-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, LKuaIGewhAoF3wWqveokhKdn3e6mnU6QK4DjDacduSeqx8wYlIACG6940cK9905d uWhmZkKj5HJ/vefzAs3RWA== 0000950129-01-501632.txt : 20010628 0000950129-01-501632.hdr.sgml : 20010628 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950129-01-501632 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-3/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 11 FILED AS OF DATE: 20010627 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000833320 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS [1311] IRS NUMBER: 911413284 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-3/A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-61600 FILM NUMBER: 1669239 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5051 WESTHEIMER STREET 2: SUITE 1400 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77056 BUSINESS PHONE: 7136249500 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5051 WESTHEIMER STREET 2: STE 1400 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77056 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001061292 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: UNKNOWN SIC - 0000 [0000] STATE OF INCORPORATION: TX FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-3/A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-61600-01 FILM NUMBER: 1669240 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5051 WERTHEIMER STREET 2: STE 1400 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77056 BUSINESS PHONE: 7136249500 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001061293 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: UNKNOWN SIC - 0000 [0000] STATE OF INCORPORATION: TX FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-3/A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-61600-02 FILM NUMBER: 1669241 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5051 WERTHEIMER STREET 2: STE 1400 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77056 BUSINESS PHONE: 7136249500 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001112276 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS [1311] STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-3/A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-61600-03 FILM NUMBER: 1669242 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5051 WESTHEIMER STREET 2: SUITE 1400 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77056 BUSINESS PHONE: 7136249500 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5051 WESTHEIMER STREET 2: STE 1400 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77056 S-3/A 1 h86756a1s-3a.txt BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. - AMENDMENT #1 1 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 27, 2001 REGISTRATION NO. 333-61600 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 --------------------- AMENDMENT NO. 1 FORM S-3 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 --------------------- EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF IRS EMPLOYER AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Burlington Resources Inc. Delaware 91-1413284 Burlington Resources Capital I Delaware 76-0572336 Burlington Resources Capital II Delaware 76-0572333 Burlington Resources Finance Company Nova Scotia Not Applicable
--------------------- 5051 WESTHEIMER, SUITE 1400 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056 (713) 624-9500 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants' principal executive offices) --------------------- FREDERICK J. PLAEGER, II, ESQUIRE VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. 5051 WESTHEIMER, SUITE 1400 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056 (713) 624-9500 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) --------------------- Copies to: JOHN SCHUSTER, ESQUIRE JOHN W. WHITE, ESQUIRE CAHILL GORDON & REINDEL CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE 80 PINE STREET 825 EIGHTH AVENUE NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10005 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019 (212) 701-3000 (212) 474-1000
--------------------- Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective. If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [ ] If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X] If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. [X] --------------------- CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROPOSED PROPOSED MAXIMUM TITLE OF EACH CLASS AMOUNT TO BE MAXIMUM OFFERING AGGREGATE OFFERING AMOUNT OF OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED(1)(2) PRICE PER UNIT(3) PRICE(2)(3)(4) REGISTRATION FEE - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Debt Securities of Burlington Resources Inc....................................... Common Stock of Burlington Resources Inc.(1)................................... Preferred Stock of Burlington Resources Inc....................................... Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Rights of Burlington Resources Inc. (currently traded with Common Stock)(1).............. Trust Preferred Securities.................. Trust Preferred Securities Guarantees(5).... Debt Securities of Burlington Resources Finance Company........................... Guarantees of Burlington Resources Inc.(6)................................... - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................... $1,500,000,000 100% $1,500,000,000 $225,000(7) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Certain series of securities are convertible into common stock. Burlington Resources Inc. is registering an indeterminate number of shares of common stock for that purpose. We are also registering rights to purchase Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock which trade with the common stock, but we will not receive any additional consideration for them. (2) In U.S. dollars or the equivalent in foreign currencies, currency units or composite currencies. If we issue any debt securities at an original issue discount, the amount registered will be whatever greater amount that results in aggregate net proceeds of $1,500,000,000 for the registrants. (3) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457 solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee. (4) Exclusive of accrued interest or dividends, if any. (5) We will not receive separate consideration for the trust preferred securities guarantees. The guarantees include the rights of holders of trust preferred securities under the guarantees and certain back-up undertakings, comprised of obligations of Burlington Resources Inc. under the subordinated indenture and related supplemental indentures and under the declaration of trust of each of Burlington Resources Capital I and Burlington Resources Capital II, each as described in the registration statement. (6) The Debt Securities to be issued by Burlington Resources Finance Company will be irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Burlington Resources Inc. No separate consideration will be received for the guarantees of Burlington Resources Inc. and, therefore, no additional registration fee is payable in respect of the registration of such guarantees. (7) Fee calculation based upon $899,999,000 of securities. In accordance with Rule 457(p), the fee calculation excludes fees of $150,000 which are a portion of the fees previously paid in connection with $1,000,001,000 of securities of the registrants under Registration Statement No. 333-36032, of which $600,001,000 of securities remain unsold. Such Registration Statement was declared effective on May 12, 2000. --------------------- THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON THE DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED. SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 27, 2001 PROSPECTUS $1,500,000,000 BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. DEBT SECURITIES COMMON STOCK PREFERRED STOCK BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED BY BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY DEBT SECURITIES FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED BY BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. Burlington Resources Inc. may offer, from time to time, in one or more series - unsecured senior debt securities; - unsecured subordinated debt securities; - shares of common stock; and - shares of preferred stock. From time to time, the Burlington Resources trusts may offer trust preferred securities fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a subordinated basis by Burlington Resources Inc. From time to time, Burlington Resources Finance Company may offer and sell debt securities in one or more series, consisting of notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness. The debt securities will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Burlington Resources Inc. The securities: - will have a maximum aggregate offering price of $1,500,000,000; - will be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement; - may be denominated in U.S. dollars or in other currencies or currency units; - may be offered separately or together, or in separate series; and - may be listed on a national securities exchange, if specified in an accompanying prospectus supplement. --------------------- Burlington Resources Inc.'s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "BR." --------------------- NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES, OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. --------------------- The securities may be sold directly, through agents from time to time or through underwriters and/or dealers. If any agent of the issuers or any underwriter is involved in the sale of the securities, the name of the agent or underwriter and any applicable commission or discount will be set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement. --------------------- This prospectus may be used to offer and sell securities only if accompanied by a prospectus supplement. The date of this prospectus is , 2001 3 YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE YOU WITH DIFFERENT INFORMATION OR TO OFFER ANY SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE RESPECTIVE DATES ON THE FRONT OF THOSE DOCUMENTS. IN THIS PROSPECTUS, REFERENCES TO "BURLINGTON RESOURCES" MEAN BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC., REFERENCES TO "BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY" MEAN BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY, REFERENCES TO THE "BURLINGTON RESOURCES TRUSTS" MEAN, COLLECTIVELY, BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I AND BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II, AND REFERENCES TO "WE," "US" AND "OUR" MEAN, COLLECTIVELY, BURLINGTON RESOURCES, BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY AND THE BURLINGTON RESOURCES TRUSTS. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, THE DOLLAR AMOUNTS AND FINANCIAL DATA CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT ARE PRESENTED IN U.S. DOLLARS. TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE ---- Where You Can Find More Information......................... 2 Incorporation of Certain Documents By Reference............. 3 Forward-Looking Statements.................................. 4 Burlington Resources........................................ 4 The Burlington Resources Trusts............................. 4 Burlington Resources Finance Company........................ 5 Use of Proceeds............................................. 5 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.......................... 6 Description of Debt Securities.............................. 6 Description of Capital Stock of Burlington Resources........ 17 Description of Trust Preferred Securities and Trust Guarantees................................................ 21 Plan of Distribution........................................ 24 Legal Matters............................................... 25 Experts..................................................... 25
--------------------- WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION We have filed a joint registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission; however, we did not include separate financial statements of the Burlington Resources trusts or of Burlington Resources Finance Company in this prospectus because: - all of the voting rights of the Burlington Resources trusts and Burlington Resources Finance Company will be owned by Burlington Resources, either directly or through wholly-owned subsidiaries of Burlington Resources, which files regular reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission; - neither of the Burlington Resources trusts nor Burlington Resources Finance Company has any operations other than transferring funds to Burlington Resources' subsidiaries; and - Burlington Resources will fully and unconditionally guarantee the Burlington Resources trusts' and Burlington Resources Finance Company's obligations and the rights of holders. Each time we offer to sell securities, whether by the Burlington Resources trusts, Burlington Resources Finance Company or Burlington Resources, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering, including any guarantees. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. This prospectus, 2 4 together with the applicable prospectus supplement, will include or refer you to all material information relating to each offering. Burlington Resources trusts and Burlington Resources Finance Company are not required to file periodic and other documents under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Burlington Resources does not intend to include in its consolidated financial statements any separate financial information regarding the Burlington Resources trusts or Burlington Resources Finance Company. Also, in view of Burlington Resources' guarantees, neither of the Burlington Resources trusts nor Burlington Resources Finance Company intend to furnish holders of the debt securities with separate financial statements or other reports. This prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For more information about Burlington Resources, the Burlington Resources trusts, Burlington Resources Finance Company and the securities covered by this prospectus, you should see the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules. Any statement made in this prospectus concerning the provisions of the documents may be incomplete, and you should refer to the copy of such documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement with the SEC. Burlington Resources files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may obtain information on the operation of the SEC's public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. You may also read and copy any document we file at this room located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20549. You can also inspect these materials at the New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus will automatically update and supersede the information included and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the following documents and any of Burlington Resources' future filings with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until our offering is complete: - Burlington Resources' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000; - Burlington Resources' Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001; - Burlington Resources' Report on Form 8-K filed February 8, 2001; - The description of Burlington Resources common stock contained in Burlington Resources' Rule 424(b) Prospectus, dated July 7, 1988; and - The description of Burlington Resources' rights agreement contained in Burlington Resources' Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on December 18, 1998. On request, we will provide without charge a copy of any or all of the above documents incorporated by reference (other than exhibits to documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the documents that this prospectus incorporates). Send your written or oral requests to: Jeffery P. Monte, Corporate Secretary, Burlington Resources Inc., 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056, telephone: (713) 624-9500. 3 5 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This prospectus contains projections and other forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Sometimes these statements will contain words such as "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans" and other similar words. These projections and statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. We can not assure you, however, that these events will occur or that these projections will be achieved, and our actual results could differ materially from those projected because of various risks, uncertainties and other important factors. These risks, uncertainties and factors include: - fluctuations in commodity pricing and demand; - risks associated with exploring for, developing and producing crude oil and natural gas; - risks associated with large development projects; - risks inherent in foreign operations such as changes in laws, policies, regulations, taxation and political climate; - competition for raw materials and customers in the crude oil and natural gas industry; - changes in laws and regulations affecting our operations; - potential environmental liabilities; and - outcome of pending or threatened litigation. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. You should read the description of these factors under the caption "Forward-Looking Statements" in Burlington Resources' latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. BURLINGTON RESOURCES Burlington Resources is a holding company engaged, through its principal subsidiaries, Burlington Resources Oil & Gas Company LP, The Louisiana Land and Exploration Company, Burlington Resources Canada Energy Ltd. and their affiliated companies, in the exploration, development, production and marketing of crude oil and natural gas. Burlington Resources' principal executive offices are located at 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056, telephone: (713) 624-9500. THE BURLINGTON RESOURCES TRUSTS Each of Burlington Resources Capital I and Burlington Resources Capital II is a statutory business trust formed under Delaware law through the filing of a certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State. Each trust's business will be defined in a declaration of trust which will be executed by Burlington Resources, as sponsor and depositor for each of the trusts, and the trustees for each of the trusts. Unless stated otherwise in the prospectus supplement, each trust exists exclusively to: - issue and sell the trust preferred securities and the trust common securities; - invest the gross proceeds of the sale of the trust preferred securities and trust common securities in a specific series of subordinated debt securities of Burlington Resources; and - engage in only those other activities necessary, convenient or incidental to carrying out the first two purposes. All of the trust common securities will be owned by Burlington Resources. The trust common securities will rank equally, and payments will be made on the trust common securities pro rata, with the trust preferred securities. However, upon an event of default under the indenture governing the 4 6 subordinated debt securities, holders of the trust preferred securities have a right to be paid before the holders of the trust common securities on distribution and on liquidation, redemption and otherwise. Burlington Resources will acquire trust common securities having an aggregate liquidation amount equal to a minimum of 1% of the total capital of each trust. Each trust will have a term of at least 20 but not more than 50 years, but may terminate earlier as provided in the applicable declaration of trust. Each trust's business and affairs will be conducted by its trustees, whose obligations and duties will be governed by the declaration of trust. Subject to limited exceptions, the holder(s) of the trust common securities will be entitled to appoint, remove or replace any of, or increase or reduce the number of, the trustees of each trust. At least one of the trustees of each of the trusts will be a person who is an employee or officer of or an affiliate of Burlington Resources. One trustee of each trust will be a financial institution that is not affiliated with Burlington Resources and will act as property trustee and as indenture trustee for the purposes of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. A more detailed description of these provisions will be contained in the prospectus supplement. Unless the property trustee maintains a principal place of business in Delaware and otherwise meets the requirements of applicable law, one trustee of each trust will be either an individual or a company who has a residence or a principal place of business in Delaware. Burlington Resources will pay all fees and expenses related to each trust and the offering of securities. Unless otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement, the property trustee will be The Chase Manhattan Bank and the Delaware trustee will be Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware. The office of the Delaware trustee is 1201 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. The principal place of business of the Burlington Resources trusts are c/o Burlington Resources Inc., 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056, telephone: (713) 624-9500. BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY Burlington Resources Finance Company is an unlimited liability company organized in February 2000 under the laws of Nova Scotia, Canada. Burlington Resources Finance Company is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Burlington Resources. Burlington Resources Finance Company will issue debt securities which securities will be guaranteed by Burlington Resources. The principal place of business of Burlington Resources Finance Company is c/o Burlington Resources Canada Energy Ltd., Suite 3700, 250-6th Avenue, S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H7, Canada, telephone: (403) 260-8000. USE OF PROCEEDS Unless we set forth other uses of proceeds in the prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds of the sale of the securities described in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement for general corporate purposes. These may include the reduction of outstanding indebtedness, working capital increases, capital expenditures or acquisitions. Unless we set forth other uses of proceeds in the prospectus supplement, each Burlington Resources trust will use all proceeds received from the sale of trust preferred securities to purchase subordinated debt securities of Burlington Resources. We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of subordinated debt securities for the general corporate purposes described above. 5 7 RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES The following table sets forth Burlington Resources' consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the indicated periods.
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, - --------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- 2001 2000 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 - --------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 12.69x 3.63x 5.72x .94x -- 3.36x 3.38x
Total earnings available for fixed charges for the year ended 1998 were inadequate to cover total fixed charges in the amount of approximately $638 million primarily as a result of the impairment of oil and gas assets related to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 121 ($706 million pretax or $390 million after tax in 1998). For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent pretax income from continuing operations available for fixed charges, less equity in undistributed earnings of 20-50% owned companies, together with a portion of rent under long-term operating leases representative of an interest factor. Fixed charges represent interest expense, capitalized interest and a portion of rent under long-term operating leases representative of an interest factor. DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES The following description of the debt securities sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities to which this prospectus and any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of any series of debt securities and the extent to which the general provisions may apply to a particular series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to that series. Burlington Resources and Burlington Resources Finance Company may issue senior debt securities and Burlington Resources may issue subordinated debt securities under indentures with Citibank, N.A., as trustee. We have summarized selected provisions of the indentures below. The summary is not complete. The form of Burlington Resources Finance Company's senior indenture has been incorporated by reference in this registration statement and the forms of Burlington Resources' senior indenture and subordinated indenture are filed as exhibits to this registration statement. You should read the indentures for provisions that may be important to you. Because we have included only a summary of the indenture terms, you must read the indentures in full to understand every detail of the terms of the debt securities. If you would like to read the indentures in their entirety, see "Where You Can Find More Information." For purposes of this section, the "issuer" means Burlington Resources, in the case of debt securities issued by Burlington Resources, and Burlington Resources Finance Company, in the case of debt securities issued by Burlington Resources Finance Company, while the "guarantor" means Burlington Resources, in the case of debt securities issued by Burlington Resources Finance Company, and has no meaning in the case of debt securities issued by Burlington Resources. Also, the term "indenture," in the case of debt securities issued by Burlington Resources Finance Company, includes the guarantee agreement pursuant to which the guarantor guarantees the debt securities. GENERAL The debt securities will be unsecured obligations of the issuer. None of the indentures limit the amount of debt securities the issuer may issue. 6 8 You should read the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of debt securities for the following terms of the offered debt securities: - the title of the debt securities; - any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities; - the dates on which the principal of the debt securities is payable; - the interest rate of the debt securities, or the method for calculating the interest rate, and the date or dates from which interest will accrue; - the interest payment dates and the record dates for the interest payment dates; - places where payments of the principal and interest, if any, may be made on the debt securities; - the terms and conditions upon which the debt securities may be redeemed at the issuer's option or otherwise; - any mandatory or optional sinking fund or analogous provisions; - the denominations in which the debt securities are issuable; - whether any portion of the principal amount of such debt securities is payable upon declaration of the acceleration of the maturity thereof; - if other than U.S. dollars, the currency or currency units in which the debt securities are denominated and/or in which payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and/or interest on the debt securities will or may be payable; - any deletions, modifications or additions to the events of default or covenants pertaining to the debt securities; - whether the debt securities will be convertible into or exchangeable for other securities or other property; and - any other terms not inconsistent with the indentures, including, without limitation, the addition of covenants applicable to the debt securities. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the issuer will issue the debt securities only in fully registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof. There will not be any service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of debt securities, but the issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge. RANKING OF DEBT SECURITIES Burlington Resources' senior debt securities will be unsecured and will rank equally and ratably with Burlington Resources' other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. Burlington Resources' subordinated debt securities will be junior in right of payment to all of Burlington Resources' senior indebtedness to the extent described in the prospectus supplement. The debt securities issued by Burlington Resources Finance Company will be: - senior unsecured obligations of Burlington Resources Finance Company and will rank equally and ratably with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Burlington Resources Finance Company; and - guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Burlington Resources, which guarantee will rank equally and ratably with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Burlington Resources. 7 9 Dividend and other distributions to the issuer from the issuer's various subsidiaries may be subject to certain statutory, contractual and other restrictions (including, without limitation, exchange controls that may be applicable to foreign subsidiaries). The rights of the issuer's creditors to participate in the assets of any subsidiary upon that subsidiary's liquidation or recapitalization will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent that the issuer may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary. In the case of debt securities issued by Burlington Resources Finance Company, the claims of holders under the guarantee by Burlington Resources will be effectively subordinated to the claims of creditors of Burlington Resources' subsidiaries other than Burlington Resources Finance Company. The indentures do not restrict the amount of indebtedness that Burlington Resources, Burlington Resources Finance Company or Burlington Resources' other subsidiaries may incur. GUARANTEES Burlington Resources will fully and unconditionally guarantee to each holder of a debt security issued by Burlington Resources Finance Company and authenticated and delivered by the trustee the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and any premium and interest on, the debt security, when and as it becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon acceleration, by call for redemption, repayment or otherwise in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and of the indenture. Burlington Resources will: - agree that, if an event of default occurs under the debt securities, its obligations under the guarantees will be absolute and unconditional and will be enforceable irrespective of any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of any series of the debt securities or the indenture or any supplement thereto, - waive its right to require the trustee or the holders to pursue or exhaust their legal or equitable remedies against Burlington Resources Finance Company before exercising their rights under the guarantees, and - agree to be subject to the restrictions set forth below under "Limitation of Liens" and "Merger, Amalgamation, Consolidation and Assumption" as if Burlington Resources was the "issuer." COVENANTS The indentures contain, among others, the covenants summarized below, which will be applicable (unless waived or amended) to any series of debt securities which are outstanding, unless stated otherwise in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series. Important Definitions. The following definitions will help in understanding the meaning of certain words and phrases used in the indenture covenants and discussed in the summary: The term "capital stock", as applied to the stock of any Person, means the capital stock of every class, whether now or authorized after the date of this prospectus, regardless of whether the capital stock is limited to a fixed sum or percentage with respect to rights of the holders of the capital stock to participate in dividends and in the distribution of assets upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of such Person. The term "consolidated net tangible assets" means the aggregate amount of assets of Burlington Resources and its subsidiaries (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting from the aggregate amount: - all current liabilities (excluding any which are by their terms extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor of the liability to a time more than 12 months after the time the amount of such liability is being computed), and - all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, organization expenses and other like intangibles of Burlington Resources and its subsidiaries, all as set forth on the most recent balance sheet of 8 10 Burlington Resources and its subsidiaries and computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The term "debt" means indebtedness for money borrowed. The term "lien" means any mortgage, pledge or lien. The term "principal property" means any oil, gas or mineral producing property, or any refining, processing, smelting or manufacturing facility, of the issuer or any restricted subsidiary located in the United States of America. The following are not included in the term "principal property": - property employed in transportation, distribution or marketing, - information and electronic data processing equipment, - any refinery, preparation plant, concentrator, smelter, mill or handling, processing or manufacturing facility in which the interests held by the issuer, or by one or more restricted subsidiaries or both and by others and the aggregate interest held by the issuer and all of its restricted subsidiaries does not equal or exceed 50%, - any property which in the opinion of the board of directors of the issuer is not materially important to the total business conducted by the issuer and its subsidiaries as an entirety or - any property or a portion of a particular property which in the opinion of the board of directors of the issuer is not materially important to the use or operation of such property. The term "restricted subsidiary" means a subsidiary of the issuer: - substantially all the property of which is located, or substantially all the business of which is carried on, within the United States of America, - which owns a principal property and - which has stockholders' equity exceeding 2% of consolidated net tangible assets of Burlington Resources. The term "stockholders' equity" means, with respect to any Person, stockholders' equity as computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The term "subsidiary" means a corporation in which a person and one or more of its subsidiaries own more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock, either directly or indirectly through intermediary subsidiaries. Limitation on Liens. The indentures provide that, so long as any debt securities issued under such indenture are outstanding, the issuer will not, and will not allow any of its restricted subsidiaries to, incur, issue, assume or guarantee any debt secured after the date of the applicable indenture by lien on any principal property of the issuer or any restricted subsidiary or any shares of capital stock of or debt of any restricted subsidiary, unless the issuer provides that the debt securities subject to the indenture and, if the issuer chooses, any other debt securities of the issuer or any restricted subsidiary which is not subordinated to such debt securities, are also secured equally and ratably with such secured debt. This restriction will not apply if, after giving effect to all such secured debt, the aggregate amount of such secured debt of the issuer and the restricted subsidiaries would not exceed 10% of consolidated net tangible assets. 9 11 In addition, this restriction will not apply to the following and the following will be excluded from constituting secured debt in any computation under the immediately preceding paragraph, debt secured by: (1) liens on property or any interest in any property, construction on property or improvement to property to secure all or any part of the costs incurred after the date of the applicable indenture for surveying, exploration, drilling, mining or other extraction, development, construction, alteration, repair or improvement of, in, under or on such property or to secure debt incurred to provide funds for any such purpose (it being understood that, in the case of oil, gas or mineral properties, or interests in such properties, costs incurred after the date of the applicable indenture for development shall include costs incurred for all facilities relating to such properties or to projects, ventures or other arrangements of which such properties form a part or which relate to such properties or interests, which facilities may include, without limitation: - any drilling equipment, production equipment and platforms or mining equipment, pipelines, pumping stations or other pipeline facilities; - terminals or warehouses or storage facilities; - bulk plants; - production, separation, dehydration, extraction, treating and processing facilities; - gasification or gas liquefying facilities, flares, stacks or burning towers; - flotation mills, crushers and ore handling facilities; - tank cars, tankers, barges, ships, trucks, automobiles, airplanes or other marine, automotive, aeronautical or other similar moveable facilities or equipment; - computer systems and associated programs or office equipment; - roads, airports and docks (including drydocks); - reservoirs or waste disposal facilities; - sewers, generating plants or electric lines; - telephone and telegraph lines, radio and other communications facilities; - townsites, housing facilities, recreation halls, stores and other related facilities; and - similar facilities and equipment of or associated with any of the above, whether or not in whole or in part located or from time to time located at or on such properties, projects, ventures or the situs of such other arrangements); (2) liens or the creation of encumbrances on an oil and/or gas or mineral producing property to secure obligations incurred or guarantees of obligations incurred in connection with or necessarily incidental to commitments of purchase or sale of, or the transportation or distribution of, the products derived from such property; (3) liens on: - drilling equipment, production equipment and platforms or mining equipment, pipelines, pumping stations or other pipeline facilities; - terminals or warehouses or storage facilities; - bulk plants; - production, separation, dehydration, extraction, treating and processing facilities; - gasification or gas liquefying facilities, flares, stacks or burning towers; 10 12 - flotation mills, crushers and ore handling facilities; - tank cars, tankers, barges, ships, trucks, automobiles, airplanes or other marine, automotive, aeronautical or other similar moveable facilities or equipment; - computer systems and associated programs or office equipment; - roads, airports and docks (including drydocks); - reservoirs or waste disposal facilities; - sewers, generating plants or electric lines; - telephone and telegraph lines, radio and other communications facilities; - townsites, housing facilities, recreation halls, stores and other related facilities; - real and personal property used primarily for purposes other than those of principal properties; and - similar facilities and equipment of or associated with any of the above, whether or not in whole or in part located or from time to time located at or on such properties, projects, ventures or the situs of such other arrangements; (4) liens on property existing at the time of acquisition of such property or mortgages to secure the payment of all or any part of the purchase price of such property or to secure any debt, incurred prior to, at the time of or within 24 months after the acquisition of such property for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price of such property; (5) liens: - in favor of the United States of America, any State or municipality of the United States of America, or any other country or any political subdivision, department, agency or instrumentality of any of them to secure moneys borrowed from or by such authorities, whether or not such moneys are borrowed or the repayment of such moneys is guaranteed by the issuer or by any restricted subsidiary, including, without limitation, liens to secure debt issued, assumed or guaranteed in pollution control or industrial revenue bond financings, or - to secure the performance of any covenant or obligation to or in favor of or entered into at the request of such authorities where such security is required pursuant to any contract, order, direction, regulation or statute; (6) liens in existence prior to the date of the applicable indenture; (7) liens by any restricted subsidiary pursuant to the terms of any trust deed or similar document entered into by such restricted subsidiary, or by a predecessor of such restricted subsidiary, prior to the date when it became a subsidiary; (8) liens existing on any of the properties of, or on any shares of capital stock or debt of, a corporation (including, but not limited to, a restricted subsidiary) at the time when such corporation becomes a subsidiary or is consolidated with or merged into the issuer or a subsidiary or liens existing upon property, capital stock or debt at the time of acquisition of such; (9) liens which secure only indebtedness owing by a subsidiary to the issuer or by a subsidiary or the issuer to a subsidiary; (10) any extension, renewal or replacement (or successive extensions, renewals or replacements), as a whole or in part, of any lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (1) to (9) inclusive, so long as such extension, renewal or replacement of such lien is limited to all or any part of the same property, shares of capital stock or debt that secured the lien extended, renewed or replaced (plus improvements on such property); 11 13 (11) pledges or deposits under workmen's compensation, unemployment insurance or similar statutes, mechanics', workmen's, repairmen's, materialmen's, carriers' or other similar liens arising in the ordinary course of business or deposits or pledges to obtain the release of any such liens; (12) liens: - created by or resulting from any litigation or other proceedings, including liens arising out of judgments or awards against the issuer or any restricted subsidiary, with respect to which the issuer or such restricted subsidiary is in good faith prosecuting an appeal or proceeding for review, or - incurred by the issuer or any restricted subsidiary for the purpose of obtaining a stay or discharge in the course of any legal proceeding to which the issuer or such restricted subsidiary is a party; (13) liens for taxes or assessments or governmental charges or levies not yet due or delinquent, or which can thereafter be paid without penalty, or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, landlord's liens on property held under lease, and other liens of a nature similar to those described above in this clause (13) which do not, in the opinion of the issuer or such restricted subsidiary, materially impair the use of such property in the operation of the business of the issuer or such restricted subsidiary or the value of such property for the purpose of such business; (14) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar charges or encumbrances not interfering with the ordinary conduct of the business of the issuer or any restricted subsidiary; and (15) liens secured by pipeline assets of El Paso Natural Gas Company. Under the indentures, the following types of transactions, among others, will not be deemed to create debt secured by a lien: the sale (including any forward sale) or other transfer of - oil, gas, gold or other minerals, whether in place or when produced, for a period of time until, or in an amount such that, the purchaser will realize from such oil, gas, gold or other minerals a specified amount of money (however determined) or a specified amount of such minerals, or - any other interest in property of the character commonly referred to as a "production payment," "ore payment," "royalty interest," "overriding royalty interest," or "mineral payment," or farmouts, the creation of working interest, joint operating or unitization agreements, or other similar transactions. MERGER, AMALGAMATION, CONSOLIDATION AND ASSUMPTION The issuer may, without the consent of any holders of outstanding debt securities, consolidate or amalgamate with or merge into, or convey, transfer or lease its assets substantially as an entirety to, any other corporation, partnership, limited liability company, unlimited liability company or trust, provided that: - the person formed by such consolidation or amalgamation or into which the issuer is merged or which acquires the issuer's assets expressly assumes the issuer's obligations on the debt securities and under the indentures; and - other conditions described in the indentures are met. The issuer may also, at any time, without complying with the above conditions, convey, transfer or lease its assets substantially as an entirety to any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Additionally, Burlington Resources Finance Company, in the case of debt securities issued by it, may assign all of its obligations under the debt securities and the indenture to Burlington Resources or any of its subsidiaries, provided that the person to which such obligations are assigned expressly assumes 12 14 Burlington Resources Finance Company's obligations under the debt securities and the indenture and other conditions described in the indenture are met. Upon compliance with these provisions, the issuer will be relieved of its obligations under the indentures and the debt securities. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; RIGHTS ON DEFAULT Each of the indentures defines an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series as any of the following events: - the issuer fails to pay interest for 30 days after it is due; - the issuer fails to pay principal when due; - the issuer fails to deposit any sinking fund payment when due, if applicable to the series of debt securities; - the issuer or the guarantor, if any, defaults for 90 days after appropriate notice in the performance of any other covenant in the debt securities, the applicable indenture or the guarantee agreement, as applicable; - the issuer or the guarantor, if any, has an event of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; or - the guarantee, if any, ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of the guarantee agreement) or the guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under the guarantee. If an event of default occurs with respect to a particular series (but not all series) of debt securities as a result of a failure to make a principal or interest payment or because of a failure to perform another covenant, the principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of that particular series and accrued interest may be declared due and payable immediately by either: - the trustee; or - the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of that series. If an event of default occurs with respect to all series of debt securities as a result of a failure to perform a covenant or because of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal amount of all outstanding debt securities and accrued interest may be declared due and payable immediately by either: - the trustee; or - the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities under the indenture. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series affected, with each series voting as a separate class, have the power 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. However, the direction must not conflict with any rule of law or the indentures. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the indentures at the direction of the holders, the trustee will be entitled to receive from the holders reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with their direction. The issuer and the guarantor, if any, must furnish the trustee annually with a statement that, to the best knowledge of the officers signing the statement, the issuer or the guarantor, as the case may be, is not in default in the performance of the terms of the indentures or, if the officers know that the issuer or the guarantor, as the case may be, is in default, specifying the default. The indentures require the trustee to give to all holders of outstanding debt securities notice of any default by the issuer or the guarantor unless 13 15 the default has been cured or waived. However, except for a default in the payment of principal of or interest on any outstanding debt securities, the trustee can withhold notice if the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors or officers of the trustee in good faith determine that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of the outstanding debt securities. DEFEASANCE If any series of debt securities have either: - become due and payable or are by their terms due and payable within one year; or - are to be called for redemption within one year, the indentures provide that the issuer may discharge substantially all of its or the guarantor's, if any, obligations to holders of these series of debt securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation by irrevocably depositing with the trustee enough funds to pay the principal of and interest on the debt securities when the series matures. The issuer can also discharge substantially all of its and the guarantor's, if any, obligations for any series of debt securities, including its or the guarantor's, if any, obligations under the covenants in the indentures, by irrevocably depositing with the trustee enough funds to pay the principal of and interest on the debt securities when the series matures. The issuer must also obtain an opinion of counsel to the effect that as a result of the defeasance, holders of that series of debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same time as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred. CHANGES IN CONTROL AND HIGHLY LEVERAGED TRANSACTIONS The indentures do not contain provisions requiring the issuer or the guarantor, if any, to redeem or to adjust the terms of the debt securities upon a change in control. Other than restrictions on liens described under "-- Covenants" above, the indentures do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction. MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURES The indentures and the guarantee agreement provide that the issuer, the guarantor, if any, and the trustee may enter into supplemental indentures without the consent of the holders of debt securities to: - secure any of the debt securities; - evidence the assumption by a successor corporation of the issuer's or the guarantor's obligations, as the case may be, as described under "-- Merger, Amalgamation, Consolidation and Assumption" above; - add covenants and events of default for the protection of the holders of all or any particular series of debt securities; - change or eliminate any of the provisions of the indentures, provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective only after there are no debt securities of any series entitled to the benefit of such provision outstanding; - establish the forms or terms of debt securities of any series; - cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistency in the indentures; or - evidence the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee. 14 16 The indentures and the guarantee agreement also contain provisions permitting the issuer, the guarantor, if any, and the trustee to add any provisions to, or change in any manner or eliminate any of the provisions of, the indentures or the guarantee agreement, as the case may be, or modify in any manner the rights of the holders of such debt securities with the consent of the affected holders of at least a majority in principal amount of all series of debt securities then outstanding, with each such series voting as a separate class. However, the issuer, the guarantor, if any, and the trustee may not, without the consent of the affected holder of each outstanding debt security: - change the stated maturity of the principal of or any installment of interest on any debt security; - reduce the principal amount; - reduce the rate of interest; - change the place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which, interest is payable; - impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment when due; - reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities requiring consent of holders for any modification; or - release the guarantee, if any, except in compliance with the terms of the guarantee agreement and the indenture. BOOK-ENTRY DEBT SECURITIES -- REGISTRATION, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE AND PAYMENT The issuer intends to issue each series of its debt securities in "book-entry" form, represented by one or more global certificates registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York ("DTC"), or its nominee. However, the issuer reserves the right to issue debt securities in certificate form registered in the names of the holders of the debt securities. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global certificates representing the particular series of debt securities will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC ("participants"), or persons that may hold interests through participants. DTC will keep on its computerized book-entry and transfer system a record of the principal amounts of debt securities held in the accounts of the participants. Participants, in turn, will keep records of the interests of their clients who have purchased debt securities through them. Beneficial interests in the global certificates may be shown only on, and may be transferred only through, records maintained by DTC and its participants. The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take delivery of the securities only in certificate form. These laws may limit the ability of holders of beneficial interests in the global certificates to transfer those interests to certain persons who might otherwise wish to purchase those interests. DTC has provided the issuer the following information: DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the United States Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered under the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also records the settlement among participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through computerized records for participants' accounts. This eliminates the need to exchange certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC's book-entry system is also used by other organizations such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that work through a participant. The rules that apply to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC. DTC is owned by a number of its participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., The American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. 15 17 Payments of interest and principal will be made to DTC, who in turn will credit payment to the accounts of its participants. It is DTC's current practice, upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest, to credit participants' accounts on the payment date according to their respective holdings of beneficial interests in the global certificates as shown on DTC's records. In addition, it is DTC's current practice to assign any consenting or voting rights to participants whose accounts are credited with certificates on a record date, by using an omnibus proxy. Payments by participants to holders of beneficial interests in the global certificates, and voting by participants, will be governed by the customary practices between the participants and holders of beneficial interests, as is the case with securities held for the account of customers registered in "street names." The issuer, the trustee and the paying agent will treat DTC as the sole owner of the global certificates for all purposes. Accordingly, the issuer, the trustee and any paying agent will have no responsibility or liability: - for the records relating to beneficial ownership interests in the global certificates; or - for the payments of principal and interest due for the accounts of beneficial holders of interest in the global certificates. Unless the issuer decides to issue the debt securities in certificate form, the global certificates representing a series of debt securities may not be transferred. However, a global certificate may be transferred by DTC to its nominees or successors. A series of debt securities represented by global certificates will be exchangeable for debt securities in certificate form with the same terms in authorized denominations only if: - DTC notifies the issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under applicable law, and we do not appoint a successor depositary within 90 days; or - The issuer decides not to require all of the debt securities of a series to be represented by global certificates and notifies the trustee of that decision. The issuer has obtained the foregoing information concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system from DTC and other sources it believes reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy of this information. APPLICABLE LAW The debt securities and the indentures will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York. TRUSTEE Citibank, N.A. is the trustee under the indentures for Burlington Resources' and Burlington Resources Finance Company's senior debt securities and Burlington Resources' subordinated debt securities. Citibank, N.A. serves as trustee under various indentures relating to our obligations. We have customary banking relationships with Citibank, N.A., including its participation as one of the agent banks in our revolving credit agreements. 16 18 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF BURLINGTON RESOURCES Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of 325,000,000 shares of common stock and 75,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which 3,250,000 shares are designated Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock. Burlington Resources has two outstanding classes of securities that entitle holders to vote generally at meetings of the Company's stockholders: common stock, par value $.01 per share; and special voting stock, par value $.01 per share. A single share of special voting stock was issued to CIBC Mellon Trust Company, as trustee under a voting and exchange trust agreement for the benefit of holders of exchangeable shares issued by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Burlington Resources Canada Inc., in connection with Burlington Resources' November 1999 acquisition of Poco Petroleums Ltd. The common stock and the voting share vote together as a single class on all matters except when Delaware law requires otherwise. Each share of common stock outstanding is entitled to one vote. The voting share is entitled to one vote for each exchangeable share outstanding (other than those held by Burlington Resources or any entity controlled by it). The trustee is required to vote the voting share in the manner that holders of exchangeable shares instruct, and to abstain from voting in proportion to the exchangeable shares for which the trustee does not receive instructions. As of March 31, 2001, there were 211,493,213 shares of common stock outstanding held by approximately 17,879 holders of record, excluding holders whose shares of record are held by brokers. As of March 31, 2001, 3,752,831 exchangeable shares were outstanding and entitled to give voting instructions to the trustee. As of the date of this prospectus, there were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding except for the special voting stock. Because the following description of our capital stock is a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you. You should read the following documents for more complete information: - Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation, as amended; - Burlington Resources' by-laws, as amended; and - the Rights Agreement, effective December 16, 1998, as amended, between Burlington Resources and BankBoston, N.A., as Rights Agent. COMMON STOCK The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably any dividends as may be declared by Burlington Resources' board of directors out of legally available funds. In the event of Burlington Resources' liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights and have no rights to convert their common stock into any other securities and no redemption provisions apply to the common stock. All of the outstanding shares of common stock are, and the shares offered hereby will be, fully paid and nonassessable. PREFERRED STOCK Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation authorizes its board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series. The board of directors is authorized to designate, for each series of preferred stock, the number of shares of such series, the voting powers, if any, of the shares of such series and the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions. You should read the certificate of designation relating to a particular series of preferred stock for specific terms. Burlington Resources has no present plans to issue any of the preferred stock, except as required under the Rights Agreement. 17 19 SPECIAL VOTING STOCK A series of preferred stock, consisting of one share, has been designated as special voting stock, having a par value of $.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $.01 per share. Except as otherwise required by law or Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation, the one share of special voting stock possesses a number of votes for the election of directors and on all other matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders equal to the number of outstanding exchangeable shares from time to time not owned by Burlington Resources or any entity controlled by Burlington Resources. The holders of shares of our common stock and the holder of the special voting stock vote together as a single class on all matters except when Delaware law otherwise requires. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Burlington Resources, all outstanding exchangeable shares will automatically be exchanged for shares of Burlington Resources' common stock, and the holder of the special voting stock will not be entitled to receive any of our assets available for distribution to its stockholders. The holder of the special voting stock is not entitled to receive dividends. The one share of special voting stock has been issued to CIBC Mellon Trust Company, as trustee, under the voting and exchange trust agreement. At such time as the one share of special voting stock has no votes attached to it because there are no exchangeable shares outstanding not owned by Burlington Resources or any entity controlled by Burlington Resources, the share of special voting stock will be canceled. RIGHTS AGREEMENT Each share of common stock currently has a right associated with it. Generally, each right consists of the right to purchase, for $200, 1/100 of a share of Burlington Resources Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock. The terms of the rights are set forth in the rights agreement. The rights may be exercised only if the distribution date occurs. The distribution date is the earlier of either: - the first date that it is publicly announced that a person or group has acquired 15% or more of Burlington Resources' voting power; or - the date that is 10 business days (or a later date selected by our board of directors) after a person or group begins, or announces an intention to begin, a tender or exchange offer for 15% or more of Burlington Resources' voting power. If a person or group acquires 15% or more of our voting power without the prior approval of the board of directors, then Burlington Resources' stockholders, other than the acquiror, will be entitled to purchase, for $200, Burlington Resources common stock, or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or our other securities, with a market value equal to $400. This is commonly referred to as the "flip-in" feature of the rights. If a person or group acquires 15% or more of Burlington Resources' voting power without the prior approval of the board of directors and then either acquires Burlington Resources in a merger or other business combination transaction or causes the sale or transfer of more than 50% of Burlington Resources' assets or earning power, then Burlington Resources' stockholders, other than the acquiror, will be entitled to purchase, for $200, common stock of the acquiror with a market value equal to $400. This is commonly referred to as the "flip-over" feature of the rights. The rights will expire automatically in 10 years, on December 16, 2008, but Burlington Resources has the option of redeeming or exchanging the rights prior to that time. Burlington Resources may redeem all of the rights at any time before a person or group announces that it has acquired 15% or more of Burlington Resources' voting power. The circumstances under which Burlington Resources may redeem the rights are more fully described in the rights agreement. Each right may be redeemed at the price of $.01 per right. The rights cannot be exercised until after the redemption period has passed. If Burlington Resources redeems the rights, the rights will no longer be exercisable and will terminate. 18 20 Furthermore, Burlington Resources may exchange all or a portion of the rights at any time after a person or group acquires 15% or more of Burlington Resources' voting power, at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock per right. If the board of directors orders the exchange of the rights, the rights will no longer be exercisable and will terminate. Until a right is exercised or exchanged, the holder of that right will not have any rights as a stockholder, including the right to vote or receive dividends, simply as a result of being a holder of that right. Each 1/100 of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock that may be issued upon exercise of a right is intended to be comparable to one share of common stock with respect to dividend, voting, liquidation and other rights. The Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock will rank junior to all other series of our preferred stock with respect to dividend payments and distributions of assets in liquidation. The Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock will not be redeemable. PROVISIONS AFFECTING CONTROL OF BURLINGTON RESOURCES Certificate of Incorporation. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), the approval by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock of a corporation entitled to vote on the matter generally is required for a merger, consolidation or sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all the corporation's assets to be consummated. Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation provides certain restrictions on business combinations with interested stockholders or their affiliates. Accordingly, Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of at least 51% of the voting stock, excluding the vote of any interested stockholder, for the adoption or authorization of a business combination unless the disinterested directors determine that: - the interested stockholder is the beneficial owner of at least 80% of the voting stock and has agreed to vote in favor of the business combination; or - the fair market value of the consideration per share to be received or retained by the stockholders in the business combination is equal to or greater than the consideration per share paid by the interested stockholder in acquiring the largest number of shares of that class of stock previously acquired in any one transaction or series of related transactions and the interested stockholder has not received the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial assistance provided by Burlington Resources. Directors. The DGCL permits the certificate of incorporation or the by-laws of a corporation to contain provisions governing the number and qualifications of directors. However, if the certificate of incorporation contains provisions fixing the number of directors, that number may not be changed without amending the certificate of incorporation. Burlington Resources' by-laws state that the number of directors shall be any number not less than one, determined from time to time by a vote of a majority of the directors then in office. Pursuant to Burlington Resources' by-laws, directors are elected at the annual meeting of stockholders for a term of one year. Amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation. Under the DGCL, a proposed amendment to the certificate of incorporation requires a resolution adopted by the board of directors and, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon and (if applicable) the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class. If any amendment would adversely affect the rights of any holders of shares of a class or series of stock, the vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of the class or series, voting as a class, is also necessary to authorize the amendment. Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation provides that no amendment to the certificate of incorporation shall amend, alter or repeal the provisions of Article 14 (action by stockholders without a meeting) or Article 15 (special voting requirements) without the affirmative vote of not less than 51% of the voting stock (as it is defined in the certificate of incorporation), excluding the vote of any interested stockholder. 19 21 By-Laws. Under the DGCL, the power to adopt, alter and repeal the by-laws is vested in the stockholders, except to the extent that a corporation's certificate of incorporation or by-laws vest it in the board of directors. However, the conferral of the power to adopt, alter and repeal the by-laws upon the directors does not divest the stockholders of their power to adopt, amend or repeal the by-laws. Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation grants the board of directors the power to make and alter the by-laws subject to certain restrictions and the provisions of the by-laws. With certain exceptions and subject to the power of the stockholders to amend and alter the by-laws, the by-laws provide that the by-laws may be altered or repealed: - by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares present or represented and entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders; or - by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole board of directors. Special Meetings. The DGCL provides that a special meeting of stockholders may be called by the board of directors or by any person or persons authorized by a corporation's certificate of incorporation or by-laws. Burlington Resources' by-laws provide that special meetings may be called only by a majority of the board of directors, the chairman of the board, or the president. Written Consent of Stockholders. Under the DGCL, unless otherwise provided in the corporation's certificate of incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a written consent or consents setting forth the action taken are signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote upon such action were present and voted and such votes are delivered to the corporation. Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation provides that any action by stockholders shall be taken at a meeting of stockholders and no action may be taken by written consent of the stockholders. Preemptive Rights. Under the DGCL, a stockholder does not have preemptive rights unless such rights are specifically granted in the corporation's certificate of incorporation. Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation provides that no holder of stock of any class shall have, as such holder, any preemptive or preferential right with respect to any stock of any class or to any securities convertible into shares of stock. Delaware Business Combination Law. Section 203 of the DGCL generally prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination (defined as a variety of transactions, including mergers, asset sales, issuance of stock and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder) with an "interested stockholder" (defined generally as a person that is the beneficial owner of 15% or more of a corporation's outstanding voting stock) for a period of three years following the date that such person became an interested stockholder unless: - prior to the date such person became an interested stockholder, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder's becoming an interested stockholder; - upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding stock held by directors who are also officers of the corporation and employee stock ownership plans that do not provide employees with the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or - on or subsequent to the date such person became an interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at a meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation not owned by the interested stockholder. 20 22 A corporation may adopt an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or by-laws expressly electing not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL if, in addition to any other vote required by law, the amendment is approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote. However, the amendment generally will not be effective until 12 months after its adoption and will not apply to a business combination with an interested stockholder who was such on or prior to the adoption of the amendment. Burlington Resources has not adopted an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or by-laws by which it elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL. DESCRIPTION OF TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES AND TRUST GUARANTEES TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES Each declaration of trust will authorize its trustees to issue one series of trust preferred securities and one series of trust common securities (together, the "trust securities"). Each declaration will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The trust preferred securities will have the terms set forth in the applicable declaration or made part of the declaration by the Trust Indenture Act. You should read the prospectus supplement relating to the particular trust preferred securities of a trust for specific terms, including: - the distinctive designation of trust preferred securities; - the number of trust preferred securities to be issued; - the annual distribution rate (or method of determining such rate) for trust preferred securities and the date or dates upon which such distributions will be payable; - whether distributions on trust preferred securities will be cumulative, and, in the case of trust preferred securities having cumulative distribution rights, the date or dates or method of determining the date or dates from which distributions on the securities will be cumulative; - the amount or amounts which will be paid out of the assets of the trust to the holders of trust preferred securities upon voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of the trust; - any conversion or exchange provisions applicable to the trust preferred securities; - the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the related series of the applicable subordinated debt securities may be distributed to holders of trust preferred securities; - the obligation, if any, of the Burlington Resources trust to purchase or redeem the trust preferred securities it issued and the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which these securities will be purchased or redeemed, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation; - the voting rights, if any, of trust preferred securities in addition to those required by law, including the number of votes per trust preferred security and any requirement for the approval by the holders of trust preferred securities as a condition to specified action or amendments to the declaration of the trust; and - any other specific terms of the trust preferred securities. Pursuant to each declaration, the property trustee will own the subordinated debt securities purchased by the applicable trust for the benefit of the holders of the trust preferred securities. Burlington Resources will guarantee to the extent described under the heading "-- Trust Guarantees" the payment of distributions out of money held by the trusts and payments upon redemption of trust preferred securities or liquidation of any trust. 21 23 The material federal income tax considerations applicable to an investment in trust preferred securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating thereto. TRUST COMMON SECURITIES In connection with the issuance of trust preferred securities, each Burlington Resources trust will also issue one series of trust common securities. Each declaration of trust authorizes the administrative trustee of a trust to issue on behalf of the trust one series of trust common securities with the terms set forth in the declaration of trust. Except as otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to the trust preferred securities, the terms of the trust common securities will be substantially identical to the terms of each trust preferred security. The trust common securities will rank equally and payments will be made pro rata with the trust preferred securities. However, upon an event of default under the indenture governing the subordinated debt securities, the rights of the holders of the trust common securities to payment in respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise will be subordinated to the rights of the holders of the trust preferred securities. Except in limited circumstances, the trust common securities will also carry the right to vote and to appoint, remove or replace any of the trustees of a trust. Burlington Resources will own, directly or indirectly, all of the trust common securities of each trust. TRUST GUARANTEES Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the trust guarantees that Burlington Resources will execute and deliver for the benefit of the holders of trust preferred securities of the respective trusts. The accompanying prospectus supplement will describe any significant differences between the actual terms of the trust guarantees and the summary below. Because this is a summary, it does not contain all of the information in the trust guarantee. You should read the entire trust guarantee, which will be filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. General. Burlington Resources will irrevocably and unconditionally agree, to the extent set forth in the trust guarantee, to pay in full, to the holders of trust securities as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim which the applicable trust may have or assert: - any accrued and unpaid distributions required to be paid on the trust securities, to the extent the trust has available funds at such time; - the redemption price, including all accrued and unpaid distributions, payable out of available funds with respect to any trust securities called for redemption by the trust; and - if Burlington Resources liquidates the trust, except in connection with the distribution of subordinated debt securities to the holders of trust securities or the redemption of all of the trust securities issued by the trust, the lesser of - the aggregate of the liquidation preference and all accrued and unpaid distributions on the trust securities of the series to the date of payment and - the amount of assets of the trust remaining available for distribution to holders of trust securities of the series in liquidation. Burlington Resources's obligation to make a trust guarantee payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by us to the holders of trust securities or by causing the applicable trust to pay the required amounts to the holders. Amendments and Assignment. Generally, the trust guarantee with respect to any series of trust securities may be changed only with the prior approval of the holders of at least a majority in liquidation preference of the outstanding trust preferred securities of the series. However, if the changes do not adversely affect the rights of holders of trust preferred securities of any series in any material respect, no 22 24 vote will be required. We will describe the manner of obtaining any approval of holders of the trust preferred securities of each series in an accompanying prospectus supplement. All guarantees and agreements contained in each trust guarantee shall bind Burlington Resources' successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives and will be for the benefit of the holders of the applicable series of trust preferred securities then outstanding. Termination of the Trust Guarantees. Each trust guarantee will terminate as to the trust preferred securities issued by the applicable trust upon: - full payment of the redemption price of all trust securities of the trust; - distribution of the subordinated debt securities held by the trust to the holders of the trust securities of the trust; or - full payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the declaration of the trust upon liquidation of the trust. Each trust guarantee will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of trust preferred securities issued by the applicable trust must restore payment of any sums paid under the trust preferred securities or the trust guarantee. The subordination provisions of the subordinated debt securities and the trust guarantees, respectively, will provide that in the event payment is made on the subordinated debt securities or the trust guarantees in contravention of such provisions such payments will be paid over to the holders of senior indebtedness. Ranking of the Trust Guarantee. Each trust guarantee will constitute Burlington Resources' unsecured obligation and will rank: - subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of Burlington Resources' other liabilities; - equally with the most senior preferred or preference stock, if any, hereafter issued by Burlington Resources and with any guarantee hereafter entered into by Burlington Resources in respect of any preferred or preference stock or interests of any affiliate of Burlington Resources; and - senior to the common stock. Each declaration will provide that each holder of trust securities by accepting the security agrees to the subordination provisions and other terms of the applicable trust guarantee. Each trust guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment and not of collection. The trust guarantee will be deposited with the property trustee to be held for the benefit of any series of trust securities. The property trustee will have the right to enforce the trust guarantee on behalf of the holders of any series of trust securities. The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate liquidation preference of a series of trust preferred securities will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available in respect of the trust guarantee applicable to the series of trust preferred securities, including giving directions to the property trustee. If the property trustee fails to enforce the trust guarantee, any holder of trust securities of a series to which the trust guarantee pertains may institute a legal proceeding directly against Burlington Resources to enforce its rights under the trust guarantee, without first instituting a legal proceeding against the trust, or any other person or entity. Each trust guarantee will not be discharged except by payment of the trust guarantee payments in full to the extent not paid by the applicable trust, and by complete performance of all obligations under such trust guarantee. Governing Law. Each trust guarantee will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. 23 25 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION We may sell the securities: - through underwriters or dealers; - through agents; - directly to purchasers; or - through a combination of any such methods of sale. Any underwriter, dealer or agent may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act. The prospectus supplement relating to any offering of securities will set forth their offering terms, including the name or names of any underwriters, the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds to us from such sale, any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items constituting underwriters' compensation, any initial public offering price, and any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers, and any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed. Only underwriters so named in the prospectus supplement are deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities offered hereby. If underwriters are used in the sale, they will acquire the securities for their own account and may resell them from time to time in one or more transactions, at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, or at prices related to such prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices. The securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more of such firms. Unless otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the offered securities if any are purchased. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by us to the agent will be set forth, in the accompanying prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. If so indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain specified institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. These contracts will be subject to any conditions set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement and the prospectus supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of these contracts. The underwriters and other persons soliciting these contracts will have no responsibility for the validity or performance of any such contracts. Securities offered may be a new issue of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom or agents through whom these securities are sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in these securities, but such underwriters or agents will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of or the trading market for any such securities. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us, to indemnification by Burlington Resources, the Burlington Resources trusts and/or Burlington Resources Finance Company against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act or to contribution by us to payments they may be required to make in respect thereof. Certain of the underwriters, agents or dealers and their associates may be customers of, or engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of business. 24 26 LEGAL MATTERS The legality of the debt and equity securities of Burlington Resources other than the guarantees of the trust securities will be passed upon for us by Cahill Gordon & Reindel, New York, New York, and for the underwriters, dealers or agents by Cravath, Swaine & Moore, New York, New York. The legality of the trust securities will be passed upon for us by Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. The legality of the debt securities of Burlington Resources Finance Company will be passed upon for us by Bennett Jones LLP, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Cahill Gordon & Reindel. Kenneth W. Orce, a member of Burlington Resources' board of directors, is a senior partner of Cahill Gordon & Reindel and, as of March 31, 2001, beneficially owned 34,877 shares of Burlington Resources common stock, including 22,252 currently exercisable options. EXPERTS The audited financial statements incorporated by reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, except as they relate to Burlington Resources Canada Energy Ltd. (formerly Poco Petroleums Ltd.), have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, and, insofar as they relate to Burlington Resources Canada Energy Ltd., by KPMG LLP, independent accountants. Such financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of such independent accountants given on the authority of such firms as experts in auditing and accounting. 25 27 PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.* Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee**....... $225,000 Cost of Printing............................................ 50,000 Rating Agency Fees.......................................... 50,000 Independent Accountants' Fees and Expenses.................. 25,000 Legal Services and Expenses (including Blue Sky fees and expenses)................................................. 100,000 Trustees' Fees and Expenses................................. 25,000 Miscellaneous............................................... 5,000 -------- Total..................................................... $480,000 ========
- --------------- * Other than the Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee, all amounts set forth above are estimates. ** Fee calculation is based upon $899,999,000 of securities. Excludes fees of $150,000 which are a portion of the fees previously paid in connection with $1,000,001,000 of securities of the registrants under Registration Statement No. 333-36032, of which $600,001,000 of securities remain unsold. Such Registration Statement was declared effective on May 12, 2000. ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify directors and officers as well as other employees and individuals against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement in connection with specified actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than action by or in the right of the corporation -- a "derivative action"), if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification only extends to expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action, and the statute requires court approval before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The statute provides that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation's charter, by-laws, disinterested director vote, stockholder vote, agreement, or otherwise. Article IX of Burlington Resources Inc.'s by-laws requires indemnification of directors and officers to the full extent permitted under Delaware law as from time to time in effect. Subject to any restrictions imposed by Delaware law, Burlington Resources Inc.'s by-laws provide a right to indemnification for all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by any person in connection with any actual or threatened proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was serving as a director or officer of Burlington Resources Inc., or is or was serving at the request of Burlington Resources Inc. as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan. Burlington Resources Inc.'s by-laws also provide that it may, by action of its board of directors, provide indemnification to its employees or agents with the same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers. Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a Delaware corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation that a director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for II-1 28 (i) any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) payments of unlawful dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions, or (iv) any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Article 13 of Burlington Resources Inc.'s certificate of incorporation provides that to the full extent that the DGCL, as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, permits the limitation or elimination of the liability of directors, a director of Burlington Resources Inc. shall not be liable to Burlington Resources Inc. or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Any amendment to or repeal of such Article 13 shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of Burlington Resources Inc. for or with respect to any acts or omissions of such director occurring prior to such amendment or repeal. The DGCL and Burlington Resources Inc.'s certificate of incorporation may have no effect on claims arising under the federal securities laws. Burlington Resources Inc. maintains directors' and officers' liability insurance which provides for payment, on behalf of the directors and officers of Burlington Resources Inc. and its subsidiaries, of certain losses of such persons (other than matters uninsurable under law) arising from claims, including claims arising under the Securities Act, for acts or omissions by such persons while acting as directors or officers of Burlington Resources Inc. and/or its subsidiaries, as the case may be. BURLINGTON RESOURCES TRUSTS Prior to the issuance of trust preferred securities by a Burlington Resources trust, the existing declaration of trust pursuant to which such Burlington Resources trust is organized will be amended and restated to provide that no trustee, or affiliate of any trustee, or officer, director, shareholder, employee, representative or agent of any regular trustee or of any such affiliate, or employee or agent of the applicable Burlington Resources trust or its affiliates (each an "Indemnified Person") shall be liable, responsible or accountable in damages or otherwise for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of the Burlington Resources trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by such declaration of trust or by law, except that an Indemnified Person shall be liable for any such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Indemnified Person's gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such act or omission. Each declaration of trust will also provide that to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Burlington Resources Inc. shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person from and against any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of the applicable Burlington Resources trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by such declaration of trust, except that no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such act or omission. Each declaration of trust will further provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by Burlington Resources Inc. prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified for the underlying cause of action as authorized by such declaration of trust. BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY The Articles of Association of Burlington Resources Finance Company provide, in substance, that every director and officer of Burlington Resources Finance Company shall, in the absence of any dishonesty on the part of such person, be indemnified by Burlington Resources Finance Company against all costs, losses and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or claim or satisfy a judgment, II-2 29 that such person may incur or become liable to pay in respect of any claim made against such person or civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which such person is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or officer of Burlington Resources Finance Company. THE REGISTRANTS Reference is made to the forms of underwriting agreements, to be filed as Exhibits 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 hereto, respectively, which contain provisions for indemnification of each of the registrants, their directors, officers and any controlling persons, by the underwriters against certain liabilities for information furnished by the underwriters. For a statement of the registrants' undertakings with respect to indemnification of directors and officers, see Item 17 below. ITEM 16. EXHIBITS. 1.1** -- Form of Underwriting Agreement among Burlington Resources Inc. and the Underwriter(s) with respect to Debt Securities of Burlington Resources Inc., Common Stock of Burlington Resources Inc. and Preferred Stock of Burlington Resources Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No. 333-83163). 1.2** -- Form of Underwriting Agreement among Burlington Resources Finance Company, Burlington Resources Inc. and the Underwriter(s) with respect to Debt Securities of Burlington Resources Finance Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8-K filed February 8, 2001). 1.3* -- Form of Underwriting Agreement among the Burlington Resources trusts, Burlington Resources Inc. and the Underwriter(s) with respect to trust preferred securities. 1.4* -- Form of Agency Agreement. 1.5* -- Form of Distribution Agreement. 4.1*** -- Form of Senior Indenture of Burlington Resources Inc. 4.2*** -- Form of Subordinated Indenture of Burlington Resources Inc. 4.3** -- Form of Indenture of Burlington Resources Finance Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8-K filed February 8, 2001). 4.4** -- Certificate of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital I (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No. 333-52213). 4.5** -- Certificate of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital II (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No. 333-52213). 4.6** -- Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital I (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No. 333-52213). 4.7** -- Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital II (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No. 333-52213). 4.8 -- Form of Guarantee relating to Burlington Resources Capital I. 4.9 -- Form of Guarantee relating to Burlington Resources Capital II. 4.10** -- Form of Guarantee Agreement of Burlington Resources Inc. with respect to Senior Debt Securities of Burlington Resources Finance Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8-K filed February 8, 2001).
