-----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, RjRRWPGJNrDisba5hjQ9W5WxIAFbMUIAt+fgYBbWEDPxnmQrvgtU5uHZYjFtzyjW ZY6gyCh7UDzTGu1MgVV7hA== 0000950123-10-054298.txt : 20100528 0000950123-10-054298.hdr.sgml : 20100528 20100528170036 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950123-10-054298 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-3ASR PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 10 FILED AS OF DATE: 20100528 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20100528 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20100528 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000877860 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798] IRS NUMBER: 621470956 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-3ASR SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-167208 FILM NUMBER: 10867318 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 222 ROBERT ROSE DRIVE CITY: MURFREESBORO STATE: TN ZIP: 37129 BUSINESS PHONE: 6158909100 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 222 ROBERT ROSE DRIVE CITY: MURFREESBORO STATE: TN ZIP: 37129 S-3ASR 1 g23618sv3asr.htm FORM S-3ASR sv3asr
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 28, 2010
Registration No. 333                    
 
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its corporate charter)
     
Maryland   62-1470956
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
222 Robert Rose Drive
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129
(615) 890-9100
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
 
J. Justin Hutchens
President and Chief Operating Officer
222 Robert Rose Drive
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129
(615) 890-9100
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
 
Copy to:
Susan V. Sidwell
Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C.
315 Deaderick Street Suite 1800
Nashville, Tennessee 37238-1800
(615) 256-0500
 
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: from time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
following box: o
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans,
check the following box: þ
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
Registration No.:                     
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
Registration No.:                     
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities act, check the following box. : þ
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. : o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 Large Accelerated : þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
                 
 
        Amount to be registered/        
        Proposed maximum        
        offering price per        
        share/Proposed maximum        
        aggregate offering        
  Title of securities to be registered     price     Amount of registration fee  
 
Common Stock $0.01 par value
             
 
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value
             
 
Debt Securities
    (1)     $0(1)  
 
(1) An unspecified indeterminate aggregate initial offering price or number of the securities of each identified class is being registered as may from time to time be issued at unspecified indeterminate prices. Separate consideration may or may not be received for registered securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities or that are issued in units. In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) National Health Investors, Inc. is deferring payment of the entire registration fee.
 
 

 


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(NHI LOGO)
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
     National Health Investors, Inc. (“NHI”) from time to time may offer to sell the securities listed above. The preferred stock and debt securities may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common or preferred stock or other securities of NHI. Our common stock is quoted on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “NHI.”
     NHI may offer and sell these securities directly or to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and/or agents, or directly to purchasers on a continuous or delayed basis.
     This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities and the general manner in which they may be offered. The specific terms of any securities to be offered, and the specific manner in which they may be offered, will be described in a supplement to this prospectus.
     You should consider the risks discussed in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 3 of this prospectus before you invest in our securities.
 
     Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
The date of this prospectus is May 28, 2010
National Health Investors, Inc.
222 Robert Rose Drive
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129
(615) 890-9100

 


 


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     All references in this prospectus to “NHI,” “we,” “us” or “our” mean National Health Investors, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (except where it is clear from the context that the term means only the issuer, National Health Investors, Inc.). Unless otherwise stated, currency amounts in this prospectus are stated in United States dollars.
     When acquiring any securities discussed in this prospectus, you should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different or additional information. If anyone provides you with different or additional information, you should not rely on it. An offer to sell these securities will not be made in any jurisdiction where the offer and sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, as well as information we previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and incorporated by reference, is accurate as of any date other than the date mentioned on the front cover of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
     This prospectus is part of an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the SEC using a “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus from time to time in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with only a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities described in this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the terms of that offering. A prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus.
     You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with any additional information you may need to make your investment decision. You should also read and carefully consider the information in the documents we have referred you to in “Where You Can Find More Information” below. Information incorporated by reference after the date of this prospectus is considered a part of this prospectus and may add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Any information in such subsequent filings that is inconsistent with this prospectus will supersede the information in this prospectus or any earlier prospectus supplement.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
     We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at its public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the public reference room of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facilities. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. You may inspect information that we file with The New York Stock

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Exchange, as well as our SEC filings, at the offices of The New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
     The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” certain information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to the other information we have filed with the SEC. We incorporate by reference the following documents we filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (other than any portions of any such documents that are not deemed “filed” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and applicable SEC rules):
    our Current Reports on Form 8-K and 8-K/A filed on February 3, 2010, February 5, 2010, February 22, 2010, February 23, 2010, March 3, 2010, March 10, 2010, March 11, 2010, March 22, 2010, April 19, 2010, May 7, 2010, May 10, 2010, May 12, 2010 and May 24, 2010;
    our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010;
    our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009;
    description of our common stock contained in Form 10 as amended by Form 8 effective with the Commission in October 1991 and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description, including the description of amendments to our charter contained in our proxy statement dated March 20, 2009.
     We are also incorporating by reference additional documents that we may file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the securities described in this prospectus (other than any portions of any such documents that are not deemed “filed” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and applicable SEC rules). These documents include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as Proxy Statements. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.
     Documents incorporated by reference are available from us without charge, excluding all exhibits unless we have specifically incorporated by reference the exhibit in this prospectus. You may obtain documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone from:
Roger R. Hopkins, Chief Accounting Officer
National Health Investors, Inc.
222 Robert Rose Drive
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129
(615) 890-9100

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RISK FACTORS
     We have included discussions of cautionary factors describing risks relating to our business and an investment in our securities in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for an explanation of how to get a copy of this report. Additional risks related to our securities may also be described in a prospectus supplement. Before purchasing our securities, you should carefully consider the risk factors we describe in any prospectus supplement and in any report incorporated by reference into this prospectus or such prospectus supplement, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones we face. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know of or that we currently deem immaterial. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our shares of stock could decline and you may lose part or all of your investment. Given these risks and uncertainties, we can give no assurance that these forward-looking statements will, in fact, occur and, therefore, caution investors not to place undue reliance on them. Our subsequent filings with the SEC may contain amended and updated discussions of significant risks. We cannot predict future risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financial performance.
CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
     Statements in this prospectus and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are not historical factual statements are “forward-looking statements.” We intend to have our forward-looking statements covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and include this statement for purposes of complying with those provisions. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding our and our officers’ intent, belief or expectations as identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “project,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “forecast,” “plan,” “estimate,” “could,” “would,” “should” and other comparable and derivative terms or the negatives thereof. In addition, we, through our officers, from time to time, make forward-looking oral and written public statements concerning our expected future operations, strategies, securities offerings, growth and investment opportunities, dispositions, capital structure changes, budgets and other developments. Readers are cautioned that, while forward-looking statements reflect our good faith belief and reasonable assumptions based upon current information, we can give no assurance that our expectations or forecasts will be attained. Therefore, readers should be mindful that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. As more fully set forth under “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and our other SEC filings factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements include:
    We depend on the operating success of our customers (facility operators) for collection of our revenues during this time of uncertain economic conditions and legislative healthcare reform in the U.S.;

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    We are exposed to risk that our tenants and mortgagors may become subject to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings;
    We are exposed to risks related to changes in national and local economic conditions, including a prolonged recession;
    We are exposed to risks related to government regulations and the effect they have on our tenants’ and mortgagors’ business;
    We are exposed to risk that the cash flows of our tenants and mortgagors will be adversely affected by increased liability claims and general and professional liability insurance costs;
    We are exposed to risks related to environmental laws and the costs associated with the liability related to hazardous substances;
    We depend on the success of future acquisitions and investments;
    We depend on the ability to reinvest cash in real estate investments in a timely manner and on acceptable terms;
    We may incur more debt and intend to replace our current credit facility with longer-term debt in the future, which long-term debt may not be available on terms acceptable to us;
    We are subject to risks from continued volatility in the capital markets, including changes in interest rates and the availability and cost of capital;
    We are exposed to the risk that the illiquidity of real estate investments could impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties;
    We are exposed to the risk that our assets may be subject to impairment charges;
    We depend on the ability to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust;
    We have ownership limits in our charter with respect to our common stock and other classes of capital stock; and
    We are subject to certain provisions of Maryland law and our charter and bylaws that could hinder, delay or prevent a change in control transaction, even if the transaction involves a premium price for our common stock or our stockholders believe such transaction to be otherwise in their best interests.
     Except as required by law, we undertake no, and hereby disclaim any, obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changed circumstances or otherwise.

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THE COMPANY
     We are a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) which invests in income-producing health care properties primarily in the long-term care industry. As of March 31, 2010, we had ownership interests in real estate and mortgage investments (excluding assets held for sale) with a carrying value totaling approximately $395,408,000 and other investments in preferred stock and marketable securities of approximately $59,798,000 resulting in total invested assets of approximately $455,206,000. Our mission is to invest in health care real estate which generates current income that will be distributed to stockholders. We have pursued this mission by acquiring properties to lease nationwide and making mortgage loans, primarily in the long-term health care industry. These investments include skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, medical office buildings, independent living facilities, an acute psychiatric hospital and an acute care hospital, all of which are collectively referred to herein as “Health Care Facilities.” We have funded these investments in the past through three sources of capital: (1) current cash flow, including principal prepayments from our borrowers, (2) the sale of equity securities, and (3) debt offerings, including bank lines of credit, the issuance of convertible debt instruments, and the issuance of ordinary debt. At March 31, 2010, we had approximately $33,935,000 of outstanding debt.
     At March 31, 2010, our continuing operations consisted of investments in real estate and mortgage notes receivable in 116 health care facilities located in 21 states consisting of 81 skilled nursing facilities, 25 assisted living facilities, 4 medical office buildings, 4 independent living facilities, 1 acute psychiatric hospital and 1 acute care hospital. These investments consisted of approximately $321,399,000 of net real estate investments with 19 lessees and $74,009,000 aggregate carrying value of mortgage notes receivable from 14 borrowers. There are 86 health care facilities leased to operators, 41 of which are leased to National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC”), a publicly-held company and our largest customer. These 41 facilities include 4 centers subleased to and operated by other companies, the lease payments to us being guaranteed by NHC.
     NHI was incorporated in Maryland in 1991. Our executive offices are located at 222 Robert Rose Drive, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129, and our telephone number is (615) 890-9100.
USE OF PROCEEDS
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement for any offering of securities, the net proceeds, after estimated expenses, we receive from the sale of these securities will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include:
    funding real estate and mortgage investments in, or extensions of credit to, our subsidiaries;
    funding real estate and mortgage investments in non-affiliates;
    reducing, repaying or refinancing debt;

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    financing possible acquisitions and business combinations; and
    working capital.
     Pending such use, we may temporarily invest net proceeds. We will disclose in a prospectus supplement relating to an offering of securities any intention to use the net proceeds from such offering in connection with an acquisition or to reduce or refinance outstanding debt.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
     The following table sets forth NHI’s consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated:
                                                 
    Year Ended December 31,   Three Months Ended
    2005   2006   2007   2008   2009   March 31, 2010
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)
    6.75       7.85       17.09       154.62       320.71       65.52  
 
(1)   For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, net income from continuing operations has been added to fixed charges, net of capitalized interest, and that sum has been divided by such fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, which includes amortization of debt issue cost, plus the proportion deemed to be representative of the interest factor of rent expense, and capitalized interest.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK WE MAY OFFER
     Please note that in this section entitled “Description of Capital Stock We May Offer,” references to “holders” mean those who own shares of our common or preferred stock, registered in their own names, on the books that the registrar or we maintain for this purpose, and not those who own beneficial interests in shares registered in street name or in shares issued in book-entry form through one or more depositaries.
     The following description summarizes the material provisions of the common stock and preferred stock we may offer. This description is not complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our charter and our bylaws and applicable provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”). The specific terms of any series of preferred stock will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Any series of preferred stock we issue will be governed by our charter and by the articles supplementary related to that series. We will file the articles supplementary with the SEC and incorporate it by reference as an exhibit to our registration statement at or before the time we issue any preferred stock.
     Our authorized capital stock consists of 40,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. The following description does not contain all the information that might be important to you.

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Restrictions on Transfer
     As described in “CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND NHI’S CHARTER AND BYLAWS — Transfer and Ownership Restrictions Relating to our Common and Preferred Stock,” our charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our common and preferred stock that are intended to assist us in complying with the requirements to continue to qualify as a REIT. All such restrictions will apply to any common or preferred stock that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus and applicable prospectus summary.
Common Stock
     As of May 24, 2010, there were 27,670,316 shares of common stock outstanding. All shares of common stock participate equally in dividends payable to holders of common stock when, as and if authorized by our board of directors and declared by us, and in net assets available for distribution to holders of common stock on liquidation, dissolution, or winding up. Each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. Holders of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
     All issued and outstanding shares of common stock are, and the common stock offered by this prospectus will be upon issuance, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Holders of common stock do not have preference, conversion, exchange or preemptive rights. In the event that we issue preferred stock, the rights of common stock may be subject to and subordinate to rights of any preferred stock. Our common stock is listed on The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE Symbol: NHI).
     The Transfer Agent and Registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
Preferred Stock
     Shares of our preferred stock may be issued with such designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights as our board of directors may from time to time determine. Our board can, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting, dividend, liquidation and conversion rights which could dilute the voting strength of the holders of the common stock. The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable and will have no preemptive rights. As of April 30, 2010, there were no shares of our preferred stock outstanding.
     If we offer preferred stock, we will file with the SEC a prospectus supplement and/or other offering material relating to that offering that will include a description of the specific terms of the offering, including the following specific terms:
    the series, the number of shares offered and the liquidation value of the preferred stock;
    the price at which the preferred stock will be issued;

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    the dividend rate, the dates on which the dividends will be payable and other terms relating to the payment of dividends on the preferred stock;
    the liquidation preference of the preferred stock;
    the voting rights of the preferred stock;
    whether the preferred stock is redeemable or subject to a sinking fund, and the terms of any such redemption or sinking fund;
    whether the preferred stock is convertible or exchangeable for any other securities, and the terms of any such conversion; and
    any additional rights, preferences, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the preferred stock.
Relative Rights of Common Stock vs. Preferred Stock
     It is not possible to state the actual effect of the issuance of any shares of preferred stock upon the rights of holders of our common stock until our board of directors determines the specific rights of the holders of the preferred stock. However, these effects might include:
    restricting dividends on the common stock;
    diluting the voting power of the common stock;
    impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock; and
    delaying or preventing a change in control of NHI.
     Rank
     Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up, rank:
    senior to all classes or series of common stock, and to all equity securities ranking junior to such preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up;
    on a parity with all equity securities the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank on a parity with the preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up; and
    junior to all equity securities the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank senior to the preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

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     Dividends
     Holders of preferred stock of each series shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the board of directors, out of the Company’s assets legally available for payment, cash dividends (or dividends in kind or in other property if expressly permitted and described in the applicable prospectus supplement) at such rates and on such dates as will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each such dividend shall be payable to holders of record as they appear on the Company’s stock transfer books on such record dates as shall be fixed by the board of directors.
     Dividends on any series of preferred stock may be cumulative or non-cumulative, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. Dividends, if cumulative, will be cumulative from and after the date set forth in the prospectus supplement. If the board of directors fails to declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of preferred stock for which dividends are non-cumulative, then the holders of such series of preferred stock will have no right to receive a dividend in respect of the dividend period ending on such dividend payment date, and the Company will have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for such period, whether or not dividends on such series are declared payable on any future dividend payment date.
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if any preferred stock of any series is outstanding, no full dividends shall be declared or paid or set apart for payment on the preferred stock of any other series ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with or junior to the preferred stock of such series for any period unless full dividends (which include all unpaid dividends in the case of cumulative dividend preferred stock) have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the preferred stock of such series.
     When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the preferred stock of any series and the shares of any other series of preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the preferred stock of such series, all dividends declared upon shares of preferred stock of such series and any other series of preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with such preferred stock shall be declared pro rata among the holders of such series. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on preferred stock of such series which may be in arrears.
     Until required dividends are paid, no dividends (other than in common stock or other capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation) shall be declared or paid, or set aside for payment, and no other distribution shall be declared or made upon the common stock or any other capital stock ranking junior to or on a parity with the preferred stock of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation. In addition, no common stock or any other capital stock ranking junior to or on a parity with the preferred stock of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation shall be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any shares of any such stock) by the Company (except by conversion into or exchange for other capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation).

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     Any dividend payment made on a series of preferred stock shall first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with respect to shares of preferred stock of such series which remains payable.
     Redemption
     If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, any series of preferred stock will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at the Company’s option, as a whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the redemption prices set forth in such prospectus supplement.
     The prospectus supplement relating to a series of preferred stock that is subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares of such preferred stock that the Company shall redeem in each year commencing after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified, together with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (which shall not, if such preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods) to the date of redemption. NHI may pay the redemption price in cash or other property, as specified in the prospectus supplement. If the redemption price for preferred stock of any series is payable only from the net proceeds of the Company’s issuance of capital stock, the terms of such preferred stock may provide that, if no such capital stock shall have been issued or to the extent the net proceeds from any issuance are insufficient to pay in full the aggregate redemption price then due, such preferred stock shall automatically and mandatorily be converted into shares of the applicable capital stock pursuant to conversion provisions specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
     So long as any dividends on any series of preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends and distributions of assets with such series of the preferred stock are in arrears, no shares of any such series of the preferred stock will be redeemed (whether by mandatory or optional redemption) unless all such shares are simultaneously redeemed, and the Company will not purchase or otherwise acquire any such shares. However, this will not prevent the purchase or acquisition of preferred stock pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding preferred stock of such series and, unless the full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of any cumulative preferred stock of such series and any other stock of the Company’s ranking on a parity with such series as to dividends and upon liquidation shall have been paid or contemporaneously are declared and paid for all past dividend periods, the Company shall not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any preferred stock of such series (except by conversion into or exchange for stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation). However, this will not prevent the purchase or acquisition of such preferred stock to preserve the Company’s REIT status or pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of preferred stock of such series.
     If the Company is to redeem fewer than all of the outstanding preferred stock of any series, it will determine the number of shares to be redeemed and such shares may be redeemed pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held by such holders (with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares) or any other

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equitable method determined by the Company that will not result in the issuance of any excess shares.
     If notice of redemption of any preferred stock has been given and the Company has set aside the funds necessary for such redemption in trust for the benefit of the holders of any preferred stock so called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date dividends will cease to accrue on such preferred stock, such preferred stock shall no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price.
Liquidation Preference
     Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of NHI, then, before any distribution or payment shall be made to the holders of common stock, or any other class or series of the Company’s capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of the Company’s assets legally available for distribution to shareholders liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share (set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement), plus an amount equal to all dividends accrued and unpaid thereon (which shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend). After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of the Company’s remaining assets. In the event that, upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the Company’s legally available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding preferred stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or series of capital stock ranking on a parity with the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, then the holders of the preferred stock and all other such classes or series of capital stock shall share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.
     If liquidating distributions shall have been made in full to all holders of preferred stock, the Company’s remaining assets shall be distributed among the holders of any other classes or series of capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, according to their respective rights and preferences and in each case according to their respective number of shares.
     Voting Rights
     Holders of preferred stock will only have such voting rights as specifically provided in the prospectus supplement or as otherwise from time to time required by law.
     Conversion Rights
     The terms and conditions, if any, upon which shares of any series of preferred stock are convertible into common stock will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of shares of common stock into which the preferred stock is

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convertible, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at the option of the holders of the preferred stock or the Company, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of such preferred stock.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER
     Please note that in this section entitled “Description of the Debt Securities We May Offer,” references to “holders” mean those who own debt securities registered in their own names on the books that we or the trustee maintain for this purpose, and not those who own beneficial interests in debt securities registered in street name or in debt securities issued in book-entry form through one or more depositaries.
     NHI may issue debt securities under one or more trust indentures to be executed by the Company and a specified trustee. The terms of the debt securities will include those stated in the indenture and those made a part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The indentures will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act.
     The following description sets forth certain anticipated general terms and provisions of the debt securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement (which terms may be different than those stated below) and the extent, if any, to which such general provisions may apply to the debt securities so offered will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities. Accordingly, for a description of the terms of a particular issue of debt securities, investors should review both the prospectus supplement relating thereto and the following description. Forms of the senior indenture (as discussed herein) and the subordinated indenture (as discussed herein) have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
General
     The debt securities will be the Company’s direct obligations and may be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. The indebtedness represented by subordinated securities will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of the Company’s senior debt (as defined in the applicable indenture). Senior securities and subordinated securities will be issued pursuant to separate indentures (respectively, a senior indenture and a subordinated indenture), in each case between the Company and a trustee.
     Except as set forth in the applicable indenture and described in a prospectus supplement relating thereto, the debt securities may be issued without limit as to aggregate principal amount, in one or more series, secured or unsecured, in each case as established from time to time in or pursuant to authority granted by a resolution of the Company’s board of directors or as established in the applicable indenture. All debt securities of one series need not be issued at the time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series, for issuance of additional debt securities of such series.

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     The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered will contain the specific terms thereof, including, without limitation:
    the title of such debt securities and whether such debt securities are senior securities or subordinated securities;
    the aggregate principal amount of such debt securities and any limit on such aggregate principal amount;
    the date or dates on which such debt securities will mature;
    the rate or rates per annum (or manner in which interest is to be determined) at which such debt securities will bear interest, if any, and the date from which such interest, if any, will accrue;
    the dates on which such interest, if any, on such debt securities will be payable and the regular record dates for such interest payment dates;
    any mandatory or optional sinking fund or analogous provisions;
    additional provisions, if any, for the defeasance of such debt securities;
    the date, if any, after which and the price or prices at which such debt securities may, pursuant to any optional or mandatory redemption or repayment provisions, be redeemed and the other detailed terms and provisions of any such optional or mandatory redemption or repayment provisions;
    whether such debt securities are to be issued in whole or in part in registered form represented by one or more registered global securities (a “Registered Global Security”) and, if so, the identity of the depository for such Registered Global Security or Securities;
    certain applicable U.S. federal income tax consequences;
    any provisions relating to security for payments due under such debt securities;
    any provisions relating to the conversion or exchange of such debt securities into or for shares of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities of another series;
    any provisions relating to the ranking of such debt securities in right of payment as compared to other obligations of NHI;
    the denominations in which such debt securities are authorized to be issued;
    the place or places where principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such debt securities will be payable; and
    any other specific term of such debt securities, including any additional events of default or covenants provided for with respect to such debt securities, and any terms that may be required by or advisable under applicable laws or regulations.

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Conversion Rights
     The terms, if any, on which debt securities of any series may be exchanged for or converted into shares of common stock or debt securities of another series will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms may include:
    whether such debt securities are convertible into common stock or preferred stock;
    the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof);
    the conversion period;
    provisions as to whether conversion will be at the option of the holders or the Company;
    the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of such debt securities; and
    any restrictions on conversion, including restrictions directed at maintaining the Company’s REIT status.
     To protect our status as a REIT, a holder of any series may not convert any debt security, and such debt security shall not be convertible by any holder, if as a result of such conversion, any person would then be deemed to beneficially own, directly or indirectly, shares of our common stock or preferred stock in excess of the limits provided in our charter.
     The conversion price will be subject to adjustment under certain conditions, including:
    the payment of dividends (and other distributions) in shares of common stock on any class of our capital stock;
    subdivisions, combinations and reclassifications of the common stock; and
    the issuance to all or substantially all holders of common stock of rights or warrants entitling them to subscribe for or purchase shares of common stock at a price per share (or having a conversion price per share) less than the then current market price.
     No adjustments in the conversion price of the debt securities will be made for regular quarterly or other periodic or recurring cash dividends or distributions or for cash dividends or distributions to the extent paid from stockholder’s equity. In the event NHI shall effect any capital reorganization or reclassification of its shares of common stock or shall consolidate or merge with or into any trust or corporation (other than a consolidation or merger in which NHI is the surviving entity) or shall sell or transfer substantially all of its assets to any other trust or corporation, the holders of any series shall, if entitled to convert such debt securities at any time after such transaction, receive upon conversion thereof, in lieu of each share of common stock into which the debt securities of such series would have been convertible prior to such transaction, the same kind and amount of stock and other securities, cash or property as shall

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have been issuable or distributable in connection with such transaction with respect to each share of common stock.
     A conversion price adjustment made according to the provisions of the debt securities of any series (or the absence of provision for such an adjustment) might result in a constructive distribution to the holders of such series or holders of shares of common stock that would be subject to taxation as a dividend. We may make such reductions in the conversion price, in addition to those set forth above, as our board of directors deems advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of shares of common stock resulting from any dividend or distribution of shares of common stock (or rights to acquire shares of common stock) or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes or for any other reason. Our board of directors will also have the power to resolve any ambiguity or correct any error in the adjustments made pursuant to these provisions and its actions in so doing shall be final and conclusive.
     Fractional shares of common stock will not be issued upon conversion, but, in lieu thereof, we will pay a cash adjustment based upon market price.
     The holders of any series at the close of business on an interest payment record date shall be entitled to receive the interest payable on such debt securities on the corresponding interest payment date notwithstanding the conversion thereof. However, debt securities surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any record date for the payment of interest to the opening of business on the corresponding interest payment date must be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the interest payable on such interest payment date. The holders of any series who convert debt securities of such series on an interest payment date will receive the interest payable by us on such date and need not include payment in the amount of such interest upon surrender of such debt securities for conversion. Except as aforesaid, no payment or adjustment is to be made on conversion for interest accrued on the debt securities of any series or for dividends on shares of common stock.
Redemption of Securities
     The debt securities of any series will be subject to redemption, in whole or from time to time in part, at any time for certain reasons intended to protect our status as a REIT at our option on at least 30 days’ prior notice by mail at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus interest accrued to the date of redemption. Except as otherwise set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement, we may exercise our redemption powers solely with respect to the securities of the security holder or holders which pose a threat to our REIT status and only to the extent deemed necessary by our board of directors to preserve such status. Debt securities may also be subject to optional or mandatory redemption on terms and conditions described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
     From and after notice has been given as provided in the applicable indenture, if funds for the redemption of any debt securities called for redemption shall have been made available on such redemption date, such debt securities will cease to bear interest on the date fixed for such redemption specified in such notice, and the only right of the holders of the debt securities will be to receive payment of the redemption price.

