424B5 1 tm2028909-1_424b5.htm 424B5

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-237909

 

The information contained in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell the Notes and are not soliciting an offer to buy the Notes in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED AUGUST 19, 2020

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated April 29, 2020)

$                

 

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc.

 

% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030

___________________

 

We are offering $               aggregate principal amount of                  % fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2030 (the “Notes”) pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The Notes will mature on                  , 2030. From and including the date of issuance to, but excluding                  , 2025, the Notes will bear interest at an initial rate of                  % per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on                  and                  of each year, commencing on                  ,            . From and including                         , 2025 to, but excluding the maturity date or the date of earlier redemption (the “floating rate period”), the interest rate will reset quarterly to an annual interest rate equal to the Benchmark rate, which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR (each subject to the provisions described under "Description of the Notes—Interest" in this prospectus supplement) plus                  basis points, for each quarterly interest period during the floating rate period, payable quarterly in arrears on                  ,                      ,                         , and                        of each year, commencing on                                  , 2025. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Benchmark rate is less than zero, the Benchmark rate shall be deemed to be zero.

 

We may, at our option, beginning with the interest payment date of                  , 2025 and on any interest payment date thereafter, redeem the Notes, in whole or in part. The Notes will not otherwise be redeemable by us prior to maturity, unless certain events occur, as described under “Description of the Notes—Redemption” in this prospectus supplement. The redemption price for any redemption is 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the date of redemption. Any early redemption of the Notes will be subject to the receipt of the approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) to the extent then required under applicable laws or regulations, including capital regulations.

 

The Notes are unsecured and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured subordinated indebtedness currently outstanding or issued by us in the future. There is no sinking fund for the Notes. The Notes will be subordinated in right of payment to all current and future senior indebtedness of Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc., including all of its general creditors, and they will be structurally subordinated to all of its subsidiaries’ existing and future indebtedness and other obligations. The Notes are obligations of Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. only and are not obligations of, and are not guaranteed by, any of Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc.’s subsidiaries. The holders of the Notes may be fully subordinated to interests held by the U.S. government in the event that we enter into a receivership, insolvency, liquidation, or similar proceeding.

 

The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or quoted on a quotation system. Currently, there is no public trading market for the Notes.

 

   Per Note   Total 
Price to public (1)   %   $  
Underwriting discounts (2)(3)   %   $  
Proceeds to us, before expenses   %   $  

 

(1)Plus accrued interest, if any, from the original issue date.

 

(2)The underwriters will also be reimbursed for certain expenses incurred in this offering. See “Underwriting” in this prospectus supplement.

 

(3)Reflects $        aggregate principal amount of Notes sold to retail investors, for which the underwriters received an underwriting discount of        %, and $        aggregate principal amount of Notes sold to institutional investors, for which the underwriters received an underwriting discount of        %. Underwriting discount per aggregate principal amount of Notes is calculated using a weighted average underwriting discount for retail and institutional orders.   

___________________

 

Investing in the Notes involves risk. Before investing in the Notes, potential purchasers of the Notes should consider the information set forth in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-8 of this prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated herein by reference.

 

The Notes are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of our subsidiary bank, Sonabank, or any of our non-bank subsidiaries and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) or any other government agency or instrumentality. None of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), any state securities commission, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve, nor any other bank regulatory agency has approved or disapproved of the Notes or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the Notes to purchasers in book-entry form through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (which, along with its successors, we refer to as “DTC”), and its direct participants, against payment therefor in immediately available funds, on or about                , 2020, which is the third business day following the date of pricing the Notes (such settlement being referred to as “T+3”). See “Underwriting” for details.

 

Joint Book Running Managers

 

Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Piper Sandler

 

Co-Manager

 

Stephens Inc.

 

___________________

 

Prospectus Supplement dated   August   , 2020

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

Page

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT S-ii
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS S-iii
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY S-1
THE OFFERING S-2
SUMMARY SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA S-6
RISK FACTORS S-8
USE OF PROCEEDS S-16
CAPITALIZATION S-17
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES S-19
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS S-32
BENEFIT PLAN/ERISA CONSIDERATIONS S-38
UNDERWRITING S-40
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION S-43
LEGAL MATTERS S-44
EXPERTS S-44

 

 

Prospectus

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS 1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION 1
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE 1
SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 2
SOUTHERN NATIONAL BANCORP OF VIRGINIA, INC. 4
RISK FACTORS 5
USE OF PROCEEDS 5
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER 5
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK 5
DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR AND SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES 8
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES 17
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS 20
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS 20
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS 20
DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS 22
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 24
LEGAL MATTERS 25
EXPERTS 25

 

 S-i 

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to “SONA,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” and “us” or similar references mean Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc.   References to “Sonabank” or the “Bank” mean Sonabank, which is our wholly owned bank subsidiary.

 

This document consists of two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering and certain other matters relating to us and our financial condition, and it also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general information, some of which does not apply to this offering. You should read carefully both this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in their entirety, together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus before deciding to purchase the Notes.

 

To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus supplement, on the one hand, and the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, on the other hand, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement. If any information conflicts with any statement in a document that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, then you should consider only the statement in the most recent document.

 

It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference therein, and in any free writing prospectus with respect to this offering filed by us with the SEC in making your investment decision. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectus with respect to this offering filed by us with the SEC. We take no responsibility for, and can provide you with no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information others may give you. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any free writing prospectus with respect to the offering filed by us with the SEC and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

We and the underwriters are not offering to sell nor seeking offers to buy the Notes in any jurisdiction where offers and sales are not permitted. The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the offering of the Notes in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus must inform themselves about and observe any restrictions relating to the offering of the Notes and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus outside the United States. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation.

 

 S-ii 

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus supplement, the documents incorporated by reference or deemed incorporated by reference herein, the accompanying prospectus and any other written or oral statements made by us from time to time may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts.

 

Forward-looking information can be identified through the use of words such as “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “continue,” “seek,” “aim,” “potential,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “would” and “could.” Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts, are premised on many factors and assumptions, and represent only management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. Similarly, these statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, like the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and which may include, but are not limited to, those listed below and the risk factors discussed under Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as supplemented by the risk factors discussed under Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, as well as other risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in our other filings with the SEC.

 

We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are including this statement for purposes of invoking these safe harbor provisions. Such forward-looking statements may be deemed to include, among other things, statements relating to our future financial performance, the performance of our loan portfolio, the expected amount of future credit reserves and charge-offs, delinquency trends, growth plans, regulatory developments, securities that we may offer from time to time, and management’s long-term performance goals, as well as statements relating to the anticipated effects on financial condition and results of operations from expected developments or events, our business and growth strategies. Actual results could differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, including the following:

 

  the effects of future economic, business and market conditions and disruptions in the credit and financial markets, domestic and foreign;
  the impact of COVID-19 on our business, including the impact of the actions taken by governmental authorities to contain the virus or address the impact of the virus on the United States economy (including, without limitation, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (the “CARES” Act), and the resulting effect of all of such items on our operations, liquidity and capital position, and on the financial condition of our borrowers and other customers;
  changes in the local economies in our market areas which adversely affect our customers and their ability to transact profitable business with us, including the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans according to their terms or a change in the value of the related collateral;
  changes in the availability of funds resulting in increased costs or reduced liquidity, as well as the adequacy of our cash flow from operations and borrowings to meet our short-term liquidity needs;
  a deterioration or downgrade in the credit quality and credit agency ratings of the investment securities in our investment securities portfolio;
  impairment concerns and risks related to our investment securities portfolio of collateralized mortgage obligations, agency mortgage-backed securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions and pooled trust preferred securities;
  increased credit risk in our assets and increased operating risk caused by a material change in commercial, consumer and/or real estate loans as a percentage of our total loan portfolio;
  the concentration of our loan portfolio in loans collateralized by real estate;
  our level of construction and land development and commercial real estate loans;
  the concentration of our loan portfolio in the hospitality industry, which industry has been particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic;
  failure to prevent a breach to our Internet-based system and online commerce security;

 

 S-iii 

 

 

  changes in the levels of loan prepayments and the resulting effects on the value of our loan portfolio;
  the failure of assumptions and estimates underlying the establishment of and provisions made to the allowance for loan losses;
  our ability to expand and grow our business and operations, including the establishment of additional branches and acquisition of additional branches and banks, and our ability to realize the cost savings and revenue enhancements we expect from such activities;
 

the incurrence and possible impairment of goodwill associated with current or future acquisitions and possible adverse short-term effects on our results of operations;

  government intervention in the U.S. financial system, including the effects of legislative, tax, accounting and regulatory actions and reforms, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the capital ratios of Basel III as adopted by the federal banking authorities and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017;
  uncertainty related to the transition away from or methods of calculating the London Inter-bank Offered Rate;
  changes in the interest rate environment, including changes to the federal funds rate to include a possible negative interest rate environment, and competition in our primary market area for deposits and loans may result in increased funding costs or reduced earning assets yields, thus further reducing margins and net interest income;
  the costs and effects of litigation, investigations, inquiries or similar matters, or adverse facts and developments related thereto, including the costs and effects of litigation related to our participation in government stimulus programs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic;
  the costs and effects of the extensive level of regulation and supervision to which we are subject, including compliance with and resolution of the supervisory agreements that we are currently under, which may limit our ability to engage in certain expansionary activities;
  the continued service of key management personnel and risks related to our recent management transition;
  our ability to attract and retain qualified employees.
  the potential payment of interest on demand deposit accounts to effectively compete for customers;
  potential environmental liability risk associated with properties that we assume upon foreclosure;
  increased asset levels and changes in the composition of assets and the resulting impact on our capital levels and regulatory capital ratios;
  risks of current or future mergers and acquisitions, including the related time and cost of implementing transactions and the potential failure to achieve expected gains, revenue growth or expense savings;
  increases in regulatory capital requirements for banking organizations generally, which may adversely affect our ability to expand our business or could cause us to shrink our business;
  acts of God or of war or other conflicts, acts of terrorism, pandemics or other catastrophic events that may affect general economic conditions;
  changes in accounting policies, rules and practices and applications or determinations made thereunder, including ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“CECL”);
  fraudulent and negligent acts by loan applicants, mortgage brokers and our employees;
  failure to maintain effective internal controls and procedures;
  the risk that our deferred tax assets could be reduced if future taxable income is less than currently estimated, if corporate tax rates in the future are less than current rates, or if sales of our capital stock trigger limitations on the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that we may utilize for income tax purposes; and
  the other factors and information contained in this prospectus supplement and in the other reports and filings that we make with the SEC, including those described in “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2020, which risks may be heightened by the disruption and uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 S-iv 

 

 

We urge investors to consider all of these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any related free-writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements included in this filing are made only as of the date of this filing. We assume no obligation and do not intend to revise or update any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, any related free-writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein, except as required by law.

 

 S-v 

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

 

The following is a summary of selected information contained elsewhere in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus supplement. It does not contain all of the information that may be important to your decision to purchase the Notes offered hereby. You should read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated by reference herein and therein carefully, especially the “Risk Factors” sections and the historical financial statements and the related notes thereto and management’s discussion and analysis before making a decision to purchase the Notes.

 

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc.

 

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. is the bank holding company for Sonabank, a Virginia state-chartered bank which commenced operations on April 14, 2005. Sonabank provides a range of financial services to individuals and small and medium sized businesses. Sonabank has forty-two full-service branches. Thirty-seven full-service retail branches are in Virginia, located in Ashland, Burgess, Callao, Central Garage, Charlottesville, Chester, Clifton Forge, Colonial Heights, Courtland, Deltaville, Fairfax, Front Royal, Gloucester, Gloucester Point, Hampton, Hartfield, Heathsville, Kilmarnock, Leesburg, McLean, Mechanicsville (2), Middleburg, Midlothian, New Market, Newport News, Quinton, Reston, Richmond, South Riding, Surry, Tappahannock (2), Urbanna, Warrenton, Waverly, and Williamsburg, and five full-service retail branches in Maryland, located in Bethesda, Brandywine, Owings, Rockville, and Upper Marlboro.

 

While SONA offers a wide range of commercial banking services, it focuses on making loans secured primarily by commercial real estate and other types of secured and unsecured commercial loans to small and medium-sized businesses in a number of industries, as well as loans to individuals for a variety of purposes. SONA is a leading Small Business Administration (SBA) lender among Virginia community banks and also invests in real estate-related securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations and agency mortgage backed securities. SONA’s principal sources of funds for loans and investing in securities are deposits and, to a lesser extent, borrowings. SONA offers a broad range of deposit products, including checking (NOW), savings, money market accounts and certificates of deposit. SONA actively pursues business relationships by utilizing the business contacts of its senior management, other bank officers and its directors, thereby capitalizing on its knowledge of our local market areas.

 

SONA had, on a consolidated basis, total assets of  $3.1 billion, total loans of $2.5 billion, total deposits of  $2.2 billion and stockholders’ equity of  $381.7 million at June 30, 2020.

 

Corporate Information

 

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “SONA.” The principal executive offices of SONA are located at 6830 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Virginia 22101, and its telephone number is (703) 893-7400. SONA’s website can be accessed at www.sonabank.com. Information contained in SONA’s website does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus supplement.

 

 S-1 

 

 

THE OFFERING

 

The following description contains basic information about the Notes and this offering. This description is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in the Notes. For a more complete understanding of the Notes, you should read the section of this prospectus supplement entitled “Description of the Notes.”

 

Issuer Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc.
Securities offered                   % Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030.
Aggregate principal amount $       
Issue price                         %.
Maturity date The Notes will mature on                           , 2030 (the “Maturity Date”).
Interest rate

From and including the issue date to, but excluding,                      , 2025 or the date of earlier redemption (the “fixed rate period”), a fixed per annum rate of                           %. For each interest period during the fixed rate period, interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears on                and             of each year (each, a “fixed rate interest payment date”), commencing on            ,               .

 

From and including                        , 2025 to, but excluding, the Maturity Date or the date of earlier redemption (the “floating rate period”), the Notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to the Benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR) plus a spread of                         basis points. For each quarterly interest period during the floating rate period, interest will be payable quarterly in arrears on                        ,                      ,                        and                        of each year (each, a “floating rate interest payment date” and, together with the fixed rate interest payment dates, the “interest payment dates”), commencing on                        , 2025. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Benchmark rate is less than zero, the Benchmark rate shall be deemed to be zero.   

 

For each interest period during the floating rate period, “Three-Month Term SOFR” means the rate for Term SOFR for a tenor of three months that is published by the Term SOFR Administrator at the Reference Time for any interest period, as determined by the calculation agent after giving effect to the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions (each as defined under “Description of Notes—Interest”)   

 

If the calculation agent determines on or prior to the relevant Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date (each as defined under “Description of the Notes”) have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, then the provisions under “Description of the Notes—Effect of Benchmark Transition Event,” which are referred to herein as the “benchmark transition provisions,” will thereafter apply to all determinations of the interest rate on the Notes for each interest period during the floating rate period. In accordance with the benchmark transition provisions, after a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred, the interest rate on the Notes for each interest period during the floating rate period will be an annual rate equal to the Benchmark Replacement (as defined under “Description of the Notes”) plus                        basis points.

 

 S-2 

 

 

 

We will appoint a calculation agent for the Notes prior to the commencement of the floating rate period. We will act as the initial calculation agent.

 

Record dates Interest on each Note will be payable to the person in whose name such Note is registered on the 15th calendar day immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date.
Day count convention Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months to but excluding                     , 2025 and, thereafter, on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed.
No guarantee The Notes are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. As a result, the Notes will be structurally subordinated to the liabilities of our subsidiaries as discussed below under “Subordination, Ranking.”
Subordination, Ranking The Notes will be issued by us under a Subordinate Indenture dated as of                , 2020 between Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), as supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture dated as of                        , 2020 between SONA and the Trustee. We refer to the Indenture, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, as the “Indenture.” The Notes will be SONA’s general unsecured, subordinated obligations and:

 

·will rank junior in right of payment and upon our liquidation to any of our existing and all future Senior Debt (as defined in the Indenture), all as described under “Description of the Notes” in this prospectus supplement;

 

·will rank equal in right of payment and upon our liquidation with any of our existing and all of our future indebtedness the terms of which provide that such indebtedness ranks equally with the Notes;

 

·will rank senior in right of payment and upon our liquidation to (i) our existing junior subordinated debentures issued to our capital trust subsidiaries and (ii) any of our indebtedness the terms of which provide that such indebtedness ranks junior in right of payment to note indebtedness such as the Notes; and

 

·will be effectively subordinated to our future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness and structurally subordinated to the existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries, including without limitation Sonabank’s depositors, liabilities to general and trade creditors and liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise.

 

 

As of June 30, 2020, on a consolidated basis, our liabilities totaled approximately $2.7 billion, which includes approximately $2.2 billion of deposit liabilities, approximately $539.0 million of other liabilities, which include $333.6 million of Federal Reserve borrowings, $100.0 million of Federal Home Loan Bank advances, $47.0 million of subordinated notes issued by SONA (or bank holding companies that have been merged with and into SONA), $9.7 million of trust preferred securities and accompanying junior subordinated debentures, and approximately $48.7 million of other liabilities. Except for approximately $9.7 million of junior subordinated debentures and associated trust preferred securities (which rank junior in right of payment and upon liquidation to the Notes) and $47.0 million of subordinated notes (which rank equal in right of payment and upon liquidation to the Notes) issued by SONA (or bank holding companies that have been merged with and into SONA) all of these liabilities are contractually or structurally senior to the Notes.

 

 S-3 

 

 

  The Indenture governing the Notes does not limit the amount of additional indebtedness we or our subsidiaries may incur.
Optional Redemption We may, at our option, beginning with the interest payment date of                         , 2025, and on any interest payment date thereafter, redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, from time to time, subject to obtaining the prior approval of the Federal Reserve to the extent such approval is then required under the rules of the Federal Reserve, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption.
Special Redemption We may also redeem the Notes at any time, including prior to                      , 2025, in whole but not in part, subject to obtaining the prior approval of the Federal Reserve to the extent such approval is then required under the capital adequacy rules of the Federal Reserve, if: (a) an amendment or change or prospective amendment or change in law occurs, or an administrative or judicial action is announced or taken or there is an amendment to or change in any official position or interpretation with respect to, an administrative or judicial decision or action or a law or regulation that differs from the previously generally accepted position or interpretation, in each case that, as a result of which, in our good faith determination, there is more than an insubstantial risk that interest payable by us on the Notes will not be deductible by us, in whole or in part, for United States federal income tax purposes; (b) a subsequent event occurs that, as a result of which, there is more than an insubstantial risk that we would not be entitled to treat the Notes as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes; or (c) we are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; in each case, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. For more information, see “Description of the Notes—Redemption” in this prospectus supplement.
Form and denomination The Notes will be offered in book-entry form through the facilities of DTC in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
Sinking fund There is no sinking fund for the Notes.
Further issuances The Notes will initially be limited to an aggregate principal amount of $       . We may from time to time, without notice to or consent of the holders, increase the aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding by issuing additional notes in the future with the same terms as the Notes, except for the issue date, the offering price and the first interest payment date, and such additional notes may be consolidated with the Notes issued in this offering and form a single series; provided that the additional Notes are fungible with the Notes for United States federal income tax purposes.
Use of proceeds We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering of the Notes will be approximately $                   after deducting the underwriting discount and our estimated offering expenses. We intend to use net proceeds for general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement.

