of Securities, (A) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of such date upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof to such date pursuant to Section 502, (B) if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of a Security is not determinable, the principal amount of such Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount as specified or determined as contemplated by Section 301, (C) the principal amount of a Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of such date in the manner provided as contemplated by Section 301, of the principal amount of such Security (or, in the case of a Security described in Clause (A) or (B) above, of the amount determined as provided in such Clause), and (D) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver, or other action, or upon any such determination as to the presence of a quorum, only Securities that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor. "Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company. "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof. "Place of Payment", when used with respect to the Securities of any series, means the place or places specified in accordance with Section 301 where the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series are payable. "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 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a 4 mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security. "Redemption Date", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture. "Redemption Price", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture. "Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301. "Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee, means any vice president, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer, any trust officer or assistant trust officer, the controller or any assistant controller or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have responsibility for the administration of this Indenture. "Securities" has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture provided, however, that if at any time there is more than one Person acting as Trustee under this Indenture, "Securities" with respect to the Indenture as to which such Person is Trustee shall have the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and shall more particularly mean Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, exclusive, however, of Securities of any series as to which such Person is not Trustee. "Securities Act" means the United States Securities Act of 1933 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time. "Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the respective meanings specified in Section 305. "Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307. "Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable. "Subsidiary" means a corporation or limited liability Company more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this definition, "voting-stock" means the equity interest that ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors, managers or trustees of an entity, or persons performing similar functions, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of equity interest has such voting power by reason of any contingency. "Trust Indenture Act" means the United States Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed; provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, "Trust Indenture Act" means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended. "Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, "Trustee" as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series. 5 "United States Alien" means any Person who, for United States Federal income tax purposes, is a foreign corporation, a non-resident alien individual, a non-resident alien fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust, or a foreign partnership one or more of the members of which is, for United States Federal income tax purposes, a foreign corporation, a non-resident alien individual or a non-resident alien fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust. "Vice President", when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title "vice president". SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions. Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee such certificates and opinions as may be required under the Trust Indenture Act. Each such certificate or opinion shall be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate, if to be given by an officer of the Company, or an Opinion of Counsel, if to be given by counsel, and shall comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and any other requirements set forth in this Indenture. Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (except for certificates provided for in Section 1004) shall include, (1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto; (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 each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and (4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with. SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee. In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be 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 Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or opinion of counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous. 6 Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument. SECTION 104. Acts of Holders; Record Dates. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agent duly appointed in writing. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section. The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient. The principal amount and serial numbers of Securities held by any Person, and the date of holding the same, shall be proved by the Security Register. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security. The Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to give, make or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders of Securities of such series, provided, that the Company may not set a record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to, the giving or making of any notice, declaration, request or direction referred to in the next paragraph. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take the relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided, that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106. The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to join in the giving or making of (i) any Notice of Default, (ii) any declaration of acceleration referred to in Section 502, (iii) any request to institute proceedings referred 7 to in Section 507(2) or (iv) any direction referred to in Section 512, in each case with respect to Securities of such series. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided, that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Company's expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Company in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106. With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto that sets such record date may designate any day as the "Expiration Date" and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto that set such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the 180th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this paragraph. Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Security may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Security or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount. SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with, (1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing (which may be via facsimile) to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration, or (2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this instrument, Attention: General Counsel, or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company. SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, where this Indenture provides for notice of any event to Holders of Securities, such notice shall be sufficiently given to Holders of Securities if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of a Security affected by such event, at the address of such Holder as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date (if any), prescribed for the giving of such notice. 8 In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice to Holders of Securities by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder. In any case where notice to Holders of Securities is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder of a Security shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders of Securities shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver. SECTION 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act This Indenture shall incorporate and be governed by the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of and to govern indentures qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act that is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this Indenture, the latter provision shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act that may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be. SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents. The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof. SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not. SECTION 110. Separability Clause. In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture. Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder, and the Holders of Securities, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture. SECTION 112. Governing Law. This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York. SECTION 113. Legal Holidays. In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities (other than a provision of any Security which specifically states that such 9 provision shall apply in lieu of this Section)) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity. SECTION 114. Language of Notices, Etc. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver required or permitted under this Indenture shall be in the English language, except that any published notice may be in an official language of the country of publication. SECTION 115. Submission to Jurisdiction The Company irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court in the City, County and State of New York, United States, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any legal suit, action or proceeding based on or arising under the Securities or this Indenture and agrees that all claims in respect of such suit or proceeding may be determined in any such court. The Company irrevocably waives to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection to any such suit, including actions, suits or proceedings relating to the securities laws of the United States of America or any state thereof, in such courts whether on the grounds of venue, residence or domicile or the defense of an inconvenient forum or objections to personal jurisdiction with respect to the maintenance of such legal suit, action or proceeding. The Company agrees that the final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company and may be enforced in any court to the jurisdiction of which the Company is subject by a suit upon such judgment. ARTICLE II SECURITY FORMS SECTION 201. Forms Generally. The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the forms set forth in Exhibits A and A1 or in such other form (including temporary or permanent global form) as shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or Depositary therefor or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Securities as evidenced by their execution thereof. If the form of Securities of any series is established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 303 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities (or any such temporary global Security). The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities. SECTION 202. Form of Legend for Global Securities. Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for the Securities evidenced thereby, every Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form: THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED 10 TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE. SECTION 203. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication. The Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in substantially the following form: This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture. ______________________________________ As Trustee By____________________________________ Authorized Signatory Dated:________________________________ SECTION 204. Securities in Global Form. If Securities of or within a series are issuable in global form, as specified as contemplated by Section 301, then, notwithstanding clause (10) of Section 301 and the provisions of Section 302, any such Security shall represent such of the Outstanding Securities of such series as shall be specified therein and may provide that it shall represent the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities represented thereby may from time to time be reduced to reflect exchanges. Any endorsement of a Security in global form to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, of Outstanding Securities represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee in such manner and upon instructions given by such Person or Persons as shall be specified therein or in the Company Order to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 303 or Section 304. Subject to the provisions of Section 303 and, if applicable, Section 304, the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any Security in permanent global form in the manner and upon instructions given by the Person or Persons specified therein or in the applicable Company Order. If a Company Order pursuant to Section 303 or Section 304 has been, or simultaneously is, delivered, any instructions by the Company with respect to endorsement or delivery or redelivery of a Security in global form shall be in writing but need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel. The provisions of the last sentence of Section 303 shall apply to any Security represented by a Security in global form if such Security was never issued and sold by the Company and the Company delivers to the Trustee the Security in global from together with written instructions (which need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) with regard to the reduction in the principal amount of Securities represented thereby, together with the written statement contemplated by the last sentence of Section 303. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 201 and 307, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, payment of principal of and any premium and interest on any Security in permanent global form shall be made to the Person or Persons specified therein. 11 ARTICLE III. THE SECURITIES SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable In Series. The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution and, subject to Section 303, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officers' Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series, (1) the title of the Securities of the series, including cusip numbers, if applicable (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from Securities of any other series); (2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906 or 1107 and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder); (3) whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable initially in temporary global form and whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable in permanent global form and, if so, whether beneficial owners of interests in any such permanent global Security may exchange such interests for Securities of such series and of like tenor of any authorized form and denomination and the circumstances under which any such exchanges may occur, if other than in the manner provided in Section 305; (4) the Person to whom any interest on any Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global Security on an Interest Payment Date will be paid if other than in the manner provided in Section 304; (5) the date or dates on which the principal of the Securities of the series is payable; (6) the ability to issue additional Securities in the same series; (7) the price or prices at which we will sell the Securities; (8) the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of any such deferral period, including the maximum consecutive period during which interest payment periods may be extended; (9) provisions, if any, granting special rights to holders of the Securities upon the occurrence of specified events; 12 (10) the terms, if any, upon which Holders may convert or exchange the Securities into or for the Company's common stock, preferred stock or other securities or property; (11) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, or the method by which such rate shall be determined, the date or dates from which any such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which any such interest shall be payable, the Regular Record Date for the interest payable on any Securities on any Interest Payment Date; (12) the place or places where, subject to the provisions of Section 1002, the principal of and any premium, if any, and interest, if any, on Securities of the series shall be payable, where any Securities of the series may be surrendered for registration of transfer, where Securities of the series may be surrendered for exchange, where Securities of the series that are convertible or exchangeable may be surrendered for conversion or exchange, as applicable, and notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of the series and this Indenture may be served; (13) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part at the option of the Company and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to redeem the Securities shall be evidenced; (14) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase any Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of the Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation; (15) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which any Securities of the series shall be issuable; (16) whether the amount of payments of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which index, formula or method may be based, without limitation, on one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices), and the manner in which such amounts shall be determined; (17) the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable if other than the currency of the United States of America and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in the currency of the United States of America for purposes of the definition of "Outstanding" in Section 101; (18) if the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series is to be payable, at the election of the Company or the Holder thereof, in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which such Securities are stated to be payable, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on such Securities as to which such election is made shall be payable, the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amount so payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined); 13 (19) if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of any Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502; (20) if the principal of and any premium or interest on the Securities of the series are to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in a currency or currencies, including composite currencies, other than that or those in which the Securities are stated to be payable, the currency or currencies in which payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on Securities of such series as to which such election is made shall be payable, and the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made; (21) if either or both of the provisions of Section 1302 or 1303 are applicable to the Securities of such series; (22) if the amount of principal and interest on the Securities of the series may be determined by reference to an index, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined; (23) if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of any Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the Stated Maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such Securities as of any such date for any purpose thereunder or hereunder, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which shall be deemed to be Outstanding as of any date prior to the Stated Maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed, to be the principal amount shall be determined); (24) if applicable, that the Securities of the series, in whole or any specified part, shall be defeasible pursuant to Section 1302 or Section 1303 or both such Sections and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to defease such Securities shall be evidenced; (25) if applicable, that any Securities of the series shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such case, the respective Depositaries for such Global Securities, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by any such Global Security in addition to or in lieu of that set forth in Section 202 and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth, in the seventh paragraph of Section 305 in which any such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and any transfer of such Global Security in whole or in part may be registered in the name or name of Persons other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof; (26) any addition to or change in the Events of Default which applies to any Securities of the series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the requisite Holders of such Securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable pursuant to Section 502; (27) any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Article Ten which applies to Securities of the series; (28) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by Section 901(5); and 14 (30) whether, under what circumstances and the Currency in which the Company will pay Additional Amounts as contemplated by Section 1009 on the Securities of the series to any Holder who is not a United States Person(s) (including any modification to the definition of such term) in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether the Company will have the option to redeem such Securities rather than pay such Additional Amounts (and the terms of any such option). All Securities of such series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to above and (subject to Section 303) set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in the Officers' Certificate referred to above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto. If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers' Certificate setting forth the terms of the series. SECTION 302. Denominations. Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to the Securities of any series, any Securities of such series, other than Securities issued in global form (which may be of any denomination), shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating. The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents, under its corporate seal reproduced thereon attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile. Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities. At any time and from time to, time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities. If the forms or terms of the Securities of the series have been established by or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Sections 201 and 301, 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 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating, (1) if the forms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 201, that such form have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; (2) if the terms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 301, that such terms have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and (3) that such Securities when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such 15 Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles. If such form or terms have been so established, 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. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 and of the two preceding paragraphs, if all Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver the Officer's Certificate otherwise required pursuant to Section 301 or the Company Order and Opinion of Counsel otherwise required pursuant to such preceding paragraphs at or prior to the authentication of each Security of such series if such documents are delivered at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security of such series to be issued. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication. No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 309, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. SECTION 304. Temporary Securities. Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities. If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of that series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor one or more definitive Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and like aggregate principal amount and tenor. Until exchanged in full as hereinafter provided, the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of the same series and of like tenor authenticated and delivered hereunder. SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange. The Company shall cause to be kept at an office or agency to be maintained by the Company in accordance with Section 1002 a register (being the combined register of the Security Registrar and all 16 transfer agents designated pursuant to Section 1002 for the purpose of registration of transfer of Securities and sometimes collectively referred to as the "Security Register") in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and the registration of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby appointed "Security Registrar" for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of a series at the office or agency of the Company maintained pursuant to Section 1002 for such purpose in a Place of Payment for that series, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount. At the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive. All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange. Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee or any transfer agent) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar or any transfer agent duly executed, by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing. No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 906 or 1107 not involving any transfer. If the Securities of any series (or of any series and specified tenor) are to be redeemed in part, the Company shall not be required (A) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Securities of that series (or of that series and specified tenor, as the case may be) during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection of Securities of that series to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption. SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities. If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding. If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding. Notwithstanding the provisions of the previous two paragraphs, in case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security. 17 Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith. Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that series duly issued hereunder. The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities. SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved. Except as otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities, interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest. Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in Clause (1) or (2) below: (1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this Clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be given to each Holder of Securities of such series in the manner set forth in Section 106, not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following Clause (2). (2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of any series 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 Company to the 18 Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this Clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee. Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section and Section 305, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security. SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners. Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and any premium and (subject to Section 305 and Section 307) any interest on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary. SECTION 309. Cancellation. All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and shall be promptly cancelled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder which the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of as directed by a Company Order or in the Trustee's customary manner, which manner shall be communicated in writing to the Company. SECTION 310. Computation of Interest. Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. SECTION 311. CUSIP Numbers The Company in issuing the Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use such "CUSIP" numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will notify the Trustee of any change "CUSIP" numbers. ARTICLE IV SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture. This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities herein expressly provided for, and any right to receive additional amounts, as provided in Section 1009), and the Trustee, at the expense of the 19 Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when (1) either (A) all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 and Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or (B) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation: (i) have become due and payable, or (ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity 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 by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company, and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be; (2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and (3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with. Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607, the obligations of the Trustee to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of Clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 402 and the last paragraph of Section 1003 shall survive such satisfaction and discharge. SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money. Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal and any premium and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee. 20 ARTICLE V REMEDIES SECTION 501. Events of Default. "Event of Default", wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body): (1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or, (2) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any Security of that series at its Maturity and (if so established as contemplated by Section 301 in respect of that series), in the case of technical or administrative difficulties only if such default persists for a period of five days; or (3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of a Security of that series; or (4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of series of Securities other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder or (5) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 90 consecutive days; or (6) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, of the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or State law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other 21 similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or (7) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series. SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment. If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 501(5),or 501(6)) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 501(5) or 501 (6) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) shall automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and payable. At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if (1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay (A) all overdue interest on all Securities of that series, (B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, (C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and (D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel; and (2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other than the non-payment of the principal of Securities of that series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513. 22 No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon. SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee. The Company covenants that if (1) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or (2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security at the Maturity thereof, the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances, of the Trustee, its agents and counsel. If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities, wherever situated. If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem reasonably necessary to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy. SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. In case of any judicial proceeding relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), its property or its creditors, the Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in order to have claims of the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding. In particular, the Trustee shall be authorized to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607. No provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding; provided, however, that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors' or other similar committee. 23 SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities. All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered. SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected. Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal or any premium or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid: FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 607; SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities 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 any premium and interest, respectively; and THIRD: To the Company. SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits. No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless (1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series; (2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder; (3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request; (4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and (5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60 - day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series; it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such Holders. 24 SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and any premium and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest on such Security on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder. SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies. If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder; then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted. SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative. Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy. SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver. No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be. SECTION 512. Control by Holders. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Securities of such series, provided that (1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture, and (2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction. SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default 25 (1) in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of such series, or (2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected. Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon. SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs. In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, a court may require any party litigant in such suit to file an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and may assess costs including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses against any such party litigant, in the manner and to the extent provided in the Trust Indenture Act; provided that neither this Section nor the Trust Indenture Act shall be deemed to authorize any court to require such an undertaking or to make such an assessment in any suit instituted by the Company. SECTION 515. Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws. The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any usury, stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted. ARTICLE VI THE TRUSTEE SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section. SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults. If a default occurs hereunder with respect to Securities of any series, 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 Section 501(4) with -respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term "default" means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series. 26 SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee. Subject to the provisions of Section 601: (1) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document (whether in its original or facsimile form) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties; (2) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order, and any resolution of the Board of Directors shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution; (3) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers' Certificate; (4) the Trustee may consult with counsel of its own selection and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon; (5) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or Indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction; (6) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney; (7) 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 (8) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture; (9) he Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture; 27 (10) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and the Person employed to act hereunder; and SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities. The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee's certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof. SECTION 605. May Hold Securities. The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 608 and 613, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent SECTION 606. Money Held In Trust. Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed with the Company. SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement. The Company agrees (1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust); (2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as shall be determined to have been caused by its own negligence or bad faith; and (3) to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability claim, damage or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. SECTION 608. Conflicting Interests. If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. To the extent permitted by 28 such Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of being a trustee under this Indenture with respect to Securities of more than one series. SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility. There shall at all times be one (and only one) Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of each series, which may be Trustee hereunder for Securities of one or more other series. Each Trustee shall be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and has its Corporate Trust Office in New York, New York. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section and to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article. SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor. No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611. The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series. The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company. If at any time: (1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 608 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or (2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 609 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder, or (3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, then, in any such case, (A) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (B) subject to Section 514, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees. If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of 29 that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 611. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders of Securities of such series and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 611, any Holder who has been a bona tide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series. The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series to all Holders of Securities of such series in the manner provided in Section 106. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office. SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor. 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 Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder. In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, 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) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates. 30 Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be. No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article. SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business. Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any 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. SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company. If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of Section 311 of the Trust Indenture Act, but only to the extent therein specified, regarding the collection of claims against the Company (or any such other obligor). For purposes of Section 311(b)(4) and (6) of such Act, the following terms shall mean: (a) "cash transaction" means any transaction in which full payment for goods or securities sold is made within seven days after delivery of the goods or securities in currency or in checks or other orders drawn upon banks or bankers and payable upon demand; and (b) "self-liquidating paper" means any draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation which is made, drawn, negotiated or incurred by the Company for the purpose of financing the purchase, processing, manufacturing, shipment, storage or sale of goods, wares or merchandise and which is secured by documents evidencing title to, possession of, or a lien upon, the goods, wares or merchandise or the receivables or proceeds arising from the sale of the goods, wares or merchandise previously constituting the security, provided the security is received by the Trustee simultaneously with the creation of the creditor relationship with the Company arising from the making, drawing, negotiating or incurring of the draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation. SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent. The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon original issue and upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 306, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Any such appointment shall be evidenced by an instrument in writing signed by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, and a copy of such insufficient shall be promptly furnished to the Company. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee's certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or 31 examination by Federal or State authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section. Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall he a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent, provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or tiling of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent. An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give notice of such appointment in the manner provided in Section 106 to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section. The Trustee agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section, and the Trustee shall be entitled to be reimbursed for such payments, subject to the provisions of Section 607. If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee's certificate of authentication, an alternative certificate of authentication in the following form: This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture. ------------------------------ As Trustee By: ------------------------- As Authenticating Agent By: ------------------------- Authorized Officer If all of the Securities of a series may not be originally issued at one time, and if the Trustee does not have an office capable of authenticating Securities upon original issuance located in a Place of Payment where the Company wishes to have Securities of such series authenticated upon original issuance, the Trustee, if so requested by the Company in writing (which writing need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel), shall appoint in accordance with this Section an 32 Authenticating Agent having an office in a Place of Payment designated by the Company with respect to such series of Securities. ARTICLE VII HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders. The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee (1) semi-annually, not later than 15 days after each Regular Record Date or in the case of any series of Securities on which semi-annual interest is not payable, not more than 15 days after such semi-annual dates specified by the Trustee, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities of each series as of the Regular Record Date or such semi-annual date, as the case may be, and (2) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished; excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders. The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished. The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act. Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of information as to names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act. SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee. The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto. A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange or delisted therefrom. 33 SECTION 704. Reports by Company. The Company shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, and transmit to Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant to such Act; provided that any such information, documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within 15 days after the same is so required to be filed with the Commission. ARTICLE VIII CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms. The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person (other than a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) and the Company shall not permit any Person (other than a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) to consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to the Company, unless: (1) the Company is the surviving corporation or, in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be a corporation, partnership or trust, organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest (including all additional amounts, if any payable pursuant to Section 1009) on all the Securities and the performance or observance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed; (2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing; (3) if, as a result of any such consolidation or merger or such conveyance, transfer or lease, properties or assets of the Company would become subject to a mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other encumbrance which would not be permitted by this Indenture, the Company or such successor Person, as the case may be, shall take such steps as shall be necessary effectively to secure the Securities equally and ratably with (or prior to) all indebtedness secured thereby; and (4) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with. 34 SECTION 802. Successor Substituted. Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section 801, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities. ARTICLE IX SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders. Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes: (1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities; or (2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or (3) to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such additional Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such additional Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); or (4) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Securities, provided that any such addition, change or elimination (A) shall neither (i) apply to any Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor (ii) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision or (B) shall become effective only when there is no such Security Outstanding; or (5) to secure the Securities; or (6) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301; or (7) 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 611; or 35 (8) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, provided that such action pursuant to this Clause (8) shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect. SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders. With the consent of the Holders of not less than 50% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby, (1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or change any obligation of the Company to pay additional amounts pursuant to Section 1009 (except as contemplated by Section 801(1) and permitted by Section 901(1), 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 502, or change any Place of Payment where, 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 on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date), or (2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or (3) change any obligation of the Company to maintain an office or agency in the places and for the purposes specified in Section 1002, or (4) modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 513 or Section 1009, 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 and Section 1008, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 611 and 901(7). 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 any Act of Holders of Securities under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof. 36 SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures. In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee's owner's rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise. SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures. Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby. SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act. Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act. SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures. Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series. ARTICLE X COVENANTS SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest. The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of Holders of each series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of the Securities and this Indenture. SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency. The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of any such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency in respect of any series of Securities or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations and surrenders of Securities of that series may be made and notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the same as its agent to receive such respective presentations, surrenders, notices and demands. The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the 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 Company of its 37 obligation to maintain an office or agency in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency. SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust. If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest on any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal and any premium or interest so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act. Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal and any premium 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 Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act. The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will (1) comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent and (2) during the continuance of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of any payment in respect of the Securities of that series, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of the Securities of that series. The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money. Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal and any premium or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in an Authorized Newspaper in each Place of Payment, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company. SECTION 1004. Statement by Officers as to Default. The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers' Certificate, stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signers thereof the Company is in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they may have knowledge. The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, as soon as 38 reasonably prachcable and in any event within 20 days after the Company becomes aware of the occurrence of any Event of Default or an event which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default, an Officers' Certificate setting forth the details of such Event of Default or default. SECTION 1005. Existence. Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the ability of the Company to make payments hereunder. SECTION 1006. Maintenance of Properties. The Company will cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the ability of the Company to make payments hereunder. SECTION 1007. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims. The Company will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (1) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon the Company or any Subsidiary or upon the income, profits or property of the Company or any Subsidiary, and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon the property of the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith. SECTION 1008. Waiver of Certain Covenants. Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series, the Company may, with respect to the Securities of any series, omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in any covenant provided pursuant to Section 301(22), 901(2) or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such series if before the time for such compliance the Holders of at least 50% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 1009. Additional Amounts If the Securities of a series provide for the payment of additional amounts, the Company will pay to the Holder of any Security of such series additional amounts as provided therein. Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on, 39 or in respect of, any Security of any series or the net proceeds received on the sale or exchange of any Security of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of additional amounts provided for in this Section to the extent that, in such context, additional amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to the provisions of this Section and express mention of the payment of additional amounts (if applicable) in any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding additional amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made. If the Securities of a series provide for the payment of additional amounts, at least 10 days prior to the first Interest Payment Date with respect to that series of Securities (or if the Securities of that series will not bear interest prior to Maturity, the first day on which a payment of principal and any premium is made), and at least 10 days prior to each date of payment of principal and any premium or interest if there has been any change with respect to the matters set forth in the below-mentioned Officers' Certificate, the Company will furnish the Trustee and the Company's principal Payment Agent or Paying Agents, if other than the Trustee, with an Officers' Certificate instructing the Trustee and such Paying Agent or Paying Agents whether such payment of principal of and any premium or interest on the Securities of that series shall be made to Holders of Securities of that series who are United States Aliens without withholding for or on account of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge described in the Securities of that series. If any such withholding shall be required, then such Officers' Certificate shall specify by country the amount, if any, required to be withheld on such payments to such Holders of Securities and the Company will pay to the Trustee or such Paying Agent the additional amounts required by this Section. The Company covenants to indemnify the Trustee and any Paying Agent for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, liability or expense reasonably incurred without negligence or bad faith on their part arising out of or in connection with actions taken or omitted by any of them in reliance on any Officers' Certificate furnished pursuant to this Section. ARTICLE XI REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article. Securities of any series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities) in accordance with this Article. SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee. The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of less than all the Securities of any series (including any such redemption affecting only a single Security), the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date, of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and, if applicable, of the tenor of the Securities to be redeemed (unless all of the Securities of a specified tenor are to be redeemed). In the case of any redemption of Securities (i) prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, or (ii) pursuant to an election of the Company which is subject to a condition specified in the terms of such Securities, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers' Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction or condition. 40 SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed. If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed or unless such redemption affects only a single Security), the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities of such series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or of the principal amount of global securities of such series. If less than all of the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series and specified tenor not previously called for redemption in accordance with the preceding sentence. If so specified in the Securities of a series, partial redemptions must be in an amount not less than $1,000,000 principal amount of Securities. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities selected for redemption as aforesaid and, in case of any Securities selected for partial redemption as aforesaid, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. The provisions of the two preceding paragraphs shall not apply with respect to any redemption affecting only a single Security, whether such Security is to be redeemed in whole or in part. In the case of any such redemption in part, the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of the Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security. For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed. SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption shall be given in the manner provided in Section 106 to the Holders of Securities to be redeemed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date. All notices of redemption shall state: (1) the Redemption Date, (2) the Redemption Price, (3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of more than a single Security are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption of any such Securities, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed and, if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of a single Security are to be redeemed, the principal amount of the particular Security to be redeemed, (4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date, (5) the place or places where such Securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price, 41 (6) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case, and (7) applicable cusip numbers, if any A notice of redemption published as contemplated by Section 106 need not identify particular Registered Securities to be redeemed. Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company and shall be irrevocable. SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price. Prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date. SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date. Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, installments of interests on Securities whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307. If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and any premium shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security. SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part. Any Security which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series and of like tenor, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered. ARTICLE XII SINKING FUNDS SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article. The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of any series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities. 42 The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of any Securities 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 such Securities is herein referred to as an "optional sinking fund payment". If provided for by the terms of any Securities, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities as provided for by the terms of such Securities. SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities. The Company (1) may deliver Outstanding Securities of a series (other than any previously called for redemption) and (2) may apply as a credit Securities of a series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to any Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as and to the extent provided for by the terms of such Securities; provided that the Securities to be so credited have not been previously so credited. The Securities to be so credited shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price, as specified in the Securities so to be redeemed, for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly. SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund. Not less than 45 days prior (unless a shorter period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) to each sinking fund payment date for any Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for such Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities pursuant to Section 1202 and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Not less than [15 nor more than 45] days prior to each such sinking fund payment date, the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 1106 and 1107. ARTICLE XIII DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE SECTION 1301. Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. The Company may at its option, at any time elect to have either Section 1302 or Section 1303 applied to the Outstanding Securities of any series upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article Thirteen. SECTION 1302. Defeasance and Discharge. Upon the Company's exercise of the option provided in Section 1301 applicable to this Section, the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to the Outstanding Securities of any series on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, "defeasance"). For this purpose, such defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the Outstanding Securities of such series and to have satisfied all its other obligations under the Securities of such series and this Indenture insofar as the Securities of such series are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (A) the rights of Holders of the Securities of such series to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 1304 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the 43 principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of such series when such payments are due, (B) the Company's obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 304, 305, 306, 1002 and 1003, (C) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (D) this Article Thirteen. Subject to compliance with this Article Thirteen, the Company may exercise its option under this Section 1302 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 1303. SECTION 1303. Covenant Defeasance. Upon the Company's exercise of the option provided in Section 1301 applicable to this Section, (i) the Company shall be released from its obligations with respect to the Securities of such Series under Section 801, Sections 1005 through 1009, inclusive, and any covenants provided pursuant to Section 301(22), 901(2) or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities and (ii) the occurrence of an event specified in Sections 501(3), (4) or (5) shall not be deemed to be an Event of Default on and after the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, "covenant defeasance"). For this purpose, such covenant defeasance means that the Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such Section or clause whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or clause or by reason of any reference in any such Section or clause to any other provision herein or in any other document, but the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby. SECTION 1304. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. The following shall be the conditions to application of either Section 1302 or Section 1303 to the then Outstanding Securities of any series: (1) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 609 who shall agree to comply with the provisions of this Article Thirteen applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series, (A) money in an amount, or (B) Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, money in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof, sufficient, 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, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, the principal of , premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of interest in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of the Securities of such series. For this purpose, "Government Obligations" means, with respect to any series of Securities, securities that are (x) direct obligations of the government that issued the currency in which such series is denominated (or, if such series is denominated in euro, the direct obligations of any government that is a member of the European Monetary Union) for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (y) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of such government the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by such government, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable 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) as custodian with respect to any Government Obligation where the relevant government is the United States of America or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the such 44 Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal of or interest on such Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt. (2) In the event of an election to have Section 1302 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of Counsel stating that (x) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (y) since the date of this Indenture there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of the Outstanding Securities of such series will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred. (3) In the event of an election to have Section 1303 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect the that Holders of the Outstanding Securities of such series will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and covenant defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and covenant defeasance had not occurred. (4) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate to the effect that the Securities of such series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will not be delisted as a result of such deposit. (5) No Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or, insofar as subsections 501(6) and (7) are concerned, at any time during the period ending on the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period). (6) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest as defined in Section 608 and for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to any securities of the Company. (7) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound. (8) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee and Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to either the defeasance under Section 1302 or the covenant defeasance under Section 1303 (as the case may be) have been complied with. (9) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company as defined in the Investment Company Act, or such trust shall be qualified under such act or exempt from regulation thereunder. 45 SECTION 1305. Deposited Money and Government Obligations to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions. Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee (solely for purposes of this Section and Section 1306, the Trustee and any such other trustee are referred to collectively, for purposes of this Section 1305, as the "Trustee") pursuant to Section 1304 in respect of the Securities of such series shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities of such series and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of the Securities of such series, of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 1304 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the Outstanding Securities. Anything in this Article Thirteen to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall delivered or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any money or Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 1304 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent defeasance or covenant defeasance. SECTION 1306. Reinstatement. If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money in accordance with Section 1302 or 1303 by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Company's obligations under this Indenture and the Securities of such series shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article Thirteen until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 1302 or 1303; provided, however, that if the Company makes any payment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Security following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of the Securities of such series to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or the Paying Agent. ARTICLE XIV MEETING OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES SECTION 1401. Purposes for which Meetings may be Called A meeting of Holders of Securities of any or all series of Securities may be called at any time and from time to time pursuant to this Article to make, give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be made, given to taken by Holders of Securities of such series. SECTION 1402. Call, Notice and Place of Meetings (a) The Trustee may at any time call a meeting of Holders of Securities of any series for any purposes specified in Section 1401, to be held at any such time and at such place in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, or in London as the Trustee shall determine. Notice of every meeting of 46 Holders 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 106, not less than 21 nor more than 180 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting. (b) In case at any time the Company, 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 Holders of Securities of such series for any purpose specified in Section 1401, 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 21 days after receipt of such request or shall not thereafter proceed to cause the meeting to be held as provided herein, then the Company or the Holders of Securities of such series in the amount above specified, as the case may be, may determine the time and the place in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, or in London for such meeting and may call such meeting for such purposes by giving notice thereof as provided in subsection (a) of this Section. SECTION 1403. Persons entitled to Vote at Meetings Upon the calling of a meeting of Holders with respect to the Securities of a series all or part of which are represented by a Security, a record date shall be established for determining Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series entitled to vote at such meeting, which record date shall be the close of business on the day the notice of the meeting of Holders is given in accordance with Section 1402. The Holders on such record date, and their designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to vote at such meeting of Holders. To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders, a Person shall (a) be a Holder of one or more Securities or (b) be a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy by a Holder of one or more Securities; provided, however, that in the case of any meeting of Holders with respect to the Securities of a series all or part of which are represented by a Security, only Holders, or their designated proxies, of record on the record date established pursuant to Section 1403 hereof shall be entitled to vote at such meeting. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Holders shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel and any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Company and its counsel. SECTION 1404. 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 Holders 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 Holders of not less than 50% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series, the Persons entitled to vote 50% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum within 30 minutes of the time appointed for any such meeting, the meeting shall, if convened at the request of Holders 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 any such adjourned meeting, such adjourned meeting may be further adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such adjourned meeting. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall be given as provided in Section 1402(a), 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. Notice of the reconvening of an adjourned meeting shall state expressly the percentage, as provided above, of the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series which shall constitute a quorum. Except as limited by the proviso to the first paragraph of Section 902, 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 the first paragraph of Section 902, any resolution with respect to any consent or waiver which this Indenture expressly provides may be given by the Holders of not less than 50% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series may be 47 adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting duly convened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid only by the affirmative vote of the Holders of 50% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series; and provided, further, that, except as limited by the proviso to the first paragraph of Section 902, 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 any adjourned meeting duly reconvened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid by the affirmative vote of the Holders of such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series. Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series duly held in accordance with this Section shall be binding on all the Holders of Securities of such series and the related coupons, whether or not present or represented at the meeting. SECTION 1405. Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Holders of Securities of a series in regard to proof of the holding of Securities of such 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 inspectors of votes, 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 is 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 104 and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 104 or by having the signature of the person executing the proxy witnessed or guaranteed by any trust company, bank or banker authorized by Section 104. Such regulations may provide that written instruments appointing proxies, regular on their face, may be presumed valid and genuine without the proof specified in Section 104 or other proof. (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 Company or by Holders of Securities as provided in Section 1402(b), in which case the Company or the Holders 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 Holders of Securities of any series duly called pursuant to Section 1402 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 1406. Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be by written ballots on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Holders 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 48 all votes cast at the meeting. A record, at least in duplicate, of the proceedings of each meeting of Holders 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 facts setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was given as provided in Section 1402 and, if applicable, Section 1404. Each copy shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and secretary of the meeting and one such copy shall be delivered to the Company, and another to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated. ------------------------- This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the day and year first above written. NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. By: ------------------------- Attest: - ------------------------- By: ------------------------- 49 STATE OF - ) ) ss.: COUNTY OF - ) On the ____ day of _____________, before me personally came ___________ to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is ___________of __________________, one of the corporations described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of said corporation; and that he signed his name thereto by like authority. 50 EXHIBIT A FORM OF FACE OF REGISTERED SECURITY ------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- No._________ $ Newcastle Investment Corp., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Maryland (herein called the "Company", which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to __________________ , or registered assigns, the principal sum of __________________ Dollars on _____________________ . The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or -more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the ___________ or __________ (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture]. [If the Security is not to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert -- The principal of this Security shall not bear interest except in the case of a default in payment of principal upon acceleration, upon redemption or at Stated Maturity and in such case the overdue principal and any overdue premium shall bear interest at the rate of _____% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment. Interest on any overdue principal or premium shall be payable on demand. Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any such interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in _________, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register. Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place. Unless the certificate of authentication hereof has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed under its corporate seal. Dated: ___________________________________ By: ________________________________ 51 Name: Title: ___________________________________ By:________________________________ Name: Title: 52 EXHIBIT A1 FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITY This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of _______________ (herein called the "Indenture", which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), between the Company and ___________, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee[, the holders of Senior Debt] and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. [This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, limited in aggregate principal amount to $____________.] [If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series are subject to redemption upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail, [if applicable, insert -- (1) on_______________in any year commencing with the year _____________and ending with the year _____________ through operation of the sinking fund for this series at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount, and (2)] at any time [if applicable, insert -- (1) on or after ______________ , 20__], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the following Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount): If redeemed [if applicable, insert -- on or before _________________ %, and if redeemed] during the 12-month period beginning ______________ of the years indicated,
Redemption Redemption Year Price Year Price ---- ----- ---- -----
and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to ________% of the principal amount, together in the case of any such redemption [if applicable, insert -- (whether through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise)] with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.] [If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series are subject to redemption upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail, (1) on ______________in any year commencing with the year ____________and ending with the year - through operation of the sinking fund for this series at the Redemption Prices for redemption through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the table below, and (2) at any time [if applicable, insert -- on or after______________], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the Redemption Prices for redemption otherwise than through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the table below: If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning _____________of the years indicated,
Redemption Price For Redemption Price For Redemption Otherwise Redemption Through Than Through Operation of the Operation of the Year Sinking Fund Sinking Fund ---- ------------ ------------
and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to _____________% of the principal amount, together in the case of any such redemption (whether through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise) with accrued 53 interest to the Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.] [If applicable, insert -- Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not, prior to __________________redeem any Securities of this series as contemplated by [if applicable, insert -- Clause (2) of] the preceding paragraph as a part of, or in anticipation of, any refunding operation by the application, directly or indirectly, of moneys borrowed having an interest cost to the Company (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of less than __________% per annum.] [If applicable, insert -- The sinking fund for this series provides for the redemption on __________________ in each year beginning with the year___________ and ending with the year_______ of [if applicable, insert -- not less than $_________ ("mandatory sinking fund") and not more than] $___________ aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series. Securities of this series acquired or redeemed by the Company otherwise than through [if applicable, insert -- mandatory] sinking fund payments may be credited against subsequent [if applicable, insert -- mandatory] sinking fund payments otherwise required to be made [if applicable, insert -- , in the inverse order in which they become due].] [If the Security is subject to redemption of any kind, insert -- In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of-this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.] [If applicable, insert -- The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of [the entire indebtedness of this Security] [or] [certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security] [, in each case] upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.] [If the Security is not an Original Issue Discount Security, insert -- If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.] [If the Security is an Original Issue Discount Security, insert -- If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, an amount of principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. Such amount shall be equal to -- insert formula for determining the amount. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal, premium and interest (in each case to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), all of the Company's obligations in respect of the payment of the principal of and premium and interest, if any, on the Securities of this series shall terminate.] The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 50% in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security. As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of 54 not less than 25% in principal amount of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 60 days after receipt- of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein. No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees. The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $ __________ and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same. No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary. All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture. 55 EXHIBIT C1 FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE GIVEN BY BENEFICIAL OWNER OF INTEREST IN A TEMPORARY GLOBAL SECURITY {[ISSUER] [Title of Securities] (the "Securities") This is to certify that as of the date hereof, and except as set forth below, the above-captioned Securities held by you for our account (i) are owned by persons that are not citizens or residents of the United States, domestic partnerships, domestic corporations or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States Federal income taxation regardless of its source (a "United States Person(s)"), (ii) are owned by United States Person(s) that are (A) foreign branches of United States financial institutions (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.165-12 (c)(1)(v)) ("Financial Institutions") purchasing for their own account or for resale, or (B) United States Person(s) who acquired the Securities through the foreign branches of United States Financial Institutions and who hold the Securities through such United States Financial Institutions on the date hereof (and in either case (A) or (B), each such United States Financial Institution hereby agrees, on its own behalf or through its agent, to comply with the requirements of Section 165(j) (3) (A), (B) or, (C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder), or (iii) are owned by United States or foreign Financial Institutions for purposes of resale during the restricted period (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7)), and in addition if the owner of the Securities is a United States or foreign, Financial Institution described in clause (iii) above (whether or not also described in clause (i) or (ii)) this is to further certify that such Financial Institution has not acquired the Securities for purposes of resale directly or indirectly to a United States Person(s) or to a person within the United States or its possessions. If the Securities are of the category contemplated in Section 230.903(c)(3) of Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") then this is also to certify that, except as set forth below (i) in the case of debt securities, the Securities are beneficially owned by (a) non-U.S. Person(s) or (b) U. S. Person(s) who purchased the Securities in transactions which did not require registration under the Act: or (ii) in the case of equity securities, the Securities are owned by (x) non-U.S. Person(s) and such persons are not acquiring the Securities for the account or benefit of U. S. Person(s) or (y) U. S. Person(s) who purchased the securities in a transaction which did not require registration under the Act. If this certification is being delivered in connection with the exercise of warrants pursuant to Section 230.902(m) of Regulation S under the Act, then this is further to certify that, except as set forth below, the Securities are being exercised by and on behalf of non-U.S. Person(s). As used in this paragraph the term "U.S. Person(s)" has the meaning given to it by Regulation S under the Act. As used herein, "United States" means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia) and its "possessions" including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands. We undertake to advise you promptly by tested telex on or prior to the date on which you intend to submit your certification relating to the Securities held by you for our account in accordance with your Operating Procedures if any applicable statement herein is not correct on such date, and in the absence of any such notification it may be assumed that this certification applies as of such date. This certificate excepts and does not relate to [] of such interest in the above Securities in respect of which we are not able to certify and as to which we understand exchange and delivery of definitive Securities (or, if relevant, exercise of any rights or collection of any interest) cannot be made until we do so certify. We understand that this certificate is required in connection with certain tax laws and, if applicable, certain securities laws of the United States. In connection therewith, if administrative or legal proceedings are commenced or threatened in connection with which this certificate is or would be relevant, we irrevocably authorize you to produce this certification to any interested party in such proceedings. *Dated: ________________,200__ 56 NAME OF PERSON MAKING CERTIFICATION By: ____________________________________________ - ---------- * To be dated no earlier than the fifteenth day prior to the Certification Date.} 57 EX-4.3 4 y90543a1exv4w3.txt FORM OF SUBORDINATED INDENTURE Exhibit 4.3 ================================================================================ NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. TO [ ] INDENTURE Dated as of ________, 200_ SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES ================================================================================ CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THIS INDENTURE RELATING TO SECTIONS 310 THROUGH 318, INCLUSIVE, OF THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939:
TRUST INDENTURE INDENTURE SECTION ACT SECTION Section 310(a)(1) ............................................. 609 (a)(2) ............................................. 609 (a)(3) ............................................. Not Applicable (a)(4) ............................................. Not Applicable (b) ............................................. 608, 610 Section 311(a) ............................................. 613 (b) ............................................. 613 Section 312(a) ............................................. 701 ............................................. 702 (b) ............................................. 702 (c) ............................................. 702 Section 313(a) ............................................. 703 (b) ............................................. 703 (c) ............................................. 703 (d) ............................................. 703 Section 314(a) ............................................. 704 (a)(4) ............................................. 101 ............................................. 1004 (b) ............................................. Not Applicable (c)(1) ............................................. 102 (c)(2) ............................................. 102 (c)(3) ............................................. Not Applicable (d) ............................................. Not Applicable (e) ............................................. 102 Section 315(a) ............................................. 601 (b) ............................................. 602 (c) ............................................. 601 (d) ............................................. 601 (e) ............................................. 514 Section 316(a) ............................................. 101 (a)(1)(A) ............................................. 502, 512 (a)(1)(B) ............................................. 513 (a)(2) ............................................. Not Applicable (b) ............................................. 508 (c) ............................................. 104 Section 317(a)(l) ............................................. 503 (a)(2) ............................................. 504 (b) ............................................. 1003 Section 318(a) ............................................. 107