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     The Indenture does not contain any provision requiring us to repurchase the debt securities of any series at the option of the holders thereof in the event of a leveraged buyout, recapitalization or similar restructuring of NHI, even though our creditworthiness and the market value of the debt securities may decline significantly as a result of such transaction. The Indenture does not protect holders of any series against any decline in credit quality, whether resulting from any such transaction or from any other cause.
Covenants
     The indenture contains certain covenants for the benefit of the holders of all series of debt securities, including:
    duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, each of the debt securities at the place, at the respective times and in the manner provided herein or in the debt securities;
    for as long as it is required to file information with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, file with the Trustee, within 15 days after it is required to file with the SEC, copies of the annual report and of the information, documents and other reports which it is required to file with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act;
    if it is not required to file information with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, file with the Trustee, within 15 days after it would have been required to file with the SEC, financial statements and a Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both comparable to what it would have been required to file with the SEC had it been subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act; and
    if it is required to furnish annual or quarterly reports to our stockholders pursuant to the Exchange Act, file with the Trustee any annual report or other reports sent to stockholders generally.
     Any additional covenants of NHI with respect to a series of the debt securities will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating thereto. The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of each series affected thereby will have the right to waive the Company’s compliance with certain covenants in such indenture.
Events of Default, Notice and Waiver
     Each indenture will describe specific “events of default” with respect to any series of debt securities issued thereunder. Such “events of default” are likely to include (with grace and cure periods):
    default in the payment of any installment of interest on any debt security of such series;
    default in the payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) any debt security of such series at its maturity;

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    default in making any required sinking fund payment for any debt security of such series;
    default in the performance or breach of any other covenant or warranty of the Company contained in the applicable indenture (other than a covenant added to the indenture solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities issued thereunder other than such series), continued for a specified period of days after written notice as provided in the applicable indenture;
    certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or court appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of the Company or any of its significant subsidiaries or their property; and
    any other event of default provided in the supplemental indenture.
     If an event of default (other than pursuant to the fifth bullet point above) under any indenture with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the applicable trustee or the holders of not less than 25% of the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if the debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities or indexed securities, such portion of the principal amounts may be specified in the terms thereof) of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately by written notice thereof to the Company (and to the applicable trustee if given by the holders). However, at any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of such series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under any indenture, as the case may be) has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the applicable trustee, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of such series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture, as the case may be) may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal (or specified portion thereof), with respect to debt securities of such series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture, as the case may be) have been cured or waived as provided in such indenture. If an event of default described in the fifth bullet point above occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all outstanding debt securities of all series will become immediately due and payable without any declaration of acceleration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holders.
     Each indenture also will provide that the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture, as the case may be) may waive any past default with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default:
    in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any debt security of such series; or

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    in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the applicable indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected thereby.
     Each trustee will be required to give notice to the holders of debt securities within 90 days of a default under the applicable indenture unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that such trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any series of debt securities of any default with respect to such series (except a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any debt security of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment in respect of any debt security of such series) if specified responsible officers of such trustee consider such withholding to be in the interest of such holders.
     Each indenture will provide that no holders of debt securities of any series may institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to such indenture or for any remedy thereunder, except in the case of failure of the applicable trustee, for 60 days, to act after it has received a written request to institute proceedings in respect of an event of default from the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, as well as an offer of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it. This provision will not prevent, however, any holder of debt securities from instituting suit for the enforcement of payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such debt securities at the respective due dates thereof.
     Subject to provisions in each indenture relating to its duties in case of default, no trustee will be under any obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under an indenture at the request or direction of any holders of any series of debt securities then outstanding under such indenture, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee thereunder reasonable security or indemnity. The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under an indenture, as the case may be) shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the applicable trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred upon such trustee. However, a trustee may refuse to follow any direction which is in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture, which may involve such trustee in personal liability or which may be unduly prejudicial to the holders of debt securities of such series not joining therein.
     The Company will be required to deliver periodically to each trustee a certificate, signed by one of several specified officers, stating whether or not such officer has knowledge of any default under the applicable indenture and, if so, specifying each such default and the nature and status thereof.
Modification of the Indenture
     It is anticipated that modifications and amendments of an indenture may be made by NHI and the trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of each series of the outstanding debt securities issued under the indenture which are affected by the

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modification or amendment, provided that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of each holder of such debt securities affected thereby:
    reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any debt security;
    reduce the principal of or extend the stated maturity of any debt security;
    reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any debt security or change the time at which any debt security may or shall be redeemed;
    change the currency of payment on any debt security;
    impair the right to receive payment of premium, if any, principal of and interest on such debt security on or after the due dates or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or with respect to any such debt security;
    release any security that may have been granted in respect of the debt security;
    reduce the above-stated percentage of holders of debt securities necessary to modify or amend the indenture; or
    modify the foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of outstanding debt securities necessary to waive compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or for waiver of certain defaults.
     The Company may amend the indenture without the consent of any holder of debt securities to:
    cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency;
    convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or with the Trustee;
    provide for the assumption by a successor of our obligations under the indenture;
    add guarantors with respect to the debt securities;
    change or eliminate any restriction on the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, on, any debt securities;
    secure the debt securities;
    add covenants for the benefit of the holders or surrender any right or power conferred upon the issuer, the co-issuer or any guarantor;
    make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder;
    add or appoint a successor or separate Trustee; or

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    comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.
Subordination
     Upon any distribution to the Company’s creditors in a liquidation, dissolution or reorganization, the payment of the principal of and interest on any subordinated securities will be subordinated to the extent provided in the applicable indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all senior securities. No payment of principal or interest will be permitted to be made on subordinated securities at any time if a default in senior securities exists that permits the holders of such senior securities to accelerate their maturity and the default is the subject of judicial proceedings or NHI receives notice of the default. After all senior securities are paid in full and until the subordinated securities are paid in full, holders of subordinated securities will be subrogated to the right of holders of senior securities to the extent that distributions otherwise payable to holders of subordinated securities have been applied to the payment of senior securities. By reason of such subordination, in the event of a distribution of assets upon insolvency, certain general creditors of the Company may recover more, ratably, than holders of subordinated securities. If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with a series of subordinated securities, the accompanying prospectus supplement or the information incorporated herein by reference will contain the approximate amount of senior securities outstanding as of the end of the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter.
Global Securities
     The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in global form (the “Global Securities”). The Global Securities will be deposited with a depository (the “Depository”), or with a nominee for a Depository, identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. In such case, one or more Global Securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of the series to be represented by such Global Security or Securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive form, a Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depository for such Global Security to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or any such nominee to a successor for such Depository or a nominee of such successor.
     The specific material terms of the depository arrangement with respect to any portion of a series of debt securities to be represented by a Global Security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. NHI anticipates that the following provisions will apply to all depository arrangements.
     Upon the issuance of a Global Security, the Depository for such Global Security will credit, on its book entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by such Global Security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with such Depository (“participants”). The accounts to be credited shall be designated by any underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of such debt securities. Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold

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interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through records maintained by the Depository for such Global Security (with respect to interests of participants) or by participants or persons that hold through participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants). So long as the Depository for a Global Security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of such Global Security, such Depository or such nominee as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the Indenture; provided, however, that for purposes of obtaining any consents or directions required to be given by the holders, NHI, the trustee and its agents will treat a person as the holder of such principal amount of debt securities as specified in a written statement of the Depository.
     Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments, if any, on debt securities represented by a Global Security registered in the name of a Depository or its nominee will be made to such Depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of such Global Security. None of NHI, the trustee or any paying agent for such debt securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
     NHI expects that the depository for any debt securities represented by a Global Security, upon receipt of any payment of principal premium, if any, or interest will immediately credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such Global Security as shown on the records of such Depository. NHI also expects that payments by participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in “street names,” and will be the responsibility of such participants.
     If the Depository for any debt securities represented by a Global Security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as Depository and a successor Depository is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue each Debt Security in definitive form to the beneficial owners thereof in exchange for such Global Security. In addition, we may at any time and in our sole discretion determine not to have any of the debt securities of a series represented by one or more Global Securities and, in such event, will issue debt securities of such series in definitive form in exchange for all of the Global Security or Securities representing such debt securities.
     The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interest in debt securities represented by Global Securities.
Governing Law
     The Indenture and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

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CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND NHI’S CHARTER AND BYLAWS
     The following paragraphs summarize certain provisions of Maryland law and of our charter and bylaws. This is a summary, and does not completely describe Maryland law, our charter or our bylaws. For a complete description, we refer you to the MGCL, our charter and our bylaws. We have incorporated by reference our charter and bylaws as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Transfer and Ownership Restrictions Relating to our Common and Preferred Stock
     We have restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our common and preferred stock in our charter that are intended to assist us in complying with the requirements to continue to qualify as a REIT. Our charter prohibits the beneficial ownership of shares of common or preferred stock in excess of the ownership limit and any attempted transfer in violation of the ownership limit is void.
     Our charter provides that any transfer that would cause NHI to be beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons or would cause NHI to be “closely held” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) would be void. These limitations are referred to below as the “ownership limits.” For purposes of the ownership limit, shares are beneficially owned by the person who is the actual owner or who is treated as the owner of such shares, directly, indirectly or constructively under the Code.
     Any shares owned in violation of the ownership limit will be automatically converted into shares of “Excess Stock” under our charter effective as of the day before the transaction giving rise to the conversion. Our charter provides that, upon conversion, shares of Excess Stock will be deemed to be contributed into a trust held for the sole benefit of a tax exempt charitable organization designated by our board of directors. Shares of Excess Stock will carry the same voting rights and rights to distributions and dividends as the shares from which they were converted. However, any distributions or dividends paid on the shares of Excess Stock will be held in the trust and all voting rights with respect to the shares of Excess Stock may be exercised only by the trustee. The trustee may sell shares of Excess Stock provided that any such sale would not result in a violation of the ownership limitations. From the proceeds of such sale, the trustee is required to distribute to the record holder of such shares the lesser of (i) the price paid by the record owner for such shares (or, if no consideration was paid by such record owners, the average closing price for such shares for the ten trading days immediately preceding the date the record owner acquired such shares) or (ii) the proceeds receive by the trustee. All remaining proceeds will be distributed to the charitable beneficiary.
     We may purchase shares converted into Excess Stock for a price per share equal to the lesser of (i) the per share price paid by the record owner in the transaction that cause such shares to be converted into Excess Stock or (ii) the average closing price for such shares for the ten trading days immediately preceding the date NHI exercises its purchase right.
     Our board of directors has the power to permit persons to own shares in excess of the ownership limit (thereby becoming Excepted Holders) provided that the board believes that

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NHI’s REIT status will not be jeopardized and any such persons enter into excepted holder agreements with us.
     Effective May 12, 2008, we entered into Excepted Holder Agreements with W. Andrew Adams and certain members of his family. These written agreements are intended to restate and replace the parties’ prior verbal agreement. A separate agreement was entered into with each of the spouse and children of Dr. Carl E. Adams and others within Mr. W. Andrew Adams’ family. We needed to enter into such an agreement with each family member because of the complicated ownership attribution rules under the Code. These agreements permit the “Excepted Holders” to own stock in excess of 9.9% up to the limit specifically provided in the individual agreement and not lose rights with respect to such shares. However, if the stockholder’s stock ownership exceeds the limit then such shares in excess of the limit become Excess Stock. The Excess Stock classification remains in place until the stockholder no longer exceeds the threshold limit specified in the agreement. The purpose of these agreements is to ensure that NHI does not violate the prohibition against a real estate investment trust being closely held.
     Based on the Excepted Holder Agreements currently outstanding the ownership limit for all other stockholders is approximately 7.5%. Our charter gives our board of directors broad powers to prohibit and rescind any attempted transfer in violation of the ownership limits.
     Upon demand by us, each stockholder must disclose such information with respect to direct and indirect ownership of stock owned (or deemed to be owned after applying the rules applicable to REITs under the Code) as our board of directors deems reasonably necessary in order that we may fully comply with the REIT provisions of the Code. Proposed transferees of stock must also satisfy the board, upon demand, that such transferees will not cause us to fall out of compliance with such provisions.
Election of Directors
     Our bylaws provide that our board of directors may establish, increase or decrease the number of directors, provided that the number thereof shall never be less than three nor more than nine. The directors are divided into three classes (Class A, Class B and Class C), with directors in each class serving for three-year terms and only one class up for election each year. Holders of common stock have no right to cumulative voting for the election of directors. Consequently, at each annual meeting of stockholders, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock can elect all of the class of our directors that are up for election at such annual meeting. A vacancy which arises through the death, resignation or removal of a director or as a result of an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority vote of the entire board of directors, and a director so elected shall serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until a successor is duly elected and qualified.
     Our bylaws provide that nominations of persons for election to our board of directors may be made only:
    by, or at the direction of, a majority of our board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof; or

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    by a stockholder who was a stockholder at the time the notice of meeting was given and is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures, including the minimum time period, described in the bylaws.
Removal of Directors
     Our charter does not vary the default provisions of the MGCL regarding the removal of directors. Accordingly, the stockholders may remove any director, with cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally for the election of directors, except that if the stockholders of any class or series are entitled separately to elect one or more directors, a director elected by a class or series may not be removed without cause except by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes of that class or series. A director may not be removed without cause.
Business Combination Provisions
     Under the MGCL, certain “business combinations” (including a merger, consolidation, share exchange, or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance of equity securities) between a Maryland corporation and any person who is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10 percent or more of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock (an “Interested Stockholder”) or any affiliate thereof must be: (a) recommended by our board of directors; and (b) approved by the affirmative vote of at least (i) 80% of our outstanding shares entitled to vote and (ii) two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote which are not held by the Interested Stockholder with whom the business combination is to be effected, unless, among other things, NHI’s common stockholders receive a minimum price (as defined in the statute) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the Interested Stockholder for his shares. In addition, an Interested Stockholder or any affiliate thereof may not engage in a business combination with us for a period of five years following the date of becoming an Interested Stockholder. These provisions of the MGCL do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by our board of directors prior to a person’s becoming an Interested Stockholder.
Control Share Acquisitions
     The MGCL provides that “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” may not be voted except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by stockholders excluding shares owned by the acquirer, officers and directors who are employees of NHI. “Control shares” are shares which, if aggregated with all other shares previously acquired which the person is entitled to vote, would entitle the acquirer to vote in the election of directors within any of the following ranges of voting power: (i) 10% or more but less than one-third, (ii) one-third or more but less than a majority, or (iii) a majority of the outstanding shares. Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is entitled to vote because stockholder approval has previously been obtained. A “control share acquisition” means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain exceptions.

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     A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition and who has obtained a definitive financing agreement with a responsible financial institution providing for any amount of financing not to be provided by the acquiring person may compel our board of directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, NHI may itself present the question at any stockholders’ meeting.
     Subject to certain conditions and limitations, we may redeem any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have previously been approved, for “fair value” determined, without regard to voting rights, as of the date of the last control shares acquisition or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders’ meeting and the acquirer is entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share in the control shares acquisition, and certain limitations and restrictions otherwise applicable to the exercise of dissenter’s rights do not apply in the context of control share acquisition.
     The control share acquisition statute does not apply to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction, or to the acquisitions approved or excepted by our charter or bylaws prior to a control share acquisition.
     The limitation on ownership of stock set forth in our charter, as well as Maryland business combination and control share acquisition statutes, could have the effect of discouraging offers to acquire us and of increasing the difficulty of consummating any such offer.
Duties of Directors with Respect to Unsolicited Takeovers
     Maryland law provides protection for Maryland corporations against unsolicited takeovers by limiting, among other things, the duties of the directors in unsolicited takeover situations. The duties of directors of Maryland corporations do not require them to (a) accept, recommend or respond to any proposal by a person seeking to acquire control of the corporation, (b) make a determination under the Maryland business combination or control share acquisition statutes described above, or (c) act or fail to act solely because of the effect the act or failure to act may have on an acquisition or potential acquisition of control of the corporation or the amount or type of consideration that may be offered or paid to the stockholders in an acquisition. Moreover, under Maryland law the act of a director of a Maryland corporation relating to or affecting an acquisition or potential acquisition of control is not subject to any higher duty or greater scrutiny than is applied to any other act of a director. Maryland law also contains a statutory presumption that an act of a director of a Maryland corporation satisfies the applicable standards of conduct for directors under Maryland law.
Unsolicited Takeovers
     Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and at least three independent directors

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may elect to be subject to certain statutory provisions relating to unsolicited takeovers which, among other things, would automatically classify the board of directors into three classes with staggered terms of three years each and vest in the board of directors the exclusive right to determine the number of directors and the exclusive right, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, to fill vacancies on the board of directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum. These statutory provisions relating to unsolicited takeovers also provide that any director elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred, rather than the next annual meeting of directors as would otherwise be the case, and until his successor is elected and qualified.
     An election to be subject to any or all of the foregoing statutory provisions may be made in our charter or bylaws, or by resolution of our board of directors without stockholder approval. Any such statutory provision to which we elect to be subject will apply even if other provisions of Maryland law or our charter or bylaws provide to the contrary. Neither our charter nor our bylaws provides that we are subject to any of the foregoing statutory provisions relating to unsolicited takeovers. However, our board of directors could adopt a resolution, without stockholder approval, to elect to become subject to some or all of these statutory provisions.
Amendments to our Charter
     Provisions of our charter on business combinations, the number of directors and certain ownership restrictions may be amended only if approved by our board of directors and by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast by our stockholders on the matter. Other amendments to our charter require approval by our board of directors and approval by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast by our stockholders on the matter.
Amendments to our Bylaws
     To the fullest extent permitted by the MGCL, our board of directors shall have the power at any annual, regular or special meeting (with appropriate notice), to alter or repeal any of our bylaws and to make new bylaws. Our stockholders shall have the power at any annual or special meeting (with appropriate notice), with the approval of stockholders holding more than two-thirds of all outstanding shares of our capital stock, to alter or repeal any of our bylaws and to make new bylaws.
Dissolution of NHI
     Our dissolution must be approved by our board of directors by a majority vote of the entire board and by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast by our stockholders on the matter.
Antitakeover Provisions
     The ownership limitations as well as the other charter and bylaws provisions and applicable Maryland Law, may delay, defer or prevent a transaction of a change of control that

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might have a premium price for our common stock or other equity interests or rights convertible into our common stock, or might otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Introduction
     The following discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a prospective holder of our common stock. A prospectus supplement will contain information about additional federal income tax considerations, if any, relating to a particular offering of preferred stock or debt securities.
     This summary and the tax opinion of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. are based upon the Code, the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”), rulings and other administrative pronouncements issued by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), and judicial decisions, all as currently in effect, and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect.
     Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. has reviewed this summary and is of the opinion that the discussion contained herein fairly summarizes the federal income tax consequences that are material to a holder of our common stock. The discussion is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations and does not give a detailed discussion of any state or local tax considerations. It also does not discuss all of the aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a prospective stockholder in light of his particular circumstances or to certain types of stockholders (including insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, financial institutions, broker-dealers, foreign corporations and individuals not citizens or residents of the United States) who are subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws.
     No Rulings
     No rulings have been issued by, or will be sought from, the IRS, or from any other taxing authority, as to any of the matters described in this prospectus. In the absence of any such rulings, no assurances can be given that the IRS will agree with this discussion. No assurance can be offered that the law will not change adversely, that the assumptions underlying the following discussion and opinions will prove to be accurate, or that the courts will agree with the tax consequences described below in the event of a challenge by the IRS.
     EACH PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER IS ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH HIS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HIM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND SALE OF SECURITIES IN NHI, INCLUDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN, AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP OR SALE AND OF POTENTIAL CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.

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U.S. Federal Taxation of NHI as a REIT
     General
     We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under sections 856 through 860 of the Code, and since our formation, have filed our federal income tax return as a REIT. We believe that we have met the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT since our initial REIT election in 1991, and we expect to qualify as such for each of our taxable years. Our qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual annual operating results, the various qualification tests and organizational requirements imposed under the Code, as discussed below, including qualification tests based on NHI’s assets, income, distributions and stock ownership.
     However, we have received a tax opinion from Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. stating that, (i) since the commencement of our taxable year which began January 1, 2009 through the tax year ending December 31, 2009 we have operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and (ii) we are organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code and our current method of operation and ownership will enable us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT for the current taxable year and for future taxable years, provided that we have operated and continue to be organized and to operate in accordance with various assumptions and factual representations made by us concerning our business, properties and operations, provided that we continue to operate in accordance with certain assumptions and representations made by us to Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. It must be emphasized that this opinion is based on various assumptions and on our representations concerning our organization and operations, including an assumption that we qualified as a REIT at all times from July 24, 1991 through December 31, 2008, and including representations regarding the nature of our assets and the conduct and method of operation of our business. The opinion cannot be relied upon if any of those assumptions and representations later prove incorrect or the facts otherwise vary from those relied on by Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. in rendering the opinion. Moreover, the legal opinion speaks only as to our tax status for the taxable year beginning January 1, 2009 and ending December 31, 2009. Our continued qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet, through actual annual operating results, the various REIT qualification tests imposed under the Code, including qualification tests based on NHI’s assets, income, distributions and stock ownership, the results of which will not be reviewed by Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of our operations will satisfy such requirements. Additional information regarding the risks associated with our failure to qualify as a REIT is set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.
     The following is a general summary of the Code provisions that govern the federal income tax treatment of a REIT and our stockholders.
     So long as we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income taxes on net income that we currently distribute to stockholders. Notwithstanding our election, however, we will be subject to federal corporate income tax in certain circumstances, including but not limited to the following:

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          (1) We will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed taxable income, including undistributed net capital gains.
          (2) We could be subject to the “alternative minimum tax” on our items of tax preference, including any deductions of net operating losses.
          (3) If we have (i) net income from the sale or other disposition of “foreclosure property” (which is, in general, property acquired by foreclosure or otherwise on default of a loan secured by the property) which is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or (ii) other non-qualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax at the highest corporate rate on such income.
          (4) If we have net income from prohibited transactions (which are, in general, certain sales or other taxable dispositions of property (other than foreclosure property) held as inventory primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business), such income will be subject to a 100% tax.
          (5) If we should fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test (as discussed below), but otherwise maintained our qualification as a REIT because certain other requirements have been met, we will be subject to a tax equal to (a) the greater of (i) the amount by which 75% of our gross income exceeds the amount qualifying under the 75% gross income test and (ii) the amount by which 95% of our gross income (90% for our taxable years ended on or prior to December 31, 2004) exceeds the amount qualifying under the 95% gross income test, multiplied by (b) a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.
          (6) If we fail to satisfy any of the REIT asset tests (other than a de minimis failure of the 5% or 10% asset tests), as described below, due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, and we may nonetheless maintain our REIT qualification because of specified cure provisions, we will be required to pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the highest corporate tax rate multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets that caused us to fail such test.
          (7) If we fail to distribute at least the sum of (i) 85% of our ordinary income for such year, (ii) 95% of our capital gain net income for such year, and (iii) any ordinary income and capital gain net income from prior years during each calendar year, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts actually distributed.
          (8) If we acquire any asset from a corporation which is or has been a C corporation in a transaction in which the basis of the asset in our hands is determined by reference to the basis of the asset in the hands of the C corporation, and we subsequently recognize gain on the disposition of the asset during the ten-year period beginning on the date on which we acquired the asset, then we will be required to pay tax at the highest regular corporate tax rate on this gain to the extent of the excess of (a) the fair market value of the asset over (b) our adjusted basis in the asset, in each case determined as of the date on which we acquired the asset. The results described in this paragraph with respect to the recognition of gain assume that certain elections specified in applicable regulations are either made or forgone by us or by the

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entity from which the assets are acquired, in each case, depending upon the date such acquisition occurred. This is the “Built-in Gains Tax.”
          (9) We will be subject to a tax equal to 100% of the amount of redetermined rents, redetermined deductions and excess interest, if we were ever to own an interest in a taxable REIT subsidiary. In general, redetermined rents are rents from real property that are overstated as a result of services furnished to any of our tenants by a “taxable REIT subsidiary” of NHI. Redetermined deductions are deductions (other than redetermined rents) the amount of which would otherwise be decreased on distribution, apportionment or allocation to clearly reflect income between the REIT and a taxable REIT subsidiary of NHI. Excess interest means any deductions for interest payments made by a taxable REIT subsidiary to us to the extent that the interest payments exceed a commercially reasonable rate. We currently do not own an interest in a taxable REIT subsidiary, but may do so in the future.
          (10) If we fail to satisfy any provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT (other than a violation of the REIT gross income tests or certain violations of the asset tests described below) and the violation is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, we may retain our REIT qualification but will be required to pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure.
          (11) If we fail to comply with the requirements to send annual letters to certain stockholders requesting information regarding the actual ownership of our outstanding stock and the failure was not due to reasonable cause or was due to willful neglect, we will be subject to a $25,000 penalty or, if the failure is intentional, a $50,000 penalty.
     Requirements for Qualification
     The Code defines a REIT as a domestic corporation, trust or association:
     (1) that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;
     (2) that issues shares that are evidenced by transferable shares or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest;
     (3) that would be taxable as a domestic corporation but for the special provisions of the Code applicable to REITs;
     (4) that is not a financial institution or an insurance company as defined by the Code;
     (5) that is beneficially owned by 100 or more persons;
     (6) that is not closely held, that is not more than 50% in value of the REIT’s outstanding stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as specially defined in the Code to include certain entities); and
     (7) that meets other tests, discussed below, regarding the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its distributions.