II-3 30 4.11* -- Form of Senior Debt Security of Burlington Resources Inc. 4.12* -- Form of Subordinated Debt Security of Burlington Resources Inc. 4.13** -- Form of Senior Debt Security of Burlington Resources Finance Company with Form of Guarantee of Burlington Resources Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8-K filed February 8, 2001). 4.14 -- Copies of the instruments with respect to Burlington Resources Inc.'s long-term debt either have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or are available to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. 4.15** -- Form of Rights Agreement dated as of December 16, 1998, between Burlington Resources Inc. and BankBoston, N.A., as Rights Agent, which includes, as Exhibit A thereto, the form of Certificate of Designation specifying terms of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock and, as Exhibit B thereto, the form of Rights Certificate (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8-A filed December 18, 1998). 4.16** -- Voting Exchange and Trust Agreement between Burlington Resources Inc. and CIBC Mellon Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Annex G of Burlington Resources' and Poco Petroleum Ltd.'s Definitive Joint Proxy Statement dated October 13, 1999). 4.17 -- Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital I. 4.18 -- Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital II. 4.19 -- Form of Indenture of Burlington Resources Inc. in relation to the Trust Preferred Securities. 5.1 -- Opinion of Cahill Gordon & Reindel. 5.2 -- Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. 5.3* -- Opinion of Bennett Jones LLP 5.4 -- Opinion of Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales 8.1* -- Opinion of White & Case LLP as to certain United States federal income tax matters. 8.2* -- Opinion of Bennett Jones LLP as to certain Canadian federal income tax matters. 12.1*** -- Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. 23.1 -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 23.2 -- Consent of KMPG LLP. 23.3* -- Consent of Cahill Gordon & Reindel (included as part of Exhibit 5.1). 23.4* -- Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in Exhibit 5.2). 23.5* -- Consent of White & Case LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1). 23.6* -- Consent of Bennett Jones LLP (included in Exhibit 5.3 and/or 8.2). 24.1 -- Powers of Attorney (see pages II-8 and II-11). 25.1* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Burlington Resources Inc. Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. 25.2* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Burlington Resources Inc. Subordinated Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. 25.3* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Burlington Resources Finance Company Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. 25.4* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee under the Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital I. 25.5* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee under the Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital II.
II-4 31 25.6* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee under the Trust Guarantee of Burlington Resources Inc. for the benefit of the holders of Trust preferred securities of Burlington Resources Capital I. 25.7* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee under the Preferred Securities Guarantee of Burlington Resources Inc. for the benefit of the holders of trust preferred securities of Burlington Resources Capital II.
- --------------- * To be filed either by amendment or as an exhibit to an Exchange Act Report of Burlington Resources Inc. and incorporated herein by reference. ** Incorporated herein by reference as indicated. *** Previously filed. ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS. a) The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake: (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement; notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities being offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement; provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this paragraph do not apply if the Registration Statement is on Form S-3 and the information required to be included in post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Registrants pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. b) The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of a Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. II-5 32 c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrants of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrants in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrants will, unless in the opinion of their counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. d) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrants pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective. e) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. f) The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. II-6 33 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Burlington Resources Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused Amendment No. 1 to this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on the 27th day of June, 2001. BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. By: /s/ BOBBY S. SHACKOULS ---------------------------------- Name: Bobby S. Shackouls Title: Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer S-1 34 BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Amendment No. 1 to this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 27th day of June, 2001.
SIGNATURE TITLE --------- ----- /s/ BOBBY S. SHACKOULS Chairman of the Board, President and Chief - ----------------------------------------------------- Executive Officer Bobby S. Shackouls /s/ STEVEN J. SHAPIRO Senior Vice President and Chief Financial - ----------------------------------------------------- Officer Steven J. Shapiro * Vice President and Controller - ----------------------------------------------------- Joseph P. McCoy * Director - ----------------------------------------------------- S. Parker Gilbert * Director - ----------------------------------------------------- Laird I. Grant * Director - ----------------------------------------------------- John T. LaMacchia * Director - ----------------------------------------------------- James F. McDonald * Director - ----------------------------------------------------- Kenneth W. Orce * Director - ----------------------------------------------------- Donald M. Roberts * Director - ----------------------------------------------------- John F. Schwarz * Director - ----------------------------------------------------- Walter Scott, Jr. *By: /s/ STEVEN J. SHAPIRO ------------------------------------------------ Name: Steven J. Shapiro Title: Attorney-In-Fact
S-2 35 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each of Burlington Resources Capital I and Burlington Resources Capital II certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused Amendment No. 1 to this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas on the 27th day of June, 2001. BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I, a Delaware business trust By: Burlington Resources Inc., as Depositor By: /s/ STEVEN J. SHAPIRO ---------------------------------- Name: Steven J. Shapiro Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II, a Delaware business trust By: Burlington Resources Inc., as Depositor By: /s/ STEVEN J. SHAPIRO ---------------------------------- Name: Steven J. Shapiro Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer S-3 36 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Burlington Resources Finance Company certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused Amendment No. 1 to this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Calgary, Province of Alberta, Dominion of Canada, on the 27th day of June, 2001. BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY By: /s/ MARK ELLIS --------------------------------------- Name: Mark Ellis Title: President and Director S-4 37 BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Amendment No. 1 to this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 27th day of June, 2001.
SIGNATURE TITLE --------- ----- /s/ MARK ELLIS Director and President - ----------------------------------------------------- Mark Ellis /s/ STEVEN J. SHAPIRO Director, Senior Vice President - ----------------------------------------------------- and Chief Financial Officer Steven J. Shapiro * Director and Senior Vice President - ----------------------------------------------------- L. David Hanower * Vice President and Controller - ----------------------------------------------------- Joseph P. McCoy * Director - ----------------------------------------------------- Martin Lambert * Director - ----------------------------------------------------- Robert R. Rooney * Director - ----------------------------------------------------- C. Perry Spitznagel *By: /s/ MARK ELLIS ------------------------------------------------- Name: Mark Ellis Title: Attorney-in-fact
S-5 38 INDEX TO EXHIBITS 1.1** -- Form of Underwriting Agreement among Burlington Resources Inc. and the Underwriter(s) with respect to Debt Securities of Burlington Resources Inc., Common Stock of Burlington Resources Inc. and Preferred Stock of Burlington Resources Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No. 333-83163). 1.2** -- Form of Underwriting Agreement among Burlington Resources Finance Company, Burlington Resources Inc. and the Underwriter(s) with respect to Debt Securities of Burlington Resources Finance Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8-K filed February 8, 2001). 1.3* -- Form of Underwriting Agreement among the Burlington Resources trusts, Burlington Resources Inc. and the Underwriter(s) with respect to trust preferred securities. 1.4* -- Form of Agency Agreement. 1.5* -- Form of Distribution Agreement. 4.1*** -- Form of Senior Indenture of Burlington Resources Inc. 4.2*** -- Form of Subordinated Indenture of Burlington Resources Inc. 4.3** -- Form of Indenture of Burlington Resources Finance Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8-K filed February 8, 2001). 4.4** -- Certificate of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital I (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No. 333-52213). 4.5** -- Certificate of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital II (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No. 333-52213). 4.6** -- Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital I (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No. 333-52213). 4.7** -- Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital II (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No. 333-52213). 4.8 -- Form of Guarantee relating to Burlington Resources Capital I. 4.9 -- Form of Guarantee relating to Burlington Resources Capital II. 4.10** -- Form of Guarantee Agreement of Burlington Resources Inc. with respect to Senior Debt Securities of Burlington Resources Finance Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8-K filed February 8, 2001). 4.11* -- Form of Senior Debt Security of Burlington Resources Inc. 4.12* -- Form of Subordinated Debt Security of Burlington Resources Inc. 4.13** -- Form of Senior Debt Security of Burlington Resources Finance Company with Form of Guarantee of Burlington Resources Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8-K filed February 8, 2001). 4.14 -- Copies of the instruments with respect to Burlington Resources Inc.'s long-term debt either have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or are available to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. 4.15** -- Form of Rights Agreement dated as of December 16, 1998, between Burlington Resources Inc. and BankBoston, N.A., as Rights Agent, which includes, as Exhibit A thereto, the form of Certificate of Designation specifying terms of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock and, as Exhibit B thereto, the form of Rights Certificate (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8-A filed December 18, 1998).
39 4.16** -- Voting Exchange and Trust Agreement between Burlington Resources Inc. and CIBC Mellon Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Annex G of Burlington Resources' and Poco Petroleum Ltd.'s Definitive Joint Proxy Statement dated October 13, 1999). 4.17 -- Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital I. 4.18 -- Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital II. 4.19 -- Form of Indenture of Burlington Resources Inc. in relation to the Trust Preferred Securities. 5.1 -- Opinion of Cahill Gordon & Reindel. 5.2 -- Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. 5.3* -- Opinion of Bennett Jones LLP. 5.4 -- Opinion of Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales 8.1* -- Opinion of White & Case LLP as to certain United States federal income tax matters. 8.2* -- Opinion of Bennett Jones LLP as to certain Canadian federal income tax matters. 12.1*** -- Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. 23.1 -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 23.2 -- Consent of KPMG LLP. 23.3* -- Consent of Cahill Gordon & Reindel (included as part of Exhibit 5.1). 23.4* -- Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in Exhibit 5.2). 23.5* -- Consent of White & Case LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1). 23.6* -- Consent of Bennett Jones LLP (included in Exhibit 5.3 and/or 8.2). 24.1 -- Powers of Attorney (see pages II-8 and II-11). 25.1* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Burlington Resources Inc. Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. 25.2* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Burlington Resources Inc. Subordinated Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. 25.3* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Burlington Resources Finance Company Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. 25.4* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee under the Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital I. 25.5* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee under the Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital II. 25.6* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee under the Trust Guarantee of Burlington Resources Inc. for the benefit of the holders of Trust preferred securities of Burlington Resources Capital I. 25.7* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee under the Preferred Securities Guarantee of Burlington Resources Inc. for the benefit of the holders of trust preferred securities of Burlington Resources Capital II.
- --------------- * To be filed either by amendment or as an exhibit to an Exchange Act Report of Burlington Resources Inc. and incorporated herein by reference. ** Incorporated herein by reference as indicated. ***Previously filed. EX-4.8 2 h86756a1ex4-8.txt FORM OF GUARANTEE - BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I 1 EXHIBIT 4.8 ================================================================================ GUARANTEE AGREEMENT between BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. (as Guarantor) and [ ] (as Trustee) dated as of [ ] ================================================================================ 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ---- ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS.........................................................................2 Section 1.1. Definitions.........................................................................2 ARTICLE II. TRUST INDENTURE ACT.................................................................5 Section 2.1. Trust Indenture Act; Application....................................................5 Section 2.2. List of Holders.....................................................................5 Section 2.3. Reports by the Guarantee Trustee....................................................5 Section 2.4. Periodic Reports to the Guarantee Trustee...........................................5 Section 2.5. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent....................................6 Section 2.6. Events of Default; Waiver...........................................................6 Section 2.7. Event of Default; Notice............................................................6 Section 2.8. Conflicting Interests...............................................................6 ARTICLE III. POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE..................................7 Section 3.1. Powers and Duties of the Guarantee Trustee..........................................7 Section 3.2. Certain Rights of Guarantee Trustee.................................................8 ARTICLE IV. GUARANTEE TRUSTEE..................................................................11 Section 4.1. Guarantee Trustee: Eligibility.....................................................11 Section 4.2. Appointment, Removal and Resignation of the Guarantee Trustee......................11 ARTICLE V. GUARANTEE..........................................................................12 Section 5.1. Guarantee..........................................................................12 Section 5.2. Waiver of Notice and Demand........................................................12 Section 5.3. Obligations Not Affected...........................................................12 Section 5.4. Rights of Holders..................................................................13 Section 5.5. Guarantee of Payment...............................................................14 Section 5.6. Subrogation........................................................................14 Section 5.7. Independent Obligations............................................................14 ARTICLE VI. COVENANTS AND SUBORDINATION......................................................................14 Section 6.1. Subordination......................................................................14 Section 6.2. Pari Passu Guarantees..............................................................15
-i- 3 ARTICLE VII. TERMINATION........................................................................15 Section 7.1. Termination........................................................................15 ARTICLE VIII. MISCELLANEOUS......................................................................15 Section 8.1. Successors and Assigns.............................................................15 Section 8.2. Amendments.........................................................................15 Section 8.3. Notices............................................................................16 Section 8.4. Benefit............................................................................17 Section 8.5. Interpretation.....................................................................17 Section 8.6. Governing Law......................................................................18 SIGNATURES..................................................................................................S-1
-ii- 4 GUARANTEE AGREEMENT This GUARANTEE AGREEMENT, dated as of [ ], is executed and delivered by BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Guarantor") having its principal office at 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056, and [ ], a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States, as trustee (the "Guarantee Trustee"), for the benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) from time to time of the Preferred Securities (as defined herein) of Burlington Resources Capital I, a Delaware statutory business trust (the "Issuer"). WHEREAS, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of Trust"), dated as of [ ] among the Issuer trustees named therein, the Guarantor, as Depositor, and the Holders from time to time of undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the Issuer, the Issuer is issuing $[ ] aggregate liquidation preference of its [ ]% Trust Preferred Securities (liquidation preference $[ ] per preferred security) (the "Preferred Securities") and $[ ] aggregate liquidation preference of its common securities (the "Common Securities" and, together with the Preferred Securities, the "Securities") representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the Issuer and having the terms set forth in the Declaration of Trust; WHEREAS, the Preferred Securities will be issued by the Issuer and the proceeds thereof, together with the proceeds from the issuance of the Issuer's Common Securities, will be used to purchase the Debentures (as defined in the Declaration of Trust) of the Guarantor which will be deposited with [ ], Property Trustee under the Declaration of Trust, as trust assets; and WHEREAS, as incentive for the Holders to purchase the Securities, the Guarantor desires irrevocably and unconditionally to agree, to the extent set forth herein, to pay to the Holders of the Securities the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) and to make certain other payments on the terms and conditions set forth herein. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase by each Holder of Securities, which purchase the Guarantor hereby agrees shall benefit the Guarantor, the Guarantor executes and delivers this Guarantee Agreement for the benefit of the Holders from time to time of the Securities. 5 -2- ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS Section 1.1. Definitions. As used in this Guarantee Agreement, the terms set forth below shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings. Capitalized or otherwise defined terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Declaration of Trust as in effect on the date hereof. "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person; provided, however, that an Affiliate of the Guarantor shall not be deemed to include the Issuer. For the purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing. "Event of Default" means a default by the Guarantor on any of its payment or other obligations under this Guarantee Agreement; provided, however, that, except with respect to a default in payment of any Guarantee Payments, the Guarantor shall have received notice of default and shall not have cured such default within 90 days after receipt of such notice. "Guarantee Payments" means the following payments or distributions, without duplication, with respect to the Securities, to the extent not paid or made by or on behalf of the Issuer; (i) any accumulated and unpaid Distributions (as defined in the Declaration of Trust) required to be paid on such Securities, to the extent the Issuer shall have funds on hand available therefor at such time, (ii) the redemption price, including all accumulated and unpaid Distributions to the date of redemption (the "Redemption Price"), with respect to the Securities called for redemption by the Issuer to the extent the Issuer shall have funds on hand available therefor at such time, and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary termination, winding-up or liquidation of the Issuer, unless Debentures are distributed to the Holders, the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation preference of $[ ] per Security plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions on the Securities to the date of payment to the extent the Issuer shall have funds on hand available to make such payment at such time and (b) the amount of assets of the Issuer remaining available for distribution to Holders in liquidation of the Issuer (in either case, the "Liquidation Distribution"). "Guarantee Trustee" means [ ], until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee Agreement and thereafter means each such Successor Guarantee Trustee. 6 -3- "Holder" means any holder, as registered on the books and records of the Issuer, of any Securities; provided, however, that in determining whether the holders of the requisite percentage of Preferred Securities have given any request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, "Holder" shall not include the Guarantor, the Guarantee Trustee, or any Affiliate of the Guarantor or the Guarantee Trustee. "Indebtedness" means, with respect to a Person, (i) the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on, (A) indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed and (B) indebtedness evidenced by securities, notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued by such Person; (ii) all capital lease obligations of such Person; (iii) all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any conditional sale or title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the ordinary course of business); (iv) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of any letters of credit, banker's acceptance, security purchase facilities or similar credit transactions; (v) all obligations in respect of interest rate swap, cap, floor, collar or other agreements, interest rate future or option contracts, currency swap agreements, currency future or option contracts and other similar agreements; and (vi) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (v) of others for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise. "Indenture" means the Indenture, dated as of [ ], between the Guarantor and [ ], as Indenture Trustee, as amended or supplemented from time to time. "Junior Subordinated Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness of the Guarantor subordinate and junior to Subordinated Indebtedness and Senior Indebtedness. "List of Holders" has the meaning specified in Section 2.2(a). "Majority in liquidation preference of the Preferred Securities" means, except as provided by the Trust Indenture Act, a vote by the Holder(s), voting separately as a class, of more than 50% of the liquidation preference of all then outstanding Preferred Securities issued by the Issuer. "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice Chairman or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Guarantor, and delivered to the Guarantee Trustee. Any Officers' Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Guarantee Agreement shall include: (a) a statement that each officer signing the Officers' Certificate has read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto; 7 -4- (b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the Officers' Certificate; (c) a statement that each officer has made such examination or investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is necessary to enable such officer to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and (d) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each officer, such condition or covenant has been complied with. "Person" means a legal person, including any individual, corporation, estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated association, or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever nature. "Responsible Officer" means, with respect to the Guarantee Trustee, any Senior Vice President, any Vice President, any Assistant Vice President, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, any Trust Officer or Assistant Trust officer or any other officer of the Corporate Trust Department of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of that officer's knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject. "Senior Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness of the Guarantor, unless, in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding, it is provided that such obligations are not superior in right of payment to Subordinated Indebtedness or Junior Subordinated Indebtedness or to other Indebtedness of the Guarantor which is pari passu with, or subordinated to, Subordinated Indebtedness or Junior Subordinated Indebtedness. "Subordinated Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness of the Guarantor which is subordinated and Junior in right of payment to Senior Indebtedness, but does not include Junior Subordinated Indebtedness. "Successor Guarantee Trustee" means a successor Guarantee Trustee possessing the qualifications to act as Guarantee Trustee under Section 4.1. "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. 8 -5- ARTICLE II. TRUST INDENTURE ACT Section 2.1. Trust Indenture Act; Application. (a) This Guarantee Agreement is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Guarantee Agreement and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions. (b) If and to the extent that any provision of this Guarantee Agreement limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall control. Section 2.2. List of Holders. (a) The Guarantor shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Guarantee Trustee (a) semiannually, on or before [ ] and [ ] of each year, a list, in such form as the Guarantee Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders ("List of Holders") as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the delivery thereof, and (b) at such other times as the Guarantee Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Guarantor of any such request, a List of Holders as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished, in each case to the extent such information is in the possession or control of the Guarantor and is not identical to a previously supplied list of Holders or has not otherwise been received by the Guarantee Trustee in its capacity as such. The Guarantee Trustee may destroy any List of Holders previously given to it on receipt of a new List of Holders. (b) The Guarantee Trustee shall comply with its obligations under Section 311(a), Section 311(b) and Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. Section 2.3. Reports by the Guarantee Trustee. Not later than [ ] of each year, commencing [ ], the Guarantee Trustee shall provide to the Holders such reports as are required by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act, if any, in the form and in the manner provided by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act. The Guarantee Trustee shall also comply with the requirements of Section 313 (d) of the Trust Indenture Act. Section 2.4. Periodic Reports to the Guarantee Trustee. The Guarantor shall provide to the Guarantee Trustee, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Holders such documents, reports and information, if any, as required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act and the compliance certificate required by 9 -6- Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act, in the form, in the manner and at the times required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act. Section 2.5. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent. The Guarantor shall provide to the Guarantee Trustee such evidence of compliance with such conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Guarantee Agreement that relate to any of the matters set forth in Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion required to be given by an officer pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) may be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate. Section 2.6. Events of Default; Waiver. The Holders of a Majority in liquidation preference of the Preferred Securities may, by vote, on behalf of the Holders, waive any past Event of Default and its consequences. Upon such waiver, any such Event of Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Guarantee Agreement, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent therefrom. Section 2.7. Event of Default; Notice. (a) The Guarantee Trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of an Event of Default known to the Guarantee Trustee, transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Holders, notices of all such Events of Default unless such defaults have been cured or waived before the giving of such notice; provided, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of a Guarantee Payment, the Guarantee Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the Board of Directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible Officers of the Guarantee Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders. (b) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Event of Default unless the Guarantee Trustee shall have received written notice, or a Responsible Officer charged with the administration of the Declaration of Trust shall have obtained written notice, of such Event of Default. Section 2.8. Conflicting Interests. The Declaration of Trust shall be deemed to be specifically described in this Guarantee Agreement for the purposes of clause (i) of the first proviso contained in Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. 10 -7- ARTICLE III. POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE Section 3.1. Powers and Duties of the Guarantee Trustee. (a) This Guarantee Agreement shall be held by the Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the Holders, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not transfer this Guarantee Agreement to any Person except a Holder exercising his or her rights pursuant to Section 5.4(iv) or to a Successor Guarantee Trustee on acceptance by such Successor Guarantee Trustee of its appointment to act as Successor Guarantee Trustee. The right, title and interest of the Guarantee Trustee shall automatically vest in any Successor Guarantee Trustee, upon acceptance by such Successor Guarantee Trustee of its appointment hereunder, and such vesting and cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered pursuant to the appointment of such Successor Guarantee Trustee. (b) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Guarantee Trustee shall enforce this Guarantee Agreement for the benefit of the Holders. (c) The Guarantee Trustee, before the occurrence of any Event of Default and after the curing or waiver of all Events of Default that may have occurred, shall undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Guarantee Agreement, and no implied covenants shall be read into this Guarantee Agreement against the Guarantee Trustee. In case an Event of Default has occurred (that has not been cured or waived pursuant to Section 2.6), the Guarantee Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Guarantee Agreement, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs. (d) No provision of this Guarantee Agreement shall be construed to relieve the Guarantee Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that: (i) prior to the occurrence of any Event of Default and after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default that may have occurred: (A) the duties and obligations of the Guarantee Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Guarantee Agreement, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Guarantee Agreement; and 11 -8- (B) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Guarantee Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the Guarantee Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Guarantee Agreement; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof or of the Trust Indenture Act are specifically required to be furnished to the Guarantee Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Guarantee Agreement; (ii) the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Guarantee Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Guarantee Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts upon which such judgment was made; (iii) the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a Majority in liquidation preference of the Preferred Securities relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under this Guarantee Agreement; and (iv) no provision of this Guarantee Agreement shall require the Guarantee Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if the Guarantee Trustee shall have reasonable grounds for believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the terms of this Guarantee Agreement or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Section 3.2. Certain Rights of Guarantee Trustee. (a) Subject to the provisions of Section 3.1: (i) The Guarantee Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or presented by the proper party or parties. 12 -9- (ii) Any direction or act of the Guarantor contemplated by this Guarantee Agreement shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officer's Certificate unless otherwise prescribed herein. (iii) Whenever, in the administration of this Guarantee Agreement, the Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established before taking, suffering or omitting to take any action hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (unless other evidence is herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, request and rely upon an Officers' Certificate which, upon receipt of such request from the Guarantee Trustee, shall be promptly delivered by the Guarantor. (iv) The Guarantee Trustee may consult with legal counsel, and the written advice or opinion of such legal counsel with respect to legal matters shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or opinion. Such legal counsel may be legal counsel to the Guarantor or any of its Affiliates and may be one of its employees. The Guarantee Trustee shall have the right at any time to seek instructions concerning the administration of this Guarantee Agreement from any court of competent jurisdiction. (v) The Guarantee Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Guarantee Agreement at the request or direction of any Holder, unless such Holder shall have provided to the Guarantee Trustee such adequate security and indemnity as would satisfy a reasonable person in the position of the Guarantee Trustee, against the costs, expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses) and liabilities that might be incurred by it in complying with such request or direction, including such reasonable advances as may be requested by the Guarantee Trustee; provided that, nothing contained in this Section 3.2(a)(v) shall be taken to relieve the Guarantee Trustee, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, of its obligation to exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Guarantee Agreement. (vi) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Guarantee Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit. (vii) The Guarantee Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through its agents or attorneys, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or 13 -10- negligence on the part of any such agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder. (viii) Any action taken by the Guarantee Trustee or its agents hereunder shall bind the holders, and the signature of the Guarantee Trustee or its agents alone shall be sufficient and effective to perform such action. No third party shall be required to inquire as to the authority of the Guarantee Trustee to so act or as to its compliance with any of the terms and provisions of this Guarantee Agreement, both of which shall be conclusively evidenced by the Guarantee's or its agent's taking such action. (ix) Whenever in the administration of this Guarantee Agreement the Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (A) may request instructions from the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Securities, (B) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such other action until such instructions are received, and (C) shall be protected in acting in accordance with such instructions. (b) No provision of this Guarantee Agreement shall be deemed to impose any duty or obligation on the Guarantee Trustee to perform any act or acts or exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it in any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Guarantee Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law, to perform any such act or acts or to exercise any such right, power, duty or obligation. No permissive power or authority available to the Guarantee Trustee shall be construed to be a duty to act in accordance with such power and authority. Section 3.3. Indemnity. The Guarantor agrees to indemnify the Guarantee Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on the part of the Guarantee Trustee, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Guarantee Agreement, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. The Guarantee Trustee will not claim or exact any lien or charge on any Guarantee Payments as a result of any amount due to it under this Guarantee Agreement. The provisions of this Section 3.3 shall survive the termination of this Guarantee Agreement or the removal or resignation of the Guarantee Trustee. 14 -11- ARTICLE IV. GUARANTEE TRUSTEE Section 4.1. Guarantee Trustee: Eligibility. (a) There shall at all times be a Guarantee Trustee which shall: (i) not be an Affiliate of the Guarantor; and (ii) be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000, and shall be a corporation meeting the requirements of Section 310(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the supervising or examining authority, then, for the purposes of this Section and to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. (b) If at any time the Guarantee Trustee shall cease to be eligible to so act under Section 4.1(a), the Guarantee Trustee shall immediately resign in the manner and with the effect set out in Section 4.2(c). (c) If the Guarantee Trustee has or shall acquire any "conflicting interest" within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Guarantee Trustee and Guarantor shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. Section 4.2. Appointment, Removal and Resignation of the Guarantee Trustee. (a) Subject to Section 4.2(b), the Guarantee Trustee may be appointed or removed without cause at any time by the Guarantor. (b) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be removed until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by written instrument executed by such Successor Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor. (c) The Guarantee Trustee appointed hereunder shall hold office until a Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed or until its removal or resignation. The Guarantee Trustee may resign from office (without need for prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in writing executed by the Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor, which resignation shall not take effect until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed 15 -12- and has accepted such appointment by instrument in writing executed by such Successor Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor and the resigning Guarantee Trustee. (d) If no Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed and accepted appointment as provided in this Section 4.2 within 60 days after delivery to the Guarantor of an instrument of resignation, the resigning Guarantee Trustee may petition, at the expense of the Guarantor, any court of competent jurisdiction for appointment of a Successor Guarantee Trustee. Such court may thereupon, after prescribing such notice, if any, as it may deem proper, appoint a Successor Guarantee Trustee. ARTICLE V. GUARANTEE Section 5.1. Guarantee. The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to pay in full to the Holders the Guarantee Payments (without duplication of amounts theretofore paid by or on behalf of the Issuer), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim which the Issuer may have or assert. The Guarantor's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by the Guarantor to the Holders or by causing the Issuer to pay such amounts to the Holders. Section 5.2. Waiver of Notice and Demand. The Guarantor hereby waives notice of acceptance of the Guarantee Agreement and of any liability to which it applies or may apply, presentment, demand for payment, any right to require a proceeding first against the Guarantee Trustee, Issuer or any other Person before proceeding against the Guarantor, protest, notice of nonpayment, notice of dishonor, notice of redemption and all other notices and demands. Section 5.3. Obligations Not Affected. The obligations, covenants, agreements and duties of the Guarantor under this Guarantee Agreement shall in no way be affected or impaired by reason of the happening from time to time of any of the following: (a) the release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the performance or observance by the Issuer of any express or implied agreement, covenant, term or condition relating to the Securities to be performed or observed by the Issuer; (b) the extension of time for the payment by the Issuer of all or any portion of the Distributions (other than an extension of time for payment of Distributions that 16 -13- results from the extension of any interest payment period on the Debentures as so provided in the Indenture), Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or any other sums payable under the terms of the Securities or the extension of time for the performance of any other obligation under, arising out of, or in connection with, the Securities; (c) any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of the Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy conferred on the Holders pursuant to the terms of the Securities, or any action on the part of the Issuer granting indulgence or extension of any kind; (d) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of any collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of debt of, or other similar proceedings affecting, the Issuer or any of the assets of the Issuer; (e) any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Securities; (f) the settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby or hereby incurred; or (g) any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor, it being the intent of this Section 5.3 that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances. There shall be no obligation of the Holders to give notice to, or obtain the consent of, the Guarantor with respect to the happening of any of the foregoing. Section 5.4. Rights of Holders. The Guarantor expressly acknowledges that: (i) this Guarantee Agreement will be deposited with the Guarantee Trustee to be held for the benefit of the Holders; (ii) the Guarantee Trustee has the right to enforce this Guarantee Agreement on behalf of the Holders; (iii) the Holders of a Majority in liquidation preference of the Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee in respect of this Guarantee Agreement or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under this Guarantee Agreement; and (iv) if the Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce this Guarantee Agreement after a Holder has made a written request for the Guarantee Trustee to do so, any Holder may, to the extent permitted by law, institute a legal proceeding directly against the Guarantor to enforce its rights under this Guarantee Agreement, without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Guarantee Trustee, the Issuer or any other Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Guarantor has failed to 17 -14- make a Guarantee Payment, a Holder may directly institute a proceeding against the Guarantor for enforcement of this Guarantee Agreement for such payment. The Guarantor waives, any right or remedy to require that any action on this Guarantee Agreement be brought first against the Issuer or any other Person or entity before proceeding directly against the Guarantor. Section 5.5. Guarantee of Payment. This Guarantee Agreement creates a guarantee of payment and not of collection. This Guarantee Agreement will not be discharged except by payment of the Guarantee Payments in full (without duplication of amounts theretofore paid by the Issuer) or upon distribution of Debentures to Holders as provided in the Declaration of Trust. Section 5.6. Subrogation. The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all (if any) rights of the Holders against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid to the Holders by the Guarantor under this Guarantee Agreement and shall have the right to waive payment by the Issuer pursuant to Section 5.1; provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not (except to the extent required by mandatory provisions of law) be entitled to enforce or exercise any rights which it may acquire by way of subrogation or any indemnity, reimbursement or other agreement, in all cases as a result of payment under this Guarantee Agreement, if at the time of any such payment, any amounts are due and unpaid under this Guarantee Agreement. If any amount shall be paid to the Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence, the Guarantor agrees to hold such amount in trust for the Holders and to pay over such amount to the Holders. Section 5.7. Independent Obligations. The Guarantor acknowledges that its obligations hereunder are independent of the obligations of the Issuer with respect to the Securities and that the Guarantor shall be liable as principal and as debtor hereunder to make Guarantee Payments pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee Agreement notwithstanding the occurrence of any event referred to in subsections (a) through (g), inclusive, of Section 5.3 hereof. ARTICLE VI. COVENANTS AND SUBORDINATION Section 6.1. Subordination. This Guarantee Agreement will constitute an unsecured obligation of the Guarantor and will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness and Subordinated Indebtedness of the Guarantor. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under the Declaration of Trust, the rights of the holders of the Common Securities to 18 -15- receive Guarantee Payments hereunder shall be subordinated to the rights of the holders of Preferred Securities to receive Guarantee Payments under this Guarantee. Section 6.2. Pari Passu Guarantees. This Guarantee Agreement shall rank pari passu with any similar Guarantee Agreements issued by the Guarantor on behalf of the holders of Preferred Securities issued by Burlington Resources Capital I. ARTICLE VII. TERMINATION Section 7.1. Termination. This Guarantee Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect upon (i) full payment of the Redemption Price of all Securities, (ii) the distribution of Debentures to the Holders in exchange for all of the Securities or (iii) full payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the Declaration of Trust upon liquidation of the Issuer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guarantee Agreement will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any Holder must restore payment of any sums paid with respect to Preferred Securities or this Guarantee Agreement. ARTICLE VIII. MISCELLANEOUS Section 8.1. Successors and Assigns. All guarantees and agreements contained in this Guarantee Agreement shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of the Guarantor and shall inure to the benefit of the Holders of the Securities then outstanding. Except in connection with a consolidation, merger or sale involving the Guarantor that is permitted under Article 5 of the Indenture and pursuant to which the assignee agrees in writing to perform the Guarantor's obligations hereunder, the Guarantor shall not assign its obligations hereunder. Section 8.2. Amendments. Except with respect to any changes which do not adversely affect the rights of the Holders in any material respect (in which case no consent of the Holders will be required), this Guarantee Agreement may only be amended with the prior approval of the Holders of not less than a Majority in liquidation preference of all the outstanding Preferred Securities. The 19 -16- provisions of Article VI of the Declaration of Trust concerning meetings of the Holders shall apply to the giving of such approval. Section 8.3. Notices. Any notice, request or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, duly signed by the party giving such notice, and delivered, telecopied or mailed by first class mail as follows: (a) if given to the Guarantee Trustee, at the Guarantee Trustee's mailing address set forth below (or such other address as the Guarantee Trustee may give notice of to the Guarantor and the Holders): [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] (b) if given to the Guarantor, to the address set forth below or such other address, facsimile number or to the attention of such other Person as the Guarantor may give notice to the Holders of the Preferred Securities: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] (c) if given to the Issuer, in care of the Guarantee Trustee, at the Issuer's (and the Guarantee Trustee's) address set forth below or such other address as the Guarantee Trustee on behalf of the Issuer may give notice to the Holders: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] with a copy to: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] 20 -17- (d) if given to any Holder, at the address set forth on the books and records of the Issuer. All notices hereunder shall be deemed to have been given when received in person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery or cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given, such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date of such refusal or inability to deliver. Section 8.4. Benefit. This Guarantee Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Holders and is not separately transferable from the Preferred Securities. Section 8.5. Interpretation. In this Guarantee Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) capitalized terms used in this Guarantee Agreement but not defined in the preamble hereto have the respective meanings assigned to them in Section 1.1; (b) a term defined anywhere in this Guarantee Agreement has the same meaning throughout; (c) all references to "the Guarantee Agreement" or "this Guarantee Agreement" are to this Guarantee Agreement as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time; (d) all references in this Guarantee Agreement to Articles and Sections are to Articles and Sections of this Guarantee Agreement unless otherwise specified; (e) a term defined in the Trust Indenture Act has the same meaning when used in this Guarantee Agreement unless otherwise defined in this Guarantee Agreement or unless the context otherwise requires; (f) a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa; and (g) the masculine, feminine or neuter genders used herein shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter genders. 21 -18- Section 8.6. Governing Law. THIS GUARANTEE AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF. This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. 22 S-1 THIS GUARANTEE AGREEMENT is executed as of the date first above written. BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. By: -------------------------------- Name: Title: [ ], as Guarantee Trustee By: -------------------------------- Name: Title: EX-4.9 3 h86756a1ex4-9.txt FORM OF GUARANTEE-BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II 1 EXHIBIT 4.9 ================================================================================ GUARANTEE AGREEMENT between BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. (as Guarantor) and [ ] (as Trustee) dated as of [ ] ================================================================================ 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ---- ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS.........................................................................2 Section 1.1. Definitions.........................................................................2 ARTICLE II. TRUST INDENTURE ACT.................................................................5 Section 2.1. Trust Indenture Act; Application....................................................5 Section 2.2. List of Holders.....................................................................5 Section 2.3. Reports by the Guarantee Trustee....................................................5 Section 2.4. Periodic Reports to the Guarantee Trustee...........................................5 Section 2.5. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent....................................6 Section 2.6. Events of Default; Waiver...........................................................6 Section 2.7. Event of Default; Notice............................................................6 Section 2.8. Conflicting Interests...............................................................6 ARTICLE III. POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE..................................7 Section 3.1. Powers and Duties of the Guarantee Trustee..........................................7 Section 3.2. Certain Rights of Guarantee Trustee.................................................8 ARTICLE IV. GUARANTEE TRUSTEE..................................................................11 Section 4.1. Guarantee Trustee: Eligibility.....................................................11 Section 4.2. Appointment, Removal and Resignation of the Guarantee Trustee......................11 ARTICLE V. GUARANTEE..........................................................................12 Section 5.1. Guarantee..........................................................................12 Section 5.2. Waiver of Notice and Demand........................................................12 Section 5.3. Obligations Not Affected...........................................................12 Section 5.4. Rights of Holders..................................................................13 Section 5.5. Guarantee of Payment...............................................................14 Section 5.6. Subrogation........................................................................14 Section 5.7. Independent Obligations............................................................14 ARTICLE VI. COVENANTS AND SUBORDINATION......................................................................14 Section 6.1. Subordination......................................................................14 Section 6.2. Pari Passu Guarantees..............................................................15
-i- 3 ARTICLE VII. TERMINATION........................................................................15 Section 7.1. Termination........................................................................15 ARTICLE VIII. MISCELLANEOUS......................................................................15 Section 8.1. Successors and Assigns.............................................................15 Section 8.2. Amendments.........................................................................15 Section 8.3. Notices............................................................................16 Section 8.4. Benefit............................................................................17 Section 8.5. Interpretation.....................................................................17 Section 8.6. Governing Law......................................................................18 SIGNATURES..................................................................................................S-1
-ii- 4 GUARANTEE AGREEMENT This GUARANTEE AGREEMENT, dated as of [ ], is executed and delivered by BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Guarantor") having its principal office at 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056, and [ ], a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States, as trustee (the "Guarantee Trustee"), for the benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) from time to time of the Preferred Securities (as defined herein) of Burlington Resources Capital II, a Delaware statutory business trust (the "Issuer"). WHEREAS, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of Trust"), dated as of [ ] among the Issuer trustees named therein, the Guarantor, as Depositor, and the Holders from time to time of undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the Issuer, the Issuer is issuing $[ ] aggregate liquidation preference of its [ ]% Trust Preferred Securities (liquidation preference $[ ] per preferred security) (the "Preferred Securities") and $[ ] aggregate liquidation preference of its common securities (the "Common Securities" and, together with the Preferred Securities, the "Securities") representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the Issuer and having the terms set forth in the Declaration of Trust; WHEREAS, the Preferred Securities will be issued by the Issuer and the proceeds thereof, together with the proceeds from the issuance of the Issuer's Common Securities, will be used to purchase the Debentures (as defined in the Declaration of Trust) of the Guarantor which will be deposited with [ ], as Property Trustee under the Declaration of Trust, as trust assets; and WHEREAS, as incentive for the Holders to purchase the Securities, the Guarantor desires irrevocably and unconditionally to agree, to the extent set forth herein, to pay to the Holders of the Securities the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) and to make certain other payments on the terms and conditions set forth herein. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase by each Holder of Securities, which purchase the Guarantor hereby agrees shall benefit the Guarantor, the Guarantor executes and delivers this Guarantee Agreement for the benefit of the Holders from time to time of the Securities. 5 -2- ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS Section 1.1. Definitions. As used in this Guarantee Agreement, the terms set forth below shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings. Capitalized or otherwise defined terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Declaration of Trust as in effect on the date hereof. "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person; provided, however, that an Affiliate of the Guarantor shall not be deemed to include the Issuer. For the purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing. "Event of Default" means a default by the Guarantor on any of its payment or other obligations under this Guarantee Agreement; provided, however, that, except with respect to a default in payment of any Guarantee Payments, the Guarantor shall have received notice of default and shall not have cured such default within 90 days after receipt of such notice. "Guarantee Payments" means the following payments or distributions, without duplication, with respect to the Securities, to the extent not paid or made by or on behalf of the Issuer; (i) any accumulated and unpaid Distributions (as defined in the Declaration of Trust) required to be paid on such Securities, to the extent the Issuer shall have funds on hand available therefor at such time, (ii) the redemption price, including all accumulated and unpaid Distributions to the date of redemption (the "Redemption Price"), with respect to the Securities called for redemption by the Issuer to the extent the Issuer shall have funds on hand available therefor at such time, and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary termination, winding-up or liquidation of the Issuer, unless Debentures are distributed to the Holders, the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation preference of $[ ] per Security plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions on the Securities to the date of payment to the extent the Issuer shall have funds on hand available to make such payment at such time and (b) the amount of assets of the Issuer remaining available for distribution to Holders in liquidation of the Issuer (in either case, the "Liquidation Distribution"). "Guarantee Trustee" means [ ], until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee Agreement and thereafter means each such Successor Guarantee Trustee. 6 -3- "Holder" means any holder, as registered on the books and records of the Issuer, of any Securities; provided, however, that in determining whether the holders of the requisite percentage of Preferred Securities have given any request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, "Holder" shall not include the Guarantor, the Guarantee Trustee, or any Affiliate of the Guarantor or the Guarantee Trustee. "Indebtedness" means, with respect to a Person, (i) the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on, (A) indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed and (B) indebtedness evidenced by securities, notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued by such Person; (ii) all capital lease obligations of such Person; (iii) all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any conditional sale or title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the ordinary course of business); (iv) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of any letters of credit, banker's acceptance, security purchase facilities or similar credit transactions; (v) all obligations in respect of interest rate swap, cap, floor, collar or other agreements, interest rate future or option contracts, currency swap agreements, currency future or option contracts and other similar agreements; and (vi) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (v) of others for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise. "Indenture" means the Indenture, dated as of [ ], between the Guarantor and [ ], as Indenture Trustee, as amended or supplemented from time to time. "Junior Subordinated Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness of the Guarantor subordinate and junior to Subordinated Indebtedness and Senior Indebtedness. "List of Holders" has the meaning specified in Section 2.2(a). "Majority in liquidation preference of the Preferred Securities" means, except as provided by the Trust Indenture Act, a vote by the Holder(s), voting separately as a class, of more than 50% of the liquidation preference of all then outstanding Preferred Securities issued by the Issuer. "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice Chairman or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Guarantor, and delivered to the Guarantee Trustee. Any Officers' Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Guarantee Agreement shall include: (a) a statement that each officer signing the Officers' Certificate has read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto; 7 -4- (b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the Officers' Certificate; (c) a statement that each officer has made such examination or investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is necessary to enable such officer to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and (d) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each officer, such condition or covenant has been complied with. "Person" means a legal person, including any individual, corporation, estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated association, or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever nature. "Responsible Officer" means, with respect to the Guarantee Trustee, any Senior Vice President, any Vice President, any Assistant Vice President, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, any Trust Officer or Assistant Trust officer or any other officer of the Corporate Trust Department of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of that officer's knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject. "Senior Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness of the Guarantor, unless, in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding, it is provided that such obligations are not superior in right of payment to Subordinated Indebtedness or Junior Subordinated Indebtedness or to other Indebtedness of the Guarantor which is pari passu with, or subordinated to, Subordinated Indebtedness or Junior Subordinated Indebtedness. "Subordinated Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness of the Guarantor which is subordinated and Junior in right of payment to Senior Indebtedness, but does not include Junior Subordinated Indebtedness. "Successor Guarantee Trustee" means a successor Guarantee Trustee possessing the qualifications to act as Guarantee Trustee under Section 4.1. "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. 8 -5- ARTICLE II. TRUST INDENTURE ACT Section 2.1. Trust Indenture Act; Application. (a) This Guarantee Agreement is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Guarantee Agreement and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions. (b) If and to the extent that any provision of this Guarantee Agreement limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall control. Section 2.2. List of Holders. (a) The Guarantor shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Guarantee Trustee (a) semiannually, on or before [ ] and [ ] of each year, a list, in such form as the Guarantee Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders ("List of Holders") as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the delivery thereof, and (b) at such other times as the Guarantee Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Guarantor of any such request, a List of Holders as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished, in each case to the extent such information is in the possession or control of the Guarantor and is not identical to a previously supplied list of Holders or has not otherwise been received by the Guarantee Trustee in its capacity as such. The Guarantee Trustee may destroy any List of Holders previously given to it on receipt of a new List of Holders. (b) The Guarantee Trustee shall comply with its obligations under Section 311(a), Section 311(b) and Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. Section 2.3. Reports by the Guarantee Trustee. Not later than [ ] of each year, commencing [ ], the Guarantee Trustee shall provide to the Holders such reports as are required by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act, if any, in the form and in the manner provided by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act. The Guarantee Trustee shall also comply with the requirements of Section 313 (d) of the Trust Indenture Act. Section 2.4. Periodic Reports to the Guarantee Trustee. The Guarantor shall provide to the Guarantee Trustee, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Holders such documents, reports and information, if any, as required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act and the compliance certificate required by 9 -6- Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act, in the form, in the manner and at the times required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act. Section 2.5. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent. The Guarantor shall provide to the Guarantee Trustee such evidence of compliance with such conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Guarantee Agreement that relate to any of the matters set forth in Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion required to be given by an officer pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) may be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate. Section 2.6. Events of Default; Waiver. The Holders of a Majority in liquidation preference of the Preferred Securities may, by vote, on behalf of the Holders, waive any past Event of Default and its consequences. Upon such waiver, any such Event of Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Guarantee Agreement, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent therefrom. Section 2.7. Event of Default; Notice. (a) The Guarantee Trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of an Event of Default known to the Guarantee Trustee, transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Holders, notices of all such Events of Default unless such defaults have been cured or waived before the giving of such notice; provided, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of a Guarantee Payment, the Guarantee Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the Board of Directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible Officers of the Guarantee Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders. (b) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Event of Default unless the Guarantee Trustee shall have received written notice, or a Responsible Officer charged with the administration of the Declaration of Trust shall have obtained written notice, of such Event of Default. Section 2.8. Conflicting Interests. The Declaration of Trust shall be deemed to be specifically described in this Guarantee Agreement for the purposes of clause (i) of the first proviso contained in Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. 10 -7- ARTICLE III. POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE Section 3.1. Powers and Duties of the Guarantee Trustee. (a) This Guarantee Agreement shall be held by the Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the Holders, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not transfer this Guarantee Agreement to any Person except a Holder exercising his or her rights pursuant to Section 5.4(iv) or to a Successor Guarantee Trustee on acceptance by such Successor Guarantee Trustee of its appointment to act as Successor Guarantee Trustee. The right, title and interest of the Guarantee Trustee shall automatically vest in any Successor Guarantee Trustee, upon acceptance by such Successor Guarantee Trustee of its appointment hereunder, and such vesting and cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered pursuant to the appointment of such Successor Guarantee Trustee. (b) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Guarantee Trustee shall enforce this Guarantee Agreement for the benefit of the Holders. (c) The Guarantee Trustee, before the occurrence of any Event of Default and after the curing or waiver of all Events of Default that may have occurred, shall undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Guarantee Agreement, and no implied covenants shall be read into this Guarantee Agreement against the Guarantee Trustee. In case an Event of Default has occurred (that has not been cured or waived pursuant to Section 2.6), the Guarantee Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Guarantee Agreement, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs. (d) No provision of this Guarantee Agreement shall be construed to relieve the Guarantee Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that: (i) prior to the occurrence of any Event of Default and after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default that may have occurred: (A) the duties and obligations of the Guarantee Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Guarantee Agreement, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Guarantee Agreement; and 11 -8- (B) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Guarantee Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the Guarantee Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Guarantee Agreement; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof or of the Trust Indenture Act are specifically required to be furnished to the Guarantee Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Guarantee Agreement; (ii) the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Guarantee Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Guarantee Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts upon which such judgment was made; (iii) the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a Majority in liquidation preference of the Preferred Securities relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under this Guarantee Agreement; and (iv) no provision of this Guarantee Agreement shall require the Guarantee Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if the Guarantee Trustee shall have reasonable grounds for believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the terms of this Guarantee Agreement or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Section 3.2. Certain Rights of Guarantee Trustee. (a) Subject to the provisions of Section 3.1: (i) The Guarantee Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or presented by the proper party or parties. 12 -9- (ii) Any direction or act of the Guarantor contemplated by this Guarantee Agreement shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officer's Certificate unless otherwise prescribed herein. (iii) Whenever, in the administration of this Guarantee Agreement, the Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established before taking, suffering or omitting to take any action hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (unless other evidence is herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, request and rely upon an Officers' Certificate which, upon receipt of such request from the Guarantee Trustee, shall be promptly delivered by the Guarantor. (iv) The Guarantee Trustee may consult with legal counsel, and the written advice or opinion of such legal counsel with respect to legal matters shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or opinion. Such legal counsel may be legal counsel to the Guarantor or any of its Affiliates and may be one of its employees. The Guarantee Trustee shall have the right at any time to seek instructions concerning the administration of this Guarantee Agreement from any court of competent jurisdiction. (v) The Guarantee Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Guarantee Agreement at the request or direction of any Holder, unless such Holder shall have provided to the Guarantee Trustee such adequate security and indemnity as would satisfy a reasonable person in the position of the Guarantee Trustee, against the costs, expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses) and liabilities that might be incurred by it in complying with such request or direction, including such reasonable advances as may be requested by the Guarantee Trustee; provided that, nothing contained in this Section 3.2(a)(v) shall be taken to relieve the Guarantee Trustee, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, of its obligation to exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Guarantee Agreement. (vi) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Guarantee Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit. (vii) The Guarantee Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through its agents or attorneys, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or 13 -10- negligence on the part of any such agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder. (viii) Any action taken by the Guarantee Trustee or its agents hereunder shall bind the holders, and the signature of the Guarantee Trustee or its agents alone shall be sufficient and effective to perform such action. No third party shall be required to inquire as to the authority of the Guarantee Trustee to so act or as to its compliance with any of the terms and provisions of this Guarantee Agreement, both of which shall be conclusively evidenced by the Guarantee's or its agent's taking such action. (ix) Whenever in the administration of this Guarantee Agreement the Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (A) may request instructions from the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Securities, (B) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such other action until such instructions are received, and (C) shall be protected in acting in accordance with such instructions. (b) No provision of this Guarantee Agreement shall be deemed to impose any duty or obligation on the Guarantee Trustee to perform any act or acts or exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it in any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Guarantee Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law, to perform any such act or acts or to exercise any such right, power, duty or obligation. No permissive power or authority available to the Guarantee Trustee shall be construed to be a duty to act in accordance with such power and authority. Section 3.3. Indemnity. The Guarantor agrees to indemnify the Guarantee Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on the part of the Guarantee Trustee, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Guarantee Agreement, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. The Guarantee Trustee will not claim or exact any lien or charge on any Guarantee Payments as a result of any amount due to it under this Guarantee Agreement. The provisions of this Section 3.3 shall survive the termination of this Guarantee Agreement or the removal or resignation of the Guarantee Trustee. 