 

 S-4 

 

 

Listing The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or quoted on any quotation system. Currently, there is no market for the Notes, and there can be no assurances that any public market for the Notes will develop.
Governing law The Notes and the Indenture will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.
Trustee Wilmington Trust, National Association.
Risk factors Investing in the Notes involves certain risks. Before investing in the Notes, you should carefully consider the information under “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-8 of this prospectus supplement, under Item 1A. Risk Factors, in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as supplemented by the risk factors discussed under Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, and the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 S-5 

 

 

SUMMARY SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

Set forth below is selected consolidated financial data of SONA for the periods indicated. The selected consolidated financial data of SONA as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for years 2019, 2018 and 2017 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of SONA, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The selected consolidated financial data as of June 30, 2020 and for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019 are derived from unaudited condensed financial statements, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2017 and as of June 30, 2019 are derived from SONA’s consolidated financial statements, which are not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospective. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, which our management considers necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations for these periods. The unaudited financial condition and unaudited results of operations as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2020 do not purport to be indicative of the financial condition or results of operations to be expected as of or for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. The following data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, appearing in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, each of which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

 

 

 

 S-6 

 

 

    As of and for the six months
ended
June 30,
    As of and for the years
ended
December 31,
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)   2020     2019     2019     2018     2017  
Statement of Operations Data:                              
Interest income   $ 57,153     $ 60,696     $ 120,524     $ 118,907     $ 83,570  
Interest expense     14,165       18,780       36,924       27,841       15,653  
Net interest income     42,988       41,916       83,600       91,066       67,917  
Provision for loan losses     14,349       200       350       4,200       8,625  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses     28,639       41,716       83,250       86,866       59,292  
Noninterest income     11,213       6,253       12,586       10,199       5,429  
Noninterest expense     33,922       30,182       56,592       53,760       49,149  
Income before income taxes     5,930       17,787       39,244       43,305       15,572  
Income tax expense     1,194       2,448       6,077       9,614       13,147  
Net income   $ 4,736     $ 15,339     $ 33,167     $ 33,691     $ 2,425  
Per Share Data:                                        
Earnings per share - Basic   $ 0.20     $ 0.64     $ 1.38     $ 1.40     $ 0.13  
Earnings per share - Diluted   $ 0.19     $ 0.63     $ 1.36     $ 1.39     $ 0.13  
Cash dividends paid per share   $ 0.20     $ 0.18     $ 0.36     $ 0.32     $ 0.32  
Book value per share   $ 15.67     $ 15.11     $ 15.60     $ 14.48     $ 13.48  
Dividend payout ratio     100.00 %     28.13 %     26.09 %     22.86 %     246.15 %
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic     24,207,357       24,017,311       24,050,037       24,012,437       18,390,810  
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted     24,349,153       24,315,017       24,325,182       24,272,617       18,671,392  
Shares issued and outstanding at end of period     24,361,603       24,117,326       24,181,534       24,052,253       23,936,453  
                                         
Selected Performance Ratios and Other Data                                        
Return on average assets     0.33 %     1.14 %     1.22 %     1.25 %     0.13 %
Return on average equity     2.49 %     8.64 %     9.13 %     9.99 %     1.02 %
Yield on earning assets     4.42 %     4.93 %     4.88 %     4.86 %     4.76 %
Cost of funds     1.16 %     1.61 %     1.58 %     1.19 %     0.94 %
Net interest margin     3.32 %     3.41 %     3.39 %     3.72 %     3.87 %
Net charge-offs to average loans     0.09 %     0.08 %     0.11 %     0.06 %     0.51 %
Allowance for loan losses to total loans     0.94 %     0.53 %     0.47 %     0.57 %     0.46 %
Stockholders’ equity to total assets     12.42 %     13.32 %     13.86 %     12.89 %     12.35 %
                                         
Financial Condition:                                        
Total assets   $ 3,072,171     $ 2,724,303     $ 2,722,170     $ 2,701,295     $ 2,614,252  
Total loans     2,511,504       2,172,845       2,186,047       2,178,824       2,062,328  
Total deposits     2,151,529       2,150,426       2,124,718       2,097,600       1,865,156  
Stockholders’ equity     381,669       362,792       377,241       348,290       322,772  
                                         
Capital Ratios:                                        
Common equity Tier 1 capital     11.23 %     12.00 %     12.64 %     11.57 %     10.50 %
Leverage     9.35 %     9.93 %     10.63 %     9.57 %     8.82 %
Tier 1 capital     11.65 %     12.48 %     13.11 %     12.06 %     10.98 %
Total capital     14.59 %     15.29 %     15.82 %     14.92 %     13.80 %

 

 S-7 

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in the Notes involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors related to the offering as well as the risk factors concerning our business included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six month period ended June 30, 2020, in addition to the other information contained or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before deciding to invest in the Notes. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for discussions of our other filings.

 

Risk Factors Related to the Notes

 

The Notes will be unsecured and subordinated to any future senior indebtedness.

 

The Notes will be subordinated obligations of Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. Accordingly, they will be junior in right of payment to any existing and all future senior indebtedness, and in certain events of insolvency, to other financial obligations as described in “Description of the Notes” in this prospectus supplement. Our senior indebtedness includes all indebtedness, except indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to or ranking pari passu with the Notes, subject to certain exceptions. The Notes will rank equally with all other unsecured subordinated indebtedness of Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. issued in the future under the Indenture. In addition, the Notes will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness, liabilities and other obligations, including deposits, of our subsidiaries, including Sonabank. As of June 30, 2020, on a consolidated basis, our liabilities totaled approximately $2.7 billion, which includes approximately $2.2 billion of deposit liabilities, approximately $539.0 million of other liabilities, which include $333.6 million of Federal Reserve borrowings, $100.0 million of Federal Home Loan Bank advances, $47.0 million of subordinated notes issued by SONA (or bank holding companies that have been merged with and into SONA), $9.7 million of trust preferred securities and accompanying junior subordinated debentures, and approximately $48.7 million of other liabilities. Except for approximately $9.7 million of junior subordinated debentures and associated trust preferred securities (which rank junior in right of payment and upon liquidation to the Notes) and $47.0 million of subordinated notes (which rank equal in right of payment and upon liquidation to the Notes) issued by SONA (or bank holding companies that have been merged with and into SONA) all of these liabilities are contractually or structurally senior to the Notes.   

 

In addition, the Notes will not be secured by any of our assets. As a result, the Notes will be effectively subordinated to all of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The Indenture governing the Notes does not limit the amount of senior indebtedness and other financial obligations or secured obligations that we or our subsidiaries may incur.

 

As a result of the subordination provisions described above, holders of the Notes may not be fully repaid in the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization.

 

The Notes will not be insured or guaranteed by the FDIC, any other governmental agency or any of our subsidiaries. The Notes will be structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries, which means that creditors of our subsidiaries generally will be paid from those subsidiaries’ assets before holders of the Notes would have any claims to those assets.

 

The Notes are not bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other governmental agency. The Notes will be obligations of SONA only and will not be obligations of, or guaranteed by, any of our subsidiaries, including Sonabank. The Notes will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries, which means that creditors of our subsidiaries (including, in the case of Sonabank, its depositors) generally will be paid from those subsidiaries’ assets before holders of the Notes would have any claims to those assets. Even if we become a creditor of any of our subsidiaries, our rights as a creditor would be subordinate to any security interest in the assets of that subsidiary and any debt of that subsidiary senior to that held by us, and our rights could otherwise be subordinated to the rights of other creditors and depositors of that subsidiary. Furthermore, none of our subsidiaries is under any obligation to make payments to us, and any payments to us would depend on the earnings or financial condition of our subsidiaries and various business considerations. Statutory, contractual or other restrictions also limit our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or make distributions, loans or advances to us. For these reasons, we may not have access to any assets or cash flows of our subsidiaries to make interest and principal payments on the Notes.

 

 S-8 

 

 

The Indenture governing the Notes does not contain any limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, grant or incur a lien on our assets, sell or otherwise dispose of assets, pay dividends or repurchase our capital stock.

 

Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries is restricted from incurring additional indebtedness or other liabilities, including additional senior or subordinated indebtedness, under the Indenture governing the terms of the Notes. If we incur additional indebtedness or liabilities, our ability to pay our obligations on the Notes could be adversely affected. We expect that we will from time to time incur additional indebtedness and other liabilities. In addition, we are not restricted under the Indenture governing the Notes from granting or incurring a lien on any of our assets, selling or otherwise disposing of any of our assets, paying dividends or issuing or repurchasing our securities.

 

In addition, there are no financial covenants in the Indenture governing the Notes. You are not protected under the Indenture governing the Notes in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, default under our existing indebtedness, restructuring, merger or similar transaction that may adversely affect you.

 

Payments on the Notes will depend on receipt of dividends and distributions from our subsidiaries.

 

We are a financial holding company and we conduct substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries, including Sonabank. We depend on dividends, distributions and other payments from our subsidiaries to meet our obligations, including to fund payments on the Notes, and to provide funds for payment of dividends to our shareholders, to the extent declared by our board of directors. There are various legal limitations on the extent to which Sonabank and our other subsidiaries can finance or otherwise supply funds to us (by dividend or otherwise). Sonabank may not declare a dividend in excess of its accumulated retained earnings without the approval of the Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions (“VBFI”), a regulatory division of the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, an insured depository institution such as Sonabank is prohibited from making capital distributions, including the payment of dividends, if, after making such distribution, the institution would become “undercapitalized.” Further, contractual or other restrictions may also limit our subsidiaries’ abilities to pay dividends or make distributions, loans or advances to us. See “Item 1—Business—Supervision and Regulation” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. For these reasons, we may not have access to any assets or cash flow of our subsidiaries to make principal or interest payments on the Notes.

 

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt, including the Notes.

 

Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal and interest, or to satisfy our obligations in respect of our debt or to refinance our debt, will depend on our future performance of our operating subsidiaries. Prevailing economic conditions (including interest rates), regulatory constraints, including, among other things, limiting distributions to us from Sonabank and required capital levels with respect to Sonabank and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, will also affect our ability to meet these needs. Our subsidiaries may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations, or we may be unable to obtain future borrowings in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our debt, or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt on or before maturity. We may not be able to refinance any of our debt when needed (including, without limitation, upon commencement of the floating rate period) on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

 

 S-9 

 

 

Regulatory guidelines and enforcement activities may restrict our ability to pay the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes, regardless of whether we are the subject of an insolvency proceeding.

 

As a bank holding company, our ability to pay the principal of, and interest on, the Notes is subject to the rules and guidelines of the Federal Reserve regarding capital adequacy. We intend to treat the Notes as “Tier 2 capital” under these rules and guidelines. The Federal Reserve guidelines generally require us to review the effects of the cash payment of Tier 2 capital instruments, such as the Notes, on our overall financial condition. The guidelines also require that we review our net income for the current and past four quarters, and the amounts we have paid on Tier 2 capital instruments for those periods, as well as our projected rate of earnings retention. Moreover, pursuant to federal law and the Federal Reserve regulations, as a bank holding company, we are required to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to Sonabank and commit resources to its support, including the guarantee of capital plans of an undercapitalized bank subsidiary. Such support may be required at times when we may not otherwise be inclined or able to provide it. Additionally, the Federal Reserve, FDIC and VBFI have extensive discretion in their general supervisory and enforcement activities in respect of both the Company and Sonabank, including the imposition of restrictions on our operations, the classification of our assets and determination of the level of our allowance for loan losses, or requiring improvements in management succession and organizational structure, risk and compliance management system integration, or internal controls. Any change in or exercise of such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation or confidential, non-public enforcement action specifically imposed on us or Sonabank, could have a material impact on our operations, including by inhibiting the execution of our business plan, prohibiting expansionary activity, impairing Sonabank’s ability to pay dividends to us, or restricting us from making payments on our debt obligations. As a result of the foregoing, we may be unable to pay accrued interest on the Notes on one or more of the scheduled interest payment dates, or at any other time, or the principal of the Notes at the maturity of the Notes.If we were to be the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the bankruptcy trustee would be deemed to have assumed, and would be required to cure, immediately any deficit under any commitment we have to any of the federal banking agencies to maintain the capital of the Bank, and any other insured depository institution for which we have such a responsibility, and any claim for breach of such obligation would generally have priority over most other unsecured claims.

 

Holders of the Notes will have limited rights, including limited rights of acceleration, if there is an event of default.

 

Payment of principal on the Notes may be accelerated only in the case of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency involving us or Sonabank. There is no automatic acceleration, or right of acceleration, in the case of default in the payment of principal of or interest on the Notes, or in the performance of any of our other obligations under the Notes or the Indenture governing the Notes. Our regulators can, in the event we or Sonabank become subject to an enforcement action, prohibit Sonabank from paying dividends to us, and prevent our payment of interest or principal on the Notes and any dividends on our capital stock, but such limits will not permit acceleration of the Notes. See “Description of the Notes——Defaults; Events of Default; Limited Rights of Acceleration” in this prospectus supplement.

 

An active trading market for the Notes may not develop.

 

The Notes constitute a new issue of securities for which there is no existing trading market. We do not intend to apply for listing of the Notes on any securities exchange or for quotation of the Notes in any automated dealer quotation system. We cannot provide you with any assurance regarding whether a trading market for the Notes will develop or be sustained, the ability of holders of the Notes to sell their Notes, or the prices at which holders may be able to sell their Notes. The underwriters have advised us that they currently intend to make a secondary market in the Notes. However, the underwriters are not obligated to do so, and any market-making with respect to the Notes may be discontinued at any time without notice. You should also be aware that there may be a limited number of buyers when you decide to sell your Notes. This may affect the price you receive for your Notes or your ability to sell your Notes at all. Investors in the Notes may not be able to sell the Notes at all or may not be able to sell the Notes at prices that will provide them with a yield comparable to similar investments that have a developed secondary market, and may consequently suffer from increased pricing volatility and market risk.

 

 S-10 

 

 

If a trading market for the Notes develops, changes in the debt markets, among others, could adversely affect your ability to liquidate your investment in the Notes and the market price of the Notes.

 

Many factors could affect the trading market for, and the trading value of, the Notes. These factors include: the method of calculating the principal, premium, if any, interest, or other amounts payable, if any, on the Notes; the time remaining to the maturity of the Notes; the ranking of the Notes; the redemption features of the Notes; the outstanding amount of subordinated notes with terms identical to the Notes offered hereby; the prevailing interest rates being paid by other companies similar to us; changes in U.S. interest rates; whether the ratings on the Notes or us provided by any rating agency have changed; our financial condition, financial performance, and future prospects; the level, direction, and volatility of market interest rates generally; general economic conditions of the capital markets in the United States; and geopolitical conditions and other financial, political, regulatory, and judicial events that affect the capital markets generally. The condition of the financial markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated significantly in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future. Such fluctuations could adversely affect the trading market (if any) for, and the market price of, the Notes

 

Because the Notes may be redeemed at our option under certain circumstances prior to their maturity, if we elect to redeem all or any portion of the Notes, you may be subject to reinvestment risk.

 

On or after               , 2025, we may, at our option, redeem the Notes in whole or in part on each interest payment date subsequent thereto. In addition, we may also redeem the Notes prior to maturity, at our option, in whole but not in part, if (i) an amendment or change or prospective amendment or change in law occurs, or an administrative or judicial action is announced or taken or there is an amendment to or change in any official position or interpretation with respect to, an administrative or judicial action or a law or regulation that differs from the previously generally accepted position or interpretation, in each case that, as a result of which, in our good faith determination, there is more than an insubstantial risk that interest payable by us on the Notes will not be deductible by us, in whole or in part, for United States federal income tax purposes, (ii) a subsequent event occurs that, as a result of which, there is more than an insubstantial risk that we would not be entitled to treat the Notes as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes, or (iii) we are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The redemption price for any redemption is 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to but excluding the date of redemption. Any early redemption of the Notes will be subject to the receipt of the approval of the Federal Reserve, to the extent then required under applicable laws or regulations, including capital regulations. Any such redemption may have the effect of reducing the income or return that you may receive on an investment in the Notes by reducing the term of the investment. Under current regulatory capital guidelines, the aggregate principal amount of the Notes that will count as Tier 2 capital will be reduced by 20% in each of the last five years prior to the maturity date of the Notes. As a result, SONA may be more likely to redeem the Notes prior to their maturity date. If this occurs, you may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at an interest rate comparable to the rate paid on the Notes. See “Description of the Notes - Redemption” in this prospectus supplement.

 

We may elect to redeem the Notes on or after the date on which they become redeemable at our option; however, investors should not expect us to make such election on such date when the Notes are first redeemable. Under Federal Reserve regulations, unless the Federal Reserve authorizes us in writing to do otherwise, we may not redeem the Notes unless they are replaced with other Tier 2 capital instruments or unless we can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Federal Reserve that, following redemption, we will continue to hold capital commensurate with our risk.

 

The amount of interest payable on the Notes will vary after                         , 2025.

 

During the fixed rate period, the Notes will bear interest at an initial fixed rate of             % per annum. Thereafter, the Notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to the Benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR) plus          basis points, subject to the applicable provisions under "Description of the Notes-Interest." The per annum interest rate that is determined at the reference time for each interest period will apply to the entire quarterly interest period following such determination date even if the Benchmark rate increases during that period.

 

Floating rate notes bear additional significant risks not associated with fixed rate debt securities. These risks include fluctuation of the interest rates and the possibility that you will receive an amount of interest that is lower than expected. We have no control over a number of matters that may impact prevailing interest rates, including, without limitation, economic, financial, and political events that are important in determining the existence, magnitude, and longevity of market volatility, and other risks and their impact on the value of, or payments made on, the Notes. In recent years, interest rates have been volatile, and that volatility may be expected in the future.

 

 S-11 

 

 

Our published credit ratings may not reflect all risks of an investment in the Notes, and changes in our published credit ratings may adversely affect your investment in the Notes.

 

The published credit ratings of SONA or our indebtedness are an assessment by rating agencies of our ability to pay our debts when due. These ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold, or sell the Notes, inasmuch as the ratings do not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor, are limited in scope, and do not address all material risks relating to an investment in the Notes, but rather reflect only the view of each rating agency at the time the rating is issued. The published credit ratings assigned to the Notes may not reflect the potential impact of all risks related to structure and other factors on any trading market for, or trading value of, the Notes. In addition, any real or anticipated changes in our published credit ratings will generally affect the trading market for, or the trading value of, the Notes.

 

Rating agencies continuously evaluate us and our subsidiaries, and their ratings of our long-term and short-term debt are based on a number of factors, including financial strength, as well as factors not entirely within our control, such as conditions affecting the financial services industry generally. In light of these reviews and the continued focus on the financial services industry generally, we may not be able to maintain our current credit ratings. Ratings downgrades by a rating agency could have a significant and immediate impact on our funding and liquidity through cash obligations, reduced funding capacity and collateral triggers. A reduction in our credit ratings could also increase our borrowing costs and limit access to the capital markets.

 

Downgrades in the credit or financial strength ratings assigned to the counterparties with whom we transact could create the perception that our financial condition will be adversely impacted as a result of potential future defaults by such counterparties. Additionally, we could be adversely affected by a general, negative perception of financial institutions caused by the downgrade of other financial institutions. Accordingly, ratings downgrades for other financial institutions could affect the market price of the Notes and could limit our access to or increase our cost of capital.   

 

Any failure of SOFR to gain market acceptance could adversely affect holders of the Notes.

The interest rate during the floating rate period will be determined using Three-Month Term SOFR (unless a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date occur with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, in which case the rate of interest will be based on the next-available Benchmark Replacement, which is Compounded SOFR). In the following discussion of SOFR, when we refer to the Notes, we mean the Notes at any time during the floating rate period when the interest rate on the Notes is or will be determined based on SOFR, including Three-Month Term SOFR.

 

SOFR is published by the FRBNY and is intended to be a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. FRBNY reports that SOFR includes all trades in the Broad General Collateral Rate, plus bilateral U.S. Treasury repurchase agreement ("repo") transactions cleared through the delivery-versus-payment service offered by the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (the "FICC"), a subsidiary of DTC. SOFR is filtered by FRBNY to remove a portion of the foregoing transactions considered to be "specials." According to FRBNY, "specials" are repos for specific-issue collateral which take place at cash-lending rates below those for general collateral repos because cash providers are willing to accept a lesser return on their cash in order to obtain a particular security.

 

FRBNY reports that SOFR is calculated as a volume-weighted median of transaction-level tri-party repo data collected from The Bank of New York Mellon, which currently acts as the clearing bank for the tri-party repo market, as well as General Collateral Finance Repo transaction data and data on bilateral U.S. Treasury repo transactions cleared through the FICC's delivery-versus-payment service. FRBNY states that it obtains information from DTCC Solutions LLC, an affiliate of DTC.

 

FRBNY currently publishes SOFR daily on its website at https://apps.newyorkfed.org/markets/autorates/sofr. FRBNY states on its publication page for SOFR that use of SOFR is subject to important disclaimers, limitations, and indemnification obligations, including that FRBNY may alter the methods of calculation, publication schedule, rate revision practices, or availability of SOFR at any time without notice. The foregoing Internet website is an inactive textual reference only, meaning that the information contained on the website is not part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or incorporated by reference herein or therein.

 

 S-12 

 

 

FRBNY started publishing SOFR in April 2018. FRBNY has also started publishing historical indicative SOFRs dating back to 2014, although such historical indicative data inherently involves assumptions, estimates and approximations. Investors should not rely on such historical indicative data or on any historical changes or trends in SOFR as an indicator of the future performance of SOFR.

 

SOFR may be more volatile than other benchmark or market rates.

 

Since the initial publication of SOFR, daily changes in the rate have, on occasion, been more volatile than daily changes in comparable benchmark or market rates, and SOFR over time may bear little or no relation to the historical actual or historical indicative data. In addition, the return on and value of the Notes may fluctuate more than floating rate securities that are linked to less volatile rates.

 

Changes in SOFR could adversely affect holders of the Notes.

 

Because SOFR is published by FRBNY based on data received from other sources, we have no control over its determination, calculation, or publication. There is no assurance that SOFR will not be discontinued or fundamentally altered in a manner that is materially adverse to the interests of investors in the Notes. If the manner in which SOFR is calculated is changed, that change may result in a reduction in the amount of interest that accrues on the Notes during the floating rate period, which may adversely affect the trading prices of the Notes. Further, if the Benchmark rate on the Notes during the floating rate period on any determination date declines to zero or becomes negative, interest will only accrue on the Notes at a rate equal to the spread of        % per annum with respect to that interest period. In addition, once the Benchmark rate for the Notes for each interest period during the floating rate period is determined by the calculation agent on the determination date, interest on the Notes shall accrue at such Benchmark rate for the applicable interest period and will not be subject to change during such interest period. There is no assurance that changes in SOFR will not have a material adverse effect on the yield on, value of, and market for the Notes.