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     The Code provides that conditions (1) through (4) must be met during the entire taxable year, that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year, and that condition (6) must be met during the last half of each taxable year. Conditions (5) and (6) need not be met during a corporation’s initial tax year as a REIT.
     We believe that we have been organized, have operated and have issued sufficient shares of capital stock with sufficient diversity of ownership to allow us to satisfy conditions (1) through (7) inclusive, during the relevant time periods. In addition, our charter documents provide for restrictions regarding ownership and transfer of our shares which are intended to assist us in continuing to satisfy the ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. These stock ownership and transfer restrictions are described in the section “Transfer and Ownership Restrictions Relating to our Common and Preferred Stock” above. Where appropriate, we have entered into certain Excepted Holder Agreements that allow certain stockholders to exceed certain charter limits while minimizing the risk that we will fail to satisfy the share requirements. These restrictions, however, may not ensure that we will, in all cases, be able to satisfy the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. If we fail to satisfy these share ownership requirements, except as provided in the next sentence, our status as a REIT will terminate. If, however, we comply with the rules contained in applicable Treasury regulations that require us to ascertain the actual ownership of our shares and we do not know, or would not have known through the exercise of reasonable diligence, that we failed to meet the requirement described in condition (6) above, we will be treated as having met this requirement. See “—Failure to Qualify” below.
     In addition, we may not maintain our status as a REIT unless our taxable year is the calendar year. We have and will continue to have a calendar taxable year.
     Ownership of Interests in Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies
     We own and operate one or more properties through partnerships and limited liability companies. Treasury regulations provide that if we are a partner in a partnership, we will be deemed to own our proportionate share of the assets of the partnership based on our interest in partnership capital, subject to special rules relating to the 10% REIT asset test described below. Also, we will be deemed to be entitled to our proportionate share of the income of the partnership. The assets and gross income of the partnership retain the same character in our hands, including for purposes of satisfying the gross income tests and the asset tests. In addition, for these purposes, the assets and items of income of any partnership in which we own a direct or indirect interest include such partnership’s share of assets and items of income of any partnership in which it owns an interest. A brief summary of the rules governing the United States federal income taxation of partnerships and their partners is included below in “—Tax Aspects of the Partnerships.” The treatment described above also applies with respect to the ownership of interests in limited liability companies or other entities that are treated as partnerships for tax purposes.
     We have direct or indirect control of all partnerships and limited liability companies and intend to continue to operate them in a manner consistent with the requirements for our qualification as a REIT.

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     Ownership of Interests in Qualified REIT Subsidiaries
     We may, from time to time, own interests in subsidiary corporations. We own and operate a number of properties through our wholly-owned subsidiaries that we believe will be treated as “qualified REIT subsidiaries” under the Code. A corporation will qualify as our qualified REIT subsidiary if we own 100% of its outstanding stock and if we do not elect with the subsidiary to treat it as a “taxable REIT subsidiary,” as described below. A corporation that is a qualified REIT subsidiary is not treated as a separate corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit (as the case may be) of the parent REIT for all purposes under the Code (including all REIT qualification tests). Thus, in applying the United States federal tax requirements described in this prospectus, the subsidiaries in which we own a 100% interest (other than any taxable REIT subsidiaries) are ignored, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of such subsidiaries are treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not required to pay United States federal income tax, and our ownership of the stock of a qualified REIT subsidiary does not violate the restrictions on ownership of securities of any one issuer which constitute more than 10% of the voting power or value of such issuer’s securities or more than 5% of the value of our total assets, as described below in “—Asset Tests.”
     Income Tests
     In order to maintain qualification as a REIT, two gross income requirements must be satisfied annually:
          (1) at least 75% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, certain hedging transactions entered into after July 30, 2008, and certain foreign currency gains recognized after July 30, 2008) for each taxable year must be derived directly or indirectly from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property (including “rents from real property” and, in certain circumstances, mortgage interest) or from certain types of temporary investments; and
          (2) at least 95% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, certain hedging transactions entered into after January 1, 2005, and certain foreign currency gains recognized after July 30, 2008) for each taxable year must be derived from such real property investments described above, and from dividends, interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, qualified temporary investment income or from any combination of the foregoing.
     If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for such year if we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. These relief provisions generally will be available if our failure to meet such tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, if we attach a schedule of the sources of our income to our return, and if any income information on the schedules was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. As

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discussed above in “—General,” even if these relief provisions were to apply, a tax would be imposed with respect to the excess net income.
     Rents we receive from a tenant will qualify as “rents from real property” for the purpose of satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT described above only if all of the following conditions are met:
          (1) The amount of rent is not based in any way on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount we receive or accrue generally will not be excluded from the term “rents from real property” solely because it is based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales.
          (2) We do not, or an actual or constructive owner of 10% or more of our capital stock, does not, actually or constructively own 10% or more of the interests in the assets or net profits of the tenant, or, if the tenant is a corporation, 10% or more of the voting power or value of all classes of stock of the tenant, unless such tenant is our taxable REIT subsidiary and certain other conditions are met. In rendering its opinion relative to our qualification as a REIT, Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. has noted that the uncertainty of the application of the attribution rules at any point in time makes uncertain the determination that all or the requisite percentages of rents received by us from tenants that are publicly owned entities, such as NHC, are “rents from real property” within the meaning of the Code; and, in rendering such opinion, Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. has relied upon the belief of management that we have not owned directly or by attribution at any time 10% or more of the outstanding ownership interests in any tenant. If the rents received do not so qualify, we might not qualify as a REIT unless the relief provisions described below are determined to be available. Management of NHI has carefully reviewed the ownership of NHC and of each other tenant and of our common stock with the foregoing attribution rules in mind and, to the best of its knowledge, we do not own directly or by attribution 10% or more of the outstanding ownership interests in any tenant, including NHC.
          (3) Rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, is not greater than 15% of the total rent we receive under the lease. If this condition is not met, then the portion of rent attributable to the personal property will not qualify as “rents from real property.”
          (4) In general, if we furnish or render services to our tenants, other than through a taxable REIT subsidiary or an “independent contractor” who is adequately compensated and from whom we do not derive revenue, the income received from the tenants may not be deemed “rents from real property.” We may provide services directly, if the services are “usually or customarily rendered” in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise considered to be provided for the tenant’s convenience. In addition, we may render directly a de minimis amount of “non-customary” services to the tenants of a property without disqualifying the income as “rents from real property,” as long as our income from the services does not exceed 1% of our income from the related property. We have not provided services to leased properties that have caused rents to be disqualified as rents from real property, and in the future, we intend that any services provided will not cause rents to be disqualified as rents from real property. Inasmuch as our leases are triple-net leases, it is not anticipated that we will be

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required to provide any services to NHC or other lessees, as tenant of the Health Care Facilities, or to manage or operate the Health Care Facilities.
     We generally do not intend to receive rent that fails to satisfy any of the above conditions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we may have taken and may continue to take actions which fail to satisfy one or more of the above conditions to the extent that we determine, based on the advice of our tax counsel, that those actions will not jeopardize our tax status as a REIT. In addition, with respect to the limitation on the rental of personal property, we have not obtained appraisals of the real property and personal property leased to tenants. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with our determinations of value.
     Hedging Transactions.
     Except to the extent provided by Treasury regulations, any income we derive from a hedging transaction (which may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, options to purchase these items, and futures and forward contracts) which is clearly identified as such as specified in the Code, including gain from the sale or disposition of such a transaction, will not constitute gross income for purposes of either the 75% or 95% gross income test, and therefore will be exempt from these tests, but only to the extent that the transaction hedges indebtedness incurred or to be incurred by us to acquire or carry real estate assets or is entered into primarily to manage the risk of foreign currency fluctuations. Real estate liability hedging transactions entered into on or before July 30, 2008, however, will likely generate nonqualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, and foreign currency hedges entered into on or before July 30, 2008, will likely generate nonqualifying income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Moreover, income from any hedging transaction not described above will likely continue to be treated as nonqualifying for both the 75% and 95% gross income test.
     The Treasury has the authority to determine whether any item of income or gain recognized after July 30, 2008, which does not otherwise qualify under the 75% or 95% gross income tests, may be excluded as gross income for purposes of such tests or may be considered income that qualifies under either such test.
     We believe that the aggregate amount of our nonqualifying income, from all sources, in any taxable year will not exceed the limit on nonqualifying income under the gross income tests. If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for the year if we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. Commencing with our taxable year beginning January 1, 2005, we generally may make use of the relief provisions if following our identification of the failure to meet the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we file a schedule with the IRS setting forth each item of our gross income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for such taxable year in accordance with Treasury regulations to be issued. We are only eligible for such relief provisions if our failure to meet the tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, and in any such case, we will be subject to a penalty tax.
     It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. For example, if we fail to satisfy the gross income tests because nonqualifying income that we intentionally accrue or receive exceeds the limits on

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nonqualifying income, the IRS could conclude that our failure to satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause. If these relief provisions do not apply to a particular set of circumstances, we will not qualify as a REIT. As discussed above in “— General,” even if these relief provisions apply, and we retain our status as a REIT, a tax would be imposed with respect to our nonqualifying income. We may not always be able to comply with the gross income tests for REIT qualification despite our periodic monitoring of our income.
     Prohibited Transaction Income
     Any gain that a REIT recognizes from the sale of property held as inventory or otherwise held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business (excluding sales of foreclosure property and sales conducted by taxable REIT subsidiaries) will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax. Under existing law, whether property is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business is a question of fact that depends on all of the facts and circumstances of the particular transaction. Under a statutory safe harbor, however, we will not be subject to the 100% tax with respect to a sale of property if (i) the property has been held for at least four years (shortened to two years for sales after July 30, 2008) for the production of rental income prior to the sale, (ii) capitalized expenditures on the property in the four years preceding the sale (shortened to two years for sales after July 30, 2008) are less than 30% of the net selling price of the property, and (iii) we either (a) have seven or fewer sales of property (excluding certain property obtained through foreclosure and other than certain involuntary conversions) in the year of sale or (b) (x) the aggregate tax basis of property sold during the year of sale is 10% or less of the aggregate tax basis of all of our assets as of the beginning of the taxable year, or for sales after July 30, 2008, the aggregate fair market value of property sold during the year of sale is 10% or less of the aggregate fair market value of all of our assets as of the beginning of the taxable year, in each case excluding sales of foreclosure property and involuntary conversions, and (y) substantially all of the marketing and development expenditures with respect to the property sold are made through an independent contractor from whom we derive no income. The sale of more than one property to a buyer as part of one transaction constitutes one sale for purposes of this safe harbor. We intend to own our properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing and owning rental properties and making occasional sales of properties as are consistent with our investment objectives, and we believe that we have complied with the safe-harbor provisions and will attempt to so comply in the future. However, the IRS may successfully contend that some of our sales are prohibited transactions, in which case we would be required to pay the 100% penalty tax on the gains resulting from any such sales.
     Asset Tests
     At the close of each quarter of our taxable year, we must also satisfy four tests relating to the nature and diversification of our assets.
     First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets, including assets held by our qualified REIT subsidiaries and our allocable share of the assets held by the partnerships and other entities treated as partnerships for United States federal income tax purposes in which we own an interest, must be represented by real estate assets, cash, cash items and certain government securities. For purposes of this test, the term “real estate assets” generally means real property

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(including interests in real property and interests in mortgages on real property) and shares (or transferable certificates of beneficial interest) in other REITs, as well as any stock or debt instrument attributable to the investment of the proceeds of a stock offering or a public debt offering with a term of at least five years, but only for the one-year period beginning on the date we receive such proceeds.
     Second, not more than 25% of our total assets may be represented by securities other than those in the 75% asset class.
     Third, of the investments included in the 25% asset class, the value of any one corporate issuer’s securities owned by each REIT may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets, and we may not own more than 10% of the total voting power or total value of one corporate issuer’s outstanding securities. For this purpose, certain investments in other REITs, our qualified REIT subsidiaries and our taxable REIT subsidiaries are not counted in the 25% asset class. Further, in the case of the 10% value test, securities satisfying the definition of “straight debt” if neither we nor a taxable REIT subsidiary that we control hold more than 1% of the issuer’s securities that do not qualify as “straight debt” and securities issued by a partnership that itself would satisfy the 75% income test if it were a REIT are not included. Certain other types of securities are disregarded as securities solely for purposes of the 10% value test, including, but not limited to, any loan to an individual or an estate, any obligation to pay rents from real property and any security issued by a REIT. In addition, commencing with our taxable year beginning January 1, 2005, solely for purposes of the 10% value test, the determination of our interest in the assets of a partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest will be based on our proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership or limited liability company, excluding for this purpose certain securities described in the Code. For years prior to 2001, the 10% limit applies only with respect to voting securities of any issuer and not to the value of the securities of any issuer.
     Fourth, commencing with our taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2009, not more than 25% (20% for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2001 and ending on or before December 31, 2008) of the value of our total assets may be represented by the securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries.
     The asset tests described above must generally be met for each quarter of our taxable year. The foregoing 5% and 10% limitations do not apply to the securities of a taxable REIT subsidiary. After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values unless we (directly or through our partnerships or limited liability companies) acquire securities in the applicable issuer, increase our ownership of securities of such issuer (including as a result of increasing our interest in a partnership or limited liability company which owns such securities), or acquire other assets. Additionally, if we acquired securities of other property during a quarter (including as a result of an increase in our interests in a partnership or limited liability company), we will have the 30 days following the close of each quarter of our taxable year during which we can cure the problem causing us to fail one or all of the above asset tests by disposing of sufficient nonqualifying assets with such 30-day “cure period.” We believe that we have maintained and intend to maintain adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests. In addition, we intend to take such

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actions within 30 days after the close of any calendar quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance.
     Certain relief provisions may be available to us if we discover a failure to satisfy the asset tests described above after the 30 day cure period. Under these provisions, we will be deemed to have met the 5% and 10% REIT asset tests if the value of our nonqualifying assets (i) does not exceed the lesser of (a) 1% of the total value of our assets at the end of the applicable quarter or (b) $10,000,000, and (ii) we dispose of the nonqualifying assets or otherwise satisfy such asset tests within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) the period of time prescribed by Treasury regulations to be issued. For violations of any of the asset tests due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and that are, in the case of the 5% and 10% asset tests, in excess of the de minimis exception described above, we may avoid disqualification as a REIT after the 30 day cure period, by taking steps including (i) the disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets, or the taking of other actions, which allow us to meet the asset tests within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) the period of time prescribed by Treasury regulations to be issued, (ii) paying a tax equal to the greater of (a) $50,000 or (b) the highest corporate tax rate multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets, and (iii) disclosing certain information to the IRS.
     Although we believe that we have satisfied the asset tests described above and plan to take steps to ensure that we satisfy such tests for any quarter with respect to which retesting is to occur, there can be no assurance that we will always be successful or will not require a reduction in our overall interest in an issuer (including in a taxable REIT subsidiary). If we fail to cure any noncompliance with the asset tests in a timely manner and the relief provisions described above are not available, we would cease to qualify as a REIT. See “—Failure to Qualify” below.
     Taxable REIT Subsidiary
     A REIT may directly or indirectly own stock in a taxable REIT subsidiary. A taxable REIT subsidiary may be any corporation in which we directly or indirectly own stock and where both NHI and the subsidiary make a joint election to treat the corporation as a taxable REIT subsidiary, in which case it is treated separately from us and will be subject to federal corporate income taxation. Our stock, if any, of a taxable REIT subsidiary is not subject to the l0% or 5% asset tests. Instead, the value of all taxable REIT subsidiary securities owned by us cannot exceed 25% of the value of our assets. We do not currently own an interest in a taxable REIT subsidiary, but may do so in the future. If we do, any taxable REIT subsidiary we own or in which we have an interest will be subject to federal corporate income taxation.
     Annual Distribution Requirements
     NHI, in order to qualify as a REIT, is required to distribute dividends (other than capital gain dividends) to our stockholders in an amount at least equal to (A) the sum of (i) 90% of our “REIT taxable income” (computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain) and (ii) 90% of the net income (after tax), if any, from foreclosure property, minus (B) the sum of certain items of noncash income over 5% of our “REIT taxable income.”

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     For these purposes, our “REIT taxable income” is computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain. In addition, for purposes of this test, non-cash income means income attributable to leveling of stepped rents, original issue discount on purchase money debt, cancellation of indebtedness, and any like-kind exchanges that are later determined to be taxable.
     In addition, if we dispose of any asset we acquired from a corporation which is or has been a C corporation in a transaction in which our basis in the asset is determined by reference to the basis of the asset in the hands of that C corporation, within the ten-year period following our acquisition of such asset, we would be required to distribute at least 90% of the after-tax gain, if any, we recognized on the disposition of the asset, to the extent that gain does not exceed the excess of (a) the fair market value of the asset, over (b) our adjusted basis in the asset, in each case, on the date we acquired the asset.
     Such distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and if paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration, provided such payment is made during the twelve-month period following the close of such year. These distributions generally are taxable to our existing stockholders, other than tax-exempt entities, in the year in which paid. This is so even though these distributions relate to the prior year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement. The amount distributed must not be preferential. To avoid being preferential, every stockholder of the class of stock to which a distribution is made must be treated the same as every other stockholder of that class, and no class of stock may be treated other than according to its dividend rights as a class. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our “REIT taxable income,” as adjusted, we will be subject to tax on the undistributed amount at regular capital gains and ordinary corporate tax rates. The stockholders may be entitled to a tax credit for any tax paid by each REIT on undistributed net capital gains. Furthermore, if we should fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (i) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (ii) 95% of our REIT capital gain income for such year, and (iii) any ordinary income and capital gain net income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts actually distributed.
     We believe we have made, and intend to continue to make, timely distributions sufficient to satisfy these annual distribution requirements and to minimize our corporate tax obligations. Further, we believe that our cash flow will generally exceed our REIT taxable income, and therefore, we anticipate that we will generally have sufficient cash or liquid assets to satisfy the distribution requirements. However, from time to time, we may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet these distribution requirements due to timing differences between the actual receipt of income and payment of deductible expenses, and the inclusion of income and deduction of expenses in determining our taxable income, or if the amount of nondeductible expenses (such as principal amortization or capital expenses) exceeds the amount of noncash deductions (such as depreciation). If these timing differences occur, we may be required to borrow funds or sell assets to pay cash dividends or we may be required to pay dividends in the form of taxable stock dividends in order to meet the distribution requirements.
     Under recent IRS guidance that applies to publicly traded REITs, we may declare a distribution with respect to a taxable year ending on or before December 31, 2011 that is

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payable, at the election of each stockholder, either in the form of cash or newly issued shares of our common stock of equivalent value. The IRS guidance allows the amount of cash to be distributed in the aggregate to all stockholders to be limited to not less than 10% of the aggregate declared distribution, with a proration mechanism applying if too many stockholders elect to receive cash. In such circumstances, the stockholders who actually receive shares of common stock would be treated for federal income tax purposes as if they had received the distribution in cash, so that our stockholders would recognize dividend income, and we would be permitted to take a dividends paid deduction, to the extent the distribution does not exceed our current or accumulated earnings and profits.
     We may also entitled to deduct “consent dividends” in determining our taxable income, and consent dividends also count in meeting the 90% distribution requirement described above. Consent dividends are not actual cash distributions, but rather are amounts which the holders of our common stock consent, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to be treated as having received in a fictional distribution on the last day of our taxable year and then recontributed to the capital of the corporation.
     Under certain circumstances, we may be able to rectify a failure to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying “deficiency dividends” to our stockholders in a later year that may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. Thus, we may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends; however, we will be required to pay interest and penalties, if any, to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency dividends.
     Failure to Qualify
     Specified cure provisions are available to us in the event that we discover a violation of a provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT. Except with respect to violations of the REIT income tests and assets tests (for which the cure provisions are described above), and provided the violation is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, these cure provisions generally impose a $50,000 penalty for each violation in lieu of a loss of REIT status. If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year and no relief provisions apply, we will be subject to tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify will not be deductible, nor will they be required to be made. In such event, to the extent of current and accumulated earnings and profits, all distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify will be taxable as ordinary income, and if the stockholder is an individual, the preferential tax rates for dividends from C corporations under the Jobs and Growth Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 will apply, and, subject to certain limitations in the Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends received deduction. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we also will be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost. Determination as to whether we would be entitled to such statutory relief is based on all facts and circumstances.

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     Tax Aspects of the Partnerships
     We own, directly or indirectly, interests in various partnerships and limited liability companies which are treated as partnerships or disregarded entities for United States federal income tax purposes and may own interests in additional partnerships and limited liability companies in the future. Our ownership interests in such partnerships and limited liability companies involve special tax considerations. These special tax considerations include, for example, the possibility that the IRS might challenge the status of one or more of the partnerships or limited liability companies in which we own an interest as partnerships or disregarded entities, as opposed to associations taxable as corporations, for United States federal income tax purposes. If a partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest, or one or more of its subsidiary partnerships or limited liability companies, were treated as an association, it would be taxable as a corporation and would therefore be subject to an entity-level tax on its income. In this situation, the character of our assets and items of gross income would change, and could prevent us from satisfying the REIT asset tests and possibly the REIT income tests. See “U.S. Federal Taxation of NHI as a REIT—Asset Tests” and “U.S. Federal Taxation of NHI as a REIT —Income Tests.” This, in turn, could prevent us from qualifying as a REIT. See “— Failure to Qualify” for a discussion of the effect of our failure to meet these tests. In addition, a change in the tax status of one or more of the partnerships or limited liability companies in which we own an interest might be treated as a taxable event. If so, we might incur a tax liability without any related cash distributions.
     Treasury regulations that apply for tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 1997, provide that a domestic business entity not organized or otherwise required to be treated as a corporation (an “eligible entity”) may elect to be taxed as a partnership or disregarded entity for United States federal income tax purposes. Unless it elects otherwise, an eligible entity in existence prior to January 1, 1997, will have the same classification for United States federal income tax purposes that it claimed under the entity classification Treasury regulations in effect prior to this date. In addition, an eligible entity which did not exist or did not claim a classification prior to January 1, 1997, will be classified as a partnership or disregarded entity for United States federal income tax purposes unless it elects otherwise. The partnerships and limited liability companies in which we own an interest intend to claim classification as partnerships or disregarded entities under these Treasury regulations. As a result, we believe that these partnerships and limited liability companies will be classified as partnerships or disregarded entities for United States federal income tax purposes.
Taxation of Stockholders
     The following summary describes certain of the United States federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of our stock.
     Taxable U.S. Stockholders Generally
     If you are a “U.S. holder,” as defined below, this section or the section entitled “Tax-Exempt Stockholders” applies to you. Otherwise, the section entitled “Non-U.S. Stockholders” applies to you. A “U.S. holder” is a beneficial holder of our capital stock or debt securities who is: (1) an individual citizen or resident of the United States; (2) a corporation incorporated in the United States; (3) limited liability company or other entity taxable as a corporation for United

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States federal income tax purposes created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (4) an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (5) a trust that (a) is subject to the primary supervision of a United States court and the control of one or more United States persons or (b) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.
     A “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial holder of shares of our common stock who is not a U.S. holder.
     If a partnership, entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes holds our common stock, the federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership as a U.S. person will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership that will hold our common stock, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock by the partnership.
     Distributions Generally
     As long as NHI qualifies as a REIT, distributions made to our taxable stockholders out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (and not designated as capital gain dividends) will be taken into account by them as ordinary income, and corporate stockholders will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction as to such amounts. Dividends will not generally be eligible to be taxed at the preferential tax rates as qualified dividend income rates applicable to individuals who receive dividends from taxable C corporations pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 for taxable years 2003 through 2010, subject to three narrow exceptions. First, dividends from a REIT may be treated as qualified dividend income to the extent the REIT received qualified dividends from other corporations. Second, dividends paid by a REIT in a taxable year may be treated as qualified dividend income in an amount equal to the excess of: (i) the sum of REIT’s “REIT taxable income” for the preceding taxable year and the income subject to tax under the regulations regarding built-in gains, over (ii) the sum of the taxes imposed on REIT’s “REIT taxable income” for the preceding year and the tax imposed on the REIT under the regulations regarding built-in gains. Third, dividends received from a REIT may be treated as “qualified dividend income” to the extent attributable to earnings and profits accumulated in non-REIT taxable years. Because we have always operated as a REIT, we should not have any non-REIT accumulated earnings and profits from which to pay dividends. Further, we do not expect to receive a material amount of dividends from taxable REIT subsidiaries or from other taxable corporations nor we do not expect to pay a material amount of federal income tax on undistributed REIT taxable income or a material amount of Built-in Gains Tax. Therefore, as long as we qualify as a REIT, distributions made to our non-corporate U.S. holders out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (and not designated as capital gain dividends) will be taken into account by them as ordinary income (except, in the case of non-corporate shareholders who meet certain holding period requirements, to the limited extent that one of the foregoing exceptions applies).
     Any dividend declared by us in October, November or December of any year and payable to stockholders of record on a specific date in any such month will be treated as both paid by us

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and received by the stockholder on December 31 of such year, provided that the dividend is actually paid by us during January of the following calendar year.
     Stockholders may not include in their individual income tax returns any net operating losses or capital losses of NHI. However, we generally are allowed to carry over such losses for potential offset against our future income, subject to certain limitations.
     Capital Gain Dividends
     Distributions that are designated as capital gain dividends will be taxed as long-term capital gains (to the extent they do not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year) without regard to the period for which the stockholder has held his shares. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a stockholder to the extent that they do not exceed the adjusted basis of the stockholder’s shares, but rather will reduce the adjusted basis of such shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed the adjusted basis of a stockholder’s shares, they will be treated as gain from the sale of the shares (which gain will be capital gain, assuming the shares are a capital asset in the hands of the stockholders and will be long-term or short-term capital gain depending on how long the stockholder has held the shares). For purposes of determining whether distributions to holders of our stock are out of current or accumulated earnings and profits, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to our outstanding preferred stock, if any, and then to our outstanding common stock. U.S. holders that are corporations may, however, be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income.
     Retention of Net Capital Gains
     A REIT may elect to retain and pay income tax on net long-term capital gains it received during the tax year, in which case each of our stockholders must include in his income (as long-term capital gains) his proportionate share of our undistributed long-term capital gains in his return for his taxable year in which the last day of our taxable year falls, subject to certain limitations as to the amount that is includable. Further, each stockholder is deemed to have paid the REIT capital gains tax on his share of the undistributed capital gain, which is either credited or refunded to the stockholder when he files his individual tax return. In addition, the tax basis of the stockholder’s stock would be increased by his or her proportionate share of the undistributed net capital gains included in his or her income, less his or her proportionate share of the income tax imposed on us with respect to such gains. If a tax-exempt shareholder is deemed to have paid tax on an undistributed capital gain, the shareholder may file a claim for refund.
     In general, any loss upon a sale or exchange of shares of capital stock of NHI by a stockholder who has held such shares for six months or less (after applying certain holding period rules) will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent the holder already received distributions from us that are required to be treated by such stockholder as long-term capital gains.
     Passive Activity Losses and Investment Interest Limitations
     Distributions we make and gain arising from the sale or exchange by a U.S. holder of our shares will not be treated as passive activity income. As a result, U.S. holders generally will not