14 -11- ARTICLE IV. GUARANTEE TRUSTEE Section 4.1. Guarantee Trustee: Eligibility. (a) There shall at all times be a Guarantee Trustee which shall: (i) not be an Affiliate of the Guarantor; and (ii) be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000, and shall be a corporation meeting the requirements of Section 310(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the supervising or examining authority, then, for the purposes of this Section and to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. (b) If at any time the Guarantee Trustee shall cease to be eligible to so act under Section 4.1(a), the Guarantee Trustee shall immediately resign in the manner and with the effect set out in Section 4.2(c). (c) If the Guarantee Trustee has or shall acquire any "conflicting interest" within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Guarantee Trustee and Guarantor shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. Section 4.2. Appointment, Removal and Resignation of the Guarantee Trustee. (a) Subject to Section 4.2(b), the Guarantee Trustee may be appointed or removed without cause at any time by the Guarantor. (b) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be removed until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by written instrument executed by such Successor Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor. (c) The Guarantee Trustee appointed hereunder shall hold office until a Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed or until its removal or resignation. The Guarantee Trustee may resign from office (without need for prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in writing executed by the Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor, which resignation shall not take effect until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed 15 -12- and has accepted such appointment by instrument in writing executed by such Successor Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor and the resigning Guarantee Trustee. (d) If no Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed and accepted appointment as provided in this Section 4.2 within 60 days after delivery to the Guarantor of an instrument of resignation, the resigning Guarantee Trustee may petition, at the expense of the Guarantor, any court of competent jurisdiction for appointment of a Successor Guarantee Trustee. Such court may thereupon, after prescribing such notice, if any, as it may deem proper, appoint a Successor Guarantee Trustee. ARTICLE V. GUARANTEE Section 5.1. Guarantee. The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to pay in full to the Holders the Guarantee Payments (without duplication of amounts theretofore paid by or on behalf of the Issuer), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim which the Issuer may have or assert. The Guarantor's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by the Guarantor to the Holders or by causing the Issuer to pay such amounts to the Holders. Section 5.2. Waiver of Notice and Demand. The Guarantor hereby waives notice of acceptance of the Guarantee Agreement and of any liability to which it applies or may apply, presentment, demand for payment, any right to require a proceeding first against the Guarantee Trustee, Issuer or any other Person before proceeding against the Guarantor, protest, notice of nonpayment, notice of dishonor, notice of redemption and all other notices and demands. Section 5.3. Obligations Not Affected. The obligations, covenants, agreements and duties of the Guarantor under this Guarantee Agreement shall in no way be affected or impaired by reason of the happening from time to time of any of the following: (a) the release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the performance or observance by the Issuer of any express or implied agreement, covenant, term or condition relating to the Securities to be performed or observed by the Issuer; (b) the extension of time for the payment by the Issuer of all or any portion of the Distributions (other than an extension of time for payment of Distributions that 16 -13- results from the extension of any interest payment period on the Debentures as so provided in the Indenture), Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or any other sums payable under the terms of the Securities or the extension of time for the performance of any other obligation under, arising out of, or in connection with, the Securities; (c) any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of the Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy conferred on the Holders pursuant to the terms of the Securities, or any action on the part of the Issuer granting indulgence or extension of any kind; (d) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of any collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of debt of, or other similar proceedings affecting, the Issuer or any of the assets of the Issuer; (e) any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Securities; (f) the settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby or hereby incurred; or (g) any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor, it being the intent of this Section 5.3 that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances. There shall be no obligation of the Holders to give notice to, or obtain the consent of, the Guarantor with respect to the happening of any of the foregoing. Section 5.4. Rights of Holders. The Guarantor expressly acknowledges that: (i) this Guarantee Agreement will be deposited with the Guarantee Trustee to be held for the benefit of the Holders; (ii) the Guarantee Trustee has the right to enforce this Guarantee Agreement on behalf of the Holders; (iii) the Holders of a Majority in liquidation preference of the Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee in respect of this Guarantee Agreement or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under this Guarantee Agreement; and (iv) if the Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce this Guarantee Agreement after a Holder has made a written request for the Guarantee Trustee to do so, any Holder may, to the extent permitted by law, institute a legal proceeding directly against the Guarantor to enforce its rights under this Guarantee Agreement, without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Guarantee Trustee, the Issuer or any other Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Guarantor has failed to 17 -14- make a Guarantee Payment, a Holder may directly institute a proceeding against the Guarantor for enforcement of this Guarantee Agreement for such payment. The Guarantor waives, any right or remedy to require that any action on this Guarantee Agreement be brought first against the Issuer or any other Person or entity before proceeding directly against the Guarantor. Section 5.5. Guarantee of Payment. This Guarantee Agreement creates a guarantee of payment and not of collection. This Guarantee Agreement will not be discharged except by payment of the Guarantee Payments in full (without duplication of amounts theretofore paid by the Issuer) or upon distribution of Debentures to Holders as provided in the Declaration of Trust. Section 5.6. Subrogation. The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all (if any) rights of the Holders against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid to the Holders by the Guarantor under this Guarantee Agreement and shall have the right to waive payment by the Issuer pursuant to Section 5.1; provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not (except to the extent required by mandatory provisions of law) be entitled to enforce or exercise any rights which it may acquire by way of subrogation or any indemnity, reimbursement or other agreement, in all cases as a result of payment under this Guarantee Agreement, if at the time of any such payment, any amounts are due and unpaid under this Guarantee Agreement. If any amount shall be paid to the Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence, the Guarantor agrees to hold such amount in trust for the Holders and to pay over such amount to the Holders. Section 5.7. Independent Obligations. The Guarantor acknowledges that its obligations hereunder are independent of the obligations of the Issuer with respect to the Securities and that the Guarantor shall be liable as principal and as debtor hereunder to make Guarantee Payments pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee Agreement notwithstanding the occurrence of any event referred to in subsections (a) through (g), inclusive, of Section 5.3 hereof. ARTICLE VI. COVENANTS AND SUBORDINATION Section 6.1. Subordination. This Guarantee Agreement will constitute an unsecured obligation of the Guarantor and will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness and Subordinated Indebtedness of the Guarantor. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under the Declaration of Trust, the rights of the holders of the Common Securities to 18 -15- receive Guarantee Payments hereunder shall be subordinated to the rights of the holders of Preferred Securities to receive Guarantee Payments under this Guarantee. Section 6.2. Pari Passu Guarantees. This Guarantee Agreement shall rank pari passu with any similar Guarantee Agreements issued by the Guarantor on behalf of the holders of Preferred Securities issued by Burlington Resources Capital II. ARTICLE VII. TERMINATION Section 7.1. Termination. This Guarantee Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect upon (i) full payment of the Redemption Price of all Securities, (ii) the distribution of Debentures to the Holders in exchange for all of the Securities or (iii) full payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the Declaration of Trust upon liquidation of the Issuer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guarantee Agreement will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any Holder must restore payment of any sums paid with respect to Preferred Securities or this Guarantee Agreement. ARTICLE VIII. MISCELLANEOUS Section 8.1. Successors and Assigns. All guarantees and agreements contained in this Guarantee Agreement shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of the Guarantor and shall inure to the benefit of the Holders of the Securities then outstanding. Except in connection with a consolidation, merger or sale involving the Guarantor that is permitted under Article 5 of the Indenture and pursuant to which the assignee agrees in writing to perform the Guarantor's obligations hereunder, the Guarantor shall not assign its obligations hereunder. Section 8.2. Amendments. Except with respect to any changes which do not adversely affect the rights of the Holders in any material respect (in which case no consent of the Holders will be required), this Guarantee Agreement may only be amended with the prior approval of the Holders of not less than a Majority in liquidation preference of all the outstanding Preferred Securities. The 19 -16- provisions of Article VI of the Declaration of Trust concerning meetings of the Holders shall apply to the giving of such approval. Section 8.3. Notices. Any notice, request or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, duly signed by the party giving such notice, and delivered, telecopied or mailed by first class mail as follows: (a) if given to the Guarantee Trustee, at the Guarantee Trustee's mailing address set forth below (or such other address as the Guarantee Trustee may give notice of to the Guarantor and the Holders): [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] (b) if given to the Guarantor, to the address set forth below or such other address, facsimile number or to the attention of such other Person as the Guarantor may give notice to the Holders of the Preferred Securities: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] (c) if given to the Issuer, in care of the Guarantee Trustee, at the Issuer's (and the Guarantee Trustee's) address set forth below or such other address as the Guarantee Trustee on behalf of the Issuer may give notice to the Holders: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] with a copy to: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] 20 -17- (d) if given to any Holder, at the address set forth on the books and records of the Issuer. All notices hereunder shall be deemed to have been given when received in person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery or cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given, such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date of such refusal or inability to deliver. Section 8.4. Benefit. This Guarantee Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Holders and is not separately transferable from the Preferred Securities. Section 8.5. Interpretation. In this Guarantee Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) capitalized terms used in this Guarantee Agreement but not defined in the preamble hereto have the respective meanings assigned to them in Section 1.1; (b) a term defined anywhere in this Guarantee Agreement has the same meaning throughout; (c) all references to "the Guarantee Agreement" or "this Guarantee Agreement" are to this Guarantee Agreement as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time; (d) all references in this Guarantee Agreement to Articles and Sections are to Articles and Sections of this Guarantee Agreement unless otherwise specified; (e) a term defined in the Trust Indenture Act has the same meaning when used in this Guarantee Agreement unless otherwise defined in this Guarantee Agreement or unless the context otherwise requires; (f) a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa; and (g) the masculine, feminine or neuter genders used herein shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter genders. 21 -18- Section 8.6. Governing Law. THIS GUARANTEE AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF. This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. 22 S-1 THIS GUARANTEE AGREEMENT is executed as of the date first above written. BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. By: -------------------------------- Name: Title: [ ], as Guarantee Trustee By: -------------------------------- Name: Title: EX-4.17 4 h86756a1ex4-17.txt FORM OF AMENDED DECLARATION OF TRUST -B.R.C. I 1 EXHIBIT 4.17 ================================================================================ AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST AMONG BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC., THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK AS PROPERTY TRUSTEE, CHASE MANHATTAN BANK DELAWARE, AS DELAWARE TRUSTEE AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE TRUSTEES NAMED HEREIN DATED AS OF [ ] BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I ================================================================================ 2 Certain Sections of this Declaration of Trust Relating to Section 310 through 318 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939:
Sections of this Trust Indenture Act Section Declaration of Trust - --------------------------- -------------------- Section 310(a)(1).......................................................................8.7(a), 8.7(b) (a)(2)..................................................................................8.7(a) (a)(3)..................................................................................8.9 (a)(4)..................................................................................8.5, 2.7(a)(ii) (b).....................................................................................8.8 Section 311(a)..........................................................................8.13 (b).....................................................................................8.13 Section 312(a)..........................................................................5.7 (b).....................................................................................5.7 (c).....................................................................................5.7 Section 313(a)..........................................................................8.14(a) (a)(4)..................................................................................8.14(a) (b).....................................................................................8.14(a) (c).....................................................................................8.14(a), 10.8 Section 314(a)..........................................................................8.15 (b).....................................................................................Not Applicable (c)(1)..................................................................................8.16 (c)(2)..................................................................................8.16 (c)(3)..................................................................................Not Applicable (d).....................................................................................Not Applicable (e).....................................................................................1.1, 8.16 Section 315(a)..........................................................................8.1(a), (c), 8.3(a) (b).....................................................................................8.2, 10.8 (c).....................................................................................8.1(a) (d).....................................................................................8.1, 8.3 (e).....................................................................................Not Applicable Section 316(a)..........................................................................Not Applicable (a)(1)(A)...............................................................................Not Applicable (a)(1)(B)...............................................................................Not Applicable (a)(2)..................................................................................Not Applicable (b).....................................................................................5.14 (c).....................................................................................6.7 Section 317(a)(1).......................................................................Not Applicable (a)(2)..................................................................................Not Applicable (b).....................................................................................5.9, 8.2
3 Section 318(a)..........................................................................10.10
Note: This reconciliation and tie sheet shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Declaration of Trust. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ---- ARTICLE I DEFINED TERMS..............................................................................2 Section 1.1. Definitions.......................................................................2 ARTICLE II ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRUST................................................................11 Section 2.1. Name.............................................................................11 Section 2.2. Office of the Delaware Trustee; Principal Place of Business......................11 Section 2.3. Initial Contribution of Trust Property; Organizational Expenses..................11 Section 2.4. Issuance of the Preferred Securities.............................................12 Section 2.5. Issuance of the Common Securities; Subscription and Purchase of Debentures.......12 Section 2.6. Declaration of Trust.............................................................12 Section 2.7. Authorization to Enter into Certain Transactions.................................13 Section 2.8. Assets of Trust..................................................................17 Section 2.9. Title to Trust Property..........................................................17 ARTICLE III PAYMENT ACCOUNT...........................................................................17 Section 3.1. Payment Account..................................................................17 ARTICLE IV CERTAIN TERMS OF THE TRUST SECURITIES.....................................................18 Section 4.1. Distributions....................................................................18 Section 4.2. Redemption.......................................................................19 Section 4.3. Subordination of Common Securities...............................................21 Section 4.4. Payment Procedures...............................................................22 Section 4.5. Tax Returns and Reports..........................................................22 Section 4.6. Payments under Indenture.........................................................23 ARTICLE V TRUST SECURITIES CERTIFICATES.............................................................23 Section 5.1. Initial Ownership................................................................23 Section 5.2. The Trust Securities Certificates................................................23 Section 5.3. Execution and Delivery of Trust Securities Certificates..........................24 Section 5.4. Registration of Transfer and Exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates.......24 Section 5.5. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Trust Securities Certificates...............25 Section 5.6. Persons Deemed Securityholders...................................................25 Section 5.7. Access to List of Securityholders' Names and Addresses...........................25
-i- 5 Section 5.8. Maintenance of Office or Agency..................................................26 Section 5.9. Appointment of Paying Agent......................................................26 Section 5.10. Ownership of Common Securities by Depositor......................................27 Section 5.11. Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates; Common Securities Certificate......27 Section 5.12. Notices to Clearing Agency.......................................................28 Section 5.13. Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates.....................................28 Section 5.14. Rights of Securityholders........................................................29 ARTICLE VI ACTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS; MEETINGS; VOTING.................................................31 Section 6.1. Limitations on Voting Rights.....................................................31 Section 6.2. Notice of Meetings...............................................................32 Section 6.3. Meetings of Preferred Securityholders............................................33 Section 6.4. Voting Rights....................................................................33 Section 6.5. Proxies, etc.....................................................................33 Section 6.6. Securityholder Action by Written Consent.........................................34 Section 6.7. Record Date for Voting and Other Purposes........................................34 Section 6.8. Acts of Securityholders..........................................................34 Section 6.9. Inspection of Records............................................................35 ARTICLE VII REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES............................................................35 Section 7.1. Representations and Warranties of the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee..35 Section 7.2. Representations and Warranties of Depositor......................................37 ARTICLE VIII THE TRUSTEES..............................................................................37 Section 8.1. Certain Duties and Responsibilities..............................................37 Section 8.2. Certain Notices..................................................................39 Section 8.3. Certain Rights of Property Trustee...............................................39 Section 8.4. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities...........................42 Section 8.5. May Hold Securities..............................................................42 Section 8.6. Compensation; Indemnity; Fees....................................................42 Section 8.7. Corporate Property Trustee Required; Eligibility of Trustees.....................43 Section 8.8. Conflicting Interests............................................................44 Section 8.9. Co-Trustees and Separate Trustee.................................................44 Section 8.10. Resignation and Removal, Appointment of Successor................................46 Section 8.11. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor...........................................47 Section 8.12. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business......................48 Section 8.13. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Depositor or Trust.....................48 Section 8.14. Reports by the Property Trustee..................................................49 Section 8.15. Reports to the Property Trustee..................................................49
-ii- 6 Section 8.16. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent.................................49 Section 8.17. Number of Trustees...............................................................49 Section 8.18. Delegation of Power..............................................................50 ARTICLE IX TERMINATION, LIQUIDATION AND MERGER.......................................................50 Section 9.1. Dissolution Upon Expiration Date.................................................50 Section 9.2. Early Dissolution................................................................50 Section 9.3. Termination......................................................................51 Section 9.4. Liquidation......................................................................51 Section 9.5. Mergers, Consolidations, Amalgamations or Replacements of the Trust..............53 ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS..................................................................54 Section 10.1. Limitation of Rights of Securityholders..........................................54 Section 10.2. Amendment........................................................................54 Section 10.3. Separability.....................................................................56 Section 10.4. Governing Law....................................................................56 Section 10.5. Payments Due on Non-Business Day.................................................57 Section 10.6. Successors.......................................................................57 Section 10.7. Headings.........................................................................57 Section 10.8. Reports, Notices and Demands.....................................................57 Section 10.9. Agreement Not to Petition........................................................58 Section 10.10. Trust Indenture Act; Conflict with Trust Indenture Act...........................58 Section 10.11. Acceptance of Terms of Declaration of Trust, Guarantee and Indenture.............59 SIGNATURES.................................................................................................S-1 EXHIBIT A Certificate of Trust............................................................................A-1 EXHIBIT B Letter of Representation........................................................................B-1 EXHIBIT C Form of Common Security.........................................................................C-1 EXHIBIT D Form of Preferred Security......................................................................D-1
-iii- 7 AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST AGREEMENT dated as of [ ], among (i) Burlington Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation (including any successors or assigns, the "Depositor"), (ii) The Chase Manhattan Bank, a New York banking corporation, as property trustee (the "Property Trustee" and, in its separate corporate capacity and not in its capacity as Property Trustee, the "Bank"), (iii) Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware, a Delaware corporation, as Delaware trustee (the "Delaware Trustee"), (iv) Steven J. Shapiro, whose address is [ ] (an "Administrative Trustee") (the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee and the Administrative Trustee referred to collectively as the "Trustees") and (v) the several Holders, as hereinafter defined (this "Declaration of Trust"). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, the Depositor and the Trustees have heretofore duly declared and established a business trust pursuant to the Delaware Business Trust Act by entering into that certain Declaration of Trust, dated as of May 6, 1998 (the "Original Declaration of Trust"), and by the execution and filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware of the Certificate of Trust, filed on May 6, 1998, attached as Exhibit A; and WHEREAS, the Depositor and the Trustees desire to amend and restate the Original Declaration of Trust in its entirety as set forth herein to provide for, among other things, (i) the issuance of the Common Securities by the Trust to the Depositor, (ii) the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities by the Trust pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement and (iii) the acquisition by the Trust from the Depositor of all of the right, title and interest in the Debentures; NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and obligations set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, each party, for the benefit of the other parties and for the benefit of the Securityholders, hereby amends and restates the Original Declaration of Trust in its entirety and agrees as follows: 8 -2- ARTICLE I DEFINED TERMS Section 1.1. Definitions. For all purposes of this Declaration of Trust, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires: (a) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular; (b) all other terms used herein that are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein; (c) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an "Article" or a "Section" refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this Declaration of Trust; and (d) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of similar import refer to this Declaration of Trust as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision. "Act" has the meaning specified in Section 6.8. "Administrative Trustee" means John E. Hagale, solely in such Person's capacity as Administrative Trustee of the Trust created and continued hereunder and not in such Person's individual capacity, or such Administrative Trustee's successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor trustee appointed as herein provided. "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing. "Bank" has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Declaration of Trust. "Bankruptcy Event" means, with respect to any Person: 9 -3- (a) the entry of a decree or order by a court having jurisdiction in the premises judging such Person a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjudication or composition of or in respect of such Person under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of such Person or of any substantial part of its property or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or (b) the institution by such Person of proceedings to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law, or the consent by it to the filing of any such petition or to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of such Person or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due and its willingness to be adjudicated a bankrupt, or the taking of corporate action by such Person in furtherance of any such action. "Bankruptcy Laws" has the meaning specified in Section 10.9. "Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates" means a beneficial interest in the Preferred Securities Certificates, ownership and transfers of which shall be made through book entries by a Clearing Agency as described in Section 5.11. "Business Day" means a day other than (a) a Saturday or Sunday, (b) a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed, or (c) a day on which the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is not open. "Certificate Depository Agreement" means the agreement among the Trust, the Depositor and The Depository Trust Company, as the initial Clearing Agency, dated as of the Closing Date, relating to the Trust Securities Certificates, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B, as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time. "Clearing Agency" means an organization registered as a "clearing agency" pursuant to Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Depository Trust Company will be the initial Clearing Agency. 10 -4- "Clearing Agency Participant" means a broker, dealer, bank, other financial institution or other Person for whom from time to time a Clearing Agency effects book-entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the Clearing Agency. "Closing Date" has the meaning specified in the Underwriting Agreement. "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time. "Common Securities Certificate" means a certificate evidencing ownership of Common Securities, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C. "Common Security" means an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the assets of the Trust, having a Liquidation Amount of $[ ], and having the rights provided therefor in this Declaration of Trust, including the right to receive Distributions and a Liquidation Distribution as provided herein. "Corporate Trust Office" means the principal office of the Property Trustee. "Coupon Rate" has the meaning specified in 4.1(b). "Debenture Event of Default" means an event of default under the Indenture. "Debenture Redemption Date" means, with respect to any Debentures to be redeemed under the Indenture, the date fixed for redemption under the Indenture. "Debentures" means the aggregate principal amount of the Depositor's [ ]% Subordinated Debentures issued under the Indenture. "Declaration of Trust" means this Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, as the same may be modified, amended or supplemented in accordance with the applicable provisions hereof, including all exhibits hereto, including, for all purposes of this Declaration of Trust and any such modification, amendment or supplement, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this Declaration of Trust and any such modification, amendment or supplement, respectively. "Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates" means either or both (as the context requires) of (a) Preferred Securities 11 -5- Certificates issued as Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificate as provided in Section 5.11(a) and (b) Preferred Securities Certificates issued in certificated, fully registered form as provided in Section 5.13. "Delaware Business Trust Act" means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code, 12 Del. C. Section 3801, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time. "Delaware Trustee" means the corporation identified as the "Delaware Trustee" in the preamble to this Declaration of Trust solely in its capacity as Delaware Trustee of the Trust created and continued hereunder and not in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor trustee appointed as herein provided. "Depositor" has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Declaration of Trust. "Distribution Date" has the meaning specified in Section 4.1(a). "Distributions" means amounts payable in respect of the Trust Securities as provided in Section 4.1. "Event of Default" means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body): (a) the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to a Debenture; or (b) default by the Property Trustee in the payment of any Distribution when it becomes due and payable, and continuation of such default for a period of 60 days; or (c) default by the Property Trustee in the payment of any Redemption Price of any Trust Security when it becomes due and payable; or (d) default in the performance, or breach, in any material respect, of any covenant or warranty of the Trustees in this Declaration of Trust (other than a covenant or warranty a default in the performance or breach of which is dealt with in clause (b) or (c) above) and continuation of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the defaulting Trustee or Trustees by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation preference of the Outstanding Preferred Securities a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or 12 -6- (e) the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event with respect to the Property Trustee and the failure by the Depositor to appoint a successor Property Trustee within 60 days thereof. "Expiration Date" has the meaning specified in Section 9.1. "Guarantee" means the Guarantee Agreement executed and delivered by the Depositor and [ ], as guarantee trustee, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Declaration of Trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Trust Securities, as amended from time to time. "Indenture" means the Indenture, dated as of [ ], between the Depositor and the Indenture Trustee, as amended or supplemented from time to time. "Indenture Trustee" means [ ], a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States, as trustee under the Indenture and any successor thereto. "Investment Company Event" means that the Administrative Trustees shall have received an opinion from independent counsel to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a written change in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority (a "Change in 1940 Act Law"), there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Trust is or will be considered an "investment company" which is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which Change in 1940 Act Law becomes effective on or after the date hereof. "Lien" means any lien, pledge, charge, encumbrance, mortgage, deed of trust, adverse ownership interest, hypothecation, assignment, security interest or preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever. "Like Amount" means (a) with respect to a redemption of Trust Securities, Trust Securities having a Liquidation Amount equal to the principal amount of Debentures to be contemporaneously redeemed in accordance with the Indenture, allocated to the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities based upon the relative Liquidation Amounts of such classes and the proceeds of which will be used to pay the Redemption Price of such Trust Securities, and (b) with respect to a distribution of Debentures to Holders of Trust Securities in connection with a dissolution or liquidation of the Trust, Debentures having a principal amount equal to the Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities of the Holder to whom such Debentures are distributed. 13 -7- "Liquidation Amount" means the stated amount (expressed in U.S. Dollars) per Trust Security. "Liquidation Date" means the date on which Debentures are to be distributed to Holders of Trust Securities in connection with a termination and liquidation of the Trust pursuant to Section 9.4(a). "Liquidation Distribution" has the meaning specified in Section 9.4(d). "Ministerial Action" means the taking of an action, such as filing a form or making an election, or pursuing some other similar reasonable measure that will have no adverse effect on the Trust, the Depositor or the Holders of the Trust Securities and will involve no material cost. "1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. "No Recognition Opinion" has the meaning specified in Section 4.2(a). "Officer" means the Chairman, any Vice-Chairman, the President, any Executive or Senior Vice President, any Vice President, the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Depositor. "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President, a Vice Chairman or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Depositor, and delivered to the Trustee. One of the officers signing an Officers' Certificate given pursuant to Section 8.16 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Depositor. Any Officers' Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Declaration of Trust shall include: (a) a statement that each officer signing the Officers' Certificate has read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto; (b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the Officers' Certificate; (c) a statement that each such officer has made such examination or investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is necessary to enable such officer to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and (d) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such officer, such condition or covenant has been complied with. 14 -8- "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Trust, the Property Trustee or the Depositor, and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Property Trustee. "Original Declaration of Trust" has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Declaration of Trust. "Outstanding", when used with respect to Preferred Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Preferred Securities theretofore executed and delivered under this Declaration of Trust, except: (a) Preferred Securities theretofore cancelled by the Property Trustee or delivered to the Property Trustee for cancellation; (b) Preferred Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Property Trustee or any Paying Agent for the Holders of such Preferred Securities; provided that, if such Preferred Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Declaration of Trust; and (c) Preferred Securities which have been paid or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Preferred Securities have been executed and delivered pursuant to Sections 5.4, 5.5, 5.11 and 5.13; provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite Liquidation Amount of the outstanding Preferred Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Preferred Securities owned by the Depositor, any Trustee or any Affiliate of the Depositor or any Trustee shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that (a) in determining whether any Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Preferred Securities that such Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded and (b) the foregoing shall not apply at any time when all of the outstanding Preferred Securities are owned by the Depositor, one or more of the Trustees and/or any such Affiliate. Preferred Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Administrative Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Preferred Securities and that the pledgee is not the Depositor or any Affiliate of the Depositor. "Owner" means each Person who is the beneficial owner of a Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificate as reflected in the records of the Clearing Agency or, if a Clearing Agency Participant is not the Owner, then as reflected in the records of a Person maintaining 15 -9- an account with such Clearing Agency (directly or indirectly, in accordance with the rules of such Clearing Agency). "Paying Agent" means any paying agent or co-paying agent appointed pursuant to Section 5.9 and shall initially be the Bank. "Payment Account" means a segregated non-interest-bearing corporate trust account maintained by the Property Trustee with the Bank in its trust department for the benefit of the Securityholders in which all amounts paid in respect of the Debentures will be held and from which the Property Trustee shall make payments to the Securityholders in accordance with Sections 4.1 and 4.2. "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or corporation, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof. "Preferred Securities Certificate" means a certificate evidencing ownership of Preferred Securities, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D. "Preferred Security" means an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the assets of the Trust, having a Liquidation Amount of $[ ] and having the rights provided therefor in this Declaration of Trust, including the right to receive Distributions and a Liquidation Distribution as provided herein. "Property Trustee" means the commercial bank or trust company identified as the "Property Trustee" in the preamble to this Declaration of Trust solely in its capacity as Property Trustee of the Trust heretofore created and continued hereunder and not in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor property trustee appointed as herein provided. "Redemption Date" means, with respect to any Trust Security to be redeemed, the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Declaration of Trust; provided that each Debenture Redemption Date and the stated maturity of the Debentures shall be a Redemption Date for a Like Amount of Trust Securities. "Redemption Price" means, with respect to any Trust Security, the Liquidation Amount of such Trust Security, plus accumulated but unpaid Distributions to the Redemption Date, plus the related amount of the premium, if any, paid by the Depositor upon the concurrent redemption of a Like Amount of Debentures, allocated on a pro rata basis (based on Liquidation Amounts) among the Trust Securities. "Redemption Tax Opinion" shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.2(a). 16 -10- "Relevant Trustee" has the meaning specified in Section 8.10. "Securities Register" and "Securities Registrar" have the respective meanings specified in Section 5.4. "Securities Resolution" means a resolution of the board of directors of the Depositor or any authorized committee of such board or by a committee of Officers or an Officer pursuant to delegation by such board authorizing a series or a supplemental indenture authorizing a series executed by an authorized Officer. "Securityholder" or "Holder" means a Person in whose name a Trust Security or Trust Securities is registered in the Securities Register; any such Person being a beneficial owner within the meaning of the Delaware Business Trust Act. "series" means a series of securities or the securities of the series issued under the Indenture. "Tax Event" means the receipt by the Trust of an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of (a) any amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or (b) any amendment to, or change in, an interpretation or application of such laws or regulations, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the Trust would be subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income accrued or received on the Debentures, (ii) interest payable to the Trust on the Debentures would not be deductible, in whole or in part, by the Depositor for United States federal income tax purposes or (iii) the Trust would be subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges, which change or amendment becomes effective on or after the date hereof. "Trust" means the Delaware business trust created and continued hereby and identified on the cover page to this Declaration of Trust. "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed; provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, "Trust Indenture Act" means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended. "Trust Property" means (a) the Debentures, (b) any cash on deposit in, or owing to, the Payment Account and (c) all proceeds and rights in respect of the foregoing and any other property and assets for the time being held or deemed to be held by the Property Trustee pursuant to the terms of this Declaration of Trust. 17 -11- "Trust Securities Certificate" means any one of the Common Securities Certificates or the Preferred Securities Certificates. "Trust Security" means any one of the Common Securities or the Preferred Securities. "Trustees" means, collectively, the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee and the Administrative Trustee. "Underwriting Agreement" means the Underwriting Agreement, dated as of [ ], among the Trust, the Depositor and the underwriters named therein. ARTICLE II ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRUST Section 2.1. Name. The Trust continued hereby shall be known as "Burlington Resources Capital I," as such name may be modified from time to time by the Administrative Trustee following written notice to the Holders of Trust Securities and the other Trustees, in which name the Trustees may conduct the business of the Trust, make and execute contracts and other instruments on behalf of the Trust and sue and be sued. Section 2.2. Office of the Delaware Trustee; Principal Place of Business. The address of the Delaware Trustee in the State of Delaware is 1201 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, Attention: [Corporate Trust Services Division], or such other address in the State of Delaware as the Delaware Trustee may designate by written notice to the Depositor. The principal executive office of the Trust is c/o Burlington Resources Inc., 501 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056. Section 2.3. Initial Contribution of Trust Property; Organizational Expenses. The Trustees acknowledge receipt from the Depositor in connection with the Original Declaration of Trust of the sum of $10, which constituted the initial Trust Property. The Depositor shall pay organizational expenses of the Trust as they arise or shall, upon request of any Trustee, promptly reimburse such Trustee for any such expenses paid by such 18 -12- Trustee. The Depositor shall make no claim upon the Trust Property for the payment of such expenses. Section 2.4. Issuance of the Preferred Securities. On [ ], the Depositor, on behalf of the Trust and pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, executed and delivered the Underwriting Agreement. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Declaration of Trust, an Administrative Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall execute in accordance with Section 5.2 and deliver to the Underwriters named in the Underwriting Agreement, Preferred Securities Certificates, registered in the name of the nominee of the initial Clearing Agency, representing [ ] Preferred Securities having an aggregate Liquidation Amount of $[ ], against receipt of such aggregate purchase price of such Preferred Securities of $[ ], which amount the Administrative Trustee shall promptly deliver to the Property Trustee. Section 2.5. Issuance of the Common Securities; Subscription and Purchase of Debentures. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Declaration of Trust, an Administrative Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall execute in accordance with Section 5.2 and deliver to the Depositor Common Securities Certificates, registered in the name of the Depositor, representing [ ] Common Securities having an aggregate Liquidation Amount of $[ ] (or $[ ] in the aggregate) against payment by the Depositor of such amount. Contemporaneously therewith, an Administrative Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall subscribe to and purchase from the Depositor Debentures, registered in the name of the Trust and having an aggregate principal amount equal to $[ ], and, in satisfaction of the purchase price for such Debentures, the Property Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall deliver to the Depositor the sum of $[ ]. Section 2.6. Declaration of Trust. The exclusive purposes and functions of the Trust are (a) to issue and sell Trust Securities and use the proceeds from such sale to acquire the Debentures, and (b) to engage in those activities necessary, convenient or incidental thereto. The Depositor hereby appoints the Trustees as trustees of the Trust, to have all the rights, powers and duties to the extent set forth herein, and the Trustees hereby accept such appointment. The Property Trustee hereby declares that it will hold the Trust property upon and subject to the conditions set forth herein for the benefit of the Trust and the Securityholders. The Administrative Trustee shall have all rights, powers and duties set forth herein and in accordance with applicable law with respect to accomplishing the purposes of the Trust. The Delaware Trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any powers, nor shall the Delaware Trustee have any of the duties and responsibilities, of the Trustees set forth herein, except as required by the Delaware Business Trust Act. The 19 -13- Delaware Trustee shall be one of the Trustees of the Trust for the sole and limited purpose of fulfilling the requirements of Section 3807(a) of the Delaware Business Trust Act. Section 2.7. Authorization to Enter into Certain Transactions. (a) The Trustees shall conduct the affairs of the Trust in accordance with the terms of this Declaration of Trust. Subject to the limitations set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section and Article VIII, and in accordance with the following provisions (i) and (ii), the Administrative Trustee shall have the authority to enter into all transactions and agreements determined by the Trustees to be appropriate in exercising the authority granted to the Trustees under this Declaration of Trust, and to perform all acts in furtherance thereof, including without limitation, the following: (i) As among the Trustees, each Administrative Trustee shall have the power and authority to act on behalf of the Trust with respect to the following matters: (A) the issuance and sale of the Trust Securities; (B) to acquire the Debentures with the proceeds of the sale of the Trust Securities; provided, however, that the Administrative Trustee shall cause legal title to the Debentures to be held of record in the name of the Property Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Preferred Securities and the Holders of the Common Securities; (C) execution of the Trust Securities in accordance with this Declaration of Trust; (D) the negotiation of the terms, and execution and delivery, for and on behalf of the Trust, of the Underwriting Agreement providing for the sale of the Preferred Securities; (E) to cause the Trust to enter into, and to execute, deliver and perform on behalf of the Trust, the Certificate Depository Agreement and such other agreements as may be necessary or desirable in connection with the purposes and function of the Trust; (F) assisting in the registration of the Preferred Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and under state securities or blue sky laws, and the qualification of this Declaration of Trust as a trust indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; 20 -14- (G) assisting in the listing of the Preferred Securities upon such securities exchange or exchanges as shall be determined by the Depositor and the registration of the Preferred Securities under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the preparation and filing of all periodic and other reports and other documents pursuant to the foregoing; (H) the sending of notices (other than notices of default) and other information regarding the Trust Securities and the Debentures to the Securityholders in accordance with this Declaration of Trust; (I) the appointment of a Paying Agent, authenticating agent and Securities Registrar in accordance with this Declaration of Trust; (J) registering transfer of the Trust Securities in accordance with this Declaration of Trust; (K) to the extent provided in this Declaration of Trust, the winding up of the affairs of and liquidation of the Trust and the preparation, execution and filing of the certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware; (L) unless otherwise required by the Trust Indenture Act, to execute on behalf of the Trust (either acting alone or together with the Administrative Trustee) any documents that the Administrative Trustee has the power to execute pursuant to this Declaration of Trust; and (M) the taking of any action incidental to the foregoing as the Trustees may from time to time determine is necessary or advisable to give effect to the terms of this Declaration of Trust for the benefit of the Securityholders (without consideration of the effect of any such action on any particular Securityholder). (ii) As among the Trustees, the Property Trustee shall have the power, duty and authority to act on behalf of the Trust with respect to the following matters: (A) the establishment of the Payment Account; (B) the receipt of the Debentures; (C) the collection of interest, principal and any other payments made in respect of the Debentures in the Payment Account; 21 -15- (D) the distribution of amounts owed to the Securityholders in respect of the Trust Securities; (E) the exercise of all of the rights, powers and privileges of a holder of the Debentures; (F) the sending of notices of default and other information regarding the Trust Securities and the Debentures to the Securityholders in accordance with this Declaration of Trust; (G) the distribution of the Trust Property in accordance with the terms of this Declaration of Trust; (H) to the extent provided in this Declaration of Trust, the winding up of the affairs of and liquidation of the Trust and the preparation, execution and filing of the certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware; (I) after an Event of Default the taking of any action incidental to the foregoing as the Property Trustee may from time to time determine is necessary or advisable to give effect to the terms of this Declaration of Trust and protect and conserve the Trust Property for the benefit of the Securityholders (without consideration of the effect of any such action on any particular Securityholder); (J) registering transfers of the Trust Securities in accordance with this Declaration of Trust; (K) to engage in such Ministerial Activities as shall be necessary, appropriate, convenient or incidental to effect the repayment of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities to the extent the Debentures mature or are redeemed; and (L) except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.7(a)(ii), the Property Trustee shall have none of the duties, liabilities, powers or the authority of the Administrative Trustee set forth in Section 2.7(a)(i). (b) So long as this Declaration of Trust remains in effect, the Trust (or the Trustees acting on behalf of the Trust) shall not undertake any business, activities or transaction except as expressly provided herein or contemplated hereby. In particular, the Trustees shall not cause the Trust to (i) acquire any investments or engage in any activities not authorized by this Declaration of Trust, (ii) sell, assign, transfer, exchange, mortgage, pledge, set-off 22 -16- or otherwise dispose of any of the Trust Property or interests therein, including to Securityholders, except as expressly provided herein, (iii) take any action that would cause the Trust to fail or cease to qualify as a "grantor trust" for United States Federal income tax purposes, (iv) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any other debt or (v) take or consent to any action that would result in the placement of a Lien on any of the Trust Property. The Administrative Trustee shall defend all claims and demands of all Persons at any time claiming any Lien on any of the Trust Property adverse to the interest of the Trust or the Securityholders in their capacity as Securityholders. (c) In connection with the issue and sale of the Preferred Securities, the Depositor shall have the right and responsibility to assist the Trust with respect to, or effect on behalf of the Trust, the following (and any actions taken by the Depositor in furtherance of the following prior to the date of this Declaration of Trust are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects): (i) the preparation and filing by the Trust with the Commission and the execution on behalf of the Trust of a registration statement on the appropriate form in relation to the Preferred Securities, including any amendments thereto; (ii) the determination of the States in which to take appropriate action to qualify or register for sale all or part of the Preferred Securities and the determination of any and all such acts, other than actions which must be taken by or on behalf of the Trust, and the advice to the Trustees of actions they must take on behalf of the Trust, and the preparation for execution and filing of any documents to be executed and filed by the Trust or on behalf of the Trust, as the Depositor deems necessary or advisable in order to comply with the applicable laws of any such States; (iii) the preparation for filing by the Trust and execution on behalf of the Trust of an application to the New York Stock Exchange or any other national stock exchange or the Nasdaq National Market for listing upon notice of issuance of any Preferred Securities; (iv) if required, the preparation for filing by the Trust with the Commission and the execution on behalf of the Trust of a registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the registration of the Preferred Securities under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, including any amendments thereto; (v) the negotiation of the terms of, and the execution and delivery of, the Underwriting Agreement providing for the sale of the Preferred Securities; and (vi) the taking of any other actions deemed by the Depositor necessary or desirable to carry out any of the foregoing activities. 23 -17- (d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Administrative Trustee is authorized and directed to conduct the affairs of the Trust and to operate the Trust so that the Trust will not be deemed to be an "investment company" required to be registered under the 1940 Act, or taxed as a corporation for United States Federal income tax purposes and so that the Debentures will be treated as indebtedness of the Depositor for United States Federal income tax purposes. In this connection, the Depositor and the Administrative Trustee are authorized to take any action, not inconsistent with applicable law, the Certificate of Trust or this Declaration of Trust, that each of the Depositor and the Administrative Trustee determines in their discretion to be necessary or desirable for such purposes, as long as such action does not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of the holders of the Preferred Securities. Section 2.8. Assets of Trust. The assets of the Trust shall consist of the Trust Property. Section 2.9. Title to Trust Property. Legal title to all Trust Property shall be vested at all times in the Property Trustee (in its capacity as such) and shall be held and administered by the Property Trustee for the benefit of the Trust and the Securityholders in accordance with this Declaration of Trust. ARTICLE III PAYMENT ACCOUNT Section 3.1. Payment Account. (a) On or prior to the Closing Date, the Property Trustee shall establish the Payment Account. The Property Trustee and any agent of the Property Trustee shall have exclusive control and sole right of withdrawal with respect to the Payment Account for the purpose of making deposits in and withdrawals from the Payment Account in accordance with this Declaration of Trust. All monies and other property deposited or held from time to time in the Payment Account shall be held by the Property Trustee in the Payment Account for the exclusive benefit of the Securityholders and for distribution as herein provided, including (and subject to) any priority of payments provided for herein. (b) The Property Trustee shall deposit in the Payment Account, promptly upon receipt, all payments of principal of, or interest on, and any other payments or proceeds 24 -18- with respect to, the Debentures. Amounts held in the Payment Account shall not be invested by the Property Trustee pending distribution thereof. ARTICLE IV CERTAIN TERMS OF THE TRUST SECURITIES Section 4.1. Distributions. The Trust Securities represent undivided beneficial ownership interests in the Trust Property, and distributions (the "Distributions") will be made on the Trust Securities at the rate and on the dates that payments are made on the Debentures. Accordingly: (a) Distributions on the Trust Securities shall be cumulative, and will accumulate whether or not there are funds of the Trust available for the payment of Distributions. Distributions shall accrue from [ ] and shall be payable quarterly in arrears on [ ], [ ], [ ] and [ ] of each year, commencing on [ ] except as provided below. If any date on which a Distribution is otherwise payable on the Trust Securities is not a Business Day, then the payment of such Distribution shall be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, payment of such Distribution shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date (each date on which distributions are payable in accordance with this Section 4.1(a), a "Distribution Date"). (b) The Trust Securities represent undivided beneficial ownership interests in the Trust Property, and, as a practical matter, the Distributions on the Trust Securities shall be payable at a rate of [ ]% per annum (the "Coupon Rate") of the Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities. Distributions in arrears for more than one quarter will accumulate and compound at the Coupon Rate. The term "Distributions" as used in this Declaration of Trust includes such cash distributions and any such accumulated amounts that are payable unless otherwise stated. A Distribution is payable only to the extent that payments are made in respect of the Debentures held by the Property Trustee and to the extent the Property Trustee has funds available therefor. The amount of Distributions payable for any full period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. 25 -19- (c) Distributions on the Trust Securities shall be made by the Property Trustee from the Payment Account and shall be payable on each Distribution Date only to the extent that the Trust has funds then on hand and available in the Payment Account for the payment of such Distributions. (d) Distributions on the Trust Securities with respect to a Distribution Date shall be payable to the Holders thereof as they appear on the Securities Register for the Trust Securities on the relevant record date, which shall be one Business Day prior to such Distribution Date; provided, however, that in the event that the Preferred Securities do not remain in book-entry-only form, the relevant record date shall be the date 15 days prior to the relevant Distribution Date. Section 4.2. Redemption. (a) On each Debenture Redemption Date and on the stated maturity of the Debentures, the Trust will be required to redeem a Like Amount of Trust Securities at the Redemption Price. In addition, in the case of the occurrence of a Tax Event, if (i) the Depositor has received an opinion (a "Redemption Tax Opinion") from independent tax counsel experienced in such matters that, as a result of a Tax Event, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Depositor would be precluded from deducting the interest on the Debentures for United States federal income tax purposes even after the Debentures were distributed to the holders of Preferred Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust pursuant to Section 9.4 or (ii) the Administrative Trustees shall have been informed by such tax counsel that an opinion from independent tax counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that the holders of the Preferred Securities will not recognize any gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such dissolution and distribution of Debentures (a "No Recognition Opinion") cannot be delivered, the Depositor shall have the right, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, to redeem the Debentures in whole or in part for cash within 90 days following the occurrence of such Tax Event, and, following such redemption, Preferred Securities with an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures so redeemed shall be redeemed by the Trust at the Redemption Price on a pro rata basis or in such other manner as the Property Trustee deems appropriate; provided, however, that, if at the time there is available to the Depositor or the Trust the opportunity to eliminate, within such 90 day period, the Tax Event by taking some ministerial action, such as filing a form or making an election, or pursuing some other similar reasonable measure which has no adverse effect on the Trust, the holders of the Preferred Securities or the Depositor, the Trust will pursue such measure in lieu of redemption. (b) Notice of redemption shall be given by the Property Trustee by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the 26 -20- Redemption Date to each Holder of Trust Securities to be redeemed, at such Holder's address appearing in the Security Register. All notices of redemption shall state: (i) the Redemption Date; (ii) the Redemption Price; (iii) the CUSIP number; (iv) if less than all the Outstanding Trust Securities are to be redeemed, the identification and the total Liquidation Amount of the particular Trust Securities to be redeemed; and (v) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Trust Security to be redeemed and that distributions thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date. (c) The Trust Securities redeemed on each Redemption Date shall be redeemed at the Redemption Price with the proceeds from the contemporaneous redemption of Debentures. Redemptions of the Trust Securities shall be made and the Redemption Price shall be payable on each Redemption Date only to the extent that the Trust has funds then on hand and available in the Payment Account for the payment of such Redemption Price. (d) If the Property Trustee gives a notice of redemption in respect of any Trust Securities, then, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Redemption Date, subject to Section 4.2(c), the Property Trustee will, so long as the Trust Securities are in book-entry-only form, irrevocably deposit with the Clearing Agency for the Trust Securities funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price and will give such Clearing Agency irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption Price to the holders thereof. If the Trust Securities are no longer in book-entry-only form, the Property Trustee, subject to Section 4.2(c), will irrevocably deposit with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price and will give the Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption Price to the Holders thereof upon surrender of their Trust Securities Certificates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Distributions payable on or prior to the Redemption Date for any Trust Securities called for redemption shall be payable to the Holders of such Trust Securities as they appear on the Register for the Trust Securities on the relevant record dates for the related Distribution Dates. If notice of redemption shall have been given and funds deposited as required, then immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such deposit, all rights of Securityholders holding Trust Securities so called for redemption will cease, except the right of such Securityholders to receive the Redemption Price and any Distribution payable on or prior to the Redemption Date, but without interest, and such Securities will cease to be outstanding. In the event that any date on which any Redemption Price is payable is not a 27 -21- Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Price payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day falls in the next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case, with the same force and effect as if made on such date. In the event that payment of the Redemption Price in respect of any Trust Securities called for redemption is improperly withheld or refused and not paid either by the Trust or by the Depositor pursuant to the Guarantee, Distributions on such Trust Securities will continue to accrue, at the then applicable rate, from the Redemption Date originally established by the Trust for such Trust Securities to the date such Redemption Price is actually paid, in which case the actual payment date will be the date fixed for redemption for purposes of calculating the Redemption Price. (e) Payment of the Redemption Price on the Trust Securities shall be made to the recordholders thereof as they appear on the Securities Register for the Trust Securities on the relevant record date, which shall be one Business Day prior to the relevant Redemption Date; provided, however, that in the event that the Preferred Securities do not remain in book-entry-only form, the relevant record date shall be the date 15 days prior to the relevant Redemption Date. (f) Subject to Section 4.3(a), if less than all the Outstanding Trust Securities are to be redeemed on a Redemption Date, then the aggregate Liquidation Amount of Trust Securities to be redeemed shall be allocated on a pro rata basis (based on Liquidation Amounts) among the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities. The particular Preferred Securities to be redeemed shall be selected on a pro rata basis (based upon Liquidation Amounts) not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Property Trustee from the Outstanding Preferred Securities not previously called for redemption which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to $[ ] or an integral multiple of $[ ] in excess thereof) of the Liquidation Amount of Preferred Securities of a denomination larger than $[ ]. The Property Trustee shall promptly notify the Security Registrar in writing of the Preferred Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Preferred Securities selected for partial redemption, the Liquidation Amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of this Declaration of Trust, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Preferred Securities shall relate, in the case of any Preferred Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the Liquidation Amount of Preferred Securities that has been or is to be redeemed. Section 4.3. Subordination of Common Securities. (a) Payment of Distributions on, and the Redemption Price of, the Trust Securities, as applicable, shall be made, subject to Section 4.2(f), pro rata among the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities based on the Liquidation Amount of the Trust 28 -22- Securities; provided, however, that if on any Distribution Date or Redemption Date any Event of Default resulting from a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, no payment of any Distribution on, or Redemption Price of, any Common Security, and no other payment on account of the redemption, liquidation or other acquisition of Common Securities, shall be made unless payment in full in cash of all accumulated and unpaid Distributions on all Outstanding Preferred Securities for all Distribution periods terminating on or prior thereto, or in the case of payment of the Redemption Price the full amount of such Redemption Price on all Outstanding Preferred Securities, shall have been made or provided for, and all funds immediately available to the Property Trustee shall first be applied to the payment in full in cash of all Distributions on, or the Redemption Price of, Preferred Securities then due and payable. (b) In the case of the occurrence of any Event of Default resulting from any Debenture Event of Default, the Holder of Common Securities will be deemed to have waived any right to act with respect to any such Event of Default under this Declaration of Trust until the effect of all such Events of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until any such Event of Default under this Declaration of Trust with respect to the Preferred Securities has been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the Property Trustee shall act solely on behalf of the Holders of the Preferred Securities and not the Holder of the Common Securities, and only the Holders of the Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the Property Trustee to act on their behalf. Section 4.4. Payment Procedures. Payments of Distributions in respect of the Preferred Securities shall be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear on the Securities Register or, if the Preferred Securities are held by a Clearing Agency, such Distributions shall be made to the Clearing Agency in immediately available funds, which shall credit the relevant Persons' accounts at such Clearing Agency on the applicable distribution dates. Payments in respect of the Common Securities shall be made in such manner as shall be mutually agreed between the Property Trustee and the Common Securityholder. Section 4.5. Tax Returns and Reports. The Administrative Trustee shall prepare (or cause to be prepared), at the Depositor's expense, and file all United States Federal, state and local tax and information returns and reports required to be filed by or in respect of the Trust. In this regard, the Administrative Trustee shall (a) prepare and file (or cause to be prepared and filed) the appropriate Internal Revenue Service form required to be filed in respect of the Trust in each taxable year of the Trust and (b) prepare and furnish (or cause to be prepared and furnished) to each Securityholder the appropriate Internal Revenue Service form required to be provided or the information required to be provided on such form. The Administrative Trustee shall provide the 29 -23- Depositor and the Property Trustee with a copy of all such returns and reports promptly after such filing or furnishing. The Trustees shall comply with United States Federal withholding and backup withholding tax laws and information reporting requirements with respect to any payments to Securityholders under the Trust Securities. Section 4.6. Payments under Indenture. Any amount payable hereunder to any Holder of Preferred Securities (and any Owner with respect thereto) shall be reduced by the amount of any corresponding payment such Holder (and Owner) has directly received pursuant to Section 6.06 of the Indenture. ARTICLE V TRUST SECURITIES CERTIFICATES Section 5.1. Initial Ownership. Upon the creation of the Trust and the contribution by the Depositor pursuant to Section 2.3 and until the issuance of the Trust Securities, and at any time during which no Trust Securities are outstanding, the Depositor shall be the sole beneficial owner of the Trust. Section 5.2. The Trust Securities Certificates. The Preferred Securities Certificates shall be issued in minimum denominations of $[ ] Liquidation Amount and integral multiples of $[ ] in excess thereof, and the Common Securities Certificates shall be issued in denominations of $[ ] Liquidation Amount and integral multiples of $[ ] in excess thereof. The Trust Securities Certificates shall be executed on behalf of the Trust by manual signature of at least one Administrative Trustee. Trust Securities Certificates bearing the manual signatures of individuals who were, at the time when such signatures shall have been affixed, authorized to sign on behalf of the Trust, shall be validly issued and entitled to the benefits of this Declaration of Trust, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them shall have ceased to be so authorized prior to the delivery of such Trust Securities Certificates or did not hold such offices at the date of delivery of such Trust Securities Certificates. A transferee of a Trust Securities Certificate shall become a Securityholder, and shall be entitled to the rights and subject to the obligations of a Securityholder hereunder, upon due registration of such Trust Securities Certificate in such transferee's name pursuant to Sections 5.4, 5.11 and 5.13. 