 

The interest rate for the Notes during the applicable floating rate period may be determined based on a rate other than Three-Month Term SOFR.

 

Under the terms of the Notes, the interest rate on the Notes for each interest period during the applicable floating rate period will be based on Three-Month Term SOFR, a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months that will be based on SOFR. Three-Month Term SOFR does not currently exist and is currently being developed under the sponsorship of the ARRC. There is no assurance that the development of Three-Month Term SOFR, or any other forward-looking term rate based on SOFR, will be completed. Uncertainty surrounding the development of forward-looking term rates based on SOFR could have a material adverse effect on the return on, value of, and market for the Notes. If, at the commencement of the applicable floating rate period for the Notes, the Relevant Governmental Body (as defined in "Description of the Notes" below) has not selected or recommended a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR, the development of a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR that has been recommended or selected by the Relevant Governmental Body is not complete or we determine that the use of a forward-looking rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR is not administratively feasible, then the next-available Benchmark Replacement under the benchmark transition provisions will be used to determine the interest rate on the Notes during the applicable floating rate period (unless a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date occur with respect to that next-available Benchmark Replacement).

 

Under the terms of the Notes, the calculation agent is expressly authorized to make determinations, decisions, or elections with respect to technical, administrative, or operational matters that it decides are appropriate to reflect the use of Three-Month Term SOFR as the interest rate basis for the Notes in a manner substantially consistent with market practice, which are defined in the terms of the notes as "Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions." For example, assuming that a form of Three-Month Term SOFR is developed, it is not currently known how or by whom rates for Three-Month Term SOFR will be published. Accordingly, the calculation agent will need to determine the manner and timing for its determination of the applicable Three-Month Term SOFR during the applicable floating rate period. The determination and implementation of any Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions could result in adverse consequences to the amount of interest that accrues on the Notes during the applicable floating rate period, which could adversely affect the return on, value of, and market for the Notes. We will act as the initial calculation agent.

 

Any Benchmark Replacement may not be the economic equivalent of Three-Month Term SOFR.

 

Under the benchmark transition provisions of the Notes, if the calculation agent determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, then the floating interest rate on the Notes for each interest period during the floating rate period will be determined using the next-available Benchmark Replacement (which may include a related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment). However, the Benchmark Replacement may not be the economic equivalent of Three-Month Term SOFR. For example, Compounded SOFR, the first-available Benchmark Replacement, is the compounded average of the daily SOFR calculated in arrears, while Three-Month Term SOFR is intended to be a forward-looking rate with a tenor of three months. In addition, very limited market precedent exists for securities that use Compounded SOFR as the rate basis, and the method for calculating Compounded SOFR in those precedents varies. Further, the ISDA Fallback Rate, which is another Benchmark Replacement, has not yet been established and may change over time.

 

 S-13 

 

 

A modification of the Notes could occur for tax purposes in the event that a Benchmark Replacement is not a "qualified rate" under applicable Treasury Regulations.

 

Recent proposed Treasury Regulations provide guidance on the tax consequences on the use of a reference rate other than SOFR (or another interbank offered rate) in debt instruments. The proposed Treasury Regulations explain a significant modification of a debt instrument would not result in the event that a "qualified rate" is used (rather than SOFR). A "qualified rate" is a rate that includes, among other things, a rate selected, endorsed or recommended by a central bank (or similar authority) as a replacement for SOFR (or another interbank offered rate) in that jurisdiction. If the proposed Treasury Regulations are finalized in their current form, we expect that the Notes would include a "qualified rate" in lieu of SOFR such that a significant modification of the Notes would not result from the new rate, but cannot guarantee that a "qualified rate" could be used for the Notes or that a significant modification would not occur.

 

The implementation of Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes could adversely affect holders of the Notes.

 

Under the benchmark transition provisions of the Notes, if Three-Month Term SOFR has been discontinued or if a particular Benchmark Replacement or Benchmark Replacement Adjustment cannot be determined, then the next-available Benchmark Replacement or Benchmark Replacement Adjustment will apply. These replacement rates and adjustments may be selected or formulated by: (i) the Relevant Governmental Body (such as the ARRC); (ii) ISDA; or (iii) in certain circumstances, the calculation agent. In addition, the benchmark transition provisions expressly authorize the calculation agent to make certain changes, which are defined in the terms of the Notes as "Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes," with respect to, among other things, the determination of interest periods, and the timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest. The application of a Benchmark Replacement and Benchmark Replacement Adjustment, and any implementation of Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, could result in adverse consequences to the amount of interest that accrues on the Notes during any interest period during the floating rate period, which could adversely affect the yield on, value of, and market for the Notes. Further, there is no assurance that the characteristics of any Benchmark Replacement will be similar to the then-current Benchmark rate that it is replacing or that any Benchmark Replacement will produce the economic equivalent of the then-current Benchmark rate that it is replacing.

 

 S-14 

 

 

Any market for the SOFR-linked debt securities may be illiquid or unpredictable.

 

Market terms for debt securities indexed to SOFR, such as the spread over the index reflected in interest rate provisions, may evolve over time, and trading prices of the Notes may be lower than those of later-issued SOFR-linked debt securities as a result. Similarly, if SOFR does not prove to be widely used in securities similar to the Notes, the trading price of the Notes may be lower than those of debt securities linked to such rates that are more widely used. Debt securities indexed to SOFR (as the Notes will be) may not be able to be sold at all or may not be able to be sold at prices that will provide a yield comparable to similar investments that have a developed secondary market, and may consequently suffer from increased pricing volatility and market risk.

 

We will act as the initial calculation agent and may have economic interests adverse to the interests of the holders of the Notes.

 

The calculation agent will determine the interest rate during the floating rate period. We will act as the initial calculation agent for the Notes, and we cannot assure you that we will appoint an independent third-party calculation agent at any time. Any exercise of discretion by us under the terms of the Notes, including, without limitation, any discretion exercised by us or by an affiliate acting as calculation agent, could present a conflict of interest. In making the required determinations, decisions, and elections, we or an affiliate of ours acting as calculation agent may have economic interests that are adverse to the interest of the holders of the Notes, and those determinations, decisions, or elections could have a material adverse effect on the yield on, value of, and market for the Notes. All determinations, decisions, or elections by us, or by us or an affiliate acting as calculation agent, under the terms of the Notes will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 S-15 

 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering of the Notes will be approximately $                      after deducting the underwriting discount and our estimated offering expenses. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, repaying indebtedness, providing capital to support the growth of Sonabank and our business and investments in Sonabank as regulatory capital.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 S-16 

 

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our capitalization, on a consolidated basis, as of June 30, 2020 on an actual basis and on an adjusted basis to give effect to the sale of the Notes offered hereby and the use of the net proceeds of this offering following this closing as set forth under “Use of Proceeds” above.

 

This information should be read together with the financial and other data in this prospectus supplement as well as the unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement.

 

    As of June 30, 2020  

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

  Actual     As Adjusted
for this
Offering
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents   $ 82,586          
Liabilities:                
Deposits:                
Noninterest-bearing   $ 447,605     $ 447,605  
NOW accounts     424,096       424,096  
Money market accounts     488,229       488,229  
Savings Accounts     171,681       171,681  
Time deposits     619,918       619,918  
Total deposits     2,151,529       2,151,529  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase – short term     16,412       16,412  
Federal Reserve Board borrowings     333,574       333,574  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances     100,000       100,000  
Junior subordinated debt – long term     9,657       9,657  
Senior subordinated debt – long term     47,032          
Operating lease liabilities     7,896       7,896  
Other liabilities     24,402       24,402  
Total liabilities     2,690,502          
Stockholders’ Equity:                
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. 5,000,000 shares authorized;     -       -  
no shares issued and outstanding                
Common Stock, $0.01 par value. 45,000,000 shares authorized; 24,361,603 shares issued and outstanding     243       243  
Additional paid-in capital     308,672       308,672  
Retained earnings     69,335       69,335  
Accumulated other comprehensive income     3,419       3,419  
Total shareholders’ equity     381,669       381,669  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 3,072,171     $    
Capital Ratios:                
Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets     11.23 %     11.23 %
Leverage Ratio     9.35 %        
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets     11.65 %     11.65 %
Total capital to risk weighted assets     14.59 %        

 

 S-17 

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

 

The following summary of the       % Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030 (the “Notes”) does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the Indenture (as defined below) and the Notes, including the definitions therein of certain terms. Unless otherwise specified, capitalized terms used in this summary have the meanings specified in the Indenture. The following description of the particular terms of the Indenture and the Notes supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces, the description of the general terms and provisions of subordinated debt in the accompanying prospectus, to which description we refer you. For purposes of this “Description of the Notes,” references to the “Company,” “we” and “us” include only Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. and not its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

General

 

The Notes offered hereby will be issued under a subordinated debt indenture, dated as of August      , 2020, as amended and supplemented by a supplemental indenture, dated as of August      , 2020, between the Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, which together we refer to in this summary as the “Indenture.”

 

The Notes will be our general unsecured, subordinated obligations and will rank senior to our existing fixed/floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures, and equally with all of our other unsecured, subordinated obligations from time to time outstanding, including our existing $27 million in principal amount of 5.875% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due January 31, 2027 and $20 million in principal amount of 6.5% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due May 1, 2025. The Notes will rank junior to all of our existing and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined below) to the extent and in the manner set forth in the Indenture. In addition, the Notes will be effectively subordinated to all of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. The Notes will be structurally subordinated to all of the existing and future liabilities and obligations of our subsidiaries, including the deposit liabilities and claims of other creditors of our subsidiary bank, Sonabank. See “—Subordination.” The Notes will be obligations of Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. only and will not be obligations of, and will not be guaranteed by, any of our subsidiaries.

 

The Notes will mature on                        , 2030 (the “Maturity Date”), unless previously redeemed or otherwise accelerated. The Notes are not convertible into, or exchangeable for, equity securities, other securities, or assets or property of the Company or its subsidiaries. There is no sinking fund for the Notes. We intend for the Notes to qualify (subject to applicable limitations) as Tier 2 capital under applicable capital regulations, guidance, and interpretations of the Federal Reserve. We do not intend to apply for the listing of the Notes on any securities exchange or the quotation of the Notes on any quotation system. The Notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

Beginning with the interest payment date of                        , 2025, and on any interest payment date thereafter, we may, at our option, subject to obtaining the prior approval of the Federal Reserve to the extent such approval is then required under the rules of the Federal Reserve (or, as and if applicable, the rules of any successor appropriate bank regulatory agency) (“Federal Reserve Approval”), redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Notes may not be redeemed by us prior to                        , 2025, except that we may, at our option, subject to Federal Reserve Approval, redeem the Notes in whole, but not in part, prior to maturity, including prior to                        , 2025, upon the occurrence of a “Tax Event” or a “Tier 2 Capital Event” (as such terms are defined in the Indenture) or if we are required to register as an investment company pursuant to the 1940 Act, in each case, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. Any partial redemption will be made in accordance with the applicable procedures of The Depository Trust Company (with its successors, “DTC”). See “— Redemption.”

 

Further Issues

 

The Indenture does not limit the amount of Notes that we may issue from time to time in one or more series. The Indenture permits us to increase the principal amount of the Notes by issuing additional Notes on the same terms and conditions as the Notes (except for any differences in the issue price and interest accrued prior to the date of issuance of the additional Notes), and with the same CUSIP number as the Notes, provided that the additional Notes are fungible with the Notes for United States federal income tax purposes. The Notes and any additional Notes issued by the Company will rank equally and ratably and shall be treated as a single series of securities for all purposes under the Indenture.

 

 S-18 

 

 

Interest

 

From and including the date of original issuance to, but excluding,                        , 2025 or the date of earlier redemption (the “fixed rate period”), the Notes will bear interest at a rate of                        % per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on                        and                        of each year (each, a “fixed rate interest payment date”), commencing on                        ,               . The last fixed rate interest payment date for the fixed rate period will be                        , 2025.

 

From and including                        , 2025 to, but excluding, the Maturity Date or the date of earlier redemption (the “floating rate period”), the Notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to the Benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR) plus a spread of                        basis points. For each quarterly interest period during the floating rate period, interest will be payable quarterly in arrears on                        ,                        ,                         and                        of each year (each, a “floating rate interest payment date” and, together with the fixed rate interest payment dates, the “interest payment dates”), commencing on                        , 2025. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Benchmark rate is less than zero, the Benchmark rate shall be deemed to be zero.

 

For the purpose of calculating the interest on the Notes for each interest period during the floating rate period when the Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, “Three-Month Term SOFR” means the rate for Term SOFR for a tenor of three months that is published by the Term SOFR Administrator at the Reference Time for any interest period, as determined by the calculation agent after giving effect to the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions. We will act as the initial calculation agent.

 

The following definitions apply to the foregoing definition of Three-Month Term SOFR:

 

“Benchmark” means, initially, Three-Month Term SOFR; provided that if the calculation agent determines on or prior to the Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement.

 

“FRBNY’s Website” means the website of the FRBNY at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source. The foregoing Internet website is an inactive textual reference only, meaning that the information contained on the website is not part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or incorporated by reference herein or therein.

 

“Reference Time” with respect to any determination of the Benchmark means (1) if the Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, the time determined by the calculation agent after giving effect to the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions, and (2) if the Benchmark is not Three-Month Term SOFR, the time determined by the calculation agent after giving effect to the Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.

 

“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve and/or the FRBNY, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve and/or the FRBNY or any successor thereto.

 

“SOFR” means the secured overnight financing rate published by the FRBNY, as the administrator of the Benchmark (or a successor administrator), on the FRBNY’s Website.

 

“Term SOFR” means the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.

 

“Term SOFR Administrator” means any entity designated by the Relevant Governmental Body as the administrator of Term SOFR (or a successor administrator).

 

“Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions” means any determination, decision or election with respect to any technical, administrative or operational matter (including with respect to the manner and timing of the publication of Three-Month Term SOFR, or changes to the definition of   “interest period,” timing and frequency of determining Three-Month Term SOFR with respect to each interest period and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the calculation agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the use of Three-Month Term SOFR as the Benchmark in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the calculation agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the calculation agent determines that no market practice for the use of Three-Month Term SOFR exists, in such other manner as the calculation agent determines is reasonably necessary).

 

 S-19 

 

 

The terms “Benchmark Replacement,” “Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes,” “Benchmark Replacement Date,” “Benchmark Transition Event” and “Corresponding Tenor” have the meanings set forth below under the heading “—Effect of Benchmark Transition Event.”

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraphs related to the determination of interest, if the calculation agent determines on or prior to the relevant Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date (each as defined below) have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, then the provisions set forth below under the heading “—Effect of Benchmark Transition Event,” which we refer to as the “benchmark transition provisions,” will thereafter apply to all determinations of the interest rate on the Notes for each interest period during the floating rate period. In accordance with the benchmark transition provisions, after a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred, the interest rate on the Notes for each interest period during the floating rate period will be an annual rate equal to the Benchmark Replacement plus                        basis points.

 

Absent manifest error, the calculation agent’s determination of the interest rate for an interest period for the Notes will be binding and conclusive on you, the trustee and us. The calculation agent’s determination of any interest rate, and its calculation of interest payments for any period, will be maintained on file at the calculation agent’s principal offices, will be made available to any holder of the Notes upon request and will be provided to the trustee.

 

Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months during the fixed rate period and on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed during the floating rate period. Dollar amounts resulting from that calculation will be rounded to the nearest cent, with one-half cent being rounded upward.

 

Interest on the Notes, subject to certain exceptions, will accrue during the applicable interest period. When we use the term “interest period,” we mean the period from and including the immediately preceding interest payment date in respect of which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from and including the date of issuance of the Notes to, but excluding, the applicable interest payment date or the Maturity Date or date of earlier redemption, if applicable. If a fixed rate interest payment date or the Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a business day, then the interest payment or the payment of principal and interest at maturity will be paid on the next succeeding business day, but the payments made on such dates will be treated as being made on the date that the payment was first due and the holders of the Notes will not be entitled to any further interest or other payments. If a floating rate interest payment date falls on a day that is not a business day, then such floating rate interest payment date will be postponed to the next succeeding business day unless such day falls in the next succeeding calendar month, in which case such floating rate interest payment date will be accelerated to the immediately preceding business day, and, in each such case, the amounts payable on such business day will include interest accrued to, but excluding, such business day.

 

Interest on each Note will be payable to the person in whose name such Note is registered on the fifteenth calendar day immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date, whether or not such day is a business day. Any interest which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any interest payment date shall cease to be payable to the holder on the relevant record date by virtue of having been a holder on such date, and such defaulted interest may be paid by us to the person in whose name the Notes are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of defaulted interest, or in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Notes may be listed. However, interest that is paid on the Maturity Date will be paid to the person to whom the principal will be payable. Interest will be payable by wire transfer in immediately available funds in U.S. dollars at the office of the principal paying agent or, at our option in the event the Notes are not represented by global notes, by check mailed to the address of the person specified for payment in the preceding sentences.

 

If the then-current Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, the calculation agent will have the right to establish the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions, and if any of the foregoing provisions concerning the calculation of the interest rate and interest payments during the floating rate period are inconsistent with any of the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions determined by the calculation agent, then the relevant Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions will apply. Furthermore, if the calculation agent determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR at any time when any of the Notes are outstanding, then the foregoing provisions concerning the calculation of the interest rate and interest payments during the floating rate period will be modified in accordance with the benchmark transition provisions.

 

 S-20 

 

 

“Business day” means (i) each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close or (ii) a day on which the corporate trust office of the trustee is not closed for business.

 

Ranking

 

The Notes are our general unsecured, subordinated obligations and are:

 

·junior in right of payment to any of our existing and future Senior Indebtedness;

·equal in right of payment with any of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness;

·senior to our obligations relating to any junior subordinated debt securities issued to our capital trust subsidiaries and any of our existing and future indebtedness the terms of which provide that such indebtedness ranks junior to the Notes;

·effectively subordinated to all of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness; and

·structurally subordinated to any existing and future liabilities and obligations of our subsidiaries, including the deposit liabilities and claims of other creditors of our subsidiary bank, Sonabank.

 

Subordination

 

The Notes are junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all our Senior Indebtedness. This means that, under certain circumstances where we may not be making payments on all of our debt obligations as they become due, the holders of all of our Senior Indebtedness will be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts that are due or will become due on their debt securities before the holders of the Notes will be entitled to receive any amounts under the Notes. These circumstances include when we make a payment or distribute assets to creditors upon our liquidation, dissolution, winding up or reorganization.

 

These subordination provisions mean that if we are insolvent, a direct holder of a specific amount of our Senior Indebtedness may ultimately receive more of our assets than a direct holder of the same amount of Notes, and our creditor that is owed a specific amount may ultimately receive more of our assets than a direct holder of the same amount of Notes. The Indenture does not limit our ability to incur Senior Indebtedness or general obligations, including indebtedness ranking equally with the Notes or secured debt.

 

Holders of the Notes may not accelerate the maturity of the Notes, except upon an event of default. See “—Events of Default” below.

 

The Indenture provides that, unless all principal of and any premium or interest on Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full, no payment or other distribution may be made in respect of any Notes under the following circumstances:

 

·in the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceedings, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution, winding up, assignment for the benefit of creditors or other similar proceedings or events involving us or our assets;

·in the event and during the continuation of any default in the payment of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Senior Indebtedness beyond any applicable grace period with respect thereto, or in the event any judicial proceeding shall be pending with respect to any such default; or

·in the event that any Notes have been declared due and payable before their stated maturity.

 

If the trustee or any holders of Notes receive any payment or distribution that is prohibited under the subordination provisions, and if this fact is made known to the trustee or holders at or prior to the time of such payment or distribution, then the trustee or the holders will have to pay over that money to us.

 

Further, in the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceedings, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors or other similar proceedings or events involving us or our assets, any creditors in respect of general obligations will be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of such general obligations, before any amount is made available for payment or distribution to the holders of the Notes.

 

 S-21 

 

 

Even if the subordination provisions prevent us from making any payment when due on the Notes, we will be in default on our obligations under the Notes if we do not make the payment when due. This means that the trustee and the holders of Notes can take action against us, but they will not receive any money until the claims of the holders of Senior Indebtedness have been fully satisfied.

 

The Indenture allows the holders of Senior Indebtedness to obtain a court order requiring us and any holder of Notes to comply with the subordination provisions.