NOTE: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS....................................................1 SECTION 101. Definitions...............................................1 SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions......................6 SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee....................7 SECTION 104. Acts of Holders; Record Dates.............................7 SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.....................9 SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.................................9 SECTION 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.........................9 SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents..................9 SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns...................................10 SECTION 110. Separability Clause......................................10 SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture....................................10 SECTION 112. Governing Law............................................10 SECTION 113. Legal Holidays...........................................10 SECTION 114. Language of Notices, Etc.................................10 SECTION 115. Submission to Jurisdiction...............................10 ARTICLE II SECURITY FORMS...............................................11 SECTION 201. Forms Generally..........................................11 SECTION 202. Form of Legend for Global Securities.....................11 SECTION 203. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication..........11 SECTION 204. Securities in Global Form................................11 ARTICLE III THE SECURITIES..............................................12 SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable In Series.....................12 SECTION 302. Denominations............................................15 SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating...........16 SECTION 304. Temporary Securities.....................................17 SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange......17 SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.........18 SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved...........18 SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners....................................19 SECTION 309. Cancellation.............................................19 SECTION 310. Computation of Interest..................................20 SECTION 311. CUSIP Numbers............................................20 ARTICLE IV SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE...................................20 SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture..................20 SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money...............................21 ARTICLE V REMEDIES......................................................21 SECTION 501. Events of Default........................................21 SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.......22 SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.............................................23 SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.........................24 SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.............................................24 SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected...........................24 SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits......................................25 SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest...................................25 SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.......................25 SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative...........................26 SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.............................26 SECTION 512. Control by Holders.......................................26 SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults..................................26 SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs....................................26 SECTION 515. Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws..................27
Page ARTICLE VI THE TRUSTEE..................................................27 SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities......................27 SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults.......................................27 SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee................................27 SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities...28 SECTION 605. May Hold Securities......................................29 SECTION 606. Money Held In Trust......................................29 SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement...........................29 SECTION 608. Conflicting Interests....................................29 SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility..................29 SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor........30 SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor...................31 SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business...............................................31 SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company........32 SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent......................32 ARTICLE VII HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY...........33 SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders................................................33 SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders...34 SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee.......................................34 SECTION 704. Reports by Company.......................................34 ARTICLE VIII CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE.......35 SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.....35 SECTION 802. Successor Substituted....................................35 ARTICLE IX SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES......................................36 SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.......36 SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders..........36 SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.....................37 SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures........................38 SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act......................38 SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.......38 ARTICLE X COVENANTS.....................................................38 SECTION 1001.Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest...............38 SECTION 1002.Maintenance of Office or Agency..........................38 SECTION 1003.Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust........38 SECTION 1004.Statement by Officers as to Default......................39 SECTION 1005.Existence................................................39 SECTION 1006.Maintenance of Properties................................40 SECTION 1007.Payment of Taxes and Other Claims........................40 SECTION 1008.Waiver of Certain Covenants..............................40 SECTION 1009.Additional Amounts.......................................40 ARTICLE XI REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES.....................................41 SECTION 1101.Applicability of Article.................................41 SECTION 1102.Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee....................41 SECTION 1103.Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed........41 SECTION 1104.Notice of Redemption.....................................42 SECTION 1105.Deposit of Redemption Price..............................43 SECTION 1106.Securities Payable on Redemption Date....................43 SECTION 1107.Securities Redeemed in Part..............................43 ARTICLE XII SINKING FUNDS...............................................43 SECTION 1201.Applicability of Article.................................43 SECTION 1202.Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities....44 SECTION 1203.Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund................44 ARTICLE XIII DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE.........................44 SECTION 1301.Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.............................................44 SECTION 1302.Defeasance and Discharge.................................44 SECTION 1303.Covenant Defeasance......................................45 SECTION 1304.Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance..........45
Page SECTION 1305.Deposited Money and Government Obligations to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions..............47 SECTION 1306.Reinstatement............................................47 ARTICLE XIV SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES.................................47 ARTICLE XV MEETING OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.............................51 SECTION 1501.Purposes for which Meetings may be Called................51 SECTION 1502.Call, Notice and Place of Meetings.......................51 SECTION 1503.Persons entitled to Vote at Meetings.....................52 SECTION 1504.Quorum; Action...........................................52 SECTION 1505.Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings............................................53 SECTION 1506.Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings..........53
INDENTURE, dated as of _________, 200_ between Newcastle Investment Corp., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland (herein called the "Company"), having its principal office at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10020 and [ ], as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee"). RECITALS OF THE COMPANY The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured, subordinated debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the "Securities"), which may be convertible into or exchangeable for any securities of any persons (including the Company), to be issued in one or more series as in this Indenture provided. All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid and legally binding agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done. NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH: For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of Series thereof, as follows: ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS SECTION 101. Definitions. 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 United States generally accepted accounting principles, the term "generally accepted accounting principles" with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted as consistently applied by the Company at the date of such computation; (4) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an "Article", a "Section" or an "Exhibit" refers to an Article, a Section or an Exhibit, as the case may be, of or to this Indenture; and (5) 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. Certain terms, used principally in Article Six and Article Thirteen, are defined in those Articles. "Act", when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in Section 104. "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing. "Authenticating Agent" means any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to Section 614 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or more series. "Authorized Newspaper" means a newspaper, in the English language or in an official language of the country of publication, customarily published on each Business Day, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, and of general circulation in each place in connection with which the term is used or in the financial community of each such place. Where successive publications are required to be made in Authorized Newspapers, the successive publications may be made in the same or in different newspapers in the same city meeting the foregoing requirements and in each case on any Business Day. "Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of that board. "Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee. "Business Day", when used with respect to any Place of Payment, means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close. "Commission" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument the United States Securities and Exchange Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time. "Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Company" shall mean such successor Person. "Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee. "Corporate Trust Office" means the principal office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered which as of the date hereof is located at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 8W, NY, NY 10286 Attn: Corporate Trust Administration. "corporation" means a corporation, association, company, joint-stock company or business trust. "Covenant Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 1303. "Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 307. "Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 1302. 2 "Depositary" means, with respect to Securities of any series issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as Depositary for such Securities as contemplated by Section 301. "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 501. "Exchange Act" means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time. "Expiration Date" has the meaning specified in Section 104. "Global Security" means a Security that evidences all or part of the Securities of any series and bears the legend set forth in Section 202 (or such legend as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities). "Government Obligation" has the meaning specified in Section 1304. "Holder" means the Person in whose name the Security is registered in the Security Register. "Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed and as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this 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 301. "interest", when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity. "Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security. "Investment Company Act" means the United States Investment Company Act of 1940 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time. "Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise. "Notice of Default" means a written notice of the kind specified in Section 501(4). "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee. One of the officers signing an Officers' Certificate given pursuant to Section 1004 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company. "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel. "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 502. "Outstanding", when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except: 3 (1) Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; (2) Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made; (3) Securities as to which Defeasance has been effected pursuant to Section 1302; and (4) Securities that have been paid pursuant to Section 305 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Company; 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 or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of Holders of Securities, (A) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of such date upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof to such date pursuant to Section 502, (B) if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of a Security is not determinable, the principal amount of such Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount as specified or determined as contemplated by Section 301, (C) the principal amount of a Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of such date in the manner provided as contemplated by Section 301, of the principal amount of such Security (or, in the case of a Security described in Clause (A) or (B) above, of the amount determined as provided in such Clause), and (D) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver, or other action, or upon any such determination as to the presence of a quorum, only Securities that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor. "Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company. "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof. "Place of Payment", when used with respect to the Securities of any series, means the place or places specified in accordance with Section 301 where the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series are payable. "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 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a 4 mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security. "Redemption Date", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture. "Redemption Price", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture. "Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301. "Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee, means any vice president, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer, any trust officer or assistant trust officer, the controller or any assistant controller or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have responsibility for the administration of this Indenture. "Securities" has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture provided, however, that if at any time there is more than one Person acting as Trustee under this Indenture, "Securities" with respect to the Indenture as to which such Person is Trustee shall have the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and shall more particularly mean Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, exclusive, however, of Securities of any series as to which such Person is not Trustee. "Securities Act" means the United States Securities Act of 1933 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time. "Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the respective meanings specified in Section 305. "Senior Debt" means all amounts due on obligations in connection with any of the following, whether outstanding at the date of execution of this Indenture or thereafter incurred or created: (i) the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest due on the Company's indebtedness for borrowed money and indebtedness evidenced by securities, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued by the Company; (ii) all of the Company's capital lease obligations; (iii) any of our obligations as lessee under leases required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of the lessee under generally accepted accounting principles; (iv) all of the Company's obligations for the reimbursement on any letter of credit, banker's acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit transaction; (v) all of the Company's obligations in respect of interest rate swap, cap or other agreements, interest rate future or options contracts, currency swap agreements, currency future or option contracts and other similar agreements; (vi) all obligations of the types referred to above of other persons for the payment of which the Company is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and (vii) all obligations of the types referred to above of other persons secured by any lien on any property or asset of the Company (whether or not such obligation is assumed by the Company); provided however, that the following will not constitute Senior Indebtedness: (a) any indebtedness which expressly provides (i) that such indebtedness shall not be senior in right of payment to the Securities, or (ii) that such indebtedness shall be subordinated to any other indebtedness of the Company, unless such indebtedness expressly provides that such indebtedness shall be senior in right of payment to the Securities; (b) any indebtedness of the Company in respect of the Securities; (c) any indebtedness or liability for compensation to employees, for goods or materials purchased in the ordinary course of business or for services; (d) any indebtedness of the Company to any subsidiary; and (e) any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by the Company. "Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307. 5 "Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable. "Subsidiary" means a corporation or limited liability company more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this definition, "voting-stock" means the equity interest that ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors, managers or trustees of an entity, or persons performing similar functions, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of equity interest has such voting power by reason of any contingency. "Trust Indenture Act" means the United States Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed; provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, "Trust Indenture Act" means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended. "Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, "Trustee" as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series. "United States Alien" means any Person who, for United States Federal income tax purposes, is a foreign corporation, a non-resident alien individual, a non-resident alien fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust, or a foreign partnership one or more of the members of which is, for United States Federal income tax purposes, a foreign corporation, a non-resident alien individual or a non-resident alien fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust. "Vice President", when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title "vice president". SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions. Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee such certificates and opinions as may be required under the Trust Indenture Act. Each such certificate or opinion shall be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate, if to be given by an officer of the Company, or an Opinion of Counsel, if to be given by counsel, and shall comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and any other requirements set forth in this Indenture. Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (except for certificates provided for in Section 1004) shall include, (1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto; (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 each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and 6 (4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with. SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee. In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be 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 Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or opinion of counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous. Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument. SECTION 104. Acts of Holders; Record Dates. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agent duly appointed in writing. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section. The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient. The principal amount and serial numbers of Securities held by any Person, and the date of holding the same, shall be proved by the Security Register. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security. 7 The Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to give, make or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders of Securities of such series, provided, that the Company may not set a record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to, the giving or making of any notice, declaration, request or direction referred to in the next paragraph. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take the relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided, that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106. The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to join in the giving or making of (i) any Notice of Default, (ii) any declaration of acceleration referred to in Section 502, (iii) any request to institute proceedings referred to in Section 507(2) or (iv) any direction referred to in Section 512, in each case with respect to Securities of such series. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided, that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Company's expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Company in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106. With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto that sets such record date may designate any day as the "Expiration Date" and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto that set such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the 180th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this paragraph. Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Security may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Security or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount. 8 SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with, (1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing (which may be via facsimile) to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration, or (2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this instrument, Attention: General Counsel, or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company. SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, where this Indenture provides for notice of any event to Holders of Securities, such notice shall be sufficiently given to Holders of Securities if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of a Security affected by such event, at the address of such Holder as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date (if any), prescribed for the giving of such notice. In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice to Holders of Securities by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder. In any case where notice to Holders of Securities is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder of a Security shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders of Securities shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver. SECTION 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act This Indenture shall incorporate and be governed by the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of and to govern indentures qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act that is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this Indenture, the latter provision shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act that may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be. SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents. The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof. 9 SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not. SECTION 110. Separability Clause. In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture. Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder, the holders of Senior Debt and the Holders of Securities, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture. SECTION 112. Governing Law. This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York. SECTION 113. Legal Holidays. In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities (other than a provision of any Security which specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu of this Section)) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity. SECTION 114. Language of Notices, Etc. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver required or permitted under this Indenture shall be in the English language, except that any published notice may be in an official language of the country of publication. SECTION 115. Submission to Jurisdiction The Company irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court in the City, County and State of New York, United States, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any legal suit, action or proceeding based on or arising under the Securities or this Indenture and agrees that all claims in respect of such suit or proceeding may be determined in any such court. The Company irrevocably waives to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection to any such suit, including actions, suits or proceedings relating to the securities laws of the United States of America or any state thereof, in such courts whether on the grounds of venue, residence or domicile or the defense of an inconvenient forum or objections to personal jurisdiction with respect to the maintenance of such legal suit, action or proceeding. The Company agrees that the final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company and may be enforced in any court to the jurisdiction of which the Company is subject by a suit upon such judgment. 10 ARTICLE II SECURITY FORMS SECTION 201. Forms Generally. The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the forms set forth in Exhibits A and A1 or in such other form (including temporary or permanent global form) as shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or Depositary therefor or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Securities as evidenced by their execution thereof. If the form of Securities of any series is established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 303 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities (or any such temporary global Security). The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities. SECTION 202. Form of Legend for Global Securities. Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for the Securities evidenced thereby, every Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form: this Security is a Global Security within the meaning of the Indenture hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of a Depositary or a nominee thereof. This Security may not be exchanged in whole or in part for a Security registered, and no transfer of this Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name of any Person other than such Depositary or a nominee thereof, except in the limited circumstances described in the Indenture. SECTION 203. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication. The Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in substantially the following form: This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture. _________________________________ As Trustee By:______________________________ Authorized Signatory Dated:___________________________ SECTION 204. Securities in Global Form. If Securities of or within a series are issuable in global form, as specified as contemplated by Section 301, then, notwithstanding clause (10) of Section 301 and the provisions of Section 302, any such 11 Security shall represent such of the Outstanding Securities of such series as shall be specified therein and may provide that it shall represent the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities represented thereby may from time to time be reduced to reflect exchanges. Any endorsement of a Security in global form to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, of Outstanding Securities represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee in such manner and upon instructions given by such Person or Persons as shall be specified therein or in the Company Order to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 303 or Section 304. Subject to the provisions of Section 303 and, if applicable, Section 304, the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any Security in permanent global form in the manner and upon instructions given by the Person or Persons specified therein or in the applicable Company Order. If a Company Order pursuant to Section 303 or Section 304 has been, or simultaneously is, delivered, any instructions by the Company with respect to endorsement or delivery or redelivery of a Security in global form shall be in writing but need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel. The provisions of the last sentence of Section 303 shall apply to any Security represented by a Security in global form if such Security was never issued and sold by the Company and the Company delivers to the Trustee the Security in global from together with written instructions (which need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) with regard to the reduction in the principal amount of Securities represented thereby, together with the written statement contemplated by the last sentence of Section 303. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 201 and 307, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, payment of principal of and any premium and interest on any Security in permanent global form shall be made to the Person or Persons specified therein. ARTICLE III. THE SECURITIES SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable In Series. The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution and, subject to Section 303, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officers' Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series, (1) the title of the Securities of the series, including CUSIP numbers, if applicable, (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from Securities of any other series); (2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906 or 1107 and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder); (3) whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable initially in temporary global form and whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable in permanent global form and, if so, whether beneficial owners of interests in any such permanent global Security may exchange such interests for Securities of such series and of like tenor of any authorized form and denomination and the circumstances under 12 which any such exchanges may occur, if other than in the manner provided in Section 305; (4) the Person to whom any interest on any Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global Security on an Interest Payment Date will be paid if other than in the manner provided in Section 304; (5) the date or dates on which the principal of the Securities of the series is payable; (6) the ability to issue additional Securities in the same series; (7) the price or prices at which we will sell the Securities; (8) the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of any such deferral period, including the maximum consecutive period during which interest payment periods may be extended; (9) provisions, if any, granting special rights to holders of the Securities upon the occurrence of specified events; (10) the terms, if any, upon which Holders may convert or exchange the Securities into or for the Company's common stock, preferred stock or other securities or property; (11) the specific subordination provisions applicable to the Securities, if other than as set forth in Article 14 herein; (12) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, or the method by which such rate shall be determined, the date or dates from which any such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which any such interest shall be payable, the Regular Record Date for the interest payable on any Securities on any Interest Payment Date; (13) the place or places where, subject to the provisions of Section 1002, the principal of and any premium, if any, and interest, if any, on Securities of the series shall be payable, where any Securities of the series may be surrendered for registration of transfer, where Securities of the series may be surrendered for exchange, where Securities of the series that are convertible or exchangeable may be surrendered for conversion or exchange, as applicable, and notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of the series and this Indenture may be served; (14) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part at the option of the Company and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to redeem the Securities shall be evidenced; (15) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase any Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of the Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at 13 which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation; (16) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which any Securities of the series shall be issuable; (17) whether the amount of payments of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which index, formula or method may be based, without limitation, on one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices), and the manner in which such amounts shall be determined; (18) the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable if other than the currency of the United States of America and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in the currency of the United States of America for purposes of the definition of "Outstanding" in Section 101; (19) if the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series is to be payable, at the election of the Company or the Holder thereof, in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which such Securities are stated to be payable, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on such Securities as to which such election is made shall be payable, the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amount so payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined); (20) if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of any Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502; (21) if the principal of and any premium or interest on the Securities of the series are to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in a currency or currencies, including composite currencies, other than that or those in which the Securities are stated to be payable, the currency or currencies in which payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on Securities of such series as to which such election is made shall be payable, and the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made; (22) if either or both of the provisions of Section 1302 or 1303 are applicable to the Securities of such series; (23) if the amount of principal and interest on the Securities of the series may be determined by reference to an index, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined; (24) if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of any Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the Stated Maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such Securities as of any such date for any purpose thereunder or hereunder, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which shall be deemed to be Outstanding as of any date prior to the Stated Maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed, to be the principal amount shall be determined); 14 (25) if applicable, that the Securities of the series, in whole or any specified part, shall be defeasible pursuant to Section 1302 or Section 1303 or both such Sections and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to defease such Securities shall be evidenced; (26) if applicable, that any Securities of the series shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such case, the respective Depositaries for such Global Securities, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by any such Global Security in addition to or in lieu of that set forth in Section 202 and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth, in the seventh paragraph of Section 305 in which any such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and any transfer of such Global Security in whole or in part may be registered in the name or name of Persons other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof; (27) any addition to or change in the Events of Default which applies to any Securities of the series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the requisite Holders of such Securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable pursuant to Section 502; (28) any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Article Ten which applies to Securities of the series; (29) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by Section 901(5)); and (30) whether, under what circumstances and the Currency in which the Company will pay Additional Amounts as contemplated by Section 1009 on the Securities of the series to any Holder who is not a United States Person(s) (including any modification to the definition of such term) in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether the Company will have the option to redeem such Securities rather than pay such Additional Amounts (and the terms of any such option). All Securities of such series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to above and (subject to Section 303) set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in the Officers' Certificate referred to above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto. If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers' Certificate setting forth the terms of the series. The Securities shall be subordinated in right of payment to Senior Debt as provided in Article Fourteen. SECTION 302. Denominations. Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to the Securities of any series, any Securities of such series, other than Securities issued in global form (which may be of any denomination), shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. 15 SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating. The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents, under its corporate seal reproduced thereon attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile. Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities. At any time and from time to, time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities. If the forms or terms of the Securities of the series have been established by or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Sections 201 and 301, 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 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating, (1) if the forms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 201, that such form have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; (2) if the terms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 301, that such terms have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and (3) that such Securities when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles. If such form or terms have been so established, 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. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 and of the two preceding paragraphs, if all Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver the Officer's Certificate otherwise required pursuant to Section 301 or the Company Order and Opinion of Counsel otherwise required pursuant to such preceding paragraphs at or prior to the authentication of each Security of such series if such documents are delivered at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security of such series to be issued. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication. No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and 16 delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 309, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. SECTION 304. Temporary Securities. Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities. If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of that series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor one or more definitive Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and like aggregate principal amount and tenor. Until exchanged in full as hereinafter provided, the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of the same series and of like tenor authenticated and delivered hereunder. SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange. The Company shall cause to be kept at an office or agency to be maintained by the Company in accordance with Section 1002 a register (being the combined register of the Security Registrar and all transfer agents designated pursuant to Section 1002 for the purpose of registration of transfer of Securities and sometimes collectively referred to as the "Security Register") in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and the registration of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby appointed "Security Registrar" for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of a series at the office or agency of the Company maintained pursuant to Section 1002 for such purpose in a Place of Payment for that series, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount. At the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive. All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange. Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee or any transfer agent) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a 17 written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar or any transfer agent duly executed, by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing. No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 906 or 1107 not involving any transfer. If the Securities of any series (or of any series and specified tenor) are to be redeemed in part, the Company shall not be required (A) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Securities of that series (or of that series and specified tenor, as the case may be) during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection of Securities of that series to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption. SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities. If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding. If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding. Notwithstanding the provisions of the previous two paragraphs, in case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security. Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith. Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that series duly issued hereunder. The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities. SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved. Except as otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities, interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest. Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be 18 payable to the Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in Clause (1) or (2) below: (1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this Clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be given to each Holder of Securities of such series in the manner set forth in Section 106, not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following Clause (2). (2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of any series 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 Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this Clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee. Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section and Section 305, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security. SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners. Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and any premium and (subject to Section 305 and Section 307) any interest on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary. SECTION 309. Cancellation. All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and shall be promptly cancelled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee (or to any other 19 Person for delivery to the Trustee) for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder which the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of as directed by a Company Order or in the Trustee's customary manner, which manner shall be communicated in writing to the Company. SECTION 310. Computation of Interest. Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. SECTION 311. CUSIP Numbers The Company in issuing the Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use such "CUSIP" numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will notify the Trustee of any change "CUSIP" numbers. ARTICLE IV SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture. This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities herein expressly provided for, and any right to receive additional amounts, as provided in Section 1009), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when (1) either (A) all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 and Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or (B) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation: (i) have become due and payable, or (ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or 20 (iii) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company, and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be; (2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and (3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with. Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607, the obligations of the Trustee to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of Clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 402 and the last paragraph of Section 1003 shall survive such satisfaction and discharge. SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money. Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal and any premium and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee. ARTICLE V REMEDIES SECTION 501. Events of Default. "Event of Default", wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be occasioned by the provisions of Article Fourteen or be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body): (1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or, (2) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any Security of that series at its Maturity and (if so established as contemplated by Section 301 in respect of that series), in the case of technical or administrative difficulties only if such default persists for a period of five days; or 21 (3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of a Security of that series; or (4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of series of Securities other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder or (5) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 90 consecutive days; or (6) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, of the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or State law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or (7) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series. SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment. If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 501(5),or 501(6)) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 501(5) or 501 (6) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such 22 portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) shall automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and payable. At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if (1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay (A) all overdue interest on all Securities of that series, (B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, (C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and (D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel; and (2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other than the non-payment of the principal of Securities of that series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon. SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee. The Company covenants that if (1) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or (2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security at the Maturity thereof, the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances, of the Trustee, its agents and counsel. 23 If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities, wherever situated. If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem reasonably necessary to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy. SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. In case of any judicial proceeding relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), its property or its creditors, the Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in order to have claims of the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding. In particular, the Trustee shall be authorized to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607. No provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding; provided, however, that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors' or other similar committee. SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities. All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered. SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected. Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal or any premium or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid: FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 607; SECOND: Subject to Article Fourteen, to the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, 24 according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest, respectively; and THIRD: To the Company. SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits. No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless (1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series; (2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder; (3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request; (4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and (5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60 - day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series; it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such Holders. SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and any premium and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest on such Security on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder. SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies. If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder; then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted. 25 SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative. Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy. SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver. No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be. SECTION 512. Control by Holders. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Securities of such series, provided that (1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture, and (2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction. SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default (1) in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of such series, or (2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected. Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon. SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs. In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, a court may require any party litigant in such suit to file an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and may assess costs including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses against any such party litigant, in the manner and to the extent provided in the Trust Indenture Act; provided that neither this Section nor the Trust Indenture Act shall be deemed to 26 authorize any court to require such an undertaking or to make such an assessment in any suit instituted by the Company. SECTION 515. Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws. The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any usury, stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted. ARTICLE VI THE TRUSTEE SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section. SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults. If a default occurs hereunder with respect to Securities of any series, 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 Section 501(4) with -respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term "default" means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series. SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee. Subject to the provisions of Section 601: (1) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document (whether in its original or facsimile form) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties; (2) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order, and any resolution of the Board of Directors shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution; (3) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting 27 any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers' Certificate; (4) the Trustee may consult with counsel of its own selection and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon; (5) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or Indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction; (6) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney; (7) 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; (8) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture; (9) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture; (10) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and the Person employed to act hereunder; and SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities. The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee's certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof. 28 SECTION 605. May Hold Securities. The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 608 and 613, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent SECTION 606. Money Held In Trust. Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed with the Company. SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement. The Company agrees (1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust); (2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as shall be determined to have been caused by its own negligence or bad faith; and (3) to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability, calm, damage or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. SECTION 608. Conflicting Interests. If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. To the extent permitted by such Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of being a trustee under this Indenture with respect to Securities of more than one series. SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility. There shall at all times be one (and only one) Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of each series, which may be Trustee hereunder for Securities of one or more other series. Each Trustee shall be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and has its Corporate Trust Office in New York, New York. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section and to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of 29 this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article. SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor. No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611. The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series. The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company. If at any time: (1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 608 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or (2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 609 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder, or (3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, then, in any such case, (A) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (B) subject to Section 514, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees. If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 611. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders of Securities of such series and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 611, any Holder who has been a bona tide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court 30 of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series. The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series to all Holders of Securities of such series in the manner provided in Section 106. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office. SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor. 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 Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder. In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, 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) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates. Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be. No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article. SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business. Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business 31 of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities. SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company. If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of Section 311 of the Trust Indenture Act, but only to the extent therein specified, regarding the collection of claims against the Company (or any such other obligor). For purposes of Section 311(b)(4) and (6) of such Act, the following terms shall mean: (a) "cash transaction" means any transaction in which full payment for goods or securities sold is made within seven days after delivery of the goods or securities in currency or in checks or other orders drawn upon banks or bankers and payable upon demand; and (b) "self-liquidating paper" means any draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation which is made, drawn, negotiated or incurred by the Company for the purpose of financing the purchase, processing, manufacturing, shipment, storage or sale of goods, wares or merchandise and which is secured by documents evidencing title to, possession of, or a lien upon, the goods, wares or merchandise or the receivables or proceeds arising from the sale of the goods, wares or merchandise previously constituting the security, provided the security is received by the Trustee simultaneously with the creation of the creditor relationship with the Company arising from the making, drawing, negotiating or incurring of the draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation. SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent. The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon original issue and upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 306, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Any such appointment shall be evidenced by an instrument in writing signed by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, and a copy of such insufficient shall be promptly furnished to the Company. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee's certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section. Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall he 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 32 such corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or tiling of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent. An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give notice of such appointment in the manner provided in Section 106 to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section. The Trustee agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section, and the Trustee shall be entitled to be reimbursed for such payments, subject to the provisions of Section 607. If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee's certificate of authentication, an alternative certificate of authentication in the following form: This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture. ______________________________________ As Trustee By:___________________________________ As Authenticating Agent By:___________________________________ Authorized Officer If all of the Securities of a series may not be originally issued at one time, and if the Trustee does not have an office capable of authenticating Securities upon original issuance located in a Place of Payment where the Company wishes to have Securities of such series authenticated upon original issuance, the Trustee, if so requested by the Company in writing (which writing need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel), shall appoint in accordance with this Section an Authenticating Agent having an office in a Place of Payment designated by the Company with respect to such series of Securities. ARTICLE VII HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders. The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee 33 (1) semi-annually, not later than 15 days after each Regular Record Date or in the case of any series of Securities on which semi-annual interest is not payable, not more than 15 days after such semi-annual dates specified by the Trustee, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities of each series as of the Regular Record Date or such semi-annual date, as the case may be, and (2) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished; excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders. The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished. The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act. Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of information as to names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act. SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee. The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto. A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange or delisted therefrom. SECTION 704. Reports by Company. The Company shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, and transmit to Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant to such Act; provided that any such information, documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within 15 days after the same is so required to be filed with the Commission. 34 ARTICLE VIII CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms. The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person (other than a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company), and the Company shall not permit any Person (other than a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) to consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to the Company, unless: (1) the Company is the surviving corporation or, in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be a corporation, partnership or trust, organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest (including all additional amounts, if any payable pursuant to Section 1009) on all the Securities and the performance or observance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed; (2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing; (3) if, as a result of any such consolidation or merger or such conveyance, transfer or lease, properties or assets of the Company would become subject to a mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other encumbrance which would not be permitted by this Indenture, the Company or such successor Person, as the case may be, shall take such steps as shall be necessary effectively to secure the Securities equally and ratably with (or prior to) all indebtedness secured thereby; and (4) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with. SECTION 802. Successor Substituted. Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section 801, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities. 35 ARTICLE IX SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders. Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes: (1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities; or (2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or (3) to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such additional Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such additional Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); or (4) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Securities, provided that any such addition, change or elimination (A) shall neither (i) apply to any Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor (ii) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision or (B) shall become effective only when there is no such Security Outstanding; or (5) to secure the Securities; or (6) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301; or (7) 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 611; or (8) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, provided that such action pursuant to this Clause (8) shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect. SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders. With the consent of the Holders of not less than 50% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any 36 provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby, (1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or change any obligation of the Company to pay additional amounts pursuant to Section 1009 (except as contemplated by Section 801(1) and permitted by Section 901(1), 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 502, or change any Place of Payment where, 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 on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date), or modify the provisions of this Indenture with respect to the subordination of the Securities in a manner adverse to the Holders, 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 compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or (3) change any obligation of the Company to maintain an office or agency in the places and for the purposes specified in Section 1002, or (4) modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 513 or Section 1009, 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 and Section 1008, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 611 and 901(7). 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 any Act of Holders of Securities under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof. SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures. In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee's owner's rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise. 37 SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures. Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby. SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act. Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act. SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures. Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series. ARTICLE X COVENANTS SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest. The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of Holders of each series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of the Securities and this Indenture. SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency. The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of any such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency in respect of any series of Securities or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations and surrenders of Securities of that series may be made and notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the same as its agent to receive such respective presentations, surrenders, notices and demands. The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the 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 Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency. SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust. If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest on any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum 38 sufficient to pay the principal and any premium or interest so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act. Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal and any premium 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 Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act. The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will (1) comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent and (2) during the continuance of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of any payment in respect of the Securities of that series, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of the Securities of that series. The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money. Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal and any premium or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in an Authorized Newspaper in each Place of Payment, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company. SECTION 1004. Statement by Officers as to Default. The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers' Certificate, stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signers thereof the Company is in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they may have knowledge. The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, as soon as reasonably prachcable and in any event within 20 days after the Company becomes aware of the occurrence of any Event of Default or an event which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default, an Officers' Certificate setting forth the details of such Event of Default or default. SECTION 1005. Existence. Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board of 39 Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the ability of the Company to make payments hereunder. SECTION 1006. Maintenance of Properties. The Company will cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the ability of the Company to make payments hereunder. SECTION 1007. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims. The Company will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (1) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon the Company or any Subsidiary or upon the income, profits or property of the Company or any Subsidiary, and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon the property of the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith. SECTION 1008. Waiver of Certain Covenants. Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series, the Company may, with respect to the Securities of any series, omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in any covenant provided pursuant to Section 301(22), 901(2) or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such series if before the time for such compliance the Holders of at least 50% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 1009. Additional Amounts If the Securities of a series provide for the payment of additional amounts, the Company will pay to the Holder of any Security of such series additional amounts as provided therein. Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on, or in respect of, any Security of any series or the net proceeds received on the sale or exchange of any Security of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of additional amounts provided for in this Section to the extent that, in such context, additional amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to the provisions of this Section and express mention of the payment of additional amounts (if applicable) in any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding additional amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made. If the Securities of a series provide for the payment of additional amounts, at least 10 days prior to the first Interest Payment Date with respect to that series of Securities (or if the Securities of that series will 40 not bear interest prior to Maturity, the first day on which a payment of principal and any premium is made), and at least 10 days prior to each date of payment of principal and any premium or interest if there has been any change with respect to the matters set forth in the below-mentioned Officers' Certificate, the Company will furnish the Trustee and the Company's principal Payment Agent or Paying Agents, if other than the Trustee, with an Officers' Certificate instructing the Trustee and such Paying Agent or Paying Agents whether such payment of principal of and any premium or interest on the Securities of that series shall be made to Holders of Securities of that series who are United States Aliens without withholding for or on account of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge described in the Securities of that series. If any such withholding shall be required, then such Officers' Certificate shall specify by country the amount, if any, required to be withheld on such payments to such Holders of Securities and the Company will pay to the Trustee or such Paying Agent the additional amounts required by this Section. The Company covenants to indemnify the Trustee and any Paying Agent for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, liability or expense reasonably incurred without negligence or bad faith on their part arising out of or in connection with actions taken or omitted by any of them in reliance on any Officers' Certificate furnished pursuant to this Section. ARTICLE XI REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article. Securities of any series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities) in accordance with this Article. SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee. The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of less than all the Securities of any series (including any such redemption affecting only a single Security), the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date, of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and, if applicable, of the tenor of the Securities to be redeemed (unless all of the Securities of a specified tenor are to be redeemed). In the case of any redemption of Securities (i) prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, or (ii) pursuant to an election of the Company which is subject to a condition specified in the terms of such Securities, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers' Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction or condition. SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed. If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed or unless such redemption affects only a single Security), the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities of such series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or of the principal amount of global securities of such series. If less than all of the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series and specified tenor not 41 previously called for redemption in accordance with the preceding sentence. If so specified in the Securities of a series, partial redemptions must be in an amount not less than $1,000,000 principal amount of Securities. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities selected for redemption as aforesaid and, in case of any Securities selected for partial redemption as aforesaid, the principal amount thereof to he redeemed. The provisions of the two preceding paragraphs shall not apply with respect to any redemption affecting only a single Security, whether such Security is to be redeemed in whole or in part. In the case of any such redemption in part, the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of the Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security. For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed. SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption shall be given in the manner provided in Section 106 to the Holders of Securities to be redeemed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date. All notices of redemption shall state: (1) the Redemption Date, (2) the Redemption Price, (3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of more than a single Security are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption of any such Securities, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed and, if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of a single Security are to be redeemed, the principal amount of the particular Security to be redeemed, (4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date, (5) the place or places where such Securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price, (6) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case; and (7) applicable Cusip numbers, if any. A notice of redemption published as contemplated by Section 106 need not identify particular Registered Securities to be redeemed. Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company and shall be irrevocable. 42 SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price. Prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date. SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date. Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, installments of interests on Securities whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307. If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and any premium shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security. SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part. Any Security which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series and of like tenor, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered. ARTICLE XII SINKING FUNDS SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article. The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of any series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities. The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of any Securities 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 such Securities is herein referred to as an "optional sinking fund payment". If provided for by the terms of any Securities, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities as provided for by the terms of such Securities. 43 SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities. The Company (1) may deliver Outstanding Securities of a series (other than any previously called for redemption) and (2) may apply as a credit Securities of a series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to any Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as and to the extent provided for by the terms of such Securities; provided that the Securities to be so credited have not been previously so credited. The Securities to be so credited shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price, as specified in the Securities so to be redeemed, for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly. SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund. Not less than 45 days prior (unless a shorter period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) to each sinking fund payment date for any Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for such Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities pursuant to Section 1202 and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Not less than [15 nor more than 45] days prior to each such sinking fund payment date, the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 1106 and 1107. ARTICLE XIII DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE SECTION 1301. Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. The Company may at its option, at any time elect to have either Section 1302 or Section 1303 applied to the Outstanding Securities of any series upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article Thirteen. SECTION 1302. Defeasance and Discharge. Upon the Company's exercise of the option provided in Section 1301 applicable to this Section, the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to the Outstanding Securities of any series on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, "defeasance"). For this purpose, such defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the Outstanding Securities of such series and to have satisfied all its other obligations under the Securities of such series and this Indenture insofar as the Securities of such series are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (A) the rights of Holders of the Securities of such series to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 1304 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of such series when such payments are due, (B) the Company's obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 304, 305, 306, 1002 and 1003, (C) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (D) this Article Thirteen. Subject to compliance with this Article Thirteen, the Company may exercise its option under this Section 1302 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 1303. 44 SECTION 1303. Covenant Defeasance. Upon the Company's exercise of the option provided in Section 1301 applicable to this Section, (i) the Company shall be released from its obligations with respect to the Securities of such Series under Section 801, Sections 1005 through 1009, inclusive, and any covenants provided pursuant to Section 301(22), 901(2) or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities and (ii) the occurrence of an event specified in Sections 501(3), (4) or (5) shall not be deemed to be an Event of Default on and after the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, "covenant defeasance"). For this purpose, such covenant defeasance means that the Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such Section or clause whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or clause or by reason of any reference in any such Section or clause to any other provision herein or in any other document, but the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby. SECTION 1304. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. The following shall be the conditions to application of either Section 1302 or Section 1303 to the then Outstanding Securities of any series: (1) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 609 who shall agree to comply with the provisions of this Article Thirteen applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series, (A) money in an amount, or (B) Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, money in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof, sufficient, 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, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, the principal of, premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of interest in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of the Securities of such series. For this purpose, "Government Obligations" means, with respect to any series of Securities, securities that are (x) direct obligations of the government that issued the currency in which such series is denominated (or, if such series is denominated in euro, the direct obligations of any government that is a member of the European Monetary Union) for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (y) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of such government the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by such government, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable 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) as custodian with respect to any Government Obligation where the relevant government is the United States of America or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the such Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal of or interest on such Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt. (2) In the event of an election to have Section 1302 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of Counsel stating that (x) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (y) since the date of this 45 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 shall confirm that, the Holders of the Outstanding Securities of such series will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred. (3) In the event of an election to have Section 1303 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect the that Holders of the Outstanding Securities of such series will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and covenant defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and covenant defeasance had not occurred. (4) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate to the effect that the Securities of such series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will not be delisted as a result of such deposit. (5) No Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or, insofar as subsections 501(6) and (7) are concerned, at any time during the period ending on the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period). (6) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest as defined in Section 608 and for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to any securities of the Company. (7) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound. (8) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee and Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to either the defeasance under Section 1302 or the covenant defeasance under Section 1303 (as the case may be) have been complied with. (9) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company as defined in the Investment Company Act, or such trust shall be qualified under such act or exempt from regulation thereunder. (10) At the time of such deposit, (A) no default in the payment of any principal of or premium or interest on any Senior Debt shall have occurred and be continuing, (B) no event of default with respect to any Senior Debt shall have resulted in such Senior Debt becoming, and continuing to be, due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable (unless payment of such Senior Debt has been made or duly provided for), and (C) no other event of default with respect to any Senior Debt shall have occurred and be continuing permitting (after notice or lapse of time or both) the holders of such Senior Debt (or a trustee on behalf of such holders) to declare such Senior Debt due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable. 46 SECTION 1305. Deposited Money and Government Obligations to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions. Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee (solely for purposes of this Section and Section 1306, the Trustee and any such other trustee are referred to collectively, for purposes of this Section 1305, as the "Trustee") pursuant to Section 1304 in respect of the Securities of such series shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities of such series and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of the Securities of such series, of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 1304 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the Outstanding Securities. Anything in this Article Thirteen to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall delivered or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any money or Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 1304 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent defeasance or covenant defeasance. SECTION 1306. Reinstatement. If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money in accordance with Section 1302 or 1303 by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Company's obligations under this Indenture and the Securities of such series shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article Thirteen until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 1302 or 1303; provided, however, that if the Company makes any payment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Security following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of the Securities of such series to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or the Paying Agent. ARTICLE XIV SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES SECTION 1401. Securities Subordinate to Senior Debt. The Company covenants and agrees, and each Holder of Securities of any series by the Holder's acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth in this Article, subject to the provisions of Article Four and Article Thirteen and except as may otherwise be specified as contemplated by Section 301 and set forth in the Securities of a series, the indebtedness represented by the Securities of such series and the payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on each and all of the Securities of such series are hereby expressly made subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all amounts then due and payable in respect of all Senior Debt of the Company, to the extent and in the manner herein set forth (unless a different manner is set forth in the Securities of such series). No provision of this Article shall prevent the occurrence of any default or Event of Default hereunder. 47 Senior Debt shall not be deemed to have been paid in full unless the holders thereof shall have received cash, securities or other property equal to the amount of such Senior Debt then outstanding. SECTION 1402. Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc. In the event of: (i) any insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization, readjustment, composition or other similar proceeding relating to the Company, its creditors or its property, (ii) any proceeding for the liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or bankruptcy proceedings, (iii) any assignment by the Company for the benefit of its creditors, (iv) any other marshalling of the assets of the Company, all Senior Debt shall first be paid in full before any payment or distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property, shall be made by the Company on account of the Securities of any series. Any payment or distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property (other than securities of the Company or any other corporation provided for by a plan or reorganization or a readjustment, the payment of which is subordinate, at least to the extent provided in these subordination provisions with respect to the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities of any series, to the payment of all Senior Debt at the time outstanding and to any securities issued in respect thereof under any such plan of reorganization or readjustment), which would otherwise (but for these subordination provisions) be payable or deliverable in respect to the Securities of any series shall be paid or delivered directly to the holders of Senior Debt in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders until all Senior Debt shall have been paid in full. No present or future holder of any Senior Debt shall be prejudiced in the right to enforce subordination of the indebtedness constituting the Securities of any series by any act of failure to act on the part of the Company. SECTION 1403. Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Debt. Upon the payment in full of all Senior Debt, the rights of the holders of Securities of any series shall be subrogated to all the rights of any holders of Senior Debt to receive any further payments or distributions applicable to the Senior Debt until the Securities of any series shall have been paid in full, and such payments or distributions received by the Holders of Securities of any series by reason of such subrogation, of cash, securities or other property which otherwise would be paid or distributed to the holders of Senior Debt, shall, as between the Company and its creditors other than the holders of Senior Debt, on the one hand, and the Holders of Securities of any series, on the other, be deemed to be a payment by the Company on account of Senior Debt, and not on account of the Securities of any series. SECTION 1404. Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights. The provisions of this Article are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders of Securities of any series on the one hand and the holders of Senior Debt on the other hand. Nothing contained in this article or elsewhere in the Indenture or in the Securities of such series is intended to or shall (a) impair, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Debt and the Holders of Securities of such series, the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional (and which, subject to the rights under this Article of the holders of Senior Debt, is intended to rank equally with all other general obligations of the Company), to pay to the Holders of Securities of such series the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on, the Securities of such series as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms; or (b) affect the relative rights against the Company of the Holders of Securities of such series and creditors of the Company, as the case may be, other than the holders of Senior Debt; or 48 (c) prevent the Trustee or the Holder of any Securities of such series from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article of the holders of Senior Debt to receive cash, property and securities otherwise payable or deliverable to the Trustee or such Holder. SECTION 1405. Trustee to Effectuate Subordination. Each Holder of Securities of any series by such Holder's acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Trustee on such Holder's behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided in this Article and appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes. SECTION 1406. No Waiver of Subordination Provisions. No right of any present or future holder of any Senior Debt to enforce subordination as herein provided shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by the Company with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof any such holder may have or be otherwise charged with. Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph, the holders of Senior Debt may, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the Holders of the Securities of any series, without incurring responsibility to the Holders of the Securities of such series and without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in this Article or the obligations hereunder of the Holders of Securities of such series to the holders of Senior Debt, do any one or more of the following: (a) change the manner, place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter, Senior Debt, or otherwise amend or supplement in any manner Senior Debt or any instrument evidencing the same or any agreement under which Senior Debt is outstanding; (b) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing Senior Debt; (c) release any Person liable in any manner for the collection of Senior Debt; and (d) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Company and any other Person. SECTION 1407. Notice to Trustee. The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any fact known to the Company which would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of the Securities of any series pursuant to the provisions of this Article. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article or any other provision of the Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts which would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of any Securities of any series pursuant to the provisions of this Article, unless and until the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof from the Company or a holder or holders of Senior Debt or from any trustee therefor; and, prior to the receipt of any such written notice, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 603, shall be entitled in all respects to assume that no such facts exist; provided, however, that if the Trustee shall not have received the notice provided for in this Section at least two Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof any money may become payable for any purpose (including, without limitation, the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Securities of any series), then, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such moneys and to apply the same to the purpose for which they were received and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary that may be received by it within two Business Days prior to such date. 49 Subject to the provisions of Section 603, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a Person representing himself to be a holder of Senior Debt (or a trustee therefor) to establish that such notice has been given by a holder of Senior Debt (or a trustee therefor). In the event that the Trustee determines in good faith that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Debt to participate in any payment of distribution pursuant to this Article, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Debt held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article, and if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment. SECTION 1408. Reliance On Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent. Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 603, and the Holders of Securities of any series shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon any order or decree entered by any court of competent jurisdiction in which such insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution winding up or similar case or proceeding is pending, or a certificate of the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors, agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the Holders of Securities of such series, for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of the Senior Debt and other indebtedness of the Company, as the case may be, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article. SECTION 1409. Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Debt. With respect to the holders of Senior Debt, the Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Article, and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to the holders of such Senior Debt shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Debt with respect to its obligations and duties created hereunder and shall not be liable to any such holders or creditors if it shall in good faith pay over or distribute to Holders of Securities of any series or to the Company or to any other Person cash, property or securities to which any holders of Senior Debt shall be entitled by virtue of this Article or otherwise. SECTION 1410. Rights of Trustee As Holder of Senior Debt; Preservation of Trustee's Rights. The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article with respect to any Senior Debt which may at any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Debt, and nothing in the Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder. Nothing in this Article shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 607. SECTION 1411. Article Applicable to Paying Agents. In case at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have been appointed by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term "Trustee" as used in this Article shall in such case (unless the context otherwise requires) be construed as extending to and including such Paying Agent within its meaning as fully for all intents and purposes as if such Paying Agent were named in this Article in addition to or in place of the Trustee; provided, however, that this Section shall not apply to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company if it or such Affiliate acts as Paying Agent. SECTION 1412. Certain Conversions or Exchanges Deemed Payment. 50 For the purposes of this Article only, (a) the issuance and delivery of securities which are subordinate in right of payment to all then outstanding Senior Debt to substantially the same extent as the Securities are so subordinate ("Junior Securities") (or cash paid in lieu of fractional shares) upon conversion or exchange of Securities of any series as contemplated by Section 301, shall not be deemed to constitute a payment or distribution on account of the principal of or premium or interest on Securities of such series or on account of the purchase or other acquisition of Securities of such series and (b) the payment, issuance or delivery of cash, property or securities (other than Junior Securities and cash paid in lieu of fractional shares) upon conversion or exchange of Securities of any series shall be deemed to constitute payment on account of the principal of such Securities of such series. Nothing contained in this Article or elsewhere in the Indenture or in the Securities of any series is intended to or shall impair, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Debt and the Holders of Securities of such series the right, which is absolute and unconditional, of the Holder of any Securities of such series to convert or exchange such Securities of such series in accordance with the terms specified as contemplated by Section 301. SECTION 1413. Defeasance of This Article Fourteen. The subordination of the Securities provided by this Article Fourteen is expressly made subject to the provisions for defeasance or covenant defeasance in Article Thirteen hereof and, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, upon the effectiveness of any such defeasance or covenant defeasance, the Securities than outstanding shall thereupon cease to be subordinated pursuant to this Article Fourteen. ARTICLE XV MEETING OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES SECTION 1501. Purposes for which Meetings may be Called A meeting of Holders of Securities of any or all series of Securities may be called at any time and from time to time pursuant to this Article to make, give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be made, given to taken by Holders of Securities of such series. SECTION 1502. Call, Notice and Place of Meetings (a) The Trustee may at any time call a meeting of Holders of Securities of any series for any purposes specified in Section 1501, to be held at any such time and at such place in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, or in London as the Trustee shall determine. Notice of every meeting of Holders 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 106, not less than 21 nor more than 180 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting. (b) In case at any time the Company, 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 Holders of Securities of such series for any purpose specified in Section 1501, 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 21 days after receipt of such request or shall not thereafter proceed to cause the meeting to be held as provided herein, then the Company or the Holders of Securities of such series in the amount above specified, as the case may be, may determine the time and the place in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, or in London for such meeting and may call such meeting for such purposes by giving notice thereof as provided in subsection (a) of this Section. 51 SECTION 1503. Persons entitled to Vote at Meetings Upon the calling of a meeting of Holders with respect to the Securities of a series all or part of which are represented by a Security, a record date shall be established for determining Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series entitled to vote at such meeting, which record date shall be the close of business on the day the notice of the meeting of Holders is given in accordance with Section 1502. The Holders on such record date, and their designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to vote at such meeting of Holders. To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders, a Person shall (a) be a Holder of one or more Securities or (b) be a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy by a Holder of one or more Securities; provided, however, that in the case of any meeting of Holders with respect to the Securities of a series all or part of which are represented by a Security, only Holders, or their designated proxies, of record on the record date established pursuant to Section 1503 hereof shall be entitled to vote at such meeting. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Holders shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel and any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Company and its counsel. SECTION 1504. 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 Holders 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 Holders of not less than 50% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series, the Persons entitled to vote 50% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum within 30 minutes of the time appointed for any such meeting, the meeting shall, if convened at the request of Holders 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 any such adjourned meeting, such adjourned meeting may be further adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such adjourned meeting. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall be given as provided in Section 1502(a), 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. Notice of the reconvening of an adjourned meeting shall state expressly the percentage, as provided above, of the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series which shall constitute a quorum. Except as limited by the proviso to the first paragraph of Section 902, 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 the first paragraph of Section 902, any resolution with respect to any consent or waiver which this Indenture expressly provides may be given by the Holders of not less than 50% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting duly convened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid only by the affirmative vote of the Holders of 50% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series; and provided, further, that, except as limited by the proviso to the first paragraph of Section 902, 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 any adjourned meeting duly reconvened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid by the affirmative vote of the Holders of such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series. Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series duly held in accordance with this Section shall be binding on all the Holders of Securities of such series and the related coupons, whether or not present or represented at the meeting.} 52 SECTION 1505. Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Holders of Securities of a series in regard to proof of the holding of Securities of such 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 inspectors of votes, 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 is 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 104 and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 104 or by having the signature of the person executing the proxy witnessed or guaranteed by any trust company, bank or banker authorized by Section 104. Such regulations may provide that written instruments appointing proxies, regular on their face, may be presumed valid and genuine without the proof specified in Section 104 or other proof. (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 Company or by Holders of Securities as provided in Section 1502(b), in which case the Company or the Holders 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 Holders of Securities of any series duly called pursuant to Section 1502 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 1506. Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be by written ballots on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Holders 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 Holders 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 facts setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was given as provided in Section 1502 and, if applicable, Section 1504. Each copy shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and secretary of the meeting and one such copy shall be delivered to the Company, and another to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated. ----------------- This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. 53 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the day and year first above written. NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. By: ----------------------------------- Attest: - ----------------------------------- By: ----------------------------------- Attest: - ----------------------------------- 54 STATE OF - ) ) ss.: COUNTY OF - ) On the ____ day of _____________, before me personally came ___________ to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is ___________of __________________, one of the corporations described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of said corporation; and that he signed his name thereto by like authority. 55 EXHIBIT A FORM OF FACE OF REGISTERED SECURITY ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- No. $ -------------- Newcastle Investment Corp., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Delaware (herein called the "Company", which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to __________________ , or registered assigns, the principal sum of __________________ Dollars on _____________________ . The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or -more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the__________ or _________ (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture]. [If the Security is not to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert -- The principal of this Security shall not bear interest except in the case of a default in payment of principal upon acceleration, upon redemption or at Stated Maturity and in such case the overdue principal and any overdue premium shall bear interest at the rate of _____% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment. Interest on any overdue principal or premium shall be payable on demand. Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any such interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in _________, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register. Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place. Unless the certificate of authentication hereof has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed under its corporate seal. Dated: ______________________________________ By:___________________________________ 56 Name: Title: -------------------------------------- By: ----------------------------------- Name: Title: 57 EXHIBIT A1 FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITY This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of _______________ (herein called the "Indenture", which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), between the Company and ___________, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee[, the holders of Senior Debt] and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. [This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, limited in aggregate principal amount to $____________.] [If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series are subject to redemption upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail, [if applicable, insert -- (1) on_______________in any year commencing with the year _____________and ending with the year _____________ through operation of the sinking fund for this series at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount, and (2)] at any time [if applicable, insert -- (1) on or after ______________ , 20__], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the following Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount): If redeemed [if applicable, insert -- on or before _________________ %, and if redeemed] during the 12-month period beginning ______________ of the years indicated,
Redemption Redemption Year Price Year Price ---- ----- ---- -----
and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to ________% of the principal amount, together in the case of any such redemption [if applicable, insert -- (whether through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise)] with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.] [If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series are subject to redemption upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail, (1) on ______________in any year commencing with the year ____________and ending with the year - through operation of the sinking fund for this series at the Redemption Prices for redemption through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the table below, and (2) at any time [if applicable, insert -- on or after______________], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the Redemption Prices for redemption otherwise than through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the table below: If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning _____________of the years indicated,
Redemption Price For Redemption Price For Redemption Otherwise Redemption Through Than Through Operation of the Operation of the Year Sinking Fund Sinking Fund ---- ------------ ------------
and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to _____________% of the principal amount, together in the case of any such redemption (whether through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise) with accrued 58 interest to the Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.] [If applicable, insert -- Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not, prior to __________________redeem any Securities of this series as contemplated by [if applicable, insert -- Clause (2) of] the preceding paragraph as a part of, or in anticipation of, any refunding operation by the application, directly or indirectly, of moneys borrowed having an interest cost to the Company (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of less than __________% per annum.] [If applicable, insert -- The sinking fund for this series provides for the redemption on . . . . . . . . . . in each year beginning with the year___________ and ending with the year_______ of [if applicable, insert -- not less than $_________ ("mandatory sinking fund") and not more than] $___________ aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series. Securities of this series acquired or redeemed by the Company otherwise than through [if applicable, insert -- mandatory] sinking fund payments may be credited against subsequent [if applicable, insert -- mandatory] sinking fund payments otherwise required to be made [if applicable, insert -- , in the inverse order in which they become due].] [If the Security is subject to redemption of any kind, insert -- In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of-this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.] [The indebtedness evidenced by this Security is, to the extent provided in the Indenture, subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt, and this Security is issued subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto. Each Holder of this Security, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions of the Indenture, (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the subordination so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his or her attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes. Each Holder hereof, by his or her acceptance hereof, hereby waives all notice of the acceptance of the subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each holder of Senior Debt, whether now outstanding or hereafter incurred, and waives reliance by each such Holder upon said provisions. [If applicable, insert -- The Securities shall [not be superior in right of payment to, and shall] rank pari passu with[,] -- insert description of existing debt of the Company that is intended to rank on a parity with the Securities.] [If applicable, insert -- The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of [the entire indebtedness of this Security] [or] [certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security] [, in each case] upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.] [If the Security is not an Original Issue Discount Security, insert -- If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.] [If the Security is an Original Issue Discount Security, insert -- If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, an amount of principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. Such amount shall be equal to -- insert formula for determining the amount. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal, premium and interest (in each case to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), all of the Company's obligations in respect of the payment of the principal of and premium and interest, if any, on the Securities of this series shall terminate.] 59 The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 50% in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security. As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 60 days after receipt- of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein. No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees. The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $ __________ and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same. No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary. All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture. 60 EXHIBIT C1 FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE GIVEN BY BENEFICIAL OWNER OF INTEREST IN A TEMPORARY GLOBAL SECURITY {[ISSUER] [Title of Securities] (the "Securities") This is to certify that as of the date hereof, and except as set forth below, the above-captioned Securities held by you for our account (i) are owned by persons that are not citizens or residents of the United States, domestic partnerships, domestic corporations or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States Federal income taxation regardless of its source (a "United States Person(s)"), (ii) are owned by United States Person(s) that are (A) foreign branches of United States financial institutions (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.165-12 (c)(1)(v)) ("Financial Institutions") purchasing for their own account or for resale, or (B) United States Person(s) who acquired the Securities through the foreign branches of United States Financial Institutions and who hold the Securities through such United States Financial Institutions on the date hereof (and in either case (A) or (B), each such United States Financial Institution hereby agrees, on its own behalf or through its agent, to comply with the requirements of Section 165(j) (3) (A), (B) or, (C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder), or (iii) are owned by United States or foreign Financial Institutions for purposes of resale during the restricted period (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7)), and in addition if the owner of the Securities is a United States or foreign, Financial Institution described in clause (iii) above (whether or not also described in clause (i) or (ii)) this is to further certify that such Financial Institution has not acquired the Securities for purposes of resale directly or indirectly to a United States Person(s) or to a person within the United States or its possessions. If the Securities are of the category contemplated in Section 230.903(c)(3) of Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") then this is also to certify that, except as set forth below (i) in the case of debt securities, the Securities are beneficially owned by (a) non-U.S. Person(s) or (b) U. S. Person(s) who purchased the Securities in transactions which did not require registration under the Act: or (ii) in the case of equity securities, the Securities are owned by (x) non-U.S. Person(s) and such persons are not acquiring the Securities for the account or benefit of U. S. Person(s) or (y) U. S. Person(s) who purchased the securities in a transaction which did not require registration under the Act. If this certification is being delivered in connection with the exercise of warrants pursuant to Section 230.902(m) of Regulation S under the Act, then this is further to certify that, except as set forth below, the Securities are being exercised by and on behalf of non-U.S. Person(s). As used in this paragraph the term "U.S. Person(s)" has the meaning given to it by Regulation S under the Act. As used herein, "United States" means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia) and its "possessions" including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands. We undertake to advise you promptly by tested telex on or prior to the date on which you intend to submit your certification relating to the Securities held by you for our account in accordance with your Operating Procedures if any applicable statement herein is not correct on such date, and in the absence of any such notification it may be assumed that this certification applies as of such date. This certificate excepts and does not relate to [] of such interest in the above Securities in respect of which we are not able to certify and as to which we understand exchange and delivery of definitive Securities (or, if relevant, exercise of any rights or collection of any interest) cannot be made until we do so certify. We understand that this certificate is required in connection with certain tax laws and, if applicable, certain securities laws of the United States. In connection therewith, if administrative or legal proceedings are commenced or threatened in connection with which this certificate is or would be relevant, we irrevocably authorize you to produce this certification to any interested party in such proceedings. *Dated: ________________,200__ 61 NAME OF PERSON MAKING CERTIFICATION By: ____________________________________________ - ---------- * To be dated no earlier than the fifteenth day prior to the Certification Date.} 62 EX-4.8 5 y90543a1exv4w8.txt WARRANT AGREEMENT Exhibit 4.8 NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. and -----------------------------, as Warrant Agent ----------------------------- WARRANT AGREEMENT ----------------------------- Dated as of ________________ ----------------------------- Warrants to Purchase _______ ----------------------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE ARTICLE I ISSUANCE OF WARRANTS AND EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES SECTION 1.01 Issuance of Warrants ........................................... 2 SECTION 1.02 Execution and Delivery of Warrant Certificates ................. 2 SECTION 1.03 Issuance of Warrant Certificates ............................... 3 ARTICLE II WARRANT PRICE, DURATION AND EXERCISE OF WARRANTS SECTION 2.01 Warrant Price .................................................. 4 SECTION 2.02 Duration of Warrants ........................................... 4 SECTION 2.03 Exercise of Warrants ........................................... 4 ARTICLE III OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF WARRANT SECTION 3.01 No Rights as Warrant Securityholder Conferred by Warrant or Warrant Certificates ................... 6 SECTION 3.02 Lost, Mutilated, Stolen, or Destroyed Warrant Certificates ..... 6 SECTION 3.03 Enforcement of Rights .......................................... 6 SECTION 3.04 Merger, Consolidation, Conveyance or Transfer .................. 7 ARTICLE IV EXCHANGE AND TRANSFER SECTION 4.01 Exchange and Transfer .......................................... 7 SECTION 4.02 Treatment of Holders of Warrant Certificates ................... 8 SECTION 4.03 Cancellation of Warrant Certificates ........................... 8 ARTICLE V CONCERNING THE WARRANT AGENT SECTION 5.01 Warrant Agent .................................................. 9 SECTION 5.02 Conditions of Warrant Agent's Obligations ...................... 9 SECTION 5.03 Resignation and Appointment of Successor ....................... 11 ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS SECTION 6.01 Amendment ...................................................... 12
i
PAGE SECTION 6.02 Notices and Demands to the Company and Warrant Agent ........... 13 SECTION 6.03 Addresses ...................................................... 13 SECTION 6.04 Applicable Law ................................................. 13 SECTION 6.05 Delivery of Prospectus ......................................... 13 SECTION 6.06 Obtaining of Governmental Approval ............................. 13 SECTION 6.07 Persons Having Rights under Warrant Agreement .................. 13 SECTION 6.08 Headings ....................................................... 14 SECTION 6.09 Counterparts ................................................... 14 SECTION 6.10 Inspection of Agreement ........................................ 14 SECTION 6.11 Notices to Holders of Warrants ................................. 14 EXHIBIT A - Form of Warrant Certificate
ii WARRANT AGREEMENT (1) THIS AGREEMENT dated as of ___________ between NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland (the "Company"), and ___________, a [bank] [trust company] duly incorporated and existing under the laws of___________, as Warrant Agent (the "Warrant Agent"). [Bracketed language here and throughout this Agreement should be inserted as follows: 1. If Warrants are immediately detachable from the Offered Securities; and 2. If Warrants are detachable from the Offered Securities only after the Detachable Date.] WITNESSETH: [WHEREAS, the Company has entered into an Indenture dated as of _____________ (the "Senior Indenture") between the Company and ______________, as Trustee (the "Senior Indenture Trustee"), and an Indenture dated as of ____________ (the "Subordinated Indenture") between the Company and _____________, as Trustee (the "Subordinated Indenture Trustee") (together, the "Trustees" or "Trustee" and "Indentures" or "Indenture"), providing for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured debt securities to be issued in one or more series as provided in the Indenture; and] WHEREAS, the Company proposes to sell [[title of such securities being offered] (the "Offered Securities") with] one or more warrants (the "Warrants") representing the right to purchase [title of such securities purchasable through exercise of Warrants] (the "Warrant Securities"), the Warrants to be evidenced by Warrant certificates issued pursuant to this Agreement (the "Warrant Certificates"); and WHEREAS, the Company desires the Warrant Agent to act on behalf of the Company in connection with the issuance, transfer, exchange, exercise and replacement of the Warrant Certificates, and in this Agreement wishes to set forth, among other things, the form and provisions of the Warrant Certificates and the terms and conditions on which they may be issued, transferred, exchanged, exercised and replaced; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows: - ---------- (1) Complete or modify the provisions of this form as appropriate to reflect the terms of the Warrants and Warrant Securities. Monetary amounts may be in U.S. dollars or in foreign currency. ARTICLE I ISSUANCE OF WARRANTS AND EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES SECTION 1.01. Issuance of Warrants. The Warrants shall be evidenced by one or more Warrant Certificates. Each Warrant evidenced thereby shall represent the right, subject to the provisions contained herein and therein, to purchase [_____ shares of the Warrant Securities] [$________aggregate principal amount of Warrant Securities] and shall be initially issued in connection with the issuance of the Offered Securities [1: and shall be separately transferable immediately thereafter] [2: but shall not be separately transferable until on and after ________, (the "Detachable Date")]. [The Warrants shall be initially issued [in units] with the Offered Securities, and] each Warrant [included in such a unit] shall evidence the right, subject to the provisions contained herein and in the Warrant Certificates, to purchase [_____ shares of the Warrant Securities] [$________ aggregate principal amount of Warrant Securities] [included in such a unit]. SECTION 1.02. Execution and Delivery of Warrant Certificates. Each Warrant, whenever issued, shall be evidenced by a Warrant Certificate in registered form, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto, shall be dated and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or designation and such legends or endorsements printed, lithographed or engraved thereon as the officers of the Company executing the same may approve (execution thereof to be conclusive evidence of such approval) and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement, 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 the Warrants may be listed, or to conform to usage. The Warrant Certificates shall be signed on behalf of the Company by its chairman or vice chairman of the Board of Directors, the president, any managing director or the treasurer of the Company, in each case under its corporate seal, which may but need not be, attested by its secretary or one of its assistant secretaries. Such signatures may be manual or facsimile signatures of such authorized officers and may be imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Warrant Certificates. The corporate seal of the Company may be in the form of a facsimile thereof and may be impressed, affixed, imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Warrant Certificates. No Warrant Certificate shall be valid for any purpose, and no Warrant evidenced thereby shall be exercisable, until such Warrant Certificate has been countersigned by the Warrant Agent by manual signature. Such signature by the Warrant Agent upon any Warrant Certificate executed by the Company shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that the Warrant Certificate so countersigned has been duly issued hereunder. In case any officer of the Company who shall have signed any of the Warrant Certificates either manually or by facsimile signature shall cease to be such officer before the Warrant Certificates so signed shall have been countersigned and delivered by the Warrant Agent as provided herein, such Warrant Certificates may be 2 countersigned and delivered notwithstanding that the person who signed such Warrant Certificates ceased to be such officer of the Company; and any Warrant Certificate may be signed on behalf of the Company by such persons as, at the actual date of the execution of such Warrant Certificate, shall be the proper officers of the Company, although at the date of the execution of this Agreement any such person was not such officer. The term "Holder", when used with respect to any Warrant Certificate, shall mean any person in whose name at the time such Warrant Certificate shall be registered upon the books to be maintained by the Warrant Agent for that purpose [2: or, prior to the Detachable Date, any person in whose name at the time the Offered Security to which such Warrant Certificate is attached is registered upon the register of the Offered Securities. Prior to the Detachable Date, the Company will, or will cause the registrar of the Offered Securities to, make available at all times to the Warrant Agent such information as to holders of the Offered Securities with Warrants as may be necessary to keep the Warrant Agent's records up to date.] SECTION 1.03. Issuance of Warrant Certificates. Warrant Certificates evidencing the right to purchase [_____ shares of the Warrant Securities] [an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $________ of Warrant Securities] (except as provided in Sections 2.03, 3.02 and 4.01) may be executed by the Company and delivered to the Warrant Agent upon the execution of this Warrant Agreement or from time to time thereafter. The Warrant Agent shall, upon receipt of Warrant Certificates duly executed on behalf of the Company, countersign Warrant Certificates evidencing ___________ Warrants representing the right to purchase up to [_____ shares of the Warrant Securities] [$_______ aggregate principal amount of Warrant Securities] and shall deliver such Warrant Certificates to or upon the order of the Company. Subsequent to such original issuance of the Warrant Certificates, the Warrant Agent shall countersign a Warrant Certificate only if the Warrant Certificate is issued in exchange or substitution for one or more previously countersigned Warrant Certificates or in connection with their transfer as hereinafter provided or as provided in the penultimate paragraph of Section 2.03. Pending the preparation of definitive Warrant Certificates evidencing Warrants, the Company may execute and the Warrant Agent shall countersign and deliver temporary Warrant Certificates evidencing such Warrants (printed, lithographed, typewritten or otherwise produced, in each case in form satisfactory to the Warrant Agent). Such temporary Warrant Certificates shall be issuable substantially in the form of the definitive Warrant Certificates but with such omissions, insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Warrant Certificates, all as may be determined by the Company with the concurrence of the Warrant Agent. Such temporary Warrant Certificates may contain such reference to any provisions of this Warrant Agreement as may be appropriate. Every such temporary Warrant Certificate shall be executed by the Company and shall be countersigned by the Warrant Agent upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with like effect, as the definitive Warrant Certificates. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall execute and shall furnish definitive Warrant Certificates and thereupon such temporary Warrant Certificates may 3 be surrendered in exchange therefor without charge pursuant to and subject to the provisions of Section 4.01, and the Warrant Agent shall countersign and deliver in exchange for such temporary Warrant Certificates definitive Warrant Certificates of authorized denominations evidencing a like aggregate number of Warrants evidenced by such temporary Warrant Certificates. Until so exchanged, such temporary Warrant Certificates shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Warrant Agreement as definitive Warrant Certificates. ARTICLE II WARRANT PRICE, DURATION AND EXERCISE OF WARRANTS SECTION 2.01. Warrant Price. On ________, ____, the exercise price of each Warrant will be _____. During the period from __________, ____ through and including ___________, _____, the exercise price of each Warrant will be __________ [plus [accrued amortization of the original issue discount] [accrued interest] from ______, ____.] [In each case, the original issue discount will be amortized at a __% annual rate, computed on an annual basis using the "interest" method and using a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months]. Such exercise price of Warrant Securities is referred to in this Agreement as the "Warrant Price". [The original issue discount for each principal amount of Warrant Securities is ________]. SECTION 2.02. Duration of Warrants. [Subject to Section 4.03(b),] each Warrant may be exercised [in whole but not in part] [in whole or in part] [at any time, as specified herein, on or after [the date thereof] [________, ____] and at or before [time, location] on _________, _____ (each day during such period may hereinafter be referred to as an "Exercise Date")] [on [list of specific dates] (each, an "Exercise Date")], or such later date as the Company may designate by notice to the Warrant Agent and the Holders of Warrant Certificates [in registered form and to the beneficial owners of the global Warrant Certificate] (the "Expiration Date"). Each Warrant not exercised at or before [time, location] on the Expiration Date shall become void, and all rights of the Holder [and any beneficial owners] of the Warrant Certificate evidencing such Warrant under this Agreement shall cease. SECTION 2.03. Exercise of Warrants. During the period specified in Section 2.02, any whole number of Warrants may be exercised by providing certain information as set forth on the reverse side of the Warrant Certificates evidencing such Warrants and by paying in full [in lawful money of the United States of America] [in applicable currency] [in cash] [by certified check or official bank check or by bank wire transfer, in each case,] [by bank wire transfer] [in immediately available funds,] the Warrant Price for each Warrant exercised [(plus accrued interest, if any, on the Warrant Securities to be issued upon exercise of such Warrant from and including the Interest Payment Date (as defined in the Indenture), if any, in respect of such Warrant Securities immediately preceding the Exercise Date to and including the Exercise Date (unless the Exercise Date is after the Regular Record Date (as defined in the Indenture), if any, for such Interest Payment Date, but on or before the immediately succeeding Interest Payment Date for such Warrant Securities, in which event no such accrued interest shall 4 be payable in respect of Warrant Securities to be issued in registered form))] to the Warrant Agent at its corporate trust office at [address] [or at ___________], provided that such exercise is subject to receipt within five business days of such [payment] [wire transfer] by the Warrant Agent of the Warrant Certificate evidencing each Warrant exercised with the form of election to purchase Warrant Securities set forth on the reverse side of the Warrant Certificate properly completed and duly executed. [Insert Cashless Exercise Option provisions, if applicable] The date on which payment in full of the Warrant Price (plus any such accrued interest) is received by the Warrant Agent shall, subject to receipt of the Warrant Certificate as aforesaid, be deemed to be the date on which the Warrant is exercised. The Warrant Agent shall deposit all funds received by it in payment for the exercise of Warrants in an account of the Company maintained with it (or in such other account as may be designated by the Company) and shall advise the Company, by telephone or by facsimile transmission or other form of electronic communication available to both parties, at the end of each day on which a payment for the exercise of Warrants is received of the amount so deposited to its account. The Warrant Agent shall promptly confirm such advice to the Company in writing. If a day on which Warrants may be exercised in the city in which such Warrants are to be exercised shall be a Saturday or Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in such city are authorized or required to be closed, then, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or the Warrant Certificate evidencing such Warrants, but subject to the limitation that no Warrant may be exercised after the Expiration Date, the Warrants shall be exercisable on the next succeeding day which in such city is not a Saturday or Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in such city are authorized or required to be closed. The Warrant Agent shall, from time to time, as promptly as practicable, advise the Company and the Trustee in writing of (i) the number of Warrants exercised, (ii) the instructions of each Holder of the Warrant Certificates evidencing such Warrants with respect to delivery of the Warrant Securities to be issued upon such exercise, (iii) delivery of any Warrant Certificates evidencing the balance, if any, of the Warrants remaining after such exercise, and (iv) such other information as the Company or the Trustee shall reasonably require. As soon as practicable after the exercise of any Warrant, but subject to receipt by the Warrant Agent of the Warrant Certificate evidencing such Warrant as provided in this Section, the Company shall issue[, pursuant to the Indenture, in authorized denominations to or upon the order of the Holder of the Warrant Certificate evidencing each Warrant,] the Warrant Securities to which such Holder is entitled, in fully registered form, registered in such name or names as may be directed by such Holder. If fewer than all of the Warrants evidenced by such Warrant Certificate are exercised, the Company shall execute, and an authorized officer of the Warrant Agent shall manually countersign and deliver, a new Warrant Certificate evidencing the number of such Warrants remaining unexercised. 5 The Company shall not be required to pay any stamp or other tax or other governmental charge required to be paid in connection with any transfer involved in the issuance of the Warrant Securities, and in the event that any such transfer is involved, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any Warrant Security until such tax or other charge shall have been paid or it has been established to the Company's satisfaction that no such tax or other charge is due. ARTICLE III OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF WARRANT SECTION 3.01. No Rights as Warrant Securityholder Conferred by Warrant or Warrant Certificates. No Warrant Certificate or Warrant evidenced thereby shall entitle the Holder or any beneficial owner thereof to any of the rights of a holder or beneficial owner of Warrant Securities, including, without limitation, [the right to receive the payment of principal of (premium, if any) or interest, if any, on Warrant Securities or to enforce any of the covenants in the Indenture] [the right to receive dividend payments on the Warrant Securities or any voting rights]. SECTION 3.02. Lost, Mutilated, Stolen, or Destroyed Warrant Certificates. Upon receipt by the Warrant Agent of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it and the Company of the ownership of and the loss, mutilation, theft or destruction of any Warrant Certificate and of such security or indemnity as may be required by the Company and the Warrant Agent to hold each of them and any agent of them harmless and, in the case of mutilation of a Warrant Certificate, upon surrender thereof to the Warrant Agent for cancellation, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Warrant Agent that such Warrant Certificate has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute, and an authorized officer of the Warrant Agent shall manually countersign and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of the lost, mutilated, stolen or destroyed Warrant Certificate, a new Warrant Certificate of the same tenor and evidencing a like number of Warrants. Upon the issuance of any new Warrant Certificate under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp or other tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Warrant Agent) in connection therewith. Every substitute Warrant Certificate executed and delivered pursuant to this Section in lieu of any lost, mutilated, stolen or destroyed Warrant Certificate shall represent an additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the lost, stolen or destroyed Warrant Certificate shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement equally and proportionately with any and all other Warrant Certificates duly executed and delivered hereunder. The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement of lost, mutilated, stolen or destroyed Warrant Certificates. SECTION 3.03. Enforcement of Rights. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Agreement, any Holder of a Warrant Certificate, without the consent of the Warrant Agent, the Trustee, the holder of any Offered Securities or the Holder of any 6 other Warrant Certificate, may, in its own behalf and for its own benefit, enforce, and may institute and maintain any suit, action or proceeding against the Company suitable to enforce, or otherwise in respect of, its right to exercise its Warrants in the manner provided in its Warrant Certificate and in this Agreement. SECTION 3.04. Merger, Consolidation, Conveyance or Transfer. (a) If at any time there shall be a merger or consolidation of the Company or a conveyance or transfer of its property and assets substantially as an entirety [as permitted under the Indenture], then in any such event the successor or assuming corporation referred to therein shall succeed to and be substituted for the Company, with the same effect [, subject to the Indenture,] as if it had been named herein and in the Warrant Certificates as the Company; the Company shall thereupon, except in the case of a transfer by way of lease, be relieved of any further obligation hereunder and under the Warrants and the Warrant Certificates, and the Company as the predecessor corporation, except in the case of a transfer by way of lease, may thereupon or at any time thereafter be dissolved, wound up or liquidated. Such successor or assuming corporation may thereupon cause to be signed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of the Company, Warrant Certificates evidencing any or all of the Warrants issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Company, and may execute and deliver Warrant Securities in its own name [, pursuant to the Indenture,] in fulfillment of its obligations to deliver Warrant Securities upon exercise of the Warrants. All the Warrants so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Agreement as the Warrants theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement as though all of such Warrants had been issued at the date of the execution hereof. In any case of any such merger, consolidation, conveyance or transfer, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Warrant Certificates representing the Warrants thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate. (b) The Warrant Agent may receive a written opinion of legal counsel (who shall be acceptable to the Warrant Agent) as conclusive evidence that any such merger, consolidation, conveyance or transfer complies with the provisions of this Section and the Indenture. [Add Anti-Dilution provisions as necessary.] ARTICLE IV EXCHANGE AND TRANSFER SECTION 4.01. Exchange and Transfer. (a) [1: Upon] [2: Prior to the Detachable Date, a Warrant Certificate may be exchanged or transferred only together with the Offered Security to which such Warrant Certificate was initially attached, and only for the purpose of effecting, or in conjunction with, an exchange or transfer of such Offered Security. Prior to any Detachable Date, each transfer of the Offered Security, shall operate also to transfer the related Warrant Certificates. On or after the Detachable Date, upon] surrender at the corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent at [address] [or __________], Warrant Certificates evidencing Warrants may be exchanged for Warrant 7 Certificates in other authorized denominations evidencing such Warrants or the transfer thereof may be registered in whole or in part; provided, however, that such other Warrant Certificates shall evidence the same aggregate number of Warrants as the Warrant Certificates so surrendered. (b) The Warrant Agent shall keep, at its corporate trust office at [address] [and at __________], books in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, it shall register Warrant Certificates and exchanges and transfers of outstanding Warrant Certificates upon surrender of such Warrant Certificates to the Warrant Agent at its corporate trust office at [address] [or __________] for exchange or registration of transfer, properly endorsed [or accompanied by appropriate instruments of registration of transfer and written instructions for transfer, all in form satisfactory to the Company and the Warrant Agent.] (c) No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of Warrant Certificates, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp or other tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any such exchange or registration of transfer. (d) Whenever any Warrant Certificates are so surrendered for exchange or registration of transfer, an authorized officer of the Warrant Agent shall manually countersign and deliver to the person or persons entitled thereto a Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates, duly authorized and executed by the Company, as so requested. The Warrant Agent shall not effect any exchange or registration of transfer which will result in the issuance of a Warrant Certificate, evidencing a fraction of a Warrant or a number of full Warrants and a fraction of a Warrant. (e) All Warrant Certificates issued upon any exchange or registration of transfer of Warrant Certificates shall be the valid obligations of the Company evidencing the same obligations, and entitled to the same benefits under this Agreement, as the Warrant Certificates surrendered for such exchange or registration or transfer. SECTION 4.02. Treatment of Holders of Warrant Certificates. Each Holder of a Warrant Certificate, by accepting the same, consents and agrees with the Company, the Warrant Agent and every subsequent Holder of such Warrant Certificate that until the transfer of such Warrant Certificate is registered on the books of such Warrant Agent [2: or, prior to the Detachable Date, until the transfer of the Offered Security to which such Warrant Certificate is attached is registered in the register of the Offered Securities], the Company and the Warrant Agent may treat the registered Holder of such Warrant Certificate as the absolute owner thereof for any purpose and as the person entitled to exercise the rights represented by the Warrants evidenced thereby, any notice to the contrary notwithstanding. SECTION 4.03. Cancellation of Warrant Certificates. [(a)] Any Warrant Certificate surrendered for exchange or registration of transfer or exercise of the Warrants evidenced thereby shall, if surrendered to the Company, be delivered to the 8 Warrant Agent, and all Warrant Certificates surrendered or so delivered to the Warrant Agent shall be promptly cancelled by the Warrant Agent and shall not be reissued and, except as expressly permitted by this Agreement, no Warrant Certificate shall be issued hereunder in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof. The Warrant Agent shall cause all cancelled Warrant Certificates to be destroyed and shall deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company. [(b) If the Company notifies the Trustee of its election to redeem [2: prior to the Detachable Date] [, as a whole but not in part,] [2: the Offered Securities [or] [and]] the Warrant Securities pursuant to the Indenture or the terms thereof, the Company may elect, and shall give notice to the Warrant Agent of its election, to cancel the unexercised Warrants, the Warrant Certificates and the rights evidenced thereby. Promptly after receipt of such notice by the Warrant Agent, the Company shall, or, at the Company's request, the Warrant Agent shall in the name of and at the expense of the Company, give notice of such cancellation to the Holders of the Warrant Certificates, such notice to be so given not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for the redemption of [2: the Offered Securities [or] [and]] the Warrant Securities pursuant to the Indenture or the terms thereof. The unexercised Warrants, the Warrant Certificates and the rights evidenced thereby shall be cancelled and become void on the 15th day prior to such date fixed for redemption.] ARTICLE V CONCERNING THE WARRANT AGENT SECTION 5.01. Warrant Agent. The Company hereby appoints __________ as Warrant Agent of the Company in respect of the Warrants and the Warrant Certificates upon the terms and subject to the conditions herein and in the Warrant Certificates set forth; and ___________ hereby accepts such appointment. The Warrant Agent shall have the powers and authority granted to and conferred upon it in the Warrant Certificates and herein and such further powers and authority to act on behalf of the Company as the Company may hereafter grant to or confer upon it. All of the terms and provisions with respect to such powers and authority contained in the Warrant Certificates are subject to and governed by the terms and provisions hereof. SECTION 5.02. Conditions of Warrant Agent's Obligations. The Warrant Agent accepts its obligations herein set forth upon the terms and conditions hereof, including the following, to all of which the Company agrees and to all of which the rights hereunder of the Holders from time to time of the Warrant Certificates shall be subject: (a) Compensation and Indemnification. The Company agrees promptly to pay the Warrant Agent the compensation to be agreed upon with the Company for all services rendered by the Warrant Agent and to reimburse the Warrant Agent for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) 9 incurred by the Warrant Agent without negligence, bad faith or breach of this Agreement on its part in connection with the services rendered hereunder by the Warrant Agent. The Company also agrees to indemnify the Warrant Agent for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on the part of the Warrant Agent, arising out of or in connection with its acting as Warrant Agent hereunder, as well as the reasonable costs and expenses of defending against any claim of such liability. (b) Agent for the Company. In acting under this Agreement and in connection with the Warrants and the Warrant Certificates, the Warrant Agent is acting solely as agent of the Company and does not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any of the Holders of Warrant Certificates or beneficial owners of Warrants. (c) Counsel. The Warrant Agent may consult with counsel satisfactory to it in its reasonable judgment, and the advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice of such counsel. (d) Documents. The Warrant Agent shall be protected and shall incur no liability for or in respect of any action taken or thing suffered by it in reliance upon any Warrant Certificate, notice, direction, consent, certificate, affidavit, statement or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been presented or signed by the proper parties. (e) Certain Transactions. The Warrant Agent, and its officers, directors and employees, may become the owner of, or acquire any interest in, Warrants, with the same rights that it or they would have if it were not the Warrant Agent hereunder, and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, it or they may engage or be interested in any financial or other transaction with the Company and may act on, or as depositary, trustee or agent for, any committee or body of holders of Warrant Securities or other obligations of the Company as freely as if it were not the Warrant Agent hereunder. [Nothing in this Warrant Agreement shall be deemed to prevent the Warrant Agent from acting as Trustee under the Indenture.] (f) No Liability for Interest. The Warrant Agent shall have no liability for interest on any monies at any time received by it pursuant to any of the provisions of this Agreement or of the Warrant Certificates. (g) No Liability for Invalidity. The Warrant Agent shall not be under any responsibility with respect to the validity or sufficiency of this Agreement or the execution and delivery hereof (except the due authorization to execute this Agreement and the due execution and delivery hereof by the Warrant Agent) or with respect to the validity or execution of any Warrant Certificates (except its countersignature thereof). 10 (h) No Liability for Recitals. The recitals contained herein shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and the Warrant Agent assumes no liability for the correctness of the same. (i) No Implied Obligations. The Warrant Agent shall be obligated to perform only such duties as are herein and in the Warrant Certificates specifically set forth and no implied duties or obligations shall be read into this Agreement or the Warrant Certificates against the Warrant Agent. The Warrant Agent shall not be under any obligation to take any action hereunder which may tend to involve it in any expense or liability, the payment of which within a reasonable time is not, in its reasonable opinion, assured to it. The Warrant Agent shall not be accountable or under any duty or responsibility for the use by the Company of any of the Warrant Certificates countersigned by the Warrant Agent and delivered by it to the Company pursuant to this Agreement or for the application by the Company of the proceeds of the Warrant Certificates. The Warrant Agent shall have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by the Company in the performance of its covenants or agreements contained herein or in the Warrant Certificates or in the case of the receipt of any written demand from a Holder of a Warrant Certificate with respect to such default, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any duty or responsibility to initiate or attempt to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise or, except as provided in Section 6.02, to make any demand upon the Company. SECTION 5.03. Resignation and Appointment of Successor. (a) The Company agrees, for the benefit of the Holders from time to time of the Warrant Certificates, that there shall at all times be a Warrant Agent hereunder until all the Warrants have been exercised or are no longer exercisable. (b) The Warrant Agent may at any time resign as such by giving written notice of its resignation to the Company, specifying the desired date on which its resignation shall become effective; provided, however, that such date shall be not less than 90 days after the date on which such notice is given unless the Company agrees to accept shorter notice. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Warrant Agent (which shall be a bank or trust company in good standing, authorized under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization to exercise corporate trust powers) by written instrument in duplicate signed on behalf of the Company, one copy of which shall be delivered to the resigning Warrant Agent and one copy to the successor Warrant Agent. The Company may, at any time and for any reason, remove the Warrant Agent and appoint a successor Warrant Agent (qualified as aforesaid) by written instrument in duplicate signed on behalf of the Company and specifying such removal and the date when it is intended to become effective, one copy of which shall be delivered to the Warrant Agent being removed and one copy to the successor Warrant Agent. Any resignation or removal of the Warrant Agent and any appointment of a successor Warrant Agent shall become effective upon acceptance of appointment by the successor Warrant Agent as provided in this subsection (b). In the event a successor Warrant Agent has not been appointed and accepted its duties within 90 days of the Warrant Agent's notice of resignation, the Warrant Agent may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the designation of a successor Warrant Agent. Upon 11 its resignation or removal, the Warrant Agent shall be entitled to the payment by the Company of the compensation and to the reimbursement of all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by it hereunder as agreed to in Section 5.02(a). (c) The Company shall remove the Warrant Agent and appoint a successor Warrant Agent if the Warrant Agent (i) shall become incapable of acting, (ii) shall be adjudged bankrupt or insolvent, (iii) shall commence a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to it or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, (iv) shall consent to, or shall have had entered against it a court order for, any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in any involuntary case or other proceedings commenced against it, (v) shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) shall fail generally to pay its debts as they become due. Upon the appointment as aforesaid of a successor Warrant Agent and acceptance by it of such appointment, the predecessor Warrant Agent shall, if not previously disqualified by operation of law, cease to be Warrant Agent hereunder. (d) Any successor Warrant Agent appointed hereunder shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to its predecessor and the Company an instrument accepting such appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor Warrant Agent, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the authority, rights, powers, immunities, duties and obligations of such predecessor with like effect as if originally named as Warrant Agent hereunder, and such predecessor shall thereupon become obligated to transfer, deliver and pay over, and such successor Warrant Agent shall be entitled to receive, all monies, securities and other property on deposit with or held by such predecessor as Warrant Agent hereunder. (e) Any corporation into which the Warrant Agent hereunder may be merged or converted or any corporation with which the Warrant Agent may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Warrant Agent shall be a party, or any corporation to which the Warrant Agent shall sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all the assets and business of the Warrant Agent, provided that it shall be qualified as aforesaid, shall be the successor Warrant Agent under this Agreement without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS SECTION 6.01. Amendment. This Agreement and the terms of the Warrants and the Warrant Certificates may be amended by the parties hereto, without the consent of the Holder of any Warrant Certificate or the beneficial owner of any Warrant, for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, or of curing, correcting or supplementing any 12 defective or inconsistent provision contained herein or in the Warrant Certificates, or making any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Agreement as the Company and the Warrant Agent may deem necessary or desirable, provided that such action shall not affect adversely the interests of the Holders of the Warrant Certificates or the beneficial owners of Warrants in any material respect. SECTION 6.02. Notices and Demands to the Company and Warrant Agent. If the Warrant Agent shall receive any notice or demand addressed to the Company by the Holder of a Warrant Certificate pursuant to the provisions of the Warrant Certificates, the Warrant Agent shall promptly forward such notice or demand to the Company. SECTION 6.03. Addresses. Any communication from the Company to the Warrant Agent with respect to this Agreement shall be addressed to __________, Attention: ________, and any communication from the Warrant Agent to the Company with respect to this Agreement shall be addressed to Newcastle Investment Corp., 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 16th Floor, New York, New York, 10020, Attention: __________ (or such other address as shall be specified in writing by the Warrant Agent or by the Company). SECTION 6.04. Applicable Law. The validity, interpretation and performance of this Agreement and each Warrant Certificate issued hereunder and of the respective terms and provisions hereof and thereof shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. SECTION 6.05. Delivery of Prospectus. The Company will furnish to the Warrant Agent sufficient copies of a prospectus relating to the Warrant Securities deliverable upon exercise of Warrants (the "Prospectus"), and the Warrant Agent agrees that upon the exercise of any Warrant, the Warrant Agent will deliver to the Holder of the Warrant Certificate evidencing such Warrant, prior to or concurrently with the delivery of the Warrant Securities issued upon such exercise, a Prospectus. The Warrant Agent shall not, by reason of any such delivery, assume any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of such Prospectus. SECTION 6.06. Obtaining of Governmental Approval. The Company will from time to time take all action which may be necessary to obtain and keep effective any and all permits, consents and approvals of governmental agencies and authorities and securities acts filings under United States federal and state laws (including without limitation a registration statement in respect of the Warrants and Warrant Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended), which may be or become requisite in connection with the issuance, sale, transfer and delivery of the Warrant Certificates, the exercise of the Warrants, the issuance, sale, transfer and delivery of the Warrant Securities issued upon exercise of the Warrants or upon the expiration of the period during which the Warrants are exercisable. SECTION 6.07. Persons Having Rights under Warrant Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall give to any person other than the Company, the Warrant 13 Agent and the Holders of the Warrant Certificates any right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement. SECTION 6.08. Headings. The descriptive headings of the several Articles and Sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof. SECTION 6.09. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which as so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. SECTION 6.10. Inspection of Agreement. A copy of this Agreement shall be available at all reasonable times at the principal corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent for inspection by the Holder of any Warrant Certificate. The Warrant Agent may require such Holder to submit its Warrant Certificate to the Warrant Agent for review prior to such inspection. SECTION 6.11. Notices to Holders of Warrants. Any notice to Holders of Warrants evidenced by Warrant Certificates which by any provisions of this Warrant Agreement is required or permitted to be given shall be given by first class mail prepaid at such Holder's address as it appears on the books of the Warrant Agent. 14 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written. NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. By: -------------------------- Name: Title: [WARRANT AGENT] By: -------------------------- Name: Title: 15 EXHIBIT A [FORM OF WARRANT CERTIFICATE] [Face] [Prior to _______________, this Warrant Certificate may be transferred or exchanged if and only if the [title of Offered Security] to which it was initially attached is so transferred or exchanged.] [Prior to ___________, Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate cannot be exercised.] EXERCISABLE ONLY IF AUTHENTICATED BY THE WARRANT AGENT AS PROVIDED HEREIN VOID AFTER THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON _________, ____ NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. Warrant Certificate representing Warrants to purchase [Title of Warrant Securities] as described herein ------------------ No. ____ _______________ Warrants This certifies that [_____________________] or registered assigns is the registered owner of the above indicated number of Warrants, each Warrant entitling such registered owner to purchase, at any time [after the close of business on _________, _____, and] on or before the close of business on ____________, ____, [____ shares of [title of Warrant Securities]] [$________ aggregate principal amount of [title of Warrant Securities]] (the "Warrant Securities") of Newcastle Investment Corp. (the "Company")[, issued or to be issued under the Indenture (as hereinafter defined),] on the following basis. (2) [During the period from ________, ____ through and including ___________, ____, each Warrant shall entitle the Holder thereof, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, to purchase from the Company the [principal] amount of Warrant Securities stated above in this Warrant Certificate at the exercise price of [___] [___% of the principal amount thereof [plus accrued amortization, if any, of the original issue discount of the Warrant Securities] [plus accrued interest, if any, from the most recent date from __________ (2) Complete and modify the following provisions as appropriate to reflect the terms of the Warrants and the Warrant Securities. A-1 which interest shall have been paid on the Warrant Securities or, if no interest shall have been paid on the Warrant Securities, from ___________, ____]; [in each case, the original issue discount ($_______ for each $1,000 principal amount of Warrant Securities) will be amortized at a ___% annual rate, computed on a[n] [semi-]annual basis[, using a 360-day year constituting of twelve 30-day months]] (the "Exercise Price"). The Holder of this Warrant Certificate may exercise the Warrants evidenced hereby, in whole or in part, by surrendering this Warrant Certificate, with the purchase form set forth hereon duly completed, accompanied [by payment in full, in lawful money of the United States of America, [in cash or by certified check or official bank check in New York Clearing House funds] [by bank wire transfer in immediately available funds]], the Exercise Price for each Warrant exercised, to the Warrant Agent (as hereinafter defined), at the corporate trust office of [name of Warrant Agent], or its successor as warrant agent (the "Warrant Agent"), at the addresses specified on the reverse hereof [or at ____________] and upon compliance with and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Warrant Agreement (as hereinafter defined). This Warrant Certificate may be exercised only for the purchase of [_____ shares of] Warrant Securities [in the principal amount of $________] or any integral multiple thereof. [Insert Cashless Exercise Option provisions, if applicable] The term "Holder" as used herein shall mean[, prior to _________, ____ (the "Detachable Date"), the registered owner of the Company's [title of Offered Securities] to which such Warrant Certificate was initially attached, and after such Detachable Date,] the person in whose name at the time such Warrant Certificate shall be registered upon the books to be maintained by the Warrant Agent for that purpose pursuant to the Warrant Agreement. Any whole number of Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate may be exercised to purchase Warrant Securities in registered form. Upon any exercise of fewer than all of the Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate, there shall be issued to the registered owner hereof a new Warrant Certificate evidencing the number of Warrants remaining unexercised. This Warrant Certificate is issued under and in accordance with the Warrant Agreement dated as of __________, ____ (the "Warrant Agreement"), between the Company and the Warrant Agent and is subject to the terms and provisions contained in the Warrant Agreement, to all of which terms and provisions the Holder of this Warrant Certificate consents by acceptance hereof. Copies of the Warrant Agreement are on file at the above-mentioned office of the Warrant Agent [and at _______________]. [The Warrant Securities to be issued and delivered upon the exercise of Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate will be issued under and in accordance with an Indenture, dated as of ________________ (the "Indenture"), between the Company and ________________, a [corporation] [national banking association] organized under the laws of the State of __________, as trustee (such trustee, and any successors to such trustee, the "Trustee") and will be subject to the terms and provisions contained in the Warrant Securities and in the Indenture. Copies of the Indenture, A-2 including the form of the Warrant Securities, are on file at the corporate trust office of the Trustee [and at __________].] [Prior to ___________, ____ (the "Detachable Date"), this Warrant Certificate may be exchanged or transferred only together with the [title of Offered Security] (the "Offered Security") to which this Warrant Certificate was initially attached, and only for the purpose of effecting, or in conjunction with, an exchange or transfer of such Offered Security. Additionally, on or prior to the Detachable Date, each transfer of such Offered Security on the register of the Offered Securities shall operate also to transfer this Warrant Certificate. After the Detachable Date,] this Warrant Certificate, and all rights hereunder, may be transferred when surrendered at the corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent [or _________] by the registered owner or its assigns, in person or by an attorney duly authorized in writing, in the manner and subject to the limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement. Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, after authentication by the Warrant Agent and prior to the expiration of this Warrant Certificate, this Warrant Certificate may be exchanged at the corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent [or at _____________] for Warrant Certificates representing the same aggregate number of Warrants. This Warrant Certificate shall not entitle the registered owner hereof to any of the rights of a registered holder of the Warrant Securities, including, without limitation, [the right to receive payments of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Warrant Securities or to enforce any of the covenants of the Indenture] [the right to receive dividend payments on the Warrant Securities or any voting rights]. Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Warrant Certificate set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place. This Warrant Certificate shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by the Warrant Agent. A-3 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant Certificate to be duly executed as of the date hereof. Dated: _______________ NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. By: ----------------------------------------- Name: Title: CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION This is one of the Warrant Certificates referred to in the within-mentioned Warrant Agreement. --------------------------------------- As Warrant Agent By: ------------------------------------ Authorized Signature A-4 [FORM OF WARRANT CERTIFICATE] [Reverse] (Instructions for exercise of Warrants) To exercise any Warrants evidenced hereby, the Holder of this Warrant Certificate must pay [in cash or by certified check or official bank check in New York Clearing House funds or by bank wire transfer in immediately available funds], the Exercise Price in full for each of the Warrants exercised, to _________, Corporate Trust Department, _______________, Attn: ___________ [or ________________], which payment should specify the name of the Holder of this Warrant Certificate and the number of Warrants exercised by such Holder. In addition, the Holder of this Warrant Certificate should complete the information required below and present in person or mail by registered mail this Warrant Certificate to the Warrant Agent at the addresses set forth below. [FORM OF EXERCISE] (To be executed upon exercise of Warrants) The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise _________ Warrants, represented by this Warrant Certificate, to purchase [______ shares of [title of Warrant Securities]] [$_________ aggregate principal amount of the [title of Warrant Securities]] (the "Warrant Securities") of NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. and represents that he has tendered payment for such Warrant Securities [in cash or by certified check or official bank check in New York Clearing House funds or by bank wire transfer in immediately available funds] to the order of Newcastle Investment Corp., c/o Treasurer in the amount of $___________ in accordance with the terms hereof. The undersigned requests that said [principal] amount of Warrant Securities be in fully registered form, in the authorized denominations, registered in such names and delivered, all as specified in accordance with the instructions set forth below. If said [principal] amount of Warrant Securities is less than all of the Warrant Securities purchasable hereunder, the undersigned requests that a new Warrant Certificate representing the remaining balance of the Warrants evidenced hereby be issued and delivered to the undersigned unless otherwise specified in the instructions below. Dated:_______________ Name: ------------------------------------------- (Please Print) - -------------------------------- (Insert Social Security or Other Identifying Number of Holder) A-5 Address: ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- Signature: ------------------------------------- (Signed exactly as name appears on the other side of this Warrant Certificate) This Warrant may be exercised at the following addresses: By hand at: ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- By mail at: ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- (Instructions as to form and delivery of Warrant Securities and/or Warrant Certificates): A-6 [FORM OF ASSIGNMENT] (To be executed to transfer the Warrant Certificate) FOR VALUE RECEIVED __________________ hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto ------------------------------------ Please insert social security or other identifying number ------------------------------------ (Please print name and address including zip code) ____________________________the right represented by the within Warrant Certificate and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint _________________, Attorney, to transfer said Warrant Certificate on the books of the Warrant Agent with full power of substitution. Dated:_____________ ------------------------------------ Signature (Signed exactly as name appears on the other side of this Warrant Certificate) Signature Guarantee: - ------------------------------------------------------- Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor program reasonably acceptable to the Warrant Agent) A-7 EX-5.1 6 y90543a1exv5w1.txt OPINION OF PIPER RUDNICK LLP Exhibit 5.1 6225 Smith Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21209-3600 MAIN 410.580.3000 FAX 410.580.3001 October 28, 2003 NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. 1251 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10020 Re: Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-109597) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Ladies and Gentlemen: We serve as special Maryland counsel to Newcastle Investment Corp., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), of the sale and issuance of an indeterminate number or amount, as the case may be, of (collectively, the "Offered Securities"): (a) senior debt or subordinated debt securities (the "Debt Securities"), (b) shares of Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company ("Preferred Stock"), (c) depositary shares representing shares of Preferred Stock (the "Depositary Shares") and evidenced by depositary receipts (the "Depositary Receipts"), (d) warrants to purchase debt or equity securities of the Company (the "Warrants"), and (e) shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company ("Common Stock"), all of which may be issued from time to time on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act at an aggregate public offering price not to exceed $750,000,000 and are covered by the above-identified Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement") filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). This opinion is being provided at your request in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement. 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 Act; 2. The charter of the Company (the "Charter"), certified as of a recent date by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the "SDAT"); 3. The Bylaws of the Company (the "Bylaws"), certified as of the date hereof by its Secretary; NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. October 28, 2003 Page 2 4. Resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company relating to (a) the registration, sale and issuance of the Offered Securities and (b) the creation and delegation of authority to a Pricing Committee (the "Pricing Committee") of the Board of Directors in connection therewith, certified as of the date hereof by the Secretary of the Company; 5. A certificate of the SDAT as to the good standing of the Company, dated as of the date hereof; and 6. A certificate (the "Officer's Certificate") executed by Randal A. Nardone, Secretary of the Company, dated as of the date hereof. 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. 4. All Documents submitted to us as originals are authentic. All Documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original documents. All signatures on all such Documents are genuine. All public records reviewed or relied upon by us or on our behalf are true and complete. All statements and information contained in the Documents are true and complete. There has been no oral or written modification or amendment to the Documents, or waiver of any provision of the Documents, by action or omission of the parties or otherwise. 5. The Offered Securities have not been issued or transferred in violation of any restriction or limitation on transfer or ownership of shares of Capital Stock (as defined in the Charter) contained in Article VII or Article VIII of the Charter. NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. October 28, 2003 Page 3 6. Prior to the issuance of the Offered Securities, the Pricing Committee will adopt resolutions satisfying the requirements of Sections 2-203 and 2-208 of the Maryland General Corporation Law. 7. Any Debt Securities will be issued under a valid and legally binding indenture (each, an "Indenture") that conforms to the description thereof set forth in the Prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement, and will comply with the Charter, the Bylaws and applicable law. 8. Prior to the issuance of any shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock (including any Depositary Shares), the Company will have available for issuance, under the Charter, the requisite number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock. 9. Appropriate certificates representing shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, will be executed and delivered upon issuance and sale of any shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock (including any Depositary Shares), and will comply with the Charter, the Bylaws and applicable law. 10. Any Depositary Shares will be issued under a valid and legally binding deposit agreement (each, a "Deposit Agreement") that conforms to the description thereof set forth in the Prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement, and will comply with the Charter, the Bylaws and applicable law. 11. Appropriate Depositary Receipts representing Depositary Shares will be executed and delivered prior to or upon the issuance and sale of any Depositary Shares and will comply with the Charter, the Bylaws, the Deposit Agreement and applicable law. 12. Any Warrants will be issued under a valid and legally binding warrant agreement (each, a "Warrant Agreement") that conforms to the description thereof set forth in the Prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement, and will comply with the Charter, the Bylaws and applicable law. 13. The underwriting, subscription or purchase agreements for offerings of the Offered Securities will be valid and legally binding contracts that conform to the descriptions thereof set forth in the Prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement. 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. NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. October 28, 2003 Page 4 2. With respect to shares of Common Stock, when (a) shares of Common Stock have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company, (b) the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act, (c) the terms of the issuance and sale of shares of Common Stock have been duly established in conformity with the Charter and the Bylaws, which terms do not violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, and (d) the shares of Common Stock have been duly issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement and consideration therefor has been received by the Company, such shares of Common Stock will be duly authorized, legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable. 3. With respect to shares of Preferred Stock, when (a) shares of Preferred Stock have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company, (b) the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act, (c) appropriate articles supplementary to the Charter relating to the class or series of Preferred Stock to be sold under the Registration Statement (in each such case, "Articles Supplementary") have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company and Articles Supplementary have been filed with and accepted for record by the SDAT, (d) the terms of the issuance and sale of shares of such class or series of Preferred Stock have been duly established in conformity with the Charter and the Bylaws, which terms do not violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, and (e) the shares of such class or series of Preferred Stock have been duly issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement and consideration therefor has been received by the Company, such shares of Preferred Stock will be duly authorized, legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable. 4. With respect to the Warrants, when (a) the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act, (b) a Warrant Agreement relating to the Warrants has been duly authorized, executed and delivered and the Warrants and the securities of the Company into which the Warrants are exercisable have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company, (c) the terms of the Warrants and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Charter, the Bylaws and the Warrant Agreement, which terms do not violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, and (d) the Warrants have been duly executed and countersigned in accordance with the Warrant Agreement and duly issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement and consideration therefor has been received by the Company, the shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock or the Debt Securities into which the Warrants are exercisable will be duly authorized. 5. With respect to the Debt Securities, when (a) the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act, (b) the Indenture relating to the Debt Securities has been duly NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP. October 28, 2003 Page 5 authorized, executed and delivered and the Debt Securities have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company, (c) the terms of the Debt Securities and of their issuance have been duly established in conformity with the Charter, the Bylaws and the Indenture, which terms do not violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, and (d) the Debt Securities have been duly executed and countersigned in accordance with the Indenture and duly issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement and consideration therefor has been received by the Company, the Debt Securities will be duly authorized. 6. With respect to the Depositary Shares, when (a) the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act, (b) the Deposit Agreement relating to the Depositary Shares has been duly authorized, executed and delivered and the Depositary Shares have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company, (c) the terms of the Depositary Shares and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Charter, the Bylaws and the Deposit Agreement, which terms do not violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, and (d) the Depositary Shares have been duly issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement and consideration therefor has been received by the Company, the Debt Securities will be duly authorized. The foregoing opinion is limited to the substantive 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 the securities (or "blue sky") laws of the State of Maryland. 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. 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 under the heading "Legal Matters". 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 Act. Very truly yours, /s/ PIPER RUDNICK LLP EX-5.2 7 y90543a1exv5w2.txt OPINION RE LEGALITY Exhibit 5.2 October 29, 2003 Newcastle Investment Corp. 1251 Avenue of the Americas 16th Floor New York, New York 10020 Re: Newcastle Investment Corp. Registration Statement on Form S-3 Ladies and Gentlemen: We have acted as special New York counsel to Newcastle Investment Corp., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the registration statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 333-109597 (the "Registration Statement"), to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on the date hereof under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"). The Registration Statement relates to the issuance and sale from time to time, pursuant to Rule 415 of the rules and regulations under the Act, of securities of the Company for aggregate proceeds of up to $750,000,000, consisting of: shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "Common Stock"); shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "Preferred Stock"); depositary shares representing shares of Preferred Stock (the "Depositary Shares"); senior debt securities (the "Senior Debt Securities"); subordinated debt securities (the "Subordinated Debt Securities" and, together with the Senior Debt Securities, the "Debt Securities"); and warrants to purchase debt or equity securities (the "Debt Warrants" and the "Stock Warrants", respectively, and together, the "Warrants"). The Senior Debt Securities and the Subordinated Debt Securities are to be issued under the Senior Indenture, proposed to be entered into between the Company and the trustee to be named therein, and the Subordinated Indenture, proposed to be entered into between the Company and the trustee to be named therein, respectively, a form of each of which is each filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (collectively, the "Indentures" and each trustee, a "Trustee"). The Warrants are to be issued pursuant to a Warrant Agreement, proposed to be entered into between the Company and a warrant agent to be named therein (the "Warrant Agent"), a form of which is filed as an exhibit to the Newcastle Investment Corp. Page 2 Registration Statement (the "Warrant Agreement"). The Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Debt Securities and Warrants are collectively referred to herein as the "Offered Securities". This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Act. In connection with this opinion, we have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of (i) the Registration Statement; (ii) a form of Senior Indenture; (iii) a form of Subordinated Indenture; and (iv) a form of Warrant Agreement. We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such records of the Company and such agreements, certificates of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company and others, and such other documents, certificates and records as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth herein. In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified, conformed or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. In making our examination of executed documents or documents to be executed, we have assumed that the parties thereto, including the Company, had or will have the power, corporate or other, to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization by all requisite action, corporate or other, and execution and delivery by such parties of such documents and, as to parties other than the Company, the validity and binding effect on such parties. We have also assumed that the Company has been duly organized and is validly existing in good standing under the laws of the state of Maryland and that the Company has complied and will comply with all aspects of applicable laws of jurisdictions other than the United States of America and the State of New York in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Indentures, the Warrant Agreement and the Registration Statement. We have also assumed that the indentures and the warrant agreement will be executed and delivered in substantially the forms reviewed by us. We have also assumed that the choice of New York law to govern the Indentures and the Warrant Agreement is a valid and legal provision. We have also assumed that the Indentures and the Warrant Newcastle Investment Corp. Page 3 Agreement will be duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trustees and the Warrant Agent, respectively, and that any Debt Securities or Warrants that may be issued will be manually signed or countersigned, as the case may be, by duly authorized officers of the Trustees and Warrant Agent, respectively. As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein which we have not independently established or verified, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others. Our opinions set forth herein are limited to the laws of the State of New York which are normally applicable to transactions of the type contemplated by the Registration Statement and, to the extent that judicial or regulatory orders or decrees or consents, approvals, licenses, authorizations, validations, filings, recordings or registrations with governmental authorities are relevant, to those required under such laws (all of the foregoing being referred to as "Opined on Law"). We do not express any opinion with respect to the law of any jurisdiction other than Opined on Law or as to the effect of any such non opined law on the opinions herein stated. The Offered Securities may be issued from time to time on a delayed or continuous basis, and this opinion is limited to the laws, including the rules and regulations under the Act, as in effect on the date hereof. Based upon and subject to the foregoing and the limitations, qualifications, exceptions and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that: 1. With respect to any series of Debt Securities (the "Offered Debt Securities"), when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Securities Act and the applicable Indenture has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement or term sheet with respect to the Offered Debt Securities has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder; (iii) if the Offered Debt Securities are to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, an underwriting agreement with respect to the Offered Debt Securities has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (iv) the Board of Directors of the Company, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of the Offered Debt Securities and related matters; (v) the terms of the Offered Debt Newcastle Investment Corp. Page 4 Securities and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the applicable Indenture so as not to violate any applicable law, the Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company, the Articles or the By-laws of the Company as currently in effect (the "By-laws"), or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; and (vi) the Offered Debt Securities have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Indenture and duly delivered to the purchasers thereof upon payment of the agreed-upon consideration therefor, the Offered Debt Securities, when issued and sold in accordance with the applicable Indenture and the applicable underwriting agreement, if any, or any other duly authorized, executed and delivered valid and binding purchase or agency agreement, will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditors' rights generally, (b) general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity), (c) public policy considerations which may limit the rights of the parties to obtain further remedies, and (d) the waivers of any usury defense contained in the Indentures which may be unenforceable. 