30 -24- Section 5.3. Execution and Delivery of Trust Securities Certificates. At each Closing Date, the Administrative Trustee shall cause Trust Securities Certificates, in an aggregate Liquidation Amount as provided in Sections 2.4 and 2.5, to be executed on behalf of the Trust and delivered to or upon the written order of the Depositor, signed by its Chairman or a Vice Chairman of the Board, President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Comptroller, an Assistant Comptroller, Secretary or an Assistant Secretary without further corporate action by the Depositor, in authorized denominations. Section 5.4. Registration of Transfer and Exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates. The Depositor shall keep or cause to be kept, at the office or agency maintained pursuant to Section 5.8, a register or registers for the purpose of registering Trust Securities Certificates and transfers and exchanges of Preferred Securities Certificates (the "Securities Register") in which, the registrar designated by the Depositor (the "Securities Registrar"), subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, shall provide for the registration of Preferred Securities Certificates and Common Securities Certificates (subject to Section 5.10 in the case of the Common Securities Certificates) and registration of transfers and exchanges of Preferred Securities Certificates as herein provided. The Bank shall be the initial Securities Registrar. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Preferred Securities Certificate at the office or agency maintained pursuant to Section 5.8, the Administrative Trustee shall execute and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Preferred Securities Certificates in authorized denominations of a like aggregate Liquidation Amount dated the date of execution by such Administrative Trustee or Trustees. The Securities Registrar shall not be required to register the transfer of any Preferred Securities that have been called for redemption. At the option of a Holder, Preferred Securities Certificates may be exchanged for other Preferred Securities Certificates in authorized denominations of the same class and of a like aggregate Liquidation Amount upon surrender of the Preferred Securities Certificates to be exchanged at the office or agency maintained pursuant to Section 5.8. Every Preferred Securities Certificate presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Property Trustee and the Securities Registrar duly executed by the Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing. Each Preferred Securities Certificate surrendered for 31 -25- registration of transfer or exchange shall be cancelled and subsequently disposed of by the Property Trustee in accordance with its customary practice. No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates, but the Securities Registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates. Section 5.5. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Trust Securities Certificates. If (a) any mutilated Trust Securities Certificate shall be surrendered to the Securities Registrar, or if the Securities Registrar shall receive evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Trust Securities Certificate and (b) there shall be delivered to the Securities Registrar and the Administrative Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless, then in the absence of notice that such Trust Securities Certificate shall have been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Administrative Trustee on behalf of the Trust shall execute and make available for delivery, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Trust Securities Certificate, a new Trust Securities Certificate of like class, tenor and denomination. In connection with the issuance of any new Trust Securities Certificate under this Section, the Administrative Trustee or the Securities Registrar may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith. Any duplicate Trust Securities Certificate issued pursuant to this Section shall constitute conclusive evidence of an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the assets of the Trust, as if originally issued, whether or not the lost, stolen or destroyed Trust Securities Certificate shall be found at any time. Section 5.6. Persons Deemed Securityholders. The Administrative Trustee or the Securities Registrar shall treat the Person in whose name any Trust Securities Certificate shall be registered in the Securities Register as the owner of such Trust Securities Certificate for the purpose of receiving distributions and for all other purposes whatsoever, and neither the Trustees nor the Securities Registrar shall be bound by any notice to the contrary. Section 5.7. Access to List of Securityholders' Names and Addresses. At any time when the Property Trustee is not also acting as the Securities Registrar, the Administrative Trustee or the Depositor shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Property Trustee (a) semi-annually on or before January 15 or July 15 in each year, a list, in such form as the Property Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the 32 -26- Securityholders as of the most recent regular record date (as provided in Section 4.1(d)) and (b) promptly after receipt by any Administrative Trustee or the Depositor of a request therefor from the Property Trustee, such other information as the Property Trustee may reasonably require in order to enable the Property Trustee to discharge its obligations under this Declaration of Trust, in each case to the extent such information is in the possession or control of the Administrative Trustee or the Depositor and is not identical to a previously supplied list or has not otherwise been received by the Property Trustee in its capacity as Securities Registrar. The rights of Securityholders to communicate with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Declaration of Trust or under the Trust Securities, and the corresponding rights of the Trustee shall be as provided in the Trust Indenture Act. Each Holder, by receiving and holding a Trust Securities Certificate, and each Owner shall be deemed to have agreed not to hold the Depositor, the Property Trustee or the Administrative Trustee accountable by reason of the disclosure of its name and address, regardless of the source from which such information was derived. Section 5.8. Maintenance of Office or Agency. The Administrative Trustee shall maintain an office or offices or agency or agencies where Preferred Securities Certificates may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Trustees in respect of the Trust Securities Certificates may be served. The Administrative Trustee initially designate Burlington Resources Inc., 501 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056, Attn: Chief Financial Officer, as its principal corporate trust office for such purposes. The Administrative Trustee shall give prompt written notice to the Depositor and to the Securityholder of any change in the location of the Securities Register or any such office or agency. Section 5.9. Appointment of Paying Agent. The Paying Agent shall make distributions to Securityholders from the Payment Account and shall report the amounts of such distributions to the Property Trustee and the Administrative Trustee. Any Paying Agent shall have the revocable power to withdraw funds from the Payment Account for the purpose of making the distributions referred to above. The Administrative Trustee may revoke such power and remove the Paying Agent if such Trustees determine in their sole discretion that the Paying Agent shall have failed to perform its obligations under this Declaration of Trust in any material respect. The Paying Agent shall initially be the Bank. The Paying Agent may choose any co-paying agent that is acceptable to the Administrative Trustee and the Depositor. Any Person acting as Paying Agent shall be permitted to resign as Paying Agent upon 30 days' written notice to the Administrative Trustee, the Property Trustee and the Depositor. In the event that the Bank shall no longer be the Paying Agent or a successor Paying Agent shall resign or its authority to act be revoked, the Administrative Trustee shall appoint a successor that is acceptable to the 33 -27- Property Trustee and the Depositor to act as Paying Agent (which shall be a bank or trust company). The Administrative Trustee shall cause such successor Paying Agent or any additional Paying Agent appointed by the Administrative Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustees an instrument in which such successor Paying Agent or additional Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustees that as Paying Agent, such successor Paying Agent or additional Paying Agent will hold all sums, if any, held by it for payment to the Securityholders in trust for the benefit of the Securityholders entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Securityholders. The Paying Agent shall return all unclaimed funds to the Property Trustee and upon removal of a Paying Agent such Paying Agent shall also return all funds in its possession to the Property Trustee. The provisions of Sections 8.1, 8.3 and 8.6 herein shall apply to the Bank also in its role as Paying Agent, for so long as the Bank shall act as Paying Agent and, to the extent applicable, to any other paying agent appointed hereunder. Any reference in this Agreement to the Paying Agent shall include any co-paying agent unless the context requires otherwise. Section 5.10. Ownership of Common Securities by Depositor. At each Closing Date, the Depositor shall acquire and retain beneficial and record ownership of the Common Securities. To the fullest extent permitted by law, other than transactions permitted by Section 5.01 of the Indenture, any attempted transfer of the Common Securities shall be void. The Administrative Trustee shall cause each Common Securities Certificate issued to the Depositor to contain a legend stating "THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT TRANSFERABLE OTHER THAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TRUST AGREEMENT (AS DEFINED BELOW)" . Section 5.11. Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates; Common Securities Certificate. (a) The Preferred Securities Certificates, upon original issuance, will be issued in the form of a typewritten Preferred Securities Certificate or Certificates representing Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates, to be delivered to The Depository Trust Company, the initial Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Trust. Such Preferred Securities Certificate or Certificates shall initially be registered on the Securities Register in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of the initial Clearing Agency, and no beneficial owner will receive a Definitive Preferred Securities Certificate representing such beneficial owner's interest in such Preferred Securities, except as provided in Section 5.13. Unless and until Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates have been issued to beneficial owners pursuant to Section 5.13: (i) the provisions of this Section 5.11(a) shall be in full force and effect; 34 -28- (ii) the Securities Registrar, the Paying Agent and the Trustees shall be entitled to deal with the Clearing Agency for all purposes of this Declaration of Trust relating to the Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates (including the payment of the Liquidation Amount of and Distributions on the Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificate and the giving of instructions or directions to Owners of Book-Entry Preferred Securities) as the sole Holder of Book-Entry Preferred Securities and shall have no obligations to the Owners thereof; (iii) to the extent that the provisions of this Section 5.11 conflict with any other provisions of this Declaration of Trust, the provisions of this Section 5.11 shall control; and (iv) the rights of the Owners of the Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates shall be exercised only through the Clearing Agency and shall be limited to those established by law and agreements between such Owners and the Clearing Agency and/or the Clearing Agency Participants. Pursuant to the Certificate Depository Agreement, unless and until Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates are issued pursuant to Section 5.13, the initial Clearing Agency will make book-entry transfers among the Clearing Agency Participants and receive and transmit payments on the Preferred Securities to such Clearing Agency Participants. (b) A single Common Securities Certificate representing the Common Securities shall be issued to the Depositor in the form of a definitive Common Securities Certificate. Section 5.12. Notices to Clearing Agency. To the extent that a notice or other communication to the Owners is required under this Declaration of Trust, unless and until Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates shall have been issued to Owners pursuant to Section 5.13, the Trustees shall give all such notices and communications specified herein to be given to Owners to the Clearing Agency, and shall have no obligations to the Owners. Section 5.13. Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates. If (a) the Depositor advises the Trustees in writing that the Clearing Agency is no longer willing or able to properly discharge its responsibilities with respect to the Preferred Securities Certificates, and the Depositor is unable to locate a qualified successor, (b) the Depositor at its option advises the Trustees in writing that it elects to terminate the book-entry system through the Clearing Agency or (c) after the occurrence of a Debenture Event of Default, Owners of Preferred Securities Certificates representing beneficial ownership interests aggregating at least a majority of the Liquidation Amount advise the Property Trustee in 35 -29- writing that the continuation of a book-entry system through the Clearing Agency is no longer in the best interest of the Owners of Preferred Securities Certificates, then the Property Trustee shall notify the Clearing Agency and the Clearing Agency shall notify all Owners of Preferred Securities Certificates and the other Trustees of the occurrence of any such event and of the availability of the Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates to Owners of such class or classes, as applicable, requesting the same. Upon surrender to the Property Trustee of the typewritten Preferred Securities Certificate or Certificates representing the Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates by the Clearing Agency, accompanied by registration instructions, the Administrative Trustee shall execute the Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates in accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency. Neither the Securities Registrar nor the Trustees shall be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, such instructions. Upon the issuance of Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates, the Trustees shall recognize the Holders of the Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates as Securityholders. The Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or may be produced in any other manner as is reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Trustee, as evidenced by the execution thereof by the Administrative Trustee. Section 5.14. Rights of Securityholders. (a) The legal title to the Trust Property is vested exclusively in the Property Trustee (in its capacity as such) in accordance with Section 2.9, and the Securityholders shall not have any right or title therein other than the undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the Trust conferred by their Trust Securities and they shall have no right to call for any partition or division of property, profits or rights of the Trust except as described below. The Trust Securities shall be personal property giving only the rights specifically set forth therein and in this Declaration of Trust. By acceptance of a beneficial interest in the Trust Securities, Holders agree to treat the Debentures as indebtedness for all United States tax purposes. The Trust Securities shall have no preemptive or similar rights and when issued and delivered to Securityholders against payment of the purchase price therefor will be fully paid and nonassessable by the Trust. The Holders of the Trust Securities, in their capacities as such, shall be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. (b) For so long as any Preferred Securities remain Outstanding, if, upon a Debenture Event of Default, the Indenture Trustee fails or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debentures fail to declare the principal of all of the Debentures to be immediately due and payable, the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then Outstanding shall have such right by a notice in writing to the Depositor and the Indenture Trustee; and upon any such declaration 36 -30- such principal amount of and the accrued interest on all of the Debentures shall become immediately due and payable; provided that the payment of principal and interest on such Debentures shall remain subordinated to the extent provided in the Indenture. At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to the Debentures has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Indenture Trustee as in the Indenture provided, the Holders of a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities, by written notice to the Property Trustee, the Depositor and the Indenture Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if: (i) the Depositor has paid or deposited with the Indenture Trustee a sum sufficient to pay (A) all overdue installments of interest on all of the Debentures, (B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Debentures which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate borne by the Debentures, and (C) all sums paid or advanced by the Indenture Trustee under the Indenture and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Indenture Trustee and the Property Trustee, their agents and counsel; and (ii) all Events of Default with respect to the Debentures, other than the non-payment of the principal of the Debentures which has become due solely by such acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 8.01 of the Indenture. The Holders of a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities may, on behalf of the Holders of all the Preferred Securities, waive any past default under the Indenture, except a default in the payment of principal or interest (unless such default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal due otherwise than by acceleration has been deposited with the Indenture Trustee) or a default in respect of a covenant or provision which under the Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debenture. No such waiver or rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon. Upon receipt by the Property Trustee of written notice declaring such an acceleration, or rescission and annulment thereof, by Holders of the Preferred Securities all or part of which is represented by Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates, a record date shall be established for determining Holders of Outstanding Preferred Securities entitled to join in such notice, which record date shall be at the close of business on the day the Property Trustee receives such notice. The Holders on such record date, or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to join in such notice, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after 37 -31- such record date; provided, that, unless such declaration of acceleration, or rescission and annulment, as the case may be, shall have become effective by virtue of the requisite percentage having joined in such notice prior to the day which is 90 days after such record date, such notice of declaration of acceleration, or rescission and annulment, as the case may be, shall automatically and without further action by any Holder be canceled and of no further effect. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent a Holder, or a proxy of a Holder, from giving, after expiration of such 90-day period, a new written notice of declaration of acceleration, or rescission and annulment thereof, as the case may be, that is identical to a written notice which has been canceled pursuant to the proviso to the preceding sentence, in which event a new record date shall be established pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.14(b). (c) For so long as any Preferred Securities remain Outstanding, to the fullest extent permitted by law and subject to the terms of this Declaration of Trust and the Indenture, upon a Debenture Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(1) or 6.01(2) of the Indenture, any Holder of Preferred Securities shall have the right to institute a proceeding directly against the Depositor, pursuant to the Indenture, for enforcement of payment to such Holder of the principal amount of or interest on Debentures having a principal amount equal to the Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities of such Holder (a "Direct Action"). In connection with any such Direct Action, the Holder of the Common Securities will be subrogated to the rights of any Holder of the Preferred Securities to the extent of any payment made by the Depositor to such Holder of Preferred Securities as a result of such Direct Action. Except as set forth in Section 5.14(b) and (c), the Holders of Preferred Securities shall have no right to exercise directly any right or remedy available to the holders of, or in respect of, the Debentures. ARTICLE VI ACTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS; MEETINGS; VOTING Section 6.1. Limitations on Voting Rights. (a) Except as provided in this Section, in Sections 5.14, 8.10 and 10.2 and in the Indenture and as otherwise required by law, no Holder of Preferred Securities shall have any right to vote or in any manner otherwise control the administration, operation and management of the Trust or the obligations of the parties hereto, nor shall anything herein set forth, or contained in the terms of the Trust Securities Certificates, be construed so as to constitute the Securityholders from time to time as partners or members of an association. (b) So long as any Debentures are held by the Property Trustee, the Trustees shall not (i) direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy 38 -32- available to the Indenture Trustee, or executing any trust or power conferred on the Indenture Trustee with respect to such Debentures, (ii) waive any past default which is waivable under Section 6.04 of the Indenture, (iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all the Debentures shall be due and payable or (iv) consent to any amendment or modification under Section 10.02 or termination of the Indenture or any amendment, modification or termination of the Debentures, where such consent shall be required, without, in each case, obtaining the prior approval of the Holders of at least a majority in Liquidation Amount of all Outstanding Preferred Securities; provided, however, that where a consent under the Indenture would require the consent of each Holder of Debentures affected thereby, no such consent shall be given by the Property Trustee without the prior written consent of each Holder of Preferred Securities. The Trustees shall not revoke any action previously authorized or approved by a vote of the Holders of Preferred Securities, except by a subsequent vote of the Holders of Preferred Securities. The Property Trustee shall notify all Holders of the Preferred Securities of any notice of default received from the Indenture Trustee with respect to the Debentures. In addition to obtaining the foregoing approvals of the Holders of the Preferred Securities, prior to taking any of the foregoing actions, the Trustees shall, at the expense of the Depositor, obtain an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that the Trust will not be classified as an association taxable as a corporation for United States Federal income tax purposes on account of such action. (c) If any proposed amendment to the Declaration of Trust provides for, or the Trustees otherwise propose to effect, (i) any action that would adversely affect in any material respect the powers, preferences or special rights of the Preferred Securities, whether by way of amendment to the Declaration of Trust or otherwise, or (ii) the dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust, other than pursuant to the terms of this Declaration of Trust, then the Holders of Outstanding Preferred Securities as a class will be entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective except with the approval of the Holders of at least a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Outstanding Preferred Securities. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Declaration of Trust, no amendment to this Declaration of Trust may be made if, as a result of such amendment, the Trust would be classified as an association taxable as a corporation for United States Federal income tax purposes. Section 6.2. Notice of Meetings. Notice of all meetings of the Preferred Securityholders, stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting, shall be given by the Property Trustee pursuant to Section 10.8 to each Preferred Securityholder of record, at his registered address, at least 15 days and not more than 90 days before the meeting. At any such meeting, any business properly before the meeting may be so considered whether or not stated in the notice of the meeting. Any adjourned meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice. 39 -33- Section 6.3. Meetings of Preferred Securityholders. No annual meeting of Securityholders is required to be held. The Administrative Trustee, however, shall call a meeting of Securityholders to vote on any matter upon the written request of the Preferred Securityholders of record of 25% in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount) and the Administrative Trustee or the Property Trustee may, at any time in their discretion, call a meeting of Preferred Securityholders to vote on any matters as to which Preferred Securityholders are entitled to vote. Preferred Securityholders of record of 50% of the Outstanding Preferred Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount), present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of Securityholders. If a quorum is present at a meeting, an affirmative vote by the Preferred Securityholders of record present, in person or by proxy, holding a majority of the Preferred Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount) held by the Preferred Securityholders of record present, either in person or by proxy, at such meeting shall constitute the action of the Securityholders, unless this Declaration of Trust requires a greater number of affirmative votes. Section 6.4. Voting Rights. Securityholders shall be entitled to one vote for each $[ ] of Liquidation Amount represented by their Trust Securities in respect of any matter as to which such Securityholders are entitled to vote. Section 6.5. Proxies, etc. At any meeting of Securityholders, any Securityholder entitled to vote thereat may vote by proxy; provided that no proxy shall be voted at any meeting unless it shall have been placed on file with the Administrative Trustee, or with such other officer or agent of the Trust as the Administrative Trustee may direct, for verification prior to the time at which such vote shall be taken. Pursuant to a resolution of the Property Trustee, proxies may be solicited in the name of the Property Trustee or one or more officers of the Property Trustee. Only Securityholders of record shall be entitled to vote. When Trust Securities are held jointly by several persons, any one of them may vote at any meeting in person or by proxy in respect of such Trust Securities, but if more than one of them shall be present at such meeting in person or by proxy, and such joint owners or their proxies so present disagree as to any vote to be cast, such vote shall not be received in respect of such Trust Securities. A proxy purporting to be executed by or on behalf of a Securityholder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior to its exercise, and the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the challenger. No proxy shall be valid more than three years after its date of execution. 40 -34- Section 6.6. Securityholder Action by Written Consent. Any action which may be taken by Securityholders at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if Securityholders holding a majority of all Outstanding Trust Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount) entitled to vote in respect of such action (or such larger proportion thereof as shall be required by any express provision of this Declaration of Trust) shall consent to the action in writing. Section 6.7. Record Date for Voting and Other Purposes. For the purposes of determining the Securityholders who are entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting or by written consent, or to participate in any distribution on the Trust Securities in respect of which a record date is not otherwise provided for in this Declaration of Trust, or for the purpose of any other action, the Administrative Trustee may from time to time fix a date, not more than 90 days prior to the date of any meeting of Securityholders or the payment of a distribution or other action, as the case may be, as a record date for the determination of the identity of the Securityholders of record for such purposes. Section 6.8. Acts of Securityholders. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Declaration of Trust to be given, made or taken by Securityholders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Securityholders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to an Administrative Trustee. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Securityholders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Declaration of Trust and (subject to Section 8.1) conclusive in favor of the Trustees, if made in the manner provided in this Section. The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which any Trustee receiving the same deems sufficient. 41 -35- The ownership of Preferred Securities shall be proved by the Securities Register. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Securityholder of any Trust Security shall bind every future Securityholder of the same Trust Security and the Securityholder of every Trust Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustees or the Trust in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Trust Security. Without limiting the foregoing, a Securityholder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Trust Security may do so with regard to all or any part of the Liquidation Amount of such Trust Security or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such liquidation amount. If any dispute shall arise between the Securityholders and the Administrative Trustee or among such Securityholders or Trustees with respect to the authenticity, validity or binding nature of any request, demand, authorization, direction, consent, waiver or other Act of such Securityholder or Trustee under this Article VI, then the determination of such matter by the Property Trustee shall be conclusive with respect to such matter. Section 6.9. Inspection of Records. Upon reasonable notice to the Administrative Trustee and the Property Trustee, the records of the Trust shall be open to inspection by Securityholders during normal business hours for any purpose reasonably related to such Securityholder's interest as a Securityholder. ARTICLE VII REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES Section 7.1. Representations and Warranties of the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee. The Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee, each severally on behalf of and as to itself, hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of the Depositor and the Securityholders that: (a) the Property Trustee is a national banking association duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the United States; 42 -36- (b) the Property Trustee meets the applicable eligibility requirements set forth in Section 8.7, has full corporate power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Declaration of Trust and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Declaration of Trust; (c) the Delaware Trustee is a Delaware corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing in the State of Delaware; (d) the Delaware Trustee meets the applicable eligibility requirements set forth in Section 8.7, has full corporate power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Declaration of Trust and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Declaration of Trust; (e) this Declaration of Trust has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee and constitutes the valid and legally binding agreement of each of the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles; (f) the execution, delivery and performance of this Declaration of Trust have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other action on the part of the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee and do not require any approval of stockholders of the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee and such execution, delivery and performance will not (i) violate the charter or by-laws of the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, (ii) violate any provision of, or constitute, with or without notice or lapse of time, a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of, any Lien on any properties included in the Trust Property pursuant to the provisions of, any indenture, mortgage, credit agreement, license or other agreement or instrument to which the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee is a party or by which it is bound, or (iii) violate any law, governmental rule or regulation of the United States or the State of Delaware, as the case may be, governing the corporate, banking, trust or general powers of the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee (as appropriate in context) or any order, judgment or decree applicable to the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee; (g) neither the authorization, execution or delivery by the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee of this Declaration of Trust nor the consummation of any of the transactions by the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, contemplated herein or therein requires the consent or approval of, the giving of notice 43 -37- to, the registration with or the taking of any other action with respect to any governmental authority or agency under any existing Federal law governing the banking, trust or general powers of the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee (as appropriate in context) or under the laws of the United States or the State of Delaware; and (h) there are no proceedings pending or, to the best of each of the Property Trustee's and the Delaware Trustee's knowledge, threatened against or affecting the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee in any court or before any governmental authority, agency or arbitration board or tribunal which, individually or in the aggregate, would materially and adversely affect the Trust or would question the right, power and authority of the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, to enter into or perform its obligations as one of the Trustees under this Declaration of Trust. Section 7.2. Representations and Warranties of Depositor. The Depositor hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of the Securityholders that: (a) the Trust Securities Certificates issued at each Closing Date on behalf of the Trust have been duly authorized and will have been, duly and validly executed, issued and delivered by the Trustees pursuant to the terms and provisions of, and in accordance with the requirements of, this Declaration of Trust, and the Securityholders will be, as of each such date, entitled to the benefits of this Declaration of Trust; and (b) there are no taxes, fees or other governmental charges payable by the Trust (or the Trustees on behalf of the Trust) under the laws of the State of Delaware or any political subdivision thereof in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, of this Declaration of Trust. ARTICLE VIII THE TRUSTEES Section 8.1. Certain Duties and Responsibilities. (a) The duties and responsibilities of the Trustees shall be as provided by this Declaration of Trust and, in the case of the Property Trustee, subject to the Trust Indenture 44 -38- Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Declaration of Trust shall require the Trustees to expend or risk their own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of their duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of their rights or powers, if they shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Declaration of Trust relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustees shall be subject to the provisions of this Section. Nothing in this Declaration of Trust shall be construed to release the Property Trustee from liability for its own gross negligent action, its own gross negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct. To the extent that, at law or in equity, an Administrative Trustee has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Trust or to the Securityholders, such Administrative Trustee shall not be liable to the Trust or to any Securityholder for such Trustee's good faith reliance on the provisions of this Declaration of Trust. The provisions of this Declaration of Trust, to the extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of the Administrative Trustee otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Depositor and the Securityholders to replace such other duties and liabilities of the Administrative Trustee. (b) All payments made by the Property Trustee or a Paying Agent in respect of the Trust Securities shall be made only from the revenue and proceeds from the Trust Property and only to the extent that there shall be sufficient revenue or proceeds from the Trust Property to enable the Property Trustee or a Paying Agent to make payments in accordance with the terms hereof. Each Securityholder, by its acceptance of a Trust Security, agrees that it will look solely to the revenue and proceeds from the Trust Property to the extent legally available for distribution to it as herein provided and that the Trustees are not personally liable to it for any amount distributable in respect of any Trust Security or for any other liability in respect of any Trust Security. This Section 8.1(b) does not limit the liability of the Trustees expressly set forth elsewhere in this Declaration of Trust and, in the case of the Property Trustee, in the Trust Indenture Act. (c) No provision of this Declaration of Trust shall be construed to relieve the Property Trustee from liability for its own negligent action or its own negligent failure to act, except that: (i) the Property Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by an authorized officer of the Property Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Property Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; (ii) the Property Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities relating to 45 -39- the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Property Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Property Trustee under this Declaration of Trust; (iii) the Property Trustee's sole duty with respect to the custody, safe keeping and physical preservation of the Debentures and the Payment Account shall be to deal with such Property in similar manner as the Property Trustee deals with similar property for its own account, subject to the protections and limitations on liability afforded to the Property Trustee under this Declaration of Trust and the Trust Indenture Act; (iv) the Property Trustee shall not be liable for any interest on any money received by it except as it may otherwise agree with the Depositor; and money held by the Property Trustee need not be segregated from other funds held by it except in relation to the Payment Account maintained by the Property Trustee pursuant to Section 3.1 and except to the extent otherwise required by law; and (v) the Property Trustee shall not be responsible for monitoring the compliance by the Administrative Trustee or the Depositor with their respective duties under this Declaration of Trust, nor shall the Property Trustee be liable for the default or misconduct of the Administrative Trustee or the Depositor. Section 8.2. Certain Notices. Within 90 days after the occurrence of any Event of Default actually known to the Property Trustee, the Property Trustee shall transmit, in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 10.8, notice of such Event of Default to the Securityholders, the Administrative Trustee and the Depositor, unless such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived. Within five Business Days after the receipt of notice of the Depositor's exercise of its right to defer the payment of interest on the Debentures pursuant to the Indenture, the Administrative Trustee shall transmit, in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 10.8, notice of such exercise to the Securityholders and the Property Trustee, unless such exercise shall have been revoked. Section 8.3. Certain Rights of Property Trustee. Subject to the provisions of Section 8.1: (a) the Property Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting in good faith upon any resolution, Opinion of Counsel, certificate, written representation of a Holder or transferee, certificate of auditors or any other 46 -40- certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, appraisal, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties; (b) if (i) in performing its duties under this Declaration of Trust the Property Trustee is required to decide between alternative courses of action or (ii) in construing any of the provisions of this Declaration of Trust the Property Trustee finds the same ambiguous or inconsistent with any other provisions contained herein or (iii) the Property Trustee is unsure of the application of any provision of this Declaration of Trust, then, except as to any matter as to which the Preferred Securityholders are entitled to vote under the terms of this Declaration of Trust, the Property Trustee shall deliver a notice to the Depositor requesting written instructions of the Depositor as to the course of action to be taken and the Property Trustee shall take such action, or refrain from taking such action, as the Property Trustee shall be instructed in writing to take, or to refrain from taking, by the Depositor; provided, however, that if the Property Trustee does not receive such instructions of the Depositor within ten Business Days after it has delivered such notice, or such reasonably shorter period of time set forth in such notice (which to the extent practicable shall not be less than two Business Days), it may, but shall be under no duty to, take or refrain from taking such action not inconsistent with this Declaration of Trust as it shall deem advisable and in the best interests of the Securityholders, in which event the Property Trustee shall have no liability except for its own bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct; (c) any direction or act of the Depositor or the Administrative Trustee contemplated by this Declaration of Trust shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers Certificate; (d) whenever in the administration of this Declaration of Trust, the Property Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be established before undertaking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Property Trustee (unless other evidence is herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, request and rely upon an Officers' Certificate which, upon receipt of such request, shall be promptly delivered by the Depositor or the Administrative Trustee; (e) the Property Trustee shall have no duty to see to any recording, filing or registration of any instrument (including any financing or continuation statement or any filing under tax or securities laws) or any rerecording, refiling or reregistration thereof; (f) the Property Trustee may consult with counsel (which counsel may be counsel to the Depositor or any of its Affiliates, and may include any of its employees) 47 -41- and the advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon and in accordance with such advice, such counsel may be counsel to the Depositor or any of its Affiliates, and may include any of its employees; the Property Trustee shall have the right at any time to seek instructions concerning the administration of this Declaration of Trust from any court of competent jurisdiction; (g) the Property Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Declaration of Trust at the request or direction of any of the Securityholders pursuant to this Declaration of Trust, unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Property Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction; (h) the Property Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, unless requested in writing to do so by one or more Securityholders, but the Property Trustee may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit; (i) the Property Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through its agents or attorneys, provided that the Property Trustee shall be responsible for its own negligence or recklessness with respect to selection of any agent or attorney appointed by it hereunder; (j) whenever in the administration of this Declaration of Trust the Property Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action hereunder the Property Trustee (i) may request instructions from the Holders of the Trust Securities which instructions may only be given by the Holders of the same proportion in Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities as would be entitled to direct the Property Trustee under the terms of the Trust Securities in respect of such remedy, right or action, (ii) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such other action until such instructions are received, and (iii) shall be protected in acting in accordance with such instructions; and (k) except as otherwise expressly provided by this Declaration of Trust, the Property Trustee shall not be under any obligation to take any action that is discretionary under the provisions of this Declaration of Trust. No provision of this Declaration of Trust shall be deemed to impose any duty or obligation on the Property Trustee to perform any act or acts or exercise any right, power, 48 -42- duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it, in any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Property Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law, to perform any such act or acts, or to exercise any such right, power, duty or obligation. No permissive power or authority available to the Property Trustee shall be construed to be a duty. Section 8.4. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities. The recitals contained herein and in the Trust Securities Certificates shall be taken as the statements of the Depositor, and the Trustees do not assume any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustees shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Depositor of the proceeds of the Debentures. Section 8.5. May Hold Securities. Any Trustee or any other agent of any Trustee or the Trust, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Trust Securities and, subject to Sections 8.8 and 8.13 and except as provided in the definition of the term "Outstanding" in Article I, may otherwise deal with the Trust with the same rights it would have if it were not a Trustee or such other agent. Section 8.6. Compensation; Indemnity; Fees. Pursuant to the Indenture, the Depositor, as borrower, agrees: (a) to pay to the Trustees from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by them hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust); (b) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustees upon request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustees in accordance with any provision of this Declaration of Trust (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith; and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to indemnify and hold harmless (i) each Trustee, (ii) any Affiliate of any Trustee, (iii) any officer, director, shareholder, employee, representative or agent of any Trustee, and (iv) any employee or agent of the Trust or its Affiliates, (referred to herein as an "Indemnified Person") from and against any loss, damage, liability, tax, penalty, expense or claim of any kind 49 -43- or nature whatsoever incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of the creation, operation or termination of the Trust or any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by this Declaration of Trust, except that no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions. (d) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to advance expenses (including legal fees) incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding, from time to time, prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Depositor of (i) a written affirmation by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person of its or his good faith belief that it or he has met the standard of conduct set forth in this Section 8.6 and (ii) an undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in the preceding subsection. The provisions of this Section 8.6 shall survive the termination of this Declaration of Trust or the resignation or removal of any Trustee. No Trustee may claim any lien or charge on any Trust Property as a result of any amount due pursuant to this Section 8.6. Section 8.7. Corporate Property Trustee Required; Eligibility of Trustees. (a) There shall at all times be a Property Trustee hereunder with respect to the Trust Securities. The Property Trustee shall be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Property Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article. (b) There shall at all times be one or more Administrative Trustees hereunder with respect to the Trust Securities. Each Administrative Trustee shall be either a 50 -44- natural person who is at least 21 years of age or a legal entity that shall act through one or more persons authorized to bind that entity. (c) There shall at all times be a Delaware Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities. The Delaware Trustee shall either be (i) a natural person who is at least 21 years of age and a resident of the State of Delaware or (ii) a legal entity with its principal place of business in the State of Delaware and that otherwise meets the requirements of applicable Delaware law that shall act through one or more persons authorized to bind such entity. Section 8.8. Conflicting Interests. If the Property Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Property Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Declaration of Trust. The Depositor and any Trustee may engage in or possess an interest in other business ventures of any nature or description, independently or with others, similar or dissimilar to the business of the Trust, and the Trust and the Holders of Trust Securities shall have no rights by virtue of this Declaration of Trust in and to such independent ventures or the income or profits derived therefrom, and the pursuit of any such venture, even if competitive with the business of the Trust, shall not be deemed wrongful or improper. Neither the Depositor, nor any Trustee, shall be obligated to present any particular investment or other opportunity to the Trust even if such opportunity is of a character that, if presented to the Trust, could be taken by the Trust, and the Depositor or any Trustee shall have the right to take for its own account (individually or as a partner or fiduciary) or to recommend to others any such particular investment or other opportunity. Any Trustee may engage or be interested in any financial or other transaction with the Depositor or any Affiliate of the Depositor, or may act as depository for, trustee or agent for, or act on any committee or body of holders of, securities or other obligations of the Depositor or its Affiliates. Section 8.9. Co-Trustees and Separate Trustee. Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, at any time or times, for the purpose of meeting the legal requirements of the Trust Indenture Act or of any jurisdiction in which any part of the Trust Property may at the time be located, the Depositor and the Administrative Trustee, by agreed action of the majority of such Trustees, shall have power to appoint, and upon the written request of the Administrative Trustee, the Depositor shall for such purpose join with the Administrative Trustee in the execution, delivery, and performance of all instruments and agreements necessary or proper to appoint, one or more Persons approved by the Property Trustee either to act as co-trustee jointly with the Property Trustee, of all or any part of such Trust Property, or to the extent required by law to act as separate trustee of any such property, in either case with such powers as may be provided in the instrument of appointment, and to vest in such Person or Persons in the capacity 51 -45- aforesaid, any property, title, right or power deemed necessary or desirable, subject to the other provisions of this Section. If the Depositor does not join in such appointment within 15 days after the receipt by it of a request so to do, or in case a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Property Trustee alone shall have power to make such appointment. Any co-trustee or separate trustee appointed pursuant to this Section shall either be (i) a natural person who is at least 21 years of age and a resident of the United States or (ii) a legal entity with its principal place of business in the United States that shall act through one or more persons authorized to bind such entity. Should any written instrument from the Depositor be required by any co-trustee or separate trustee so appointed for more fully confirming to such co-trustee or separate trustee such property, title, right, or power, any and all such instruments shall, on request, be executed, acknowledged and delivered by the Depositor. Every co-trustee or separate trustee shall, to the extent permitted by law, but to such extent only, be appointed subject to the following terms, namely: (a) The Trust Securities shall be executed and delivered and all rights, powers, duties, and obligations hereunder in respect of the custody of securities, cash and other personal property held by, or required to be deposited or pledged with, the Trustees specified hereunder, shall be exercised, solely by such Trustees and not by such co-trustee or separate trustee. (b) The rights, powers, duties, and obligations hereby conferred or imposed upon the Property Trustee in respect of any property covered by such appointment shall be conferred or imposed upon and exercised or performed by the Property Trustee or by the Property Trustee and such co-trustee or separate trustee jointly, as shall be provided in the instrument appointing such co-trustee or separate trustee, except to the extent that under any law of any jurisdiction in which any particular act is to be performed, the Property Trustee shall be incompetent or unqualified to perform such act, in which event such rights, powers, duties and obligations shall be exercised and performed by such co-trustee or separate trustee. (c) The Property Trustee at any time, by an instrument in writing executed by it, with the written concurrence of the Depositor, may accept the resignation of or remove any co-trustee or separate trustee appointed under this Section, and, in case a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Property Trustee shall have power to accept the resignation of, or remove, any such co-trustee or separate trustee without the concurrence of the Depositor. Upon the written request of the Property Trustee, the Depositor shall join with the Property Trustee in the execution, delivery and performance of all instruments and agreements necessary or proper to 52 -46- effectuate such resignation or removal. A successor to any co-trustee or separate trustee so resigned or removed may be appointed in the manner provided in this Section. (d) No co-trustee or separate trustee hereunder shall be personally liable by reason of any act or omission of the Property Trustee or any other trustee hereunder. (e) The Property Trustee shall not be liable by reason of any act of a co-trustee or separate trustee. (f) Any Act of Holders delivered to the Property Trustee shall be deemed to have been delivered to each such co-trustee and separate trustee. Section 8.10. Resignation and Removal, Appointment of Successor. No resignation or removal of any Trustee (the "Relevant Trustee") and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 8.11. Subject to the immediately preceding paragraph, the Relevant Trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Securityholders. If the instrument of acceptance by the successor Trustee required by Section 8.11 shall not have been delivered to the Relevant Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the Relevant Trustee may petition (pursuant to the Indenture, at the expense of the Depositor), any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Relevant Trustee. Unless a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, any Trustee may be removed at any time by Act of the Common Securityholder. If a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, or both of them, may be removed at such time by Act of the Holders of a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities, delivered to the Relevant Trustee (in its individual capacity and on behalf of the Trust). An Administrative Trustee may be removed by the Common Securityholder at any time. If any Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting as Trustee, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of any Trustee for any cause, at a time when no Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Common Securityholder, by Act of the Common Securityholder delivered to the retiring Trustee, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees, and the retiring Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 8.11. If the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of continuing to act as the Property Trustee or the 53 -47- Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, at a time when a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Preferred Securityholders, by Act of the Securityholders of a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then Outstanding delivered to the retiring Relevant Trustee, shall promptly appoint a successor Relevant Trustee or Trustees, and such successor Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 8.11. If an Administrative Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting as Administrative Trustee, at a time when a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Common Securityholder by Act of the Common Securityholder delivered to the Administrative Trustee shall promptly appoint a successor Administrative Trustee or Administrative Trustee and such successor Administrative Trustee or Trustees shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 8.11. If no successor Relevant Trustee shall have been so appointed by the Common Securityholder or the Preferred Securityholders and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 8.11, any Securityholder who has been a Securityholder of Trust Securities for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Relevant Trustee. The Property Trustee shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of a Trustee and each appointment of a successor Trustee to all Securityholders in the manner provided in Section 10.8 and shall give notice to the Depositor. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Relevant Trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office if it is the Property Trustee. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Declaration of Trust, in the event any Administrative Trustee or a Delaware Trustee who is a natural person dies or becomes, in the opinion of the Depositor, incompetent or incapacitated, the vacancy created by such death, incompetence or incapacity may be filled by (a) the unanimous act of remaining Administrative Trustee if there are at least two of them or (b) otherwise by the Depositor (with the successor in each case being a Person who satisfies the eligibility requirement for Administrative Trustee or Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, set forth in Section 8.7). Section 8.11. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor. In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Relevant Trustee, the retiring Relevant Trustee and each successor Relevant Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities shall execute and deliver an amendment hereto wherein each successor Relevant Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (a) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Relevant Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Relevant Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities and the Trust and (b) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Declaration 54 -48- of Trust as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the Trust by more than one Relevant Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such amendment shall constitute such Relevant Trustees co-trustees and upon the execution and delivery of such amendment the resignation or removal of the retiring Relevant Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Relevant Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Relevant Trustee; but, on request of the Trust or any successor Relevant Trustee such retiring Relevant Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Relevant Trustee all Trust Property, all proceeds thereof and money held by such retiring Relevant Trustee hereunder with respect to the Trust Securities and the Trust. Upon request of any such successor Relevant Trustee, the Trust shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Relevant Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case way be. No successor Relevant Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Relevant Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article. Section 8.12. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business. Any corporation into which the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Relevant Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of such Relevant Trustee, shall be the successor of such Relevant Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. Section 8.13. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Depositor or Trust. If and when the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Depositor or the Trust (or any other obligor upon the Debentures or the Trust Securities), the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, shall be subject to and shall take all actions necessary in order to comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Depositor or Trust (or any such other obligor). 55 -49- Section 8.14. Reports by the Property Trustee. (a) The Property Trustee shall transmit to Securityholders such reports concerning the Property Trustee and its actions under this Declaration of Trust as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto. If required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Property Trustee shall, within sixty days after each June 30 following the date of this Declaration of Trust deliver to Securityholders a brief report, dated as of such June 30, which complies with the provisions of such Section 313(a). (b) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Property Trustee with each national stock exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or such other interdealer quotation system or self-regulatory organization upon which the Trust Securities are listed or traded, with the Commission and with the Depositor. Section 8.15. Reports to the Property Trustee. The Depositor and the Administrative Trustee on behalf of the Trust shall provide to the Property Trustee such documents, reports and information as required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act (if any) and the compliance certificate required by Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act in the form, in the manner and at the times required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act. Section 8.16. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent. Each of the Depositor and the Administrative Trustee on behalf of the Trust shall provide to the Property Trustee such evidence of compliance with any conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Declaration of Trust that relate to any of the matters set forth in Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion required to be given by an officer pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act shall be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate. Section 8.17. Number of Trustees. (a) The number of Trustees shall be three, provided that the Holder of all of the Common Securities by written instrument may increase or decrease the number of Administrative Trustees. The Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee may be the same Person, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements set forth herein. (b) If a Trustee ceases to hold office for any reason and the number of Administrative Trustees is not reduced pursuant to Section 8.17(a), or if the number of Trustees 56 -50- is increased pursuant to Section 8.17(a), a vacancy shall occur. The vacancy shall be filled with a Trustee appointed in accordance with Section 8.10. (c) The death, resignation, retirement, removal, bankruptcy, incompetence or incapacity to perform the duties of a Trustee shall not operate to annul, dissolve or terminate the Trust. Whenever a vacancy in the number of Administrative Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled by the appointment of an Administrative Trustee in accordance with Section 8.10, the Administrative Trustees in office, regardless of their number (and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement), shall have all the powers granted to the Administrative Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Administrative Trustees by this Declaration of Trust. Section 8.18. Delegation of Power. (a) Any Administrative Trustee may, by power of attorney consistent with applicable law, delegate to any other natural person over the age of 21 his or her power for the purpose of executing any documents contemplated in Section 2.7(a), including any registration statement or amendment thereto filed with the Commission, or making any other governmental filing; and (b) The Administrative Trustee shall have power to delegate from time to time to such of their number or to the Depositor the doing of such things and the execution of such instruments either in the name of the Trust or the names of the Administrative Trustee or otherwise as the Administrative Trustee may deem expedient, to the extent such delegation is not prohibited by applicable law or contrary to the provisions of this Declaration of Trust, as set forth herein. ARTICLE IX TERMINATION, LIQUIDATION AND MERGER Section 9.1. Dissolution Upon Expiration Date. Unless earlier dissolved, the Trust shall automatically dissolve on [ ], [ ] (the "Expiration Date"). Thereafter, the Trust Property shall be distributed in accordance with Section 9.4. Section 9.2. Early Dissolution. The first to occur of any of the following events is an "Early Termination Event", the occurrence of which shall cause a dissolution of the Trust: 57 -51- (a) the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event in respect of, or the dissolution or liquidation of, the Depositor; (b) the occurrence of (i) a Tax Event, but only if the Administrative Trustees shall have received an opinion from independent tax counsel experienced in such matters, which opinion may rely on published revenue rulings of the Internal Revenue Service, to the effect that the holders of the Preferred Securities will not recognize any gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such Early Termination Event and distribution of Debentures; unless at the time there is available to the Trust the opportunity to eliminate, within such 90 day period, the Tax Event by taking some ministerial action, such as filing a form or making an election, or pursuing some other similar reasonable measure, which has no adverse effect on the Trust, Burlington Resources Inc. or the holders of the Preferred Securities, and the Trust pursues such measure in lieu of dissolution; or (ii) an Investment Company Event; (c) the written direction to the Property Trustee from the Depositor at any time (which direction is optional and wholly within the discretion of the Depositor) to dissolve the Trust and distribute Debentures to Securityholders in exchange for the Preferred Securities; (d) the redemption of all of the Preferred Securities; and (e) the entry of an order for dissolution of the Trust by a court of competent jurisdiction. Section 9.3. Termination. As soon as is practicable after the occurrence of an event referred to in Section 9.1 or 9.2, and upon the completion of the winding up and liquidation of the Trust under Section 9.4, the Trustees (each of whom is hereby authorized to take such action) shall file a certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware terminating the Trust and, upon such filing, the respective obligations and responsibilities of the Trustees and the Trust created and continued hereby shall terminate. Section 9.4. Liquidation. (a) If an Early Termination Event specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of Section 9.2 occurs or upon the Expiration Date, the Trust shall be liquidated by the Trustees as expeditiously as the Trustees determine to be possible by distributing, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, to each Securityholder a Like Amount of Debentures, subject to Section 9.4(d). Notice of liquidation shall be given by the Property Trustee by first-class mail, postage prepaid mailed not later than 30 nor more than 58 -52- 60 days prior to the Liquidation Date to each Holder of Trust Securities at such Holder's address appearing in the Securities Register. All notices of liquidation shall: (i) state the Liquidation Date; (ii) state that from and after the Liquidation Date, the Trust Securities will no longer be deemed to be Outstanding and any Trust Securities Certificates not surrendered for exchange will be deemed to represent a Like Amount of Debentures; and (iii) provide such information with respect to the mechanics by which Holders may exchange Trust Securities Certificates for Debentures, or if Section 9.4(d) applies receive a Liquidation Distribution, as the Administrative Trustee or the Property Trustee shall deem appropriate. (b) Except where Section 9.2(c) or 9.4(d) applies, in order to effect the liquidation of the Trust and distribution of the Debentures to Securityholders, the Property Trustee shall establish a record date for such distribution (which shall be not more than 45 days prior to the Liquidation Date) and, either itself acting as exchange agent or through the appointment of a separate exchange agent, shall establish such procedures as it shall deem appropriate to effect the distribution of Debentures in exchange for the Outstanding Trust Securities Certificates. (c) Except where Section 9.2(c) or 9.4(d) applies, after the Liquidation Date, (i) the Trust Securities will no longer be deemed to be Outstanding, (ii) certificates representing a Like Amount of Debentures will be issued to Holders of Trust Securities Certificates, upon surrender of such certificates to the Administrative Trustee or their agent for exchange, (iii) the Depositor shall use its reasonable efforts to have the Debentures listed on the New York Stock Exchange or on such other exchange, interdealer quotation system or self-regulatory organization as the Preferred Securities are then listed, (iv) any Trust Securities Certificates not so surrendered for exchange will be deemed to represent a Like Amount of Debentures, accruing interest at the rate provided for in the Debentures from the last Distribution Date on which a Distribution was made on such Trust Securities Certificates until such certificates are so surrendered (and until such certificates are so surrendered, no payments of interest or principal will be made to Holders of Trust Securities Certificates with respect to such Debentures) and (v) all rights of Securityholders holding Trust Securities will cease, except the right of such Securityholders to receive Debentures upon surrender of Trust Securities Certificates. (d) In the event that, upon the Expiration Date or the occurrence of an Early Termination Event, notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section 9.4, whether because of an order for dissolution entered by a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise, distribution of the Debentures in the manner provided herein is determined by the Property 59 -53- Trustee not to be practical, the Trust Property shall be liquidated, and the Trust shall be wound-up by the Property Trustee in such manner as the Property Trustee determines. In such event, Securityholders will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Trust available for distribution to Securityholders, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, an amount equal to the Liquidation Amount per Trust Security plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions thereon to the date of payment (such amount being the "Liquidation Distribution"). If, upon any such winding-up, the Liquidation Distribution can be paid only in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then, subject to the next succeeding sentence, the amounts payable by the Trust on the Trust Securities shall be paid on a pro rata basis (based upon Liquidation Amounts). The Holder of the Common Securities will be entitled to receive Liquidation Distributions upon any such winding-up pro rata (determined as aforesaid) with Holders of Preferred Securities, except that, if a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Preferred Securities shall have a priority over the Common Securities. Section 9.5. Mergers, Consolidations, Amalgamations or Replacements of the Trust. The Trust may not merge with or into, consolidate, convert into, amalgamate, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, except pursuant to this Section 9.5 or Section 9.4. At the request of the Depositor, with the consent of the Administrative Trustee and without the consent of the Holders of the Preferred Securities, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, the Trust may merge with or into, consolidate, convert into, amalgamate, or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to a trust organized as such under the laws of any State; provided, that (i) such successor entity either (a) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Preferred Securities or (b) substitutes for the Preferred Securities other securities having substantially the same terms as the Preferred Securities (the "Successor Securities") so long as the Successor Securities rank the same as the Preferred Securities rank in priority with respect to distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise, (ii) the Depositor expressly appoints a trustee of such successor entity possessing the same powers and duties as the Property Trustee as the holder of the Debentures, (iii) the Successor Securities are listed or traded, or any Successor Securities will be listed upon notification of issuance, on any national securities exchange or other organization on which the Preferred Securities are then listed or traded, if any, (iv) such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not cause the Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) to be downgraded by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization, (v) such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect, (vi) such successor entity has a purpose 60 -54- substantially identical to that of the Trust, (vii) prior to such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, the Depositor has received an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (a) such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect, and (b) following such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, neither the Trust nor such successor entity will be required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act and (viii) the Depositor owns all of the common securities of such successor entity and guarantees the obligations of such successor entity under the Successor Securities at least to the extent provided by the Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust shall not, except with the consent of Holders of 100% in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, convert into or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any other Person or permit any other entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it if such consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, merger, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease would cause the Trust or the successor entity to be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States Federal income tax purposes. ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Section 10.1. Limitation of Rights of Securityholders. The death, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy or termination of any Person having an interest, beneficial or otherwise, in Trust Securities shall not operate to terminate this Declaration of Trust nor dissolve, terminate or annul the Trust nor entitle the legal representatives or heirs of such Person or any Securityholder for such person, to claim an accounting, take any action or bring any proceeding in any court for a partition or winding-up of the arrangements contemplated hereby, nor otherwise affect the rights, obligations and liabilities of the parties hereto or any of them. Section 10.2. Amendment. (a) This Declaration of Trust may be amended from time to time by the Trustees and the Depositor, without the consent of any Securityholders, (i) to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Declaration of Trust, which shall not be inconsistent with the other provisions of 61 -55- this Declaration of Trust, or (ii) to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of this Declaration of Trust to such extent as shall be necessary to ensure that the Trust will be classified for United States Federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust at all times that any Trust Securities are outstanding or to ensure that the Trust will not be required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act; provided, however, that in the case of clause (ii), such action shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Securityholder, and any such amendments of this Declaration of Trust shall become effective when notice thereof is given to the Securityholders. (b) Except as provided in Section 6.1(c) or Section 10.2(c) hereof, any provision of this Declaration of Trust may be amended by the Trustees and the Depositor with (i) the consent of Trust Securityholders representing not less than a majority (based upon Liquidation Amounts) of the Trust Securities then Outstanding and (ii) receipt by the Trustees of an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such amendment or the exercise of any power granted to the Trustees in accordance with such amendment will not affect the Trust's status as a grantor trust for United States Federal income tax purposes or the Trust's exemption from status of an investment company under the 1940 Act. (c) In addition to and notwithstanding any other provision in this Declaration of Trust, without the consent of each affected Securityholder, this Declaration of Trust may not be amended to (i) change the amount or timing of any Distribution on the Trust Securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of any Distribution required to be made in respect of the Trust Securities as of a specified date or (ii) restrict the right of a Securityholder to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such date; notwithstanding any other provision herein, without the unanimous consent of the Securityholders, this paragraph (c) of this Section 10.2 may not be amended. (d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Declaration of Trust, no Trustee shall enter into or consent to any amendment to this Declaration of Trust which would cause the Trust to fail or cease to qualify for the exemption from status of an investment company under the 1940 Act or fail or cease to be classified as a grantor trust for United States Federal income tax purposes. (e) Notwithstanding anything in this Declaration of Trust to the contrary, this Declaration of Trust may not be amended in a manner which imposes any additional obligation on the Depositor, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee without the consent of the Depositor, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be. (f) In the event that any amendment to this Declaration of Trust is made, the Administrative Trustee shall promptly provide to the Depositor a copy of such amendment. 62 -56- (g) Neither the Property Trustee nor the Delaware Trustee shall be required to enter into any amendment to this Declaration of Trust which affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Declaration of Trust. The Property Trustee shall be entitled to receive an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers' Certificate stating that any amendment to this Declaration of Trust is in compliance with this Declaration of Trust. Section 10.3. Separability. In case any provision in this Declaration of Trust or in the Trust Securities Certificates shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. Section 10.4. Governing Law. THIS TRUST AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF SECURITYHOLDERS, THE TRUST, THE DEPOSITOR AND THE TRUSTEES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND ALL RIGHTS AND REMEDIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY SUCH LAWS WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION THAT WOULD CALL FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE LAW OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF DELAWARE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THERE SHALL NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE SECURITYHOLDERS, THE TRUST, THE DEPOSITOR, THE TRUSTEES OR THIS TRUST AGREEMENT ANY PROVISION OF THE LAWS (STATUTORY OR COMMON) OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE PERTAINING TO TRUSTS THAT RELATE TO OR REGULATE, IN A MANNER INCONSISTENT WITH THE TERMS HEREOF (A) THE FILING WITH ANY COURT OR GOVERNMENT BODY OR AGENCY OF TRUSTEE ACCOUNTS OR SCHEDULES OF TRUSTEE FEES AND CHARGES, (B) AFFIRMATIVE REQUIREMENTS TO POST BONDS FOR TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES OF A TRUST, (C) THE NECESSITY FOR OBTAINING COURT OR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL APPROVAL CONCERNING THE ACQUISITION, HOLDING OR DISPOSITION OF REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY, (D) FEES OR OTHER SUMS PAYABLE TO TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES OF A TRUST, (E) THE ALLOCATION OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES TO INCOME OR PRINCIPAL, (F) RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS ON THE PERMISSIBLE NATURE, AMOUNT OR CONCENTRATION OF TRUST INVESTMENTS OR REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE TITLING, STORAGE OR OTHER MANNER OF HOLDING OR INVESTING TRUST ASSETS OR (G) THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FIDUCIARY OR OTHER STANDARDS OF RESPONSIBILITY OR LIMITATIONS ON THE ACTS OR POWERS OF TRUSTEES THAT ARE 63 -57- INCONSISTENT WITH THE LIMITATIONS OR LIABILITIES OR AUTHORITIES AND POWERS OF THE TRUSTEES AS SET FORTH OR REFERENCED IN THIS TRUST AGREEMENT. SECTION 3540 OF TITLE 12 OF THE DELAWARE CODE SHALL NOT APPLY TO THE TRUST. Section 10.5. Payments Due on Non-Business Day. If the date fixed for any payment on any Trust Security shall be a day that is not a Business Day, then such payment need not be made on such date but may be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (except as otherwise provided in Sections 4.1(a) and 4.2(d)), with the same force and effect as though made on the date fixed for such payment, and no interest shall accrue thereon for the period after such date. Section 10.6. Successors. This Declaration of Trust shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of any successor to the Depositor, the Trust or the Relevant Trustee, including any successor by operation of law. Except in connection with transactions permitted under Article 5 of the Indenture and pursuant to which the assignee agrees in writing to perform the Depositor's obligations hereunder, the Depositor shall not assign its obligations hereunder. Section 10.7. Headings. The Article and Section headings are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of this Declaration of Trust. Section 10.8. Reports, Notices and Demands. Any report, notice, demand or other communication which by any provision of this Declaration of Trust is required or permitted to be given or served to or upon any Securityholder or the Depositor may be given or served in writing by deposit thereof, first-class postage prepaid, in the United States mail, hand delivery or facsimile transmission, in each case, addressed, (a) in the case of a Preferred Securityholder, to such Preferred Securityholder as such Securityholder's name and address may appear on the Securities Register; and (b) in the case of the Common Securityholder or the Depositor, to Burlington Resources Inc., 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056, Attention: Chief Financial Officer, facsimile no.: [ ]. Such notice, demand or other communication to or upon a Securityholder shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, upon hand delivery, mailing or transmission. Any notice, demand or other communication which by any provision of this Declaration of Trust is required or permitted to be given or served to or upon the Trust, the 64 -58- Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee or the Administrative Trustee shall be given in writing addressed (until another address is published by the Trust) as follows: (a) with respect to the Property Trustee to The Chase Manhattan Bank, [ ], Attention: [ ]; (b) with respect to the Delaware Trustee, to Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware, 1201 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, Attention: [ ]; and (c) with respect to the Administrative Trustee, to them at the address above for notices to the Depositor, marked "Attention Administrative Trustee of Burlington Resources Capital I." Such notice, demand or other communication to or upon the Trust or the Property Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made only upon actual receipt of the writing by the Trust or the Property Trustee. Section 10.9. Agreement Not to Petition. Each of the Trustees and the Depositor agree for the benefit of the Securityholders that, until at least one year and one day after the Trust has been terminated in accordance with Article IX, they shall not file, or join in the filing of, a petition against the Trust under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law (including, without limitation, the United States Bankruptcy Code) (collectively, "Bankruptcy Laws") or otherwise join in the commencement of any proceeding against the Trust under any Bankruptcy Law. In the event the Depositor takes action in violation of this Section 10.9, the Property Trustee agrees, for the benefit of Securityholders, that at the expense of the Depositor, it shall file an answer with the bankruptcy court or otherwise properly contest the filing of such petition by the Depositor against the Trust or the commencement of such action and raise the defense that the Depositor has agreed in writing not to take such action and should be stopped and precluded therefrom and such other defenses, if any, as counsel for the Trustee or the Trust may assert. The provisions of this Section 10.9 shall survive the termination of this Declaration of Trust. Section 10.10. Trust Indenture Act; Conflict with Trust Indenture Act. (a) This Declaration of Trust is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Declaration of Trust and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions. (b) The Property Trustee shall be the only Trustee which is a trustee for the purposes of the Trust Indenture Act. (c) If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision hereof which is required to be included in this Declaration of Trust by any of the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, such required provision shall control. If any provision of this Declaration of Trust modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act which may 65 -59- be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Declaration of Trust as so modified or excluded, as the case may be. (d) The application of the Trust Indenture Act to this Declaration of Trust shall not affect the nature of the Securities as equity securities representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the Trust. Section 10.11. Acceptance of Terms of Declaration of Trust, Guarantee and Indenture. THE RECEIPT AND ACCEPTANCE OF A TRUST SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN BY OR ON BEHALF OF A SECURITYHOLDER OR ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER, WITHOUT ANY SIGNATURE OR FURTHER MANIFESTATION OF ASSENT, SHALL CONSTITUTE THE UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE BY THE SECURITYHOLDER AND ALL OTHERS HAVING A BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP INTEREST IN SUCH TRUST SECURITY OF ALL THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS TRUST AGREEMENT AND AGREEMENT TO THE SUBORDINATION PROVISIONS AND OTHER TERMS OF THE GUARANTEE AND THE INDENTURE, AND SHALL CONSTITUTE THE AGREEMENT OF THE TRUST, SUCH SECURITYHOLDER AND SUCH OTHERS THAT THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS TRUST AGREEMENT SHALL BE BINDING, OPERATIVE AND EFFECTIVE AS BETWEEN THE TRUST AND SUCH SECURITYHOLDER AND SUCH OTHERS. 66 S-1 THIS DECLARATION OF TRUST is executed as of the date first above written. BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. By: ------------------------------------- Name: Title: [ ], as Property Trustee By: ------------------------------------- Name: Title: [ ], as Delaware Trustee By: ------------------------------------- Name: Title: [ ], as Administrative Trustee 67 EXHIBIT A 68 EXHIBIT B 69 EXHIBIT C THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT TRANSFERABLE OTHER THAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TRUST AGREEMENT (AS DEFINED BELOW) Certificate Number: C-1 Number Of Common Securities: [ ] CUSIP No.: Certificate Evidencing Common Securities of BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I [ ]% Common Securities (Liquidation Amount $[ ] Per Common Security) Burlington Resources Capital I, a statutory business trust created under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that Burlington Resources Inc. (the "Holder") is the registered owner of [ ] common securities of the Trust representing undivided beneficial ownership interests of the Trust and designated the [ ]% Common Securities (liquidation amount $[ ] per Common Security) (the "Common Securities"). To the extent set forth in Section 5.10 of the Declaration of Trust (as defined below) the Common Securities are not transferable and any attempted transfer hereof shall be void. The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the Common Securities are set forth in, and this certificate and the Common Securities represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of [ ], as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Declaration of Trust") including the designation of the terms of the Common Securities as set forth therein. The Trust will furnish a copy of the Declaration of Trust to the Holder without charge upon written request to the Trust at its principal place of business or registered office. Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the Declaration of Trust and is entitled to the benefits thereunder. 70 -2- In Witness Whereof, one of the Administrative Trustees of the Trust has executed this certificate this [ ]th day of [ ]. BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I By: ------------------------------------- Name: Administrative Trustee 71 EXHIBIT D If the Preferred Security is to be a Global Certificate Insert: THIS PREFERRED SECURITY IS A GLOBAL CERTIFICATE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE DECLARATION OF TRUST HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (THE "DEPOSITORY") OR A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY. THIS PREFERRED SECURITY IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR PREFERRED SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITORY OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE DECLARATION OF TRUST AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS PREFERRED SECURITY (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS PREFERRED SECURITY AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITORY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY TO THE DEPOSITORY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES. UNLESS THIS PREFERRED SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK) TO BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY PREFERRED SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY AND ANY PAYMENT HEREON IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY A PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN. 72 -2- Certificate Number: P-1 Number Of Preferred Securities Cusip No. [ ] Certificate Evidencing Preferred Securities of BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I [ ]% Trust Preferred Securities (Liquidation Amount $[ ] Per Preferred Security) Burlington Resources Capital I, a statutory business trust created under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that Cede & Co. (the "Holder") is the registered owner of [ ] preferred securities of the Trust representing an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the assets of the Trust and designated the [ ]% Trust Preferred Securities (the "Preferred Securities"). The Preferred Securities are transferable on the books and records of the Trust, in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in proper form for transfer as provided in Section 5.4 of the Declaration of Trust (as defined below). The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the Preferred Securities are set forth in, and this certificate and the Preferred Securities represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated as of [ ] as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Declaration of Trust") including the designation of the terms of Preferred Securities as set forth therein. The Holder is entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee Agreement entered into by Burlington Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation, and [ ], as guarantee trustee, dated as of [ ], as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Guarantee"), to the extent provided therein. The Trust will furnish a copy of the Declaration of Trust and the Guarantee to the Holder without charge upon written request to the Trust at its principal place of business or registered office. Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the Declaration of Trust and is entitled to the benefits thereunder. 73 -3- IN WITNESS WHEREOF, one of the Administrative Trustees of the Trust has executed this certificate this [ ] day of [ ]. BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I By: ------------------------------------- Name: Administrative Trustee 74 ASSIGNMENT For Value Received, the undersigned assigns and transfers this Preferred Security to: --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- (Insert assignee's social security or tax identification number) --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- (Insert address and zip code of assignee) and irrevocably appoints --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- agent to transfer this Preferred Security Certificate on the books of the Trust. The agent may substitute another to act for him or her. Date: ----------------------------- Signature: --------------------------------------------------------- (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Preferred Security Certificate) - -------------------------------------------------------------------- The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to S.E.C. Rule 17Ad-15. EX-4.18 5 h86756a1ex4-18.txt FORM OF AMENDED DECLARATION OF TRUST -B.R.C. II 1 EXHIBIT 4.18 ================================================================================ AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST AMONG BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC., THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, AS PROPERTY TRUSTEE, CHASE MANHATTAN BANK DELAWARE, AS DELAWARE TRUSTEE AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE TRUSTEES NAMED HEREIN DATED AS OF [ ] BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II ================================================================================ 2 Certain Sections of this Declaration of Trust Relating to Section 310 through 318 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939:
Sections of this Trust Indenture Act Section Declaration of Trust - --------------------------- -------------------- Section 310(a)(1).......................................................................8.7(a), 8.7(b) (a)(2)..................................................................................8.7(a) (a)(3)..................................................................................8.9 (a)(4)..................................................................................8.5, 2.7(a)(ii) (b).....................................................................................8.8 Section 311(a)..........................................................................8.13 (b).....................................................................................8.13 Section 312(a)..........................................................................5.7 (b).....................................................................................5.7 (c).....................................................................................5.7 Section 313(a)..........................................................................8.14(a) (a)(4)..................................................................................8.14(a) (b).....................................................................................8.14(a) (c).....................................................................................8.14(a), 10.8 Section 314(a)..........................................................................8.15 (b).....................................................................................Not Applicable (c)(1)..................................................................................8.16 (c)(2)..................................................................................8.16 (c)(3)..................................................................................Not Applicable (d).....................................................................................Not Applicable (e).....................................................................................1.1, 8.16 Section 315(a)..........................................................................8.1(a), (c), 8.3(a) (b).....................................................................................8.2, 10.8 (c).....................................................................................8.1(a) (d).....................................................................................8.1, 8.3 (e).....................................................................................Not Applicable Section 316(a)..........................................................................Not Applicable (a)(1)(A)...............................................................................Not Applicable (a)(1)(B)...............................................................................Not Applicable (a)(2)..................................................................................Not Applicable (b).....................................................................................5.14 (c).....................................................................................6.7 Section 317(a)(1).......................................................................Not Applicable (a)(2)..................................................................................Not Applicable (b).....................................................................................5.9, 8.2
3 Section 318(a)..........................................................................10.10
Note: This reconciliation and tie sheet shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Declaration of Trust. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ---- ARTICLE I DEFINED TERMS..............................................................................2 Section 1.1. Definitions.......................................................................2 ARTICLE II ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRUST................................................................11 Section 2.1. Name.............................................................................11 Section 2.2. Office of the Delaware Trustee; Principal Place of Business......................11 Section 2.3. Initial Contribution of Trust Property; Organizational Expenses..................11 Section 2.4. Issuance of the Preferred Securities.............................................12 Section 2.5. Issuance of the Common Securities; Subscription and Purchase of Debentures.......12 Section 2.6. Declaration of Trust.............................................................12 Section 2.7. Authorization to Enter into Certain Transactions.................................13 Section 2.8. Assets of Trust..................................................................17 Section 2.9. Title to Trust Property..........................................................17 ARTICLE III PAYMENT ACCOUNT...........................................................................17 Section 3.1. Payment Account..................................................................17 ARTICLE IV CERTAIN TERMS OF THE TRUST SECURITIES.....................................................18 Section 4.1. Distributions....................................................................18 Section 4.2. Redemption.......................................................................19 Section 4.3. Subordination of Common Securities...............................................21 Section 4.4. Payment Procedures...............................................................22 Section 4.5. Tax Returns and Reports..........................................................22 Section 4.6. Payments under Indenture.........................................................23 ARTICLE V TRUST SECURITIES CERTIFICATES.............................................................23 Section 5.1. Initial Ownership................................................................23 Section 5.2. The Trust Securities Certificates................................................23 Section 5.3. Execution and Delivery of Trust Securities Certificates..........................24 Section 5.4. Registration of Transfer and Exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates.......24 Section 5.5. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Trust Securities Certificates...............25 Section 5.6. Persons Deemed Securityholders...................................................25 Section 5.7. Access to List of Securityholders' Names and Addresses...........................25
-i- 5 Section 5.8. Maintenance of Office or Agency..................................................26 Section 5.9. Appointment of Paying Agent......................................................26 Section 5.10. Ownership of Common Securities by Depositor......................................27 Section 5.11. Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates; Common Securities Certificate......27 Section 5.12. Notices to Clearing Agency.......................................................28 Section 5.13. Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates.....................................28 Section 5.14. Rights of Securityholders........................................................29 ARTICLE VI ACTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS; MEETINGS; VOTING.................................................31 Section 6.1. Limitations on Voting Rights.....................................................31 Section 6.2. Notice of Meetings...............................................................32 Section 6.3. Meetings of Preferred Securityholders............................................33 Section 6.4. Voting Rights....................................................................33 Section 6.5. Proxies, etc.....................................................................33 Section 6.6. Securityholder Action by Written Consent.........................................34 Section 6.7. Record Date for Voting and Other Purposes........................................34 Section 6.8. Acts of Securityholders..........................................................34 Section 6.9. Inspection of Records............................................................35 ARTICLE VII REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES............................................................35 Section 7.1. Representations and Warranties of the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee..35 Section 7.2. Representations and Warranties of Depositor......................................37 ARTICLE VIII THE TRUSTEES..................................................................................37 Section 8.1. Certain Duties and Responsibilities..............................................37 Section 8.2. Certain Notices..................................................................39 Section 8.3. Certain Rights of Property Trustee...............................................39 Section 8.4. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities...........................42 Section 8.5. May Hold Securities..............................................................42 Section 8.6. Compensation; Indemnity; Fees....................................................42 Section 8.7. Corporate Property Trustee Required; Eligibility of Trustees.....................43 Section 8.8. Conflicting Interests............................................................44 Section 8.9. Co-Trustees and Separate Trustee.................................................44 Section 8.10. Resignation and Removal, Appointment of Successor................................46 Section 8.11. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor...........................................47 Section 8.12. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business......................48 Section 8.13. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Depositor or Trust.....................48 Section 8.14. Reports by the Property Trustee..................................................49 Section 8.15. Reports to the Property Trustee..................................................49
-ii- 6 Section 8.16. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent.................................49 Section 8.17. Number of Trustees...............................................................49 Section 8.18. Delegation of Power..............................................................50 ARTICLE IX TERMINATION, LIQUIDATION AND MERGER.......................................................50 Section 9.1. Dissolution Upon Expiration Date.................................................50 Section 9.2. Early Dissolution................................................................50 Section 9.3. Termination......................................................................51 Section 9.4. Liquidation......................................................................51 Section 9.5. Mergers, Consolidations, Amalgamations or Replacements of the Trust..............53 ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS..................................................................54 Section 10.1. Limitation of Rights of Securityholders..........................................54 Section 10.2. Amendment........................................................................54 Section 10.3. Separability.....................................................................56 Section 10.4. Governing Law....................................................................56 Section 10.5. Payments Due on Non-Business Day.................................................57 Section 10.6. Successors.......................................................................57 Section 10.7. Headings.........................................................................57 Section 10.8. Reports, Notices and Demands.....................................................57 Section 10.9. Agreement Not to Petition........................................................58 Section 10.10. Trust Indenture Act; Conflict with Trust Indenture Act...........................58 Section 10.11. Acceptance of Terms of Declaration of Trust, Guarantee and Indenture.............59 SIGNATURES.................................................................................................S-1 EXHIBIT A Certificate of Trust............................................................................A-1 EXHIBIT B Letter of Representation........................................................................B-1 EXHIBIT C Form of Common Security.........................................................................C-1 EXHIBIT D Form of Preferred Security......................................................................D-1
-iii- 7 AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST AGREEMENT dated as of [ ], among (i) Burlington Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation (including any successors or assigns, the "Depositor"), (ii) The Chase Manhattan Bank, a New York banking corporation, as property trustee (the "Property Trustee" and, in its separate corporate capacity and not in its capacity as Property Trustee, the "Bank"), (iii) Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware, a Delaware corporation, as Delaware trustee (the "Delaware Trustee"), (iv) Steven J. Shapiro, whose address is [ ] (an "Administrative Trustee") (the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee and the Administrative Trustee referred to collectively as the "Trustees") and (v) the several Holders, as hereinafter defined (this "Declaration of Trust"). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, the Depositor and the Trustees have heretofore duly declared and established a business trust pursuant to the Delaware Business Trust Act by entering into that certain Declaration of Trust, dated as of May 6, 1998 (the "Original Declaration of Trust"), and by the execution and filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware of the Certificate of Trust, filed on May 6, 1998, attached as Exhibit A; and WHEREAS, the Depositor and the Trustees desire to amend and restate the Original Declaration of Trust in its entirety as set forth herein to provide for, among other things, (i) the issuance of the Common Securities by the Trust to the Depositor, (ii) the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities by the Trust pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement and (iii) the acquisition by the Trust from the Depositor of all of the right, title and interest in the Debentures; NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and obligations set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, each party, for the benefit of the other parties and for the benefit of the Securityholders, hereby amends and restates the Original Declaration of Trust in its entirety and agrees as follows: 8 -2- ARTICLE I DEFINED TERMS Section 1.1. Definitions. For all purposes of this Declaration of Trust, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires: (a) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular; (b) all other terms used herein that are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein; (c) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an "Article" or a "Section" refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this Declaration of Trust; and (d) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of similar import refer to this Declaration of Trust as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision. "Act" has the meaning specified in Section 6.8. "Administrative Trustee" means John E. Hagale, solely in such Person's capacity as Administrative Trustee of the Trust created and continued hereunder and not in such Person's individual capacity, or such Administrative Trustee's successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor trustee appointed as herein provided. "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing. "Bank" has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Declaration of Trust. "Bankruptcy Event" means, with respect to any Person: 9 -3- (a) the entry of a decree or order by a court having jurisdiction in the premises judging such Person a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjudication or composition of or in respect of such Person under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of such Person or of any substantial part of its property or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or (b) the institution by such Person of proceedings to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law, or the consent by it to the filing of any such petition or to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of such Person or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due and its willingness to be adjudicated a bankrupt, or the taking of corporate action by such Person in furtherance of any such action. "Bankruptcy Laws" has the meaning specified in Section 10.9. "Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates" means a beneficial interest in the Preferred Securities Certificates, ownership and transfers of which shall be made through book entries by a Clearing Agency as described in Section 5.11. "Business Day" means a day other than (a) a Saturday or Sunday, (b) a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed, or (c) a day on which the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is not open. "Certificate Depository Agreement" means the agreement among the Trust, the Depositor and The Depository Trust Company, as the initial Clearing Agency, dated as of the Closing Date, relating to the Trust Securities Certificates, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B, as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time. "Clearing Agency" means an organization registered as a "clearing agency" pursuant to Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Depository Trust Company will be the initial Clearing Agency. 10 -4- "Clearing Agency Participant" means a broker, dealer, bank, other financial institution or other Person for whom from time to time a Clearing Agency effects book-entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the Clearing Agency. "Closing Date" has the meaning specified in the Underwriting Agreement. "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time. "Common Securities Certificate" means a certificate evidencing ownership of Common Securities, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C. "Common Security" means an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the assets of the Trust, having a Liquidation Amount of $[ ], and having the rights provided therefor in this Declaration of Trust, including the right to receive Distributions and a Liquidation Distribution as provided herein. "Corporate Trust Office" means the principal office of the Property Trustee. "Coupon Rate" has the meaning specified in 4.1(b). "Debenture Event of Default" means an event of default under the Indenture. "Debenture Redemption Date" means, with respect to any Debentures to be redeemed under the Indenture, the date fixed for redemption under the Indenture. "Debentures" means the aggregate principal amount of the Depositor's [ ]% Subordinated Debentures issued under the Indenture. "Declaration of Trust" means this Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, as the same may be modified, amended or supplemented in accordance with the applicable provisions hereof, including all exhibits hereto, including, for all purposes of this Declaration of Trust and any such modification, amendment or supplement, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this Declaration of Trust and any such modification, amendment or supplement, respectively. "Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates" means either or both (as the context requires) of (a) Preferred Securities Certificates issued as Book-Entry Preferred Securities 11 -5- Certificate as provided in Section 5.11(a) and (b) Preferred Securities Certificates issued in certificated, fully registered form as provided in Section 5.13. "Delaware Business Trust Act" means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code, 12 Del. C. Section 3801, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time. "Delaware Trustee" means the corporation identified as the "Delaware Trustee" in the preamble to this Declaration of Trust solely in its capacity as Delaware Trustee of the Trust created and continued hereunder and not in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor trustee appointed as herein provided. "Depositor" has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Declaration of Trust. "Distribution Date" has the meaning specified in Section 4.1(a). "Distributions" means amounts payable in respect of the Trust Securities as provided in Section 4.1. "Event of Default" means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body): (a) the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to a Debenture; or (b) default by the Property Trustee in the payment of any Distribution when it becomes due and payable, and continuation of such default for a period of 60 days; or (c) default by the Property Trustee in the payment of any Redemption Price of any Trust Security when it becomes due and payable; or (d) default in the performance, or breach, in any material respect, of any covenant or warranty of the Trustees in this Declaration of Trust (other than a covenant or warranty a default in the performance or breach of which is dealt with in clause (b) or (c) above) and continuation of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the defaulting Trustee or Trustees by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation preference of the Outstanding Preferred Securities a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or 12 -6- (e) the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event with respect to the Property Trustee and the failure by the Depositor to appoint a successor Property Trustee within 60 days thereof. "Expiration Date" has the meaning specified in Section 9.1. "Guarantee" means the Guarantee Agreement executed and delivered by the Depositor and [ ], as guarantee trustee, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Declaration of Trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Trust Securities, as amended from time to time. "Indenture" means the Indenture, dated as of [ ], between the Depositor and the Indenture Trustee, as amended or supplemented from time to time. "Indenture Trustee" means [ ], a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States, as trustee under the Indenture and any successor thereto. "Investment Company Event" means that the Administrative Trustees shall have received an opinion from independent counsel to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a written change in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority (a "Change in 1940 Act Law"), there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Trust is or will be considered an "investment company" which is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which Change in 1940 Act Law becomes effective on or after the date hereof. "Lien" means any lien, pledge, charge, encumbrance, mortgage, deed of trust, adverse ownership interest, hypothecation, assignment, security interest or preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever. "Like Amount" means (a) with respect to a redemption of Trust Securities, Trust Securities having a Liquidation Amount equal to the principal amount of Debentures to be contemporaneously redeemed in accordance with the Indenture, allocated to the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities based upon the relative Liquidation Amounts of such classes and the proceeds of which will be used to pay the Redemption Price of such Trust Securities, and (b) with respect to a distribution of Debentures to Holders of Trust Securities in connection with a dissolution or liquidation of the Trust, Debentures having a principal amount equal to the Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities of the Holder to whom such Debentures are distributed. 13 -7- "Liquidation Amount" means the stated amount (expressed in U.S. Dollars) per Trust Security. "Liquidation Date" means the date on which Debentures are to be distributed to Holders of Trust Securities in connection with a termination and liquidation of the Trust pursuant to Section 9.4(a). "Liquidation Distribution" has the meaning specified in Section 9.4(d). "Ministerial Action" means the taking of an action, such as filing a form or making an election, or pursuing some other similar reasonable measure that will have no adverse effect on the Trust, the Depositor or the Holders of the Trust Securities and will involve no material cost. "1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. "No Recognition Opinion" has the meaning specified in Section 4.2(a). "Officer" means the Chairman, any Vice-Chairman, the President, any Executive or Senior Vice President, any Vice President, the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Depositor. "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President, a Vice Chairman or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Depositor, and delivered to the Trustee. One of the officers signing an Officers' Certificate given pursuant to Section 8.16 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Depositor. Any Officers' Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Declaration of Trust shall include: (a) a statement that each officer signing the Officers' Certificate has read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto; (b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the Officers' Certificate; (c) a statement that each such officer has made such examination or investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is necessary to enable such officer to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and (d) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such officer, such condition or covenant has been complied with. 14 -8- "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Trust, the Property Trustee or the Depositor, and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Property Trustee. "Original Declaration of Trust" has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Declaration of Trust. "Outstanding", when used with respect to Preferred Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Preferred Securities theretofore executed and delivered under this Declaration of Trust, except: (a) Preferred Securities theretofore cancelled by the Property Trustee or delivered to the Property Trustee for cancellation; (b) Preferred Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Property Trustee or any Paying Agent for the Holders of such Preferred Securities; provided that, if such Preferred Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Declaration of Trust; and (c) Preferred Securities which have been paid or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Preferred Securities have been executed and delivered pursuant to Sections 5.4, 5.5, 5.11 and 5.13; provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite Liquidation Amount of the outstanding Preferred Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Preferred Securities owned by the Depositor, any Trustee or any Affiliate of the Depositor or any Trustee shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that (a) in determining whether any Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Preferred Securities that such Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded and (b) the foregoing shall not apply at any time when all of the outstanding Preferred Securities are owned by the Depositor, one or more of the Trustees and/or any such Affiliate. Preferred Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Administrative Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Preferred Securities and that the pledgee is not the Depositor or any Affiliate of the Depositor. "Owner" means each Person who is the beneficial owner of a Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificate as reflected in the records of the Clearing Agency or, if a Clearing Agency Participant is not the Owner, then as reflected in the records of a Person maintaining 15 -9- an account with such Clearing Agency (directly or indirectly, in accordance with the rules of such Clearing Agency). "Paying Agent" means any paying agent or co-paying agent appointed pursuant to Section 5.9 and shall initially be the Bank. "Payment Account" means a segregated non-interest-bearing corporate trust account maintained by the Property Trustee with the Bank in its trust department for the benefit of the Securityholders in which all amounts paid in respect of the Debentures will be held and from which the Property Trustee shall make payments to the Securityholders in accordance with Sections 4.1 and 4.2. "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or corporation, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof. "Preferred Securities Certificate" means a certificate evidencing ownership of Preferred Securities, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D. "Preferred Security" means an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the assets of the Trust, having a Liquidation Amount of $[ ] and having the rights provided therefor in this Declaration of Trust, including the right to receive Distributions and a Liquidation Distribution as provided herein. "Property Trustee" means the commercial bank or trust company identified as the "Property Trustee" in the preamble to this Declaration of Trust solely in its capacity as Property Trustee of the Trust heretofore created and continued hereunder and not in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor property trustee appointed as herein provided. "Redemption Date" means, with respect to any Trust Security to be redeemed, the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Declaration of Trust; provided that each Debenture Redemption Date and the stated maturity of the Debentures shall be a Redemption Date for a Like Amount of Trust Securities. "Redemption Price" means, with respect to any Trust Security, the Liquidation Amount of such Trust Security, plus accumulated but unpaid Distributions to the Redemption Date, plus the related amount of the premium, if any, paid by the Depositor upon the concurrent redemption of a Like Amount of Debentures, allocated on a pro rata basis (based on Liquidation Amounts) among the Trust Securities. "Redemption Tax Opinion" shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.2(a). 16 -10- "Relevant Trustee" has the meaning specified in Section 8.10. "Securities Register" and "Securities Registrar" have the respective meanings specified in Section 5.4. "Securities Resolution" means a resolution of the board of directors of the Depositor or any authorized committee of such board or by a committee of Officers or an Officer pursuant to delegation by such board authorizing a series or a supplemental indenture authorizing a series executed by an authorized Officer. "Securityholder" or "Holder" means a Person in whose name a Trust Security or Trust Securities is registered in the Securities Register; any such Person being a beneficial owner within the meaning of the Delaware Business Trust Act. "series" means a series of securities or the securities of the series issued under the Indenture. "Tax Event" means the receipt by the Trust of an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of (a) any amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or (b) any amendment to, or change in, an interpretation or application of such laws or regulations, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the Trust would be subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income accrued or received on the Debentures, (ii) interest payable to the Trust on the Debentures would not be deductible, in whole or in part, by the Depositor for United States federal income tax purposes or (iii) the Trust would be subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges, which change or amendment becomes effective on or after the date hereof. "Trust" means the Delaware business trust created and continued hereby and identified on the cover page to this Declaration of Trust. "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed; provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, "Trust Indenture Act" means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended. "Trust Property" means (a) the Debentures, (b) any cash on deposit in, or owing to, the Payment Account and (c) all proceeds and rights in respect of the foregoing and any other property and assets for the time being held or deemed to be held by the Property Trustee pursuant to the terms of this Declaration of Trust. 17 -11- "Trust Securities Certificate" means any one of the Common Securities Certificates or the Preferred Securities Certificates. "Trust Security" means any one of the Common Securities or the Preferred Securities. "Trustees" means, collectively, the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee and the Administrative Trustee. "Underwriting Agreement" means the Underwriting Agreement, dated as of [ ], among the Trust, the Depositor and the underwriters named therein. ARTICLE II ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRUST Section 2.1. Name. The Trust continued hereby shall be known as "Burlington Resources Capital II," as such name may be modified from time to time by the Administrative Trustee following written notice to the Holders of Trust Securities and the other Trustees, in which name the Trustees may conduct the business of the Trust, make and execute contracts and other instruments on behalf of the Trust and sue and be sued. Section 2.2. Office of the Delaware Trustee; Principal Place of Business. The address of the Delaware Trustee in the State of Delaware is 1201 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, Attention: [Corporate Trust Services Division], or such other address in the State of Delaware as the Delaware Trustee may designate by written notice to the Depositor. The principal executive office of the Trust is c/o Burlington Resources Inc., 501 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056. Section 2.3. Initial Contribution of Trust Property; Organizational Expenses. The Trustees acknowledge receipt from the Depositor in connection with the Original Declaration of Trust of the sum of $10, which constituted the initial Trust Property. The Depositor shall pay organizational expenses of the Trust as they arise or shall, upon request of any Trustee, promptly reimburse such Trustee for any such expenses paid by such 18 -12- Trustee. The Depositor shall make no claim upon the Trust Property for the payment of such expenses. Section 2.4. Issuance of the Preferred Securities. On [ ], the Depositor, on behalf of the Trust and pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, executed and delivered the Underwriting Agreement. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Declaration of Trust, an Administrative Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall execute in accordance with Section 5.2 and deliver to the Underwriters named in the Underwriting Agreement, Preferred Securities Certificates, registered in the name of the nominee of the initial Clearing Agency, representing [ ] Preferred Securities having an aggregate Liquidation Amount of $[ ], against receipt of such aggregate purchase price of such Preferred Securities of $[ ], which amount the Administrative Trustee shall promptly deliver to the Property Trustee. Section 2.5. Issuance of the Common Securities; Subscription and Purchase of Debentures. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Declaration of Trust, an Administrative Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall execute in accordance with Section 5.2 and deliver to the Depositor Common Securities Certificates, registered in the name of the Depositor, representing [ ] Common Securities having an aggregate Liquidation Amount of $[ ] (or $[ ] in the aggregate) against payment by the Depositor of such amount. Contemporaneously therewith, an Administrative Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall subscribe to and purchase from the Depositor Debentures, registered in the name of the Trust and having an aggregate principal amount equal to $[ ], and, in satisfaction of the purchase price for such Debentures, the Property Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall deliver to the Depositor the sum of $[ ]. Section 2.6. Declaration of Trust. The exclusive purposes and functions of the Trust are (a) to issue and sell Trust Securities and use the proceeds from such sale to acquire the Debentures, and (b) to engage in those activities necessary, convenient or incidental thereto. The Depositor hereby appoints the Trustees as trustees of the Trust, to have all the rights, powers and duties to the extent set forth herein, and the Trustees hereby accept such appointment. The Property Trustee hereby declares that it will hold the Trust property upon and subject to the conditions set forth herein for the benefit of the Trust and the Securityholders. The Administrative Trustee shall have all rights, powers and duties set forth herein and in accordance with applicable law with respect to accomplishing the purposes of the Trust. The Delaware Trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any powers, nor shall the Delaware Trustee have any of the duties and responsibilities, of the Trustees set forth herein, except as required by the Delaware Business Trust Act. The 19 -13- Delaware Trustee shall be one of the Trustees of the Trust for the sole and limited purpose of fulfilling the requirements of Section 3807(a) of the Delaware Business Trust Act. Section 2.7. Authorization to Enter into Certain Transactions. (a) The Trustees shall conduct the affairs of the Trust in accordance with the terms of this Declaration of Trust. Subject to the limitations set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section and Article VIII, and in accordance with the following provisions (i) and (ii), the Administrative Trustee shall have the authority to enter into all transactions and agreements determined by the Trustees to be appropriate in exercising the authority granted to the Trustees under this Declaration of Trust, and to perform all acts in furtherance thereof, including without limitation, the following: (i) As among the Trustees, each Administrative Trustee shall have the power and authority to act on behalf of the Trust with respect to the following matters: (A) the issuance and sale of the Trust Securities; (B) to acquire the Debentures with the proceeds of the sale of the Trust Securities; provided, however, that the Administrative Trustee shall cause legal title to the Debentures to be held of record in the name of the Property Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Preferred Securities and the Holders of the Common Securities; (C) execution of the Trust Securities in accordance with this Declaration of Trust; (D) the negotiation of the terms, and execution and delivery, for and on behalf of the Trust, of the Underwriting Agreement providing for the sale of the Preferred Securities; (E) to cause the Trust to enter into, and to execute, deliver and perform on behalf of the Trust, the Certificate Depository Agreement and such other agreements as may be necessary or desirable in connection with the purposes and function of the Trust; (F) assisting in the registration of the Preferred Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and under state securities or blue sky laws, and the qualification of this Declaration of Trust as a trust indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; 20 -14- (G) assisting in the listing of the Preferred Securities upon such securities exchange or exchanges as shall be determined by the Depositor and the registration of the Preferred Securities under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the preparation and filing of all periodic and other reports and other documents pursuant to the foregoing; (H) the sending of notices (other than notices of default) and other information regarding the Trust Securities and the Debentures to the Securityholders in accordance with this Declaration of Trust; (I) the appointment of a Paying Agent, authenticating agent and Securities Registrar in accordance with this Declaration of Trust; (J) registering transfer of the Trust Securities in accordance with this Declaration of Trust; (K) to the extent provided in this Declaration of Trust, the winding up of the affairs of and liquidation of the Trust and the preparation, execution and filing of the certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware; (L) unless otherwise required by the Trust Indenture Act, to execute on behalf of the Trust (either acting alone or together with the Administrative Trustee) any documents that the Administrative Trustee has the power to execute pursuant to this Declaration of Trust; and (M) the taking of any action incidental to the foregoing as the Trustees may from time to time determine is necessary or advisable to give effect to the terms of this Declaration of Trust for the benefit of the Securityholders (without consideration of the effect of any such action on any particular Securityholder). (ii) As among the Trustees, the Property Trustee shall have the power, duty and authority to act on behalf of the Trust with respect to the following matters: (A) the establishment of the Payment Account; (B) the receipt of the Debentures; (C) the collection of interest, principal and any other payments made in respect of the Debentures in the Payment Account; 21 -15- (D) the distribution of amounts owed to the Securityholders in respect of the Trust Securities; (E) the exercise of all of the rights, powers and privileges of a holder of the Debentures; (F) the sending of notices of default and other information regarding the Trust Securities and the Debentures to the Securityholders in accordance with this Declaration of Trust; (G) the distribution of the Trust Property in accordance with the terms of this Declaration of Trust; (H) to the extent provided in this Declaration of Trust, the winding up of the affairs of and liquidation of the Trust and the preparation, execution and filing of the certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware; (I) after an Event of Default the taking of any action incidental to the foregoing as the Property Trustee may from time to time determine is necessary or advisable to give effect to the terms of this Declaration of Trust and protect and conserve the Trust Property for the benefit of the Securityholders (without consideration of the effect of any such action on any particular Securityholder); (J) registering transfers of the Trust Securities in accordance with this Declaration of Trust; (K) to engage in such Ministerial Activities as shall be necessary, appropriate, convenient or incidental to effect the repayment of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities to the extent the Debentures mature or are redeemed; and (L) except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.7(a)(ii), the Property Trustee shall have none of the duties, liabilities, powers or the authority of the Administrative Trustee set forth in Section 2.7(a)(i). (b) So long as this Declaration of Trust remains in effect, the Trust (or the Trustees acting on behalf of the Trust) shall not undertake any business, activities or transaction except as expressly provided herein or contemplated hereby. In particular, the Trustees shall not cause the Trust to (i) acquire any investments or engage in any activities not authorized by this Declaration of Trust, (ii) sell, assign, transfer, exchange, mortgage, pledge, set-off 22 -16- or otherwise dispose of any of the Trust Property or interests therein, including to Securityholders, except as expressly provided herein, (iii) take any action that would cause the Trust to fail or cease to qualify as a "grantor trust" for United States Federal income tax purposes, (iv) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any other debt or (v) take or consent to any action that would result in the placement of a Lien on any of the Trust Property. The Administrative Trustee shall defend all claims and demands of all Persons at any time claiming any Lien on any of the Trust Property adverse to the interest of the Trust or the Securityholders in their capacity as Securityholders. (c) In connection with the issue and sale of the Preferred Securities, the Depositor shall have the right and responsibility to assist the Trust with respect to, or effect on behalf of the Trust, the following (and any actions taken by the Depositor in furtherance of the following prior to the date of this Declaration of Trust are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects): (i) the preparation and filing by the Trust with the Commission and the execution on behalf of the Trust of a registration statement on the appropriate form in relation to the Preferred Securities, including any amendments thereto; (ii) the determination of the States in which to take appropriate action to qualify or register for sale all or part of the Preferred Securities and the determination of any and all such acts, other than actions which must be taken by or on behalf of the Trust, and the advice to the Trustees of actions they must take on behalf of the Trust, and the preparation for execution and filing of any documents to be executed and filed by the Trust or on behalf of the Trust, as the Depositor deems necessary or advisable in order to comply with the applicable laws of any such States; (iii) the preparation for filing by the Trust and execution on behalf of the Trust of an application to the New York Stock Exchange or any other national stock exchange or the Nasdaq National Market for listing upon notice of issuance of any Preferred Securities; (iv) if required, the preparation for filing by the Trust with the Commission and the execution on behalf of the Trust of a registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the registration of the Preferred Securities under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, including any amendments thereto; (v) the negotiation of the terms of, and the execution and delivery of, the Underwriting Agreement providing for the sale of the Preferred Securities; and (vi) the taking of any other actions deemed by the Depositor necessary or desirable to carry out any of the foregoing activities. 23 -17- (d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Administrative Trustee is authorized and directed to conduct the affairs of the Trust and to operate the Trust so that the Trust will not be deemed to be an "investment company" required to be registered under the 1940 Act, or taxed as a corporation for United States Federal income tax purposes and so that the Debentures will be treated as indebtedness of the Depositor for United States Federal income tax purposes. In this connection, the Depositor and the Administrative Trustee are authorized to take any action, not inconsistent with applicable law, the Certificate of Trust or this Declaration of Trust, that each of the Depositor and the Administrative Trustee determines in their discretion to be necessary or desirable for such purposes, as long as such action does not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of the holders of the Preferred Securities. Section 2.8. Assets of Trust. The assets of the Trust shall consist of the Trust Property. Section 2.9. Title to Trust Property. Legal title to all Trust Property shall be vested at all times in the Property Trustee (in its capacity as such) and shall be held and administered by the Property Trustee for the benefit of the Trust and the Securityholders in accordance with this Declaration of Trust. ARTICLE III PAYMENT ACCOUNT Section 3.1. Payment Account. (a) On or prior to the Closing Date, the Property Trustee shall establish the Payment Account. The Property Trustee and any agent of the Property Trustee shall have exclusive control and sole right of withdrawal with respect to the Payment Account for the purpose of making deposits in and withdrawals from the Payment Account in accordance with this Declaration of Trust. All monies and other property deposited or held from time to time in the Payment Account shall be held by the Property Trustee in the Payment Account for the exclusive benefit of the Securityholders and for distribution as herein provided, including (and subject to) any priority of payments provided for herein. (b) The Property Trustee shall deposit in the Payment Account, promptly upon receipt, all payments of principal of, or interest on, and any other payments or proceeds 24 -18- with respect to, the Debentures. Amounts held in the Payment Account shall not be invested by the Property Trustee pending distribution thereof. ARTICLE IV CERTAIN TERMS OF THE TRUST SECURITIES Section 4.1. Distributions. The Trust Securities represent undivided beneficial ownership interests in the Trust Property, and distributions (the "Distributions") will be made on the Trust Securities at the rate and on the dates that payments are made on the Debentures. Accordingly: (a) Distributions on the Trust Securities shall be cumulative, and will accumulate whether or not there are funds of the Trust available for the payment of Distributions. Distributions shall accrue from [ ] and shall be payable quarterly in arrears on [ ], [ ], [ ] and [ ] of each year, commencing on [ ] except as provided below. If any date on which a Distribution is otherwise payable on the Trust Securities is not a Business Day, then the payment of such Distribution shall be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, payment of such Distribution shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date (each date on which distributions are payable in accordance with this Section 4.1(a), a "Distribution Date"). (b) The Trust Securities represent undivided beneficial ownership interests in the Trust Property, and, as a practical matter, the Distributions on the Trust Securities shall be payable at a rate of [ ]% per annum (the "Coupon Rate") of the Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities. Distributions in arrears for more than one quarter will accumulate and compound at the Coupon Rate. The term "Distributions" as used in this Declaration of Trust includes such cash distributions and any such accumulated amounts that are payable unless otherwise stated. A Distribution is payable only to the extent that payments are made in respect of the Debentures held by the Property Trustee and to the extent the Property Trustee has funds available therefor. The amount of Distributions payable for any full period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. 