 

The Indenture defines “Senior Indebtedness” as:

 

·the principal (and premium, if any) of and interest in respect of our indebtedness for purchased or borrowed money, whether or not evidenced by securities, notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued by us, including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses;

·our capital lease obligations;

·our obligations issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, our conditional sale obligations and our obligations under any conditional sale or title retention agreement, but excluding trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business;

·our obligations arising from off-balance sheet guarantees and direct credit substitutes, including obligations in respect of any letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, security purchase facilities and similar credit transactions;

·our obligations associated with derivative products, including 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;

·any of the above listed obligations of other persons the payment of which we are responsible or liable for, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise;

·any of the above listed obligations of other persons secured by any lien on any of our property or assets whether or not we assume that obligation; and

·any deferrals, renewals or extensions of any of the above listed obligations.

 

However, Senior Indebtedness does not include:

 

·the Notes;

·trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business; and

·any indebtedness that by its terms ranks on an equal basis with, or junior to, the Notes, including as of June 30, 2020: the $9.7 million of junior subordinated debentures issued and associated trust preferred securities, $27 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.875% fixed-to-floating subordinated notes due 2027, and   $20 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.50% fixed-to-floating subordinated notes due 2025.

 

As of June 30, 2020, the Company had no Senior Indebtedness outstanding. The Notes and the Indenture do not contain any limitation on the amount of Senior Indebtedness that we may hereafter incur.

 

We are a bank holding company and substantially all of our assets are held by our direct and indirect subsidiaries. We rely on dividends and other payments or distributions from our subsidiaries to pay the interest on our debt obligations (such as the Notes offered hereby), which interest expense was $3.4 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (holding company only). Federal and state bank regulations impose certain restrictions on the ability of our bank subsidiaries to pay dividends directly or indirectly to us, to make any extensions of credit to us or certain of our affiliates and to invest in our stock or securities. These regulations also prevent us from borrowing from our bank subsidiaries unless the loans are secured by collateral. Accordingly, we may not have access to sufficient cash to make payments on the Notes. See “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and Item “1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as supplemented by the risk factors discussed under Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020.

 

Because we are a holding company, our right and the rights of our creditors, including holders of the Notes, to participate in any distribution of assets of any of our subsidiaries upon their liquidation, reorganization, dissolution, winding up or otherwise would be subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary (except to the extent that we are a creditor with a recognized claim). In the event of any such distribution of assets of our bank subsidiaries due in part to their status as insured depository institutions, the claims of depositors and other general or subordinated creditors of such bank subsidiaries would be entitled to priority over claims of shareholders of such bank subsidiary, including us as its parent holding company and any creditor of ours, such as holders of the Notes. As of June 30, 2020, Sonabank had $2.2 billion of deposits, $333.6 million of Federal Reserve borrowings, $100.0 million of FHLB advances, and $48.7 million of other borrowings, to which the Notes will be structurally subordinated.

 

 S-22 

 

 

No Additional Amounts

 

In the event that any payment on the Notes is subject to withholding of any U.S. federal income tax or other tax or assessment (as a result of a change in law or otherwise), we will not pay additional amounts with respect to such tax or assessment. For a discussion relating to certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the Notes, see “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

Redemption

 

We may, at our option, beginning with the interest payment date of                        , 2025, but not prior thereto (except upon the occurrence of certain events specified below), and on any interest payment date thereafter, redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, from time to time, subject to obtaining the Federal Reserve Approval, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

 

The Notes may not otherwise be redeemed prior to the Maturity Date, except that we may also, at our option, redeem the Notes, in whole, but not in part, subject to obtaining the Federal Reserve Approval, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption, at any time, including before                        , 2025, upon the occurrence of:

 

·a “Tax Event,” defined in the Indenture to mean the receipt by us of an opinion of independent tax counsel to the effect that as a result of (a) an amendment to or change (including any announced prospective amendment or change) in any law or treaty, or any regulation thereunder, of the United States or any of its political subdivisions or taxing authorities; (b) a judicial decision, administrative action, official administrative pronouncement, ruling, regulatory procedure, regulation, notice or announcement, including any notice or announcement of intent to adopt or promulgate any ruling, regulatory procedure or regulation (any of the foregoing, an “administrative or judicial action”); or (c) an amendment to or change in any official position with respect to, or any interpretation of, an administrative or judicial action or a law or regulation of the United States that differs from the previously generally accepted position or interpretation, in each case, which change or amendment or challenge becomes effective or which pronouncement, or decision or challenge is announced on or after the original issue date of the Notes, there is more than an insubstantial risk that interest payable by us on the Notes is not, or, within 90 days of the date of such opinion, will not be, deductible by us, in whole or in part, for United States federal income tax purposes;

·a “Tier 2 Capital Event,” defined in the Indenture to mean our good faith determination that, as a result of (a) any amendment to, or change in, the laws, rules or regulations of the United States (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any agency or instrumentality of the United States, including the Federal Reserve and other federal bank regulatory agencies) or any political subdivision of or in the United States that is enacted or becomes effective after the original issue date of the Notes; (b) any proposed change in those laws, rules or regulations that is announced or becomes effective after the original issue date of the Notes; or (c) any official administrative decision or judicial decision or administrative action or other official pronouncement interpreting or applying those laws, rules, regulations, policies or guidelines with respect thereto that is announced after the original issue date of the Notes, there is more than an insubstantial risk that we will not be entitled to treat the Notes then outstanding as “Tier 2 Capital” (or its equivalent) for purposes of the capital adequacy rules or regulations of the Federal Reserve (or, as and if applicable, the capital adequacy rules or regulations of any successor appropriate federal banking agency) as then in effect and applicable to us, for so long as any Notes are outstanding; or

·the Company becoming required to register as an investment company pursuant to the 1940 Act.

 

In the event of any redemption of the Notes, we will deliver or cause to be delivered a notice of redemption (which notice may be conditional in our discretion on one or more conditions precedent, and the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all of such conditions have been satisfied or revoked by us if we determine that such conditions will not be satisfied) to each holder of Notes (with a copy to the trustee) not less than 15 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date.

 

 S-23 

 

 

Any partial redemption will be made in accordance with DTC’s applicable procedures among all of the holders of the Notes. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption relating to such Note shall state that it is a partial redemption and the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A replacement Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the holder thereof upon cancellation of the original note. The Notes are not subject to redemption or prepayment at the option of the holders.

 

Events of Default

 

The only “events of default” with respect to the Notes under the Indenture are certain events related to our bankruptcy or insolvency, whether voluntary or involuntary, or certain events related to the insolvency of Sonabank, which represents 50% or more of our consolidated assets or any subsidiary of ours in the future which represents 50% or more of our consolidated assets. If an event of default with respect to the Notes occurs and is continuing, the principal amount of all of the Notes shall become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other action on the part of the trustee or any holder of the Notes. If an event of default with respect to Notes occurs and is continuing, the trustee may enforce its rights and the rights of the holders of the Notes by any judicial proceedings that the trustee deems to be most effectual to do so.

 

The maturity of the Notes may only be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default described above. There is no right of acceleration of the payment of principal of the Notes upon a “default” in the payment of principal of or interest on the Notes or in the performance of any of our covenants or agreements contained in the Notes, in the Indenture or any of our other obligations or liabilities, including the events described as a “default” below. For purposes of the Notes, “default” means (i) a default in the payment of principal of the Notes when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration of maturity or otherwise, (ii) a default in the payment of interest on the Notes when due, which continues for 30 days, and (iii) our default in the performance, or breach, of any term, covenant or agreement in the Indenture applicable to us and the Notes, and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a notice of default under the Indenture. If a default in the payment of principal of or interest on the Notes occurs and is continuing under the Indenture, the trustee and holders of Notes will have a right to institute suit directly against us for the collection of such overdue payment. Other than upon a default in the payment of principal of or interest on the Notes, the holders of the Notes will have limited rights to institute proceedings to enforce the terms of the Indenture.

 

Modification

 

From time to time, we, together with the trustee, may, without the consent of the holders of Notes, amend the Indenture for one or more of the following purposes:

 

·to provide for the assumption by a successor corporation of our covenants under the Indenture;

·to add to our covenants and the default provisions for the benefit of the holders of Notes or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us by the Indenture;

·to permit or facilitate the issuance of Notes in bearer form or in uncertificated form;

·to cure ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies, so long as the amendment does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of Notes in any material respect as determined in good faith by us;

·to appoint a successor trustee with respect to the Notes, and to make any change necessary to provide for the appointment of more than one trustee;

·to establish the form or terms of a series of Notes;

·to make any change to the Indenture that (i) neither applies to any Note of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor modifies the rights of any Note holder with respect to such provision, or (ii) shall become effective only when there is no such Note outstanding; or

·to secure the Notes.

 

 S-24 

 

 

The Indenture permits us and the trustee, with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of each series of the outstanding Notes affected thereby, to modify the Indenture in a manner affecting the rights of the holders of the Notes of such series; provided that no modification may, without the consent of the holders of each outstanding note affected:

 

·change the maturity of the principal of any Note or the timing of an interest payment on a Note;

·reduce the principal amount or the rate of interest of any Note;

·reduce the amount of the principal of any Note which would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration;

·change the place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Note principal or interest is payable;

·impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such due and payable obligation;

·modify the provisions of the Indenture with respect to the subordination of the Notes in a manner adverse to the Note holders;

·reduce the percentage 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 provided for in the Indenture; or

·modify such provisions with respect to modification or waiver.

 

Consolidation, Merger, Sale of Assets and Other Transactions

 

We will not consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to any person, unless:

 

·if we are the surviving person or if we consolidate with or merge into another person or sell, convey, transfer or lease substantially all of our properties and assets to any person, the successor is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or trust organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state or the District of Columbia, and the successor, if not SONA, expressly assumes our obligations relating to the Notes and the Indenture;

·immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no “event of default” and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an “event of default” shall have occurred and be continuing; and

·certain other conditions described in the Indenture are met.

 

Satisfaction and Discharge

 

The Indenture provides that when, (a) among other things, all Notes not previously delivered to the trustee for cancellation:

 

·have become due and payable,

·will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year, or

·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,

 

and (b) we irrevocably deposit or cause to be deposited with the trustee as trust funds in trust for such purpose money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes not previously delivered to the trustee for cancellation, for the principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Notes which have become due and payable) or to the Maturity Date or the date of redemption, as the case may be; then, upon our written request, the Indenture will cease to be of further effect, and we will be deemed to have satisfied and discharged the Indenture with respect to the Notes. However, we will continue to be obligated to pay all other sums due under the Indenture and to provide the officers’ certificates and opinions of counsel described in the Indenture.

 

 S-25 

 

 

Defeasance

 

We may at any time terminate all of our obligations under the Notes, except for certain obligations, including those respecting the defeasance trust. Our obligations will be deemed to have been discharged if the following applicable conditions have been satisfied:

 

·we have irrevocably deposited in trust with the trustee or the defeasance agent, if any, money or U.S. government obligations for the payment of principal and interest on the Notes to maturity;

·if the Notes are then listed on any securities exchange, we have delivered to the trustee or defeasance agent an officers’ certificate to the effect that our defeasance will not cause the Notes to be delisted from such exchange;

·such defeasance will not result in a breach or violation, or constitute a default under, any other material agreement or instrument to which we are a party (other than a breach or violation resulting from the borrowing of funds to make such deposit and the grant of any lien securing such borrowings);

·we have delivered to the trustee and the defeasance agent, if any, an opinion of counsel to the effect that holders of the Notes will not recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred; and

·certain other conditions set forth in the Indenture.

 

Any defeasance of the Notes pursuant to the Indenture shall be subject to our obtaining the prior approval of the Federal Reserve and any additional requirements that the Federal Reserve may impose with respect to defeasance of the Notes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, due to a change in law, regulation or policy subsequent to the issue date of the Notes the Federal Reserve does not require that defeasance of instruments be subject to Federal Reserve approval in order for the instrument to be accorded Tier 2 capital treatment, then no such approval of the Federal Reserve will be required for such defeasance.

 

Effect of Benchmark Transition Event

 

Benchmark Replacement. If the calculation agent determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred on or prior to the Reference Time in respect of any determination of the Benchmark on any date, then the Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes relating to the Notes during the floating rate period in respect of such determination on such date and all determinations on all subsequent dates.

 

Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the calculation agent will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time.

 

Certain Defined Terms. As used herein:

 

“Benchmark Replacement” means the Interpolated Benchmark with respect to the then-current Benchmark, plus the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment for such Benchmark; provided that if (a) the calculation agent cannot determine the Interpolated Benchmark as of the Benchmark Replacement Date or (b) the then-current Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR and a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR (in which event no Interpolated Benchmark with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR shall be determined), then “Benchmark Replacement” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the calculation agent as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:

 

(1) Compounded SOFR;

 

(2) the sum of: (a) the alternate rate that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

(3) the sum of: (a) the ISDA Fallback Rate and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

(4) the sum of: (a) the alternate rate that has been selected by the calculation agent as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor, giving due consideration to any industry-accepted rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time, and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

 

 S-26 

 

 

“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the calculation agent as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:

 

(1) the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero), that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement;

 

(2) if the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is equivalent to the ISDA Fallback Rate, then the ISDA Fallback Adjustment; and

 

(3) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the calculation agent giving due consideration to any industry-accepted spread adjustment or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then-current Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time.

 

“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of   “interest period,” timing nd frequency of determining rates with respect to each interest period and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the calculation agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption of such Benchmark Replacement in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the calculation agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the calculation agent determines that no market practice for use of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner as the calculation agent determines is reasonably necessary).

 

“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:

 

(1) in the case of clause (1) of the definition of   “Benchmark Transition Event,” the relevant Reference Time in respect of any determination;

 

(2) in the case of clause (2) or (3) of the definition of   “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide the Benchmark; or

 

(3) in the case of clause (4) of the definition of   “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of the definitions of Benchmark Replacement Date and Benchmark Transition Event, references to the Benchmark also include any reference rate underlying the Benchmark (for example, if the Benchmark becomes Compounded SOFR, references to the Benchmark would include SOFR).

 

For the avoidance of doubt, if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination.

 

“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:

 

(1) if the Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, (a) the Relevant Governmental Body has not selected or recommended a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR, (b) the development of a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR that has been recommended or selected by the Relevant Governmental Body is not complete or (c) we determine that the use of a forward-looking rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR is not administratively feasible;

 

(2) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark, permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark;

 

(3) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark, the central bank for the currency of the Benchmark, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark, a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the Benchmark, which states that the administrator of the Benchmark has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark; or

 

 S-27 

 

 

(4) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that the Benchmark is no longer representative.

 

“Compounded SOFR” means the compounded average of SOFRs for the applicable Corresponding Tenor, with the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate being established by the calculation agent in accordance with:

 

(1) the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for determining compounded SOFR; provided that:

 

(2) if, and to the extent that, the calculation agent determines that Compounded SOFR cannot be determined in accordance with clause (1) above, then the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate that have been selected by the calculation agent giving due consideration to any industry-accepted market practice for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, the calculation of Compounded SOFR shall exclude the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment (if applicable) and the spread of                        basis points per annum.

 

“Corresponding Tenor” with respect to a Benchmark Replacement means a tenor (including overnight) having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as the applicable tenor for the then-current Benchmark.

 

“Interpolated Benchmark” with respect to the Benchmark means the rate determined for the Corresponding Tenor by interpolating on a linear basis between: (1) the Benchmark for the longest period (for which the Benchmark is available) that is shorter than the Corresponding Tenor, and (2) the Benchmark for the shortest period (for which the Benchmark is available) that is longer than the Corresponding Tenor.

 

“ISDA” means the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor.

 

“ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by ISDA, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time.

 

“ISDA Fallback Adjustment” means the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be determined upon the occurrence of an index cessation event with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor.

 

“ISDA Fallback Rate” means the rate that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon the occurrence of an index cessation date with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor excluding the applicable ISDA Fallback Adjustment.

 

“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

 

The terms “FRBNY’s Website,” “Reference Time,” “Relevant Governmental Body,” “SOFR” and “Term SOFR” have the meanings set forth above under the heading “—Interest.”

 

Determinations and Decisions

 

The calculation agent is expressly authorized to make certain determinations, decisions and elections under the terms of the Notes, including with respect to the use of Three-Month Term SOFR as the Benchmark for the floating rate period and under the benchmark transition provisions. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the calculation agent under the terms of the Notes, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection:

 

·will be conclusive and binding on the holders of the Notes and the trustee absent manifest error;

·if made by us as calculation agent, will be made in our sole discretion;

·if made by a calculation agent other than us, will be made after consultation with us, and the calculation agent will not make any such determination, decision or election to which we reasonably object; and

·notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Indenture, shall become effective without consent from the holders of the Notes, the trustee or any other party.

 

 S-28 

 

 

Form, Denomination, Transfer, Exchange and Book-Entry Procedures

 

The Notes offered hereby will be issued only in fully registered form, without interest coupons, and in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

The Notes offered hereby will be evidenced by a global note which will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC, or any successor thereto, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., or Cede, as nominee of DTC. Except as set forth below, record ownership of the global note may be transferred, in whole or in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee.

 

The global note will not be registered in the name of any person, or exchanged for Notes that are registered in the name of any person, other than DTC or its nominee, unless one of the following occurs:

 

·DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue acting as the depositary for the global note, or DTC has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and in either case we fail to appoint a successor depositary; or

·an event of default with respect to the Notes represented by the global note has occurred and is continuing.

 

In those circumstances, DTC will determine in whose names any securities issued in exchange for the global note will be registered. Any such Notes in certificated form will be issued in minimum denominations of $1,000 and multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof and may be transferred or exchanged only in such minimum denominations.

 

DTC or its nominee will be considered the sole owner and holder of the global note for all purposes, and as a result:

 

·you cannot get Notes registered in your name if they are represented by the global note;

·you cannot receive certificated (physical) notes in exchange for your beneficial interest in the global note;

·you will not be considered to be the owner or holder of the global note or any note it represents for any purpose; and

·all payments on the global note will be made to DTC or its nominee.

 

The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain kinds of purchasers (for example, certain insurance companies) can only own securities in definitive (certificated) form. These laws may limit your ability to transfer your beneficial interests in the global note to these types of purchasers.

 

Only institutions (such as a securities broker or dealer) that have accounts with the DTC or its nominee (called “participants”) and persons that may hold beneficial interests through participants (including through Euroclear Bank SA/NV or Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, as DTC participants) can own a beneficial interest in the global note. The only place where the ownership of beneficial interests in the global note will appear and the only way the transfer of those interests can be made will be on the records kept by DTC (for their participants’ interests) and the records kept by those participants (for interests of persons held by participants on their behalf).

 

Secondary trading in bonds and notes of corporate issuers is generally settled in clearing-house (that is, next-day) funds. In contrast, beneficial interests in a global note usually trade in DTC’s same-day funds settlement system, and settle in immediately available funds. We make no representations as to the effect that settlement in immediately available funds will have on trading activity in those beneficial interests.

 

We will make cash payments of interest on and principal of the global note to Cede, the nominee for DTC, as the registered owner of the global note. We will make these payments by wire transfer of immediately available funds on each payment date.

 

You may exchange or transfer the Notes at the corporate trust office of the trustee for the Notes or at any other office or agency maintained by us for those purposes. We will not require payment of a service charge for any transfer or exchange of the Notes, but SONA may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any applicable tax or other governmental charge.

 

 S-29 

 

 

We have been informed that, with respect to any cash payment of interest on or principal of the global note, DTC’s practice is to credit participants’ accounts on the payment date with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the Notes represented by the global note as shown on DTC’s records, unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on that payment date. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in Notes represented by the global note held through participants will be the responsibility of those participants, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in “street name.”

 

We also understand that neither DTC nor Cede will consent or vote with respect to the Notes. We have been advised that under its usual procedures, DTC will mail an “omnibus proxy” to us as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns Cede’s consenting or voting rights to those participants to whose accounts the Notes are credited on the record date identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy.

 

Because DTC can only act on behalf of participants, who in turn act on behalf of indirect participants, the ability of a person having a beneficial interest in the principal amount represented by the global note to pledge the interest to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC book-entry system, or otherwise take actions in respect of that interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing its interest.

 

DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes (including the presentation of notes for exchange) only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account with DTC interests in the global note are credited and only in respect of such portion of the principal amount of the Notes represented by the global note as to which such participant has, or participants have, given such direction.

 

DTC has also advised us as follows: DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code, as amended, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its participants. Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and may include certain other organizations. Certain of such participants (or their representatives), together with other entities, own DTC. Indirect access to the DTC system is available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its direct and indirect participants are on file with the SEC.

 

The policies and procedures of DTC, which may change periodically, will apply to payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to beneficial interests in the global note. We and the trustee have no responsibility or liability for any aspect of DTC’s or any participants’ records relating to beneficial interests in the global note, including for payments made on the global note, and we and the trustee are not responsible for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of those records.

 

Calculation Agent

 

We will appoint a calculation agent for the Notes prior to the commencement of the floating rate period and will keep a record of such appointment at our principal offices, which will be available to any holder of the Notes upon request. In addition, we or an affiliate of ours may assume the duties of the calculation agent. We will act as the initial calculation agent.