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be able to apply any “passive losses” against this income or gain. A U.S. holder may elect to treat capital gain dividends, capital gains from the disposition of stock and qualified dividend income as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation, but in such case, the holder will be taxed at ordinary income rates on such amount. Other distributions made by us, to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital, generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation.
     Alternative Minimum Tax
     For purposes of computing each stockholder’s alternative minimum taxable income, certain of our “differently treated items” for each taxable year (for example, differences in computing depreciation deductions for regular tax purposes and alternative minimum tax purposes) may be apportioned to our stockholders in accordance with section 59(d)(1)(A) of the Code.
     Dispositions of Our Stock
     If a U.S. holder, other than a dealer in securities, sells or disposes of shares of our stock to a person other than us, he will recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale or other disposition and its adjusted basis in the shares for tax purposes. This gain or loss, except as provided below, will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held the stock for more than one year at the time of such sale or disposition. If, however, a U.S. holder recognizes loss upon the sale or other disposition of our stock that it has held for six months or less, after applying certain holding period rules, the loss recognized will be treated as a long-term capital loss, to the extent the U.S. holder received distributions from us which were required to be treated as long-term capital gains.
     Redemptions of Our Stock
     If we make a cash redemption of shares of our stock, any amounts paid in redemption will be treated under section 302 of the Code as a distribution taxable as a dividend (to the extent of current and accumulated earnings and profits) at ordinary income rates unless the redemption results in the stockholder’s interest in NHI being completely terminated, or the redemption is not essentially equivalent to a dividend, as set forth in section 302(b) of the Code, and is therefore treated as a sale or exchange of the redeemed shares. The determination as to whether any of these tests of section 302(b) of the Code will be satisfied with respect to any particular holder of our stock depends upon the facts and circumstances at the time of such redemption. Accordingly, current or prospective holders of stock are advised to consult their own tax advisors to determine the tax treatment of the redemption of their stock at the time of the redemption.
     If a redemption of shares of preferred stock of a stockholder is treated as a taxable sale or exchange, the stockholder will recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between (1) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received (less any portion thereof attributable to accumulated and declared but unpaid dividends, which will be taxable as a dividend to the extent of current and accumulated earnings and profits) and (2) the stockholder’s adjusted basis in the shares of the preferred stock for tax purposes. This gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if the shares of preferred stock have been

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held as a capital asset and will be long-term gain or loss if such shares have been held for more than one year.
     If a redemption of shares of our stock is treated as a distribution taxable as a dividend, the amount of the distribution will be measured by the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received by the stockholder. The stockholder’s adjusted basis in the redeemed shares of our stock for tax purposes will be transferred to the stockholder’s remaining shares of capital stock, if any.
     Tax Rates
     Dividends received from REITs, generally will be subject to tax at ordinary income rates (generally, a maximum rate of 35% for taxable years 2003-2010), except as discussed below. The maximum tax rate for non-corporate taxpayers for (1) capital gains, including certain “capital gain dividends,” has generally been reduced to 15% (although depending on the characteristics of the assets which produced these gains and on designations which we may make, certain capital gain dividends may be taxed at a 25% rate) and (2) “qualified dividend income” has generally been reduced to 15%. In general, dividends payable by REITs are not eligible for the reduced tax rate on corporate dividends, except to the extent that certain holding requirements have been met and our dividends are attributable to dividends received from taxable corporations (such as its taxable REIT subsidiaries), to income that was subject to tax at the corporate/REIT level (for example, if we distributed taxable income that we retained and paid tax on in the prior taxable year), or to dividends properly designated by us as “capital gain dividends.” The currently applicable provisions of the United States federal income tax laws relating to the 15% tax rate are currently scheduled to “sunset” or revert to the provisions of prior law effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010, at which time the capital gains tax rate will be increased to 20% and the rate applicable to dividends will be increased to the tax rate then applicable to ordinary income. In addition, U.S. holders that are corporations may be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income.
     Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
     We will report to our stockholders and the IRS the amount of dividends paid during each calendar year, and the amount of tax withheld, if any, with respect thereto. Under the backup withholding rules, a stockholder may be subject to backup withholding at the rate of 28% with respect to dividends paid unless such holder (a) is a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact, or (b) provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. A stockholder who does not provide us with his correct taxpayer identification number may also be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. Any amount paid as backup withholding will be creditable against the stockholder’s regular federal income tax liability.
     State Taxes
     NHI and its stockholders may be subject to state and local taxation in various jurisdictions, including those in which it or they transact business, own property or reside. The state and local tax treatment of NHI and that of our stockholders may differ from the federal

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income tax treatment described above. Consequently, prospective stockholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of state and local tax laws on an investment in our stock.
Tax-Exempt Stockholders
     Dividend income from us and gain arising upon a sale of shares of our stock generally should not be unrelated business taxable income to a tax-exempt holder, except as described below. This income or gain will be unrelated business taxable income, however, if a tax-exempt holder holds its shares as “debt-financed property” within the meaning of the Code or if the shares are used in a trade or business of the tax-exempt holder. Generally, debt-financed property is property the acquisition or holding of which was financed through a borrowing by the tax-exempt holder.
     For tax-exempt holders which are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, or qualified group legal services plans exempt from United States federal income taxation under sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) or (c)(20) of the Code, respectively, income from an investment in our shares will constitute unrelated business taxable income unless the organization is able to properly claim a deduction for amounts set aside or placed in reserve for specific purposes so as to offset the income generated by its investment in our shares. These prospective investors should consult their tax advisors concerning these “set aside” and reserve requirements.
     Notwithstanding the above, however, a portion of the dividends paid by a “pension-held REIT” may be treated as unrelated business taxable income as to certain trusts that hold more than 10%, by value, of the interests in the REIT. A REIT will not be a “pension-held REIT” if it is able to satisfy the “not closely held” requirement without relying on the “look-through” exception with respect to certain trusts or if such REIT is not “predominantly held” by “qualified trusts.” As a result of limitations on the transfer and ownership of stock contained in our charter, we do not expect to be classified as a “pension-held REIT,” and as a result, the tax treatment described in this paragraph should be inapplicable to our holders. However, because our stock is publicly traded, we cannot guarantee that this will always be the case.
Non-U.S. Stockholders
     The following discussion addresses the rules governing United States federal income taxation of the ownership and disposition of our stock by non-U.S. holders. These rules are complex, and no attempt is made herein to provide more than a brief summary of such rules. Accordingly, the discussion does not address all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be relevant to a non-U.S. holder in light of his particular circumstances and does not address any state, local or foreign tax consequences. We urge non-U.S. holders to consult their tax advisors to determine the impact of United States federal, state, local and foreign income tax laws on the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of shares of our stock, including any reporting requirements.

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     Distributions Generally
     Distributions (including certain stock dividends) that are neither attributable to gain from our sale or exchange of United States real property interests nor designated by us as capital gain dividend or retained capital gain will be treated as dividends of ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions ordinarily will be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty unless the distributions are treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a United States trade or business. Under certain treaties, however, lower withholding rates generally applicable to dividends do not apply to dividends from a REIT. Certain certification and disclosure requirements must be satisfied to be exempt from withholding under the effectively connected income exemption. Dividends that are treated as effectively connected with such a trade or business will be subject to tax on a net basis at graduated rates, in the same manner as dividends paid to U.S. holders are subject to tax, and are generally not subject to withholding. Any such dividends received by a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
     Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a non-U.S. holder to the extent that such distributions do not exceed the non-U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in our stock, but rather will reduce the non-U.S. holder’s adjusted basis of such common stock. To the extent that these distributions exceed a non-U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in our stock, they will give rise to gain from the sale or exchange of such stock. The tax treatment of this gain is described below.
     For withholding purposes, we expect to treat all distributions as made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. As a result, except with respect to certain distributions attributable to the sale of United States real property interests described below, we expect to withhold United States income tax at the rate of 30% on any distributions made to a non-U.S. holder unless: (1) a lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. holder files with us an IRS Form W-8BEN evidencing eligibility for that reduced treaty rate; or (2) the non-U.S. holder files an IRS Form W-8ECI with us claiming that the distribution is income effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s trade or business.
     However, amounts withheld should generally be refundable if it is subsequently determined that the distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, provided that certain conditions are met.
Capital Gain Dividends and Distributions Attributable to a Sale or Exchange of United States Real Property Interests
     Distributions to a non-U.S. holder that we properly designate as capital gain dividends, other than those arising from the disposition of a United States real property interest, generally should not be subject to United States federal income taxation, unless: (1) the investment in our stock is treated as effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s United States trade or business, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. holders with respect to such gain, except that a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation may also be

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subject to the 30% branch profits tax, as discussed above; or (2) the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met, in which case the nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual’s capital gains.
     Pursuant to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, which is referred to as “FIRPTA,” distributions to a non-U.S. holder that are attributable to gain from our sale or exchange of United States real property interests (whether or not designated as capital gain dividends) will cause the non-U.S. holder to be treated as recognizing such gain as income effectively connected with a United States trade or business. Non-U.S. holders would generally be taxed at the same rates applicable to U.S. holders, subject to a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals. We also will be required to withhold and to remit to the IRS 35% (or 15% to the extent provided in Treasury regulations) of any distribution to a non-U.S. holder that is designated as a capital gain dividend, or, if greater, 35% (or 15% to the extent provided in Treasury regulations) of a distribution to the non-U.S. holder that could have been designated as a capital gain dividend. The amount withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. holder’s United States federal income tax liability. However, any distribution with respect to any class of stock which is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States is not subject to FIRPTA, and therefore, not subject to the 35% U.S. withholding tax described above, if the non-U.S. holder did not own more than 5% of such class of stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution. Instead, such distributions generally will be treated in the same manner as ordinary dividend distributions.
     Sale of Our Stock
     Gain recognized by a non-U.S. holder upon the sale or exchange of our stock generally will not be subject to United States federal income taxation unless such stock constitutes a United States real property interest within the meaning of FIRPTA. Our stock will not constitute a United States real property interest so long as we are a domestically-controlled qualified investment entity. As discussed above, a domestically-controlled qualified investment entity includes a REIT in which at all times during a specified testing period less than 50% in value of its stock is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. holders. We believe, but cannot guarantee, that we have been a “domestically-controlled qualified investment entity.” Even if we have been a “domestically-controlled qualified investment entity,” because our capital stock is publicly traded, no assurance can be given that we will continue to be a “domestically-controlled qualified investment entity.”
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, gain from the sale or exchange of our stock not otherwise subject to FIRPTA will be taxable to a non-U.S. holder if either (1) the investment in our stock is treated as effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s United States trade or business or (2) the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met. In general, even if we are a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, upon disposition of our stock (subject to the 5% exception applicable to “regularly traded” stock described above), a non-U.S. holder may be treated as having gain from the sale or exchange of United States real property interest if the non-U.S. holder (1) disposes of our stock within a 30-day period preceding the ex-dividend date of a distribution, any portion of which, but for the disposition, would have been treated as gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest and (2) acquires, enters

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into a contract or option to acquire, or is deemed to acquire other shares of our stock during the 61-day period beginning with the first day of the 30-day period described in clause (1). Non-U.S. holders should contact their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of any sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition of our stock.
     Even if we do not qualify as a “domestically-controlled qualified investment entity” at the time a non-U.S. holder sells or exchanges our stock, gain arising from such a sale or exchange would not be subject to United States taxation under FIRPTA as a sale of a “United States real property interest” if: (1) our stock is “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury regulations, on an established securities market such as the NYSE; and (2) such non-U.S. holder owned, actually and constructively, 5% or less of our stock throughout the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or exchange.
     If gain on the sale or exchange of our stock were subject to United States taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. holder would be subject to regular United States federal income tax with respect to such gain in the same manner as a taxable U.S. holder (subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals). In addition, if our stock is not then traded on an established securities market, the purchaser of the stock would be required to withhold and remit to the IRS 10% of the purchase price. If amounts withheld on a sale, redemption, repurchase, or exchange of our stock exceed the holder’s substantive tax liability resulting from such disposition, such excess may be refunded or credited against such non-U.S. holder’s United States federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is provided to the IRS on a timely basis. Amounts withheld on any such sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our stock may not satisfy a non-U.S. holder’s entire tax liability under FIRPTA, and such non-U.S. holder remains liable for the timely payment of any remaining tax liability.
     Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting
     Generally, we must report annually to the IRS the amount of dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder, such holder’s name and address, and the amount of tax withheld, if any. A similar report is sent to the non-U.S. holder. Pursuant to tax treaties or other agreements, the IRS may make its reports available to tax authorities in the non-U.S. holder’s country of residence.
     Payments of dividends or of proceeds from the disposition of stock made to a non-U.S. holder may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless such holder establishes an exemption, for example, by properly certifying its non-United States status on an IRS Form W-8BEN or another appropriate version of IRS Form W-8. Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding and information reporting may apply if either we have or our paying agent has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that a non-U.S. holder is a United States person.
     Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the United States income tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund or credit may be obtained, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

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     Recently Enacted Legislation Relating to Foreign Accounts
     On March 18, 2010, the President signed the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act into law. Effective for payments made after December 31, 2012, this law imposes a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax on distributions and the gross proceeds of sale in respect of our shares of common stock to a foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity, unless (i) in the case of a foreign financial institution, such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to withhold on certain payments and to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners) and to withhold on certain payments and (ii) in the case of a non-financial foreign entity, such entity provides the withholding agent with a certification identifying the direct and indirect U.S. owners of the entity. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. Prospective investors should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this recently enacted legislation on the ownership and disposition of our common stock.
Taxation of the Leases
     The availability to us of, among other things, depreciation on the Health Care Facilities will depend upon the treatment of us as the owner of the Health Care Facilities and the classification of our leases as true leases, rather than, for example, financing transactions for federal income tax purposes. Based on a number of recent court decisions, whether we will be treated as the owner of the Health Care Facilities and whether each lease will constitute a true lease for federal income tax purposes will be determined by reference to the facts and circumstances.
     No assurances can be given that the IRS will not successfully challenge our status as the owner of the Health Care Facilities and the status of each lease as a true lease. For example, the IRS could take the position that NHC’s original contribution of the real property in 1991 and leaseback of the Health Care Facilities by NHC constituted a financing transaction in which NHC is the owner and NHI is merely a secured creditor. In such event, we would not be entitled to claim depreciation with respect to any facility subject to the lease. As a consequence, we might lack sufficient cash or liquid assets to meet the Distribution Requirement, or if the requirement were met, a larger percentage of distributions from us in a particular year would constitute ordinary dividend income instead of a partial return of capital to our stockholders.
State and Local Taxes
     NHI and its stockholders may be subject to state or local taxation in various states or local jurisdictions, including those in which they transact business or reside. Moreover, the tax treatment in such jurisdictions may differ from the federal income tax treatment. For instance, while some states recognize the status of REITs as corporations and permit them to substantially eliminate corporate-level taxation via deductible distributions, other states may not. Each prospective investor should therefore consult with his own tax advisor as to the actual or potential impact of federal, state and local taxation on holding our common stock.

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Taxation of Holders of Debt Securities
     Some of the debt securities which may be issued pursuant to an applicable prospectus supplement may be convertible into our capital stock. The conversion of any such convertible debt securities solely into stock is treated as a nontaxable event (except as to cash received in lieu of fractional shares), even though the value of the stock received may exceed the basis of the convertible debt securities surrendered. Neither the holder nor NHI recognizes gain or loss on the exchange. As generally is the case in other nonrecognition transactions, the holder’s basis and holding period in the convertible debt securities carry over and become the holder’s basis and holding period in the stock. Therefore, after conversion of the convertible debt securities, the debt security holder would become a stockholder, and the federal income tax consequences described above would generally apply. A holder of such convertible debt securities will generally recognize taxable gain or loss on cash received in lieu of a fractional share of stock, generally in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the holder’s basis in such fractional share. Such gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss if the fractional share is a capital asset in the hands of the holder.
     A holder of debt securities will be required to report as income for federal income tax purposes interest earned on such debt securities in accordance with the holder’s method of tax accounting. A holder of debt securities using the accrual method of accounting for tax purposes is, as a general rule, required to include interest in ordinary income as such interest accrues, while a cash basis holder must include interest in ordinary income when interest payments are received (or made available for receipt) by such holder.
     In addition, adjustment to any convertible debt securities’ conversion price could in certain circumstances result in constructive distributions that could be taxable as dividends under the Code to holders of such convertible debt securities or stock of NHI.
Investors Should Seek Their Own Tax Advice
     The preceding is a brief summary of the tax considerations potentially affecting NHI and its stockholders. This discussion is based on the current state of the law, which is subject to legislative, administrative or judicial actions. Moreover, the discussion does not fully address consideration that may adversely affect the treatment of certain prospective investors (such as corporations, foreign and tax-exempt investors). In these circumstances, and particularly because the ultimate tax impact may vary depending upon the personal circumstances of each investor, ALL PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE TAX ASPECTS OF OWNING AND DISPOSING OF COMMON STOCK, PREFERRED STOCK OR DEBT SECURITIES OF NHI.
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
     NHI intends to conduct its affairs so that its assets will not be deemed to be “plan assets” of any individual retirement account, employee benefit plan subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or other qualified retirement plan subject to Section 4975 of the Code which acquires its securities. The Company believes that, under present law, its distributions do not create so called “unrelated business taxable income” to tax

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exempt entities such as pension trusts, subject, however, to special rules which apply to pension trusts holding more than 10% of the securities.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
     We may offer and sell the securities from time to time as follows:
    through agents;
 
    to or through dealers or underwriters;
 
    directly to other purchasers; or
 
    through a combination of any of these methods of sale.
     In addition, the securities may be issued as a dividend or distribution or in a subscription rights offering to existing holders of securities. In some cases, we may also repurchase securities and reoffer them to the public by one or more of the methods described above.
     The securities we distribute by any of these methods may be sold to the public, in one or more transactions, either:
    at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;
 
    at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
 
    at prices related to prevailing market prices;
 
    at prices determined by an auction process; or
 
    at negotiated prices.
     We may solicit offers to purchase securities directly from the public from time to time. We may also designate agents from time to time to solicit offers to purchase securities from the public on our behalf. The prospectus supplement relating to any particular offering of securities will name any agents designated to solicit offers, and will include information about any commissions we may pay the agents, in that offering. Agents may be deemed to be “underwriters” as that term is defined in the Securities Act.
     From time to time, we may sell securities to one or more dealers as principals. The dealers, who may be deemed to be “underwriters” as that term is defined in the Securities Act, may then resell those securities to the public.
     We may sell securities from time to time to one or more underwriters, who would purchase the securities as principal for resale to the public, either on a firm-commitment or best-efforts basis. If we sell securities to underwriters, we will execute an underwriting agreement with them at the time of sale and will name them in the applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with those sales, underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us

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in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of the securities for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters may resell the securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from purchasers for whom they may act as agents. The applicable prospectus supplement will include information about any underwriting compensation we pay to underwriters, and any discounts, concessions or commissions underwriters allow to participating dealers, in connection with an offering of securities.
     If we offer securities in a subscription rights offering to our existing security holders, we may enter into a standby underwriting agreement with dealers, acting as standby underwriters. We may pay the standby underwriters a commitment fee for the securities they commit to purchase on a standby basis. Additionally, before the expiration date for the subscription rights, the standby underwriters may offer the securities, including securities they may acquire through the purchase and exercise of subscription rights, on a when-issued basis at prices set from time to time by them. After the expiration date, the standby underwriters may offer the securities, whether acquired under the standby underwriting agreement, on exercise of subscription rights or by purchase in the market, to the public at prices to be determined by them. Thus, standby underwriters may realize profits or losses independent of the underwriting discounts or commissions we may pay them. If we do not enter into a standby underwriting arrangement, we may retain a dealer-manager to manage a subscription rights offering for us. Any dealer-manager we retain may acquire securities by purchasing and exercising the subscription rights and resell the securities to the public at prices it determines. As a result, a dealer-manager may realize profits or losses independent of any dealer-manager fee paid by us.
     We may authorize underwriters, dealers and agents to solicit from third parties offers to purchase securities under contracts providing for payment and delivery on future dates. The third parties with whom we may enter into contracts of this kind may include banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions, and others. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the material terms of these contracts, including any conditions to the purchasers’ obligations and will include information about any commissions we may pay for soliciting these contracts.
     We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).
     Underwriters, dealers, agents and other persons may be entitled, under agreements that they may enter into with us, to indemnification by us against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

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     Underwriters may engage in stabilizing and syndicate covering transactions in accordance with Rule 104 of Regulation M. Rule 104 permits stabilizing bids to purchase the securities being offered as long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Underwriters may over-allot the offered securities in connection with the offering, thus creating a short position in their account. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the offered securities by underwriters in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing and syndicate covering transactions may cause the price of the offered securities to be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of these transactions. These transactions, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
     The underwriters, dealers and agents, as well as their associates, may be customers of or lenders to, and may engage in transactions with and perform services for, NHI and its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
     In compliance with guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), the maximum commission or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker dealer may not exceed 8% of the aggregate principal amount of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus. It is anticipated that the maximum commission or discount to be received in any particular offering of securities will be significantly less than this amount.
VALIDITY OF SECURITIES
     Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. Any underwriters will be advised about other issues relating to any transaction by their own legal counsel.
EXPERTS
     The consolidated financial statements and schedules as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 incorporated by reference in this Prospectus have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of BDO Seidman, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated herein by reference, given on authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14.   Other expenses of issuance and distribution.
     The estimated expenses in connection with this offering are estimated as follows:
         
SEC Registration Fee
  $ *  
Blue Sky fees and expense
    +  
Legal fees and expenses
    +  
Accounting fees and expenses
    +  
Transfer agent and listing fees
    +  
Miscellaneous
    +  
 
     
Total
  $ +  
 
*   Deferred in accordance with Rule 456(b) and 457(r).
 
+   These fees are calculated based on the securities offered and the number of issuances and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time.
Item 15.   Indemnifications of directors and officers.
     Our charter provides that we shall, to the full extent permitted by the MGCL, indemnify present and former directors of NHI. Our charter also provides that we shall have the power to indemnify, by express provision in our bylaws, by agreement, or by majority vote of either our stockholders or disinterested directors, any one or more of the following classes of individuals: (1) present or former officers, (2) present or former agents and/or employees, (3) present or former administrators, trustees or other fiduciaries under any pension, profit sharing, deferred compensation, or other employee benefit plan maintained by NHI, and (4) persons serving or who have served at our request in any of these capacities for any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprises.
     Article VII of our bylaws provides that we shall provide to all persons elected or appointed as an officer of NHI indemnification on account of matters resulting in their capacity as an officer to the full extent permitted by our charter.
     The MGCL presently permits the liability of directors and officers to a corporation or its stockholders for money damages to be limited, except (i) to the extent that it is proved that the director or officer actually received an improper benefit or profit, or (ii) if the judgment or other final adjudication is entered in a proceeding based on a finding that the directors or officers action, or failure to act, was a result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding. The provisions of our charter do not limit the ability of us or our stockholders to obtain other relief, such as injunction or rescission.
     However, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation. In addition, the MGCL requires a corporation, as a condition to advancing expenses, to obtain (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his good faith belief that he has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by such

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corporation as authorized by the MGCL and (b) a written statement by or on his behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by such corporation if it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct was not met.
     Section 2-418 of the MGCL requires a corporation, unless its charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not, to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he is made a party by reason of his service in that capacity, or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter in the proceeding. Section 2-418 of the MGCL generally permits indemnification of any director or officer made a party to any proceedings by reason of service as a director or officer unless it is established that (i) the act or omission of such person was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; (ii) such person actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, such person had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. The indemnity may include judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by the director or officer in connection with the proceeding; provided, however, that if the proceeding is one by, or in the right of the corporation, indemnification is not permitted with respect to any proceeding in which the director or officer has been adjudged to be liable to the corporation. In addition, a director or officer may not be indemnified with respect to any proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the director or officer adjudged to be liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. The termination of any proceeding by conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent or an entry of an order of probation prior to judgment creates a rebuttable presumption that the director or officer did not meet the requisite standard of conduct required for permitted indemnification. The termination of any proceeding by judgment, order or settlement, however, does not create a presumption that the director or officer failed to meet the requisite standard of conduct for permitted indemnification.
Item 16.   Exhibits.
     
Exhibit    
Number   Description of Exhibits
1
  Form of Underwriting Agreement (1)
 
   
4.1
  Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form S-11 Registration Statement No. 33-41863)
 
   
4.2
  Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated as of May 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed March 23, 2009)
 
   
4.3
  Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form S-11 Registration Statement No. 33-41863)
 
   
4.4
  Form of Senior Indenture
 
   
4.5
  Form of Subordinated Indenture

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Exhibit    
Number   Description of Exhibits
4.6
  Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 39 to Form S-11 Registration Statement No. 33-41863)
 
   
4.7
  Form of Certificate of Designations of Preferred Stock (1)
 
   
5
  Opinion of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C.
 
   
8
  Opinion of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. regarding tax matters
 
   
12
  Statement regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
   
23.1
  Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
 
   
23.2
  Consent of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. (contained in opinion filed as Exhibit 5)
 
   
23.3
  Consent of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. (contained in opinion filed as Exhibit 8)
 
   
24
  Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereto)
 
   
25
  Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (to be filed in accordance with Rule 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939) (1)
 
(1)   To be filed by amendment or incorporated by reference when required in connection with the offering of securities.
Item 17.   Undertakings.
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
     (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
          (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
          (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

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          (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of 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 the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
     (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
     (4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
          (A) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
          (B) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), 424(b)(5), or 424(b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), 415(a)(1)(vii), or 415(a)(1)(x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of the securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
     (5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the

II-4


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securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
          (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
          (ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
          (iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
          (iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.
(d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Murfreesboro, State of Tennessee, on May 28, 2010.
         
  NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
 
 
  /s/ J. Justin Hutchens    
  J. Justin Hutchens   
  President and Chief Operating Officer   
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
     Each person whose signature appears below appoints W. Andrew Adams and J. Justin Hutchens, and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any subsequent registration statement thereto pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the foregoing, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or their or his substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by each of the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
         
Signature   Title   Date
 
 
       
/s/ W. Andrew Adams
 
W. Andrew Adams
  Chairman of the Board and 
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
  May 28, 2010
 
       
/s/ J. Justin Hutchens
 
J. Justin Hutchens
  Director, President and 
Chief Operating Officer
  May 28, 2010
 
       
/s/ Roger R. Hopkins
 
Roger R. Hopkins
  Chief Accounting Officer 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  May 28, 2010
 
       
/s/ Robert A. McCabe, Jr.
 
Robert A. McCabe, Jr.
  Director    May 28, 2010
 
       
/s/ Robert T. Webb
 
Robert T. Webb
  Director    May 28, 2010
 
       
 
 
Ted H. Welch
  Director    May 28, 2010

 


Table of Contents

Exhibit Index
     
Exhibit    
Number   Description of Exhibits
1
  Form of Underwriting Agreement (1)
 
   
4.1
  Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form S-11 Registration Statement No. 33-41863)
 
   
4.2
  Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated as of May 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed March 23, 2009)
 
   
4.3
  Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form S-11 Registration Statement No. 33-41863)
 
   
4.4
  Form of Senior Indenture
 
   
4.5
  Form of Subordinated Indenture
 
   
4.6
  Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 39 to Form S-11 Registration Statement No. 33-41863)
 
   
4.7
  Form of Certificate of Designations of Preferred Stock (1)
 
   
5
  Opinion of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C.
 
   
8
  Opinion of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. regarding tax matters
 
   
12
  Statement regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
   
23.1
  Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
 
   
23.2
  Consent of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. (contained in opinion filed as Exhibit 5)
 
   
23.3
  Consent of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. (contained in opinion filed as Exhibit 8)
 
   
24
  Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereto)
 
   
25
  Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (to be filed in accordance with Rule 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939) (1)
 
(1)   To be filed by amendment or incorporated by reference when required in connection with the offering of securities.

 

EX-4.4 2 g23618exv4w4.htm EX-4.4 exv4w4
Exhibit 4.4
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
as Issuer,
and
[                    ],
as Trustee
INDENTURE
Dated as of                     , 20___
Senior Debt Securities

 


 

CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE
         
TIA Section   Indenture Section
310(a)
    7.10  
(b)
    7.10  
(c)
    N.A.  
311(a)
    7.11  
(b)
    7.11  
(c)
    N.A.  
312(a)
    5.01  
(b)
    5.02  
(c)
    5.02  
313(a)
    5.03  
(b)
    5.03  
(c)
    13.03  
(d)
    5.03  
314(a)
    4.05  
(b)
    N.A.  
(c)(1)
    13.05  
(c)(2)
    13.05  
(c)(3)
    N.A.  
(d)
    N.A.  
(e)
    13.05  
(f)
    N.A.  
315(a)
    7.01  
(b)
    6.07 & 13.03  
(c)
    7.01  
(d)
    7.01  
(e)
    6.08  
316(a) (last sentence)
    1.01  
(a)(1)(A)
    6.06  
(a)(1)(B)
    6.06  
(a)(2)
    9.01 (d)
(b)
    6.04  
(c)
    5.04  
317(a)(1)
    6.02  
(a)(2)
    6.02  
(b)
    4.04  
318(a)
    13.07  
 
N.A.   means Not Applicable
 
NOTE:   This Cross-Reference table shall not, for any purpose, be deemed part of this Indenture.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
    1  
1.01 Definitions
    1  
1.02 Other Definitions
    5  
1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act
    5  
1.04 Rules of Construction
    5  
 
       
ARTICLE II DEBT SECURITIES
    5  
2.01 Forms Generally
    5  
2.02 Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication
    6  
2.03 Principal Amount; Issuable in Series
    6  
2.04 Execution of Debt Securities
    8  
2.05 Authentication and Delivery of Debt Securities
    8  
2.06 Denomination of Debt Securities
    9  
2.07 Registration of Transfer and Exchange
    9  
2.08 Temporary Debt Securities
    10  
2.09 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Debt Securities
    11  
2.10 Cancellation of Surrendered Debt Securities
    11  
2.11 Provisions of the Indenture and Debt Securities for the Sole Benefit of the Parties and the Holders
    11  
2.12 Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved
    12  
2.13 Securities Denominated in Dollars
    12  
2.14 Wire Transfers
    12  
2.15 Securities Issuable in the Form of a Global Security
    12  
2.16 Medium Term Securities
    14  
2.17 Defaulted Interest
    14  
2.18 CUSIP Numbers
    15  
 
       
ARTICLE III REDEMPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
    15  
3.01 Right of Redemption
    15  
3.02 Notice of Redemption; Selection of Debt Securities
    15  
3.03 Payment of Debt Securities Called for Redemption
    16  
3.04 Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds
    17  
3.05 Redemption of Debt Securities for Sinking Fund
    17  
 
       
ARTICLE IV PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE ISSUER
    18  
4.01 Payment of Principal of, and Premium, If Any, and Interest on, Debt Securities
    18  
4.02 Maintenance of Offices or Agencies for Registration of Transfer, Exchange and Payment of Debt Securities
    18  
4.03 Appointment to Fill a Vacancy in the Office of Trustee
    19  
4.04 Duties of Paying Agents, etc
    19  
4.05 SEC Reports; Financial Statements
    19  
4.06 Compliance Certificate
    20  
4.07 Further Instruments and Acts
    20  
4.08 Existence
    20  
4.09 Maintenance of Properties
    20  
4.10 Payment of Taxes and Other Claims
    21  
4.11 Waiver of Certain Covenants
    21  
 
       
ARTICLE V HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE TRUSTEE
    21  
5.01 Issuer to Furnish Trustee Information as to Names and Addresses of Holders; Preservation of Information
    21  
5.02 Communications to Holders
    21  

ii 


 

         
5.03 Reports by Trustee
    21  
5.04 Record Dates for Action by Holders
    22  
 
       
ARTICLE VI REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND HOLDERS IN EVENT OF DEFAULT
    22  
6.01 Events of Default
    22  
6.02 Collection of Debt by Trustee, etc
    23  
6.03 Application of Moneys Collected by Trustee
    24  
6.04 Limitation on Suits by Holders
    25  
6.05 Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission in Exercise of Rights Not a Waiver of Default
    25  
6.06 Rights of Holders of Majority in Principal Amount of Debt Securities to Direct Trustee and to Waive Default
    25  
6.07 Trustee to Give Notice of Defaults Known to It, but May Withhold Such Notice in Certain Circumstances
    26  
6.08 Requirement of an Undertaking to Pay Costs in Certain Suits under the Indenture or Against the Trustee
    26  
 
       
ARTICLE VII CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
    26  
7.01 Certain Duties and Responsibilities
    26  
7.02 Certain Rights of Trustee
    27  
7.03 Trustee Not Liable for Recitals in Indenture or in Debt Securities
    28  
7.04 Trustee, Paying Agent or Registrar May Own Debt Securities
    28  
7.05 Moneys Received by Trustee to Be Held in Trust
    28  
7.06 Compensation and Reimbursement
    28  
7.07 Right of Trustee to Rely on an Officers’ Certificate Where No Other Evidence Specifically Prescribed
    29  
7.08 Separate Trustee; Replacement of Trustee
    29  
7.09 Successor Trustee by Merger
    30  
7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification
    30  
7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer
    30  
7.12 Compliance with Tax Laws
    30  
 
       
ARTICLE VIII CONCERNING THE HOLDERS
    31  
8.01 Evidence of Action by Holders
    31  
8.02 Proof of Execution of Instruments and of Holding of Debt Securities
    31  
8.03 Who May Be Deemed Owner of Debt Securities
    31  
8.04 Instruments Executed by Holders Bind Future Holders
    31  
 
       
ARTICLE IX SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
    32  
9.01 Purposes for Which Supplemental Indenture May Be Entered into Without Consent of Holders
    32  
9.02 Modification of Indenture with Consent of Holders of Debt Securities
    33  
9.03 Effect of Supplemental Indentures
    34  
9.04 Debt Securities May Bear Notation of Changes by Supplemental Indentures
    34  
 
       
ARTICLE X CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
    34  
10.01 Consolidations and Mergers of the Issuer
    34  
10.02 Rights and Duties of Successor Issuer
    34  
 
       
ARTICLE XI SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE; UNCLAIMED MONEYS
    35  
11.01 Applicability of Article
    35  
11.02 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance
    35  
11.03 Conditions of Defeasance
    36  
11.04 Application of Trust Money
    36  
11.05 Repayment to Issuer
    37  
11.06 Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations
    37  
11.07 Reinstatement
    37  

iii 


 

         
ARTICLE XII CONVERSION OF SECURITIES
    37  
12.01 Right of Conversion
    37  
12.02 Issuance of Shares on Conversion
    37  
12.03 No Adjustment for Interest or Dividends
    38  
12.04 Adjustment of Conversion Price
    38  
12.05 Notice of Adjustment of Conversion Price
    40  
12.06 Notice of Certain Corporate Action
    40  
12.07 Taxes on Conversions
    41  
12.08 Fractional Shares
    41  
12.09 Cancellation of Converted Debt Securities
    41  
12.10 Provisions in Case of Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets
    41  
12.11 Disclaimer by Trustee of Responsibility for Certain Matters
    41  
12.12 Covenant to Reserve Shares
    42  
 
       
ARTICLE XIII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
    42  
13.01 Successors and Assigns of Issuer Bound by Indenture
    42  
13.02 Acts of Board, Committee or Officer of Successor Issuer Valid
    42  
13.03 Required Notices or Demands
    42  
13.04 Indenture and Debt Securities to Be Construed in Accordance with the Laws of the State of New York
    43  
13.05 Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel to Be Furnished upon Application or Demand by the Issuer
    43  
13.06 Payments Due on Legal Holidays
    43  
13.07 Provisions Required by TIA to Control
    43  
13.08 Computation of Interest on Debt Securities
    44  
13.09 Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar
    44  
13.10 Severability
    44  
13.11 Effect of Headings
    44  
13.12 Indenture May Be Executed in Counterparts
    44  

iv 


 

     THIS INDENTURE dated as of                     , 20___ is among National Health Investors, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Issuer”), and [                    ], a                     , as trustee (the “Trustee”).
RECITALS OF THE ISSUER
     The Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of the Issuer’s debentures, notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness to be issued in one or more series unlimited as to principal amount (herein called the “Debt Securities”), as in this Indenture provided.
     All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Issuer, in accordance with its terms, has been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH
     That in order to declare the terms and conditions upon which the Debt Securities are authenticated, issued and delivered, and in consideration of the premises, and of the purchase and acceptance of the Debt Securities by the holders thereof, the Issuer and the Trustee covenant and agree with each other, for the benefit of the respective holders from time to time of the Debt Securities or any series thereof, as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
     1.01 Definitions.
     “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. The Trustee may request and may conclusively rely upon an Officers’ Certificate to determine whether any Person is an Affiliate of any specified Person.
     “Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.
     “Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any authorized committee of the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any directors and/or officers of the Issuer to whom such Board of Directors or such committee shall have duly delegated its authority to act hereunder. All references in the Indenture to “Board of Directors” shall be deemed to refer to the Board of Directors of the Issuer, unless otherwise expressly indicated or the context otherwise requires.
     “Business Day” means any day other than a Legal Holiday.
     “capital stock” of any Person means and includes any and all shares, rights to purchase, warrants or options (whether or not currently exercisable), participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) the equity (which includes, but is not limited to, common stock, preferred stock and partnership and joint venture interests) of such Person (excluding any debt securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable for, such equity).
     “Charter” means the Issuer’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended.
     “Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
     “Debt” of any Person at any date means any obligation created or assumed by such Person for the repayment of borrowed money and any guarantee thereof.

 


 

     “Debt Security” or “Debt Securities” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any debt security or debt securities, as the case may be, of any series authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
     “Default” means any event, act or condition that is, or after notice or the passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default (as defined in Section 6.01).
     “Depositary” means, unless otherwise specified by the Issuer pursuant to either Sections 2.03 or 2.15, with respect to Debt Securities of any series issuable or issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, or any successor thereto registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act or other applicable statute or regulations.
     “Dollar” or “$” means such currency of the United States as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.
     “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor statute.
     “Floating Rate Security” means a Debt Security that provides for the payment of interest at a variable rate determined periodically by reference to an interest rate index specified pursuant to Section 2.03.
     “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States, as in effect from time to time.
     “Global Security” means with respect to any series of Debt Securities issued hereunder, a Debt Security which is executed by the Issuer and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction, all in accordance with this Indenture and any Indentures supplemental hereto, or resolution of the Board of Directors and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee and which shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all the Outstanding Debt Securities of such series or any portion thereof, in either case having the same terms, including, without limitation, the same original issue date, date or dates on which principal is due and interest rate or method of determining interest.
     “guarantee” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Debt or other obligation of any other Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Debt or other obligation of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise) or (b) entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Debt or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part); provided, however, that the term “guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The term “guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
     “Holder,” “Holder of Debt Securities” or other similar terms means, a Person in whose name a Debt Security is registered in the Debt Security Register (as defined in Section 2.07(a)).
     “Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed, or, if amended or supplemented as herein provided, as so amended or supplemented and shall include the form and terms of particular series of Debt Securities as contemplated hereunder, whether or not a supplemental Indenture is entered into with respect thereto.
     “Issuer Order” means a written request or order signed in the name of the Issuer, with respect to the Issuer, by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President of the Issuer, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant

2


 

Treasurer, the Controller, an Assistant Controller, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer, in each case delivered to the Trustee.
     “Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York, New York or at a Place of Payment (as defined in Section 2.03(e)) are authorized by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.
     “Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, security interest, pledge, charge or other encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law.
     “Officer” means, with respect to a Person, the Chairman of the Board, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, Controller, Secretary, Assistant Secretary or any Assistant Vice President of such Person.
     “Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by two Officers of the Issuer. One of the Officers signing the Officers’ Certificate must be the Issuer’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer or chief accounting officer.
     “Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuer or the Trustee.
     “Original Issue Discount Debt Security” means any Debt Security which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01.
     “Outstanding,” when used with respect to any series of Debt Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Debt Securities of that series theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:
  (a)   Debt Securities of that series theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
  (b)   Debt Securities of that series for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any paying agent (other than the Issuer) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Issuer (if the Issuer shall act as its own paying agent) for the Holders of such Debt Securities; provided, that, if such Debt Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made; and
  (c)   Debt Securities of that series which have been paid pursuant to Section 2.09 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Debt Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Debt Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Debt Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Debt Securities are valid obligations of the Issuer;
provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of any series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Debt Securities owned by the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities or any Affiliate of the Issuer or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Debt Securities which an officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Debt 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 Debt

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Securities and that the pledgee is not the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities or an Affiliate of the Issuer or of such other obligor. In determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Debt Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Debt Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purposes shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01.
     “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or other agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity of any kind.
     “Redemption Date” means, when used with respect to any Debt Security to be redeemed, the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.
     “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
     “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor statute.
     “Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency beyond the control of the Issuer unless such contingency has occurred).
     “Subsidiary” of any Person means:
  (a)   any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of equity interests entitled, without regard to the occurrence of any contingency, to vote in the election of directors, managers, trustees or equivalent Persons thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person or combination thereof; or
  (b)   in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the partners’ equity interests, considering all partners’ equity interests as a single class, is at such time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person or combination thereof.
     “TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§77aaa-77bbbb), as in effect on the date of this Indenture as originally executed and, to the extent required by law, as amended.
     “Trustee” initially means [                    ] and any other Person or Persons appointed as such from time to time pursuant to Section 7.08, and, subject to the provisions of Article VII, includes its or their successors and assigns. If at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Debt Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of that series.
     “Trust Officer” means any officer or assistant officer of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate trust matters.
     “United States” means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.
     “U.S. Government Obligations” means direct obligations of the United States of America, obligations on which the payment of principal and interest is fully guaranteed by the United States of America or obligations or guarantees for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged.

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     “Yield to Maturity” means the yield to maturity, calculated at the time of issuance of a series of Debt Securities, or, if applicable, at the most recent redetermination of interest on such series and calculated in accordance with accepted financial practice.
     1.02 Other Definitions.
         
Term
  Defined in Section
“Debt Security Register”
    2.07  
“Defaulted Interest”
    2.17  
“Event of Default”
    6.01  
“Place of Payment”
    2.03  
“Registrar”
    2.07  
“REIT
    3.01  
“Successor Issuer”
    10.01  
     1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act. Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.
     All terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them.
     1.04 Rules of Construction.
     Unless the context otherwise requires:
  (a)   a term has the meaning assigned to it;
 
  (b)   an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;
 
  (c)   “or” is not exclusive;
 
  (d)   words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular;
 
  (e)   provisions apply to successive events and transactions; and
 
  (f)   the principal amount of any non-interest-bearing or other discount security at any date shall be the principal amount thereof that would be shown on a balance sheet of the Issuer dated such date prepared in accordance with GAAP.
ARTICLE II
DEBT SECURITIES
     2.01 Forms Generally. The Debt Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form established without the approval of any Holder by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or in one or more Indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as the Issuer may deem appropriate (and, if not contained in a supplemental Indenture entered into in accordance with Article IX, as are not prohibited by the provisions of this Indenture) or as may be required or appropriate to comply with any law or with any rules made pursuant thereto or with any rules of any securities exchange on which such series of Debt Securities may be listed, or to conform to general usage, or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Debt Securities as evidenced by their execution of the Debt Securities.

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     The definitive Debt Securities of each series shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Debt Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Debt.
     2.02 Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication. The Trustee’s certificate of authentication on all Debt Securities authenticated by the Trustee shall be in substantially the following form:
TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
     This is one of the Debt Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
[                    ],
As Trustee
         
By:
   
 
   
Authorized Signatory    
     2.03 Principal Amount; Issuable in Series. The aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities which may be issued, executed, authenticated, delivered and outstanding under this Indenture is unlimited.
     The Debt Securities may be issued in one or more series in fully registered form. There shall be established, without the approval of any Holders, in or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, or established in one or more Indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Debt Securities of any series any or all of the following:
          (a) the title of the Debt Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Debt Securities of the series from all other Debt Securities);
          (b) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Debt Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Debt Securities of the series pursuant to this Article II);
          (c) the date or dates on which the principal and premium, if any, of the Debt Securities of the series are payable;
          (d) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the Debt Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, or the method of determining such rate or rates, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest shall be payable, or the method by which such date will be determined, the record dates for the determination of Holders thereof to whom such interest is payable; and the basis upon which interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve thirty-day months;
          (e) the place or places, if any, in addition to or instead of the corporate trust office of the Trustee, where the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, Debt Securities of the series shall be payable (“Place of Payment”);
          (f) the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which Debt Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Issuer or otherwise;

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          (g) whether Debt Securities of the series are entitled to the benefits of any guarantee of any subsidiary guarantors pursuant to this Indenture or supplemental Indenture;
          (h) the obligation, if any, of the Issuer to redeem, purchase or repay Debt Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof, and the price or prices at which and the period or periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which Debt Securities of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligations;
          (i) the terms, if any, upon which the Debt Securities of the series may be convertible into or exchanged for capital stock (which may be represented by depositary shares), other Debt Securities or warrants for capital stock or Debt or other securities of any kind of the Issuer or any other obligor and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange shall be effected, including the initial conversion or exchange price or rate, the conversion or exchange period and any other provision in addition to or in lieu of those described herein;
          (j) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which Debt Securities of the series shall be issuable;
          (k) if the amount of principal of or any premium or interest on Debt Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts will be determined;
          (l) if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of Debt Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to such Stated Maturity, the amount which will be deemed to be such principal amount as of any such date for any purpose, including the principal amount thereof which will be due and payable upon any maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which will be deemed to be Outstanding as of any such date (or, in any such case, the manner in which such deemed principal amount is to be determined);
          (m) any changes or additions to Article XI, including the addition of additional covenants that may be subject to the covenant defeasance option pursuant to Section 11.02(b);
          (n) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Debt Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01 or provable in bankruptcy pursuant to Section 6.02;
          (o) the terms, if any, of the transfer, mortgage, pledge or assignment as security for the Debt Securities of the series of any properties, assets, moneys, proceeds, securities or other collateral, including whether certain provisions of the TIA are applicable and any corresponding changes to provisions of this Indenture as currently in effect;
          (p) any addition to or change in the Events of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of the series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the Holders to declare the principal of, and premium and interest on, such Debt Securities due and payable;
          (q) if the Debt Securities of the series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of a Global Security or Securities, the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such Global Security or Securities may be exchanged in whole or in part for other individual Debt Securities in definitive registered form; and the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities and the form of any legend or legends to be borne by any such Global Security or Securities in addition to or in lieu of the legend referred to in Section 2.15(a);
          (r) any trustees, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrars;
          (s) the applicability of, and any addition to or change in the covenants and definitions currently set forth in this Indenture or in the terms currently set forth in Article X, including conditioning any merger, conveyance, transfer or lease permitted by Article X upon the satisfaction of any Debt coverage standard by the Issuer and any Successor Issuer (as defined in Article X);

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          (t) with regard to Debt Securities of the series that do not bear interest, the dates for certain required reports to the Trustee; and
          (u) any other terms of the Debt Securities of the series (which terms shall not be prohibited by the provisions of this Indenture).
     All Debt Securities of any one series appertaining thereto shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to such resolution of the Board of Directors and as set forth in such Officers’ Certificate or in any such Indenture supplemental hereto.
     2.04 Execution of Debt Securities. The Debt Securities shall be signed on behalf of the Issuer by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President of the Issuer. Such signatures upon the Debt Securities may be the manual or facsimile signatures of the present or any future such authorized officers and may be imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Debt Securities. The seal of the Issuer, if any, may be in the form of a facsimile thereof and may be impressed, affixed, imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Debt Securities.
     Only such Debt Securities as shall bear thereon a certificate of authentication substantially in the form hereinbefore recited, signed manually by the Trustee, shall be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose. Such certificate by the Trustee upon any Debt Security executed by the Issuer, shall be conclusive evidence that the Debt Security so authenticated has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder.
     In case any officer of the Issuer who shall have signed any of the Debt Securities shall cease to be such officer before the Debt Securities so signed shall have been authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, or disposed of by the Issuer, such Debt Securities nevertheless may be authenticated and delivered or disposed of as though the Person who signed such Debt Securities had not ceased to be such officer of the Issuer; and any Debt Security may be signed on behalf of the Issuer by such Persons as, at the actual date of the execution of such Debt Security, shall be the proper officers of the Issuer, as applicable, although at the date of such Debt Security or of the execution of this Indenture any such Person was not such officer.
     2.05 Authentication and Delivery of Debt Securities. At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Issuer may deliver Debt Securities of any series executed by the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication, and the Trustee shall thereupon authenticate and deliver said Debt Securities to or upon an Issuer Order. In authenticating such Debt Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Debt Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon:
          (a) a copy of any resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors, certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Issuer, authorizing the terms of issuance of any series of Debt Securities;
          (b) an executed supplemental Indenture, if any;
          (c) an Officers’ Certificate; and
          (d) an Opinion of Counsel prepared in accordance with Section 13.05 which shall also state:
          (i) that the form of such Debt Securities has been established by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or by a supplemental Indenture as permitted by Section 2.01 in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
          (ii) that the terms of such Debt Securities have been established by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or by a supplemental Indenture as permitted by Section 2.03 in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
          (iii) that such Debt Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Issuer in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will

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constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Issuer, enforceable in accordance with their terms except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and rights of acceleration and the availability of equitable remedies may be limited by equitable principles of general applicability;
          (iv) that the Issuer has the corporate power to issue such Debt Securities and has duly taken all necessary corporate action with respect to such issuance;
          (v) that the issuance of such Debt Securities will not contravene the organizational documents of the Issuer or result in any material violation of any of the terms or provisions of any law or regulation or of any material indenture, mortgage or other agreement known to such counsel by which the Issuer is bound;
          (vi) that authentication and delivery of such Debt Securities and the execution and delivery of any supplemental Indenture will not violate the terms of this Indenture; and
          (vii) such other matters as the Trustee may reasonably request.
     Such Opinion of Counsel need express no opinion as to whether a court in the United States would render a money judgment in a currency other than that of the United States.
     The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Debt Securities under this Section 2.05 if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith by its board of directors or trustees, executive committee or a trust committee of directors, trustees or vice presidents (or any combination thereof) shall determine that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability to existing Holders.
     The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate Debt Securities of any series. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate Debt Securities whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as any Registrar, paying agent or agent for service of notices and demands.
     Unless otherwise provided in the form of Debt Security for any series, each Debt Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
     2.06 Denomination of Debt Securities. Unless otherwise provided in the form of Debt Security for any series, the Debt Securities of each series shall be issuable only as fully registered Debt Securities in such Dollar denominations as shall be specified or contemplated by Section 2.03. In the absence of any such specification with respect to the Debt Securities of any series, the Debt Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
     2.07 Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
          (a) The Issuer shall keep or cause to be kept a register for each series of Debt Securities issued hereunder (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Debt Security Register”), in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Issuer shall provide for the registration of all Debt Securities and the transfer of Debt Securities as in this Article II provided. At all reasonable times the Debt Security Register shall be open for inspection by the Trustee. Subject to Section 2.15, upon due presentment for registration of transfer of any Debt Security at any office or agency to be maintained by the Issuer in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.02, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a new Debt Security or Debt Securities of authorized denominations for a like aggregate principal amount. In no event may Debt Securities be issued as, or exchanged for, bearer securities.