2. With respect to any series of Warrants (the "Offered Warrants"), when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement or term sheet with respect to the Offered Warrants has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder; (iii) if the Offered Warrants are to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, an underwriting agreement with respect to the Offered Warrants has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (iv) the Board of Directors of the Company, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance of the Offered Warrants and related matters; (v) the terms of the Offered Warrants and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Warrant Agreement so as not to violate any applicable law, the Articles or By-laws or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or Newcastle Investment Corp. Page 5 instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company by the Company and the Warrant Agent; and (vi) the Offered Warrants have been duly executed, delivered and countersigned in accordance with the provisions of the Warrant Agreement and duly issued and sold in the manner contemplated in the Registration Statement or any prospectus supplement or term sheet relating thereto, the Offered Warrants, when issued and sold in accordance with the Warrant Agreement and the applicable underwriting agreement, if any, or any other duly authorized, executed and delivered valid and binding purchase or agency agreement, will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditors' rights generally, (b) general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) and (c) public policy considerations which may limit the rights of the parties to obtain further remedies. In rendering the opinions set forth above, we have assumed that the execution and delivery by the Company of the Senior Indenture, the Subordinated Indenture and the Warrant Agreement and the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder do not and will not violate, conflict with or constitute a default under any agreement or instrument to which the Company or its properties is subject, except for those agreements and instruments that are listed in Part II of the Registration Statement or the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. In addition, we do not express any opinion as to whether the execution or delivery by the company of the Senior Indenture, the Subordinated Indenture and the Warrant Agreement or the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder will constitute a violation of, or a default under, any covenant, restriction or provision contained therein with respect to financial ratios or tests or any aspect of the financial condition or results of operations of the company or any of its subsidiaries. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are included in the category of persons Newcastle Investment Corp. Page 6 whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission. This opinion is expressed as of the date hereof unless otherwise expressly stated, and we disclaim any undertaking to advise you of any subsequent changes of the facts stated or assumed herein or any subsequent changes in applicable law. Very truly yours, /s/ SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM LLP EX-8.1 8 y90543a1exv8w1.txt OPINION OF SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM Exhibit 8.1 [Letterhead of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP] October 28, 2003 Newcastle Investment Corp. 1251 Avenue of Americas New York, New York 10020 Re: Certain Federal Income Tax Matters Ladies and Gentlemen: You have requested our opinion concerning certain Federal income tax consequences of an investment in stock or other securities of Newcastle Investment Corp., a Maryland corporation ("Newcastle"), as described in a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-109597) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), as amended through the date hereof (the "Registration Statement"). We have acted as tax counsel to Newcastle in connection with the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement and certain other documents. In connection with this opinion, we have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the Registration Statement and such other documentation and information provided by you as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinion set forth herein. In addition, you have provided us with, and we are relying upon, a certificate containing certain factual representations and covenants of officers of Newcastle (the "Officers' Certificate") relating to, among other things, the actual and proposed operations of Newcastle and the entities in which it holds, or has held, a direct or indirect interest (collectively, the "Company"). For purposes of our opinion, we have not made an independent investigation of the facts, representations and covenants set forth in the Officers' Certificate, the Registration Statement, or in any other document. In particular, we note that the Company has engaged in, and may engage in, transactions in connection with which we have not provided legal advice, and have not reviewed, and of which we may be unaware. We have, consequently, assumed and relied on your representations that the information presented in the Officers' Certificate, Registration Statement and other documents, or otherwise furnished to us, accurately and completely describes all material facts relevant to our opinion. We have assumed that such statements, representations and covenants are true without regard to any qualification as to knowledge or belief. Our opinion is conditioned on the continuing Newcastle Investment Corp. October 29, 2003 Page 2 accuracy and completeness of such statements, representations and covenants. Any material change or inaccuracy in the facts referred to, set forth, or assumed herein or in the Officers' Certificate may affect our conclusions set forth herein. We have, at your request, also relied upon: (i) the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, dated May 5, 1999, regarding the qualification of Impac Commercial Holdings, Inc. as a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), (ii) the opinion of Thacher Proffitt & Wood, dated July 22, 1999, in connection with the issuance of certain notes by Fortress CBO Investments I, Limited and Fortress CBO Investments I Corp., (iii) the opinion of Sidley & Austin, dated November 17, 1999, in connection with the issuance of certain certificates by Fortress Commercial Mortgage Trust 1999-PC1, (iv) the opinion of Sidley & Austin, dated May 27, 1999, in connection with the issuance of certain certificates by Government Lease Trust, (v) the opinion of Sidley Austin Brown & Wood, dated December 31, 2001, in connection with the issuance of certain notes by FIC GSA Mezzanine Borrower LLC and FIC Houston LLC, and (vi) the opinion of Thacher Proffitt & Wood, dated July 12, 2002, in connection with the issuance of certain bonds by Impac CMB Trust 1998-C1, each of which opinions is included in an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In our review of certain documents in connection with our opinion as expressed below, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified, conformed or photostatic copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such copies. Where documents have been provided to us in draft form, we have assumed that the final executed versions of such documents will not differ materially from such drafts. Our opinion is also based on the correctness of the following assumptions: (i) Newcastle and each of the entities comprising the Company has been and will continue to be operated in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which it was formed and in the manner described in the relevant organizational documents, (ii) there will be no changes in the applicable laws of the State of Maryland or of any other jurisdiction under the laws of which any of the entities comprising the Company have been formed, and (iii) each of the written agreements to which the Company is a party will be implemented, construed and enforced in accordance with its terms. In rendering our opinion, we have considered and relied upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the regulations promulgated thereunder ("Regulations"), administrative rulings and other interpretations of the Code and the Regulations by the courts and the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), all as they exist at the date hereof. It should be noted that the Code, Regulations, judicial decisions, and administrative interpretations are subject to change at any time and, in some circumstances, with retroactive effect. A material change that is made after the date hereof in any of the foregoing bases for our opinion could affect our conclusions set forth herein. Newcastle Investment Corp. October 29, 2003 Page 3 In this regard, an opinion of counsel with respect to an issue represents counsel's best judgment as to the outcome on the merits with respect to such issue, is not binding on the IRS or the courts, and is not a guarantee that the IRS will not assert a contrary position with respect to such issue or that a court will not sustain such a position if asserted by the IRS. We express no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Federal laws of the United States of America to the extent specifically referred to herein. Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, commencing with Newcastle's initial taxable year that ended on December 31, 2002, Newcastle was organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code, and its actual method of operation through the date of this letter has enabled, and its proposed method of operation will enable it to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. As noted in the Registration Statement, Newcastle's qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon its ability to meet, through actual annual operating results, certain requirements including requirements relating to distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership, and the various qualification tests imposed under the Code, the results of which are not reviewed by us. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of Newcastle's operation for any one taxable year satisfy the requirements for taxation as a REIT under the Code. We express no opinion on any issue relating to Newcastle or any investment therein, other than as expressly stated above. We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Commission. This opinion is expressed as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any undertaking to advise you of any subsequent changes in the matters stated, represented, or assumed herein, or of any subsequent changes in applicable law. Very truly yours, /s/ Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meager & Flom LLP BROWN & WOOD LLP 815 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006-4004 TELEPHONE: 202-973-0600 FACSIMILE: 202-223-0485 May 5, 1999 Fortress Partners L.P. 1301 Avenue of the Americas 42nd Floor New York, New York 10019 Re: Impac Commercial Holdings, Inc. Ladies and Gentlemen: We have acted as tax counsel for Impac Commercial Holdings, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company") in connection with the issuance and sale of an aggregate of 479,999 shares (the "Shares") of the Company's Series B 8.5% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock"), pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated May 5, 1999, between the Company and Fortress Partners L.P. (the "Stock Purchase Agreement"). This opinion is being rendered to you pursuant to Section 5.16 of the Stock Purchase Agreement. The opinion set forth in this letter is based on relevant provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury Regulations thereunder, and interpretations of the foregoing by the Internal Revenue Service and the courts, all of which are subject to change either prospectively or retroactively. In our capacity as tax counsel to the Company, we have made such legal and factual examinations and inquiries, including an examination of originals or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction of such documents, corporate records and other instruments as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion. In our examination, we have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures thereon, the legal capacity of persons executing such documents and the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies. In addition to such examination, our opinion is also premised on certain written representations of the Company contained in a letter to us dated as of the date hereof (the "Officer's Certificate"). Based on such facts, assumptions and representations, it is our opinion that: Commencing with the Company's taxable year ended December 31, 1997, the Company has been and continues to be organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a "real estate investment trust," within the meaning of the Code and its method of operation has enabled and will enable it to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a "real estate investment trust" under the Code. We are opining herein only as to the effect of the federal income tax laws of the United States and we express no opinion with respect to the applicability thereto, or the effect thereon, of other federal laws, the laws of any state or other jurisdiction or as to any matters of municipal law or the laws of any other local agencies within any state. This opinion is only being rendered to you as of the date of this letter and Brown & Wood LLP undertakes no obligation to update this opinion if there are changes in the facts or the law subsequent to such date. Furthermore, this opinion is rendered only to you and is solely for your benefit in connection with the transaction described above. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose, or furnished to, quoted to, or relied upon by any other person, firm or corporation for any purpose, without our prior written consent. Very truly yours, /s/ Brown & Wood LLP 2 [Sidley & Austin Letterhead] May 27, 1999 Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. MBIA Insurance Corporation 245 Park Avenue 113 King Street New York, New York 10167 Armonk, New York 10504 Fortress Investment Corp. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. c/o Fortress Investment Group 99 Church Street 1301 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10007 New York, New York 10019 Fortress GSA Properties Holdings L.L.C. Standard & Poor's Rating Services c/o Fortress Investment Group 25 Broadway 1301 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10004 New York, New York 10019 Fortress GSA Securities L.L.C. State Street Bank and Trust Company c/o Fortress Investment Group Two International Place, Fifth Floor 1301 Avenue of the Americas Boston, Massachusetts 02110 New York, New York 10019 Re: Government Lease Trust, Lease-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 1999-GSAl, and Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 1999-C1 Ladies and Gentlemen: We have acted as special counsel to Fortress GSA Securities L.L.C. (the "Depositor"), Fortress Investment Corp. ("Fortress Investment"), Fortress GSA Properties Holdings L.L.C. ("Fortress Holdings") and each of the Borrowers (defined below) in connection with the following transactions (collectively, the "Transactions"): (i) the sale by Meridian Funding Company, LLC ("Meridian"), and the purchase by the Depositor, of a mortgage loan made pursuant to that certain Loan Agreement (the "Meridian Loan Agreement"), dated as of July 31, 1998, between Meridian, Bankers Trust Company, as collateral agent (the "Collateral Agent") and the Borrowers named therein; Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. Fortress Investment Corp. Fortress GSA Properties Holdings L.L.C. Fortress GSA Securities L.L.C. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Standard & Poor's Rating Services MBIA Insurance Corporation State Street Bank and Trust Company May 27, 1999 Page 2 (ii) the sale by Fleet National Bank, and the purchase by the Depositor, of a mortgage loan made pursuant to that certain Loan Agreement (the "Fleet Loan Agreement"), dated as of March 4, 1999, between Fleet National Bank, as agent, and the San Diego Borrower; (iii) the execution and delivery by the Depositor and the Borrowers of that certain Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the "New Loan Agreement"), dated as of May 27, 1999, between the Depositor, Bankers Trust Company, as collection agent, and the Borrowers, pursuant to which, among other things, (a) the indebtedness evidenced by the promissory note made pursuant to the Meridian Loan Agreement and the indebtedness evidenced by the promissory note made pursuant to the Fleet Loan Agreement were combined and consolidated into a single, consolidated indebtedness (collectively with the additional advances described in clause (c) below, the "New Loan"), (b) the terms of the Meridian Loan Agreement and the Fleet Loan Agreement were amended and restated in their entirety and (c) provision was made for an additional advance as described therein; (iv) the creation of a common law trust (the "Trust"), and the issuance to the Depositor by the Trust of an aggregate $223,245,400 Certificate Principal Balance of Lease-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 1999-GSA1 (the "Class A Certificates"), consisting of four classes designated Class A-1, Class A-2, Class A-3 and Class A-4, and an aggregate $175,870,728 Certificate Principal Balance of Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 1999-C1 (the "Class B Certificates" and, together with the Class A Certificates, the "Certificates"), consisting of three classes designated Class B-1, Class B-2 and Class B-3, pursuant to the Trust and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 27, 1999 (the "Trust Agreement"), between the Depositor as depositor, Fortress Holdings as primary advancer, Midland Loan Services, Inc. as servicer (in such capacity, the "Servicer") and special servicer, and State Street Bank and Trust Company as trustee (in such capacity, the "Trustee"); (v) the transfer of the Mortgage Loan by the Depositor to the Trust, pursuant to the Trust Agreement, in exchange for the Certificates; (vi) the execution and delivery by MBIA Insurance Corporation ("MBIA"), the Depositor and Fortress Investment of an Insurance and Reimbursement Agreement (the "I&R Agreement"), dated as of May 27, 1999 and of its financial guaranty insurance policy in favor of the Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Class A Certificates, the holders of the Class B Certificates, the Servicer and the Trustee, in its individual capacity; (vii) the execution by Fortress Investment of and delivery to MBIA of the Indemnification Agreement dated as of May 27, 1999 (the "Indemnification Agreement"); Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. Fortress Investment Corp. Fortress GSA Properties Holdings L.L.C. Fortress GSA Securities L.L.C. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Standard & Poor's Rating Services MBIA Insurance Corporation State Street Bank and Trust Company May 27, 1999 Page 3 (viii) the sale by the Depositor, and the purchase by Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc,, of the Certificates pursuant to the Certificate Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 27, 1999, between the Depositor, Fortress Investment and the Initial Purchaser; (ix) the execution and delivery by Fortress Investment of that certain Guaranty Agreement dated as of May 27, 1999 (the "Repurchase Guaranty"); and (x) the execution and delivery by Fortress Investment of that certain Advance Guaranty Agreement, made in favor of the Trustee on behalf of the Certificateholders and dated as of May 27, 1999 (the "Advance Guaranty"). The New Loan Agreement, the Loan Documents (as defined in the New Loan Agreement), the Trust Agreement, the I&R Agreement, the Certificate Purchase Agreement and the Advance Guaranty are collectively referred to herein as the "Agreements". Capitalized terms not defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Trust Agreement and, to the extent not defined therein, in the other Agreements. For purposes of this opinion letter, we have reviewed the Agreements, the GSA Leases and the Private Offering Memorandum, dated May 25, 1999, relating to the Trust and the Certificates (including all exhibits and annexes thereto, the "Private Offering Memorandum"). We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such other documents and records as we have deemed relevant or necessary as the basis for this opinion. We have obtained such certificates from and made such inquiries of officers and representatives of the parties to the Agreements as we have deemed relevant or necessary as the basis for such opinion. We have relied upon, and assumed the accuracy of, such other documents and records, such certificates and the statements made in response to such inquiries, with respect to the factual matters upon which the opinions contained herein are based. We have also assumed a (i) the truthfulness and accuracy of each of the representations and warranties as to factual matters contained in the Agreements, (ii) the legal capacity of natural persons, (iii) the genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, (iv) the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to us as certified, conformed or photostatic copies, (v) the due authorization by all necessary action, and the due execution and delivery, of the Agreements by the parties thereto, (vi) the constitution of each of the Agreements as the legal, valid and binding obligation of each party thereto (other than the Depositor, Fortress Investment, Fortress Holdings and the respective Borrowers), enforceable against each such party in accordance with its terms, and (vii) the absence of any other agreement that supplements or otherwise modifies the agreements expressed in the Agreements. We have also assumed that each of the Depositor, Fortress Holdings and each Borrower has been duly organized and is validly existing in good standing under the laws of its state of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. Fortress Investment Corp. Fortress GSA Properties Holdings L.L.C. Fortress GSA Securities L.L.C. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Standard & Poor's Rating Services MBIA Insurance Corporation State Street Bank and Trust Company May 27, 1999 Page 4 incorporation or formation with full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under the each of the Agreements to which it is a party. The bases for that assumption, and the due authorization, by all necessary action, and the execution and delivery by each of the Depositor, Fortress Holdings and each Borrower, of any Agreement to which any of them is a party, is the subject of our separate opinion of even date herewith. With respect to each GSA Lease, we have assumed that (i) such GSA Lease, and all amendments thereto and all novations and supplements thereof (collectively, the "GSA Lease Documents") were executed and delivered on behalf of the General Services Administration by a contracting officer as to which, at the time of the execution and delivery of the GSA Lease and any other GSA Lease Document, a contracting officer warrant ("Warrant") had been issued, and was in effect, duly appointing him or her as a contracting officer with authority for the United States of America, (ii) such contracting officer had obtained all requisite approvals and authorizations prior to the execution of the related GSA Lease and any other GSA Lease Documents and (iii) in executing the related GSA Lease and any other GSA Lease Documents, such contracting officer was acting within the scope of his or her Warrant. In rendering the opinions below, we do not express any opinion concerning the laws of any jurisdiction other than the substantive laws of the State of New York, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and, where expressly referred to below, the federal laws of the United States of America. Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that: 1. Each of the Agreements to which any of the Depositor, Fortress Investment, Fortress Holdings or any Borrower is a party and that is governed by New York law constitutes a valid, legal and binding agreement of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, receivership, moratorium, reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of the rights of creditors generally, (b) general principles of equity, regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law, and (c) public policy considerations underlying any law, rule or regulation (including any federal or state securities laws) to the extent that the same limit the enforceability of any provisions of such Agreements that purport or are construed to provide indemnification or contribution; and provided that certain of the remedial provisions, including waivers, with respect to the exercise of remedies contained in the New Loan Agreement may be Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. Fortress Investment Corp. Fortress GSA Properties Holdings L.L.C. Fortress GSA Securities L.L.C. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Standard & Poor's Rating Services MBIA Insurance Corporation State Street Bank and Trust Company May 27, 1999 Page 5 unenforceable in whole or in part, but the inclusion of such provisions does not affect the validity of the New Loan Agreement, taken as a whole, and together with applicable law, the New Loan Agreement contains adequate provisions for the practical realization of the benefits of the security provided thereby. 2. Each GSA Lease is a valid and binding obligation of the United States, enforceable against the United States in accordance with its terms. 3. The payment of rent and other charges, if any, by the United States under each GSA Lease is not subject to annual appropriations by the United States Congress, and the obligation to make such payments is a general obligation of the United States. If any payments that are properly due and owing to a Borrower under any GSA Lease are not made, such Borrower would be entitled to enforce the payment obligations of the United States in accordance with the terms of such GSA Lease. 4. Assuming the filing, pursuant to (i) the Federal Assignment of Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. Sec. 3727, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, 48 C.F.R. Chapter 1, Subpart 32.8 and Chapter 5, Subpart 532.8 (in the case of claims arising under such leases) and (ii) the Federal Assignment of Contracts Act, 41 U. S. C. Section 15 (in the case of the leases as contracts) (together, the "Assignment Acts"), of (a) with respect to each GSA Lease in favor of a Meridian Borrower (or, in the case of the GSA Lease in favor of San Diego Borrower, from the San Diego Borrower), a Notice of Release of Assignment (a copy of the form of which is attached hereto), in accordance with 48 C.F.R. Section 32.805, each with a true copy of the instrument releasing the assignment of such GSA Lease to the Collateral Agent annexed thereto and (b) with respect to each GSA Lease, the Notices of Assignment (a copy of the form of which is attached hereto), in accordance with 48 C.F.R. Section 32.805, each with a true copy of the instrument assigning such GSA Lease from the related Meridian Borrower (or, in the case of the GSA Lease in favor of the San Diego Borrower, from the San Diego Borrower) to the Trustee annexed thereto, with (x) the applicable contracting officer or the Administrator of the General Services Administration, (y) the surety under any surety bonds applicable to such contracts or claims and (z) the disbursing officer designated in each such contract to make payment, and further assuming Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. Fortress Investment Corp. Fortress GSA Properties Holdings L.L.C. Fortress GSA Securities L.L.C. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Standard & Poor's Rating Services MBIA Insurance Corporation State Street Bank and Trust Company May 27, 1999 Page 6 that the collateral assignment of each GSA Lease to the Trustee would otherwise be a valid and enforceable assignment under applicable state law (as to which no opinion is given), the Trustee will be entitled to the protection afforded by the Assignment Acts and the regulations promulgated thereunder. 5. The Certificates, when duly and validly executed, authenticated and delivered in accordance with the Trust Agreement and paid for in accordance with the Certificate Purchase Agreement, will be entitled to the benefits of the Trust Agreement. 6. None of the sale of the Certificates to the Initial Purchaser pursuant to the Certificate Purchase Agreement or the consummation of any of the other transactions contemplated by or the fulfillment by the Depositor of the terms of the Agreements to which the Depositor is a party, will conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any term or provision of the certificate of formation or operating agreement of the Depositor, or any federal or State of New York statute or regulation, known to us to be applicable, generally, to transactions of the nature contemplated by the Agreements, except we express no opinion as to compliance with the securities laws of the State of New York or any other particular State in connection with the purchase and the offer and sale of the Certificates by the Initial Purchaser. 7. The consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by or the fulfillment by the Depositor, Fortress Investment, Fortress Holdings or any Borrower of the terms of the Agreements to which the Depositor, Fortress Investment, Fortress Holdings or any Borrower is a party, will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any term or provision of (a) except in the case of Fortress Investment, as to which as no opinion is given, the certificate of formation or operating agreement of any such party, or (b) any federal or State of New York statute or regulation known to us to be applicable, generally, to transactions of the nature contemplated by the Agreements. 8. No consent, approval, authorization or order of any federal or State of New York or State of Delaware court, agency or other governmental body known to us to be applicable, generally, to transactions of the nature contemplated by the Agreements is required for the consummation by the Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. Fortress Investment Corp. Fortress GSA Properties Holdings L.L.C. Fortress GSA Securities L.L.C. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Standard & Poor's Rating Services MBIA Insurance Corporation State Street Bank and Trust Company May 27, 1999 Page 7 Depositor, Fortress Investment or Fortress Holdings of the transactions contemplated by the terms of the Agreements, except such as may be required under the securities laws of the State of New York and other particular States in connection with the purchase and the offer and sale of the Certificates by the Initial Purchaser, as to which we express no opinion, except the filings described in paragraph 4 above and except such as have been obtained. 9. The Trust Agreement is not required to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The Trust is not required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. 10. The statements set forth in the Private Offering Memorandum under the heading "Description of the Certificates" and "Description of the Trust Agreement", insofar as such statements purport to summarize certain material provisions of the Certificates and the Trust Agreement, provide a fair and accurate summary of such provisions. 11. The statements set forth in the Private Offering Memorandum under the headings "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences", "ERISA Considerations" and "Legal Investment", to the extent that they purport to describe certain matters of federal law or legal conclusions with respect thereto, while not discussing all possible consequences of an investment in the Certificates to all investors, provide a fair and accurate summary of such matters and conclusions set forth under such headings. 12. The offer and sale of the Certificates by the Depositor to the Initial Purchaser, and by the Initial Purchaser to investors that purchase from the Initial Purchaser, in the manner contemplated in the Private Offering Memorandum, the Certificate Purchase Agreement and the Trust Agreement, assuming (a) the accuracy of the Initial Purchaser's and the Depositor's respective representations and warranties contained in the Certificate Purchase Agreement, (b) the accuracy in each case of the representations and warranties required to be made under the heading "Notice to Investors" in the Private Offering Memorandum and (c) the performance of the Initial Purchaser's and the Depositor's respective covenants contained in the Certificate Purchase Agreement, are transactions that do not require registration of the Certificates under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. Fortress Investment Corp. Fortress GSA Properties Holdings L.L.C. Fortress GSA Securities L.L.C. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Standard & Poor's Rating Services MBIA Insurance Corporation State Street Bank and Trust Company May 27, 1999 Page 8 13. Assuming compliance with all the provisions of the Trust Agreement, for City and State of New York income and corporation franchise tax purposes, the Trust will be exempt from all City and State of New York taxation imposed on its income, franchise or capital stock, and its assets will not be included in the calculation of any City or State of New York franchise tax liability. 14. Assuming compliance with all the provisions of the Trust Agreement, the arrangement under which the Trust Fund is created will be classified as a grantor trust under subpart E, part I of subchapter J of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") and not as a partnership, an association or a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation or a taxable mortgage pool. 15. The Certificates will be characterized as evidencing ownership interests in the Mortgage Loan and as constituting interests in "stripped bonds" within the meaning of Section 1286 of the Code. When used in this opinion, the term "knowledge" or words of similar import mean the conscious awareness of facts or other information of the Sidley & Austin attorneys currently practicing law with this firm who have been actively involved in negotiating the Agreements and other aspects of the Transactions, having no current conscious awareness of any contrary facts or information. The opinions expressed herein are being delivered to you as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to advise you of any changes of law or fact that may occur after the date hereof, notwithstanding that such changes may affect the legal analysis or conclusions contained herein. This opinion letter is solely for your benefit in connection with the Transactions and may not be relied on in any manner for any other purpose or by any other person or transmitted to any other person without our prior consent. Very truly yours, /s/ Sidley & Austin [THATCHER PROFFITT & WOOD LETTERHEAD] July 22, 1999 Fortress CBO Investments I, Limited The Chase Manhattan Bank, London Branch, c/o BNP Private Bank & Trust as Trustee under the Trust Deed described herein Cayman Limited Trinity Tower Piccadilly Centre, P.O. Box 30688 SMB 9 Thomas More Street Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands London, El 9YT British West Indies Fortress CBO Investments I Corp. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. 1301 Avenue of the Americas, 42nd Floor 99 Church Street New York, New York 10119 New York, New York 10007 Standard & Poor's, a division of the Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Bear Stearns International Limited 55 Water Street, 40th Floor 245 Park Avenue New York, New York 10041 New York, New York 10167 Lehman Brothers Inc. Lehman Brothers International (Europe) Bear, Stearns Financial Products Inc. 3 World Financial Center 245 Park Avenue New York, New York 10285 New York, New York 10167 Westdeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale 1211 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor New York, NY 10035
Opinion: Placement Agent Agreement Fortress CBO Investments I, Limited Fortress CBO Investments I Corp. Ladies and Gentlemen: We have acted as counsel to Fortress Investment Corp. (the "Company", the "Seller" or the "Collateral Manager", as appropriate), Fortress CBO Investments I, Limited (the "Issuer") and Fortress CBO Investments I Corp. (the "Co-Issuer"; together with the Issuer, the "Issuers"), in connection with (i) the Underlying Assets Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1999 (the "Underlying Assets Purchase Agreement"), between the Issuer and the Seller, (ii) the Secured Fortress CBO Investments I, Limited Page 2 Fortress CBO Investments I Corp. July 22, 1999 Note and Certificate Trust Deed, dated July 22, 1999 (the "Trust Deed"), among the Issuers and The Chase Manhattan Bank, London Branch as trustee (the "Trustee"), and the securities issued pursuant thereto designated U.S.$322,500,000 Class A Floating Rate Notes (the "Class A Notes"), U.S.$20,000,000 Class B Floating Rate Notes (the "Class B Notes"), U.S.$62,500,000 Class C Fixed Rate Notes (the "Class C Notes"), U.S.$32,500,000 Class D Fixed Rate Notes (the "Class D Notes"; collectively with the Class A Notes, the Class B Notes and the Class C Notes, the "Senior Notes"), U.S.$17,500,000 Class E Fixed Rate Notes (the "Class E Notes"), U.S.$17,500,000 Preferred Certificates (the "Preferred Certificates"), Common I Certificates (the "Common I Certificates") and Common II Certificates (the "Common II Certificates"; collectively with the Common I Certificates, the "Common Certificates"; collectively with the Preferred Certificates, the "Certificates"; collectively with the Class E Notes, the "Subordinate Securities" or the "Retained Securities"; collectively with the Senior Notes, the "Securities"), (iii) the Collateral Management Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1999 (the "Collateral Management Agreement"), between the Issuer and the Collateral Manager, (iv) the Collateral Administration Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1999 (the "Collateral Administration Agreement"), among the Issuer, the Collateral Manager and the Trustee, (v) the Custodial Account Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1999 (the "Custodial Account Agreement"), among the Issuer, the Trustee and The Chase Manhattan Bank, New York Branch (the "Custodian"), (vi) the ISDA Master Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1999 (the "Basic Hedge Agreement"), between the Issuer and Bear Stearns Financial Products Inc., (vii) the ISDA Master Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1999 (the "Timing Hedge"; collectively with the Basic Hedge Agreement, the "Hedge Agreements"), between the Issuer and Westdeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, New York Branch, (viii) the Offering Memorandum, dated July 16, 1999 (the "Offering Memorandum"), relating to the Senior Notes, (ix) the Placement Agent Agreement, dated as of June 7, 1999 (the "Placement Agent Agreement"), among the Fortress, the Issuer, Bear, Steams & Co. Inc., Bear, Stearns International Limited, Lehman Brothers Inc. and Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (collectively, the "Placement Agents") relating to the placement of the Senior Notes, and (x) the Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 16, 1999 (the "Note Purchase Agreement"), between the Issuer and certain of the Placement Agents relating to the purchase and sale of the Senior Notes. The Underlying Assets Purchase Agreement, the Trust Deed, the Collateral Management Agreement, the Collateral Administration Agreement, the Custodial Account Agreement, the Hedge Agreements, the Placement Agent Agreement and the Note Purchase Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the "Agreements." Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Agreements. In rendering this opinion letter, we have examined the documents described above and such other documents as we have deemed necessary including, where we have deemed appropriate, representations or certifications of officers of parties thereto or public officials. In rendering this opinion letter, except for the matters that are specifically addressed in the opinions expressed below, we have assumed (i) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals or as copies thereof and the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies, (ii) the necessary entity formation and continuing existence in the jurisdiction of formation, and the necessary licensing and qualification in all jurisdictions, of all parties to all documents, (iii) the necessary authorization, execution, delivery and enforceability of all Fortress CBO Investments I, Limited Page 3 Fortress CBO Investments I Corp. July 22, 1999 documents, and the necessary entity power with respect thereto and (iv) that there is not any other agreement that modifies or supplements the agreements expressed in the documents to which this opinion letter relates and that renders any of the opinions expressed below inconsistent with such documents as so modified or supplemented. In rendering this opinion letter, we have made no inquiry, have conducted no investigation and assume no responsibility with respect to (a) the accuracy of and compliance by the parties thereto with the representations, warranties and covenants contained in any document or (b) the conformity of the underlying assets and related documents to the requirements of the agreements to which this opinion letter relates. Our opinions set forth below with respect to the enforceability of any right or obligation under any agreement are subject to (i) general principles of equity, including concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and the possible unavailability of specific performance and injunctive relief, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, (ii) the effect of certain laws, regulations and judicial and other decisions upon the availability and enforceability of certain remedies including the remedies of specific performance and self-help and provisions purporting to waive the obligation of good faith, materiality, fair dealing, diligence, reasonableness or objection to venue or forum, to confer subject matter jurisdiction on a federal court located within the State of New York to adjudicate any controversy in any situation in which such court would not have subject matter jurisdiction, to waive the right to jury trial, to impose a penalty or forfeiture, to release, exculpate or exempt a party from, or to require indemnification of a party for, liability for its own action or inaction to the extent that the action or inaction includes negligence, recklessness or willful or unlawful conduct, to sever any provision of any agreement, to restrict access to legal or equitable remedies, to establish evidentiary standards, to appoint any person or entity as the attorney-in-fact of any other person or entity, to require that any agreement may only be amended, modified or waived in writing, to provide that all rights or remedies of any party are cumulative and may be enforced in addition to any other right or remedy, to provide that the election of a particular remedy does not preclude recourse to one or more remedies, to provide that the failure to exercise or the delay in exercising rights or remedies will not operate as a waiver of any such rights or remedies, to waive rights or remedies which cannot be waived as a matter of law, to provide for set-off unless there is mutuality between the parties or to provide that any agreement is to be governed by or construed in accordance with the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York, (iii) bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, reorganization, liquidation, voidable preference, fraudulent conveyance and transfer, moratorium and other similar laws affecting the rights of creditors or secured parties and (iv) public policy considerations underlying the securities laws, to the extent that such public policy considerations limit the enforceability of any provision of any agreement which purports or is construed to provide indemnification with respect to securities law violations. Wherever we indicate that our opinion with respect to the existence or absence of facts is based on our knowledge, our opinion is based solely on the current actual knowledge of the attorneys in this firm who are involved in the representation of parties to the transactions described herein. In that regard we have conducted no special or independent investigation of factual matters in connection with this opinion letter. Fortress CBO Investments I, Limited Page 4 Fortress CBO Investments I Corp. July 22, 1999 In rendering this opinion letter, we do not express any opinion concerning any law other than the federal laws of the United States including without limitation the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), the laws of the State of New York and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We do not express any opinion herein, unless specifically addressed in the opinions expressed below, with respect to (i) any law the violation of which would not have any material adverse effect on the ability of any party to perform its obligations under any agreement or the applicability of which results from the legal or regulatory status or involvement in any transaction to which this opinion letter relates of a person or entity not the subject of the opinions expressed herein, (ii) any statute, regulation or provision of law of any county, municipality or other political subdivision or any agency or instrumentality thereof, (iii) the securities or tax laws of any jurisdiction or (iv) any other matter Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that: 1. The Co-Issuer has been legally incorporated and, based upon a certificate of good standing issued by the State in which incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of that State, and has the requisite entity power and authority to execute and deliver the Agreements and to perform its obligations thereunder. 