 

The Trustee

 

The trustee for the holders of Notes issued under the Indenture is Wilmington Trust, National Association. If an event of default with respect to the Notes occurs, and is not cured, the trustee will be required to use the degree of care of a prudent person in the conduct of his or her own affairs in the exercise of its powers. The trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any holders of the Notes, unless they have offered to the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee.

 

Wilmington Trust, National Association, in the future, may be the trustee under other indentures pursuant to which we issue debt. Pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, if a default occurs with respect to the securities of any series, the trustee will be required to eliminate any conflicting interest as defined in the Trust Indenture Act or resign as trustee with respect to the securities of that series within 90 days of such default, unless such default were cured, duly waived or otherwise eliminated.

 

 S-30 

 

 

Payment and Paying Agents

 

We will pay principal and interest on the Notes at the corporate trust office of the trustee or at the office of any paying agent that we may designate.

 

We will pay any interest on the Notes to the registered owner of the Notes at the close of business on the record date for the interest, except in the case of defaulted interest. Interest payable at maturity of the Notes will be paid to the registered holder to whom principal is payable. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent.

 

Any moneys deposited with the trustee or any paying agent, or then held by us in trust, for the payment of the principal of and interest on any Note that remains unclaimed for two years after the principal or interest has become due and payable will, at our written request and subject to any applicable abandoned property law, be repaid to us, or (if then held by us) be discharged from such trust. After repayment to us, you are entitled to seek payment only from us as a unsecured general creditor.

 

Governing Law

 

The Indenture and the Notes are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

 S-31 

 

 

CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

This section discusses certain United States federal income tax considerations related to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the Notes by U.S. Holders (as defined below) and Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below). This section does not purport to be a complete analysis of all potential tax considerations. It is based upon the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, referred to herein as the Code, the Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code, referred to herein as the Regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations of the Code and the Regulations, all as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. We have not sought and will not seek any rulings from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) regarding the matters discussed below. There can be no assurance the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position to that discussed below regarding the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Notes.

 

This discussion is limited to the United States federal income tax consequences with respect to Notes that are purchased by an initial holder at their issue price, which will equal the first price at which a substantial amount of the Notes is sold to the public (not including bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers), and that are held as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This section does not address the tax consequences to subsequent purchasers of the Notes.

 

We intend, and by acquiring any Notes each beneficial holder of a Note will agree, to treat the Notes as indebtedness for United States federal income tax purposes, and this summary assumes such treatment.

 

This discussion does not purport to address all aspects of United States federal income taxation that might be relevant to particular holders in light of their circumstances or status, nor does it address specific tax consequences that may be relevant to particular holders (including, but not limited to, banks or other financial institutions; insurance companies; broker-dealers; traders in securities that elect mark-to-market treatment; regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts; grantor trusts, S-corporations, entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes or other flow-through entities (and investors therein); United States expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States; tax-exempt organizations (including retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts); controlled foreign corporation; passive foreign investment companies; corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax); U.S. Holders that have a functional currency other than the United States dollar; persons who hold Notes as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion or other integrated financial transaction, persons liable for alternative minimum tax; and persons required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income for United States federal income tax purposes with respect to their Notes as a result of such item of income being taken into account in an applicable financial statement).

 

This discussion does not address United States federal alternative minimum, estate and gift tax consequences or consequences under the tax laws of any state, local or non-U.S. jurisdiction. In addition, this discussion does not address the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the Notes arising under the unearned income Medicare contribution tax pursuant to the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

 

If a partnership holds Notes, the tax treatment of a partner of the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding Notes, you should consult your own tax advisor.

 

THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE NOTES ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF ACQUIRING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF THE NOTES, AS WELL AS THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS.

 

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The terms of the Notes provide for payments by us prior to their scheduled payment dates under certain circumstances (see “Description of the Notes – Redemption”). The possibility of such payments may implicate special rules under Treasury Regulations governing “contingent payment debt instruments.” According to those Treasury Regulations, the possibility that such payments of accelerated amounts will be made will not affect the amount of income a holder recognizes in advance of the payment of such accelerated amounts if there is only a remote chance as of the date the Notes are issued that such payments will be made. We intend to take the position that the likelihood that such payments will be made is remote within the meaning of the applicable Treasury Regulations. Our position that these contingencies are remote is binding on a holder unless such holder discloses its contrary position to the IRS in the manner required by applicable Treasury Regulations. Our position is not, however, binding on the IRS, and if the IRS were to challenge this position successfully, a holder might be required to, among other things, accrue interest income based on a projected payment schedule and comparable yield, which may be in excess of stated interest, and treat as ordinary income rather than capital gain any income realized on the taxable disposition of a Note. In the event a contingency described above occurs, it could affect the amount, timing and character of the income or loss recognized by a holder. Prospective holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if the Notes were treated as contingent payment debt instruments. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the Notes will not be considered contingent payment debt instruments.

 

U.S. Holders

 

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of Notes that is, for United States federal income tax purposes, (i) a citizen or individual resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate, the income of which is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or if a valid election to be treated as a United States person is in effect with respect to such trust.

 

United States Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders

 

Payments of stated interest.

 

It is anticipated, and this discussion assumes, that the issue price of the Notes will be equal to the stated principal amount or, if the issue price is less than the stated principal amount, the difference will be a de minimis amount (as set forth in the applicable Treasury Regulations). Accordingly, stated interest on a Note generally will be taxable to a U.S. holder as described below under “—Qualified Stated Interest.” If, however, the issue price of a Note is less than the stated redemption amount at maturity and the difference is more than a de minimis amount (as set forth in the applicable Treasury Regulations), then a U.S. holder generally will be required to include the difference in income as original issue discount as it accrues in accordance with a constant yield method. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors as to the consequences to them if the Notes are issued with original issue discount.

 

Variable Rate Debt Instruments

 

The Notes will initially bear interest at a fixed annual rate. During the floating rate period, the interest rate will reset quarterly to an annual interest rate equal to the Benchmark rate, which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR, plus        basis points. Under applicable Treasury Regulations, a debt instrument will qualify as a “variable rate debt instrument” if (a) its issue price does not exceed the total noncontingent principal payments due under the debt instrument by more than a specified de minimis amount, (b) the debt instrument provides for stated interest, paid or compounded at least annually, at current value of (i) one or more “qualifying floating rates,” (ii) a single fixed rate and one or more qualified floating rates, (iii) a “single objective rate,” or (iv) a single fixed rate and a single objective rate that is a “qualified inverse floating rate,” and (c) except as described in (a) above, does not provide for any principal payments that are contingent. A “qualified floating rate” is any variable rate where variations in the value of such rate can reasonably be expected to measure contemporaneous variations in the cost of newly borrowed funds in the currency in which the debt instrument is denominated. Under the foregoing definition, the Notes are expected to be treated as variable rate debt instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the discussion below is based on this assumption.

 

 S-33 

 

 

Qualified Stated Interest

 

The tax treatment of interest paid on the Notes depends on whether such interest constitutes “qualified stated interest,” referred to herein as “QSI.” Interest is QSI if it is unconditionally payable or will be constructively received, in cash or property, at least annually at a single fixed rate or at a single “qualified floating rate” or “objective rate” (each as defined in the applicable Treasury regulations) that qualifies under the variable rate debt instrument rules. The amount of qualified stated interest on variable rate debt instruments providing for interest other than at a single qualified floating rate or single objective rate, such as the Notes, is determined pursuant to special rules discussed further under “Determination of Interest Accruals on the Notes” below. Interest that is QSI will generally be includible in a U.S. holder’s income as ordinary interest income at the time such interest payments are accrued or received, depending on the U.S. holder’s regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Interest that is not QSI is generally includible in a U.S. holder’s income under the rules governing OID, regardless of such U.S. holder’s method of accounting.

 

Determination of Interest Accruals on the Notes.

 

Under applicable Treasury Regulations, in order to determine the amount of QSI in respect of the Notes, an equivalent fixed rate debt instrument must be constructed. The equivalent fixed rate debt instrument is a hypothetical instrument that has terms that are identical to those of the Notes, except that the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument provides for fixed rate substitutes in lieu of the actual rates on the Notes. The equivalent fixed rate debt instrument is constructed in the following fashion: (i) first, the initial fixed rate is replaced with a qualified floating rate such that the fair market value of the Notes as of the Notes’ issue date would be approximately the same as the fair market value of an otherwise identical debt instrument that provides for the replacement qualified floating rate rather than the fixed rate, and (ii) second, each floating rate (including the floating rate determined under (i) above) is converted into a fixed rate substitute (which, in each case, generally will be the value of each floating rate as of the issue date of the Notes).

 

Once the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument has been constructed pursuant to the foregoing rules, the amount of QSI, if any, are determined for the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument by applying the general QSI rules to the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument, and a U.S. holder of the Notes will account for such QSI as if the U.S. holder held the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument.

 

For each accrual period, appropriate adjustments will be made to the amount of QSI assumed to have been accrued or paid with respect to the “equivalent” fixed rate debt instrument in the event that such amounts differ from the actual amount of interest accrued or paid on the Notes during the accrual period.

 

Based upon current market conditions and the manner in which the interest rates on the Notes are determined, we expect that the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument (as determined in the manner described above) would be treated as having a single fixed interest rate throughout the term of the Notes for purposes of calculating QSI. Accordingly, solely for purposes of determining QSI, as of the issue date of the Notes, we expect that the Notes will be presumed to remain outstanding until maturity, all interest on the Notes will be treated as QSI and the Notes will not be treated as having been issued with any OID.

 

Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Taxable Disposition of the Notes. Upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a Note, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the amount realized on such disposition(other than amounts properly attributable to accrued but unpaid interest, which amounts will be treated as interest income as described above under “—Payments of Stated Interest”)   and (ii) such holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Note. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a Note generally will be equal to the amount that such U.S. holder paid for the Note. Any gain or loss recognized on the disposition of a Note generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of such disposition, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Note is more than one year. Long-term capital gain of non-corporate U.S. Holders is generally taxed at preferential rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.

 

Backup withholding and information reporting. We generally are required to provide the IRS with certain information, including the beneficial owner’s name, address and taxpayer identification number, the aggregate amount of interest paid to that beneficial owner during the calendar year and the amount of tax withheld, if any. This obligation, however, does not apply with respect to payments to certain types of U.S. Holders, including corporations, provided that they establish entitlement to an exemption.

 

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In the event that a U.S. Holder subject to the reporting requirements described above fails to provide its correct taxpayer identification number in the manner required by applicable law, or underreports its tax liability, backup withholding generally will apply at the applicable statutory rate to each payment on the Notes and on the proceeds from a sale of the Notes. In general, a U.S. Holder may avoid backup withholding by properly executing, under penalties of perjury, an IRS Form W-9 or suitable substitute form stating the holder’s correct taxpayer identification number and certifying that the U.S. Holder (a) is exempt from backup withholding because it is a corporation or another enumerated entity exempt from backup withholding, (b) has not been notified by the IRS that it is subject to backup withholding, or (c) has been notified by the IRS that it is no longer subject to backup withholding.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax and generally will be refunded or credited against the U.S. Holder’s United States federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

 

U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their qualifications for an exemption from backup withholding, and the procedure for establishing such exemption, if applicable.

 

Non-U.S. Holders

 

For purposes of this discussion, a “Non-U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of Notes that is neither a U.S. Holder nor an entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

Payments of interest. Subject to the discussion of backup withholding and FATCA below, under the “portfolio interest” exemption, payments of interest on the Notes to a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to United States federal withholding tax, provided that:

 

·such interest is not effectively connected with the conduct of a United States trade or business or, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that qualifies under an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment (or, in the case of an individual, a fixed base) maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States;

 

·the Non-U.S. Holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3) of the Code and the Regulations thereunder;

 

·the Non-U.S. Holder is not a controlled foreign corporation (within the meaning of Section 957(a) of the Code) that, for United States federal income tax purposes, is related (within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the Code) to us;

 

·the Non-U.S. Holder is not a bank that receives such interest in a transaction described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code; and

 

·either (a) the beneficial owner of the Notes certifies on IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or a suitable substitute form or successor form), under penalties of perjury, that it is not a “U.S. person” (as defined in the Code) and provides its name and address, or (b) a securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customers’ securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business and holds the Notes on behalf of the beneficial owner certifies to us or our agent, under penalties of perjury, that a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or a suitable substitute form or successor form) has been received from the beneficial owner by it or by any such financial institution between it and the beneficial owner and furnishes us with a copy thereof.

 

 S-35 

 

 

If a Non-U.S. Holder cannot satisfy the requirements of the portfolio interest exemption, payments of interest made to such Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to a 30% United States federal withholding tax (or such lower rate as specified by an applicable income tax treaty) unless the beneficial owner of the Note provides a properly executed:

 

·IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or a suitable substitute form or successor form) claiming, under penalties of perjury, an exemption from, or reduction in, withholding tax under an applicable income tax treaty, or

 

·IRS Form W-8ECI (or successor form) stating that interest paid on the Note is not subject to withholding tax because it is effectively connected with a United States trade or business or, if certain treaties apply, it is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained in the United States of the beneficial owner.

 

Non-U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors about the specific methods for satisfying these requirements. A claim for exemption will not be valid if the person receiving the applicable form has actual knowledge or reason to know that the statements on the form are false.

 

If interest on the Note is effectively connected with a United States trade or business of the beneficial owner (and if required by an applicable income tax treaty, attributable to a United States permanent establishment or fixed base), the Non-U.S. Holder, although exempt from the withholding tax described above, will be subject to United States federal income tax on such interest on a net income basis in the same manner as if it were a U.S. Holder. In addition, a corporate Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% with respect to effectively connected earnings (or at such lower rate as provided by an applicable income tax treaty).

 

Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Taxable Disposition of the Notes. Subject to the discussion below under “—Backup withholding and information reporting,” except with respect to accrued and unpaid interest, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States federal income tax on gain realized on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of a Note unless the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 or more days in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met, or such gain or income is effectively connected with a United States trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment or fixed base).

 

A Non-U.S. Holder that recognizes gain on a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the Note as a result of such gains being efficiently connected with such Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States will be subject to tax on the net gain derived from the sale under regular graduated United States federal income tax rates in the same manner as if it were a U.S. Holder and, in the case of a corporate Non-U.S. Holder, in addition may be subject to the branch profits tax on its effectively connected gains at a rate of 30% or at such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. An individual Non-U.S. Holder present for 183 or more days in the taxable year of disposition and meeting the additional requirements will be required to pay tax at a 30% rate on the gain derived from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition, which tax may be offset by capital losses from sources in the United States recognized during the taxable year. Non-U.S. Holders should consult any applicable income tax or other treaties that may provide for different rules.

 

Backup withholding and information reporting. United States backup withholding will not apply to payments of interest on a Note or proceeds from the sale or other disposition of a Note payable to a Non-U.S. Holder if the certification described above under “- Payments of interest” is duly provided by such Non-U.S. Holder or the Non-U.S. Holder otherwise establishes an exemption, provided that the payor does not have actual knowledge that the holder is a U.S. person or that the conditions of any claimed exemption are not satisfied. Certain information reporting still may apply to interest payments even if an exemption from backup withholding is established. Copies of any information returns reporting interest payments and any withholding also may be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which a Non-U.S. Holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder generally will be allowed as a refund or a credit against such Non-U.S. Holder’s United States federal income tax liability if a United States federal income tax return is timely and duly filed and other applicable procedures are satisfied.

 

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Non-U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their particular circumstances and the availability of and procedure for establishing an exemption from backup withholding.

 

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)

 

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (commonly referred to as “FATCA”), imposes a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on certain payments to “foreign financial institutions” (as specifically defined under these rules) and certain other Non-U.S. Holders that fail to comply with certain information reporting and certification requirements pertaining to their direct and indirect U.S. security holders and/or U.S. account holders. Under certain circumstances, a Non-U.S. Holder may be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. The IRS has issued proposed Regulations, upon which taxpayers may generally rely, that exclude gross proceeds received from the sale or other disposition of property, such as the Notes, from the application of the withholding tax imposed under FATCA. An intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and an applicable foreign country may modify the requirements described in this paragraph. Non-U.S. Holders should consult with tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this legislation and any applicable intergovernmental agreements on investment in our Notes.

 

THE SUMMARY OF UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS SET FORTH ABOVE IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE DEPENDING UPON AN INVESTOR’S PARTICULAR SITUATION. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP, AND DISPOSITION OF NOTES, INCLUDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAW, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN UNITED STATES OR OTHER TAX LAWS.

 

 S-37 

 

 

BENEFIT PLAN/ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

 

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and Section 4975 of the Code, impose certain requirements on: (a) employee benefit plans subject to Part 4 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA; (b) individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), Keogh plans or other plans and arrangements subject to Section 4975 of the Code; (c) entities (including certain insurance company general accounts) whose underlying assets include “plan assets” (as defined in U.S. Department of Labor regulation 29 C.F.R. Section 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA (the “plan asset regulations”)) by reason of any such plan’s or arrangement’s investment therein (we refer to the foregoing (a), (b) and (c) collectively as “Plans”); and (d) persons who are “fiduciaries” or “parties in interest” or “disqualified persons” with respect to such Plans. In addition, certain governmental, not for profit, church and non-U.S. plans (“Non-ERISA Arrangements”) are not subject to ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code but may be subject to other laws that are substantially similar to ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code (each, a “Similar Law”).

 

The following summarizes certain aspects of ERISA, the Code and Similar Laws that may affect a decision by a Plan or Non-ERISA Arrangement to invest in the Notes. The following discussion is general in nature and not intended to be a complete discussion of the applicable laws pertaining to a Plan’s or Non-ERISA Arrangement’s decision to invest and is not intended to be legal advice. In addition, the following discussion is based on the applicable law and regulations in effect as of the date of this prospectus supplement, and nothing herein shall be construed as an obligation to update this summary as a result of any changes in the applicable law or regulations. Fiduciaries and parties in interest and disqualified persons of a Plan or Non-ERISA Arrangement should consult its own legal counsel before investing in the Notes. References herein to the purchase, holding or disposition of Notes also refer to the purchase, holding or disposition of any beneficial interest in the Notes.

 

Under ERISA and the Code, any person who exercises any discretionary authority or control over the administration of such a Plan or the management or disposition of the assets of such a Plan, or who renders investment advice for a fee or other compensation to such a Plan, is generally considered to be a fiduciary of the Plan.

 

The Plan fiduciary should consider whether an investment in the Notes satisfies the requirements set forth in Part 4 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA, including the requirements that (a) the investment satisfy the prudence and diversification standards of ERISA, (b) the investment be solely in the interests of the participants and beneficiaries of the Plan, (c) the investment be permissible under the terms of the Plan’s investment policies and governing instruments and (d) the investment be for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to the participants and beneficiaries of the Plan and defraying the reasonable expenses of administering the Plan. In determining whether an investment in the Notes is prudent for ERISA purposes, a Plan fiduciary should consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including, without limitation, the limitations imposed on transferability, whether the investment provides sufficient liquidity in light of the foreseeable needs of the Plan, the tax consequences of the investment and whether the investment is reasonably designed, as part of the Plan’s portfolio, to further the Plan’s purposes, taking into consideration the risk of loss and the opportunity for gain (or other return) associated with the investment. The fiduciary of a Non-ERISA Arrangement should consider whether an investment in the Notes satisfies its obligations under Similar Laws.

 

In addition to ERISA’s general fiduciary standards, Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit certain transactions involving the assets of a Plan and persons who have specified relationships to the Plan, i.e., “parties in interest” as defined in ERISA or “disqualified persons” as defined in Section 4975 of the Code (we refer to the foregoing collectively as “parties in interest”) unless exemptive relief is available under applicable law or a statutory exemption or an exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. Parties in interest that engage in a nonexempt prohibited transaction may be subject to excise taxes and other penalties and liabilities under ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code. Nevertheless, without regard to whether the Notes are treated as debt for ERISA purposes, we, the underwriters and our and the underwriter’s current and future affiliates may possibly be parties in interest with respect to many Plans and the purchase, holding or disposition of the Notes by or on behalf of, or with the assets of, such Plans could be considered to give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code. Thus, a Plan fiduciary considering an investment of Plan assets in the Notes should also consider whether such an investment might constitute or give rise to a prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.   The fiduciary of a Non-ERISA Arrangement should consider whether an investment in the Notes might constitute or give rise to a prohibited transaction under Similar Laws.

 

 S-38 

 

 

In this regard, each prospective purchaser that is, or is acting on behalf of or with the assets of, a Plan, and proposes to purchase Notes, should consider the exemptive relief available under the following prohibited transaction class exemptions issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, or PTCEs, among others: (A) the in-house asset manager exemption (PTCE 96-23); (B) the insurance company general account exemption (PTCE 95-60); (C) the bank collective investment fund exemption (PTCE 91¬38); (D) the insurance company pooled separate account exemption (PTCE 90-1); and (E) the qualified professional asset manager exemption (PTCE 84-14). In addition, ERISA Section 408(b)(17) and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code may provide a limited exemption for the purchase and sale of Notes, provided that neither the issuer of the Notes nor any of its affiliates have or exercise any discretionary authority or control or render any investment advice with respect to the assets of the Plan involved in the transaction and provided further that the Plan pays no more, and receives no less, than adequate consideration in connection with the transaction (the so-called “service provider exemption”). There can be no assurances, however, that any of these statutory or class exemptions will be available with respect to transactions involving the Notes or with respect to any particular Plan.