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     Unless and until otherwise determined by the Issuer by resolution of the Board of Directors, the register of the Issuer for the purpose of registration, exchange or registration of transfer of the Debt Securities shall be kept at the principal corporate trust office of the Trustee and, for this purpose, the Trustee shall be designated “Registrar.”
     Debt Securities of any series (other than a Global Security, except as set forth below) may be exchanged for a like aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities of the same series of other authorized denominations. Subject to Section 2.15, Debt Securities to be exchanged shall be surrendered at the office or agency to be maintained by the Issuer as provided in Section 4.02, and the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor the Debt Security or Debt Securities which the Holder making the exchange shall be entitled to receive.
          (b) All Debt Securities presented or surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange or payment shall (if so required by the Issuer, the Trustee or the Registrar) be duly endorsed or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Issuer, the Trustee and the Registrar, duly executed by the Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing.
     All Debt Securities issued in exchange for or upon transfer of Debt Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Debt Securities surrendered for such exchange or transfer.
     No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of Debt Securities (except as provided by Section 2.09), but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, fee, assessment or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto, other than those expressly provided in this Indenture to be made at the Issuer’s own expense or without expense or without charge to the Holders.
     The Issuer shall not be required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Debt Securities for a period of 15 days next preceding any mailing of notice of redemption of Debt Securities of such series or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Debt Securities selected, called or being called for redemption.
     Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Debt Security, the Issuer, the Trustee, any paying agent or any Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name a Debt Security is registered as the absolute owner of such Debt Security for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal of, and premium, if any, and (subject to Section 2.12) interest on, such Debt Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Debt Security is overdue, and none of the Issuer, the Trustee, any paying agent or any Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
     None of the Issuer, the Trustee, any agent of the Trustee, any paying agent or any Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests of a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
     2.08 Temporary Debt Securities. Pending the preparation of definitive Debt Securities of any series, the Issuer may execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver temporary Debt Securities (printed, lithographed, photocopied, typewritten or otherwise produced) of any authorized denomination, and substantially in the form of the definitive Debt Securities in lieu of which they are issued, in registered form with such omissions, insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Debt Securities, all as may be determined by the Issuer with the concurrence of the Trustee. Temporary Debt Securities may contain such reference to any provisions of this Indenture as may be appropriate. Every temporary Debt Security shall be executed by the Issuer and be authenticated by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with like effect, as the definitive Debt Securities.
     If temporary Debt Securities of any series are issued, the Issuer will cause definitive Debt Securities of such series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Debt Securities of such series, the temporary Debt Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Debt Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Debt Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Issuer at a Place

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of Payment for such series, without charge to the Holder thereof, except as provided in Section 2.07 in connection with a transfer. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Debt Securities of any series, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Debt Securities of the same series of authorized denominations and of like tenor. Until so exchanged, temporary Debt Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Debt Securities of such series.
     Upon any exchange of a portion of a temporary Global Security for a definitive Global Security or for the individual Debt Securities represented thereby pursuant to Section 2.07 or this Section 2.08, the temporary Global Security shall be endorsed by the Trustee to reflect the reduction of the principal amount evidenced thereby, whereupon the principal amount of such temporary Global Security shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount to be exchanged and endorsed.
     2.09 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Debt Securities. If (a) any mutilated Debt Security is surrendered to the Trustee at its corporate trust office or (b) the Issuer and the Trustee receive evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Debt Security, and there is delivered to the Issuer and the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any paying agent harmless, and neither the Issuer nor the Trustee receives notice that such Debt Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, then the Issuer shall execute and, upon an Issuer Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Debt Security, a new Debt Security of the same series of like tenor, form, terms and principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously Outstanding. Upon the issuance of any substituted Debt Security, the Issuer may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, fee, assessment or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses connected therewith. In case any Debt which has matured or is about to mature or which has been called for redemption shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Issuer may, instead of issuing a substituted Debt Security, pay or authorize the payment of the same (without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated Debt Security) if the applicant for such payment shall furnish the Issuer and the Trustee with such security or indemnity as either may require to save it harmless from all risk, however remote, and, in case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence to the satisfaction of the Issuer and the Trustee of the destruction, loss or theft of such Debt Security and of the ownership thereof.
     Every substituted Debt Security of any series issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section 2.09 by virtue of the fact that any Debt Security is destroyed, lost or stolen shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Issuer, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Debt Security shall be found at any time, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Debt Securities of that series duly issued hereunder. All Debt Securities shall be held and owned upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Debt Securities, and shall preclude any and all other rights or remedies, notwithstanding any law or statute existing or hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the replacement or payment of negotiable instruments or other securities without their surrender.
     2.10 Cancellation of Surrendered Debt Securities. All Debt Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, conversion, registration of transfer or exchange shall, if surrendered to the Issuer or any paying agent or a Registrar, be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation by it, or if surrendered to the Trustee, shall be canceled by it, and no Debt Securities shall be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly permitted by any of the provisions of this Indenture. All canceled Debt Securities held by the Trustee shall be destroyed (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act) and certification of their destruction delivered to the Issuer, unless otherwise directed. On request of the Issuer, the Trustee shall deliver to the Issuer canceled Debt Securities held by the Trustee. If the Issuer shall acquire any of the Debt Securities, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the Debt represented thereby unless and until the same are delivered or surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation. The Issuer may not issue new Debt Securities to replace Debt Securities it has redeemed, converted, paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
     2.11 Provisions of the Indenture and Debt Securities for the Sole Benefit of the Parties and the Holders. Nothing in this Indenture or in the Debt Securities, expressed or implied, shall give or be construed to give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, the Holders or any Registrar or paying agent, any legal or equitable right,

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remedy or claim under or in respect of this Indenture, or under any covenant, condition or provision herein contained; all its covenants, conditions and provisions being for the sole benefit of the parties hereto, the Holders and any Registrar and paying agents.
     2.12 Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.
          (a) Interest on any Debt Security that is payable and is punctually paid or duly provided for on any interest payment date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Debt Security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest notwithstanding the cancellation of such Debt Security upon any transfer or exchange subsequent to the regular record date. Payment of interest on Debt Securities shall be made at the corporate trust office of the Trustee (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 2.03), or at the option of the Issuer, by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Debt Security Register or, if provided pursuant to Section 2.03 and in accordance with arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee, at the option of the Holder by wire transfer to an account designated by the Holder.
          (b) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.12 and Section 2.17, each Debt Security of a particular series delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Debt Security of the same series shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Debt Security.
     2.13 Securities Denominated in Dollars. Except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 2.03 for Debt Securities of any series, payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, Debt Securities of such series will be made in Dollars.
     2.14 Wire Transfers. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary in this Indenture, the Issuer may make any payment of moneys required to be deposited with the Trustee on account of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Debt Securities (whether pursuant to optional or mandatory redemption payments, interest payments or otherwise) by wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account designated by the Trustee before 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date such moneys are to be paid to the Holders of the Debt Securities in accordance with the terms hereof.
     2.15 Securities Issuable in the Form of a Global Security.
          (a) If the Issuer shall establish pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.03 that the Debt Securities of a particular series are to be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, then the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee or its agent shall, in accordance with Section 2.05, authenticate and deliver, such Global Security or Securities, which shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, the Outstanding Debt Securities of such series to be represented by such Global Security or Securities, or such portion thereof as the Issuer shall specify in an Officers’ Certificate, shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities or its nominee, shall be delivered by the Trustee or its agent to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction and shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect:
     “UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENTS FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
     TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S

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NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO HEREIN,”
or such other legend as may then be required by the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities.
          (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.15 or of Section 2.07 to the contrary, and subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) below, unless the terms of a Global Security expressly permit such Global Security to be exchanged in whole or in part for definitive Debt Securities in registered form, a Global Security may be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in Section 2.07, only by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary for such Global Security, or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary to a successor Depositary for such Global Security selected or approved by the Issuer, or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.
     (c) (i) If at any time the Depositary for a Global Security or Securities notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or Securities or if at any time the Depositary for the Debt Securities for such series shall no longer be eligible or in good standing under the Exchange Act or other applicable statute, rule or regulation, the Issuer shall appoint a successor Depositary with respect to such Global Security or Securities. If a successor Depositary for such Global Security or Securities is not appointed by the Issuer within 90 days after the Issuer receives such notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee or its agent, upon receipt of an Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery of such individual Debt Securities of such series in exchange for such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver, individual Debt Securities of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security in exchange for such Global Security or Securities.
          (ii) The Issuer may at any time and in its sole discretion determine that the Debt Securities of any series or portion thereof issued or issuable in the form of one or more Global Securities shall no longer be represented by such Global Security or Securities. In such event the Issuer will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery of individual Debt Securities of such series in exchange in whole or in part for such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver individual Debt Securities of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such series or portion thereof in exchange for such Global Security or Securities.
          (iii) If specified by the Issuer pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.03 with respect to Debt Securities issued or issuable in the form of a Global Security, the Depositary for such Global Security may surrender such Global Security in exchange in whole or in part for individual Debt Securities of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form on such terms as are acceptable to the Issuer, the Trustee and such Depositary. Thereupon the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee or its agent upon receipt of an Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery of definitive Debt Securities of such series shall authenticate and deliver, without service charge, to each Person specified by such Depositary a new Debt Security or Securities of the same series of like tenor and terms and of any authorized denomination as requested by such Person in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for such Person’s beneficial interest in the Global Security; and to such Depositary a new Global Security of like tenor and terms and in an authorized denomination equal to the difference, if any, between the principal amount of the surrendered Global Security and the aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities delivered to Holders thereof.
          (iv) In any exchange provided for in any of the preceding three paragraphs, the Issuer will execute and the Trustee or its agent will authenticate and deliver individual Debt Securities. Upon the exchange of the entire principal amount of a Global Security for individual Debt Securities, such Global Security shall be canceled by the Trustee or its agent. Except as provided in the preceding paragraph, Debt Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security pursuant to this Section 2.15 shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary for such Global Security, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee or the

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Registrar. The Trustee or the Registrar shall deliver such Debt Securities to the Persons in whose names such Debt Securities are so registered.
     Payments in respect of the principal of and interest on any Debt Securities registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee will be payable to the Depositary or such nominee in its capacity as the registered owner of such Global Security. The Issuer and the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name the Debt Securities, including the Global Security, are registered as the owner thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. None of the Issuer, the Trustee, any Registrar, the paying agent or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of the beneficial ownership interests of the Global Security by the Depositary or its nominee or any of the Depositary’s direct or indirect participants, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of the Depositary, its nominee or any of its direct or indirect participants relating to the beneficial ownership interests of the Global Security, the payments to the beneficial owners of the Global Security of amounts paid to the Depositary or its nominee, or any other matter relating to the actions and practices of the Depositary, its nominee or any of its direct or indirect participants. None of the Issuer, the Trustee or any such agent will be liable for any delay by the Depositary, its nominee, or any of its direct or indirect participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the Debt Securities, and the Issuer and the Trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions from the Depositary or its nominee for all purposes (including with respect to the registration and delivery, and the respective principal amounts, of the Debt Securities to be issued).
     2.16 Medium Term Securities. Notwithstanding any contrary provision herein, if all Debt Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary for the Issuer to deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate, resolutions of the Board of Directors, supplemental Indenture, Opinion of Counsel or written order or any other document otherwise required pursuant to Sections 2.01, 2.03, 2.05 or 13.05 at or prior to the time of authentication of each Debt Security of such series if such documents are delivered to the Trustee or its agent at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first such Debt Security of such series to be issued; provided, that any subsequent request by the Issuer to the Trustee to authenticate Debt Securities of such series upon original issuance shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Issuer that, as of the date of such request, the statements made in the Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Sections 2.05 or 13.05 shall be true and correct as if made on such date and that the Opinion of Counsel delivered at or prior to such time of authentication of an original issuance of Debt Securities shall specifically state that it shall relate to all subsequent issuances of Debt Securities of such series that are identical to the Debt Securities issued in the first issuance of Debt Securities of such series.
     An Issuer Order delivered by the Issuer to the Trustee in the circumstances set forth in the preceding paragraph may provide that Debt Securities which are the subject thereof will be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or its agent on original issue from time to time upon the telephonic or written order of Persons designated in such written order (any such telephonic instructions to be promptly confirmed in writing by such Person) and that such Persons are authorized to determine, consistent with the Officers’ Certificate, supplemental Indenture or resolution of the Board of Directors relating to such written order, such terms and conditions of such Debt Securities as are specified in such Officers’ Certificate, supplemental Indenture or such resolution.
     2.17 Defaulted Interest. Any interest on any Debt Security of a particular series which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on the dates and in the manner provided in the Debt Securities of such series and in this Indenture (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder thereof on the relevant record date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Issuer, at their election in each case, as provided in clause (a) or (b) below:
          (a) The Issuer may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Debt Securities of such series are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each such Debt Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause

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provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer of such special record date and, in the name and at the expense of the Issuer, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor to be mailed, first class postage pre-paid, to each Holder thereof at its address as it appears in the Debt Security Register, not less than 10 days prior to such special record date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Debt Securities of such series are registered at the close of business on such special record date.
          (b) The Issuer may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Debt Securities of such series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Debt Securities of such series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Issuer to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
     2.18 CUSIP Numbers. The Issuer in issuing the Debt 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 accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Debt 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 Debt Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
     3.01 Right of Redemption. The Issuer may, at its option, redeem Debt Securities of any series as permitted or required by the terms of Debt Securities, which redemption shall be made in accordance with the terms of such Debt Securities and this Article. The Issuer may also redeem the Debt Securities of any series, in whole or from time to time in part, at any time in order to protect the Issuer’s status as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”), at the option of the Issuer at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article III, with respect to redemptions to protect the Issuer’s status as a REIT, the Debt Securities of any series will be immediately redeemable, at the option of and upon notice by the Issuer to the extent deemed sufficient in the opinion of the Board of Directors to prevent the Holder of such Debt Securities (or any other Person having an interest therein if the Debt Securities were thereupon converted) from being deemed to own shares of beneficial interest in excess of the limits prescribed in Article Ninth of the Charter.
     3.02 Notice of Redemption; Selection of Debt Securities. In case the Issuer shall desire to exercise the right to redeem all or, as the case may be, any part of the Debt Securities of any series in accordance with their terms, by resolution of the Board of Directors or a supplemental Indenture, the Issuer shall fix a date for redemption and shall give notice of such redemption at least 30 and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption to the Holders of Debt Securities of such series so to be redeemed as a whole or in part, in the manner provided in Section 13.03. The notice if given in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice. In any case, failure to give such notice or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Debt Security of a series designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Debt Security of such series.
     Each such notice of redemption shall specify the date fixed for redemption, the redemption price at which Debt Securities of such series are to be redeemed (or the method of calculating such redemption price), the Place or Places of Payment that payment will be made upon presentation and surrender of such Debt Securities, that any interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption will be paid as specified in said notice, that the redemption is for a sinking fund payment (if applicable), that, unless otherwise specified in such notice, that, if the Issuer defaults in making such redemption payment, the paying agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms

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of this Indenture, that on and after said date any interest thereon or on the portions thereof to be redeemed will cease to accrue, that in the case of Original Issue Discount Debt Securities original issue discount accrued after the date fixed for redemption will cease to accrue, the terms of the Debt Securities of that series pursuant to which the Debt Securities of that series are being redeemed, and that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Debt Securities of that series. If less than all the Debt Securities of a series are to be redeemed the notice of redemption shall specify the certificate numbers of the Debt Securities of that series to be redeemed. In case any Debt Security of a series is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, upon surrender of such Debt Security, a new Debt Security or Debt Securities of that series in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof, will be issued.
     At least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date, unless the Trustee consents to a shorter period, the Issuer shall give written notice to the Trustee of the Redemption Date, the principal amount of Debt Securities to be redeemed and the series and terms of the Debt Securities pursuant to which such redemption will occur. Such notice shall be accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel from the Issuer to the effect that such redemption will comply with the conditions herein. If fewer than all the Debt Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the record date relating to such redemption shall be selected by the Issuer and given in writing to the Trustee, which record date shall be not less than 15 days after the date of notice to the Trustee.
     By 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Redemption Date for any Debt Securities, the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee or with a paying agent (or, if the Issuer is acting as its own paying agent, segregate and hold in trust) an amount of money in Dollars (except as provided pursuant to Section 2.03) sufficient to pay the redemption price of such Debt Securities or any portions thereof that are to be redeemed on that date, together with any interest accrued to the Redemption Date.
     If less than all the Debt Securities of like tenor and terms of a series are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such other method as in its sole discretion it shall deem appropriate and fair, the Debt Securities of that series or portions thereof (in multiples of $1,000) to be redeemed. In any case where more than one Debt Security of such series is registered in the same name, the Trustee in its discretion may treat the aggregate principal amount so registered as if it were represented by one Debt Security of such series. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the Debt Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Debt Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. If any Debt Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof on such Redemption Date, the principal, premium, if any, and interest shall bear interest until paid from the Redemption Date at the rate borne by the Debt Securities of that series. If less than all the Debt Securities of unlike tenor and terms of a series are to be redeemed, the particular Debt Securities to be redeemed shall be selected by the Issuer. Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Debt Securities called for redemption also apply to portions of Debt Securities called for redemption.
     3.03 Payment of Debt Securities Called for Redemption. If notice of redemption has been given as provided in Section 3.02, the Debt Securities or portions of Debt Securities of the series with respect to which such notice has been given shall become due and payable on the date and at the Place or Places of Payment stated in such notice at the applicable redemption price, together with any interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption, and on and after said date (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of such Debt Securities at the applicable redemption price, together with any interest accrued to said date) any interest on the Debt Securities or portions of Debt Securities of any series so called for redemption shall cease to accrue, any original issue discount in the case of Original Issue Discount Debt Securities shall cease to accrue. On presentation and surrender of such Debt Securities at the Place or Places of Payment in said notice specified, the said Debt Securities or the specified portions thereof shall be paid and redeemed by the Issuer at the applicable redemption price, together with any interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption.
     Any Debt Security that is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at the corporate trust office or such other office or agency of the Issuer as is specified pursuant to Section 2.03 with, if the Issuer, the Registrar or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer, the Registrar and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Debt Security without service charge, a new Debt Security or Debt Securities of the same series, of like tenor and form, of any authorized

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denomination as requested by such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Debt Security so surrendered; except that if a Global Security is so surrendered, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Depositary for such Global Security, without service charge, a new Global Security in a denomination equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Global Security so surrendered. In the case of a Debt Security providing appropriate space for such notation, at the option of the Holder thereof, the Trustee, in lieu of delivering a new Debt Security or Debt Securities as aforesaid, may make a notation on such Debt Security of the payment of the redeemed portion thereof.
     3.04 Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds. The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Debt Securities of any series, resolution of the Board of Directors or a supplemental Indenture 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 Debt Securities of any series, resolution of the Board of Directors or a supplemental Indenture is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment.”
     In lieu of making all or any part of any mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to any Debt Securities of a series in cash, the Issuer may at its option (a) deliver to the Trustee Debt Securities of that series theretofore purchased or otherwise acquired by the Issuer or (b) receive credit for the principal amount of Debt Securities of that series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Issuer pursuant to the terms of such Debt Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Debt Securities, resolution or supplemental Indenture; provided, that such Debt Securities have not been previously so credited. Such Debt Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the redemption price specified in such Debt Securities, resolution or supplemental Indenture for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such mandatory sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.
     3.05 Redemption of Debt Securities for Sinking Fund. Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Debt Securities, the Issuer 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, any resolution or supplemental Indenture, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Debt Securities of that series pursuant to this Section 3.05 (which Debt Securities, if not previously redeemed, will accompany such certificate) and whether the Issuer intends to exercise its right to make any permitted optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series. Such certificate shall also state that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to such series. Such certificate shall be irrevocable and upon its delivery the Issuer shall be obligated to make the cash payment or payments therein referred to, if any, by 11 a.m., New York City time, on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date. Failure of the Issuer to deliver such certificate (or to deliver the Debt Securities specified in this paragraph) shall not constitute a Default, but such failure shall require that 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 Debt Securities subject to a mandatory sinking fund payment without the option to deliver or credit Debt Securities as provided in this Section 3.05 and without the right to make any optional sinking fund payment, if any, with respect to such series.
     Any sinking fund payment or payments (mandatory or optional) made in cash plus any unused balance of any preceding sinking fund payments made in cash which shall equal or exceed $100,000 (or a lesser sum if the Issuer shall so request) with respect to the Debt Securities of any particular series shall be applied by the Trustee on the sinking fund payment date on which such payment is made (or, if such payment is made before a sinking fund payment date, on the sinking fund payment date following the date of such payment) to the redemption of such Debt Securities at the redemption price specified in such Debt Securities, resolution or supplemental Indenture for operation of the sinking fund together with any accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption. Any sinking fund moneys not so applied or allocated by the Trustee to the redemption of Debt Securities shall be added to the next cash sinking fund payment received by the Trustee for such series and, together with such payment, shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.05. Any and all sinking fund moneys with respect to the Debt Securities of any particular series held by the Trustee on the last sinking fund payment date with respect to Debt Securities of such series and not held for the payment or redemption of particular Debt Securities shall be applied by the Trustee, together with other moneys, if necessary, to be deposited sufficient for the purpose, to the payment of the principal of the Debt Securities of that series at its Stated Maturity.

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     The Trustee shall select the Debt Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in the last paragraph of Section 3.02 and the Issuer shall cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the manner provided in Section 3.02 except that the notice of redemption shall also state that the Debt Securities are being redeemed by operation of the sinking fund. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Debt Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Section 3.03.
     The Trustee shall not redeem any Debt Securities of a series with sinking fund moneys or mail any notice of redemption of such Debt Securities by operation of the sinking fund for such series during the continuance of a Default in payment of interest on such Debt Securities or of any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default occurring as a consequence of this paragraph) with respect to such Debt Securities, except that if the notice of redemption of any such Debt Securities shall theretofore have been mailed in accordance with the provisions hereof, the Trustee shall redeem such Debt Securities if cash sufficient for that purpose shall be deposited with the Trustee for that purpose in accordance with the terms of this Article III. Except as aforesaid, any moneys in the sinking fund for such series at the time when any such Default or Event of Default shall occur and any moneys thereafter paid into such sinking fund shall, during the continuance of such Default or Event of Default, be held as security for the payment of such Debt Securities; provided, however, that in case such Default or Event of Default shall have been cured or waived as provided herein, such moneys shall thereafter be applied on the next sinking fund payment date for such Debt Securities on which such moneys may be applied pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.05.
ARTICLE IV
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE ISSUER
     4.01 Payment of Principal of, and Premium, If Any, and Interest on, Debt Securities. The Issuer, for the benefit of each series of Debt Securities, will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, each of the Debt Securities at the place, at the respective times and in the manner provided herein or in the Debt Securities. Each installment of interest on the Debt Securities may at the Issuer’s option be paid by mailing checks for such interest payable to the Person entitled thereto pursuant to Section 2.07(a) to the address of such Person as it appears on the Debt Security Register.
     Principal, premium and interest of Debt Securities of any series shall be considered paid on the date due if, by 11 a.m., New York City time, on such date the Trustee or any paying agent holds in accordance with this Indenture money sufficient to pay all principal, premium and interest then due.
     The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal or premium, if any, at the rate specified therefor in the Debt Securities and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.
     4.02 Maintenance of Offices or Agencies for Registration of Transfer, Exchange and Payment of Debt Securities. The Issuer will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Debt Securities an office or agency where Debt Securities of such series may be presented or surrendered for payment, and it shall also maintain (in or outside such Place of Payment) an office or agency where Debt Securities of such series may be surrendered for transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Debt Securities of such series and this Indenture may be served. The Issuer 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 Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the office of the Trustee where its corporate trust business is principally administered in the United States, and the Issuer hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
     The Issuer may also from time to time designate different or additional offices or agencies to be maintained for such purposes (in or outside of such Place of Payment), and may from time to time rescind any such designation; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Issuer of their obligations described in the preceding paragraph. The Issuer will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such additional designation or rescission of designation and any change in the location of any such different or additional office or agency.