25 -19- (c) Distributions on the Trust Securities shall be made by the Property Trustee from the Payment Account and shall be payable on each Distribution Date only to the extent that the Trust has funds then on hand and available in the Payment Account for the payment of such Distributions. (d) Distributions on the Trust Securities with respect to a Distribution Date shall be payable to the Holders thereof as they appear on the Securities Register for the Trust Securities on the relevant record date, which shall be one Business Day prior to such Distribution Date; provided, however, that in the event that the Preferred Securities do not remain in book-entry-only form, the relevant record date shall be the date 15 days prior to the relevant Distribution Date. Section 4.2. Redemption. (a) On each Debenture Redemption Date and on the stated maturity of the Debentures, the Trust will be required to redeem a Like Amount of Trust Securities at the Redemption Price. In addition, in the case of the occurrence of a Tax Event, if (i) the Depositor has received an opinion (a "Redemption Tax Opinion") from independent tax counsel experienced in such matters that, as a result of a Tax Event, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Depositor would be precluded from deducting the interest on the Debentures for United States federal income tax purposes even after the Debentures were distributed to the holders of Preferred Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust pursuant to Section 9.4 or (ii) the Administrative Trustees shall have been informed by such tax counsel that an opinion from independent tax counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that the holders of the Preferred Securities will not recognize any gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such dissolution and distribution of Debentures (a "No Recognition Opinion") cannot be delivered, the Depositor shall have the right, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, to redeem the Debentures in whole or in part for cash within 90 days following the occurrence of such Tax Event, and, following such redemption, Preferred Securities with an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures so redeemed shall be redeemed by the Trust at the Redemption Price on a pro rata basis or in such other manner as the Property Trustee deems appropriate; provided, however, that, if at the time there is available to the Depositor or the Trust the opportunity to eliminate, within such 90 day period, the Tax Event by taking some ministerial action, such as filing a form or making an election, or pursuing some other similar reasonable measure which has no adverse effect on the Trust, the holders of the Preferred Securities or the Depositor, the Trust will pursue such measure in lieu of redemption. (b) Notice of redemption shall be given by the Property Trustee by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the 26 -20- Redemption Date to each Holder of Trust Securities to be redeemed, at such Holder's address appearing in the Security Register. All notices of redemption shall state: (i) the Redemption Date; (ii) the Redemption Price; (iii) the CUSIP number; (iv) if less than all the Outstanding Trust Securities are to be redeemed, the identification and the total Liquidation Amount of the particular Trust Securities to be redeemed; and (v) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Trust Security to be redeemed and that distributions thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date. (c) The Trust Securities redeemed on each Redemption Date shall be redeemed at the Redemption Price with the proceeds from the contemporaneous redemption of Debentures. Redemptions of the Trust Securities shall be made and the Redemption Price shall be payable on each Redemption Date only to the extent that the Trust has funds then on hand and available in the Payment Account for the payment of such Redemption Price. (d) If the Property Trustee gives a notice of redemption in respect of any Trust Securities, then, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Redemption Date, subject to Section 4.2(c), the Property Trustee will, so long as the Trust Securities are in book-entry-only form, irrevocably deposit with the Clearing Agency for the Trust Securities funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price and will give such Clearing Agency irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption Price to the holders thereof. If the Trust Securities are no longer in book-entry-only form, the Property Trustee, subject to Section 4.2(c), will irrevocably deposit with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price and will give the Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption Price to the Holders thereof upon surrender of their Trust Securities Certificates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Distributions payable on or prior to the Redemption Date for any Trust Securities called for redemption shall be payable to the Holders of such Trust Securities as they appear on the Register for the Trust Securities on the relevant record dates for the related Distribution Dates. If notice of redemption shall have been given and funds deposited as required, then immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such deposit, all rights of Securityholders holding Trust Securities so called for redemption will cease, except the right of such Securityholders to receive the Redemption Price and any Distribution payable on or prior to the Redemption Date, but without interest, and such Securities will cease to be outstanding. In the event that any date on which any Redemption Price is payable is not a 27 -21- Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Price payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day falls in the next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case, with the same force and effect as if made on such date. In the event that payment of the Redemption Price in respect of any Trust Securities called for redemption is improperly withheld or refused and not paid either by the Trust or by the Depositor pursuant to the Guarantee, Distributions on such Trust Securities will continue to accrue, at the then applicable rate, from the Redemption Date originally established by the Trust for such Trust Securities to the date such Redemption Price is actually paid, in which case the actual payment date will be the date fixed for redemption for purposes of calculating the Redemption Price. (e) Payment of the Redemption Price on the Trust Securities shall be made to the recordholders thereof as they appear on the Securities Register for the Trust Securities on the relevant record date, which shall be one Business Day prior to the relevant Redemption Date; provided, however, that in the event that the Preferred Securities do not remain in book-entry-only form, the relevant record date shall be the date 15 days prior to the relevant Redemption Date. (f) Subject to Section 4.3(a), if less than all the Outstanding Trust Securities are to be redeemed on a Redemption Date, then the aggregate Liquidation Amount of Trust Securities to be redeemed shall be allocated on a pro rata basis (based on Liquidation Amounts) among the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities. The particular Preferred Securities to be redeemed shall be selected on a pro rata basis (based upon Liquidation Amounts) not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Property Trustee from the Outstanding Preferred Securities not previously called for redemption which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to $[ ] or an integral multiple of $[ ] in excess thereof) of the Liquidation Amount of Preferred Securities of a denomination larger than $[ ]. The Property Trustee shall promptly notify the Security Registrar in writing of the Preferred Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Preferred Securities selected for partial redemption, the Liquidation Amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of this Declaration of Trust, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Preferred Securities shall relate, in the case of any Preferred Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the Liquidation Amount of Preferred Securities that has been or is to be redeemed. Section 4.3. Subordination of Common Securities. (a) Payment of Distributions on, and the Redemption Price of, the Trust Securities, as applicable, shall be made, subject to Section 4.2(f), pro rata among the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities based on the Liquidation Amount of the Trust 28 -22- Securities; provided, however, that if on any Distribution Date or Redemption Date any Event of Default resulting from a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, no payment of any Distribution on, or Redemption Price of, any Common Security, and no other payment on account of the redemption, liquidation or other acquisition of Common Securities, shall be made unless payment in full in cash of all accumulated and unpaid Distributions on all Outstanding Preferred Securities for all Distribution periods terminating on or prior thereto, or in the case of payment of the Redemption Price the full amount of such Redemption Price on all Outstanding Preferred Securities, shall have been made or provided for, and all funds immediately available to the Property Trustee shall first be applied to the payment in full in cash of all Distributions on, or the Redemption Price of, Preferred Securities then due and payable. (b) In the case of the occurrence of any Event of Default resulting from any Debenture Event of Default, the Holder of Common Securities will be deemed to have waived any right to act with respect to any such Event of Default under this Declaration of Trust until the effect of all such Events of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until any such Event of Default under this Declaration of Trust with respect to the Preferred Securities has been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the Property Trustee shall act solely on behalf of the Holders of the Preferred Securities and not the Holder of the Common Securities, and only the Holders of the Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the Property Trustee to act on their behalf. Section 4.4. Payment Procedures. Payments of Distributions in respect of the Preferred Securities shall be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear on the Securities Register or, if the Preferred Securities are held by a Clearing Agency, such Distributions shall be made to the Clearing Agency in immediately available funds, which shall credit the relevant Persons' accounts at such Clearing Agency on the applicable distribution dates. Payments in respect of the Common Securities shall be made in such manner as shall be mutually agreed between the Property Trustee and the Common Securityholder. Section 4.5. Tax Returns and Reports. The Administrative Trustee shall prepare (or cause to be prepared), at the Depositor's expense, and file all United States Federal, state and local tax and information returns and reports required to be filed by or in respect of the Trust. In this regard, the Administrative Trustee shall (a) prepare and file (or cause to be prepared and filed) the appropriate Internal Revenue Service form required to be filed in respect of the Trust in each taxable year of the Trust and (b) prepare and furnish (or cause to be prepared and furnished) to each Securityholder the appropriate Internal Revenue Service form required to be provided or the information required to be provided on such form. The Administrative Trustee shall provide the 29 -23- Depositor and the Property Trustee with a copy of all such returns and reports promptly after such filing or furnishing. The Trustees shall comply with United States Federal withholding and backup withholding tax laws and information reporting requirements with respect to any payments to Securityholders under the Trust Securities. Section 4.6. Payments under Indenture. Any amount payable hereunder to any Holder of Preferred Securities (and any Owner with respect thereto) shall be reduced by the amount of any corresponding payment such Holder (and Owner) has directly received pursuant to Section 6.06 of the Indenture. ARTICLE V TRUST SECURITIES CERTIFICATES Section 5.1. Initial Ownership. Upon the creation of the Trust and the contribution by the Depositor pursuant to Section 2.3 and until the issuance of the Trust Securities, and at any time during which no Trust Securities are outstanding, the Depositor shall be the sole beneficial owner of the Trust. Section 5.2. The Trust Securities Certificates. The Preferred Securities Certificates shall be issued in minimum denominations of $[ ] Liquidation Amount and integral multiples of $[ ] in excess thereof, and the Common Securities Certificates shall be issued in denominations of $[ ] Liquidation Amount and integral multiples of $[ ] in excess thereof. The Trust Securities Certificates shall be executed on behalf of the Trust by manual signature of at least one Administrative Trustee. Trust Securities Certificates bearing the manual signatures of individuals who were, at the time when such signatures shall have been affixed, authorized to sign on behalf of the Trust, shall be validly issued and entitled to the benefits of this Declaration of Trust, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them shall have ceased to be so authorized prior to the delivery of such Trust Securities Certificates or did not hold such offices at the date of delivery of such Trust Securities Certificates. A transferee of a Trust Securities Certificate shall become a Securityholder, and shall be entitled to the rights and subject to the obligations of a Securityholder hereunder, upon due registration of such Trust Securities Certificate in such transferee's name pursuant to Sections 5.4, 5.11 and 5.13. 30 -24- Section 5.3. Execution and Delivery of Trust Securities Certificates. At each Closing Date, the Administrative Trustee shall cause Trust Securities Certificates, in an aggregate Liquidation Amount as provided in Sections 2.4 and 2.5, to be executed on behalf of the Trust and delivered to or upon the written order of the Depositor, signed by its Chairman or a Vice Chairman of the Board, President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Comptroller, an Assistant Comptroller, Secretary or an Assistant Secretary without further corporate action by the Depositor, in authorized denominations. Section 5.4. Registration of Transfer and Exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates. The Depositor shall keep or cause to be kept, at the office or agency maintained pursuant to Section 5.8, a register or registers for the purpose of registering Trust Securities Certificates and transfers and exchanges of Preferred Securities Certificates (the "Securities Register") in which, the registrar designated by the Depositor (the "Securities Registrar"), subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, shall provide for the registration of Preferred Securities Certificates and Common Securities Certificates (subject to Section 5.10 in the case of the Common Securities Certificates) and registration of transfers and exchanges of Preferred Securities Certificates as herein provided. The Bank shall be the initial Securities Registrar. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Preferred Securities Certificate at the office or agency maintained pursuant to Section 5.8, the Administrative Trustee shall execute and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Preferred Securities Certificates in authorized denominations of a like aggregate Liquidation Amount dated the date of execution by such Administrative Trustee or Trustees. The Securities Registrar shall not be required to register the transfer of any Preferred Securities that have been called for redemption. At the option of a Holder, Preferred Securities Certificates may be exchanged for other Preferred Securities Certificates in authorized denominations of the same class and of a like aggregate Liquidation Amount upon surrender of the Preferred Securities Certificates to be exchanged at the office or agency maintained pursuant to Section 5.8. Every Preferred Securities Certificate presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Property Trustee and the Securities Registrar duly executed by the Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing. Each Preferred Securities Certificate surrendered for 31 -25- registration of transfer or exchange shall be cancelled and subsequently disposed of by the Property Trustee in accordance with its customary practice. No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates, but the Securities Registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates. Section 5.5. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Trust Securities Certificates. If (a) any mutilated Trust Securities Certificate shall be surrendered to the Securities Registrar, or if the Securities Registrar shall receive evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Trust Securities Certificate and (b) there shall be delivered to the Securities Registrar and the Administrative Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless, then in the absence of notice that such Trust Securities Certificate shall have been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Administrative Trustee on behalf of the Trust shall execute and make available for delivery, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Trust Securities Certificate, a new Trust Securities Certificate of like class, tenor and denomination. In connection with the issuance of any new Trust Securities Certificate under this Section, the Administrative Trustee or the Securities Registrar may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith. Any duplicate Trust Securities Certificate issued pursuant to this Section shall constitute conclusive evidence of an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the assets of the Trust, as if originally issued, whether or not the lost, stolen or destroyed Trust Securities Certificate shall be found at any time. Section 5.6. Persons Deemed Securityholders. The Administrative Trustee or the Securities Registrar shall treat the Person in whose name any Trust Securities Certificate shall be registered in the Securities Register as the owner of such Trust Securities Certificate for the purpose of receiving distributions and for all other purposes whatsoever, and neither the Trustees nor the Securities Registrar shall be bound by any notice to the contrary. Section 5.7. Access to List of Securityholders' Names and Addresses. At any time when the Property Trustee is not also acting as the Securities Registrar, the Administrative Trustee or the Depositor shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Property Trustee (a) semi-annually on or before January 15 or July 15 in each year, a list, in such form as the Property Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the 32 -26- Securityholders as of the most recent regular record date (as provided in Section 4.1(d)) and (b) promptly after receipt by any Administrative Trustee or the Depositor of a request therefor from the Property Trustee, such other information as the Property Trustee may reasonably require in order to enable the Property Trustee to discharge its obligations under this Declaration of Trust, in each case to the extent such information is in the possession or control of the Administrative Trustee or the Depositor and is not identical to a previously supplied list or has not otherwise been received by the Property Trustee in its capacity as Securities Registrar. The rights of Securityholders to communicate with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Declaration of Trust or under the Trust Securities, and the corresponding rights of the Trustee shall be as provided in the Trust Indenture Act. Each Holder, by receiving and holding a Trust Securities Certificate, and each Owner shall be deemed to have agreed not to hold the Depositor, the Property Trustee or the Administrative Trustee accountable by reason of the disclosure of its name and address, regardless of the source from which such information was derived. Section 5.8. Maintenance of Office or Agency. The Administrative Trustee shall maintain an office or offices or agency or agencies where Preferred Securities Certificates may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Trustees in respect of the Trust Securities Certificates may be served. The Administrative Trustee initially designate Burlington Resources Inc., 501 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056, Attn: Chief Financial Officer, as its principal corporate trust office for such purposes. The Administrative Trustee shall give prompt written notice to the Depositor and to the Securityholder of any change in the location of the Securities Register or any such office or agency. Section 5.9. Appointment of Paying Agent. The Paying Agent shall make distributions to Securityholders from the Payment Account and shall report the amounts of such distributions to the Property Trustee and the Administrative Trustee. Any Paying Agent shall have the revocable power to withdraw funds from the Payment Account for the purpose of making the distributions referred to above. The Administrative Trustee may revoke such power and remove the Paying Agent if such Trustees determine in their sole discretion that the Paying Agent shall have failed to perform its obligations under this Declaration of Trust in any material respect. The Paying Agent shall initially be the Bank. The Paying Agent may choose any co-paying agent that is acceptable to the Administrative Trustee and the Depositor. Any Person acting as Paying Agent shall be permitted to resign as Paying Agent upon 30 days' written notice to the Administrative Trustee, the Property Trustee and the Depositor. In the event that the Bank shall no longer be the Paying Agent or a successor Paying Agent shall resign or its authority to act be revoked, the Administrative Trustee shall appoint a successor that is acceptable to the 33 -27- Property Trustee and the Depositor to act as Paying Agent (which shall be a bank or trust company). The Administrative Trustee shall cause such successor Paying Agent or any additional Paying Agent appointed by the Administrative Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustees an instrument in which such successor Paying Agent or additional Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustees that as Paying Agent, such successor Paying Agent or additional Paying Agent will hold all sums, if any, held by it for payment to the Securityholders in trust for the benefit of the Securityholders entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Securityholders. The Paying Agent shall return all unclaimed funds to the Property Trustee and upon removal of a Paying Agent such Paying Agent shall also return all funds in its possession to the Property Trustee. The provisions of Sections 8.1, 8.3 and 8.6 herein shall apply to the Bank also in its role as Paying Agent, for so long as the Bank shall act as Paying Agent and, to the extent applicable, to any other paying agent appointed hereunder. Any reference in this Agreement to the Paying Agent shall include any co-paying agent unless the context requires otherwise. Section 5.10. Ownership of Common Securities by Depositor. At each Closing Date, the Depositor shall acquire and retain beneficial and record ownership of the Common Securities. To the fullest extent permitted by law, other than transactions permitted by Section 5.01of the Indenture, any attempted transfer of the Common Securities shall be void. The Administrative Trustee shall cause each Common Securities Certificate issued to the Depositor to contain a legend stating "THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT TRANSFERABLE OTHER THAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TRUST AGREEMENT (AS DEFINED BELOW)" . Section 5.11. Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates; Common Securities Certificate. (a) The Preferred Securities Certificates, upon original issuance, will be issued in the form of a typewritten Preferred Securities Certificate or Certificates representing Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates, to be delivered to The Depository Trust Company, the initial Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Trust. Such Preferred Securities Certificate or Certificates shall initially be registered on the Securities Register in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of the initial Clearing Agency, and no beneficial owner will receive a Definitive Preferred Securities Certificate representing such beneficial owner's interest in such Preferred Securities, except as provided in Section 5.13. Unless and until Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates have been issued to beneficial owners pursuant to Section 5.13: (i) the provisions of this Section 5.11(a) shall be in full force and effect; 34 -28- (ii) the Securities Registrar, the Paying Agent and the Trustees shall be entitled to deal with the Clearing Agency for all purposes of this Declaration of Trust relating to the Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates (including the payment of the Liquidation Amount of and Distributions on the Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificate and the giving of instructions or directions to Owners of Book-Entry Preferred Securities) as the sole Holder of Book-Entry Preferred Securities and shall have no obligations to the Owners thereof; (iii) to the extent that the provisions of this Section 5.11 conflict with any other provisions of this Declaration of Trust, the provisions of this Section 5.11 shall control; and (iv) the rights of the Owners of the Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates shall be exercised only through the Clearing Agency and shall be limited to those established by law and agreements between such Owners and the Clearing Agency and/or the Clearing Agency Participants. Pursuant to the Certificate Depository Agreement, unless and until Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates are issued pursuant to Section 5.13, the initial Clearing Agency will make book-entry transfers among the Clearing Agency Participants and receive and transmit payments on the Preferred Securities to such Clearing Agency Participants. (b) A single Common Securities Certificate representing the Common Securities shall be issued to the Depositor in the form of a definitive Common Securities Certificate. Section 5.12. Notices to Clearing Agency. To the extent that a notice or other communication to the Owners is required under this Declaration of Trust, unless and until Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates shall have been issued to Owners pursuant to Section 5.13, the Trustees shall give all such notices and communications specified herein to be given to Owners to the Clearing Agency, and shall have no obligations to the Owners. Section 5.13. Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates. If (a) the Depositor advises the Trustees in writing that the Clearing Agency is no longer willing or able to properly discharge its responsibilities with respect to the Preferred Securities Certificates, and the Depositor is unable to locate a qualified successor, (b) the Depositor at its option advises the Trustees in writing that it elects to terminate the book-entry system through the Clearing Agency or (c) after the occurrence of a Debenture Event of Default, Owners of Preferred Securities Certificates representing beneficial ownership interests aggregating at least a majority of the Liquidation Amount advise the Property Trustee in 35 -29- writing that the continuation of a book-entry system through the Clearing Agency is no longer in the best interest of the Owners of Preferred Securities Certificates, then the Property Trustee shall notify the Clearing Agency and the Clearing Agency shall notify all Owners of Preferred Securities Certificates and the other Trustees of the occurrence of any such event and of the availability of the Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates to Owners of such class or classes, as applicable, requesting the same. Upon surrender to the Property Trustee of the typewritten Preferred Securities Certificate or Certificates representing the Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates by the Clearing Agency, accompanied by registration instructions, the Administrative Trustee shall execute the Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates in accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency. Neither the Securities Registrar nor the Trustees shall be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, such instructions. Upon the issuance of Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates, the Trustees shall recognize the Holders of the Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates as Securityholders. The Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or may be produced in any other manner as is reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Trustee, as evidenced by the execution thereof by the Administrative Trustee. Section 5.14. Rights of Securityholders. (a) The legal title to the Trust Property is vested exclusively in the Property Trustee (in its capacity as such) in accordance with Section 2.9, and the Securityholders shall not have any right or title therein other than the undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the Trust conferred by their Trust Securities and they shall have no right to call for any partition or division of property, profits or rights of the Trust except as described below. The Trust Securities shall be personal property giving only the rights specifically set forth therein and in this Declaration of Trust. By acceptance of a beneficial interest in the Trust Securities, Holders agree to treat the Debentures as indebtedness for all United States tax purposes. The Trust Securities shall have no preemptive or similar rights and when issued and delivered to Securityholders against payment of the purchase price therefor will be fully paid and nonassessable by the Trust. The Holders of the Trust Securities, in their capacities as such, shall be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. (b) For so long as any Preferred Securities remain Outstanding, if, upon a Debenture Event of Default, the Indenture Trustee fails or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debentures fail to declare the principal of all of the Debentures to be immediately due and payable, the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then Outstanding shall have such right by a notice in writing to the Depositor and the Indenture Trustee; and upon any such declaration 36 -30- such principal amount of and the accrued interest on all of the Debentures shall become immediately due and payable; provided that the payment of principal and interest on such Debentures shall remain subordinated to the extent provided in the Indenture. At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to the Debentures has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Indenture Trustee as in the Indenture provided, the Holders of a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities, by written notice to the Property Trustee, the Depositor and the Indenture Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if: (i) the Depositor has paid or deposited with the Indenture Trustee a sum sufficient to pay (A) all overdue installments of interest on all of the Debentures, (B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Debentures which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate borne by the Debentures, and (C) all sums paid or advanced by the Indenture Trustee under the Indenture and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Indenture Trustee and the Property Trustee, their agents and counsel; and (ii) all Events of Default with respect to the Debentures, other than the non-payment of the principal of the Debentures which has become due solely by such acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 8.01 of the Indenture. The Holders of a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities may, on behalf of the Holders of all the Preferred Securities, waive any past default under the Indenture, except a default in the payment of principal or interest (unless such default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal due otherwise than by acceleration has been deposited with the Indenture Trustee) or a default in respect of a covenant or provision which under the Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debenture. No such waiver or rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon. Upon receipt by the Property Trustee of written notice declaring such an acceleration, or rescission and annulment thereof, by Holders of the Preferred Securities all or part of which is represented by Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates, a record date shall be established for determining Holders of Outstanding Preferred Securities entitled to join in such notice, which record date shall be at the close of business on the day the Property Trustee receives such notice. The Holders on such record date, or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to join in such notice, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after 37 -31- such record date; provided, that, unless such declaration of acceleration, or rescission and annulment, as the case may be, shall have become effective by virtue of the requisite percentage having joined in such notice prior to the day which is 90 days after such record date, such notice of declaration of acceleration, or rescission and annulment, as the case may be, shall automatically and without further action by any Holder be canceled and of no further effect. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent a Holder, or a proxy of a Holder, from giving, after expiration of such 90-day period, a new written notice of declaration of acceleration, or rescission and annulment thereof, as the case may be, that is identical to a written notice which has been canceled pursuant to the proviso to the preceding sentence, in which event a new record date shall be established pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.14(b). (c) For so long as any Preferred Securities remain Outstanding, to the fullest extent permitted by law and subject to the terms of this Declaration of Trust and the Indenture, upon a Debenture Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(1) or 6.01(2) of the Indenture, any Holder of Preferred Securities shall have the right to institute a proceeding directly against the Depositor, pursuant to the Indenture, for enforcement of payment to such Holder of the principal amount of or interest on Debentures having a principal amount equal to the Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities of such Holder (a "Direct Action"). In connection with any such Direct Action, the Holder of the Common Securities will be subrogated to the rights of any Holder of the Preferred Securities to the extent of any payment made by the Depositor to such Holder of Preferred Securities as a result of such Direct Action. Except as set forth in Section 5.14(b) and (c), the Holders of Preferred Securities shall have no right to exercise directly any right or remedy available to the holders of, or in respect of, the Debentures. ARTICLE VI ACTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS; MEETINGS; VOTING Section 6.1. Limitations on Voting Rights. (a) Except as provided in this Section, in Sections 5.14, 8.10 and 10.2 and in the Indenture and as otherwise required by law, no Holder of Preferred Securities shall have any right to vote or in any manner otherwise control the administration, operation and management of the Trust or the obligations of the parties hereto, nor shall anything herein set forth, or contained in the terms of the Trust Securities Certificates, be construed so as to constitute the Securityholders from time to time as partners or members of an association. (b) So long as any Debentures are held by the Property Trustee, the Trustees shall not (i) direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any 38 -32- remedy available to the Indenture Trustee, or executing any trust or power conferred on the Indenture Trustee with respect to such Debentures, (ii) waive any past default which is waivable under Section 6.04 of the Indenture, (iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all the Debentures shall be due and payable or (iv) consent to any amendment or modification under Section 10.02 or termination of the Indenture or any amendment, modification or termination of the Debentures, where such consent shall be required, without, in each case, obtaining the prior approval of the Holders of at least a majority in Liquidation Amount of all Outstanding Preferred Securities; provided, however, that where a consent under the Indenture would require the consent of each Holder of Debentures affected thereby, no such consent shall be given by the Property Trustee without the prior written consent of each Holder of Preferred Securities. The Trustees shall not revoke any action previously authorized or approved by a vote of the Holders of Preferred Securities, except by a subsequent vote of the Holders of Preferred Securities. The Property Trustee shall notify all Holders of the Preferred Securities of any notice of default received from the Indenture Trustee with respect to the Debentures. In addition to obtaining the foregoing approvals of the Holders of the Preferred Securities, prior to taking any of the foregoing actions, the Trustees shall, at the expense of the Depositor, obtain an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that the Trust will not be classified as an association taxable as a corporation for United States Federal income tax purposes on account of such action. (c) If any proposed amendment to the Declaration of Trust provides for, or the Trustees otherwise propose to effect, (i) any action that would adversely affect in any material respect the powers, preferences or special rights of the Preferred Securities, whether by way of amendment to the Declaration of Trust or otherwise, or (ii) the dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust, other than pursuant to the terms of this Declaration of Trust, then the Holders of Outstanding Preferred Securities as a class will be entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective except with the approval of the Holders of at least a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Outstanding Preferred Securities. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Declaration of Trust, no amendment to this Declaration of Trust may be made if, as a result of such amendment, the Trust would be classified as an association taxable as a corporation for United States Federal income tax purposes. Section 6.2. Notice of Meetings. Notice of all meetings of the Preferred Securityholders, stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting, shall be given by the Property Trustee pursuant to Section 10.8 to each Preferred Securityholder of record, at his registered address, at least 15 days and not more than 90 days before the meeting. At any such meeting, any business properly before the meeting may be so considered whether or not stated in the notice of the meeting. Any adjourned meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice. 39 -33- Section 6.3. Meetings of Preferred Securityholders. No annual meeting of Securityholders is required to be held. The Administrative Trustee, however, shall call a meeting of Securityholders to vote on any matter upon the written request of the Preferred Securityholders of record of 25% in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount) and the Administrative Trustee or the Property Trustee may, at any time in their discretion, call a meeting of Preferred Securityholders to vote on any matters as to which Preferred Securityholders are entitled to vote. Preferred Securityholders of record of 50% of the Outstanding Preferred Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount), present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of Securityholders. If a quorum is present at a meeting, an affirmative vote by the Preferred Securityholders of record present, in person or by proxy, holding a majority of the Preferred Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount) held by the Preferred Securityholders of record present, either in person or by proxy, at such meeting shall constitute the action of the Securityholders, unless this Declaration of Trust requires a greater number of affirmative votes. Section 6.4. Voting Rights. Securityholders shall be entitled to one vote for each $[ ] of Liquidation Amount represented by their Trust Securities in respect of any matter as to which such Securityholders are entitled to vote. Section 6.5. Proxies, etc. At any meeting of Securityholders, any Securityholder entitled to vote thereat may vote by proxy; provided that no proxy shall be voted at any meeting unless it shall have been placed on file with the Administrative Trustee, or with such other officer or agent of the Trust as the Administrative Trustee may direct, for verification prior to the time at which such vote shall be taken. Pursuant to a resolution of the Property Trustee, proxies may be solicited in the name of the Property Trustee or one or more officers of the Property Trustee. Only Securityholders of record shall be entitled to vote. When Trust Securities are held jointly by several persons, any one of them may vote at any meeting in person or by proxy in respect of such Trust Securities, but if more than one of them shall be present at such meeting in person or by proxy, and such joint owners or their proxies so present disagree as to any vote to be cast, such vote shall not be received in respect of such Trust Securities. A proxy purporting to be executed by or on behalf of a Securityholder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior to its exercise, and the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the challenger. No proxy shall be valid more than three years after its date of execution. 40 -34- Section 6.6. Securityholder Action by Written Consent. Any action which may be taken by Securityholders at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if Securityholders holding a majority of all Outstanding Trust Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount) entitled to vote in respect of such action (or such larger proportion thereof as shall be required by any express provision of this Declaration of Trust) shall consent to the action in writing. Section 6.7. Record Date for Voting and Other Purposes. For the purposes of determining the Securityholders who are entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting or by written consent, or to participate in any distribution on the Trust Securities in respect of which a record date is not otherwise provided for in this Declaration of Trust, or for the purpose of any other action, the Administrative Trustee may from time to time fix a date, not more than 90 days prior to the date of any meeting of Securityholders or the payment of a distribution or other action, as the case may be, as a record date for the determination of the identity of the Securityholders of record for such purposes. Section 6.8. Acts of Securityholders. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Declaration of Trust to be given, made or taken by Securityholders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Securityholders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to an Administrative Trustee. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Securityholders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Declaration of Trust and (subject to Section 8.1) conclusive in favor of the Trustees, if made in the manner provided in this Section. The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which any Trustee receiving the same deems sufficient. 41 -35- The ownership of Preferred Securities shall be proved by the Securities Register. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Securityholder of any Trust Security shall bind every future Securityholder of the same Trust Security and the Securityholder of every Trust Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustees or the Trust in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Trust Security. Without limiting the foregoing, a Securityholder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Trust Security may do so with regard to all or any part of the Liquidation Amount of such Trust Security or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such liquidation amount. If any dispute shall arise between the Securityholders and the Administrative Trustee or among such Securityholders or Trustees with respect to the authenticity, validity or binding nature of any request, demand, authorization, direction, consent, waiver or other Act of such Securityholder or Trustee under this Article VI, then the determination of such matter by the Property Trustee shall be conclusive with respect to such matter. Section 6.9. Inspection of Records. Upon reasonable notice to the Administrative Trustee and the Property Trustee, the records of the Trust shall be open to inspection by Securityholders during normal business hours for any purpose reasonably related to such Securityholder's interest as a Securityholder. ARTICLE VII REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES Section 7.1. Representations and Warranties of the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee. The Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee, each severally on behalf of and as to itself, hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of the Depositor and the Securityholders that: (a) the Property Trustee is a national banking association duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the United States; 42 -36- (b) the Property Trustee meets the applicable eligibility requirements set forth in Section 8.7, has full corporate power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Declaration of Trust and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Declaration of Trust; (c) the Delaware Trustee is a Delaware corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing in the State of Delaware; (d) the Delaware Trustee meets the applicable eligibility requirements set forth in Section 8.7, has full corporate power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Declaration of Trust and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Declaration of Trust; (e) this Declaration of Trust has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee and constitutes the valid and legally binding agreement of each of the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles; (f) the execution, delivery and performance of this Declaration of Trust have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other action on the part of the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee and do not require any approval of stockholders of the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee and such execution, delivery and performance will not (i) violate the charter or by-laws of the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, (ii) violate any provision of, or constitute, with or without notice or lapse of time, a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of, any Lien on any properties included in the Trust Property pursuant to the provisions of, any indenture, mortgage, credit agreement, license or other agreement or instrument to which the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee is a party or by which it is bound, or (iii) violate any law, governmental rule or regulation of the United States or the State of Delaware, as the case may be, governing the corporate, banking, trust or general powers of the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee (as appropriate in context) or any order, judgment or decree applicable to the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee; (g) neither the authorization, execution or delivery by the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee of this Declaration of Trust nor the consummation of any of the transactions by the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, contemplated herein or therein requires the consent or approval of, the giving of notice 43 -37- to, the registration with or the taking of any other action with respect to any governmental authority or agency under any existing Federal law governing the banking, trust or general powers of the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee (as appropriate in context) or under the laws of the United States or the State of Delaware; and (h) there are no proceedings pending or, to the best of each of the Property Trustee's and the Delaware Trustee's knowledge, threatened against or affecting the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee in any court or before any governmental authority, agency or arbitration board or tribunal which, individually or in the aggregate, would materially and adversely affect the Trust or would question the right, power and authority of the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, to enter into or perform its obligations as one of the Trustees under this Declaration of Trust. Section 7.2. Representations and Warranties of Depositor. The Depositor hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of the Securityholders that: (a) the Trust Securities Certificates issued at each Closing Date on behalf of the Trust have been duly authorized and will have been, duly and validly executed, issued and delivered by the Trustees pursuant to the terms and provisions of, and in accordance with the requirements of, this Declaration of Trust, and the Securityholders will be, as of each such date, entitled to the benefits of this Declaration of Trust; and (b) there are no taxes, fees or other governmental charges payable by the Trust (or the Trustees on behalf of the Trust) under the laws of the State of Delaware or any political subdivision thereof in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, of this Declaration of Trust. ARTICLE VIII THE TRUSTEES Section 8.1. Certain Duties and Responsibilities. (a) The duties and responsibilities of the Trustees shall be as provided by this Declaration of Trust and, in the case of the Property Trustee, subject to the Trust 44 -38- Indenture Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Declaration of Trust shall require the Trustees to expend or risk their own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of their duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of their rights or powers, if they shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Declaration of Trust relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustees shall be subject to the provisions of this Section. Nothing in this Declaration of Trust shall be construed to release the Property Trustee from liability for its own gross negligent action, its own gross negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct. To the extent that, at law or in equity, an Administrative Trustee has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Trust or to the Securityholders, such Administrative Trustee shall not be liable to the Trust or to any Securityholder for such Trustee's good faith reliance on the provisions of this Declaration of Trust. The provisions of this Declaration of Trust, to the extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of the Administrative Trustee otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Depositor and the Securityholders to replace such other duties and liabilities of the Administrative Trustee. (b) All payments made by the Property Trustee or a Paying Agent in respect of the Trust Securities shall be made only from the revenue and proceeds from the Trust Property and only to the extent that there shall be sufficient revenue or proceeds from the Trust Property to enable the Property Trustee or a Paying Agent to make payments in accordance with the terms hereof. Each Securityholder, by its acceptance of a Trust Security, agrees that it will look solely to the revenue and proceeds from the Trust Property to the extent legally available for distribution to it as herein provided and that the Trustees are not personally liable to it for any amount distributable in respect of any Trust Security or for any other liability in respect of any Trust Security. This Section 8.1(b) does not limit the liability of the Trustees expressly set forth elsewhere in this Declaration of Trust and, in the case of the Property Trustee, in the Trust Indenture Act. (c) No provision of this Declaration of Trust shall be construed to relieve the Property Trustee from liability for its own negligent action or its own negligent failure to act, except that: (i) the Property Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by an authorized officer of the Property Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Property Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; (ii) the Property Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities relating to 45 -39- the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Property Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Property Trustee under this Declaration of Trust; (iii) the Property Trustee's sole duty with respect to the custody, safe keeping and physical preservation of the Debentures and the Payment Account shall be to deal with such Property in similar manner as the Property Trustee deals with similar property for its own account, subject to the protections and limitations on liability afforded to the Property Trustee under this Declaration of Trust and the Trust Indenture Act; (iv) the Property Trustee shall not be liable for any interest on any money received by it except as it may otherwise agree with the Depositor; and money held by the Property Trustee need not be segregated from other funds held by it except in relation to the Payment Account maintained by the Property Trustee pursuant to Section 3.1 and except to the extent otherwise required by law; and (v) the Property Trustee shall not be responsible for monitoring the compliance by the Administrative Trustee or the Depositor with their respective duties under this Declaration of Trust, nor shall the Property Trustee be liable for the default or misconduct of the Administrative Trustee or the Depositor. Section 8.2. Certain Notices. Within 90 days after the occurrence of any Event of Default actually known to the Property Trustee, the Property Trustee shall transmit, in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 10.8, notice of such Event of Default to the Securityholders, the Administrative Trustee and the Depositor, unless such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived. Within five Business Days after the receipt of notice of the Depositor's exercise of its right to defer the payment of interest on the Debentures pursuant to the Indenture, the Administrative Trustee shall transmit, in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 10.8, notice of such exercise to the Securityholders and the Property Trustee, unless such exercise shall have been revoked. Section 8.3. Certain Rights of Property Trustee. Subject to the provisions of Section 8.1: (a) the Property Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting in good faith upon any resolution, Opinion of Counsel, certificate, written representation of a Holder or transferee, certificate of auditors or any other 46 -40- certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, appraisal, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties; (b) if (i) in performing its duties under this Declaration of Trust the Property Trustee is required to decide between alternative courses of action or (ii) in construing any of the provisions of this Declaration of Trust the Property Trustee finds the same ambiguous or inconsistent with any other provisions contained herein or (iii) the Property Trustee is unsure of the application of any provision of this Declaration of Trust, then, except as to any matter as to which the Preferred Securityholders are entitled to vote under the terms of this Declaration of Trust, the Property Trustee shall deliver a notice to the Depositor requesting written instructions of the Depositor as to the course of action to be taken and the Property Trustee shall take such action, or refrain from taking such action, as the Property Trustee shall be instructed in writing to take, or to refrain from taking, by the Depositor; provided, however, that if the Property Trustee does not receive such instructions of the Depositor within ten Business Days after it has delivered such notice, or such reasonably shorter period of time set forth in such notice (which to the extent practicable shall not be less than two Business Days), it may, but shall be under no duty to, take or refrain from taking such action not inconsistent with this Declaration of Trust as it shall deem advisable and in the best interests of the Securityholders, in which event the Property Trustee shall have no liability except for its own bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct; (c) any direction or act of the Depositor or the Administrative Trustee contemplated by this Declaration of Trust shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers Certificate; (d) whenever in the administration of this Declaration of Trust, the Property Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be established before undertaking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Property Trustee (unless other evidence is herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, request and rely upon an Officers' Certificate which, upon receipt of such request, shall be promptly delivered by the Depositor or the Administrative Trustee; (e) the Property Trustee shall have no duty to see to any recording, filing or registration of any instrument (including any financing or continuation statement or any filing under tax or securities laws) or any rerecording, refiling or reregistration thereof; (f) the Property Trustee may consult with counsel (which counsel may be counsel to the Depositor or any of its Affiliates, and may include any of its employees) 47 -41- and the advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon and in accordance with such advice, such counsel may be counsel to the Depositor or any of its Affiliates, and may include any of its employees; the Property Trustee shall have the right at any time to seek instructions concerning the administration of this Declaration of Trust from any court of competent jurisdiction; (g) the Property Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Declaration of Trust at the request or direction of any of the Securityholders pursuant to this Declaration of Trust, unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Property Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction; (h) the Property Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, unless requested in writing to do so by one or more Securityholders, but the Property Trustee may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit; (i) the Property Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through its agents or attorneys, provided that the Property Trustee shall be responsible for its own negligence or recklessness with respect to selection of any agent or attorney appointed by it hereunder; (j) whenever in the administration of this Declaration of Trust the Property Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action hereunder the Property Trustee (i) may request instructions from the Holders of the Trust Securities which instructions may only be given by the Holders of the same proportion in Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities as would be entitled to direct the Property Trustee under the terms of the Trust Securities in respect of such remedy, right or action, (ii) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such other action until such instructions are received, and (iii) shall be protected in acting in accordance with such instructions; and (k) except as otherwise expressly provided by this Declaration of Trust, the Property Trustee shall not be under any obligation to take any action that is discretionary under the provisions of this Declaration of Trust. No provision of this Declaration of Trust shall be deemed to impose any duty or obligation on the Property Trustee to perform any act or acts or exercise any right, power, 48 -42- duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it, in any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Property Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law, to perform any such act or acts, or to exercise any such right, power, duty or obligation. No permissive power or authority available to the Property Trustee shall be construed to be a duty. Section 8.4. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities. The recitals contained herein and in the Trust Securities Certificates shall be taken as the statements of the Depositor, and the Trustees do not assume any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustees shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Depositor of the proceeds of the Debentures. Section 8.5. May Hold Securities. Any Trustee or any other agent of any Trustee or the Trust, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Trust Securities and, subject to Sections 8.8 and 8.13 and except as provided in the definition of the term "Outstanding" in Article I, may otherwise deal with the Trust with the same rights it would have if it were not a Trustee or such other agent. Section 8.6. Compensation; Indemnity; Fees. Pursuant to the Indenture, the Depositor, as borrower, agrees: (a) to pay to the Trustees from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by them hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust); (b) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustees upon request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustees in accordance with any provision of this Declaration of Trust (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith; and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to indemnify and hold harmless (i) each Trustee, (ii) any Affiliate of any Trustee, (iii) any officer, director, shareholder, employee, representative or agent of any Trustee, and (iv) any employee or agent of the Trust or its Affiliates, (referred to herein as an "Indemnified Person") from and against any loss, damage, liability, tax, penalty, expense or claim of any kind 49 -43- or nature whatsoever incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of the creation, operation or termination of the Trust or any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by this Declaration of Trust, except that no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions. (d) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to advance expenses (including legal fees) incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding, from time to time, prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Depositor of (i) a written affirmation by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person of its or his good faith belief that it or he has met the standard of conduct set forth in this Section 8.6 and (ii) an undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in the preceding subsection. The provisions of this Section 8.6 shall survive the termination of this Declaration of Trust or the resignation or removal of any Trustee. No Trustee may claim any lien or charge on any Trust Property as a result of any amount due pursuant to this Section 8.6. Section 8.7. Corporate Property Trustee Required; Eligibility of Trustees. (a) There shall at all times be a Property Trustee hereunder with respect to the Trust Securities. The Property Trustee shall be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Property Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article. (b) There shall at all times be one or more Administrative Trustees hereunder with respect to the Trust Securities. Each Administrative Trustee shall be either a 50 -44- natural person who is at least 21 years of age or a legal entity that shall act through one or more persons authorized to bind that entity. (c) There shall at all times be a Delaware Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities. The Delaware Trustee shall either be (i) a natural person who is at least 21 years of age and a resident of the State of Delaware or (ii) a legal entity with its principal place of business in the State of Delaware and that otherwise meets the requirements of applicable Delaware law that shall act through one or more persons authorized to bind such entity. Section 8.8. Conflicting Interests. If the Property Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Property Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Declaration of Trust. The Depositor and any Trustee may engage in or possess an interest in other business ventures of any nature or description, independently or with others, similar or dissimilar to the business of the Trust, and the Trust and the Holders of Trust Securities shall have no rights by virtue of this Declaration of Trust in and to such independent ventures or the income or profits derived therefrom, and the pursuit of any such venture, even if competitive with the business of the Trust, shall not be deemed wrongful or improper. Neither the Depositor, nor any Trustee, shall be obligated to present any particular investment or other opportunity to the Trust even if such opportunity is of a character that, if presented to the Trust, could be taken by the Trust, and the Depositor or any Trustee shall have the right to take for its own account (individually or as a partner or fiduciary) or to recommend to others any such particular investment or other opportunity. Any Trustee may engage or be interested in any financial or other transaction with the Depositor or any Affiliate of the Depositor, or may act as depository for, trustee or agent for, or act on any committee or body of holders of, securities or other obligations of the Depositor or its Affiliates. Section 8.9. Co-Trustees and Separate Trustee. Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, at any time or times, for the purpose of meeting the legal requirements of the Trust Indenture Act or of any jurisdiction in which any part of the Trust Property may at the time be located, the Depositor and the Administrative Trustee, by agreed action of the majority of such Trustees, shall have power to appoint, and upon the written request of the Administrative Trustee, the Depositor shall for such purpose join with the Administrative Trustee in the execution, delivery, and performance of all instruments and agreements necessary or proper to appoint, one or more Persons approved by the Property Trustee either to act as co-trustee jointly with the Property Trustee, of all or any part of such Trust Property, or to the extent required by law to act as separate trustee of any such property, in either case with such powers as may be provided in the instrument of appointment, and to vest in such Person or Persons in the capacity 51 -45- aforesaid, any property, title, right or power deemed necessary or desirable, subject to the other provisions of this Section. If the Depositor does not join in such appointment within 15 days after the receipt by it of a request so to do, or in case a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Property Trustee alone shall have power to make such appointment. Any co-trustee or separate trustee appointed pursuant to this Section shall either be (i) a natural person who is at least 21 years of age and a resident of the United States or (ii) a legal entity with its principal place of business in the United States that shall act through one or more persons authorized to bind such entity. Should any written instrument from the Depositor be required by any co-trustee or separate trustee so appointed for more fully confirming to such co-trustee or separate trustee such property, title, right, or power, any and all such instruments shall, on request, be executed, acknowledged and delivered by the Depositor. Every co-trustee or separate trustee shall, to the extent permitted by law, but to such extent only, be appointed subject to the following terms, namely: (a) The Trust Securities shall be executed and delivered and all rights, powers, duties, and obligations hereunder in respect of the custody of securities, cash and other personal property held by, or required to be deposited or pledged with, the Trustees specified hereunder, shall be exercised, solely by such Trustees and not by such co-trustee or separate trustee. (b) The rights, powers, duties, and obligations hereby conferred or imposed upon the Property Trustee in respect of any property covered by such appointment shall be conferred or imposed upon and exercised or performed by the Property Trustee or by the Property Trustee and such co-trustee or separate trustee jointly, as shall be provided in the instrument appointing such co-trustee or separate trustee, except to the extent that under any law of any jurisdiction in which any particular act is to be performed, the Property Trustee shall be incompetent or unqualified to perform such act, in which event such rights, powers, duties and obligations shall be exercised and performed by such co-trustee or separate trustee. (c) The Property Trustee at any time, by an instrument in writing executed by it, with the written concurrence of the Depositor, may accept the resignation of or remove any co-trustee or separate trustee appointed under this Section, and, in case a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Property Trustee shall have power to accept the resignation of, or remove, any such co-trustee or separate trustee without the concurrence of the Depositor. Upon the written request of the Property Trustee, the Depositor shall join with the Property Trustee in the execution, delivery and performance of all instruments and agreements necessary or proper to 52 -46- effectuate such resignation or removal. A successor to any co-trustee or separate trustee so resigned or removed may be appointed in the manner provided in this Section. (d) No co-trustee or separate trustee hereunder shall be personally liable by reason of any act or omission of the Property Trustee or any other trustee hereunder. (e) The Property Trustee shall not be liable by reason of any act of a co-trustee or separate trustee. (f) Any Act of Holders delivered to the Property Trustee shall be deemed to have been delivered to each such co-trustee and separate trustee. Section 8.10. Resignation and Removal, Appointment of Successor. No resignation or removal of any Trustee (the "Relevant Trustee") and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 8.11. Subject to the immediately preceding paragraph, the Relevant Trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Securityholders. If the instrument of acceptance by the successor Trustee required by Section 8.11 shall not have been delivered to the Relevant Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the Relevant Trustee may petition (pursuant to the Indenture, at the expense of the Depositor), any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Relevant Trustee. Unless a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, any Trustee may be removed at any time by Act of the Common Securityholder. If a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, or both of them, may be removed at such time by Act of the Holders of a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities, delivered to the Relevant Trustee (in its individual capacity and on behalf of the Trust). An Administrative Trustee may be removed by the Common Securityholder at any time. If any Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting as Trustee, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of any Trustee for any cause, at a time when no Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Common Securityholder, by Act of the Common Securityholder delivered to the retiring Trustee, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees, and the retiring Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 8.11. If the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of continuing to act as the Property Trustee or the 53 -47- Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, at a time when a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Preferred Securityholders, by Act of the Securityholders of a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then Outstanding delivered to the retiring Relevant Trustee, shall promptly appoint a successor Relevant Trustee or Trustees, and such successor Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 8.11. If an Administrative Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting as Administrative Trustee, at a time when a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Common Securityholder by Act of the Common Securityholder delivered to the Administrative Trustee shall promptly appoint a successor Administrative Trustee or Administrative Trustee and such successor Administrative Trustee or Trustees shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 8.11. If no successor Relevant Trustee shall have been so appointed by the Common Securityholder or the Preferred Securityholders and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 8.11, any Securityholder who has been a Securityholder of Trust Securities for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Relevant Trustee. The Property Trustee shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of a Trustee and each appointment of a successor Trustee to all Securityholders in the manner provided in Section 10.8 and shall give notice to the Depositor. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Relevant Trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office if it is the Property Trustee. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Declaration of Trust, in the event any Administrative Trustee or a Delaware Trustee who is a natural person dies or becomes, in the opinion of the Depositor, incompetent or incapacitated, the vacancy created by such death, incompetence or incapacity may be filled by (a) the unanimous act of remaining Administrative Trustee if there are at least two of them or (b) otherwise by the Depositor (with the successor in each case being a Person who satisfies the eligibility requirement for Administrative Trustee or Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, set forth in Section 8.7). Section 8.11. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor. In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Relevant Trustee, the retiring Relevant Trustee and each successor Relevant Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities shall execute and deliver an amendment hereto wherein each successor Relevant Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (a) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Relevant Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Relevant Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities and the Trust and (b) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this 54 -48- Declaration of Trust as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the Trust by more than one Relevant Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such amendment shall constitute such Relevant Trustees co-trustees and upon the execution and delivery of such amendment the resignation or removal of the retiring Relevant Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Relevant Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Relevant Trustee; but, on request of the Trust or any successor Relevant Trustee such retiring Relevant Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Relevant Trustee all Trust Property, all proceeds thereof and money held by such retiring Relevant Trustee hereunder with respect to the Trust Securities and the Trust. Upon request of any such successor Relevant Trustee, the Trust shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Relevant Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case way be. No successor Relevant Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Relevant Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article. Section 8.12. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business. Any corporation into which the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Relevant Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of such Relevant Trustee, shall be the successor of such Relevant Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. Section 8.13. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Depositor or Trust. If and when the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Depositor or the Trust (or any other obligor upon the Debentures or the Trust Securities), the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, shall be subject to and shall take all actions necessary in order to comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Depositor or Trust (or any such other obligor). 55 -49- Section 8.14. Reports by the Property Trustee. (a) The Property Trustee shall transmit to Securityholders such reports concerning the Property Trustee and its actions under this Declaration of Trust as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto. If required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Property Trustee shall, within sixty days after each June 30 following the date of this Declaration of Trust deliver to Securityholders a brief report, dated as of such June 30, which complies with the provisions of such Section 313(a). (b) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Property Trustee with each national stock exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or such other interdealer quotation system or self-regulatory organization upon which the Trust Securities are listed or traded, with the Commission and with the Depositor. Section 8.15. Reports to the Property Trustee. The Depositor and the Administrative Trustee on behalf of the Trust shall provide to the Property Trustee such documents, reports and information as required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act (if any) and the compliance certificate required by Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act in the form, in the manner and at the times required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act. Section 8.16. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent. Each of the Depositor and the Administrative Trustee on behalf of the Trust shall provide to the Property Trustee such evidence of compliance with any conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Declaration of Trust that relate to any of the matters set forth in Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion required to be given by an officer pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act shall be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate. Section 8.17. Number of Trustees. (a) The number of Trustees shall be three, provided that the Holder of all of the Common Securities by written instrument may increase or decrease the number of Administrative Trustees. The Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee may be the same Person, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements set forth herein. (b) If a Trustee ceases to hold office for any reason and the number of Administrative Trustees is not reduced pursuant to Section 8.17(a), or if the number of Trustees 56 -50- is increased pursuant to Section 8.17(a), a vacancy shall occur. The vacancy shall be filled with a Trustee appointed in accordance with Section 8.10. (c) The death, resignation, retirement, removal, bankruptcy, incompetence or incapacity to perform the duties of a Trustee shall not operate to annul, dissolve or terminate the Trust. Whenever a vacancy in the number of Administrative Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled by the appointment of an Administrative Trustee in accordance with Section 8.10, the Administrative Trustees in office, regardless of their number (and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement), shall have all the powers granted to the Administrative Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Administrative Trustees by this Declaration of Trust. Section 8.18. Delegation of Power. (a) Any Administrative Trustee may, by power of attorney consistent with applicable law, delegate to any other natural person over the age of 21 his or her power for the purpose of executing any documents contemplated in Section 2.7(a), including any registration statement or amendment thereto filed with the Commission, or making any other governmental filing; and (b) The Administrative Trustee shall have power to delegate from time to time to such of their number or to the Depositor the doing of such things and the execution of such instruments either in the name of the Trust or the names of the Administrative Trustee or otherwise as the Administrative Trustee may deem expedient, to the extent such delegation is not prohibited by applicable law or contrary to the provisions of this Declaration of Trust, as set forth herein. ARTICLE IX TERMINATION, LIQUIDATION AND MERGER Section 9.1. Dissolution Upon Expiration Date. Unless earlier dissolved, the Trust shall automatically dissolve on [ ], [ ] (the "Expiration Date"). Thereafter, the Trust Property shall be distributed in accordance with Section 9.4. Section 9.2. Early Dissolution. The first to occur of any of the following events is an "Early Termination Event", the occurrence of which shall cause a dissolution of the Trust: 57 -51- (a) the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event in respect of, or the dissolution or liquidation of, the Depositor; (b) the occurrence of (i) a Tax Event, but only if the Administrative Trustees shall have received an opinion from independent tax counsel experienced in such matters, which opinion may rely on published revenue rulings of the Internal Revenue Service, to the effect that the holders of the Preferred Securities will not recognize any gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such Early Termination Event and distribution of Debentures; unless at the time there is available to the Trust the opportunity to eliminate, within such 90 day period, the Tax Event by taking some ministerial action, such as filing a form or making an election, or pursuing some other similar reasonable measure, which has no adverse effect on the Trust, Burlington Resources Inc. or the holders of the Preferred Securities, and the Trust pursues such measure in lieu of dissolution; or (ii) an Investment Company Event; (c) the written direction to the Property Trustee from the Depositor at any time (which direction is optional and wholly within the discretion of the Depositor) to dissolve the Trust and distribute Debentures to Securityholders in exchange for the Preferred Securities; (d) the redemption of all of the Preferred Securities; and (e) the entry of an order for dissolution of the Trust by a court of competent jurisdiction. Section 9.3. Termination. As soon as is practicable after the occurrence of an event referred to in Section 9.1 or 9.2, and upon the completion of the winding up and liquidation of the Trust under Section 9.4, the Trustees (each of whom is hereby authorized to take such action) shall file a certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware terminating the Trust and, upon such filing, the respective obligations and responsibilities of the Trustees and the Trust created and continued hereby shall terminate. Section 9.4. Liquidation. (a) If an Early Termination Event specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of Section 9.2 occurs or upon the Expiration Date, the Trust shall be liquidated by the Trustees as expeditiously as the Trustees determine to be possible by distributing, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, to each Securityholder a Like Amount of Debentures, subject to Section 9.4(d). Notice of liquidation shall be given by the Property Trustee by first-class mail, postage prepaid mailed not later than 30 nor more than 58 -52- 60 days prior to the Liquidation Date to each Holder of Trust Securities at such Holder's address appearing in the Securities Register. All notices of liquidation shall: (i) state the Liquidation Date; (ii) state that from and after the Liquidation Date, the Trust Securities will no longer be deemed to be Outstanding and any Trust Securities Certificates not surrendered for exchange will be deemed to represent a Like Amount of Debentures; and (iii) provide such information with respect to the mechanics by which Holders may exchange Trust Securities Certificates for Debentures, or if Section 9.4(d) applies receive a Liquidation Distribution, as the Administrative Trustee or the Property Trustee shall deem appropriate. (b) Except where Section 9.2(c) or 9.4(d) applies, in order to effect the liquidation of the Trust and distribution of the Debentures to Securityholders, the Property Trustee shall establish a record date for such distribution (which shall be not more than 45 days prior to the Liquidation Date) and, either itself acting as exchange agent or through the appointment of a separate exchange agent, shall establish such procedures as it shall deem appropriate to effect the distribution of Debentures in exchange for the Outstanding Trust Securities Certificates. (c) Except where Section 9.2(c) or 9.4(d) applies, after the Liquidation Date, (i) the Trust Securities will no longer be deemed to be Outstanding, (ii) certificates representing a Like Amount of Debentures will be issued to Holders of Trust Securities Certificates, upon surrender of such certificates to the Administrative Trustee or their agent for exchange, (iii) the Depositor shall use its reasonable efforts to have the Debentures listed on the New York Stock Exchange or on such other exchange, interdealer quotation system or self-regulatory organization as the Preferred Securities are then listed, (iv) any Trust Securities Certificates not so surrendered for exchange will be deemed to represent a Like Amount of Debentures, accruing interest at the rate provided for in the Debentures from the last Distribution Date on which a Distribution was made on such Trust Securities Certificates until such certificates are so surrendered (and until such certificates are so surrendered, no payments of interest or principal will be made to Holders of Trust Securities Certificates with respect to such Debentures) and (v) all rights of Securityholders holding Trust Securities will cease, except the right of such Securityholders to receive Debentures upon surrender of Trust Securities Certificates. (d) In the event that, upon the Expiration Date or the occurrence of an Early Termination Event, notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section 9.4, whether because of an order for dissolution entered by a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise, distribution of the Debentures in the manner provided herein is determined by the Property 59 -53- Trustee not to be practical, the Trust Property shall be liquidated, and the Trust shall be wound-up by the Property Trustee in such manner as the Property Trustee determines. In such event, Securityholders will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Trust available for distribution to Securityholders, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, an amount equal to the Liquidation Amount per Trust Security plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions thereon to the date of payment (such amount being the "Liquidation Distribution"). If, upon any such winding-up, the Liquidation Distribution can be paid only in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then, subject to the next succeeding sentence, the amounts payable by the Trust on the Trust Securities shall be paid on a pro rata basis (based upon Liquidation Amounts). The Holder of the Common Securities will be entitled to receive Liquidation Distributions upon any such winding-up pro rata (determined as aforesaid) with Holders of Preferred Securities, except that, if a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Preferred Securities shall have a priority over the Common Securities. Section 9.5. Mergers, Consolidations, Amalgamations or Replacements of the Trust. The Trust may not merge with or into, consolidate, convert into, amalgamate, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, except pursuant to this Section 9.5 or Section 9.4. At the request of the Depositor, with the consent of the Administrative Trustee and without the consent of the Holders of the Preferred Securities, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, the Trust may merge with or into, consolidate, convert into, amalgamate, or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to a trust organized as such under the laws of any State; provided, that (i) such successor entity either (a) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Preferred Securities or (b) substitutes for the Preferred Securities other securities having substantially the same terms as the Preferred Securities (the "Successor Securities") so long as the Successor Securities rank the same as the Preferred Securities rank in priority with respect to distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise, (ii) the Depositor expressly appoints a trustee of such successor entity possessing the same powers and duties as the Property Trustee as the holder of the Debentures, (iii) the Successor Securities are listed or traded, or any Successor Securities will be listed upon notification of issuance, on any national securities exchange or other organization on which the Preferred Securities are then listed or traded, if any, (iv) such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not cause the Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) to be downgraded by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization, (v) such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect, (vi) such successor entity has a purpose 60 -54- substantially identical to that of the Trust, (vii) prior to such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, the Depositor has received an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (a) such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect, and (b) following such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, neither the Trust nor such successor entity will be required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act and (viii) the Depositor owns all of the common securities of such successor entity and guarantees the obligations of such successor entity under the Successor Securities at least to the extent provided by the Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust shall not, except with the consent of Holders of 100% in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, convert into or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any other Person or permit any other entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it if such consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, merger, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease would cause the Trust or the successor entity to be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States Federal income tax purposes. ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Section 10.1. Limitation of Rights of Securityholders. The death, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy or termination of any Person having an interest, beneficial or otherwise, in Trust Securities shall not operate to terminate this Declaration of Trust nor dissolve, terminate or annul the Trust nor entitle the legal representatives or heirs of such Person or any Securityholder for such person, to claim an accounting, take any action or bring any proceeding in any court for a partition or winding-up of the arrangements contemplated hereby, nor otherwise affect the rights, obligations and liabilities of the parties hereto or any of them. Section 10.2. Amendment. (a) This Declaration of Trust may be amended from time to time by the Trustees and the Depositor, without the consent of any Securityholders, (i) to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Declaration of Trust, which shall not be inconsistent with the other provisions of 61 -55- this Declaration of Trust, or (ii) to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of this Declaration of Trust to such extent as shall be necessary to ensure that the Trust will be classified for United States Federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust at all times that any Trust Securities are outstanding or to ensure that the Trust will not be required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act; provided, however, that in the case of clause (ii), such action shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Securityholder, and any such amendments of this Declaration of Trust shall become effective when notice thereof is given to the Securityholders. (b) Except as provided in Section 6.1(c) or Section 10.2(c) hereof, any provision of this Declaration of Trust may be amended by the Trustees and the Depositor with (i) the consent of Trust Securityholders representing not less than a majority (based upon Liquidation Amounts) of the Trust Securities then Outstanding and (ii) receipt by the Trustees of an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such amendment or the exercise of any power granted to the Trustees in accordance with such amendment will not affect the Trust's status as a grantor trust for United States Federal income tax purposes or the Trust's exemption from status of an investment company under the 1940 Act. (c) In addition to and notwithstanding any other provision in this Declaration of Trust, without the consent of each affected Securityholder, this Declaration of Trust may not be amended to (i) change the amount or timing of any Distribution on the Trust Securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of any Distribution required to be made in respect of the Trust Securities as of a specified date or (ii) restrict the right of a Securityholder to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such date; notwithstanding any other provision herein, without the unanimous consent of the Securityholders, this paragraph (c) of this Section 10.2 may not be amended. (d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Declaration of Trust, no Trustee shall enter into or consent to any amendment to this Declaration of Trust which would cause the Trust to fail or cease to qualify for the exemption from status of an investment company under the 1940 Act or fail or cease to be classified as a grantor trust for United States Federal income tax purposes. (e) Notwithstanding anything in this Declaration of Trust to the contrary, this Declaration of Trust may not be amended in a manner which imposes any additional obligation on the Depositor, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee without the consent of the Depositor, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be. (f) In the event that any amendment to this Declaration of Trust is made, the Administrative Trustee shall promptly provide to the Depositor a copy of such amendment. 62 -56- (g) Neither the Property Trustee nor the Delaware Trustee shall be required to enter into any amendment to this Declaration of Trust which affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Declaration of Trust. The Property Trustee shall be entitled to receive an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers' Certificate stating that any amendment to this Declaration of Trust is in compliance with this Declaration of Trust. Section 10.3. Separability. In case any provision in this Declaration of Trust or in the Trust Securities Certificates shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. Section 10.4. Governing Law. THIS TRUST AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF SECURITYHOLDERS, THE TRUST, THE DEPOSITOR AND THE TRUSTEES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND ALL RIGHTS AND REMEDIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY SUCH LAWS WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION THAT WOULD CALL FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE LAW OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF DELAWARE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THERE SHALL NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE SECURITYHOLDERS, THE TRUST, THE DEPOSITOR, THE TRUSTEES OR THIS TRUST AGREEMENT ANY PROVISION OF THE LAWS (STATUTORY OR COMMON) OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE PERTAINING TO TRUSTS THAT RELATE TO OR REGULATE, IN A MANNER INCONSISTENT WITH THE TERMS HEREOF (A) THE FILING WITH ANY COURT OR GOVERNMENT BODY OR AGENCY OF TRUSTEE ACCOUNTS OR SCHEDULES OF TRUSTEE FEES AND CHARGES, (B) AFFIRMATIVE REQUIREMENTS TO POST BONDS FOR TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES OF A TRUST, (C) THE NECESSITY FOR OBTAINING COURT OR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL APPROVAL CONCERNING THE ACQUISITION, HOLDING OR DISPOSITION OF REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY, (D) FEES OR OTHER SUMS PAYABLE TO TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES OF A TRUST, (E) THE ALLOCATION OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES TO INCOME OR PRINCIPAL, (F) RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS ON THE PERMISSIBLE NATURE, AMOUNT OR CONCENTRATION OF TRUST INVESTMENTS OR REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE TITLING, STORAGE OR OTHER MANNER OF HOLDING OR INVESTING TRUST ASSETS OR (G) THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FIDUCIARY OR OTHER STANDARDS OF RESPONSIBILITY OR LIMITATIONS ON THE ACTS OR POWERS OF TRUSTEES THAT ARE 63 -57- INCONSISTENT WITH THE LIMITATIONS OR LIABILITIES OR AUTHORITIES AND POWERS OF THE TRUSTEES AS SET FORTH OR REFERENCED IN THIS TRUST AGREEMENT. SECTION 3540 OF TITLE 12 OF THE DELAWARE CODE SHALL NOT APPLY TO THE TRUST. Section 10.5. Payments Due on Non-Business Day. If the date fixed for any payment on any Trust Security shall be a day that is not a Business Day, then such payment need not be made on such date but may be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (except as otherwise provided in Sections 4.1(a) and 4.2(d)), with the same force and effect as though made on the date fixed for such payment, and no interest shall accrue thereon for the period after such date. Section 10.6. Successors. This Declaration of Trust shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of any successor to the Depositor, the Trust or the Relevant Trustee, including any successor by operation of law. Except in connection with transactions permitted under Article 5 of the Indenture and pursuant to which the assignee agrees in writing to perform the Depositor's obligations hereunder, the Depositor shall not assign its obligations hereunder. Section 10.7. Headings. The Article and Section headings are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of this Declaration of Trust. Section 10.8. Reports, Notices and Demands. Any report, notice, demand or other communication which by any provision of this Declaration of Trust is required or permitted to be given or served to or upon any Securityholder or the Depositor may be given or served in writing by deposit thereof, first-class postage prepaid, in the United States mail, hand delivery or facsimile transmission, in each case, addressed, (a) in the case of a Preferred Securityholder, to such Preferred Securityholder as such Securityholder's name and address may appear on the Securities Register; and (b) in the case of the Common Securityholder or the Depositor, to Burlington Resources Inc., 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056, Attention: Chief Financial Officer, facsimile no.: [ ]. Such notice, demand or other communication to or upon a Securityholder shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, upon hand delivery, mailing or transmission. Any notice, demand or other communication which by any provision of this Declaration of Trust is required or permitted to be given or served to or upon the Trust, the 64 -58- Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee or the Administrative Trustee shall be given in writing addressed (until another address is published by the Trust) as follows: (a) with respect to the Property Trustee to The Chase Manhattan Bank, [ ], Attention: [ ]; (b) with respect to the Delaware Trustee, to Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware, 1201 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, Attention: [ ]; and (c) with respect to the Administrative Trustee, to them at the address above for notices to the Depositor, marked "Attention Administrative Trustee of Burlington Resources Capital II." Such notice, demand or other communication to or upon the Trust or the Property Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made only upon actual receipt of the writing by the Trust or the Property Trustee. Section 10.9. Agreement Not to Petition. Each of the Trustees and the Depositor agree for the benefit of the Securityholders that, until at least one year and one day after the Trust has been terminated in accordance with Article IX, they shall not file, or join in the filing of, a petition against the Trust under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law (including, without limitation, the United States Bankruptcy Code) (collectively, "Bankruptcy Laws") or otherwise join in the commencement of any proceeding against the Trust under any Bankruptcy Law. In the event the Depositor takes action in violation of this Section 10.9, the Property Trustee agrees, for the benefit of Securityholders, that at the expense of the Depositor, it shall file an answer with the bankruptcy court or otherwise properly contest the filing of such petition by the Depositor against the Trust or the commencement of such action and raise the defense that the Depositor has agreed in writing not to take such action and should be stopped and precluded therefrom and such other defenses, if any, as counsel for the Trustee or the Trust may assert. The provisions of this Section 10.9 shall survive the termination of this Declaration of Trust. Section 10.10. Trust Indenture Act; Conflict with Trust Indenture Act. (a) This Declaration of Trust is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Declaration of Trust and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions. (b) The Property Trustee shall be the only Trustee which is a trustee for the purposes of the Trust Indenture Act. (c) If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision hereof which is required to be included in this Declaration of Trust by any of the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, such required provision shall control. If any provision of this Declaration of Trust modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act which may 65 -59- be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Declaration of Trust as so modified or excluded, as the case may be. (d) The application of the Trust Indenture Act to this Declaration of Trust shall not affect the nature of the Securities as equity securities representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the Trust. Section 10.11. Acceptance of Terms of Declaration of Trust, Guarantee and Indenture. THE RECEIPT AND ACCEPTANCE OF A TRUST SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN BY OR ON BEHALF OF A SECURITYHOLDER OR ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER, WITHOUT ANY SIGNATURE OR FURTHER MANIFESTATION OF ASSENT, SHALL CONSTITUTE THE UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE BY THE SECURITYHOLDER AND ALL OTHERS HAVING A BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP INTEREST IN SUCH TRUST SECURITY OF ALL THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS TRUST AGREEMENT AND AGREEMENT TO THE SUBORDINATION PROVISIONS AND OTHER TERMS OF THE GUARANTEE AND THE INDENTURE, AND SHALL CONSTITUTE THE AGREEMENT OF THE TRUST, SUCH SECURITYHOLDER AND SUCH OTHERS THAT THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS TRUST AGREEMENT SHALL BE BINDING, OPERATIVE AND EFFECTIVE AS BETWEEN THE TRUST AND SUCH SECURITYHOLDER AND SUCH OTHERS. 66 S-1 THIS DECLARATION OF TRUST is executed as of the date first above written. BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. By: --------------------------------------------- Name: Title: [ ], as Property Trustee By: --------------------------------------------- Name: Title: [ ], as Delaware Trustee By: --------------------------------------------- Name: Title: [ ], as Administrative Trustee 67 EXHIBIT A 68 EXHIBIT B 69 EXHIBIT C THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT TRANSFERABLE OTHER THAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TRUST AGREEMENT (AS DEFINED BELOW) Certificate Number: C-1 Number Of Common Securities: [ ] CUSIP No.: Certificate Evidencing Common Securities of BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II [ ]% Common Securities (Liquidation Amount $[ ] Per Common Security) Burlington Resources Capital II, a statutory business trust created under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that Burlington Resources Inc. (the "Holder") is the registered owner of [ ] common securities of the Trust representing undivided beneficial ownership interests of the Trust and designated the [ ]% Common Securities (liquidation amount $[ ] per Common Security) (the "Common Securities"). To the extent set forth in Section 5.10 of the Declaration of Trust (as defined below) the Common Securities are not transferable and any attempted transfer hereof shall be void. The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the Common Securities are set forth in, and this certificate and the Common Securities represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of [ ], as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Declaration of Trust") including the designation of the terms of the Common Securities as set forth therein. The Trust will furnish a copy of the Declaration of Trust to the Holder without charge upon written request to the Trust at its principal place of business or registered office. Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the Declaration of Trust and is entitled to the benefits thereunder. 70 -2- In Witness Whereof, one of the Administrative Trustees of the Trust has executed this certificate this [ ]th day of [ ]. BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II By: ---------------------------------------- Name: Administrative Trustee 71 EXHIBIT D If the Preferred Security is to be a Global Certificate Insert: THIS PREFERRED SECURITY IS A GLOBAL CERTIFICATE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE DECLARATION OF TRUST HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (THE "DEPOSITORY") OR A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY. THIS PREFERRED SECURITY IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR PREFERRED SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITORY OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE DECLARATION OF TRUST AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS PREFERRED SECURITY (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS PREFERRED SECURITY AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITORY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY TO THE DEPOSITORY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES. UNLESS THIS PREFERRED SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK) TO BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY PREFERRED SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & Co. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY AND ANY PAYMENT HEREON IS MADE TO CEDE & Co., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY A PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & Co., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN. 72 -2- Certificate Number: P-1 Number Of Preferred Securities Cusip No. [ ] Certificate Evidencing Preferred Securities of BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II [ ]% Trust Preferred Securities (Liquidation Amount $[ ] Per Preferred Security) Burlington Resources Capital II, a statutory business trust created under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that Cede & Co. (the "Holder") is the registered owner of [ ] preferred securities of the Trust representing an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the assets of the Trust and designated the [ ]% Trust Preferred Securities (the "Preferred Securities"). The Preferred Securities are transferable on the books and records of the Trust, in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in proper form for transfer as provided in Section 5.4 of the Declaration of Trust (as defined below). The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the Preferred Securities are set forth in, and this certificate and the Preferred Securities represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated as of [ ] as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Declaration of Trust") including the designation of the terms of Preferred Securities as set forth therein. The Holder is entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee Agreement entered into by Burlington Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation, and [ ], as guarantee trustee, dated as of [ ], as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Guarantee"), to the extent provided therein. The Trust will furnish a copy of the Declaration of Trust and the Guarantee to the Holder without charge upon written request to the Trust at its principal place of business or registered office. Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the Declaration of Trust and is entitled to the benefits thereunder. 73 -3- IN WITNESS WHEREOF, one of the Administrative Trustees of the Trust has executed this certificate this [ ] day of [ ]. BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II By: -------------------------------------- Name: Administrative Trustee 74 ASSIGNMENT For Value Received, the undersigned assigns and transfers this Preferred Security to: --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- (Insert assignee's social security or tax identification number) --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- (Insert address and zip code of assignee) and irrevocably appoints --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- agent to transfer this Preferred Security Certificate on the books of the Trust. The agent may substitute another to act for him or her. Date: ---------------------------------------------- Signature: ------------------------------------------------------- (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Preferred Security Certificate) - --------------------------------------------------------------- The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to S.E.C. Rule 17Ad-15. EX-4.19 6 h86756a1ex4-19.txt FORM OF INDENTURE - TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES 1 EXHIBIT 4.19 ================================================================================ BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC., as Issuer and [ ] ---------------------- as Trustee INDENTURE Dated as of [ ], [ ] SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES ================================================================================ 2 BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET This Cross-Reference Sheet shows the location in this Indenture of the provisions inserted pursuant to Sections 310-318(a), inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. This Cross-Reference Sheet shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of this Indenture.
Trust Indenture Indenture Act Section Section - -------------- --------- Section 310 (a)(1),(2)..................................... 6.09 (a)(3),(4)..................................... Not Applicable (a)(5)......................................... 6.09 (b)............................................ 6.08, 6.10 (c)............................................ Not Applicable Section 311 (a),(b)........................................ 6.13 (c)............................................ Not Applicable Section 312 (a)............................................ 7.01, 7.02(a) (b)............................................ 7.02(b) (c)............................................ 7.02(c) Section 313 (a)(1)-(4),(6)-(8)............................. 7.03(a) (a)(5)......................................... Not Applicable (b)(1)......................................... Not Applicable (b)(2)......................................... 7.03(b) (c),(d)........................................ 7.03 Section 314 (a)............................................ 7.04 (b)............................................ Not Applicable (c)(1),(2)..................................... 1.03 (c)(3)......................................... Not Applicable (d)............................................ Not Applicable (e)............................................ 1.03 (f)............................................ Not Applicable Section 315 (a)............................................ 6.01(a) (b)............................................ 6.02 (c)............................................ 6.01(b) (d)............................................ 6.01(c) (d)(1)......................................... 6.01(a) (d)(2)......................................... 6.01(c)(2) (d)(3)......................................... 6.01(c)(3) (e)............................................ 5.14 Section 316 (a)............................................ 1.01 (a)(1)(A)...................................... 5.12 (a)(1)(B)...................................... 5.13 (a)(2)......................................... Not Applicable (b)............................................ 5.08 Section 317 (a)(1)......................................... 5.03 (a)(2)......................................... 5.04 (b)............................................ 10.03 Section 318 (a)............................................ 1.08
3 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ---- ARTICLE ONE DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION SECTION 1.01. Definitions.........................................................1 SECTION 1.02. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.....................................................8 SECTION 1.03. Compliance Certificates and Opinions................................9 SECTION 1.04. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.............................10 SECTION 1.05. Acts of Holders....................................................10 SECTION 1.06. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company..............................12 SECTION 1.07. Notices to Holders; Waiver.........................................12 SECTION 1.08. Conflict With Trust Indenture Act..................................13 SECTION 1.09. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents...........................13 SECTION 1.10. Successors and Assigns.............................................13 SECTION 1.11. Separability Clause................................................13 SECTION 1.12. Benefits of Indenture..............................................13 SECTION 1.13. Governing Law......................................................14 SECTION 1.14. Legal Holidays.....................................................14 ARTICLE TWO FORM OF SECURITIES SECTION 2.01. Forms Generally....................................................14 SECTION 2.02. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication...................................................15 ARTICLE THREE THE SECURITIES SECTION 3.01. Title and Terms....................................................15 SECTION 3.02. Denominations......................................................19 SECTION 3.03. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating...........................................................19 SECTION 3.04. Temporary Securities...............................................20 SECTION 3.05. Registration; Registration of Transfer and Exchange.....................................................21 SECTION 3.06. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.......................................................22
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Page ---- SECTION 3.07. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved........................................................23 SECTION 3.08. Persons Deemed Owners..............................................25 SECTION 3.09. Cancellation.......................................................25 SECTION 3.10. Computation of Interest............................................26 SECTION 3.11. CUSIP Numbers......................................................26 SECTION 3.12. Book-Entry Provisions for Global Security.........................................................26 ARTICLE FOUR SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; UNCLAIMED MONEYS SECTION 4.01. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture............................28 SECTION 4.02. Deposited Moneys To Be Held in Trust by Trustee..........................................................31 SECTION 4.03. Paying Agent To Repay Moneys Held..................................31 SECTION 4.04. Return of Unclaimed Moneys.........................................32 SECTION 4.05. Reinstatement......................................................32 ARTICLE FIVE REMEDIES SECTION 5.01. Events of Default..................................................32 SECTION 5.02. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment........................................................34 SECTION 5.03. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee...........................................36 SECTION 5.04. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim...................................37 SECTION 5.05. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.........................................38 SECTION 5.06. Application of Money Collected.....................................38 SECTION 5.07. Limitation on Suits................................................39 SECTION 5.08. Unconditional Right of Holders To Receive Principal and Interest...................................40 SECTION 5.09. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.................................40 SECTION 5.10. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.....................................41 SECTION 5.11. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.......................................41 SECTION 5.12. Control by Holders.................................................41 SECTION 5.13. Waiver of Past Defaults............................................42 SECTION 5.14. Undertaking for Costs..............................................42
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Page ---- ARTICLE SIX THE TRUSTEE SECTION 6.01. Certain Duties and Responsibilities................................43 SECTION 6.02. Notice of Defaults.................................................44 SECTION 6.03. Certain Rights of Trustee..........................................45 SECTION 6.04. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities....................................................47 SECTION 6.05. May Hold Securities................................................47 SECTION 6.06. Money Held in Trust................................................47 SECTION 6.07. Compensation and Reimbursement.....................................47 SECTION 6.08. Disqualification; Conflicting Interests............................48 SECTION 6.09. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility............................48 SECTION 6.10. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor........................................................49 SECTION 6.11. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.............................51 SECTION 6.12. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business...........................................52 SECTION 6.13. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company..................53 SECTION 6.14. Trustee's Application for Instructions from the Company.................................................53 ARTICLE SEVEN HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY SECTION 7.01. Company To Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.............................................53 SECTION 7.02. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders........................................54 SECTION 7.03. Reports by Trustee.................................................54 SECTION 7.04. Reports by Company.................................................55 ARTICLE EIGHT CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE SECTION 8.01. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms....................................................55 SECTION 8.02. Successor Corporation Substituted..................................57
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Page ---- ARTICLE NINE SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES SECTION 9.01. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.......................................................57 SECTION 9.02. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders..........................................................58 SECTION 9.03. Execution of Supplemental Indentures...............................59 SECTION 9.04. Effect of Supplemental Indentures..................................60 SECTION 9.05. Conformity With Trust Indenture Act................................60 SECTION 9.06. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.......................................................60 ARTICLE TEN COVENANTS SECTION 10.01. Payment of Principal and Interest..................................60 SECTION 10.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency....................................60 SECTION 10.03. Money for Security Payments To Be Held in Trust.........................................................61 SECTION 10.04. Costs and Expenses of Burlington Resources Trusts.................................................62 SECTION 10.05. Additional Covenants...............................................63 ARTICLE ELEVEN REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES SECTION 11.01. Applicability of Article...........................................63 SECTION 11.02. Election To Redeem; Notice to Trustee..............................64 SECTION 11.03. Selection by Trustee of Securities To Be Redeemed.........................................................64 SECTION 11.04. Notice of Redemption...............................................65 SECTION 11.05. Deposit of Redemption Price........................................65 SECTION 11.06. Securities Payable on Redemption Date..............................66 SECTION 11.07. Securities Redeemed in Part........................................66 ARTICLE TWELVE SINKING FUNDS SECTION 12.01. Applicability of Article...........................................67 SECTION 12.02. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments With Securities..................................................67 SECTION 12.03. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund..........................68
-iv- 7 -1- INDENTURE INDENTURE, dated as of [ ], [ ], between BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC., a Delaware corporation whose principal office is at 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056 (herein called the "Company"), and [ ], a [ ], as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee"). RECITALS OF THE COMPANY The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured subordinated debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the "Securities") to be issued in one or more series as provided in this Indenture. All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company and the Trustee, in accordance with its terms, have been done. NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH: That in order to declare the terms and conditions upon which the Securities are made, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered, the Company and the Trustee covenant and agree with each other, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders (as defined below) of the Securities or of any series thereof, as follows: ARTICLE ONE DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION SECTION 1.01. Definitions For all purposes of this Indenture and any indenture supplemental hereto, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires: (1) the terms defined in this Article One have the meanings assigned to them in this Article One and include the plural as well as the singular; 8 -2- (2) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the term "generally accepted accounting principles" with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted at the date of this Indenture; and (3) the words "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision. Certain terms, used principally in Article Six, are defined in Section 1.02. "Act" when used with respect to any Holder has the meaning specified in Section 1.05. "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person; provided, however, that the Burlington Resources Trusts shall not be deemed to be Affiliates of the Company. For the purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing. "Agent Members" has the meaning specified in Section 3.12. "Authorized Newspaper" means a newspaper of general circulation in the New York, New York area, printed in the English language and customarily published on each Business Day, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. Whenever successive weekly publications in an Authorized Newspaper are required hereunder they may be made (unless otherwise expressly provided herein) on the same or different days of the week and in the same or in different Authorized Newspapers. "Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of that board. "Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company 9 -3- to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee. "Burlington Resources Trust" means a statutory business trust created under Delaware law pursuant to a declaration of trust executed by the Company, as depositor of such Burlington Resources Trust, and the trustees of such Burlington Resources Trust named therein and pursuant to a certificate of trust filed with the Delaware Secretary of State, which Burlington Resources Trust exists for the purposes of (i) issuing and selling its Trust Securities, (ii) using the proceeds from the sale of such Trust Securities to acquire a series of Securities issued by the Company under this Indenture and (iii) engaging in only those other activities necessary, convenient or incidental thereto. "Business Day" means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close. "Capital Stock", as applied to the stock of any Person, means the capital stock of every class, whether now or hereafter authorized, regardless of whether such capital stock shall be limited to a fixed sum or percentage with respect to the rights of the holders thereof to participate in dividends and in the distribution of assets upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of such Person. "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time. "Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Company" shall mean such successor Person. "Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its President, a Vice Chairman or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee. 10 -4- "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means the aggregate amount of assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting therefrom (i) all current liabilities (excluding any which are by their terms extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor thereon to a time more than 12 months after the time as of which the amount thereof is being computed), and (ii) all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, organization expenses and other like intangibles of the Company and its Subsidiaries, all as set forth on the most recent balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries and computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. "Corporate Trust Office" means the principal office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be principally administered, which office is, at the date as of which this Indenture in dated, located at [ ], Attn: [ ]. "corporation" includes corporations, associations, companies and business trusts. "Creditor" has the meaning specified in Section 10.04. "Debt" means indebtedness for money borrowed. "Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 3.07. "Depository" has the meaning specified in Section 3.12. "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 5.01. "Global Security" has the meaning specified in Section 3.01. "Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Securities Register. "Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended 11 -5- by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof. "Interest Payment Date" means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on the Securities. "Maturity," when used with respect to one of the Securities, means the date on which the principal of such Security becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration or otherwise. "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President, a Vice Chairman or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee, which shall to the extent applicable contain the statements required by Section 1.03. "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Company, which shall to the extent applicable contain the statements required by Section 1.03. "Outstanding," when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except: (i) Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; (ii) Securities, or portions thereof, for whose payment money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act an its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; and (iii) Securities in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture; provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded 12 -6- and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor. "Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company. "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, limited liability company, unlimited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof. "Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 3.06 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security. "Principal Property" means any oil, gas or mineral producing property, or any refining, processing, smelting or manufacturing facility, of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary located in the United States of America, other than (i) property employed in transportation, distribution or marketing, (ii) information and electronic data processing equipment, (iii) any refinery, preparation plant, concentrator, smelter, mill or handling, processing or manufacturing facility in which the interests held by the Company or by one or more Restricted Subsidiaries or both and by others and the aggregate interest held by the Company and all Restricted Subsidiaries does not equal or exceed 50%, (iv) any property which in the opinion of the Board of Directors is not materially important to the total business conducted by the Company and its Subsidiaries as an entirety or (v) any property or a portion of a particular property which in the opinion of the Board of Directors is not materially important to the use or operation of such property. 13 -7- "Record Date" for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date means the date specified pursuant to Section 3.01. "Redemption Date," when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture. "Redemption Price," when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed by or pursuant to this Indenture. "Responsible Officer," when used with respect to the Trustee, means any vice president, any senior trust officer, any trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture. "Restricted Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of the Company (i) substantially all the property of which is located, or substantially all the business of which is carried on, within the United States of America, (ii) which owns a Principal Property and (iii) which has Stockholders' Equity exceeding 2% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company. "Securities" has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture. "Securities Register" and "Securities Registrar" have the respective meanings specified in Section 3.05. "Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 3.07. "Stated Maturity," when used with respect to any Security or any installment of interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of interest is due and payable. 14 -8- "Stockholders' Equity" means, with respect to any Person, stockholders' equity, as computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. "Subsidiary" means a corporation more than 50% of the outstanding Voting Stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries. "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed, except as provided in Section 9.O5. "Trustee" means the person named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean such successor Trustee. "Trust Securities" means securities issued by a Burlington Resources Trust. "Vice President," when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title "vice president." "Voting Stock" means stock which ordinarily has voting power for the election of a majority of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of any contingency. SECTION 1.02. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the Trust Indenture Act, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. The following Trust Indenture Act terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings: "Bankruptcy Act" means the Bankruptcy Act (Title 11 of the United States Code). "indenture securities" means the Securities. "indenture security holder" means a Holder. 15 -9- "indenture to be qualified" means this Indenture. "indenture trustee" or "institutional trustee" means the Trustee. "obligor" on the Securities means the Company or any other obligor on the Securities. All the other Trust Indenture Act terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the Trust Indenture Act, defined by Trust Indenture Act reference to another statute or defined by Commission rule have the meanings assigned to them thereby. SECTION 1.03. Compliance Certificates and Opinions Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished. Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include: (1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto; (2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based; (3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether such covenant or condition has been complied with; and 16 -10- (4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with. SECTION 1.04. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents. Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous. Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument. SECTION 1.05. Acts of Holders (a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders of the Outstanding Securities of all series or one or more series, as the case may be, may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein 17 -11- otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holder or Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 6.01) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section 1.05. The Company may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders entitled to vote or consent to any action by vote or consent authorized or permitted under this Indenture, which record date shall be not earlier than 30 days prior to the first solicitation of such vote or consent. If a record date is fixed, those persons who were Holders of Securities at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those persons, shall be entitled to take such action by vote or consent or to revoke any vote or consent previously given, whether or not such persons continue to be Holders after such record date. No such vote or consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date. (b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient. (c) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Securities Register. (d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the 18 -12- Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security. SECTION 1.06. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with: (a) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: [ ] or (b) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this Indenture or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company, Attention: Vice President and Treasurer. SECTION 1.07. Notices to Holders; Waiver Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Securities Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver. 19 -13- In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service, or by reason of any other cause, it shall be impracticable to give notice as required by this Indenture, then such method of notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notice. SECTION 1.08. Conflict With Trust Indenture Act If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision hereof which is required to be included in this Indenture by any of the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, such required provision shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act that may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be. SECTION 1.09. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof. SECTION 1.10. Successors and Assigns All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not. SECTION 1.11. Separability Clause In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. SECTION 1.12. Benefits of Indenture Unless expressly provided herein, nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder and the Holders of Securities, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture. 20 -14- SECTION 1.13. Governing Law This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. SECTION 1.14. Legal Holidays In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities) payment of interest on or principal (and premium, if any) of such Security need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or at the Stated Maturity; and if so made, no interest shall accrue for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be. ARTICLE TWO FORM OF SECURITIES SECTION 2.01. Forms Generally The Securities of each series and the Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in substantially such form (not inconsistent with this Indenture) as shall be established by or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions and set forth in such Board Resolutions, or, to the extent established pursuant to, rather than set forth in, such Board Resolutions, an Officers' Certificate detailing such establishment, or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture and may have imprinted or otherwise reproduced thereon such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, as may be required to comply with any law or with any rules or regulations pursuant thereto, or with any rules of any securities exchange or to conform to general usage, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by such execution. If the form or forms of Securities of any series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution of the Company, a copy of 21 -15- an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 3.03 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities. The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or produced by any combination of these methods on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner permitted by the rules of any securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities. SECTION 2.02. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication The Trustee's certificate of authentication on all Securities shall be in substantially the following form: This is one of the securities of the series designated herein and issued pursuant to the within-mentioned Indenture. [ ] as Trustee By: ------------------------------------ Authorized Signatory Dated: ARTICLE THREE THE SECURITIES SECTION 3.01. Title and Terms The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is not limited. The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established in or pursuant to Board Resolutions and set forth in an Officers' Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series, any or all of the following, as applicable: 22 -16- (1) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from all other series of Securities); (2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 9.06 or 11.07); (3) the date or dates on which the principal of the Securities of the series is payable or the manner in which such dates are determined; (4) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, or the manner in which such rates are to be determined, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, or the manner in which such dates are to be determined, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest shall be payable and the Record Dates, if any, for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date; (5) the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on Securities of the series shall be payable; (6) the period or periods within which, the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company; (7) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, purchase or repay Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund, amortization or other provisions and the period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation; 23 -17- (8) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which Securities of the series shall be issuable; (9) if other than the Trustee, the identity of the Securities Registrar and/or the Paying Agent; (10) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 5.02; (11) if other than such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public or private debts, the coin or currency or currency unit in which payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the series shall be payable; (12) if the amount of payment of principal of (and premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method based on a coin or currency or currency unit other than that in which the Securities are stated to be payable, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined; (13) if the principal of (and premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the series are to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in a coin or currency or currency unit other than that in which the Securities are stated to be payable, the period or periods within which, or the date or dates on which and the terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made; (14) whether the Securities of the series are subject to defeasance or covenant defeasance, or such other means of satisfaction and discharge as may be specified for a series; (15) any deletions or modifications of or additions to the Events of Default set forth in Section 5.01 or covenants of the Company set forth in Article Eight or Ten pertaining to the Securities of the series; (16) the forms of the Securities of any series; 24 -18- (17) whether any Securities will be represented by a global Security (a "Global Security") and the terms of any such Global Security; (18) the applicable CUSIP numbers; (19) the terms governing the subordination of the Securities to senior indebtedness of the Company and any provisions related thereto; (20) if such Securities are to be issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, the forms of the related declaration of trust and the guarantee agreement relating thereto; (21) the additions or changes, if any, to this Indenture with respect to the Securities of the series as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of such Securities to a Burlington Resources Trust; and (22) any other terms, conditions, rights and preferences (or limitations on such rights and preferences) relating to the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture). Not all Securities of any one series need be issued at the same time, and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened for issuances of additional Securities of such series. If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, such Board Resolution and the Officers' Certificate setting forth the terms of the series shall be delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order for authentication and delivery of Securities of such series. The principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest on the Securities shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, maintained for such purpose and at any other office or agency maintained by the Company for such purpose; provided, however, that interest may be payable at the option of the Company by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as such address shall appear on the Securities Register. 25 -19- SECTION 3.02. Denominations The Securities of each series shall be issuable in definitive registered form without coupons and in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 3.01. In the absence of any such provision with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. SECTION 3.03. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its President, a Vice Chairman or one of its Vice Presidents, under its corporate seal reproduced thereon attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile. Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities. At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities; and the Trustee in accordance with such Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities as in this Indenture provided and not otherwise. If not all the Securities of any series are to be issued at one time and if the Board Resolution or supplemental indenture establishing such series shall so permit, such Company Order may set forth procedures acceptable to the Trustee for the issuance of such Securities and the determination of the terms of particular Securities of such series such as interest rate, Stated Maturity, date of issuance and date from which interest shall accrue. In authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating: 26 -20- (a) that the form or forms and terms of such Securities have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture and (b) that such Securities, when completed by appropriate insertions and executed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee for authentication in accordance with this Indenture, authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in accordance with this Indenture and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company. If not all the Securities of any series are to be issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver an Opinion of Counsel at the time of issuance of each Security, but such opinion with appropriate modifications shall be delivered at or before the time of issuance of the first Security of such series. The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate Securities if the issuance of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication. No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. SECTION 3.04. Temporary Securities Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued, with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities. 27 -21- If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of each such series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the temporary Securities of each such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at any office or agency of the Company designated pursuant to Section 10.02, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Securities of authorized denominations of the same series. Until so exchanged the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series. SECTION 3.05. Registration; Registration of Transfer and Exchange The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee a register (the register maintained in such office and in any other office or agency designated pursuant to Section 10.02 being herein sometimes collectively referred to as the "Securities Register") in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby appointed "Securities Registrar" for the purposes of registration and transfer of Securities as herein provided. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Securities of a series at an office or agency of the Company designated pursuant to Section 10.02 for such purpose, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of the same series of any authorized denominations, of a like aggregate principal amount. At the option of the Holder, Securities of a series may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations, of a like aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities of such series to be exchanged at such office or agency, and upon payment, if the Company shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and 28 -22- deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive. All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange. Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Securities Registrar) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Securities Registrar duly executed, by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing. No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 3.04 or 9.06 not involving any transfer. The Company shall not be required to (i) issue, register the transfer of or exchange Securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the selection for redemption of Securities of that series under Section 11.03 and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing of notice of redemption or (ii) register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part. Any Holder of a Global Security shall, by acceptance of such Global Security, agree that transfers of beneficial interests in such Global Security may be effected only through a book entry system maintained by the Holder of such Global Security (or its agent), and that ownership of a beneficial interest in the Security shall be required to be reflected in a book entry. SECTION 3.06. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate 29 -23- and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of like series, tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding. If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of like series, tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding. In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security. Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section 3.06, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith. Every new Security issued pursuant to this Section 3.06 in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities duly issued hereunder. The provisions of this Section 3.06 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities. SECTION 3.07. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved Interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date or within five days thereafter shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) 30 -24- is registered at the close of business on the Record Date for such interest; provided, however, that each installment of interest on any Security may at the Company's option be paid by mailing a check for such interest, payable to or upon the written order of the Person entitled thereto pursuant to Section 3.08, to the address of such Person as it appears on the Securities Register. Any interest on any Security which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date or within five days thereafter (herein called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered Holder on the relevant Record Date; and, except as hereinafter provided, such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (1) or (2) below: (1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date, and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first class postage prepaid, to each Holder at his address as it appears in the Securities Register not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. The Trustee may, in its discretion, in the name and at the expense of the Company, cause a similar notice to be published at least once in an Authorized 31 -25- Newspaper in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, but such publication shall not be a condition precedent to the establishment of such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been mailed as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause (2). (2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee. Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.07, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security. SECTION 3.08. Persons Deemed Owners Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall treat the Person in whose name such Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any, on) and (subject to Section 3.07) interest, if any, on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary. SECTION 3.09. Cancellation All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and shall be promptly cancelled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may 32 -26- have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section 3.09, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of by the Trustee in its customary manner. SECTION 3.10. Computation of Interest Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for Securities of any series, any interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. SECTION 3.11. CUSIP Numbers The Company in issuing the Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the CUSIP numbers. SECTION 3.12. Book-Entry Provisions for Global Security (a) Any Global Security of a series initially shall (i) be registered in the name of the depository, who shall be The Depository Trust Company or as otherwise identified in the Board Resolution authorizing the issuance of such series of Securities (the "Depository") or the nominee of such Depository, (ii) be delivered to the Trustee as custodian for such Depository and (iii) bear any required legends. Members of, or participants in, the Depository ("Agent Members") shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Security held on their behalf by the Depository, or the Trustee as its custodian, or under the Global Security, and the Depository may be treated by the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the absolute owner of the Global Security for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein 33 -27- shall prevent the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depository or impair, as between the Depository and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of any Security. (b) Transfers of any Global Security shall be limited to transfers in whole, but not in part, to the Depository, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of beneficial owners in the Global Security may be transferred or exchanged for definitive Securities in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Depository. Definitive Securities shall be transferred to all beneficial owners in exchange for their beneficial interests in a Global Security only if (i) the Depository notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depository for the Global Security and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 90 days of such notice or (ii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. (c) In connection with any transfer or exchange of a portion of the beneficial interest in any Global Security to beneficial owners pursuant to paragraph (b), the Securities Registrar shall (if one or more definitive Securities are to be issued) reflect on the Securities Register the date and a decrease in the principal amount of the Global Security in an amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Global Security to be transferred, and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, one or more definitive Securities of like tenor and amount. (d) In connection with the transfer of an entire Global Security to beneficial owners pursuant to paragraph (b), the Global Security shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, to each beneficial owner identified by the Depository in exchange for its beneficial interest in the Global Security, an equal aggregate principal amount of definitive Securities of authorized denominations. (e) The Holder of any Global Security may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any person, including Agent Members and persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Securities of such series. 34 -28- ARTICLE FOUR SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; UNCLAIMED MONEYS SECTION 4.01. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture (A) If at any time (a) the Company shall have paid or caused to be paid the principal of and interest on all the Securities of any series outstanding hereunder, as and when the same shall have become due and payable, or (b) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all Securities of any series theretofore authenticated (other than any Securities which shall have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which shall have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 3.06), or (c)(i) all the Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, are by their terms to become due and payable 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; and (ii) the Company shall have irrevocably deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited with the Trustee (or an escrow agent satisfactory to the Trustee) as trust funds the entire amount in cash (other than moneys repaid by the Trustee or any paying agent to the Company in accordance with Section 4.04) or direct noncallable obligations of, or noncallable obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America or an agency thereof for the payment of which guarantee or obligation the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged ("U.S. Government Obligations"), maturing as to principal and interest in such amounts and at such times without consideration of any reinvestment of such principal and interest as will ensure the availability of cash, or a combination of U.S. Government Obligations and cash, sufficient to pay at Stated Maturity all the Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including principal (and premium, if any) and interest due or to become due to such date of Stated Maturity (including any mandatory sinking fund payments) or Redemption Date, as the case may be, 35 -29- and if, in any such case, the Company shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company with respect to Securities of such series, then this Indenture shall cease to be of further effect with respect to Securities of such series (except as to (i) rights of registration of transfer and exchange, (ii) substitution of apparently mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities, (iii) rights of Holders to receive payments of principal thereof and interest thereon, upon the original stated due dates therefor (including any mandatory sinking fund payments) or Redemption Date (but not upon acceleration), (iv) the rights, obligations and immunities of the Trustee hereunder, and (v) the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series as beneficiaries hereof with respect to the property so deposited with the Trustee payable to all or any of them), and the Trustee, on demand of the Company accompanied by (i) an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to Securities of such series have been complied with and at the cost and expense of the Company and (ii) an opinion of independent legal counsel stating that (a) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (b) since the date of this 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 such opinion of independent legal counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and discharge and will be subject to U.S. 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 deposit and defeasance had not occurred, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging such satisfaction of and discharging of this Indenture with respect to Securities of such series. The Company agrees to reimburse the Trustee for any costs or expenses thereafter reasonably and properly incurred and to compensate the Trustee for any services thereafter reasonably and properly rendered by the Trustee in connection with this Indenture or the Securities of such series. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.01(A), the Company's obligations in Section 6.07 shall survive such satisfaction and discharge. 36 -30- (B) In addition to the provisions of the next preceding paragraph, the Company may terminate its obligations under the Securities of any series and this Indenture, except those obligations referred to in the penultimate paragraph of this Section 4.01, if all Securities of such series previously authenticated and delivered (other than destroyed, lost or stolen Securities of such series which have been replaced or paid or Securities of such series for whose payment money or securities have theretofore been held in trust and thereafter repaid to the Company, as provided in Section 4.04) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation and the Company has paid all sums payable by it hereunder, or if the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or an escrow agent satisfactory to the Trustee), under the terms of an irrevocable trust agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee, as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders for that purpose, (i) money or (ii) U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, maturing as to principal and interest in such amounts and at such times as are sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of such principal or interest, to pay principal of and interest on the outstanding Securities of such series to maturity; provided that the Trustee shall have been irrevocably instructed to apply such money or the proceeds of such U.S. Government Obligations to the payment of said principal of and interest with respect to the Outstanding Securities of such series. Such irrevocable trust agreement shall include, among other things, provision for (1) payment of the principal of and interest on the Securities of such series, when due, including any mandatory sinking fund payments, (2) payment of the fees and expenses of the Trustee, its agents and counsel incurred or to be incurred in connection with carrying out such trust provisions, (3) rights of registration, transfer, substitution and exchange of Securities of such series in accordance with the terms stated in this Indenture, and (4) continuation of the rights and obligations and immunities of the Trustee as against the Holders as stated in this Indenture. Notwithstanding the first paragraph of this Section 4.01(B), the Company's obligations in Sections 3.05, 3.06, 4.04, 4.05, 5.02, 6.07, 6.10, 10.01 and 10.02 shall survive until the Securities of such series are no longer outstanding; provided, however, that the Company's obligations in Section 5.02 shall survive only with respect to an Event of Default defined in Section 5.01(2) or 5.01(3). Thereafter the Company's obligations in Sections 4.04, 4.05 and 6.07 shall survive. 