 

Each purchaser, holder or seller of a Note, and each fiduciary who causes any entity to purchase, hold or sell a Note, shall be deemed to have represented and warranted, on each day such purchaser or holder holds such Notes, that either: (i) it is neither a Plan nor a Non-ERISA Arrangement and it is not purchasing or holding Notes on behalf of or with the assets of any Plan or Non-ERISA Arrangement; or (ii) its purchase, holding and subsequent disposition of such Notes shall not constitute or result in (A) the purchase, holding or disposition of an impermissible or imprudent investment, (B) a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any provision of Similar Law; or (C) a breach of any fiduciary or other duty or applicable law.

 

Each purchaser, holder or seller of a Note, and each fiduciary who causes any entity to purchase, hold or sell a Note will have exclusive responsibility for ensuring that its purchase, holding and subsequent disposition of the Note does not violate ERISA, the Code or any Similar Law. Nothing herein shall be construed as a representation that an investment in the Notes would meet any or all of the relevant legal requirements with respect to investments by, or that an investment in the Notes is appropriate for, Plans or Non-ERISA Arrangements generally or any particular Plan or Non-ERISA Arrangement.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF INVESTMENTS BY OR ON BEHALF OF A PLANS OR NON-ERISA ARRANGEMENT IS IN NO RESPECT A REPRESENTATION THAT THIS INVESTMENT MEETS THE RELEVANT LEGAL REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO INVESTMENTS BY ANY PARTICULAR PLAN OR NON-ERISA ARRANGEMENT, OR THAT THIS INVESTMENT IS APPROPRIATE FOR ANY PARTICULAR PLAN OR NON-ERISA ARRANGEMENT.

 

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UNDERWRITING

 

We have entered into an underwriting agreement, dated                  , 2020, with Janney Montgomery Scott LLC as the representative of each of the underwriters named below, with respect to the Notes being offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement. Subject to certain conditions, each underwriter has agreed, severally but not jointly, to purchase the aggregate principal amount of Notes in this offering set forth next to its name in the following table.

 

Underwriters  Amount of 
Securities
 
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC  $  
Piper Sandler & Co.     
Stephens Inc.  $  
Total  $   

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to purchase the Notes offered hereby are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the underwriters are obligated to purchase all of the Notes offered by this prospectus supplement if any of the Notes are purchased.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against some specified types of liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of any of these liabilities.

 

Discounts

 

The following table shows the per Note and total underwriting discounts and commissions we will pay the underwriters.

 

Per Note(1)   %
Total  $ 

 

(1) Reflects $        aggregate principal amount of Notes sold to retail investors, for which the underwriters received an underwriting discount of        %, and $        aggregate principal amount of Notes sold to institutional investors, for which the underwriters received an underwriting discount of        %. Underwriting discount per aggregate principal amount of Notes is calculated using a weighted average underwriting discount for retail and institutional orders.   

 

Notes sold by the underwriters to the public will be offered at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement and may offer the Notes to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of        % of the principal amount of Notes sold to retail investors and        % of the principal amount of Notes sold to institutional investors. Any underwriter may allow, and any such dealers may reallow, a concession to certain other dealers not to exceed        % of the principal amount of Notes sold to retail investors and        % of the principal amount of Notes sold to institutional investors. . After the initial offering of the Notes, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the underwriters. The offering of the Notes by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part.

 

 S-40 

 

 

We estimate that our expenses for the offering, not including the underwriting discount and commissions, will be approximately $               . We also have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain of their fees and expenses related to the offering.

 

The underwriters have advised us that the underwriters do not intend to confirm sales to any account over which they exercise discretionary authority.

 

We expect that delivery of the Notes will be made against payment therefor on or about                           , 2020, which will be the third business day following the date hereof (such settlement being referred to as “T+3”). Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Notes prior to the delivery of the Notes hereunder will be required, by virtue of the fact that the Notes initially settle in T+3, to specify an alternate settlement arrangement at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the Notes who wish to trade the Notes prior to their date of delivery hereunder should consult their advisors.

 

No Public Trading Market

 

There is currently no public trading market for the Notes. In addition, we have not applied and do not intend to apply to list the Notes on any national securities exchange or to have the Notes quoted on an automated dealer quotation system. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in the Notes. However, they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making in the Notes at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. Therefore, we cannot assure you that a liquid trading market for the Notes will develop or continue, that you will be able to sell your Notes at a particular time, or that the price that you receive when you sell will be favorable. If an active public trading market for the Notes does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the Notes may be adversely affected. If the Notes are traded, they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending on prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, our operating performance and financial condition, general economic conditions and other factors.

 

No Sales of Similar Securities

 

We have agreed, for a period beginning on the date of the underwriting agreement and continuing to and including the closing date of the offering contemplated hereby, that we will not, without the prior written consent of the representative of the underwriters, directly or indirectly, issue, sell, offer or contract to sell, grant any option for the sale of, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, any debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, other than the Notes.

 

Price Stabilization; Short Positions

 

In connection with this offering of the Notes, the underwriters may engage in overallotment, stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions. Overallotment involves sales of Notes in excess of the offering size, which may create a short position for the underwriters. Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase the Notes in the open market for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the Notes. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the Notes in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the other underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representative has repurchased Notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or syndicate covering transactions. Stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions, and together with the imposition of a penalty bid, may cause the price of the Notes to be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of those transactions. If the underwriters engage in stabilizing or syndicate covering transactions, they may discontinue them at any time without notice.

 

Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the Notes. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

 

 S-41 

 

 

Other Relationships

 

Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions.

 

In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments, including serving as counterparties to certain derivative and hedging arrangements and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. If any of the underwriters or their affiliates has a lending relationship with us, they may hedge their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. These underwriters and their affiliates could hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the Notes offered hereby. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the Notes offered hereby. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

 

 

 S-42 

 

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus supplement the information in documents we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus supplement and should be read with the same care. When we update the information contained in documents that have been incorporated by reference, by making future filings with the SEC, the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement is considered to be automatically updated and superseded. In other words, in all cases, if you are considering whether to rely on information contained in this prospectus supplement or information incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information contained in the document that was filed later. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below (other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to be furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules), which are considered to be a part of this prospectus supplement:

 

·our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020 (including the portions of our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on April 14, 2020, incorporated by reference therein);

 

·our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, filed with the SEC on May 8, 2020 and August 10, 2020, respectively;

 

·our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 30, 2020, February 20, 2020, March 31, 2020, April 10, 2020, April 24, 2020, April 28, 2020, May 22, 2020, and July 27, 2020 (except for information furnished to the SEC that is not deemed “filed” for purposes of the Exchange Act).

 

All reports and other documents we subsequently file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, until our offering is completed will also be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and deemed to be part hereof (other than any information furnished to, rather than filed with, the SEC, unless expressly stated otherwise therein). The most recent information that we file with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes older information. The information contained in any such filing will be deemed to be a part of this prospectus supplement commencing on the date on which the document is filed.

 

Any documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement are available without charge to you on the Internet at www.sonabank.com or by contacting us at Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc., 6830 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Virginia 22101, Attention: Investor Relations, (703) 893-7400. The reference to our website is not intended to be an active link and the information on our website is not, and you must not consider the information to be, a part of this prospectus supplement.

 

YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE OR SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS OR IN ANY FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS PREPARED BY OR ON BEHALF OF US OR TO WHICH WE HAVE REFERRED YOU. NEITHER WE NOR ANY UNDERWRITERS, DEALERS OR AGENTS HAVE AUTHORIZED ANYONE ELSE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH ADDITIONAL OR DIFFERENT INFORMATION. WE ARE NOT MAKING AN OFFER OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS, ANY OTHER OFFERING MATERIAL OR ANY DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATES ON THE FRONT OF THOSE DOCUMENTS.

 

 S-43 

 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters in connection with the offering of the Notes offered by this prospectus supplement will be passed upon for us by Alston & Bird LLP, Atlanta, Georgia. Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP, Atlanta, Georgia, will pass upon certain legal matters for the underwriters.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. and its subsidiary as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, incorporated by reference herein, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 S-44 

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc.

 

$75,000,000

 

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Senior Debt Securities
Subordinated Debt Securities
Depositary Shares
Purchase Contracts
Units
Warrants
Rights

 

 

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. may offer the securities listed above in one or more offerings in amounts, at prices, and on terms determined at the time of the offering. We may sell our securities through agents we select or through underwriters and dealers we select. If we use agents, underwriters or dealers, we will name them and describe their compensation in a prospectus or prospectus supplement.

 

This prospectus provides a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide specific terms of the securities offered in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus or prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in any securities. This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless accompanied by the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market and trades on the exchange under the symbol “SONA.” Each prospectus supplement will indicate if the securities offered thereby will be listed on any securities exchange. This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement or a free writing prospectus.

 

We may offer securities through underwriting syndicates managed or co-managed by one or more underwriters, 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.

 

Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors referred to on page 5 of this prospectus and set forth in the documents incorporated by reference herein before making any decision to invest in our securities.

 

None of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”) or any state securities commission or any other federal regulatory agency has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

These securities are not savings accounts or deposits or obligations of any bank and are not insured by the FDIC, the Bank Insurance Fund, or any other government agency or instrumentality.

 

 

 

This prospectus is dated April 29, 2020.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS 1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION 1
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE 1
SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 2
SOUTHERN NATIONAL BANCORP OF VIRGINIA, INC. 4
RISK FACTORS 5
USE OF PROCEEDS 5
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER 5
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK 5
DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR AND SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES 8
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES 17
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS 20
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS 20
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS 20
DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS 22
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 24
LEGAL MATTERS 25
EXPERTS 25

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

This prospectus is a part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell, from time to time, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the terms of the securities and the offering. A prospectus supplement may include a discussion of any risk factors or other special considerations applicable to those securities or to us. The supplement also may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. You should carefully read both this prospectus and any supplement, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” below.

 

The registration statement containing this prospectus, including exhibits to the registration statement, provides additional information about us and the securities offered under this prospectus. The registration statement, including the exhibits and the documents incorporated herein by reference, can be read at the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov or at the SEC office mentioned under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” below.

 

We may sell securities to underwriters who will sell the securities to the public on terms fixed at the time of sale. In addition, the securities may be sold by us directly or through dealers or agents designated from time to time. If we, directly or through agents, solicit offers to purchase the securities, we reserve the sole right to accept and, together with any agents, to reject, in whole or in part, any of those offers.

 

Any prospectus supplement will contain the names of the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, together with the terms of the offering, the compensation of those underwriters and the net proceeds to us. Any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the offering may be deemed “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

 

All references to “SONA,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” and similar terms refer to Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, currency amounts in this prospectus and in any applicable prospectus supplement are stated in U.S. dollars.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information about the Public Reference Room. Our filings with the SEC are also available to the public through the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. In addition, since some of our securities are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market, you can read our SEC filings at the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., Reports Section, 1735 K Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. We also maintain an Internet site at www.sonabank.com at which there is additional information about our business, however the contents of that site are not incorporated by reference into, and are not otherwise a part of, this prospectus.

 

Incorporation of Certain INFORMATION by Reference

 

The SEC’s rules allow us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document. Any information referred to in this way is considered part of this prospectus from the date we file that document. Any reports filed by us with the SEC after the date of this prospectus will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the following documents (other than information “furnished” and not “filed”):

 

1

 

 

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020;

 

Those portions of our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on April 14, 2020 that are incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019;

 

Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 30, 2020, February 20, 2020, March 31, 2020, April 10, 2020, April 24, 2020 and April 28, 2020 (except for information furnished to the SEC that is not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of the Exchange Act);

 

The description of our common stock in our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on April 5, 2017;

 

Any documents we file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the initial filing of this registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement (except for information furnished to the SEC that is not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of the Exchange Act); and

 

Any documents we file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date of this prospectus and before the termination of the offering of the securities offered hereby (except for information furnished to the SEC that is not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of the Exchange Act).

 

We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon his or her written or oral request, a copy of any or all documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus, excluding exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at:

 

Investor Relations

SOUTHERN NATIONAL BANCORP OF VIRGINIA, INC.

6830 Old Dominion Drive

McLean, Virginia 22101

Tel: (703) 893-7400

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with additional or different information. We may only use this prospectus to sell securities if it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement. We are only offering these securities in jurisdictions where the offer is permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the dates of the applicable documents.

 

SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTICE
REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements made or incorporated by reference in this prospectus which are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, targets, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and involve known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control and which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements or the commercial banking industry or economy generally, to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

 

2

 

 

All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “assumes,” “predicts,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “intends,” “targets,” “estimates,” “projects,” “plans,” “potential” and other similar words and expressions of the future or otherwise regarding the outlook for our future business and financial performance and/or the performance of the commercial banking industry and economy in general. Forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements in this registration statement, including, but not limited to: competitive pressures among financial institutions increasing significantly; economic conditions, either nationally or locally, in areas in which the Company conducts operations being less favorable than expected; and legislation or regulatory changes which adversely affect the ability of the consolidated Company to conduct business combinations or new operations.

 

Other potential risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  the effects of future economic, business and market conditions and disruptions in the credit and financial markets, domestic and foreign;
  changes in the local economies in our market areas which adversely affect our customers and their ability to transact profitable business with us, including the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans according to their terms or a change in the value of the related collateral;
  changes in the availability of funds resulting in increased costs or reduced liquidity, as well as the adequacy of our cash flow from operations and borrowings to meet our short-term liquidity needs;
  a deterioration or downgrade in the credit quality and credit agency ratings of the investment securities in our investment securities portfolio;
  impairment concerns and risks related to our investment securities portfolio of collateralized mortgage obligations, agency mortgage-backed securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions and pooled trust preferred securities;
  the incurrence and possible impairment of goodwill associated with current or future acquisitions and possible adverse short-term effects on our results of operations;
  increased credit risk in our assets and increased operating risk caused by a material change in commercial, consumer and/or real estate loans as a percentage of our total loan portfolio;
  the concentration of our loan portfolio in loans collateralized by real estate;
  our level of construction and land development and commercial real estate loans;
  failure to prevent a breach to our Internet-based system and online commerce security;
  changes in the levels of loan prepayments and the resulting effects on the value of our loan portfolio;
  the failure of assumptions and estimates underlying the establishment of and provisions made to the allowance for loan losses;
  our ability to expand and grow our business and operations, including the establishment of additional branches and acquisition of additional branches and banks, and our ability to realize the cost savings and revenue enhancements we expect from such activities;
  government intervention in the U.S. financial system, including the effects of legislative, tax, accounting and regulatory actions and reforms, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the capital ratios of Basel III as adopted by the federal banking authorities and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017;
  uncertainty related to the transition away from or methods of calculating the London Inter-bank Offered Rate;
  increased competition for deposits and loans adversely affecting rates and terms;
  the continued service of key management personnel;
  the potential payment of interest on demand deposit accounts to effectively compete for customers;
  potential environmental liability risk associated with properties that we assume upon foreclosure;
  increased asset levels and changes in the composition of assets and the resulting impact on our capital levels and regulatory capital ratios;

 

3

 

 

  risks of current or future mergers and acquisitions, including the related time and cost of implementing transactions and the potential failure to achieve expected gains, revenue growth or expense savings;
  increases in regulatory capital requirements for banking organizations generally, which may adversely affect our ability to expand our business or could cause us to shrink our business;
  acts of God or of war or other conflicts, acts of terrorism, pandemics or other catastrophic events that may affect general economic conditions;
  impact of the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19);
  changes in accounting policies, rules and practices and applications or determinations made thereunder;
  fraudulent and negligent acts by loan applicants, mortgage brokers and our employees;
  failure to maintain effective internal controls and procedures;
  the risk that our deferred tax assets could be reduced if future taxable income is less than currently estimated, if corporate tax rates in the future are less than current rates, or if sales of our capital stock trigger limitations on the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that we may utilize for income tax purposes; and
  our ability to attract and retain qualified employees.

 

For a discussion of these and other risks that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, refer to “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” and other information contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and our other periodic filings, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, that we file from time to time with the SEC. All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made by or are attributable to the Company are expressly qualified by this cautionary notice. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements since those statements speak only as of the date on which the statements are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of new information or unanticipated events, except as may otherwise be required by law.

 

SOUTHERN NATIONAL BANCORP OF VIRGINIA, INC.

 

The following is a brief summary of our business. It does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. Before you decide to purchase any of our securities, you should read carefully this entire prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, along with any other information we refer to in, or incorporate by reference into, this prospectus and accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. is the bank holding company for Sonabank (“Sonabank” or the “Bank”), a Virginia state-chartered bank which commenced operations on April 14, 2005. Sonabank provides a range of financial services to individuals and small and medium sized businesses. Sonabank has thirty-eight full-service retail branches in Virginia, located in Ashland, Burgess, Callao, Central Garage, Charlottesville, Chester, Clifton Forge, Colonial Heights, Courtland, Deltaville, Fairfax, Front Royal, Gloucester, Gloucester Point, Hampton, Hartfield, Haymarket, Heathsville, Kilmarnock, Leesburg, McLean, Mechanicsville (2), Middleburg, Midlothian, New Market, Newport News, Quinton, Reston, Richmond, South Riding, Surry, Tappahannock (2), Urbanna, Warrenton, Waverly, and Williamsburg, and seven full-service retail branches in Maryland, located in Bethesda, Brandywine, Huntingtown, Owings, Rockville, Shady Grove, and Upper Marlboro.

 

While SONA offers a wide range of commercial banking services, it focuses on making loans secured primarily by commercial real estate and other types of secured and unsecured commercial loans to small and medium-sized businesses in a number of industries, as well as loans to individuals for a variety of purposes. SONA is a leading Small Business Administration (SBA) lender among Virginia community banks and also invests in real estate-related securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations and agency mortgage backed securities. SONA’s principal sources of funds for loans and investing in securities are deposits and, to a lesser extent, borrowings. SONA offers a broad range of deposit products, including checking (NOW), savings, money market accounts and certificates of deposit. SONA actively pursues business relationships by utilizing the business contacts of its senior management, other bank officers and its directors, thereby capitalizing on its knowledge of its local market areas.

 

4

 

 

SONA had, on a consolidated basis, total assets of  $2.72 billion, total loans of $2.19 billion, total deposits of  $2.12 billion and stockholders’ equity of  $377.2 million at December 31, 2019.

 

The principal executive offices of SONA are located at 6830 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Virginia 22101, and its telephone number is (703) 893-7400. SONA’s website can be accessed at www.sonabank.com. Information contained in SONA’s website does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus.

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which descriptions are incorporated by reference herein, as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement hereto before making a decision to invest in our securities. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business operations and financial condition.

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sales of the securities as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

We will not receive any proceeds from the resale of shares of common stock by selling shareholders under this prospectus or any supplement to it.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

 

This prospectus contains summary descriptions of our common stock, preferred stock, senior and subordinated debt securities, depositary shares, purchase contracts, units, warrants and rights that we may offer from time to time. These summary descriptions are not meant to be complete descriptions of such securities. The particular terms of any security will be described in the related prospectus supplement and other offering material.

 

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

 

The material terms and provisions of the Company’s capital stock are summarized as set forth below. The following summary is not intended to be relied upon as an exhaustive list or a detailed description of the provisions discussed and is qualified in its entirety by the Virginia Stock Corporation Act (“VSCA”) and by the Articles of Incorporation (as amended, the “Articles”) and Amended and Restated Bylaws (as amended, the “Bylaws”) of the Company. Copies of our Articles and Bylaws are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation Of Certain Information By Reference.”

 

General

 

We are authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of capital stock of which 45,000,000 are shares of common stock and 5,000,000 are shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of April 28, 2020, there were 24,297,703 shares of common stock outstanding held by 1,369 holders of record and no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding.

 

Common Stock

 

General. Each share of SONA common stock has the same relative rights as, and is identical in all respects to, each other share of SONA common stock. SONA’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SONA.”

 

Dividends. SONA’s shareholders are entitled to receive dividends or distributions that its board of directors may declare out of funds legally available for those payments. The payment of distributions by SONA is subject to the restrictions of Virginia law applicable to the declaration of distributions by a corporation. A Virginia corporation generally may not authorize and make distributions if, after giving effect to the distribution, it would be unable to meet its debts as they become due in the usual course of business or if the corporation’s total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if it were dissolved at that time, to satisfy the preferential rights of shareholders whose rights are superior to the rights of those receiving the distribution. In addition, the payment of distributions to shareholders is subject to any prior rights of outstanding preferred stock.