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     4.03 Appointment to Fill a Vacancy in the Office of Trustee. The Issuer, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office of Trustee, will appoint, in the manner provided in Section 7.08, a Trustee, so that there shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder with respect to each series of Debt Securities.
     4.04 Duties of Paying Agents, etc.
          (a) The Issuer shall cause each paying agent, if any, other than the Trustee, to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 4.04:
          (i) that it will hold all sums held by it as such agent for the payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, the Debt Securities of any series (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Issuer or by any other obligor on the Debt Securities of such series) in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Debt Securities of such series;
          (ii) that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Issuer (or by any other obligor on the Debt Securities of such series) to make any payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, the Debt Securities of such series when the same shall be due and payable; and
          (iii) that it will at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held by it as such agent.
          (b) If the Issuer shall act as their own paying agent, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, the Debt Securities of any series, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Debt Securities of such series a sum sufficient to pay such principal, premium, if any, or interest so becoming due. The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of any failure by the Issuer to take such action or the failure by any other obligor on such Debt Securities to make any payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, such Debt Securities when the same shall be due and payable.
          (c) Anything in this Section 4.04 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Issuer may, at any time, for the purpose of obtaining a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, or for any other reason, pay or cause to be paid to the Trustee all sums held in trust by it or any paying agent, as required by this Section 4.04, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Issuer or such paying agent.
          (d) Whenever the Issuer shall have one or more paying agents with respect to any series of Debt Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, any Debt Securities of such series, deposit with any such paying agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal, premium or interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto, and (unless any such paying agent is the Trustee) the Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.
          (e) Anything in this Section 4.04 to the contrary notwithstanding, the agreement to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section 4.04 is subject to the provisions of Section 11.05.
     4.05 SEC Reports; Financial Statements.
          (a) The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are Outstanding, file with the Trustee, within 15 days after it files the same with the SEC, copies of the annual reports and the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Issuer is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. If the Issuer is not subject to the requirements of such Section 13 or 15(d), the Issuer shall file with the Trustee, within 15 days after it would have been required to file the same with the SEC, financial statements, including any notes thereto (and with respect to annual reports, an auditors’ report by a firm of established national reputation), and a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” both comparable to that which the Issuer would have been required to include in such annual reports, information, documents or other

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reports if the Issuer had been subject to the requirements of such Section 13 or 15(d). The Issuer shall also comply with the provisions of TIA Section 314(a).
          (b) If the Issuer is required to furnish annual or quarterly reports to its stockholders pursuant to the Exchange Act, the Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are outstanding, cause any annual report furnished to its stockholders generally and any quarterly or other financial reports furnished by it to its stockholders generally to be filed with the Trustee and mailed to the Holders in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 5.03.
          (c) The Issuer shall provide the Trustee with a sufficient number of copies of all reports and other documents and information that the Trustee may be required to deliver to Holders under this Section 4.05.
          (d) The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are Outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days of any Officer of the Issuer becoming aware of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
     4.06 Compliance Certificate.
          (a) The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are Outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Issuer, an Officers’ Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Issuer and its subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers of the Issuer with a view to determining whether the Issuer has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his knowledge the Issuer has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions hereof, without regard to any grace period or requirement of notice required by this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which such Officer may have knowledge and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto) and that to the best of his knowledge no event has occurred and remains in existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Debt Securities are prohibited or, if such event has occurred, a description of the event and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
          (b) The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee within 30 days after the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default under this Indenture, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default, the status thereof and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
     4.07 Further Instruments and Acts. The Issuer will, upon request of the Trustee, execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may reasonably be necessary or proper to carry out more effectually the purposes of this Indenture.
     4.08 Existence. Except as permitted by Article X hereof, the Issuer shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence and all rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of the Issuer, provided that the Issuer shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise, if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuer.
     4.09 Maintenance of Properties. The Issuer shall cause all properties owned by the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries or used or held for use in the conduct of its business or the business of any such subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order (reasonable wear and tear excepted) and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Issuer may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided that nothing in this

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Section 4.09 shall prevent the Issuer from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Issuer, desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any such Subsidiary and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
     4.10 Payment of Taxes and Other Claims. The Issuer shall pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (i) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries or upon the income, profits or property of the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries, and (ii) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a Lien upon the property of the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries; provided that the Issuer shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
     4.11 Waiver of Certain Covenants. The Issuer may, with respect to the Debt Securities of any series, omit in any particular instance to comply with any covenant set forth in this Article IV (except Sections 4.01 through 4.08) or made applicable to such Debt Securities pursuant to Section 2.03, if, before or after the time for such compliance, the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each series affected, waive such compliance in such instance with such covenant, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such covenant except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Issuer and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such covenant shall remain in full force and effect.
ARTICLE V
HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE TRUSTEE
     5.01 Issuer to Furnish Trustee Information as to Names and Addresses of Holders; Preservation of Information. The Issuer covenants and agrees that it will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of each series:
          (a) not more than 10 days after each record date with respect to the payment of interest, if any, 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
          (b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Issuer of any such request, a list of similar form and contents as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished;
provided, however, that so long as the Trustee shall be the Registrar, such lists shall not be required to be furnished.
     The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the Holders (i) contained in the most recent list furnished to it as provided in this Section 5.01 or (ii) received by it in the capacity of paying agent or Registrar (if so acting) hereunder.
     The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in this Section 5.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
     5.02 Communications to Holders. Holders may communicate pursuant to Section 312(b) of the TIA with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Debt Securities. The Issuer, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of Section 312(c) of the TIA.
     5.03 Reports by Trustee. Within 60 days after each January 31, beginning with the first January 31 following the date of this Indenture, and in any event on or before April 1 in each year, the Trustee shall mail to Holders a brief report dated as of such January 31 that complies with TIA Section 313(a); provided, however, that if no event described in TIA Section 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted. The Trustee also shall comply with TIA Section 313(b).

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     Reports pursuant to this Section 5.03 shall be transmitted by mail:
          (a) to all Holders, as the names and addresses of such Holders appear in the Debt Security Register; and
          (b) except in the cases of reports under Section 313(b)(2) of the TIA, to each Holder of a Debt Security of any series whose name and address appear in the information preserved at the time by the Trustee in accordance with Section 5.01.
     A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Holders shall be filed with the SEC and each stock exchange (if any) on which the Debt Securities of any series are listed. The Issuer agrees to notify promptly the Trustee whenever the Debt Securities of any series become listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.
     5.04 Record Dates for Action by Holders. If the Issuer shall solicit from the Holders of Debt Securities of any series any action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any direction, notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the Issuer may, at its option, by resolution of the Board of Directors, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders of Debt Securities entitled to take such action, but the Issuer shall have no obligation to do so. Any such record date shall be fixed at the Issuer’s discretion. If such a record date is fixed, such action may be sought or given before or after the record date, but only the Holders of Debt Securities of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders of Debt Securities for the purpose of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Debt Securities of such series Outstanding have authorized or agreed or consented to such action, and for that purpose the Debt Securities of such series Outstanding shall be computed as of such record date.
ARTICLE VI
REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND HOLDERS IN EVENT OF DEFAULT
     6.01 Events of Default. If any one or more of the following shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to Debt Securities of any series (each of the following, an “Event of Default”):
          (a) default in the payment of any installment of interest upon any Debt Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or
          (b) default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any Debt Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable, whether at Stated Maturity, upon redemption, by declaration, upon required repurchase or otherwise; or
          (c) default in the payment of any sinking fund payment with respect to any Debt Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable; or
          (d) failure on the part of the Issuer duly to observe or perform any other of the covenants or agreements on the part of the Issuer, in the Debt Securities of that series, in any resolution of the Board of Directors authorizing the issuance of that series of Debt Securities, in this Indenture with respect to such series or in any supplemental Indenture with respect to such series (other than a covenant a default in the performance of which is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with), continuing for a period of 60 days after the date on which written notice specifying such failure and requiring the Issuer to remedy the same shall have been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Issuer, by the Trustee or to the Issuer and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series at the time Outstanding; or
          (e) the Issuer, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
               (i) commences a voluntary case,

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               (ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,
               (iii) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property; or
               (iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;
          (f) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
               (i) is for relief against the Issuer, as debtor in an involuntary case,
               (ii) appoints a Custodian of the Issuer, or a Custodian for all or substantially all of the property of the Issuer, or
               (iii) orders the liquidation of the Issuer,
and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days; or
          (g) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Debt Securities of that series; then and in each and every case that an Event of Default described in clause (a), (b), (c), (d), or (g) with respect to Debt Securities of that series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, unless the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the Debt Securities of that series shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by notice in writing to the Issuer (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), may declare the principal of (or, if the Debt Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Debt Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series), premium, if any, and interest on all the Debt Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become and shall be immediately due and payable, anything in this Indenture or in the Debt Securities of that series contained to the contrary notwithstanding. If an Event of Default described in clause (e) or (f) occurs, then and in each and every such case, unless the principal of and interest on all the Debt Securities shall have become due and payable, the principal of (or, if any Debt Securities are Original Issue Discount Debt Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms thereof), premium, if any, and interest on all the Debt Securities then Outstanding hereunder shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders, anything in this Indenture or in the Debt Securities contained to the contrary notwithstanding.
     The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of a particular series by written notice to the Trustee may waive all past Defaults (except with respect to the nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest) and rescind an acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction already rendered and if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that has become due solely because of acceleration. Upon any such rescission, the parties hereto shall be restored respectively to their several positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the parties hereto shall continue as though no such proceeding had been taken.
     6.02 Collection of Debt by Trustee, etc. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid or enforce the performance of any provision of the Debt Securities of the affected series or this Indenture, and may prosecute any such action or proceedings to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of such series (and collect in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of such series wherever situated the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable).

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     In case there shall be pending proceedings for the bankruptcy or for the reorganization of the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of any series under any Bankruptcy Law, or in case a Custodian shall have been appointed for its property, or in case of any other similar judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of any series, its creditors or its property, the Trustee, irrespective of whether the principal of Debt Securities of any series 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 pursuant to the provisions of this Section 6.02, shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceedings or otherwise, to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of principal, premium, if any, and interest (or, if the Debt Securities of such series are Original Issue Discount Debt Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such series) owing and unpaid in respect of the Debt Securities of such series, 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 reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and for reimbursement of all expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee except as a result of its negligence or bad faith) and of the Holders thereof allowed in any such judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer, or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of such series, its creditors or its property, and to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims, and to distribute all amounts received with respect to the claims of such Holders and of the Trustee on their behalf, and any receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization is hereby authorized by each of such Holders to make payments to the Trustee, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of payments directly to such Holders, to pay to the Trustee such amount as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other reasonable expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee except as a result of its negligence or bad faith.
     All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the Debt Securities of any series, may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any such Debt Securities, or the production thereof in any trial or other proceedings relative thereto, and any such action or proceedings instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment (except for any amounts payable to the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.06) shall be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of all the Debt Securities in respect of which such action was taken.
     In case of an Event of Default hereunder the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any of such rights, either at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture, or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.
     6.03 Application of Moneys Collected by Trustee. Any moneys or other property collected by the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.02 with respect to Debt Securities of any series shall be applied, in the order following, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee for the distribution of such moneys or other property, upon presentation of the several Debt Securities of such series in respect of which moneys or other property have been collected, and the notation thereon of the payment, if only partially paid, and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
     FIRST: To the payment of all money due the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.06;
     SECOND: In case the principal of the Outstanding Debt Securities in respect of which such moneys have been collected shall not have become due, to the payment of interest on the Debt Securities of such series in the order of the maturity of the installments of such interest, with interest (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon the overdue installments of interest at the rate or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Debt Securities) borne by the Debt Securities of such series, such payments to be made ratably to the Persons entitled thereto, without discrimination or preference;
     THIRD: In case the principal of the Outstanding Debt Securities in respect of which such moneys have been collected shall have become due, by declaration or otherwise, to the payment of the whole amount then owing and unpaid upon the Debt Securities of such series for principal and premium, if any, and interest, with interest on the overdue principal and premium, if any, and (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon overdue installments of interest at the rate or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Debt

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Securities) borne by the Debt Securities of such series; and, in case such moneys shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole amount so due and unpaid upon the Debt Securities of such series, then to the payment of such principal and premium, if any, and interest, without preference or priority of principal and premium, if any, over interest, or of interest over principal and premium, if any, or of any installment of interest over any other installment of interest, or of any Debt Security of such series over any Debt Security of such series, ratably to the aggregate of such principal and premium, if any, and interest; and
     FOURTH: The remainder, if any, shall be paid to the Issuer, its successors or assigns, or to whomsoever may be lawfully entitled to receive the same, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.
     The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.03. At least 15 days before such record date, the Issuer shall mail to each Holder and the Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.
     6.04 Limitation on Suits by Holders. No Holder of any Debt Security of any series shall have any right by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any action or proceeding at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, upon or under or with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default with respect to Debt Securities of that same series and of the continuance thereof and unless the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action or proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder and shall have offered to the Trustee such reasonable indemnity or security as it may require against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby, and the Trustee, for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity or security shall have failed to institute any such action or proceedings and no direction inconsistent with such written request shall have been given to the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.06; it being understood and intended, and being expressly covenanted by the Holder of every Debt Security with every other Holder and the Trustee, that no one or more Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any Holders, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such Holder, or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all such Holders. For the protection and enforcement of the provisions of this Section 6.04, each and every Holder and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in equity.
     Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, however, the right of any Holder of any Debt Security to receive payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and (subject to Section 2.12) interest on, such Debt Security, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Debt Security, and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.
     6.05 Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission in Exercise of Rights Not a Waiver of Default. All powers and remedies given by this Article VI to the Trustee or to the Holders shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any thereof or of any other powers and remedies available to the Trustee or the Holders, by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to enforce the performance or observance of the covenants and agreements contained in this Indenture, and no delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid, shall impair any such right or power, or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Default or an acquiescence therein; and, subject to the provisions of Section 6.04, every power and remedy given by this Article VI or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders.
     6.06 Rights of Holders of Majority in Principal Amount of Debt Securities to Direct Trustee and to Waive Default. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series at the time 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 right, trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Debt Securities of such series; provided, however, that such direction shall not be otherwise than in accordance with

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law and the provisions of this Indenture, and that subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee being advised by counsel shall determine that the action so directed may not lawfully be taken, or if the Trustee shall by a responsible officer or officers determine that the action so directed would involve it in personal liability or would be unduly prejudicial to Holders of Debt Securities of such series not taking part in such direction; and provided, further, however, that nothing in this Indenture contained shall impair the right of the Trustee to take any action deemed proper by the Trustee and which is not inconsistent with such direction by such Holders. Prior to the acceleration of the maturity of the Debt Securities of any series, as provided in Section 6.01, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series at the time Outstanding may on behalf of the Holders of all the Debt Securities of that series waive any past Default or Event of Default and its consequences for that series, except a Default in the payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, any of the Debt Securities and a Default in respect of a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be amended without the consent of each Holder affected thereby. In case of any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture, and the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of the Debt Securities of that series shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, respectively; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
     6.07 Trustee to Give Notice of Defaults Known to It, but May Withhold Such Notice in Certain Circumstances. The Trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of a Default known to it, or if later, within 30 days after the Trustee obtains actual knowledge of the Default, with respect to a series of Debt Securities give to the Holders thereof, in the manner provided in Section 13.03, notice of all Defaults with respect to such series known to the Trustee, unless such Defaults shall have been cured or waived before the giving of such notice; provided, that, except in the case of Default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any of the Debt Securities of such series or in the making of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Debt Securities 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 committee of directors or responsible officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders thereof.
     6.08 Requirement of an Undertaking to Pay Costs in Certain Suits under the Indenture or Against the Trustee. All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Debt Security 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 in the manner and to the extent provided in the TIA, 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 6.08 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 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any Debt Security on or after the due date for such payment expressed in such Debt Security.
ARTICLE VII
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
     7.01 Certain Duties and Responsibilities. The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default which may have occurred, undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture. In case an Event of Default has occurred (which has not been cured or waived), the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.
     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, its own bad faith or its own willful misconduct, except that:

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     (a) this paragraph shall not be construed to limit the effect of the first paragraph of this Section 7.01;
     (b) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of a series and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default with respect to such series which may have occurred:
          (i) the duties and obligations of the Trustee with respect to Debt Securities of any series shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations with respect to such series as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to such series shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee;
          (ii) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the 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 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 the Trustee shall examine the evidence furnished to it pursuant to Sections 4.05 and 4.06 to determine whether or not such evidence conforms to the requirement of this Indenture;
          (iii) the Trustee shall not be liable for an 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
          (iv) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it with respect to Debt Securities of any series in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that 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 with respect to Debt Securities of such series.
     None of the provisions of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there shall be reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
     Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.
     7.02 Certain Rights of Trustee. Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01:
          (a) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, 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, direction, order or demand of the Issuer mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Issuer Order (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed); and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be evidenced to the Trustee by a copy thereof certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer;
          (c) the Trustee may consult with counsel, and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or Opinion of Counsel;

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          (d) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders of Debt Securities of any series pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred therein or thereby;
          (e) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted 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;
          (f) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and after the curing of all Events of Default which may have occurred, 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, approval or other paper or document, unless requested in writing to do so by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then Outstanding Debt Securities of a series affected by such matter; provided, however, that if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is not, in the opinion of the Trustee, reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require reasonable indemnity against such costs, expenses or liabilities as a condition to so proceeding, and the reasonable expense of every such investigation shall be paid by the Issuer or, if paid by the Trustee, shall be repaid by the Issuer upon demand;
          (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 by it with due care hereunder; and
          (h) if any property other than cash shall at any time be subject to a Lien in favor of the Holders, the Trustee, if and to the extent authorized by a receivership or bankruptcy court of competent jurisdiction or by the supplemental instrument subjecting such property to such Lien, shall be entitled to make advances for the purpose of preserving such property or of discharging tax Liens or other prior Liens or encumbrances thereon.
     7.03 Trustee Not Liable for Recitals in Indenture or in Debt Securities. The recitals contained herein, in the Debt Securities (except the Trustee’s certificate of authentication) shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Debt Securities of any series, except that the Trustee represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture, authenticate the Debt Securities and perform its obligations hereunder, and that the statements made by it or to be made by it in a Statement of Eligibility and Qualification on Form T-1 supplied to the Issuer is true and accurate. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer of any of the Debt Securities or of the proceeds thereof.
     7.04 Trustee, Paying Agent or Registrar May Own Debt Securities. The Trustee or any paying agent or Registrar, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Debt Securities and subject to the provisions of the TIA relating to conflicts of interest and preferential claims may otherwise deal with the Issuer with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, paying agent or Registrar.
     7.05 Moneys Received by Trustee to Be Held in Trust. Subject to the provisions of Section 11.05, all moneys received by the Trustee shall, until used or applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received, but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any moneys received by it hereunder. So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, all interest allowed on any such moneys shall be paid from time to time to the Issuer upon an Issuer Order.
     7.06 Compensation and Reimbursement. The Issuer covenants and agrees to pay in Dollars to the Trustee from time to time, and the Trustee shall be entitled to, reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust), and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Issuer will pay or reimburse in Dollars the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses

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and disbursements of its agents, attorneys and counsel and of all Persons not regularly in its employ), including without limitation, Section 6.02, except any such expense, disbursement or advances as may arise from its negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. The Issuer also covenants to indemnify in Dollars the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust or trusts hereunder, including the reasonable costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim of liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. The obligations of the Issuer under this Section 7.06 to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional Debt hereunder and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture. The Issuer and the Holders agree that such additional Debt shall be secured by a Lien prior to that of the Debt 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, and premium, if any, or interest on, particular Debt Securities.
     When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Sections 6.01(e) or 6.01(f) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law.
     7.07 Right of Trustee to Rely on an Officers’ Certificate Where No Other Evidence Specifically Prescribed. Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01, whenever in the administration of the provisions of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering or omitting any action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee and such certificate, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith thereof.
     7.08 Separate Trustee; Replacement of Trustee. The Issuer may, but need not, appoint a separate Trustee for any one or more series of Debt Securities. The Trustee may resign with respect to one or more or all series of Debt Securities at any time by giving notice to the Issuer. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debt Securities of a particular series may remove the Trustee for such series and only such series by so notifying the Trustee and may appoint a successor Trustee. The Issuer shall remove the Trustee if:
          (a) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;
          (b) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;
          (c) a Custodian takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
          (d) the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.
     If the Trustee resigns, is removed by the Issuer or by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debt Securities of a particular series and such Holders do not reasonably promptly appoint a successor Trustee, or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason (the Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Trustee), the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee. No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of this Section 7.08.
     A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuer. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders of Debt Securities of each applicable series. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.06.

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     If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee gives notice of resignation or is removed, the retiring Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the Debt Securities of any applicable series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee for the Debt Securities of such series.
     If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, any Holder of Debt Securities of any applicable series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee for the Debt Securities of such series.
     Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, Issuer’s obligations under Section 7.06 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.
     In the case of the appointment hereunder of a separate or successor Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of one or more series, the Issuer, any retiring Trustee and each successor or separate Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of any applicable series shall execute and deliver an Indenture supplemental hereto (i) which shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of any retiring Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of any series as to which any such retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in such retiring Trustee and (ii) that shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental Indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such separate, retiring or successor 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.
     7.09 Successor Trustee by Merger. If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation or banking association without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.
     In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Debt Securities shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee, and deliver such Debt Securities so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Debt Securities shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Debt Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Debt Securities or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.
     7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification. The Trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of Section 310(a) of the TIA. The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition. No obligor upon the Debt Securities of a particular series or Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such obligor shall serve as Trustee upon the Debt Securities of such series. The Trustee shall comply with Section 310(b) of the TIA; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from the operation of Section 310(b)(1) of the TIA this Indenture or any indenture or indentures under which other securities or certificates of interest or participation in other securities of the Issuer are outstanding if the requirements for such exclusion set forth in Section 310(b)(1) of the TIA are met.
     7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer. The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the TIA, excluding any creditor relationship listed in Section 311(b) of the TIA. A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the TIA to the extent indicated therein.
     7.12 Compliance with Tax Laws. The Trustee hereby agrees to comply with all U.S. Federal income tax information reporting and withholding requirements applicable to it with respect to payments of premium (if any) and interest on the Debt Securities, whether acting as Trustee, Registrar, paying agent or otherwise with respect to the Debt Securities.

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ARTICLE VIII
CONCERNING THE HOLDERS
     8.01 Evidence of Action by Holders. Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the Holders of a specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any or all series may take action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any direction, notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action) the fact that at the time of taking any such action the Holders of such specified percentage have joined therein may be evidenced by any instrument or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by Holders in person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing, by the record of the Holders voting in favor thereof at any meeting of Holders duly called and held in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.02 or by a combination of such instrument or instruments and any such record of such a meeting of Holders.
     8.02 Proof of Execution of Instruments and of Holding of Debt Securities. Subject to the provisions of Sections 7.01, 7.02 and 13.09, proof of the execution of any instrument by a Holder or his agent or proxy shall be sufficient if made in accordance with such reasonable rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Trustee or in such manner as shall be satisfactory to the Trustee. The ownership of Debt Securities of any series shall be proved by the Debt Security Register or by a certificate of the Registrar for such series. The Trustee may require such additional proof of any matter referred to in this Section 8.02 as it shall deem necessary.
     8.03 Who May Be Deemed Owner of Debt Securities. Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any Debt Security, the Issuer, the Trustee, any paying agent and any Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Debt Security shall be registered upon the books of the Issuer as the absolute owner of such Debt Security (whether or not such Debt Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing thereon) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal of and premium, if any, and (subject to Section 2.12) interest on such Debt Security and for all other purposes, and neither the Issuer nor the Trustee nor any paying agent nor any Registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary; and all such payments so made to any such Holder for the time being, or upon his order, shall be valid and, to the extent of the sum or sums so paid, effectual to satisfy and discharge the liability for moneys payable upon any such Debt Security.
     None of the Issuer, the Trustee, any agent of the Trustee, any paying agent or any Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
     8.04 Instruments Executed by Holders Bind Future Holders. At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section 8.01, of the taking of any action by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series specified in this Indenture in connection with such action and subject to the following paragraph, any Holder of a Debt Security which is shown by the evidence to be included in the Debt Securities the Holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice with the Trustee at its corporate trust office and upon proof of holding as provided in Section 8.02, revoke such action so far as concerns such Debt Security. Except as aforesaid any such action taken by the Holder of any Debt Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and owners of such Debt Security and of any Debt Security issued upon transfer thereof or in exchange or substitution therefor, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon such Debt Security or such other Debt Securities. Any action taken by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series specified in this Indenture in connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of all the Debt Securities of such series.
     The Issuer may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Debt Securities entitled to give their consent or take any other action required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders of Debt Securities at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders of Debt Securities after such record date. No such consent shall be valid

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or effective for more than 120 days after such record date unless the consent of the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of such series specified in this Indenture shall have been received within such 120-day period.
ARTICLE IX
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
     9.01 Purposes for Which Supplemental Indenture May Be Entered into Without Consent of Holders. The Issuer, when authorized by resolutions of the Board of Directors, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time, without the consent of Holders, enter into an Indenture or Indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the TIA as in force at the date of the execution thereof) for one or more of the following purposes:
          (a) to evidence the succession pursuant to Article X of another Person to the Issuer, or successive successions, and the assumption by the Successor Issuer (as defined in Section 10.01) of the covenants, agreements and obligations of the Issuer in this Indenture and in the Debt Securities;
          (b) to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer, to add to the covenants of the Issuer such further covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the Holders of all or any series of Debt Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Debt Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) as the Board of Directors shall consider to be for the protection of the Holders of such Debt Securities, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance, of a Default in any of such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions a Default or an Event of Default permitting the enforcement of all or any of the several remedies provided in this Indenture; provided, that in respect of any such additional covenant, restriction, condition or provision such supplemental Indenture may provide for a particular period of grace after Default (which period may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other Defaults) or may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such Default or may limit the remedies available to the Trustee upon such Default or may limit the right of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of any or all series of Debt Securities to waive such default;
          (c) to cure any ambiguity or omission or to correct or supplement any provision contained herein, in any supplemental Indenture or in any Debt Securities of any series that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained herein, in any supplemental Indenture or in the Debt Securities of such series; to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or with the Trustee, or to make such other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising under this Indenture as shall not adversely affect the interests of any Holders of Debt Securities of any series;
          (d) to modify or amend this Indenture in such a manner as to permit the qualification of this Indenture or any Indenture supplemental hereto under the TIA as then in effect, except that nothing herein contained shall permit or authorize the inclusion in any Indenture supplemental hereto of the provisions referred to in Section 316(a)(2) of the TIA;
          (e) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, on, Debt Securities; provided, that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Debt Securities of any series in any material respect or permit or facilitate the issuance of Debt Securities of any series in uncertificated form;
          (f) to add subsidiary guarantors with respect to any or all of the Debt Securities or to secure any or all of the Debt Securities;
          (g) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder;
          (h) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Debt Securities; provided, however, that any such addition, change or elimination not otherwise

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permitted under this Section 9.01 shall neither apply to any Debt Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental Indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor modify the rights of the Holder of any such Debt Security with respect to such provision or shall become effective only when there is no such Debt Security Outstanding;
          (i) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor or separate Trustee with respect to the Debt 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; and
          (j) to establish the form or terms of Debt Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 2.01 and 2.03.
     The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Issuer in the execution of any such supplemental Indenture, to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained and to accept the conveyance, transfer, assignment, mortgage or pledge of any property thereunder, but the Trustee 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.
     Any supplemental Indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section 9.01 may be executed by the Issuer, and the Trustee without the consent of the Holders of any of the Debt Securities at the time Outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 9.02.
     9.02 Modification of Indenture with Consent of Holders of Debt Securities. Without notice to any Holder but with the consent (evidenced as provided in Section 8.01) of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each series affected by such supplemental Indenture (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for any such series of Debt Securities), the Issuer, when authorized by resolutions of the Board of Directors, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an Indenture or Indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the TIA as in force at the date of execution thereof) for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Debt Securities of such series; provided, that no such supplemental Indenture, without the consent of the Holders of each Debt Security so affected, shall: (i) reduce the percentage in principal amount of Debt Securities of any series whose Holders must consent to an amendment; (ii) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any Debt Security; (iii) reduce the principal of or extend the Stated Maturity of any Debt Security; (iv) reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any Debt Security or change the time at which any Debt Security may or shall be redeemed in accordance with Article III; (v) make any Debt Security payable in currency other than the Dollar; (vi) impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of premium, if any, principal of and interest on such Holder’s Debt Securities on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Debt Securities; (vii) release any security that may have been granted in respect of the Debt Securities; or (viii) make any change in Section 6.06 or this Section 9.02.
     A supplemental Indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has been expressly included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Debt Securities or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Debt 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 Debt Securities of any other series.
     Upon the request of the Issuer, accompanied by a copy of resolutions of the Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such supplemental Indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Holders as aforesaid, the Trustee shall join with the Issuer in the execution of such supplemental Indenture unless such supplemental Indenture affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion but shall not be obligated to enter into such supplemental Indenture.