37 -31- After any such irrevocable deposit, accompanied by an Officers' Certificate which shall state that the provisions of the first two paragraphs of this Section 4.01(B) have been complied with, and upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of an opinion of independent legal counsel who shall be acceptable to the Trustee, or, in lieu thereof, a favorable determination by the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that Holders of the Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and discharge and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same time as would have been the case if such deposit and discharge had not occurred, then the Company shall be discharged of its obligations under the Securities of such series and this Indenture with respect to such series of Securities except for those surviving obligations specified above, and the Trustee upon request shall acknowledge in writing such discharge. Prior to the delivery of such acknowledgment, the Trustee may require the Company to deliver to it an Officers' Certificate and Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to the deposit and discharge contemplated by this provision have been complied with, and the Opinion of Counsel shall also state that such deposit does not violate applicable law. SECTION 4.02. Deposited Moneys To Be Held in Trust by Trustee All moneys deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.01 shall be held in trust and applied by it to the payment, either directly or through any paying agent (including the Company if acting as its own paying agent), to the Holders of the particular Securities of such series for the payment of which such moneys have been deposited with the Trustee of all sums due and to become due thereon for principal and interest. SECTION 4.03. Paying Agent To Repay Moneys Held Upon the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to Securities of any series, all moneys then held by any paying agent of the Securities of such series (other than the Trustee) shall, upon demand of the Company, be repaid to it or paid to the Trustee, and thereupon such paying agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys. 38 -32- SECTION 4.04. Return of Unclaimed Moneys Any moneys deposited with or paid to the Trustee for payment of the principal of or interest on Securities and not applied but remaining unclaimed by the Holders of Securities of any series for two years after the date upon which the principal of or interest on such Securities, as the case may be, shall have become due and payable, shall be repaid to the Company by the Trustee on written demand and all liability of the Trustee shall thereupon cease; and the Holder of any of the Securities of any series shall thereafter look only to the Company for any payment which such Holder may be entitled to collect. SECTION 4.05. Reinstatement If the Trustee is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 4.01 with respect to Securities of any series by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Company's obligations under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 4.01 until such time as the Trustee is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 4.01; provided, however, that if the Company has made any payment of interest on or principal of any Securities of such series because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee. ARTICLE FIVE REMEDIES SECTION 5.01. Events of Default "Event of Default" with respect to Securities of any series, wherever used herein, means any one of the following events which shall have occurred and be continuing (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body): 39 -33- (1) default in the payment of the principal of any Security of such series as and when the same shall become due and payable, either at its Maturity or otherwise; or (2) default in the payment of any installment of interest on any Security of such series when it becomes due and payable, and the continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or (3) default in the payment of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of the Securities of that series; or (4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture or the Securities in respect of the Securities of such series (other than a covenant or warranty in respect of the Securities of such series a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of 25% in aggregate liquidation amount of all series affected thereby (provided that, in the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, so long as any of the related Trust Securities of such Burlington Resources Trust remain outstanding, the holders of 25% in aggregate liquidation amount of such Trust Securities then outstanding shall instead have such right), a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or (5) the entry of a decree or order by a court having jurisdiction in the premises adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking relief, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under U.S. federal bankruptcy law or any other applicable U.S. federal or state law, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator, custodian or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation 40 -34- of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 90 consecutive days; or (6) the institution by the Company of proceedings to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under U.S. federal bankruptcy law or any other applicable U.S. federal or state law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking of possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator, custodian or similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by the Company in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or (7) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series. SECTION 5.02. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment If an Event of Default described in Section 5.01(l), (2), (3), (4) (if the Event of Default under clause (4) is with respect to less than all series of Securities then Outstanding) or (7) above occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Securities of such series then Outstanding, each such series voting as a separate class (or, in the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, so long as any of the related Trust Securities of such Burlington Resources Trust remain outstanding, if, upon such Event of Default, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of such series fail to declare the principal of all the Securities of such series to be so immediately due and payable, the holders of 25% in aggregate liquidation amount of such Trust Securities then outstanding shall have such right), may declare the principal of all the Securities of such series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal shall become and shall be immediately due and payable, anything in this Indenture or in the Security contained to the contrary notwithstanding. Upon 41 -35- payment of such amount, all obligations of the Company in respect of the payment of principal of the Securities of such series shall terminate. If an Event of Default described in Section 5.01(4) (if the Event of Default under clause (4) is with respect to all series of Securities then Outstanding), (5) or (6) above occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case, unless the principal of all the Securities shall have already become due and payable, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of all the Securities then Outstanding, treated as one class (provided that, in the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, so long as any of the related Trust Securities of such Burlington Resources Trust remain outstanding, the holders of 25% in aggregate liquidation amount of such Trust Securities then outstanding shall instead have such right) which have not previously become due and payable may declare the entire principal of all the Securities then Outstanding to be due and payable immediately, by notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders) and upon any such declaration such principal shall become and shall be immediately due and payable, anything in this Indenture or in the Securities contained to the contrary notwithstanding. Upon payment of such amount, all obligations of the Company in respect of the payment of principal of the Securities shall terminate. At any time after such a declaration of acceleration has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series so affected, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if the conditions set forth in this Section 5.02 below are satisfied; provided, that in the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, so long as any of the related Trust Securities of such Burlington Resources Trust remain outstanding, the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of such Trust Securities then outstanding shall instead have such right to rescind the acceleration and its consequences with respect to such series, subject to the same conditions set forth below. (1) The Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay (A) all overdue installments of interest on the Securities of such series, and 42 -36- (B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and any sinking fund payments with respect to any Securities of such series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, with interest thereon from the date such principal became due at the rate borne by the Securities of such series, and (C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue installments of interest at the rate borne by the Securities of such series, and (D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel; and (2) all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of the principal of Securities of such series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 5.13. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon. SECTION 5.03. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee The Company covenants that if default is made in the payment of (1) any installment of interest on any Security of any series when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days or (2) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Security of any series at the Maturity thereof or otherwise, the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities of each series so affected, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities of such series for principal (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, or both, as the case may be, with interest upon the overdue principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, upon overdue installments of interest, at the rate per annum borne by the Securities during the period of such default; and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel. 43 -37- If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities of each series so affected and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities of each series so affected, wherever situated. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy. SECTION 5.04. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities of each series so affected shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company for the payment of overdue principal or interest) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, (a) to file and prove a claim for the amount of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities of each series so affected and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding and (b) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; 44 -38- and any receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator, custodian or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 6.07. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding. SECTION 5.05. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered. SECTION 5.06. Application of Money Collected Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article Five shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid: FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 6.07; SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, 45 -39- if any, on the Securities of the series in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, respectively; and THIRD: The balance, if any, to the Company. SECTION 5.07. Limitation on Suits No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless (a) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series; (b) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected (with each series voting as a separate class) shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder; (c) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request; (d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and (e) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected, with each series voting as a separate class; it being understood and intended that no one or more Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the 46 -40- manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all the Holders. In the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, any holder of the related Trust Securities of such Burlington Resources Trust shall have the right, upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default described in Sections 5.01(1) and (2) hereof with respect to such series, to institute a suit directly against the Company to enforce payment to such holder of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Securities having a principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of such Trust Securities held by such holder; provided that the holders of such Trust Securities have satisfied the requirements to bring suit set forth in this Section 5.07. SECTION 5.08. Unconditional Right of Holders To Receive Principal and Interest Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and (subject to Section 3.07) interest, if any, on such Security on or after the Stated Maturity expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, the Redemption Date), and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder. SECTION 5.09. Restoration of Rights and Remedies If the Trustee or any Holder (or, in the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, any holder of such Trust Securities) has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee, such Holder or such holder of Trust Securities, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee, the Holders and the holders of such Trust Securities shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder, and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted. 47 -41- SECTION 5.10. Rights and Remedies Cumulative No right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy. SECTION 5.11. Delay or Omission Not Waiver No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Security (or, in the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, any holder of such Trust Securities) to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee, to the Holders or to the holders of such Trust Securities may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee, the Holders or by the holders of such Trust Securities, as the case may be. SECTION 5.12. Control by Holders The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected, each series voting as a separate class (or, in the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, so long as any of the related Trust Securities of such Burlington Resources Trust remain outstanding, the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of such Trust Securities then outstanding) shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Securities of such series; provided that (a) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture and (b) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction. 48 -42- SECTION 5.13. Waiver of Past Defaults The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series, each series voting as a separate class (or, in the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, so long as any of the related Trust Securities of such Burlington Resources Trust remain outstanding, the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of such Trust Securities then outstanding) may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default (a) in the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on any Security or (b) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Security of such series affected. Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon. SECTION 5.14. Undertaking for Costs All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security (or, in the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, so long as any of the related Trust Securities of such Burlington Resources Trust remain outstanding, the holders of such Trust Securities then outstanding) by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section 5.14 shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each 49 -43- series affected (or, in the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, so long as any of the related Trust Securities of such Burlington Resources Trust remain outstanding, the holders of more than 10% in aggregate liquidation amount of such Trust Securities then outstanding), or to any suit instituted by any Holder (or, in the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, so long as any of the related Trust Securities of such Burlington Resources Trust remain outstanding, any holder of such Trust Securities then outstanding) for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on any Security of such series on or after the Stated Maturity expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date). ARTICLE SIX THE TRUSTEE SECTION 6.01. Certain Duties and Responsibilities (a) With respect to the Securities of any series, except during the continuance of an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series, (1) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee and (2) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of any mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein). (b) In case an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of any series has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall with respect to the Securities of such series, 50 -44- exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person's own affairs. (c) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that (1) this paragraph (c) shall not be construed to limit the effect of paragraph (a) of this Section 6.01; (2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and (3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it with respect to the Securities of any series in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture. No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers. SECTION 6.02. Notice of Defaults Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default hereunder with respect to the Securities of any series, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of such series entitled to receive reports pursuant to Section 7.04, notice of such default hereunder known to the Trustee, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Security of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the Board of Directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Holders; 51 -45- and provided, further, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 5.01(4) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section 6.02, the term "default" means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series. SECTION 6.03. Certain Rights of Trustee Except as otherwise provided in Section 6.01: (a) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note or other paper or document (whether in its original or facsimile form) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties; (b) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution; (c) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers' Certificate; (d) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon; (e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses 52 -46- and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction; (f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney, at the expense of the Company, and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation; (g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder; (h) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture; (i) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture; and (j) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and to each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder. 53 -47- SECTION 6.04. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee's certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof. SECTION 6.05. May Hold Securities The Trustee, any Paying Agent, any Securities Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 6.08 and 6.13, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee, Paying Agent, Securities Registrar or such other agent. SECTION 6.06. Money Held in Trust Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed with the Company. SECTION 6.07. Compensation and Reimbursement The Company agrees (a) to pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation as shall be agreed upon in writing from time to time for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust); (b) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel) except any 54 -48- such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or willful misconduct; and (c) to indemnify the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any and all loss, liability, claim, damage or expense incurred without negligence or willful misconduct on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section 6.07, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of principal of or interest, if any, on the Securities. SECTION 6.08. Disqualification; Conflicting Interests If the Trustee has or shall acquire any conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to the Securities of any series, it shall either eliminate such conflicting interest or resign with respect to the Securities of such series, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. The following Indentures shall be excluded from the application of Section 310(b)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act: Indentures between the Company and the Trustee dated as of June 15, 1990, October 1, 1991 and April 1, 1992 and Indenture between Burlington Resources Finance Company and the Trustee dated as of February 12, 2001. SECTION 6.09. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder with respect to each series of Securities which shall be a Person eligible under the Trust Indenture Act, having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by U.S. Federal or State authority. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising 55 -49- or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section 6.09, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. No obligor of the Securities or Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such obligor shall serve as Trustee upon such Securities. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.09, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article Six. SECTION 6.10. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor (a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article Six shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee under Section 6.11. (b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If an instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition at the expense of the Company any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee. (c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company. If an instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the receipt of such notice of removal, the removed Trustee may petition at the expense of the Company any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee. (d) If at any time with respect to any series of Securities: (1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 6.08 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months, or 56 -50- (2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 6.09 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder, or (3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, then, in any such case, (i) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee with respect to such series of Securities or (ii) subject to Section 5.14, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee. (e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series). If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with Section 6.11, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders and accepted appointment in the manner hereinafter provided, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee. (f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee and each appointment of a 57 -51- successor Trustee by mailing written notice of such event by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Holders of the Securities of one or more or all series, as the case may be, to which the resignation, removal or appointment relates, as their names and addresses appear in the Securities Register. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office. SECTION 6.11. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor (a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder, subject, nevertheless to its lien, if any, provided for in Section 6.07. (b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (i) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (ii) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (iii) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the 58 -52- trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and, upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates. (c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 6.11, as the case may be. (d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article Six. SECTION 6.12. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder; provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article Six, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities. 59 -53- SECTION 6.13. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company If and when the Trustee shall become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor of the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the terms of the Trust Indenture Act regarding collection of claims against the Company (or such obligor). SECTION 6.14. Trustee's Application for Instructions from the Company Any application by the Trustee for written instructions from the Company may, at the option of the Trustee, set forth in writing any action proposed to be taken or omitted by the Trustee under this Indenture and the date on and/or after which such action shall be taken or such omission shall be effective. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken by, or omission of, the Trustee in accordance with a proposal included in such application on or after the date specified in such application (which date shall not be less than three Business Days after the date any officer of the Company actually receives such application, unless any such officer shall have consented in writing to any earlier date) unless prior to taking any such action (or the effective date in the case of an omission), the Trustee shall have received written instructions in response to such application specifying the action to be taken or omitted. ARTICLE SEVEN HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY SECTION 7.01. Company To Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee: (a) semiannually, not more than 15 days after each Record Date, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of such Record Date and 60 -54- (b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished; excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Securities Registrar. SECTION 7.02. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders (a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, (i) the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 7.01 and (ii) the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Securities Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 7.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished. (b) Holders may communicate as provided in Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities. (c) Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Holders in accordance with paragraph (b) of this Section 7.02, regardless of the source from which such information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under paragraph (b) of this Section 7.02. SECTION 7.03. Reports by Trustee (a) Within 60 days after June 15 of each year commencing with June 15, [ ], the Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required under the Trust Indenture Act at the time and in the manner provided therein. (b) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which the Securities are listed, with the 61 -55- Commission and with the Company. The Company will notify the Trustee when the Securities are listed on any stock exchange. SECTION 7.04. Reports by Company (a) The Company shall file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company is required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall otherwise comply with Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act. (b) The Company shall furnish to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a brief certificate from the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer as to his or her knowledge of the Company's compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture. For purposes of this paragraph (b), such compliance shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided under this Indenture. Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee's receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company's compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers' Certificates). ARTICLE EIGHT CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE SECTION 8.01. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless: 62 -56- (1) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, unlimited liability company or trust organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest, if any, on all the Securities and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed; (2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, 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; (3) in the case of a series held by a Burlington Resources Trust, such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease is permitted under the declaration of trust and guarantee agreement for the related Trust Securities and does not give rise to any breach or violation of such declaration of trust or guarantee agreement ; and (4) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply with this Article Eight and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 8.01 shall restrict the Company from conveying, transferring or leasing its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to a wholly-owned Subsidiary, without further action or any other satisfaction of conditions on behalf of the Company. 63 -57- SECTION 8.02. Successor Corporation Substituted Upon any consolidation or merger by the Company with or into any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety to any Person in accordance with Section 8.01, the successor corporation, partnership, limited liability company, unlimited liability company or trust formed by or resulting from such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor corporation, partnership, limited liability company, unlimited liability company or trust had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease to another Person, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities. ARTICLE NINE SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES SECTION 9.01. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes: (1) to evidence the succession of another corporation to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities; or (2) to add to the covenants of the Company or to the Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities, or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or (3) to secure the Securities; or (4) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any 64 -58- other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture; provided such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any material respect or, in the case of a series issued to the Burlington Resources Trust and for so long as any of the related Trust Securities of such Burlington Resources Trust shall remain outstanding, the holders of such Trust Securities; or (5) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 6.11. SECTION 9.02. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of all series affected by such supplemental indenture (or, in the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, so long as any of the related Trust Securities of such Burlington Resources Trust remain outstanding, the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of such Trust Securities then outstanding), each such series voting as a separate class, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security (or, in the case of a series issued to a Burlington Resources Trust, the holder of each such Trust Security then outstanding) affected thereby, (1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of (or premium, if any, on), or any installment of principal of or interest, if any, on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the interest thereon, or change the place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Security or the interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof, or 65 -59- (2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or (3) modify any of the provisions of this Section 9.02 or Section 5.13, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby. A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or that modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series. It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof. SECTION 9.03. Execution of Supplemental Indentures In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article Nine or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise. 66 -60- SECTION 9.04. Effect of Supplemental Indentures Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article Nine, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby. SECTION 9.05. Conformity With Trust Indenture Act Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article Nine shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect. SECTION 9.06. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures Securities authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article Nine may, and shall, if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Board of Directors, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities. ARTICLE TEN COVENANTS SECTION 10.01. Payment of Principal and Interest For the benefit of each series of Securities, the Company will duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of such Securities and this Indenture. SECTION 10.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency The Company will maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, an office or agency where Securities may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities 67 -61- may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands. The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies (in or outside The City of New York) where the Securities may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency. SECTION 10.03. Money for Security Payments To Be Held in Trust If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any of the securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act. Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents, it will, on each due date of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Securities, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal or interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal or interest, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act. 68 -62- The Company will cause each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 10.3, that such Paying Agent will: (a) hold all sums held by it for the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on Securities in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided; (b) give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of any payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Securities of that series when the same shall be due and payable; and (c) at any time during the continuance of any such default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent. SECTION 10.04. Costs and Expenses of Burlington Resources Trusts The Company shall pay all debts and obligations (other than with respect to the Trust Securities) and all costs and expenses of any Burlington Resources Trust (including, but not limited to, all costs and expenses relating to the organization of the applicable Burlington Resources Trust, the fees and expenses of any trustee or trustees for the Burlington Resources Trust and all costs and expenses relating to the operation of the applicable Burlington Resources Trust (other than with respect to the Trust Securities)) and to pay any and all taxes, duties, assessments or other governmental charges of whatever nature (other than United States withholding taxes) imposed by the United States or any other taxing authority, so that the net amounts received and retained by the applicable Burlington Resources Trust after paying such fees, expenses, debts and obligations will be equal to the amounts the applicable Burlington Resources Trust would have received and retained had no such fees, expenses, debts and obligations been incurred by or imposed on the applicable Burlington Resources Trust. The foregoing obligations of the Company are for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, any person to whom such fees, expenses, debts and obligations are owed (each, a "Creditor"), 69 -63- whether or not such Creditor has received notice thereof. Any such Creditor may enforce such obligations of the Company directly against the Company, and the Company irrevocably waives any right or remedy to require that any such Creditor take any action against the applicable Burlington Resources Trust or any other person before proceeding against the Company. The Company shall execute such additional agreements as may be necessary to give full effect to the foregoing. SECTION 10.05. Additional Covenants The Company also covenants: (i) not to voluntarily terminate, wind-up or liquidate a Burlington Resources Trust, except (a) in connection with a distribution of Trust Securities to the holders of the Trust Securities in a liquidation of a Burlington Resources Trust permitted by the declaration of trust related to such Trust Securities or (b) in connection with certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations permitted by the declaration of trust related to such Trust Securities and (ii) to use its reasonable efforts, consistent with the terms and provisions of the declaration of trust related to such Trust Securities, to cause a Burlington Resources Trust to remain classified as a grantor trust and not an association taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. ARTICLE ELEVEN REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES SECTION 11.01. Applicability of Article Securities of any series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified, as contemplated by Section 3.01 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article Eleven; provided, however, that if any provision of any such Security shall conflict with any provision of this Article Eleven, the provision of such Security shall govern. Except as otherwise set forth in any Security, each Security shall be subject to partial redemption only in the amount of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof. 70 -64- SECTION 11.02. Election To Redeem; Notice to Trustee The right of the Company to elect to redeem any Securities of any series shall be set forth in the terms of such Securities of such series established in accordance with Section 3.01. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of less than all the Securities of any series, the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and shall deliver to the Trustee such documentation and records as shall enable the Trustee to select the Securities to be redeemed pursuant to Section 11.03. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers' Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction. SECTION 11.03. Selection by Trustee of Securities To Be Redeemed If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series not previously called for redemption, by such method as may be specified by the terms of such Securities or, if no such method is so specified, by such method as the Trustee shall deem appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions of the principal amount of Securities of such series. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed. 71 -65- SECTION 11.04. Notice of Redemption Notice of redemption shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the Trustee to the Holders of the Securities to be redeemed, by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at such Holder's address appearing in the Securities Register. All notices of redemption shall state: (1) the Redemption Date; (2) the Redemption Price; (3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed; (4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date; (5) the place or places where such Securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price; (6) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case; and (7) the applicable CUSIP numbers. SECTION 11.05. Deposit of Redemption Price On or before any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 10.03) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date. 72 -66- SECTION 11.06. Securities Payable on Redemption Date Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price and at the place or places therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 3.07. If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender therefor, the Redemption Price shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security. SECTION 11.07. Securities Redeemed in Part Any Security that is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at the place of payment therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to, the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered. 73 -67- ARTICLE TWELVE SINKING FUNDS SECTION 12.01. Applicability of Article The provisions of this Article Twelve shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series except as otherwise contemplated by Section 3.01 for Securities of such series; provided, however, that if any provision of any such Security shall conflict with any provision of this Article Twelve, the provision of such Security shall govern. The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a "mandatory sinking fund payment," and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as an "optional sinking fund payment." If provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 12.02. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities of such series. SECTION 12.02. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments With Securities The Company may (i) deliver to the Trustee Outstanding Securities of a series (other than any previously called for redemption) theretofore purchased or otherwise acquired by the Company and (ii) receive credit for Securities of a series which have been previously delivered to the Trustee by the Company or for Securities of a series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of the same series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as provided for by the terms of such series; provided that such Securities have not been previously so credited. Such Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly. 74 -68- SECTION 12.03. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of that series, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering or crediting Securities of that series pursuant to Section 12.02 (which Securities will, if not previously delivered, accompany such certificate) and whether the Company intends to exercise its right to make a permitted optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series. Such certificate shall be irrevocable and upon its delivery the Company shall be obligated to make the cash payment or payments therein referred to, if any, on or before the next succeeding sinking fund payment date. In the case of the failure of the Company to deliver such certificate, the sinking fund payment due on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date for that series shall be paid entirely in cash and shall be sufficient to redeem the principal amount of such Securities subject to a mandatory sinking fund payment without the option to deliver or credit Securities of such series as provided in Section 12.02 and without the right to make any optional sinking fund payment, if any, with respect to such series. Not more than 60 days before each such sinking fund payment date, the Trustee shall select the Securities of such series to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 11.03 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 11.04. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 11.06 and 11.07. On or prior to any sinking fund payment date, the Company shall pay to the Trustee in cash a sum equal to any interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption of Securities or portions thereof to be redeemed on such sinking fund payment date pursuant to this Section 12.03. 75 -69- This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. 76 -70- IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written. BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC., as Issuer By: -------------------------------- Name: Title: [ ], as Trustee By: -------------------------------- Name: Title: EX-5.1 7 h86756a1ex5-1.txt OPINION OF CAHILL GORDON & REINDEL 1 EXHIBIT 5.1 [LETTERHEAD OF CAHILL GORDON & REINDEL] [80 Pine Street] [New York, NY 10005] [John Schuster, Esq.] June 27, 2001 Burlington Resources Inc. 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400 Houston, TX 77056-2124 Burlington Resources Capital I c/o Burlington Resources Inc. 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400 Houston, TX 77056-2124 Burlington Resources Capital II c/o Burlington Resources Inc. 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400 Houston, TX 77056-2124 Burlington Resources Finance Company c/o Burlington Resources Inc. 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400 Houston, TX 77056-2124 Re: Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-61600) Ladies and Gentlemen: We have acted as special U.S. counsel to Burlington Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and to Burlington Resources Capital I and Burlington Resources Capital II, each a 2 -2- statutory business trust formed under Delaware law (each, a "Trust") and Burlington Resources Finance Company, an unlimited liability company organized under the laws of Nova Scotia, Canada ("Finance Company", and together with the Company and the Trusts, the "Registrants") in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 333-61600, as amended through the date hereof (the "Registration Statement"), filed by the Registrants with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Registration Statement relates to the issuance and sale from time to time, pursuant to Rule 415 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), of the following securities with an aggregate initial offering price of up to $1,500,000,000, as shall be designated by the Registrants: (i) senior debt securities of the Company, in one or more series (the "Senior Debt Securities"), which are to be issued under a senior indenture proposed to be executed between the Company and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee (the "Senior Indenture"), the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, (ii) subordinated debt securities of the Company, in one or more series (the "Subordinated Debt Securities"), which are to be issued under a subordinated indenture proposed to be executed between the Company and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee (the "Subordinated Indenture"), the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, (iii) shares of common stock of the Company, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), (iv) shares of preferred stock of the Company (the "Preferred Stock"), (v) securities issued by each Trust in the form of trust preferred securities (the "Trust Preferred Securities"), which are proposed to be issued under the applicable declaration of trust pursuant to which such Trust is organized (each, as amended and restated prior to such issuance, in the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, a "Declaration of Trust"), (vi) guarantees by the Company of the Trust Preferred Securities (the "Trust Guarantees") pursuant to a guarantee agreement (each, a "Trust Guarantee Agreement"), the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, (vii ) debt securities of Finance Company (the "Finance Debt Securities"), which are to be issued under an indenture between Finance Company and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee (the "Finance Indenture"), the form of which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and (viii) guarantees of the Company of the Finance Debt Securities (the "Finance Guarantees") pursuant to a guarantee agreement (the "Finance Guarantee Agreement"), the form of which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. The Senior Debt Securities, the Subordinated Debt Securities, the Common Stock, the Preferred Stock, the Trust Preferred Securities, the Trust Guarantees, the Finance Debt Securities and the Finance Guarantees are referred to collectively as the "Securities" and individually as a "Security". In connection with this opinion, we have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such corporate records, documents, certificates and instruments as we deemed necessary and appropriate to enable us to render the opinion expressed below. In our examination, we have assumed (a) the authenticity of original documents and the genuineness of all signatures, (b) the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies, (c) the truth, accuracy and completeness of the information, representations and warranties contained in the records, documents, instruments and certificates we have reviewed and (d) the due authorization, execution and delivery of each document named below by each party other than the Company. 3 -3- We advise you that, in our opinion: (a) With respect to the shares of Common Stock, when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Act; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement or term sheet with respect to the Common Stock has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Act and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (iii) if the Common Stock is to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, an underwriting agreement with respect to the Common Stock has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (iv) the Board of Directors, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance of the Common Stock and related matters; (v) the terms of the issuance and sale of the Common Stock have been duly established in conformity with the Certificate of Incorporation and the By-laws of the Company so as not to violate any applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws of the Company or result in default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; and (vi) certificates representing the shares of Common Stock have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered upon payment of the agreed-upon consideration therefor (provided that such consideration is not less than the par value thereof), the shares of Common Stock (including any Common Stock duly issued upon conversion of any other Security), when issued and sold in accordance with the applicable underwriting agreement or any other duly authorized, executed and delivered valid and binding purchase or agency agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. (b) With respect to the shares of Preferred Stock, when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Act; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement or term sheet with respect to the Preferred Stock has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Act and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (iii) if the Preferred Stock is to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, an underwriting agreement with respect to the Preferred Stock has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (iv) the Board of Directors, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of the Preferred Stock and related matters, including the adoption of a Certificate of Designation for the Preferred Stock in accordance with the applicable provisions of Delaware law (the "Certificate of Designation"); (v) the filing of the Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware has duly occurred; (vi) the terms of the Preferred Stock and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, including the Certificate of Designation related to the Preferred Stock, and the By-laws of the Company so as not to violate any applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws of the Company or result in default under or breach of 4 -4- any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; and (vii) certificates representing the shares of Preferred Stock have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered upon payment of the agreed-upon consideration therefor (provided that such consideration is not less than the par value thereof), the shares of Preferred Stock (including any Preferred Stock duly issued upon conversion of any other Security), when issued and sold in accordance with the applicable underwriting agreement or any other duly authorized, executed and delivered valid and binding purchase or agency agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. (c) With respect to the Senior Debt Securities, when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Act; (ii) the Senior Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto and duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "TIA"); (iii) an appropriate prospectus supplement or term sheet with respect to the Senior Debt Securities has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Act and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (iv) if the Senior Debt Securities are to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, an underwriting agreement with respect to the Senior Debt Securities has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (v) the Board of Directors, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of the Senior Debt Securities and related matters; (vi) the terms of the Senior Debt Securities and their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Senior Indenture so as not to violate any applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws of the Company or result in default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; and (vii) the Senior Debt Securities have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the provisions of the Senior Indenture and duly delivered to the purchasers thereof upon payment of the agreed-upon consideration therefor, the Senior Debt Securities, when issued and sold in accordance with the provisions of the Senior Indenture and in accordance with the applicable underwriting agreement, if any, or any other duly authorized, executed and delivered valid and binding purchase or agency agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, moratorium or other laws now or hereafter in effect related to or affecting creditors' rights generally and (b) general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity). (d) With respect to the Subordinated Debt Securities, when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Act; (ii) the Subordinated Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and 5 -5- delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto and duly qualified under the TIA; (iii) an appropriate prospectus supplement or term sheet with respect to the Subordinated Debt Securities has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Act and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (iv) if the Subordinated Debt Securities are to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, an underwriting agreement with respect to the Subordinated Debt Securities has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (v) the Board of Directors, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities and related matters; (vi) the terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities and their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Subordinated Indenture so as not to violate any applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws of the Company or result in default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; and (vii) the Subordinated Debt Securities have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the provisions of the Subordinated Indenture and duly delivered to the purchasers thereof upon payment of the agreed-upon consideration therefor, the Subordinated Debt Securities, when issued and sold in accordance with the provisions of the Subordinated Indenture and in accordance with the applicable underwriting agreement, if any, or any other duly authorized, executed and delivered valid and binding purchase or agency agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, moratorium or other laws now or hereafter in effect related to or affecting creditors' rights generally and (b) general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity). (e) With respect to the Finance Debt Securities, when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Act; (ii) the Finance Indenture has been duly qualified under the TIA; (iii) an appropriate prospectus supplement or term sheet with respect to the Finance Debt Securities has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Act and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (iv) if the Finance Debt Securities are to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, an underwriting agreement with respect to the Finance Debt Securities has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Finance Company and the other parties thereto; (v) the Board of Directors of Finance Company, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of Finance Company have taken all necessary action to approve the issuance and terms of the Finance Debt Securities and related matters; (vi) the terms of the Finance Debt Securities and their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Finance Indenture so as not to violate any applicable law, the Memorandum of Association or the Articles of Association of Finance Company or result in default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon Finance Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction 6 -6- over Finance Company; and (vii) the Finance Debt Securities have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the provisions of the Finance Indenture and duly delivered to the purchasers thereof upon payment of the agreed-upon consideration therefor, the Finance Debt Securities, when issued and sold in accordance with the provisions of the Finance Indenture and in accordance with the applicable underwriting agreement, if any, or any other duly authorized, executed and delivered valid and binding purchase or agency agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of Finance Company enforceable against Finance Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, moratorium or other laws now or hereafter in effect related to or affecting creditors' rights generally and (b) general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity). (f) With respect to the Finance Guarantees, when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Act; (ii) the Finance Guarantee Agreement has been duly qualified under the TIA; (iii) an appropriate prospectus supplement or term sheet with respect to the Finance Debt Securities and the Finance Guarantees has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Act and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (iv) the terms of the Finance Debt Securities have been established in accordance with the Finance Indenture; (v) the Finance Debt Securities have been duly issued and executed in accordance with the Finance Indenture and paid for in the manner contemplated in the Registration Statement or any prospectus relating thereto; (vi) if the Finance Debt Securities and Finance Guarantees are to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, an underwriting agreement with respect to such Securities has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Finance Company and the other parties thereto; (vii) the Board of Directors, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of the Finance Guarantees and related matters; (viii) the terms of the Finance Guarantees and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Finance Guarantee Agreement so as not to violate any applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws of the Company or result in default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; and (ix) the Finance Guarantees have been duly executed and delivered in accordance with the provisions of the Finance Guarantee Agreement, the Finance Guarantees, when issued in accordance with the Finance Guarantee Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, moratorium or other laws now or hereafter in effect related to or affecting creditors' rights generally and (b) general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity). 7 -7- (g) With respect to the Trust Guarantees, when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Act; (ii) the applicable Trust Guarantee Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto and duly qualified under the TIA; (iii) an appropriate prospectus supplement or term sheet with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities and the Trust Guarantees has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Act and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (iv) the Declaration of Trust of the applicable Trust has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the parties thereto; (v) the terms of the Trust Preferred Securities have been established in accordance with the applicable Declaration of Trust; (vi) the Trust Preferred Securities have been duly issued and executed in accordance with the applicable Declaration of Trust and paid for in the manner contemplated in the Registration Statement or any prospectus relating thereto; (vii) if the Trust Preferred Securities and the Trust Guarantees are to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, an underwriting agreement with respect to such Securities has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the applicable Trust and the other parties thereto; (viii) the Board of Directors, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of the Trust Guarantees and related matters; (ix) the terms of the Trust Guarantees and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the applicable Trust Guarantee Agreement so as not to violate any applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws of the Company or result in default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; and (x) the Trust Guarantees have been duly executed and delivered in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Trust Guarantee Agreement, the Trust Guarantees, when issued in accordance with the applicable Trust Guarantee Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, moratorium or other laws now or hereafter in effect related to or affecting creditors' rights generally and (b) general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity). In rendering the opinion set forth above, we express no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of New York, the General Corporation law of the State of Delaware, including the applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and the reported judicial decisions interpreting the laws, and the federal laws of the United States of America. The Securities may be issued from time to time on a delayed or continuous basis, and our opinion is limited to the laws as in effect on the date hereof. With respect to opinions (e) and (f) above, we have relied on the opinion of Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales dated as of the date hereof, as to the due organization and valid existence of the Finance Company. With respect to opinion (g) above, we have relied on the opinion of Richards, 8 -8- Layton & Finger, P.A., dated as of the date hereof, as to the Trusts and the validity and legality of the Trust Preferred Securities and related documents (other than the Trust Guarantees). We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference of our firm under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement and the prospectus forming a part thereof. Our consent to such reference does not constitute a consent under Section 7 of the Act, as in consenting to such reference we have not certified any part of the Registration Statement and do not otherwise come within the categories of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 or under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder. Very truly yours, /s/ Cahill Gordon & Reindel Cahill Gordon & Reindel EX-5.2 8 h86756a1ex5-2.txt OPINION OF RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER, P.A. 1 EXHIBIT 5.2 [RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER, P.A.] P. O. BOX 551 WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19899 June 25, 2001 Burlington Resources Capital I Burlington Resources Capital II c/o Burlington Resources Inc. 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400 Houston, Texas 77056 Re: Burlington Resources Capital I and Burlington Resources Capital II ------------------------------------------------------------------ Ladies and Gentlemen: We have acted as special Delaware counsel for Burlington Resources Capital I, a Delaware business trust ("Trust I"), and Burlington Resources Capital II, a Delaware business trust ("Trust II") (Trust I and Trust II are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Trusts" and sometimes hereinafter individually referred to as a "Trust"), in connection with the matters set forth herein. At your request, this opinion is being furnished to you. For purposes of giving the opinions hereinafter set forth, our examination of documents has been limited to the examination of originals or copies of the following: (a) The Certificate of Trust of Trust I, as filed with the Secretary of State on May 6, 1998; (b) The Certificate of Trust of Trust II, as filed with the Secretary of State on May 6, 1998; (c) The Trust Agreement of Trust I, dated as of May 6, 1998 among Burlington Resources Inc. (the "Company") and the trustees of Trust I named therein; (d) The Trust Agreement of Trust II, dated as of May 6, 1998 among the Company and the trustees of Trust II named therein; 2 Burlington Resources Capital I Burlington Resources Capital II June 25, 2001 Page 2 (e) Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement") on Form S-3, including a preliminary prospectus with respect to the Trusts (the "Prospectus"), relating to the Trust Preferred Securities of the Trusts representing preferred beneficial interests in the Trusts (each, a "Preferred Security" and collectively, the "Preferred Securities"), as filed by the Company and the Trusts with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 6, 2001; (f) A form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement for each of the Trusts, to be entered into between the Company, the trustees of the Trust named therein, and the holders, from time to time, of the undivided beneficial interests in the assets of such Trust (including Exhibits C and D thereto) (collectively, the "Trust Agreements" and individually, a "Trust Agreement"), attached as an exhibit to the Registration Statement; and (g) A Certificate of Good Standing for each of the Trusts, dated June 6, 2001, obtained from the Secretary of State. Initially capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined are used as defined in the Trust Agreements. For purposes of this opinion, we have not reviewed any documents other than the documents listed in paragraphs (a) through (g) above. In particular, we have not reviewed any document (other than the documents listed in paragraphs (a) through (g) above) that is referred to in or incorporated by reference into the documents reviewed by us. We have assumed that there exists no provision in any document that we have not reviewed that is inconsistent with the opinions stated herein. We have conducted no independent factual investigation of our own but rather have relied solely upon the foregoing documents, the statements and information set forth therein and the additional matters recited or assumed herein, all of which we have assumed to be true, complete and accurate in all material respects. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, WE BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE REVIEWED ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO RENDER THE OPINIONS SET FORTH HEREIN. With respect to all documents examined by us, we have assumed (i) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as authentic originals, (ii) the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies or forms, and (iii) the genuineness of all signatures. For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed (i) that each of the Trust Agreements will constitute the entire agreement among the parties thereto with respect to the subject matter thereof, including with respect to the creation, operation and termination of the applicable Trust, and that the Trust Agreements and the Certificates of Trust will be in full force and effect and will not be amended, (ii) except to the extent provided in paragraph 1 below, the due organization or due formation, as the case may be, and valid existence in good 3 Burlington Resources Capital I Burlington Resources Capital II June 25, 2001 Page 3 standing of each party to the documents examined by us under the laws of the jurisdiction governing its organization or formation, (iii) the legal capacity of natural persons who are parties to the documents examined by us, (iv) that each of the parties to the documents examined by us has the power and authority to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, such documents, (v) the due authorization, execution and delivery by all parties thereto of all documents examined by us, (vi) the receipt by each Person to whom a Preferred Security is to be issued by the Trusts (collectively, the "Preferred Security Holders") of a Preferred Security Certificate for such Preferred Security and the payment for such Preferred Security, in accordance with the Trust Agreements and the Registration Statement, and (vii) that the Preferred Securities are authenticated, issued and sold to the Preferred Security Holders in accordance with the Trust Agreements and the Registration Statement. We have not participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and assume no responsibility for their contents. This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Delaware (excluding the securities laws of the State of Delaware), and we have not considered and express no opinion on the laws of any other jurisdiction, including federal laws and rules and regulations relating thereto. Our opinions are rendered only with respect to Delaware laws and rules, regulations and orders thereunder which are currently in effect. Based upon the foregoing, and upon our examination of such questions of law and statutes of the State of Delaware as we have considered necessary or appropriate, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations and exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that: 1. Each of the Trusts has been duly created and is validly existing in good standing as a business trust under the Business Trust Act. 2. The Preferred Securities of each Trust will represent valid and, subject to the qualifications set forth in paragraph 3 below, fully paid and nonassessable beneficial interests in the assets of the applicable Trust. 3. The Preferred Security Holders, as beneficial owners of the applicable Trust, will be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We note that the Preferred Security Holders may be obligated to make payments as set forth in the Trust Agreement. We consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We hereby consent to the use of our name under the heading "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus. In giving the foregoing consents, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is 4 Burlington Resources Capital I Burlington Resources Capital II June 25, 2001 Page 4 required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder. THIS OPINION MAY ALSO BE RELIED UPON BY CAHILL GORDON & REINDEL IN CONNECTION WITH THE DELIVERY OF ITS OPINION REGARDING THE TRUST. Very truly yours, /s/ RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER, P.A. EAM EX-5.4 9 h86756a1ex5-4.txt OPINION OF STEWART MCKELVEY STIRLING SCALES 1 EXHIBIT 5.4 Suite 900 Correspondence: Telephone: 902.420.3200 CHARLES S. REAGH Purdy's Wharf Tower One P.O. Box 997 Fax: 902.420.1417 Direct Dial: 902.420.3335 1959 Upper Water Street Halifax, NS halifax@smss.com Direct Fax: 902.496.6173 Halifax, NS Canada B3J 2X2 www.smss.com csr@smss.com Canada B3J 3N2
File Reference: NS267-142 June 27, 2001 BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY c/o Burlington Resources Canada Energy Ltd. Suite 3700, 250-6th Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB T2P 3H7 BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC. Suite 3700, 250-6th Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB T2P 3H7 Dear Sirs: RE: BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY (THE "COMPANY") We have acted as special Nova Scotia counsel to the Company in connection with the filing of a Form S-3 Registration Statement (the "REGISTRATION STATEMENT") File No. 333-61600, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. We have considered such questions of law and examined such statutes, public and corporate records, certificates of governmental authorities and officers of the Company and other documents and conducted such other examinations as we have considered necessary or desirable to enable us to express the opinions hereinafter set forth. In such examination we have assumed the legal capacity of all individuals, the veracity of the information contained in the documents, the genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified, conformed, facsimile or photostatic copies of original documents. In stating our opinions, we have also assumed the completeness, truth and accuracy of all facts set forth in official public records and certificates and other documents supplied by public officials; and We are solicitors qualified to practice law in the Province of Nova Scotia and we express no opinion as to any laws or any matters governed by any laws other than the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. 2 With respect to the valid existence of the Company, we have relied exclusively on a Certificate of Status issued under the Companies Act (Nova Scotia) dated June 25, 2001, a copy of which has been provided to you. On the basis of the foregoing we are of the opinion that the Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a body corporate in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation Consent is hereby given to the filing, as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, of this letter. In giving such consent we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the United States Securities Act of 1933. This opinion may also be relied upon by Cahill Gordon & Reindel. Yours truly, STEWART MCKELVEY STIRLING SCALES EX-23.1 10 h86756a1ex23-1.txt CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP 1 EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated February 12, 2001 relating to the financial statements, which includes reference to other auditors and which appears in Burlington Resources Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000. We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Experts" in such Registration Statement. /s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP ------------------------------ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP Houston, Texas June 26, 2001 EX-23.2 11 h86756a1ex23-2.txt CONSENT OF KPMG LLP 1 EXHIBIT 23.2 The Board of Directors of each of: Burlington Resources Inc.; Burlington Resources Capital I; Burlington Resources Capital II; and Burlington Resources Finance Company We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of Burlington Resources Inc.; Burlington Resources Capital I; Burlington Resources Capital II; and Burlington Resources Finance Company of our report dated March 3, 2000 with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Burlington Resources Canada Energy Ltd. as of December 31, 1999 and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 1999 which report is filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report of Burlington Resources Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000. /s/ KPMG LLP ------------ KPMG LLP Calgary, Canada June 26, 2001 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----