 

5

 

 

As a bank holding company, SONA’s ability to pay dividends is affected by the ability of Sonabank, its bank subsidiary, to pay dividends to the holding company. The ability of Sonabank, as well as SONA, to pay dividends in the future is, and could be further, influenced by bank regulatory requirements and capital guidelines.

 

Liquidation Rights. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of SONA, the holders of shares of its common stock will be entitled to receive, after payment of all debts and liabilities of SONA and after satisfaction of all liquidation preferences applicable to any preferred stock, all remaining assets of SONA available for distribution in cash or in kind.

 

Voting Rights. The holders of SONA common stock are entitled to one vote per share and, in general, a majority of votes cast with respect to a matter is sufficient to authorize action upon routine matters. Holders of SONA common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting rights. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast, and shareholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes in the election of directors.

 

Directors and Classes of Directors. SONA’s board of directors is divided into three classes with directors serving staggered three-year terms. Any newly created directorships or any decrease in directorships are apportioned among the classes as evenly as possible. Under SONA’s Articles, directors may be removed for cause upon the affirmative vote of not less than 75% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote generally in an election of directors. Cause for removal exists only if a director whose removal is proposed has been either declared incompetent by an order of a court, convicted of a felony or of an offense punishable by imprisonment for a term of more than one year, or deemed liable by a court for gross negligence or misconduct in the performance of such director’s duties to SONA.

 

No Preemptive Rights; Redemption and Assessment. Holders of shares of SONA will not be entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any shares that may be issued. SONA common stock is not subject to redemption or any sinking fund and the outstanding shares are fully paid and nonassessable.

 

Preference. Any series of preferred stock that we issue will have, upon issuance, preference over our common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets in the event of our liquidation or dissolution. Our preferred stock may also have such other preferences as may be fixed by our board of directors.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Under the terms of our Articles, the Company has authorized the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, any part or all of which shares may be established and designated from time to time by the board of directors by filing an amendment to the Articles, which is effective without shareholder action, in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the VSCA. If we offer preferred stock, we will file the terms of the preferred stock with the SEC, and the prospectus supplement relating to that offering will include a description of the specific terms of the offerings. Our Articles authorize our board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock, and to establish such preferences, limitations and relative rights as may be applicable to each series of preferred stock. The issuance of preferred stock and the determination of the terms of preferred stock by the board, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our common stock.

 

In addition, as described under “Description of Depositary Shares,” we may, instead of offering full shares of any series of preferred stock, offer depositary shares evidenced by depositary receipts, each representing a fraction of a share of the particular series of preferred stock issued and deposited with a depositary. The fraction of a share of preferred stock which each depositary share represents will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such depositary shares.

 

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Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Inc.

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions

 

Subject to the application of the VSCA, the affirmative vote of the holders of more than two thirds of all votes entitled to be cast is generally required with respect to a merger, exchange offer or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets. Under the VSCA and our Articles, any action required or permitted to be taken by our shareholders may be taken without a meeting and without a shareholder vote if a written consent is signed by the holders of the shares of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize such action at a meeting of shareholders at which all shares entitled to vote on such matter were present and voted.

 

Virginia law provides for certain restrictions on extraordinary corporate transactions that may discourage the acquisition of control of Virginia corporations. We elected to “opt out” of those protective provisions.

 

The provisions described below, to the extent applicable, will have the general effect of discouraging, or rendering more difficult, unfriendly takeover or acquisition attempts. Consequently, such provisions would be beneficial to current management in an unfriendly takeover attempt, but could have an adverse effect on shareholders who might wish to participate in such a transaction. However, we believe that such provisions are advantageous to our shareholders in that they will permit management and our shareholders to carefully consider and understand a proposed acquisition, lead to higher offering prices, and require a higher level of shareholder participation in the decision if the transaction is not approved by our board of directors.

 

Staggered Board and Removal of Directors. One class of our three classes of directors is elected annually. Directors serve for three-year terms. There is no cumulative voting for directors provided for in our Articles. As permitted by Virginia law, our Articles provide that where a corporation’s directors are elected in classes that a director, or the entire board of directors, only may be removed for cause by the affirmative vote of not less than 75% of the shares entitled to vote generally in an election of directors. The provisions contained in our Articles relating to election of directors in staggered three-year classes and the supermajority vote required to remove a director tend to discourage attempts by third parties to acquire us because of the extra time and expense involved and a greater possibility of failure. This also can affect the price that a potential purchaser would be willing to pay for our common stock, thereby reducing the amount a shareholder would receive in, for example, a tender offer for our common stock.

 

Special Shareholder Meetings. Our Articles also restrict the manner in which special meetings may be called. Under the VSCA, a corporation is permitted to provide for calling of special meetings either in its bylaws or articles of incorporation. Our Articles specify that special meetings may be called by our Chairman of the Board or President or by the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the board of directors or by holders of record of not less than 40% of our then outstanding voting shares.

 

Evaluation of Change in Control Offers. Our Articles also provide that when evaluating any offer that may result in a change in control of our Company, the board of directors may consider, consistent with the exercise of its fiduciary duties and in connection with the exercise of its judgment in determining what is in the best interests of our Company and our shareholders, not only the price or other consideration being offered, but also all other relevant factors including, without limitation, the financial and management resources and future prospects of the other party, the possible effect on our business and the business of our subsidiaries and on our employees, customers, suppliers and creditors and those of our subsidiaries, the effects on the ability of our Company to fulfill its corporate objectives as a holding company and on the ability of Sonabank to fulfill its objectives as a bank, and the effects on the communities in which our facilities are located.

 

Blank Check Preferred Stock. In addition to common stock, our Articles permit the board of directors to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock. Among other things, the board of directors in issuing a series of preferred stock has the power to determine voting powers, if any, of such series. Such issuance of preferred stock having voting rights could dilute the voting and ownership interest of existing shareholders. Such issuance may have the effect of discouraging unilateral attempts by third parties to obtain control of our Company, since the issuance of additional shares of capital stock could be used to dilute the voting power of, or increase the cost to, any person seeking to obtain control of us. This may occur by virtue of the fact that the preferred stock may be issued in a series having rights in excess of one vote per share or having the right to vote separately by class respecting some matters.

 

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Bank Holding Company Act. The Bank Holding Company Act requires any “bank holding company,” as defined in the Bank Holding Company Act, to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board prior to the acquisition of 5% or more of our common stock. Any person, other than a bank holding company, is required to obtain prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire 10% or more of our common stock under the Change in Bank Control Act. Any holder of 25% or more of our common stock, or a holder of 5% or more if such holder otherwise exercises a “controlling influence” over us, is subject to regulation as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR AND SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

 

We may offer from time to time debt securities in the form of either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be our direct, unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. We will issue debt securities under one or more separate indentures between us and a trustee to be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

The following summary of the general terms and provisions of the indenture is not complete (the text below refers to both indentures as the form of  “indenture”). Forms of indentures for senior indebtedness and subordinated indebtedness are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The indentures are substantially identical except as described below under “Subordinated Debt Securities” in this section. You should read the indentures for provisions that may be important to you.

 

When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, the prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the series, and it will also address whether the general terms and provisions described below apply to the particular series of debt securities. Capitalized terms used in the summary have the meanings specified in the forms of indenture.

 

General

 

Unless otherwise provided in a supplemental indenture, our board of directors will set the particular terms of each series of debt securities, which will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series. We can issue an unlimited amount of debt securities under the indenture, in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium or at a discount. Among other things, the prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities being offered will address the following terms of the debt securities:

 

the title of the debt securities;

 

the price(s), expressed as a percentage of the principal amount, at which we will sell the debt securities;

 

whether the debt securities will be senior or subordinated, and, if subordinated, any such provisions that are different from those described below under “Subordinated Debt Securities;”

 

any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;

 

the date(s) when principal payments are due on the debt securities;

 

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the interest rate(s) on the debt securities, which may be fixed or variable, per annum or otherwise, and the method used to determine the rate(s), the dates on which interest will begin to accrue and be payable, and any regular record date for the interest payable on any interest payment date;

 

the place(s) where principal of, premium and interest on the debt securities will be payable;

 

provisions governing redemption of the debt securities, including any redemption or purchase requirements pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a holder of debt securities, and the redemption price and other detailed terms and provisions of such repurchase obligations;

 

the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if other than minimum denominations of  $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof;

 

whether the debt securities will be issued in the form of certificated debt securities or global debt securities;

 

the portion of the principal of the debt securities payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date, if other than the entire principal amount;

  

any additional or modified events of default from those described in this prospectus or in the indenture and any change in the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus or in the indenture;

 

any additional or modified covenants from those described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;

 

any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents with respect to the debt securities; and

 

any other specific terms of such debt securities.

 

In addition, we may issue convertible debt securities. Any conversion provisions of a particular series of debt securities will be set forth in the officers’ certificate or supplemental indenture related to that series of debt securities and will be described in the relevant prospectus supplement. To the extent applicable, conversion may be mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option, in which case the number of shares of common or preferred stock to be received upon conversion would be calculated as of a time and in the manner stated in the prospectus supplement.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement will provide an overview of the U.S. federal income tax considerations and other special considerations applicable to any debt securities we offer for sale.

 

Transfer and Exchange

 

As described in the applicable prospectus supplement, each debt security will be represented by either a certificate issued in definitive registered form (we will refer to any debt security represented by a certificated security as a “certificated debt security”) or one or more global securities registered in the name of a depositary, or its nominee (we will refer to any debt security represented by a global debt security as a “book-entry debt security”), in the aggregate principal amount of the series of debt securities. Except as described below under the heading “Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System,” book-entry debt securities will not be certificated.

 

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Certificated Debt Securities

 

You can transfer certificated debt securities (and the right to receive the principal of, premium and interest thereon) only by surrendering the certificate representing those certificated debt securities. Either we or the trustee will reissue the existing certificate, or issue a new certificate, to the new holder.

 

You may transfer or exchange certificated debt securities at any office we maintain for this purpose in accordance with the terms of the indenture. There is no service charge, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any taxes or other governmental charges payable in connection with a transfer or exchange.

 

Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System

 

Each global debt security representing book-entry debt securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company (which we refer to below as “DTC” or the “depositary”), as the depositary, and registered in its (or its nominee’s) name. DTC is a limited-purpose trust company and a “banking organization” organized under New York law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within in the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act. We understand that DTC intends to follow the following procedures with respect to book-entry debt securities.

 

Ownership of beneficial interests in book-entry debt securities will be limited to “participants” or persons that may hold interests through participants (sometimes called “indirect participants”). A participant is a person having an account with the depositary for the related global debt security, typically broker-dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Upon the issuance of a global debt security, the depositary will credit the participants’ accounts on its book-entry registration and transfer system with the respective principal amounts of the book-entry debt securities owned by such participants; the depositary will have no knowledge of the underlying beneficial owners of the book-entry debt securities owned by participants. Any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the book-entry debt securities will designate accounts to be credited. Ownership of book-entry debt securities will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary for the related global debt security (with respect to interests of participants) and on the records of participants (with respect to interests of indirect participants). Some states may legally require certain purchasers to take physical delivery of such securities, which may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in book-entry debt securities.

 

So long as DTC (or its nominee) is the registered owner of a global debt security, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the book-entry debt securities represented by such global debt security for all purposes under the indenture. This means that, except as described below, beneficial owners of book-entry debt securities will not be entitled to have securities registered in their names or to receive physical delivery of a certificate in definitive form nor will such beneficial owners be considered the owners or holders of those securities under the indenture. Accordingly, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture each person beneficially owning book-entry debt securities must rely on DTC’s procedures for the related global debt security and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest. As a beneficial owner of book-entry debt securities, information regarding your holdings will come through the participant, or indirect participant, through which you own such securities.

 

Notwithstanding the above, under existing industry practice, the depositary may authorize persons on whose behalf it holds a global debt security to exercise certain of a holder’s rights. For purposes of obtaining any consents or directions required to be given by holders of the debt securities under the indenture, we, the trustee and our respective agents will treat DTC as the holder of a debt security and/or any persons specified in a written statement of the depositary with respect to that global debt security.

 

All payments of principal of, and premium and interest on, book-entry debt securities will be paid to DTC (or its nominee) as the registered holder of the related global debt security, and any redemption notices will be sent directly to DTC. Neither we, the trustee nor any other agent of ours or agent of the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global debt security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to beneficial ownership interests. We expect DTC, upon receipt of any payment of principal of, premium or interest on a global debt security, to immediately credit participants’ accounts with payments ratably according to the respective amounts of book-entry debt securities held by each participant. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in book-entry debt securities held through those participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, similar to those for securities held in “street name.”

 

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We will issue certificated debt securities in exchange for each global debt security if the depositary at any time cannot or will not continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and we fail to appoint a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act within 90 days. In addition, we may at any time and in our sole discretion decide not to have the book-entry debt securities represented by global debt securities; in that event, we will issue certificated debt securities in exchange for the global debt securities of that series. If an event of default with respect to the book-entry debt securities represented by those global debt securities has occurred and is continuing, holders may exchange global debt securities for certificated debt securities.

 

We have obtained the foregoing information concerning DTC and its book-entry system from sources we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.

 

No Protection in the Event of a Change of Control

 

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions affording holders of the debt securities protection, such as prior consent or acceleration rights, in the event we agree to a change in control or a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control), which could adversely affect holders of debt securities.

 

Covenants

 

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe any restrictive covenants applicable to any debt securities we offer for sale.

 

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

 

We may not consolidate or merge with, or sell or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to, any person, which we refer to as a “successor,” unless:

 

we are the surviving corporation or the successor (if not us) is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of any U.S. domestic jurisdiction and expressly assumes our obligations on the debt securities and under the indenture;

 

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

 

certain other conditions are met.

 

Events of Default

 

For any series of debt securities, in addition to any event of default described in the prospectus supplement applicable to that series, an event of default will include the following events:

 

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default in the payment when due of any interest on any debt security of that series, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days (unless we deposit the entire amount of such payment with the trustee or with a paying agent prior to the expiration of such 30-day period);

 

default in the payment when due of principal of any debt security of that series;

  

default in the deposit when due of any sinking fund payment in respect of any debt security of that series;

  

default in the performance or breach of any other covenant or warranty in the indenture that applies to such series, which default continues (without such default or breach having been waived in accordance with the provisions of the indenture) for a period of 90 days after we have received written notice of the failure to perform in the manner specified in the indenture; and

  

certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving us.

  

The applicable prospectus supplement will explain whether or not an event of default with respect to one series of debt securities will constitute a cross-default with respect to any other series of debt securities (except that certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization will always constitute cross-defaults).

 

If an event of default with respect to any outstanding debt securities occurs and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of 25.0% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by written notice to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders), accelerate the payment of the principal (or, if the debt securities of that series are discount securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all debt securities of that series. Such acceleration is automatic (without any notice required) in the case of an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization. Following acceleration, payments on our subordinated debt securities, if any, will be subject to the subordination provisions described below under “Subordinated Debt Securities.” At any time after acceleration with respect to debt securities of any series, but before the trustee has obtained a court judgment or decree for payment of the amounts due, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul the acceleration if all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal and interest, if any, with respect to debt securities of that series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture. The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are discount securities will contain particular provisions relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such discount securities upon the occurrence of an event of default.

 

Each indenture will provide that the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any rights or powers under such indenture at the request of any holder of outstanding debt securities unless the trustee is indemnified to its satisfaction against any loss, liability or expense. Subject to certain rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series.

 

No holder of any debt security may institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:

 

that holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to debt securities of that series; and

 

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the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have requested the trustee in writing (and offered indemnity or security satisfactory to the trustee) to institute the proceeding (and have not subsequently given contrary instructions), and the trustee has failed to institute the proceeding within 60 days.

  

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of, premium and any interest on that debt security on or after the due dates expressed in that debt security and to institute suit for the enforcement of payment.

 

Under the indenture we must furnish the trustee a statement as to compliance with the indenture within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year. The indenture provides that, other than with respect to payment defaults, the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any series of a default or event of default if it in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interests of the holders of those debt securities.

 

Modification and Waiver

 

We may amend or supplement the indenture or a series of debt securities if the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the modifications or amendments consent thereto. We may not make any amendment or waiver without the consent of the specific holder of an affected debt security then outstanding if that amendment or waiver will:

 

reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

  

reduce the rate of, or extend the time for payment of, interest (including default interest) on any debt security;

 

reduce the principal or change the stated maturity of any debt security or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation;

 

reduce the principal amount of discount securities payable upon acceleration of maturity;

 

waive a default or event of default in the payment of the principal of or interest, if any, on any debt security (except a rescission of acceleration by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of that series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

 

make the principal of or interest, if any, on any debt security payable in any currency other than that stated in the debt security;

 

make any change to certain provisions of the indenture relating to, among other things, holders’ rights to receive payment of the principal of, premium and interest on those debt securities and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment and to waivers or amendments; or

 

waive a redemption payment with respect to any debt security.

  

Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of all holders waive our compliance with provisions of the indenture. In certain circumstances, the indenture can be amended without the consent of the holders. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of all holders waive any past default under the indenture with respect to that series and its consequences, except a payment default or a default of a covenant or provision which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of the series affected; provided, however, that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration.

 

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Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances

 

Legal Defeasance

 

We may deposit with the trustee, in trust, cash or U.S. government securities in an amount that, which through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment of money, an amount in cash, which is sufficient in the opinion of our independent public accountants to make all payments of principal and interest on, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities of that series on the due dates for such payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities. If we make such a deposit, unless otherwise provided under the applicable series of debt securities, we will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities of such series (except for obligations relating to the transfer or exchange of debt securities and the replacement of stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities and relating to maintaining paying agencies and the treatment of funds held by paying agents and certain rights of the trustee and our obligations with respect thereto). However, this discharge may occur only if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee a legal opinion stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service a ruling or, since the date of execution of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and, based thereon confirming that, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred.

 

Defeasance of Certain Covenants

 

Under the indenture (and unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities), upon making the deposit and delivering the legal opinion described in “Legal Defeasance” above, we will not need to comply with the covenants described under the heading “Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets” and certain other covenants set forth in the indenture, as well as any additional covenants that may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, and any such noncompliance will not constitute a default or an event of default with respect to the debt securities of that series, or covenant defeasance.

 

Covenant Defeasance and Events of Default

 

If we exercise our option to effect covenant defeasance with respect to any series of debt securities and the debt securities of that series are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default, the amounts on deposit with the trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of the acceleration resulting from the event of default. We will remain liable for those payments.

 

The Trustee

 

The indentures limit the right of the trustee, should it become a creditor of us, to obtain payment of claims or secure its claims. The trustee is permitted to engage in certain other transactions. However, if the trustee acquires any conflicting interest, and there is a default under the debt securities of any series for which it is trustee, the trustee must eliminate the conflict or resign.

 

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Subordinated Debt Securities

 

The indenture will govern the extent to which payment on any subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to the prior payment in full of all of our senior indebtedness. The subordinated debt securities also are effectively subordinated to all debt and other liabilities, including trade payables and lease obligations, if any, of our subsidiaries.

 

Upon any distribution of our assets upon any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of principal and interest on subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to the prior payment in full of all senior indebtedness in cash or other payment satisfactory to the holders of such senior indebtedness. If subordinated debt securities are accelerated because of an event of default, the holders of any senior indebtedness would be entitled to payment in full in cash or other payment satisfactory to such holders of all senior indebtedness obligations before the holders of the subordinated debt securities are entitled to receive any payment or distribution. The indenture requires us or the trustee to promptly notify holders of designated senior indebtedness of any acceleration of payment of the subordinated debt securities.

 

We may not make any payment on the subordinated debt securities, including upon redemption (whether at the holder’s or our option) if:

 

a default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, interest, rent or other obligations in respect of any senior indebtedness occurs and is continuing beyond any applicable grace period (called a “payment default”); or

 

a default (other than a payment default) with respect to designated senior indebtedness occurs and is continuing that permits holders of designated senior indebtedness to accelerate its maturity, and the trustee receives a notice of such default (called a “payment blockage notice”) from us or any other person permitted to give such notice under the indenture (called a “non-payment default”).

  

We may resume payments and distributions on the subordinated debt securities, in the case of a payment default, upon the date on which such default is cured or waived or ceases to exist; and, in the case of a non-payment default, the earlier of the date on which such nonpayment default is cured or waived and 179 days after the date on which the payment blockage notice is received, if the maturity of the designated senior indebtedness has not been accelerated, unless the indenture otherwise prohibits such payment or distribution at the time of such payment or distribution.

 

No new payment blockage notice may be given unless and until 365 days have elapsed since the initial effectiveness of the immediately prior payment blockage notice and all scheduled payments, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities that have come due have been paid in full in cash. A non-payment default existing or continuing on the date of delivery of any payment blockage notice cannot be the basis for any later payment blockage notice.