2. Excluding the Trust Deed, each of the Agreements to which the Issuer, the Co-Issuer or the Company is a party has, in the case of the Co-Issuer, been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Co-Issuer and, assuming the necessary authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the parties thereto other than the Co-Issuer, is a valid and legally binding agreement under the laws of the State of New York, enforceable thereunder against the Issuer, the Co-Issuer and the Company in accordance with its terms. 3. The performance by each of the Issuers and the Collateral Manager of its respective obligations under the Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby do not require any consent, approval, authorization or order of, filing with or notice to any court, agency or other governmental body, except such as may be required under the securities laws of any state or such as have been obtained, effected or given. 4. The performance by each of the Issuers and the Collateral Manager of its obligations under the Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby will not result in (i) in the case of the Co-Issuer, any breach or violation of its certificate of incorporation or bylaws, (ii) in the case of the Co-Issuer and the Collateral Manager, to our knowledge, any breach, violation or acceleration of or default under any indenture or other material agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound or (iii) any breach or violation of any statute or regulation thereunder or, to our knowledge, any order of any court, agency or other governmental body. Fortress CBO Investments I, Limited Page 5 Fortress CBO Investments I Corp. July 22, 1999 5. Any final and conclusive judgment against the Issuer, the Co-Issuer or the Company obtained respecting any of the Agreements in a court of competent jurisdiction in England will be recognized by and be enforceable against the Issuer, the Co-Issuer or the Company in a United States Federal court or a court in the State of New York in an action brought against the Issuer, the Co-Issuer or the Company in such court, provided that (a) the Issuer, the Co-Issuer or the Company has been served by summons and not by public notice and has appeared in the action, (b) such judgment is not contrary to the public policy of the United States or the State of New York, as the case may be, and (c) reciprocity continues to exist as to the recognition by any court of England of competent jurisdiction of final and conclusive judgments obtained in the courts of the United States and any court of the State of New York where the party against which the judgment is sought to be enforced was either served by summons and not by public notice or has appeared in the action brought in such courts and where the judgment is not contrary to the public policy of England. In this regard, we do not believe that a money judgment against the Issuer, the Co-Issuer or the Company with respect to its obligations under any of the Agreements would be considered contrary to the public policy of the United States or the State of New York. 6. The statements made in the Offering Memorandum under the heading "Description of the Senior Notes," "Security for the Senior Notes and the Subordinate Securities," "Transfer Restrictions" and "The Collateral Management Agreement," insofar as such statements purport to summarize certain provisions of the Senior Notes, the Trust Deed, the Collateral Management Agreement and the Hedge Agreements provide a fair summary of such provisions. The statements made in the Offering Memorandum, as the case may be, under the headings "Certain Income Tax Considerations" and "Certain ERISA Considerations," to the extent that they constitute matters of State of New York or federal law or legal conclusions with respect thereto, while not purporting to discuss all possible consequences of investment in the Senior Notes, are correct in all material respects with respect to those consequences or matters that are discussed therein. 7. The Trust Deed is not required to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. None of the Issuer, the Co-Issuer or the pool of Collateral is an "investment company" or "controlled by" an "investment company" within the meaning of the investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. 8. The offer and sale of the Securities pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreements and, in the case of the Senior Notes, the Offering Memorandum are transactions that do not require registration under the 1933 Act. 9. Assuming compliance with the provisions of the Trust Deed, for United States federal income tax purposes, the Senior Notes will be treated as debt for United States federal income tax purposes. Fortress CBO Investments I, Limited Page 6 Fortress CBO Investments I Corp. July 22, 1999 10. Assuming compliance with the provisions of the Trust Deed, for United States federal income tax purposes, the Issuer will not be treated as engaged in the conduct of a United States trade or business and, consequently, the Issuer's profits will not be subject to United States federal income tax. 11. Assuming compliance with the provisions of the Trust Deed, for United States federal income tax purposes, neither the Issuer nor any portion of the Issuer will be subject to United States federal income tax as a "taxable mortgage pool" within the meaning of Code section 7701(i). 12. Assuming compliance with the provisions of the Trust Deed, for United States federal income tax purposes, the Issuer will be eligible for the exemption from U.S. federal withholding tax on payments of "portfolio interest." This opinion letter is rendered for the sole benefit of each addressee hereof, and no other person or entity is entitled to rely hereon. Copies of this opinion letter may not be made available, and this opinion letter may not be quoted or referred to in any other document made available, to any other person or entity except to (i) any applicable rating agency, institution providing credit enhancement or liquidity support or governmental authority, (ii) any accountant or attorney for any person or entity entitled hereunder to rely hereon or to whom or which this opinion letter may be made available as provided herein and (iii) as otherwise required by law. Very truly yours, Thacher Proffitt & Wood [SIDLEY & AUSTIN LETTERHEAD] November 17, 1999 Greenwich NatWest Limited Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc. 600 Steamboat Road 600 Steamboat Road Greenwich, Connecticut 06831 Greenwich, Connecticut 06831 Fortress Investment Corp. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. c/o Fortress Investment Group 99 Church Street 1301 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10007 New York, New York 10019 LaSalle Bank National Association Fortress Depositor L.L.C. 135 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1625 c/o Fortress Investment Group Chicago, Illinois 60603 1301 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10019 ABN AMRO Bank N.V. 135 S. LaSalle Street Fortress IOFP, L.L.C. Chicago, Illinois 60603 c/o Fortress Investment Group 1301 Avenue of the Americas Midland Loan Services, Inc. New York, New York 10019 210 West 10th Street, 6th Floor Kansas City, Missouri 64105 Re: Fortress Commercial Mortgage Trust 1999-PC1 Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 1999-PC1, Class A, Class B Class C, Class D and Class E Ladies and Gentlemen: We have acted as special counsel to Fortress Depositor L.L.C. (the "Depositor"), Fortress Investment Corp. ("Fortress Investment") and Fortress IOFP, L.L.C. ("Fortress IOFP") in connection with the following transactions (collectively, the "Transactions"): (i) the contribution by Fortress IOFP to the Depositor, pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, dated as of November 17, 1999 (the "Contribution Agreement"), between Fortress IOFP and the Depositor, of a mortgage loan (the "Mortgage Loan") made pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of December 2, 1997, between UBS Mortgage Finance, Inc. and Payless Cashways, Inc., as borrower, as amended by the First Amendment thereto dated as of February 26, 1998; Greenwich NatWest Limited Fortress Investment Corp. Fortress Depositor L.L.C. Fortress IOFP, L.L.C. Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. LaSalle Bank National Association ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Midland Loan Services, Inc. November 17, 1999 Page 2 (ii) the creation of a common law trust (the "Trust") and the issuance to the Depositor by the Trust of an aggregate $83,685,619 Certificate Principal Balance of Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 1999-PC1 (the "Certificates"), consisting of nine classes (each, a "Class") designated Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, Class F, Class G, Class H and Class X, pursuant to the Trust and Servicing Agreement, dated as of November 2, 1999 (the "Trust Agreement"), between the Depositor, as depositor, Midland Loan Services, Inc., as servicer (the "Servicer"), LaSalle Bank National Association, as trustee ("Trustee"), and ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as fiscal agent; (iii) the transfer of the Mortgage Loan by the Depositor to the Trust, pursuant to the Trust Agreement, in exchange for the Certificates; (iv) the offer of the Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D and Class E Certificates (collectively, the "Offered Certificates") to a limited number of institutional investors pursuant to the Placement Agency Agreement, dated as of November 12, 1999 (the "Placement Agency Agreement"), between the Depositor and Greenwich NatWest Limited, as agent for National Westminster Bank Plc (together, the "Placement Agent"); (v) the sale of the Offered Certificates by the Depositor to Old Kent Bank, First Bank of Oak Park and Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc. ("GCM"), pursuant to three Purchase Agreements, each dated November 17, 1999 (collectively, the "Purchase Agreements"), between the Depositor, as seller, and such entity, respectively, as purchaser; and (vi) the issuance to the Trustee by GCM (in such capacity, the "Advance LOC Issuer") of an Advance Letter of Credit pursuant to the Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of November 17, 1999 (the "Reimbursement Agreement"), between the Depositor, Fortress Investment, the Trustee, the Servicer and the Advance LOC Issuer. The Contribution Agreement, the Trust Agreement, the Placement Agency Agreement, the Purchase Agreements and the Reimbursement Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the "Agreements". Capitalized terms not defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Trust Agreement and, to the extent not defined therein, in the other Agreements. Greenwich NatWest Limited Fortress Investment Corp. Fortress Depositor L.L.C. Fortress IOFP, L.L.C. Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. LaSalle Bank National Association ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Midland Loan Services, Inc. November 17, 1999 Page 3 For purposes of this opinion letter, we have reviewed the Agreements, the Private Offering Memorandum, dated November 12, 1999, relating to the Trust and the Certificates (including all exhibits and annexes thereto, the "Private Offering Memorandum"). We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such other documents and records as we have deemed relevant or necessary as the basis for this opinion. We have obtained such certificates from and made such inquiries of officers and representatives of the parties to the Agreements as we have deemed relevant or necessary as the basis for such opinion. We have relied upon, and assumed the accuracy of, such other documents and records, such certificates and the statements made in response to such inquiries, with respect to the factual matters upon which the opinions contained herein are based. We have also assumed (i) the truthfulness and accuracy of each of the representations and warranties as to factual matters contained in the Agreements, (ii) the legal capacity of natural persons, (iii) the genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, (iv) the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to us as certified, conformed or photostatic copies, (v) the due authorization by all necessary action, and the due execution and delivery, of the Agreements by the parties thereto (other than the Depositor and Fortress IOFP), (vi) the constitution of each of the Agreements as the legal, valid and binding obligation of each party thereto (other than the Depositor, Fortress IOFP and Fortress Investment), enforceable against each such party in accordance with its terms, and (vii) the absence of any agreement that supplements or otherwise modifies the agreements expressed in the Agreements. In rendering the opinions below, we do not express any opinion concerning the laws of any jurisdiction other than the substantive laws of the State of New York, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and, where expressly referred to below, the federal laws of the United States of America. Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that: 1. The Depositor has been duly organized and is validly existing as a limited liability company in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the requisite power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under each of the Agreements to which it is a party. 2. Each of the Agreements to which the Depositor is a party has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Depositor. Greenwich NatWest Limited Fortress Investment Corp. Fortress Depositor L.L.C. Fortress IOFP, L.L.C. Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. LaSalle Bank National Association ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Midland Loan Services, Inc. November 17, 1999 Page 4 3. Fortress IOFP has been duly organized and is validly existing as a limited liability company in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the requisite power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under each of the Agreements to which it is a party. 4. Each of the Agreements to which Fortress IOFP is a party has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Fortress IOFP. 5. Each of the Agreements to which any of the Depositor, Fortress Investment or Fortress IOFP is a party constitutes a valid, legal and binding agreement of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, receivership, moratorium, reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of the rights of creditors generally, (b) general principles of equity, regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law, and (c) public policy considerations underlying any law, rule or regulation (including any federal or state securities laws) to the extent that the same limit the enforceability of any provisions of such Agreements that purport or are construed to provide indemnification. 6. The Certificates, when duly and validly executed, authenticated and delivered in accordance with the Trust Agreement and paid for in accordance with the Purchase Agreements, will be entitled to the benefits of the Trust Agreement. 7. None of the offer of the Offered Certificates, the purchase of the Offered Certificates by the initial purchasers thereof, the sale of the Class C Certificates by GCM and the consummation of any of the other transactions contemplated by, or the fulfillment by the Depositor of the terms of, the Agreements to which the Depositor is a party will conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any term or provision of the certificate of formation or limited liability company agreement of the Depositor, or any federal or State of New York statute or regulation known to us to be applicable, generally, to transactions of the nature contemplated by the Agreements, except that we express no opinion as to compliance with the securities laws of the State of New York or any other Greenwich NatWest Limited Fortress Investment Corp. Fortress Depositor L.L.C. Fortress IOFP, L.L.C. Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. LaSalle Bank National Association ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Midland Loan Services, Inc. November 17, 1999 Page 5 particular State in connection with the offer of the Offered Certificates, the purchase of the Offered Certificates by the initial purchasers thereof and the sale of the Class C Certificates by GCM. 8. Neither the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by nor the fulfillment by Fortress Investment or Fortress IOFP of the terms of the Agreements to which Fortress Investment or Fortress IOFP is a party, will conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any term or provision of (a) the certificate of formation or limited liability company agreement of Fortress IOFP, or (b) any federal or State of New York statute or regulation known to us to be applicable, generally, to transactions of the nature contemplated by the Agreements. 9. No consent, approval, authorization or order of any federal or State of New York or State of Delaware court, agency or other governmental body known to us to be applicable, generally, to transactions of the nature contemplated by the Agreements is required for the consummation by the Depositor, Fortress Investment or Fortress IOFP of the transactions contemplated by the Agreements, except such as may be required under the securities laws of the State of New York and other particular States in connection with the offer of the Offered Certificates, the purchase of the Offered Certificates by the initial purchasers thereof and the sale of the Class C Certificates by GCM. 10. The Trust Agreement is not required to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The Trust is not required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. 11. The statements set forth in the Private Offering Memorandum under the headings "Description of the Offered Certificates" and "Servicing of the Mortgage Loans", insofar as such statements purport to summarize certain material provisions of the Certificates and the Trust Agreement, provide a fair and accurate summary of such provisions. 12. The statements set forth in the Private Offering Memorandum under the headings "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences", "ERISA Considerations" and "Legal Investment", to the extent that they purport to Greenwich NatWest Limited Fortress Investment Corp. Fortress Depositor L.L.C. Fortress IOFP, L.L.C. Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. LaSalle Bank National Association ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Midland Loan Services, Inc. November 17, 1999 Page 6 describe certain matters of federal law or legal conclusions with respect thereto, while not discussing all possible consequences of an investment in the Certificates to all investors, provide a fair and accurate summary of such matters and conclusions set forth under such headings. 13. Assuming (a) the accuracy of the Placement Agent's and the Depositor's respective representations and warranties, and the performance of the Placement Agent's and the Depositor's respective covenants, contained in the Placement Agency Agreement, (b) the accuracy of the respective representations and warranties, of each initial purchaser of the Offered Certificates and the Depositor, and the performance of such respective purchaser's and the Depositor's respective covenants, contained in the Purchase Agreements,. (c) the accuracy in each case of the representations and warranties required to be made under the heading "Notice to Investors" in the Private Offering Memorandum, and (d) compliance by all relevant persons with the Trust Agreement, the offer of the Offered Certificates, the purchase of the Offered Certificates by the initial purchasers thereof and the sale of the Class C Certificates by GCM in the manner contemplated in the Private Offering Memorandum, the Placement Agency Agreement and the Purchase Agreements are transactions that do not require registration of the Certificates under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. 14. Assuming compliance with all provisions of the Trust Agreement, for City and State of New York income and corporation franchise tax purposes, the Trust will be exempt from all City and State of New York taxation imposed on its income, franchise or capital stock, and its assets will not be included in the calculation of any City or State of New York franchise tax liability. 15. Assuming compliance with all provisions of the Trust Agreement, the arrangement under which the Trust Fund is created will be classified as a grantor trust under subpart E, part I of subchapter J of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") and not as a partnership, an association or a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation or a taxable mortgage pool. Greenwich NatWest Limited Fortress Investment Corp. Fortress Depositor L.L.C. Fortress IOFP, L.L.C. Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. LaSalle Bank National Association ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Midland Loan Services, Inc. November 17, 1999 Page 7 16. The Offered Certificates will be characterized as evidencing ownership interests in the Mortgage Loan and as constituting interests in "stripped bonds" within the meaning of Section 1286 of the Code. When used in this opinion, the term "knowledge" or words of similar import mean the conscious awareness of facts or other information of the Sidley & Austin attorneys currently practicing law with this firm who have been actively involved in negotiating the Agreements and other aspects of the Transactions, having no current conscious awareness of any contrary facts or information. The opinions expressed herein are being delivered to you as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to advise you of any changes of law or fact that may occur after the date hereof, notwithstanding that such changes may affect the legal analysis or conclusions contained herein. This opinion letter is solely for your benefit in connection with the Transactions and may not be relied on in any manner for any other purpose or by any other person or transmitted to any other person without our prior consent. Very truly yours, /s/ Sidley & Austin [LETTERHEAD SIDLEY AUSTIN BROWN & WOOD] December 31, 2001 Fortress Investment Corporation 1301 Avenue of the Americas 42nd Floor, New York, NY 10019 Re: REIT Qualification and $85,000,000 Zero Coupon Note Executed by FIC GSA Mezzanine Borrower LLC and FIC Houston LLC in Favor of GMZ Funding LLC Ladies and Gentlemen: We have acted as United States special tax counsel to Fortress Investment Corp., a Maryland corporation (alternatively "FIC" or "Indemnitor"), FIC GSA Mezzanine Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("GSA Mezzanine"), and FIC Houston LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Houston") (GSA Mezzanine and Houston individually and collectively are sometimes referred to herein as the "Borrower") in connection with the execution and delivery by the Lender and the Borrower of that certain Mezzanine Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2001, between GMZ Funding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Lender") and the Borrower (the "Loan Agreement"). Under the Loan Agreement the Lender has made a loan to the Borrower (the "Loan") and the Borrower has executed a zero coupon promissory note dated as of December 31, 2001 in the amount of $85,000,000 in favor of the Lender (the "Note"). The Loan proceeds consisted of $25,000,000 cash and two non-interest bearing demand notes payable by FIC in the amounts of $2,779,500 ("$2M Note") and $57,220,500 ("$57M Note"). The Lender transferred $25,000,000 and endorsed the $57M Note to GSA Mezzanine and Lender endorsed the $2M Note to Houston. GSA Mezzanine distributed the cash and the $57M Note to its sole member, Fortress Partners, L.P., which, in turn, distributed the cash and the $57M Note to its sole general partner, FIC. FIC owns all but a very small percentage (less than ..1%) of the ownership interests in Fortress Partners, L.P. Houston will distribute the $2M Note to its sole member, FIC. SIDLEY AUSTIN BROWN & WOOD NEW YORK Fortress Investment Corporation December 31, 2001 Page 2 The Lender pledged the Note as part of the security for certain notes it issued pursuant to an Indenture Agreement (Series 2001-GSA Notes), by and between GMZ Funding LLC, as Issuer, and Lasalle Bank National Association, as Trustee, dated as of December 31, 2001 (the "Indenture"). Fortress CBO Investments I, Limited ("CBO Issuer"), an entity wholly owned by FIC, organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, purchased Class A Series 2001-GSA Notes ("A Notes") with a stated redemption price at maturity of $25,000,000 issued by Lender under an Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Lender, as Seller, and CBO Issuer, as Purchaser, dated as of December 31, 2001 (the "Asset Purchase Agreement"). CBO Issuer will pledge the A Notes as part of the security for certain notes issued by the CBO Issuer pursuant to a Secured Note and Certificate Trust Deed by and among Fortress CBO Investments I, Limited, as Issuer, Fortress CBO Investments I Corp., as Co-Issuer, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee, dated July 22, 1999 (the "CBO Indenture"). As United States special tax counsel, we have examined such documents and records as we have deemed appropriate for purposes of rendering this opinion, including the following (collectively, the "Transaction Documents"). Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Transaction Documents. 1. Loan Agreement; 2. Note; 3. Indemnity Agreement executed by Indemnitor in favor of Lender, dated as of December 31, 2001; 4. Equity Pledge Agreement by and between Lender and Borrower, dated as of December 31, 2001; 5. Intercreditor Agreement by and between State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee for $223,245,400 Lease-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 1999-GSA1, Class A, and for $175,870,728 Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 1999-C1, Class B, as Senior Lender and GMZ Funding LLC, as Mezzanine Lender dated as of December 31, 2001; 6. Limited Liability Company Agreement of GSA Mezzanine dated as of December 31, 2001; 7. Limited Liability Company Agreement of Houston dated as of December 31, 2001; 8. Indenture; SIDLEY AUSTIN BROWN & WOOD NEW YORK Fortress Investment Corporation December 31, 2001 Page 3 9. CBO Indenture; 10. Asset Purchase Agreement; 11. Agreement of Limited Partnership of Fortress Partners, L.P. dated as of June 10, 1998; and 12. Copies of certain formation and organization documents of Fortress GSA Properties Holdings LLC, Fortress GSA Properties LLC, Fortress GSA San Diego Properties Holdings LLC, Fortress GSA Huntsville LLC, Fortress GSA San Diego LLC, Fortress Houston GP Corp., Fortress GSA Houston LP, and Fortress GSA Houston Properties, LP. This opinion concerns the effect on FIC's qualification as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") as defined in Section 856(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ("Code") of FIC's holding an interest in the Note indirectly through the Lender, in particular, the extent to which the Note, and the income on the Note, will be taken into account for purposes of the asset and income tests of Code Section 856(c)(2),(3) and (4) with which FIC is required to comply in order to continue to qualify as a REIT. We have made such investigations of such matters of law as we deemed appropriate as a basis for the opinions expressed below. Further, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals. Our opinion is also based on the assumption that there are no agreements or understandings with respect to the transactions contemplated in the Transaction Documents other than those contained therein. Furthermore, our opinion is based on the assumption that all parties to the Transaction Documents will comply with the terms thereof. As to any facts material to the following opinion which we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon statements and representations of the officers and directors of FIC. As to the treatment of the Note under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), we have relied upon statements made by Gregory Hughes, the chief financial officer of FIC. Mr. Hughes has advised us that under GAAP, the Note will not appear as an asset on FIC's balance sheet or give rise to additional income to FIC because it will be eliminated in the consolidation of the separate balance sheets of all the various entities referred to in this letter. By virtue of its capital interest in Fortress Partners, L.P., FIC owns virtually the entire ultimate economic ownership of the underlying properties that indirectly secure the Note. Under Treas. Reg. Section 1.856-3(g), a REIT That is a partner in a partnership is deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets of that partnership and to be entitled to the income of the SIDLEY AUSTIN BROWN & WOOD NEW YORK Fortress Investment Corporation December 31, 2001 Page 4 partnership attributable to such share.1 Thus, FIC is treated, for REIT qualification purposes, as if it owns the underlying properties and as if it received the income derived from those properties to the extent of its ownership of Fortress Parners, L.P., i.e., in a percentage in excess of 99.9%. Since the economic value of the Note is totally dependent on the economic value of the underlying properties, we observe that to count the Note as a separate gross asset and as producing additional gross income to FIC involves an element of double counting. That is, the underlying properties that support the Note are already included in FIC's gross assets for purposes of the asset and income tests of Code Section 856(c) and to count tHe Note as another gross asset would suggest that there is an additional value to FIC's holdings that does not in fact exist. Moreover, Treas. Reg. Section 1.856-2(d)(3) provides that the total gross assets of a REIT are generally determined in accordance with GAAP. While it is fairly clear that this is not an unreserved application of GAAP to entities such as other REITs or taxable REIT subsidiaries that might technically be consolidated under GAAP with a REIT that owned their shares, we believe that in the case of a partnership that is already treated in effect as an aggregate for purpose of the REIT income and asset tests of Code Section 856(c), the GAAP treatment that treats the Note as non-existent would prevail. There is support for this view in several private letter rulings issued relatively recently by the Internal Revenue Service.2 - -------- 1 Thus, for example, if a REIT owns a 30% capital interest in a partnership owning rental property, that REIT will be treated as owning 30% of the property owned by the partnership and as being entitled to 30% of the rent derived from the property by the partnership. 2 Private letter rulings may not be used or cited as precedent by taxpayers other than those to whom they are issued, but are nevertheless indicative of the Internal Revenue Service's position on an issue as of the date that they are issued. See P.L.R. 9514006 (December 30, 1994) (A REIT held a general partnership interest in an operating partnership ("OP") which held several shopping centers. The REIT loaned money to the OP evidenced by a note with stated interest. The Service held that since the REIT had to account for its share of OP's assets and income under regulation Section 1.856-3(G) and because that share already reflected the actual assets held by and the income received by OP, the loan and the interest payments by OP to the REIT should be disregarded for the asset and income tests under Section 856(c). See also P.L.R. 199930043 (April 30, 1999), P.L.R. 9808011 (October 14, 1997); P.L.R. 9701028 (October 1, 1996); P.L.R. 9552038 (September 29, 1995); P.L.R. 9535014 (May 25, 1995); P.L.R. 9521010 (February 23, 1995); P.L.R. 9515005 (December 7, 1994); P.L.R. 9452032 (September 30, 1994); P.L.R. 9502037 (October 19, 1994); P.L.R. 9431005 (April 22, 1994); P.L.R. 9428018 (April 18, 1994); P.L.R. 9343027 (July 30, 1993) (Generally, a REIT's allocable share of management fees from its partnership interests is disregarded for purposes of applying the gross income tests of Section 856(c) to the extent that such allocable share does not exceed the REIT's direct and indirect interests, through the partnership, in the properties being managed.). See also P.L.R. 9832012 (May 7, 1998) (A REIT held various real estate projects through qualified REIT subsidiaries and partnerships. It formed a finance entity ("FE") as a financing vehicle. FE issued Preferred Securities and voting Common Securities. FE sold the Preferred Securities and FE used the proceeds to purchase the REIT's debentures. FE transferred the Common Securities to the REIT in exchange for additional REIT debentures. The Service held that while the REIT SIDLEY AUSTIN BROWN & WOOD NEW YORK Fortress Investment Corporation December 31, 2001 Page 5 Finally, we note that Code Section 856(c)(7) now directs that a security issued as "straight debt", within the meaning of Code Section 1361(c)(5), by an issuer that is a partnership of which a REIT is at least a 20% partner is to be disregarded for purposes of the requirement of Code Section 856(c)(4)(B)(iii)(III) that a REIT not own more than 10% of total value of the securities of any single issuer. It would be incongruous to disregard such a security for purposes of Code Section 856(c)(4)(B)(iii)(III), but not for Code Section 856(c)(2), and (3).3 Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, 1. FIC's interest (held indirectly through its interest in the Lender) in the Note issued by the Borrower will not violate Code Section 856(c)(4)(B)(iii)(III)'s requirement that it hold no more than ten percent (10%) of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. 2. FIC will not recognize income with respect to the Note that does not qualify for purposes of Section 856(c)(3) (the 75% income test), and the Note will not constitute a non-qualifying asset in FIC's hands for purposes of Section 856(c)(4)(A) (the 75% asset test), 856(c)(4)(B)(i) (the 25% asset test) or 856(c)(4)(B)(iii)(I) (the 5% asset test) except, in each case, to the extent allocable to the minority equity interests in Fortress Partners L.P. The opinion set forth herein is based upon the existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and United States Treasury regulations issued or proposed thereunder, published Revenue Rulings and releases of the United States Internal Revenue Service and existing case law, any of which could be changed at any time. Any such changes may be retroactive in application and could modify the legal conclusions upon which such opinion is based. The opinions expressed herein are limited as described above, and we do not express an opinion on any other tax aspect of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. In rendering the foregoing opinions, we express no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the federal income tax laws of the United States. This opinion is rendered as of the date hereof and we undertake no obligation to update this opinion or advise you of any changes in the event there is any change in legal authorities, facts, assumptions or documents on which this opinion is based (including the taking of any action by any party to the Transaction - -------- held all of FE's voting Common Securities, such interest did not violate the 10% cap on voting securities of a single issuer within the meaning of Section 856(c)(4)(B). 3 The note is, in our opinion, "straight debt." See, generally, S. REP. NO. 97-640, at 718 (1982) and H.R. REP. NO. 97-826, at 730 (1982). SIDLEY AUSTIN BROWN & WOOD NEW YORK Fortress Investment Corporation December 31, 2001 Page 6 Documents pursuant to any opinion of counsel or a waiver), or any inaccuracy in any of the representations, warranties or assumptions upon which we have relied in rendering this opinion unless we are specifically engaged to do so. This opinion is rendered only to those to whom it is addressed and may not be relied on in connection with any transaction other than the transaction contemplated herein. This opinion may not be relied upon for any other purpose, or relied upon by any other person, firm or corporation for any purpose, without our prior written consent. Very truly yours, /s/ Sidley Austin Brown & Wood ----------------------------------------- [THACHER PROFFITT LETTERHEAD] July 12,2002 Newcastle Investment Corp. 1251 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10020 Ladies and Gentlemen: We have acted as counsel to Impac Commercial Holdings, Inc. ("Impac Commercial Holdings"), Impac Commercial Assets Corp. ("Impac Commercial Assets") and IMH Assets Corp. (the "Company") in connection with the transactions described herein. Impac CMB Trust 1998-Cl (the "Owner Trust") issued its Collateralized Mortgage Bonds (the "Bonds") pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of August 1, 1998 (the "Indenture"), between the Owner Trust as issuer and Laalle National Bank as indenture trustee (the "Indenture Trustee"). Pursuant to the Indenture, the Bonds are collateralized by certain assets of the Owner Trust (the "Owner Trust Estate" or the "Collateral") consisting primarily of fixed and adjustable rate, first lien, multifamily and commercial loans (the "Mortgage Loans"). Impac Commercial Holdings sold the Mortgage Loans to Impac Commercial Assets pursuant to the Loan Sale Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1998 (the "Loan Sale Agreement"), between Impac Commercial Holdings and Impac Commercial Assets. Impac Commercial Assets then sold the Mortgage Loans to the Company pursuant to the Loan Sale Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1998 (the "IMH Loan Sale Agreement"), between the Seller and the Company. The Company transferred the Mortgage Loans to the Owner Trust in exchange for the Bonds and the certificates of beneficial ownership issued by the Owner Trust (the "Owner Trust IMH Assets Corp., Series 1998-C1 Page 2. July 12,2002 Certificates") pursuant to the Owner Trust Agreement, dated as of August 1,1998 (the "Owner Trust Agreement"), between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company. The Company sold the Class A-1A, Class A-lB, Class A-2, Class B, Class C, Class D and Class E Bonds (collectively, the "Offered Bonds") to Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (the "Underwriter") pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, dated as of August 20, 1998 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), between the Company and the Underwriter. The Class F Bond was guaranteed by Impac Commercial Holdings (in such capacity, the "Guarantor") in favor of the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Guaranty, dated as of August 26,1998 (the "Guaranty"). The Class F and Class G Bonds and the Owner Trust Certificates were transferred to Impac Commercial Assets as partial consideration for the Mortgage Loans. The Class XS Owner consideration for the Mortgage Loans. The Bonds were offered and sold pursuant to a registration statement (the "Registration Statement") declared effective on May 1, 1998 by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and a prospectus, dated August 6, 1998 (the "Base Prospectus"), supplemented by a prospectus supplement, dated August 20, 1998 (the "Prospectus Supplement"; together with the Base Prospectus, the "Prospectus"). The Owner Trust Agreement, the Impac Loan Sale Agreement, the IMH Loan Sale Agreement, the Servicing Agreement, the Guaranty, the Indenture and the Underwriting Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the Agreements . Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Agreements. In connection with rendering this opinion letter, we have examined (i) an executed copy of the Indenture, (ii) an executed copy of Guaranty, (iii) a copy of the report (the "Determination Date Report") prepared by Midland Loan Services, Inc. (the "Master Servicer") for the Collection Period one month prior to the Transfer Date and (iv) such other documents as we have deemed necessary and relevant as a basis for the opinions set forth below. In rendering this opinion letter, except for the matters that are specifically addressed in the opinion expressed below, we have assumed (i) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals or as copies thereof, and the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies, (ii) the necessary entity formation and continuing existence in the jurisdiction of formation, and the necessary licensing and qualification in all jurisdictions, of all parties to all documents, (iii) the necessary authorization, execution, delivery and enforceability of all documents, and the necessary entity power with respect thereto, and (iv) that there is not any other agreement that modifies or supplements the agreements expressed in any document to which this opinion letter relates and that renders the opinion expressed below inconsistent with such document as so modified or supplemented. In rendering this opinion letter, except for the matters that are specifically addressed in the opinion expressed below, we have made no inquiry, have conducted no investigation and assume no responsibility with respect to (a) the accuracy of and compliance by the parties thereto with the representations, warranties and covenants as to factual matters contained in any document or (b) the conformity of the underlying assets and related documents to the requirements of any agreement to which this opinion letter relates. IMH Assets Corp., Series 1998-Cl Page 3. July 12,2002 This opinion letter is based solely upon our review of the documents referred to herein. We have conducted no independent investigation with respect to the facts contained in such documents and relied upon in rendering this opinion letter. We also note that we do not represent any of the parties to the transactions to which this opinion letter relates or any of their affiliates in connection with matters other than certain transactions. However, the attorneys in this firm who are directly involved in the representation of parties to the transactions to which this opinion letter relates have no actual present knowledge of the inaccuracy of any fact relied upon in rendering this opinion letter. In addition, if we indicate herein that any opinion is based on our knowledge, our opinion is based solely on such actual present knowledge of such attorneys. In rendering this opinion letter, we do not express any opinion concerning any law other than the federal income tax laws of the United States including without limitation the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") and applicable regulations thereunder and current judicial and administrative authority with respect thereto. We do not express any opinion herein with respect to any matter not specifically addressed in the opinions expressed below, including without limitation (i) any statute, regulation or provision of law of any county, municipality or other political subdivision or any agency or instrumentality thereof or (ii) the securities or tax laws of any jurisdiction. The federal income tax opinions set forth below are based upon the existing provisions of the Code and Treasury regulations issued or proposed thereunder, published Revenue Rulings and releases of the Internal Revenue Service and existing case law, any of which or the effect of any of which could be changed at any time. Any such changes may be retroactive in application and could modify the legal conclusions upon which such opinions are based. The opinions expressed herein are limited as described below, and we do not express any opinion on any other legal or income tax aspect of the transactions contemplated by the documents relating to the transaction. Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion for federal income tax purposes, the Class F Bonds will be characterized as debt instruments. This opinion letter is rendered for the sole benefit of each addressee hereof with respect to the matters specifically addressed herein, and no other person or entity is entitled to rely hereon. Copies of this opinion letter may not be made available, and this opinion letter may not be quoted or referred to in any other document made available, to any other person or entity except to (i) any applicable rating agency, institution providing credit enhancement, reinsurer or liquidity support or governmental authority, (ii) any accountant or attorney for any person or entity entitled hereunder to rely hereon or to whom or which this opinion letter may be made available as provided herein and (iii) as otherwise required by law. We assume no obligation to revise, supplement or withdraw this opinion letter, or otherwise inform any addressee hereof, or other person or entity entitled to rely hereon, with respect to any change occurring subsequent to the delivery hereof in any applicable fact or law or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, even though such change may affect a legal analysis or conclusion contained herein. In addition, no attorney-client relationship exists or has existed by reason of this opinion letter between our firm and any addressee hereof or other person or entity entitled to rely hereon except for any addressee that is identified in the first paragraph hereof as a person or entity for which we have acted as counsel in rendering this opinion IMH Assets Corp., Series 1998-Cl Page 4. July 12,2002 letter. In permitting reliance hereon by any person or entity other than an addressee for which we have acted as counsel, we are not acting as counsel for such other person or entity and have assumed and are assuming no responsibility to advise such other person or entity with respect to the adequacy of this opinion letter for its purposes. Very truly yours, /s/ Thacher, Proffitt & Wood EX-23.1 9 y90543a1exv23w1.txt CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-109597) and related Prospectus of Newcastle Investment Corp. for the registration of $750,000,000 of debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, and common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 11, 2003, except for note 12 as to which the date is February 28, 2003 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Newcastle Investment Corp. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. /s/ Ernst & Young New York, New York October 29, 2003 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----