 

If the trustee or any holder of the notes receives any payment or distribution of our assets in contravention of the foregoing subordination provisions, then such payment or distribution will be held in trust for the benefit of holders of senior indebtedness or their representatives to the extent necessary to make payment in full in cash or payment satisfactory to the holders of senior indebtedness of all unpaid senior indebtedness.

 

In the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution or reorganization, holders of senior indebtedness may receive more, ratably, and holders of the subordinated debt securities may receive less, ratably, than our other creditors (including our trade creditors). This subordination will not prevent the occurrence of any event of default under the indenture.

 

The indenture does not prohibit us from incurring debt, including senior indebtedness. We may from time to time incur additional debt, including senior indebtedness.

 

We are obligated to pay compensation to the trustee, reimburse the trustee for reasonable expenses and to indemnify the trustee against certain losses, liabilities or expenses it incurs in connection with its duties relating to the subordinated debt securities. The trustee’s claims for these payments will generally be senior to those of noteholders in respect of all funds collected or held by the trustee and will not be subject to subordination.

 

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Certain Definitions

 

“Indebtedness” means:

 

(1) all indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities (contingent or otherwise) for borrowed money (including our obligations in respect of overdrafts, foreign exchange contracts, currency exchange agreements, interest rate protection agreements, and any loans or advances from banks, whether or not evidenced by notes or similar instruments) or evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such person or to only a portion thereof) (other than any account payable or other accrued current liability or obligation incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the obtaining of materials or services);​

 

(2) all reimbursement obligations and other liabilities (contingent or otherwise) with respect to letters of credit, bank guarantees or bankers’ acceptances;

  

(3) all obligations and liabilities (contingent or otherwise) in respect of leases required, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, to be accounted for as capitalized lease obligations on our balance sheet;

  

(4) all obligations and other liabilities (contingent or otherwise) under any lease or related document (including a purchase agreement) in connection with the lease of real property which contractually obligates us to purchase or cause a third party to purchase the leased property and thereby guarantee a minimum residual value of the leased property to the lessor and the obligations of such person under such lease or related document to purchase or to cause a third party to purchase such leased property;

  

(5) all obligations (contingent or otherwise) with respect to an interest rate or other swap, cap or collar agreement or other similar instrument or agreement or foreign currency hedge, exchange, purchase or similar instrument or agreement;

 

​(6) all direct or indirect guaranties or similar agreements in respect of, and obligations or liabilities (contingent or otherwise), to purchase or otherwise acquire or otherwise assure a creditor against loss in respect of indebtedness, obligations or liabilities of others of the type described in (1) through (5) above;

  

(7) any indebtedness or other obligations described in (1) through (6) above secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien or other encumbrance existing on property which we own or hold, regardless of whether the indebtedness or other obligation secured thereby shall be assumed by us; and

  

(8) any and all refinancings, replacements, deferrals, renewals, extensions and refundings of, or amendments, modifications or supplements to, any indebtedness, obligation or liability of the kind described in clauses (1) through (7) above.

  

“Senior indebtedness” means the principal, premium, if any, interest, including any interest accruing after bankruptcy, additional amounts, if any, and rent or termination payment on or other amounts due on our current or future indebtedness, whether created, incurred, assumed, guaranteed or in effect guaranteed by us, including any deferrals, renewals, extensions, refundings, amendments, modifications or supplements to the above. Senior indebtedness does not include:

 

indebtedness that expressly provides that it shall not be senior in right of payment to subordinated debt securities or expressly provides that it is on the same basis or junior to subordinated debt securities; and

 

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our indebtedness to any of our majority-owned subsidiaries.

 

Governing Law

 

Unless otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement applicable to the particular series of debt securities, the indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

The following briefly summarizes the general provisions of the depositary shares representing a fraction of a share of preferred stock of a specific series, or “depositary shares,” and depositary receipts (as defined below) that we may issue from time to time and which would be important to holders of depositary receipts. The specific terms of any depositary shares or depositary receipts, including pricing and related terms, will be disclosed in the applicable prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will also state whether any of the general provisions summarized below will apply to the depositary shares or depositary receipts being offered. The following description and any description in a prospectus supplement is a summary only and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms and provisions of the deposit agreement(s), which we will file with the SEC in connection with an issuance of depositary shares.

 

Description of Depositary Shares

 

We may offer depositary shares evidenced by receipts for such depositary shares, which we sometimes refer to as “depositary receipts.” Each depositary receipt represents a fraction of a share of the particular series of preferred stock issued and deposited with a depositary. The fraction of a share of preferred stock which each depositary share represents will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

We will deposit the shares of any series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares according to the provisions of a deposit agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, which we will select as our preferred stock depositary, and which may be the same institution that serves as an indenture trustee. The depositary must have its principal office in the United States and have combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. We will name the depositary in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each owner of a depositary share will be entitled to all the rights and preferences of the underlying preferred stock in proportion to the applicable fraction of a share of preferred stock represented by the depositary share. These rights may include dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights. The depositary will send the holders of depositary shares all reports and communications that we deliver to the depositary and which we are required to furnish to the holders of depositary shares. We may issue depositary receipts in temporary, definitive or book-entry form.

 

Withdrawal of Preferred Stock

 

A holder of depositary shares may receive the number of whole shares of the series of preferred stock and any money or other property represented by the holder’s depositary receipts after surrendering the depositary receipts at the corporate trust office of the depositary. Partial shares of preferred stock will not be issued. If the surrendered depositary shares exceed the number of depositary shares that represent the number of whole shares of preferred stock the holder wishes to withdraw, then the depositary will deliver to the holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares. Once the holder has withdrawn the preferred stock, the holder will not be entitled to re-deposit such preferred stock under the deposit agreement or to receive depositary shares in exchange for such preferred stock.

 

Dividends and Other Distributions

 

Holders of depositary shares of any series will receive their pro rata share of cash dividends or other cash distributions received by the depositary on the preferred stock of that series held by it. Each holder will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of depositary shares owned by the holder. The depositary will distribute only whole United States dollars and cents. The depositary will add any fractional cents not distributed to the next sum received for distribution to record holders of depositary shares. In the event of a non-cash distribution, the depositary will distribute property to the record holders of depositary shares, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such a distribution. If this occurs, the depositary, with our approval, may sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders.

 

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Redemption of Depositary Shares

 

If a series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares is subject to redemption, then we will give the necessary proceeds to the depositary. The depositary will then redeem the depositary shares using the funds they received from us for the preferred stock. The depositary will notify the record holders of the depositary shares to be redeemed not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days before the date fixed for redemption at the holders’ addresses appearing in the depositary’s books. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the redemption price payable per share for the applicable series of the preferred stock and any other amounts per share payable with respect to that series of preferred stock multiplied by the fraction of a share of preferred stock represented by one depositary share. Whenever we redeem shares of a series of preferred stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem the depositary shares representing the shares of preferred stock on the same day. If fewer than all the depositary shares of a series are to be redeemed, the depositary shares will be selected by lot, ratably or by such other equitable method as we and the depositary may determine.

 

Upon and after the redemption of shares of the underlying series of preferred stock, the depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be considered outstanding. Therefore, all rights of holders of the depositary shares will then cease, except that the holders will still be entitled to receive any cash payable upon the redemption and any money or other property to which the holder was entitled at the time of redemption.

 

Voting Rights

 

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of preferred stock of the related series are entitled to vote, the depositary will notify holders of depositary shares of the upcoming vote and arrange to deliver our voting materials to the holders. The record date for determining holders of depositary shares that are entitled to vote will be the same as the record date for the related series of preferred stock. The materials the holders will receive will (1) describe the matters to be voted on and (2) explain how the holders, on a certain date, may instruct the depositary to vote the shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares. For instructions to be valid, the depositary must receive them on or before the date specified. The depositary will attempt, as far as practical, to vote the shares as instructed by the holder. We will cooperate with the depositary to enable it to vote as instructed by holders of depositary shares. If any holder does not instruct the depositary how to vote the holder’s shares, the depositary will abstain from voting those shares.

 

Conversion or Exchange

 

The depositary will convert or exchange all depositary shares on the same day that the preferred stock underlying the depositary shares is converted or exchanged. In order for the depositary to do so, we will deposit with the depositary any other preferred stock, common stock or other securities into which the preferred stock is to be converted or for which it will be exchanged.

 

The exchange or conversion rate per depositary share will be equal to the exchange or conversion rate per share of preferred stock, multiplied by the fraction of a share of preferred stock represented by one depositary share. All amounts per depositary share payable by us for dividends that have accrued on the preferred stock to the exchange or conversion date that have not yet been paid shall be paid in appropriate amounts on the depositary shares.

 

The depositary shares, as such, cannot be converted or exchanged into other preferred stock, common stock, securities of another issuer or any other of our securities or property. Nevertheless, if so specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, a holder of depositary shares may be able to surrender the depositary receipts to the depositary with written instructions asking the depositary to instruct us to convert or exchange the preferred stock represented by the depositary shares into other shares of preferred stock or common stock or to exchange the preferred stock for securities of another issuer. If the depositary shares carry this right, upon the payment of applicable fees and taxes, if any, we will cause the conversion or exchange of the preferred stock using the same procedures as we use for the delivery of preferred stock. If a holder is only surrendering part of the depositary shares represented by a depositary receipt for conversion, new depositary receipts will be issued for any depositary shares that are not surrendered.

 

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Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

 

We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the form of depositary receipt without consent of the holder at any time. However, if the amendment adds or increases fees or charges payable by holders of the depositary shares or prejudices an important right of holders, it will only become effective with the approval of holders of at least a majority of the affected depositary shares then outstanding. If an amendment becomes effective, holders are deemed to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the amended deposit agreement if they continue to hold their depositary receipts.

 

The deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:

 

all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed and all amounts payable upon redemption have been paid;

 

each share of preferred stock held by the depositary has been converted into or exchanged for common stock, other preferred stock or other securities; or

 

a final distribution in respect of the preferred stock held by the depositary has been made to the holders of depositary receipts in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up.

 

We may also terminate the deposit agreement at any time. Upon such event, the depositary will give notice of termination to the holders not less than 30 days before the termination date. Once depositary receipts are surrendered to the depositary, it will send to each holder the number of whole and fractional shares of the series of preferred stock underlying that holder’s depositary receipts, provided that, at our election we may pay cash in lieu of fractional shares of preferred stock that may be issuable.

 

Charges of Depositary and Expenses

 

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges in connection with the establishment of the depositary arrangements. We will pay all charges and fees of the depositary for the initial deposit of the preferred stock, the depositary’s services and redemption of the preferred stock. Holders of depositary shares will pay transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and the charges that are provided in the deposit agreement to be for the holder’s account.

 

Limitations on Our Obligations and Liability to Holders of Depositary Receipts

 

The deposit agreement may limit our obligations and the obligations of the depositary. It may also limit our liability and the liability of the depositary as follows:

 

We and the depositary will only be obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in the deposit agreement in good faith;

 

We and the depositary will not be liable if either is prevented or delayed by law or circumstances beyond our or its control from performing our or its obligations under the deposit agreement;

 

We and the depositary will not be liable if either exercises discretion permitted under the deposit agreement;

 

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We and the depositary will have no obligation to become involved in any legal or other proceeding related to the depositary receipts or the deposit agreement on behalf of the holders of depositary receipts or any other party, unless we and the depositary are provided with satisfactory indemnity; and

 

We and the depositary will be permitted to rely upon any written advice of counsel or accountants and on any documents we believe in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party.

 

In the deposit agreement, we may agree to indemnify the depositary under certain circumstances.

 

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

 

The depositary may resign at any time by notifying us of its election to do so. In addition, we may remove the depositary at any time. Such resignation or removal will take effect when we appoint a successor depositary and it accepts the appointment. We must appoint the successor depositary within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and the new depositary must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.

 

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

 

We also may issue purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and obligating us to sell to holders, a fixed or varying number of debt or equity securities at a future date or dates. The consideration for such securities may be fixed at the time that the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the purchase contracts. Any purchase contract may include anti-dilution provisions to adjust the number of shares issuable pursuant to such purchase contract upon the occurrence of certain events.

 

The purchase contracts may be issued separately or as a part of units consisting of a purchase contract and other securities. These contracts, and the holders’ obligations to purchase our securities under the purchase contracts, may be secured by cash, certificates of deposit, U.S. government securities that may mature prior to, or simultaneously with, the maturity of the purchase contract, standby letters of credit from an affiliated U.S. bank that is FDIC-insured or other collateral satisfactory to the Federal Reserve Board. The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to holders of the purchase units, or vice versa, and such payments may be unsecured or prefunded and may be paid on a current or on a deferred basis as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

 

We also may offer two or more of the securities described in this prospectus in the form of a “unit,” including pursuant to a unit agreement. The unit may be transferable only as a whole, or the securities comprising a unit may, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement, be separated and transferred by the holder separately. There may or may not be an active market for units or the underlying securities, and not all the securities comprising a unit may be listed or traded on a securities exchange or market.

 

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

 

General

 

We may issue warrants in one or more series to purchase common stock, preferred stock, senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities, other securities or any combination of these securities. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any underlying securities and may be attached to or separate from the underlying securities. We may issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. If applicable, the warrant agent would act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants of such series and would not assume any obligation or relationship of agency for or on behalf of holders or beneficial owners of warrants. The following outlines some of the general terms and provisions of the warrants. Further terms of the warrants and a description of the applicable warrant agreement will be provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. The following description and any description of the warrants in a prospectus supplement are not complete and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the terms and provisions of the warrant agreement, which we will file with the SEC in connection with an issuance of any warrants.

 

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The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any warrants, including the following, as may be applicable:

 

the title of the warrants;

 

the total number of warrants to be issued;

 

the consideration for which we will issue the warrants, including the applicable currency or currencies;

 

anti-dilution provisions to adjust the number of shares of our common stock or other securities to be delivered upon exercise of the warrants;

 

the designation and terms of the underlying securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants;

 

the price at which and the currency or currencies in which investors may purchase the underlying securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants;

 

the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire;

 

the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the warrants;

 

whether the warrants will be in registered or bearer form;

 

information with respect to book-entry registration and transfer procedures, if any;

 

the minimum or maximum amount of warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

 

the designation and terms of the underlying securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each underlying security;

 

the date on and after which the warrants and securities issued with the warrants will be separately transferable;

 

a discussion of material United States federal income tax considerations;

 

the identity of any warrant agent; and

 

any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange, transfer and exercise of the warrants.

 

Warrant certificates may be exchanged for new warrant certificates of different denominations, and warrants may be exercised at the warrant agent’s corporate trust office or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants exercisable for debt securities will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities purchasable upon such exercise and will not be entitled to payments of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the debt securities purchasable upon such exercise. Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants exercisable for shares of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares will not have any rights of holders of the common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares purchasable upon such exercise, including any rights to vote such shares or to receive any distributions or dividends thereon.

 

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Exercise of Warrants

 

A warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for cash an amount of securities at an exercise price that will be stated in, or that will be determinable as described in, the applicable prospectus supplement. Warrants may be exercised at any time prior to the close of business on the expiration date and in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon and after the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will be void and have no further force, effect or value.

 

Enforceability of Rights; Governing Law

 

The holders of warrants, without the consent of the warrant agent, may, on their own behalf and for their own benefit, enforce, and may institute and maintain any suit, action or proceeding against us to enforce their rights to exercise and receive the securities purchasable upon exercise of their warrants. Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, each issue of warrants and the applicable warrant agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Virginia.

 

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

 

The following briefly summarizes the general provisions of rights to purchase additional shares of our common stock or any series of preferred stock, which we may issue. The specific terms of any rights, including the period during which the rights may be exercised, the manner of exercising such rights, and the transferability of rights, will be disclosed in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

General

 

We may distribute rights, which may or may not be transferable, to the holders of our common stock or any series of our preferred stock as of a record date set by our board of directors, at no cost to such holders. Each holder will be given the right to purchase a specified number of whole shares of our common stock or preferred stock for every share of our common stock or share of a series of preferred stock that the holder thereof owned on such record date, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The rights will be evidenced by rights certificates, which may be in definitive or book-entry form. Each right will entitle the holder to purchase shares of our common stock or a series of preferred stock at a rate and price per share to be established by our board of directors, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. If holders of rights wish to exercise their rights, they must do so before the expiration date of the rights offering, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon the expiration date, the rights will expire and will no longer be exercisable, unless, in our sole discretion prior to the expiration date, we extend the rights offering.

 

Exercise Price

 

Our board of directors will determine the exercise price or prices for the rights based upon a number of factors, including, without limitation, our business prospects; our capital requirements; the price or prices at which an underwriter or standby purchasers may be willing to purchase shares that remain unsold in the rights offering; and general conditions in the securities markets, especially for securities of financial institutions.

 

The subscription price may or may not reflect the actual or long-term fair value of the common stock or preferred stock offered in the rights offering. We provide no assurances as to the market values or liquidity of any rights issued, or as to whether or not the market prices of the common stock or preferred stock subject to the rights will be more or less than the rights’ exercise price during the term of the rights or after the rights expire.

 

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Exercising Rights; Fees and Expenses

 

The manner of exercising rights will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Any subscription agent or escrow agent will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will pay all fees charged by any subscription agent and escrow agent in connection with the distribution and exercise of rights. Rights holders will be responsible for paying all other commissions, fees, taxes or other expenses incurred in connection with their transfer of rights that are transferable. Neither we nor the subscription agent will pay such expenses.

 

Expiration of Rights

 

The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the expiration date and time (“Expiration Date”) for exercising rights. If holders of rights do not exercise their rights prior to such time, their rights will expire and will no longer be exercisable and will have no value.

 

We will extend the Expiration Date as required by applicable law and may, in our sole discretion, extend the Expiration Date. If we elect to extend the Expiration Date, we will issue a press release announcing such extension prior to the scheduled Expiration Date.

 

Withdrawal and Termination

 

We may withdraw the rights offering at any time prior to the Expiration Date for any reason. We may terminate the rights offering, in whole or in part, at any time before completion of the rights offering if there is any judgment, order, decree, injunction, statute, law or regulation entered, enacted, amended or held to be applicable to the rights offering that in the sole judgment of our board of directors would or might make the rights offering or its completion, whether in whole or in part, illegal or otherwise restrict or prohibit completion of the rights offering. We may waive any of these conditions and choose to proceed with the rights offering even if one or more of these events occur. If we terminate the rights offering, in whole or in part, all affected rights will expire without value, and all subscription payments received by the subscription agent will be returned promptly without interest.

 

Rights of Subscribers

 

Holders of rights will have no rights as shareholders with respect to the shares of common stock or preferred stock for which the rights may be exercised until they have exercised their rights by payment in full of the exercise price and in the manner provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, and such shares of common stock or preferred stock, as applicable, have been issued to such persons. Holders of rights will have no right to revoke their subscriptions or receive their monies back after they have completed and delivered the materials required to exercise their rights and have paid the exercise price to the subscription agent. All exercises of rights will be final and cannot be revoked by the holder of rights.

 

Regulatory Limitations

 

We will not be required to issue any person or group of persons shares of our common stock or preferred stock pursuant to the rights offering if, in our sole opinion, such person would be required to give prior notice to or obtain prior approval from, any state or federal governmental authority to own or control such shares if, at the time the rights offering is scheduled to expire, such person has not obtained such clearance or approval in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to us.

 

Standby Agreements

 

We may enter into one or more separate agreements with one or more standby underwriters or other persons to purchase, for their own account or on our behalf, any shares of our common stock or preferred stock not subscribed for in the rights offering. The terms of any such agreements will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We may sell the securities covered in this prospectus in any of three ways (or in any combination):

 

through underwriters or dealers;

directly to a limited number of purchasers or to a single purchaser; or

through agents.

 

Each time that we use this prospectus to sell securities, we will also provide a prospectus or prospectus supplement that contains the specific terms of the offering. The prospectus or prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the offering of the securities, including:

 

the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents and the amounts of any securities underwritten or purchased by each of them; and

the public offering price of the common stock and the proceeds to us and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.

 

Any 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 will be acquired by the underwriters 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 at varying prices determined at the time of sale. 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 securities.

 

We may sell the securities through agents from time to time. The prospectus or 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 prospectus or prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus or prospectus supplement, and the prospectus or prospectus supplement will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these contracts.

 

Agents and underwriters may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to contribution with respect to payments which the agents or underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof. Agents and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

 

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus or prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus or prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of securities, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of securities. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus or prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).

 

Each series of securities will be a new issue of securities and will have no established trading market other than the common stock which is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market. Any underwriters to whom securities are sold 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. The securities, other than the common stock, may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Alston & Bird LLP, Atlanta, Georgia. If the validity of the securities offered hereby in connection with offerings made pursuant to this prospectus is being passed upon by counsel of the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, such counsel will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. and its subsidiary as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, incorporated by reference herein, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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$       

 


% Fixed-to-Floating Subordinated Notes due 2030

 

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc.

 

 

     
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
     
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joint Book Running Managers

 

Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Piper Sandler

 

Co-Manager

 

 

  Stephens Inc.








August    , 2020