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     It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental Indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.
     After an amendment under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Issuer shall mail to Holders of Debt Securities of each series affected thereby a notice briefly describing such amendment. The failure to give such notice to all such Holders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section 9.02.
     9.03 Effect of Supplemental Indentures. Upon the execution of any supplemental Indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX, this Indenture shall be and be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Issuer, and the Holders shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all the terms and conditions of any such supplemental Indenture shall be and be deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.
     The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Sections 7.01 and 7.02, may receive an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any such supplemental Indenture complies with the provisions of this Article IX.
     9.04 Debt Securities May Bear Notation of Changes by Supplemental Indentures. Debt Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental Indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX 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. New Debt Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Board of Directors, to any modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental Indenture may be prepared and executed by the Issuer, authenticated by the Trustee and delivered in exchange for the Debt Securities of such series then Outstanding. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Debt Security of such series shall not affect the validity of such amendment.
ARTICLE X
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
     10.01 Consolidations and Mergers of the Issuer. The Issuer shall not consolidate or amalgamate with or merge with or into any Person, or sell, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to any Person, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, except (1) in accordance with the provisions of the Charter, and (2) unless: (a) either (i) the Issuer shall be the continuing Person in the case of a merger or (ii) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person if other than the Issuer (the “Successor Issuer”), shall be a partnership, limited liability company or corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, and the Successor Issuer shall expressly assume, by an Indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Debt Securities according to their tenor; (b) immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Debt which becomes an obligation of the Successor Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Successor Issuer as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Successor Issuer or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default or Event of Default would occur or be continuing; and (c) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or disposition and such supplemental Indenture (if any) comply with this Indenture.
     10.02 Rights and Duties of Successor Issuer. In case of any consolidation, amalgamation or merger in respect of an Issuer where such Issuer is not the continuing Person, or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such Issuer in accordance with Section 10.01, the Successor Issuer shall succeed to and be substituted for such Issuer with the same effect as if it had been named herein as the respective party to this Indenture, and the predecessor entity shall be released from all liabilities and obligations under this Indenture and the Debt Securities, except that no such release will occur in the case of a lease of all or substantially all of its assets. The Successor Issuer thereupon may cause to be signed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of such Issuer, any or

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all the Debt Securities issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by such Issuer and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of the Successor Issuer, instead of the Issuer, and subject to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee shall authenticate and shall deliver any Debt Securities which previously shall have been signed and delivered by the officers of the Issuer, to the Trustee for authentication, and any Debt Securities which the Successor Issuer thereafter shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee for that purpose. All the Debt Securities so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Debt Securities theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all such Debt Securities had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.
     In case of any such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, sale or disposition such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Debt Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.
ARTICLE XI
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE; UNCLAIMED MONEYS
     11.01 Applicability of Article. The provisions of this Article XI relating to defeasance of Debt Securities shall be applicable to each series of Debt Securities except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 2.03 for Debt Securities of such series.
     11.02 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance.
          (a) If at any time the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all Debt Securities of any series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than any Debt Securities of such series which shall have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which shall have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.09 and Debt Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Issuer as provided in Section 11.05) or all Debt Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or 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 the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee as trust funds the entire amount in cash sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all Debt 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 on such date of Stated Maturity or redemption date, as the case may be, and if in either case the Issuer shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Issuer, then this Indenture shall cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of such Debt Securities herein expressly provided for) with respect to the Debt Securities of such series, and the Trustee, on demand of the Issuer accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel and at the cost and expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction of and discharging this Indenture.
          (b) Subject to Sections 11.02(c), 11.03 and 11.07, the Issuer at any time may terminate, with respect to Debt Securities of a particular series, all its obligations under the Debt Securities of such series and this Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of such series (“legal defeasance option”) or the operation of (x) any covenant made applicable to such Debt Securities pursuant to Section 2.03, (y) Sections 6.01(d) and 6.01(g) (“covenant defeasance option”). If the Issuer exercises its legal defeasance option, any guarantee will terminate with respect to that series of Debt Securities. The Issuer may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option.
     If the Issuer exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of the Debt Securities of the defeased series may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default. If the Issuer exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the Debt Securities of the defeased series may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in Sections 6.01(d) and 6.01(g) and, with respect to any subsidiary guarantors only, Sections 6.01(e) and 6.01(f) (except to the extent covenants or agreements referenced in such sections remain applicable).
     Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and upon request of the Issuer, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of those obligations that the Issuer terminates.

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          (c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) above, the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 2.07, 2.09, 4.02, 4.04, 5.01, 7.06, 11.05, 11.06, 11.07 and in Article XII shall survive until the Debt Securities of the defeased series have been paid in full. Thereafter, the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 7.06, 11.05 and 11.06 shall survive.
     11.03 Conditions of Defeasance. The Issuer may exercise its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option with respect to Debt Securities of a particular series only if:
          (a) the Issuer irrevocably deposits in trust with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Debt Securities of such series to Stated Maturity or redemption, as the case may be;
          (b) the Issuer deliver to the Trustee a certificate from a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants expressing their opinion that the payments of principal and interest when due and without reinvestment on the deposited U.S. Government Obligations plus any deposited money without investment will provide cash at such times and in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay the principal, premium and interest when due on all the Debt Securities of such series to Stated Maturity or redemption, as the case may be;
          (c) 91 days pass after the deposit is made and during the 91-day period no Default specified in Sections 6.01(e) or 6.01(f) with respect to the Issuer occurs which is continuing at the end of the period;
          (d) no Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit and after giving effect thereto;
          (e) the deposit does not constitute a default under any other agreement binding on the Issuer;
          (f) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the trust resulting from the deposit does not constitute, or is qualified as, a regulated investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;
          (g) in the event of the legal defeasance option, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that the Issuer has received from the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or since the date of this Indenture there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case of the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of Debt Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred;
          (h) in the event of the covenant defeasance option, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of Debt Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such covenant defeasance had not occurred; and
          (i) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge of the Debt Securities of such series as contemplated by this Article XI have been complied with.
     Before or after a deposit, the Issuer may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of Debt Securities of such series at a future date in accordance with Article III.
     11.04 Application of Trust Money. The Trustee shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to this Article XI. It shall apply the deposited money and the money from U.S. Government Obligations through any paying agent and in accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Debt Securities of the defeased series.

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     11.05 Repayment to Issuer. The Trustee and any paying agent shall promptly turn over to the Issuer upon request any excess money or securities held by them at any time.
     Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, the Trustee and any paying agent shall pay to the Issuer upon request any money held by them for the payment of principal, premium or interest that remains unclaimed for two years, and, thereafter, Holders entitled to such money must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors.
     11.06 Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations. The Issuer shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee and the Holders against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against deposited U.S. Government Obligations or the principal and interest received on such U.S. Government Obligations.
     11.07 Reinstatement. If the Trustee or any paying agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article XI by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or government authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture and the Debt Securities of the defeased series shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article XI until such time as the Trustee or any paying agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article XI.
ARTICLE XII
CONVERSION OF SECURITIES
     12.01 Right of Conversion: Conversion Price. If provided in the resolutions of the Board of Directors with respect to such series of Debt Securities, the Holder of any Debt Security or Debt Securities of a particular series shall have the right, at his option, at any time after such date as determined by such resolutions and before the close of business on such date as determined by such resolutions (except that, with respect to any Debt Security or portion of a Debt Security of such series which shall be called for redemption, such right shall terminate at the close of business on the date fixed for redemption of such Debt Security or portion of a Debt Security unless the Issuer shall default in payment due upon redemption thereof), to convert, subject to the terms and provisions of this Article XII, the principal of any Debt Security or Debt Securities of such series or any portion thereof which is $1,000 principal amount or an integral multiple thereof into shares of common stock of the Issuer or Debt Securities of another series of Debt Securities, initially at the conversion price per share specified in the Debt Securities of such series; or, in case an adjustment of such price has taken place pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.04, then at the price as last adjusted (such price or adjusted price being referred to herein as the “conversion price”), upon surrender of the Debt Security or Debt Securities, the principal of which is so to be converted, accompanied by written notice of conversion duly executed, to the Issuer, at any time during usual business hours at the office or agency maintained by it for such purpose, and, if so required by the conversion agent or Registrar, accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the conversion agent or Registrar duly executed by the Holder or his duly authorized representative in writing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and in order to protect the Issuer’s status as a REIT, a Holder may not convert any Debt Security, and any such Debt Security shall not be convertible by any Holder, if as a result of such conversion any person would then be deemed to beneficially own, directly or indirectly shares of beneficial interest in excess of the limits prescribed in Article Ninth of the Charter.
     12.02 Issuance of Shares on Conversion. As promptly as practicable after the surrender, as herein provided, of any Debt Security or Debt Securities of any series for conversion, the Issuer shall deliver or cause to be delivered at its said office or agency, to or upon the written order of the Holder of the Debt Security or Debt Securities so surrendered, certificates representing the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of common stock of the Issuer or Debt Securities of another series of the Issuer into which such Debt Security or Debt Securities may be converted in accordance with the provisions of this Article XII. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made as of the close of business on the date that such Debt Security or Debt Securities shall have been surrendered for conversion by delivery thereof with a written notice of conversion duly executed, so that the rights of the Holder of such Debt Security or Debt Securities as such shall cease at such time and, subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, the Person or Persons entitled to receive the shares of common stock or Debt Securities of another series upon conversion of such Debt Security or Debt Securities shall be treated for all purposes as having become the record holder or holders of such shares of common stock or Debt Securities of another series at such

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time and such conversion shall be at the conversion price in effect at such time; provided, however, that with respect to shares of the Issuer’s common stock, no such surrender on any date when the stock transfer books of the Issuer shall be closed shall be effective to constitute the Person or Persons entitled to receive the shares of common stock upon such conversion as the record holder or holders of such shares of common stock on such date, but such surrender shall be effective to constitute the Person or Persons entitled to receive such shares of common stock as the record holder or holders thereof for all purposes at the close of business on the next succeeding day on which such stock transfer books are open; such conversion shall be at the conversion price in effect on the date that such Debt Security or Debt Securities shall have been surrendered for conversion by delivery thereof, as if the stock transfer books of the Issuer had not been closed. The Issuer shall give or cause to be given to the Trustee written notice whenever the stock transfer books of the Issuer shall be closed.
     Upon conversion of any Debt Security of any series which is converted in part only, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to or on the order of the Holder thereof, at the expense of the Issuer, a new Debt Security or Debt Securities of such series of authorized denominations in principal amount equal to the unconverted portion of such Debt Security.
     12.03 No Adjustment for Interest or Dividends. No payment or adjustment in respect of interest on the Debt Securities of any series or dividends on the shares of common stock shall be made upon the conversion of any Debt Security or Debt Securities; provided, however, that if a Debt Security of any series or any portion thereof shall be converted subsequent to any regular record date and on or prior to the next succeeding interest payment date, the interest falling due on such interest payment date shall be payable on such interest payment date notwithstanding such conversion, and such interest (whether or not punctually paid or duly provided for) shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Debt Security is registered at the close of business on such regular record date and Debt Securities surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any regular record date to the opening of business on the corresponding interest payment date must be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the interest payable on such interest payment date.
     12.04 Adjustment of Conversion Price.
          (a) With respect to any series of Debt Securities that is convertible into shares of the Issuer’s common stock, in case the Issuer shall pay or make a dividend or other distribution on any class of capital stock of the Issuer in shares of common stock, the conversion price for any series of Debt Securities in effect at the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or other distribution shall be reduced by multiplying such conversion price by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for such determination and the denominator shall be the sum of such number of shares and the total number of shares constituting such dividend or other distribution, such reduction to become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such determination.
          (b) With respect to any series of Debt Securities that is convertible into shares of the Issuer’s common stock, in case the Issuer shall issue rights or warrants to all or substantially all holders of its shares of common stock entitling them to subscribe for or purchase shares of common stock at a price per share (or having a conversion price per share) less than the current market price per share (determined as provided in paragraph (f) of this Section) of the shares of common stock on the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants, the conversion price for any series of Debt Securities in effect at the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such determination shall be reduced by multiplying such conversion price by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for such determination plus the number of shares of common stock which the aggregate of the subscription price of the total number of shares of common stock so offered for subscription or purchase would purchase at such current market price and the denominator shall be the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for such determination plus the number of shares of common stock so offered for subscription or purchase, such reduction to become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such determination. In the event that all of the shares of common stock subject to such rights or warrants have not been issued when such rights or warrants expire, then the conversion price shall promptly be readjusted to the conversion price which would then be in effect had the adjustment upon the issuance of such rights or warrants been made on the basis of the actual number of shares of

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common stock issued upon the exercise of such rights or warrants. For the purposes of this paragraph (b), the number of shares of common stock at any time outstanding shall not include shares held in the treasury of the Issuer but shall include shares issuable in respect of scrip certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares of common stock. The Issuer will not issue any rights or warrants in respect of shares of common stock held in the treasury of the Issuer.
          (c) With respect to any series of Debt Securities that is convertible into shares of the Issuer’s common stock, in case the outstanding shares of common stock shall be subdivided into a greater number of shares, the conversion price for any series of Debt Securities in effect at the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such subdivision becomes effective shall be proportionately reduced, and, conversely, in case outstanding shares of common stock shall each be combined into a smaller number of shares, the conversion price for any series of Debt Securities in effect at the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such combination becomes effective shall be proportionately increased, such reduction or increase, as the case may be, to become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such subdivision or combination becomes effective.
          (d) With respect to any series of Debt Securities that is convertible into shares of the Issuer’s common stock, in case the Issuer shall, by dividend or otherwise, distribute to all or substantially all holders of shares of common stock evidences of indebtedness or assets (including securities, but excluding (i) any rights or warrants referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section 12.04, (ii) any dividend or distribution paid in cash and (iii) any dividend or distribution referred to in paragraph (a) of this Section), the conversion price for any series of Debt Securities shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the price determined by multiplying the conversion price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the day fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the current market price per share (determined as provided in paragraph (f) of this Section) of the shares of common stock on the date fixed for such determination less the then fair market value as determined by the Board of Directors (whose determination shall be conclusive and described in a resolution of the Board of Directors filed with the Trustee) of the portion of the assets or evidences of indebtedness so distributed allocable to one share of common stock and the denominator shall be such current market price per share of the shares of common stock, such adjustment to become effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution.
          (e) With respect to any series of Debt Securities that is convertible into shares of the Issuer’s common stock, in case the shares of common stock shall be changed into the same or a different number of shares of any class or classes of stock, whether by capital reorganization, reclassification, or otherwise (other than a subdivision or combination of shares or a stock dividend described in paragraph (a) or paragraph (c) of this Section 12.04, or a consolidation, merger or sale of assets described in Section 12.10), then and in each such event the Holders of Debt Securities of any series shall have the right thereafter to convert such Debt Securities into the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property receivable upon such reorganization, reclassification or other change, by holders of the number of shares of common stock into which such Debt Securities might have been converted immediately prior to such reorganization, reclassification or change.
          (f) For the purpose of any computation under paragraphs (b) and (d) of this Section 12.04, the current market price per share of common stock on any date shall be deemed to be the average of the closing prices for the 15 consecutive Business Days selected by the Issuer commencing not more than 30 and not less than 20 Business Days before the date in question.
          (g) No adjustment in the conversion price for the Debt Securities of any series shall be required unless such adjustment (plus any adjustments not previously made by reason of this paragraph (g)) would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% in such price; provided, however, that any adjustments which by reason of this paragraph (g) are not required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment. All calculations under this paragraph (g) shall be made to the nearest cent.
          (h) The Issuer may, but shall not be required to, make such reductions in the conversion price for the Debt Securities of any series, in addition to those required by paragraph (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this Section 12.04, as the Board of Directors considers to be advisable in order to avoid or diminish any income tax to any holders of shares of common stock resulting from any dividend or distribution of stock or issuance of rights or warrants to purchase or subscribe for stock or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes or for any other reasons. The Board of Directors shall have the power to resolve any ambiguity or correct any error in the adjustments made pursuant to this Section 12.04 and its actions in so doing shall be final and conclusive.

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     12.05 Notice of Adjustment of Conversion Price. Whenever the conversion price for the Debt Securities of any series is adjusted as herein provided:
          (a) the Issuer shall compute the adjusted conversion price in accordance with Section 12.04 and shall prepare an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the adjusted conversion price and showing the facts upon which such adjustment is based and the computation thereof, and such certificate shall forthwith be filed at each office or agency maintained for the purpose of conversion of Debt Securities pursuant to Section 4.02 and with the Trustee; and
          (b) a notice stating that the conversion price has been adjusted and setting forth the adjusted conversion price shall as soon as practicable be mailed by the Issuer to all Holders of Debt Securities of such series at their last addresses as they shall appear in the Debt Security Register.
          (c) If the conversion price is adjusted and the Issuer fails to file an Officers’ Certificate with the Trustee as provided by Section 12.05(a) and the Trustee is acting as the conversion agent, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the conversion price set forth in the Officer’s Certificate most recently received by the Trustee (or as set forth in this Indenture if the conversion price shall not have been adjusted).
     12.06 Notice of Certain Corporate Action.
          (a) In case:
          (i) the Issuer shall authorize the granting to holders of its shares of common stock of rights or warrants entitling them to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any other rights; or
          (ii) of any reclassification of the shares of common stock of the Issuer, or of any consolidation or merger to which the Issuer is a party and for which approval of any stockholders of the Issuer is required, or of the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer; or
          (iii) of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Issuer; then the Issuer shall cause to be filed at each office or agency maintained for the purpose of conversion of Debt Securities of any series pursuant to Section 4.02 and shall cause to be mailed to all Holders of Debt Securities of such series that are convertible into shares of the Issuer’s common stock at their last addresses as they shall appear in the Debt Security Register, at least 20 days (or 10 days in any case specified in clause (i) or (ii) above) prior to the applicable record date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, rights or warrants, or, if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of shares of common stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distribution, rights or warrants are to be determined, or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up is expected to become effective, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of shares of common stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of common stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up. Such notice shall also state whether such transaction will result in any adjustment in the conversion price applicable to the Debt Securities of such series and, if so, shall state what the adjusted conversion price will be and when it will become effective. Neither the failure to give the notice required by this Section 12.06, nor any defect therein, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of the notice or the legality or validity of any such dividend, distribution, right, warrant, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, or the vote on any action authorizing such with respect to the other holders.

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          (b) In case the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer shall propose to engage in a “Rule 13e-3 Transaction” as defined in the SEC’s Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange Act, the Issuer shall, no later than the date on which any information with respect to such Rule 13e-3 Transaction is first required to be given to the Commission or any other Person pursuant to such Rule 13e-3, cause to be mailed to all Holders at their last addresses as they shall appear in the Debt Security Register, a copy of all information required to be given to the holders of the Issuer’s capital stock pursuant to such Rule 13e-3. The information required to be given under this paragraph shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other information required to be given by the Issuer pursuant to this Section 12.06 or any other provision of the Debt Securities or this Indenture.
     12.07 Taxes on Conversions. The Issuer will pay any and all stamp or similar taxes that may be payable in respect of the issuance or delivery of shares of common stock or Debt Securities of another series on conversion of Debt Securities pursuant hereto. The Issuer shall not, however, be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of shares of common stock in a name other than that of the Holder of the Debt Security or Debt Securities to be converted, and no such issuance or delivery shall be made unless and until the Person requesting such issuance has paid to the Issuer the amount of any such tax, or has established to the satisfaction of the Issuer that such tax has been paid.
     12.08 Fractional Shares. No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon any conversion of Debt Securities. If any such conversion would otherwise require the issuance of a fractional share an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the current market price per share of common stock (determined as provided in paragraph (f) of Section 12.04) on the day of conversion shall be paid to the Holder in cash by the Issuer.
     12.09 Cancellation of Converted Debt Securities. All Debt Securities delivered for conversion shall be delivered to the Trustee or the conversion agent to be cancelled by or at the direction of the Trustee or the conversion agent, which shall dispose of the same as provided in Section 2.10.
     12.10 Provisions in Case of Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets.
          (a) In case of any consolidation of the Issuer with, or merger of the Issuer into, any other corporation or trust, or in case of any merger of another corporation or trust into the Issuer (other than a consolidation or merger which does not result in any reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding shares of common stock of the Issuer), or in case of any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer, the corporation or trust formed by such consolidation or resulting from such merger or which acquires such assets, as the case may be, shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental Indenture providing that the Holder of each Debt Security of any series then outstanding shall have the right thereafter, during the period such Debt Security shall be convertible as specified in Section 12.01 to convert such Debt Security only into the kind and amount of Debt Securities, cash and other property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by a holder of the number of shares of common stock of the Issuer into which such Debt Security might have been converted immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer. Such supplemental Indenture shall provide for adjustments which, for events subsequent to the effective date of such supplemental Indenture, shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments provided for in this Article XII. The above provisions of this Section 12.10 shall similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers, sales or transfers.
          (b) The Trustee shall not be under any responsibility to determine the correctness of any provisions contained in any such supplemental Indenture relating either to the kind or amount of shares of stock or securities or property receivable by Holders upon the conversion of their Debt Securities after any such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance or to any adjustment to be made with respect thereto.
     12.11 Disclaimer by Trustee of Responsibility for Certain Matters. The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder of Debt Securities of any series to determine whether any facts exist which may require any adjustment of the conversion price for such series, or with respect to the nature or extent of any such adjustment when made, or with respect to the method employed, or herein or in any supplemental Indenture provided to be employed, in making the same. The Trustee shall not be accountable with respect to the validity, value, kind or amount of any shares of common stock, or of any securities or property, which may at any

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time be issued or delivered upon the conversion of any Debt Security; and it makes no representation with respect thereto. The Trustee shall not be responsible for any failure of the Issuer to issue, transfer or deliver any shares of common stock or stock certificates or other securities or property upon the surrender of any Debt Security for the purpose of conversion or, subject to Section 7.01, to comply with any of the covenants of the Issuer contained in this Article XII.
     12.12 Covenant to Reserve Shares. The Issuer covenants that it will at all times reserve and keep available, free from preemptive rights, out of its authorized shares of common stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon conversion of Debt Securities as herein provided, such number of shares of common stock as shall then be issuable upon the conversion of all outstanding Debt Securities. The Issuer covenants that all shares of common stock which shall be so issuable shall be, when issued, duly and validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable. For purposes of this Section 12.12, the number of shares of common stock which shall be deliverable upon the conversion of all outstanding Debt Securities shall be computed as if at the time of computation all outstanding Debt Securities were held by a single holder.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
     13.01 Successors and Assigns of Issuer Bound by Indenture. All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements in this Indenture contained by or in behalf of the Issuer or the Trustee shall bind their respective successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
     13.02 Acts of Board, Committee or Officer of Successor Issuer Valid. Any act or proceeding by any provision of this Indenture authorized or required to be done or performed by any board, committee or officer of the Issuer shall and may be done and performed with like force and effect by the like board, committee or officer of any Successor Issuer.
     13.03 Required Notices or Demands. Any notice or communication by the Issuer or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing (in the English language) and delivered in Person or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), telecopier or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the other’s address:
If to the Issuer:
                                        
                                        
                                        
If to the Trustee:
[                                        ]
[                                        ]
[                                        ]
[                                        ]
     The Issuer or the Trustee by notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
     All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; on the first Business Day on or after being sent, if telecopied and the sender receives confirmation of successful transmission; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

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     Any notice required or permitted to a Holder by the Issuer or the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture shall be deemed to be properly mailed by being deposited postage prepaid in a post office letter box in the United States addressed to such Holder at the address of such Holder as shown on the Debt Security Register. Any report pursuant to Section 313 of the TIA shall be transmitted in compliance with subsection (c) therein.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, any notice to Holders of Floating Rate Securities regarding the determination of a periodic rate of interest, if such notice is required pursuant to Section 2.03, shall be sufficiently given if given in the manner specified pursuant to Section 2.03.
     In the event of suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give notice by mail, then such notification as shall be given with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute sufficient notice for every purpose hereunder.
     In the event it shall be impracticable to give notice by publication, then such notification as shall be given with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute sufficient notice for every purpose hereunder.
     Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it or any defect in any notice by publication as to a Holder shall not affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. If a notice or communication is mailed or published in the manner provided above, it is conclusively presumed duly given.
     13.04 Indenture and Debt Securities to Be Construed in Accordance with the Laws of the State of New York. THIS INDENTURE AND EACH DEBT SECURITY SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE NEW YORK CONTRACTS, AND FOR ALL PURPOSES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF SAID STATE.
     13.05 Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel to Be Furnished upon Application or Demand by the Issuer. Upon any application or demand by the Issuer to the Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such document is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
     Each certificate or opinion provided for in this Indenture and delivered to the Trustee with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include (a) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition, (b) 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, (c) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with and (d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
     13.06 Payments Due on Legal Holidays. In any case where the date of maturity of interest on or principal of and premium, if any, on the Debt Securities of a series or the date fixed for redemption or repayment of any Debt Security or the making of any sinking fund payment shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment for the Debt Securities of such series, then payment of interest or principal and premium, if any, or the making of such sinking fund payment need not be made on such date at such Place of Payment, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the date of maturity or the date fixed for redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period after such date. If a record date is not a Business Day, the record date shall not be affected.
     13.07 Provisions Required by TIA to Control. If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision included in this Indenture which is required to be included in this Indenture by any of Sections 310 to 318, inclusive, of the TIA, such required provision shall control.

43


 

     13.08 Computation of Interest on Debt Securities. Interest, if any, on the Debt Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to Section 2.03.
     13.09 Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of Holders. The Registrar and any paying agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.
     13.10 Severability. In case any provision in this Indenture or the Debt 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.
     13.11 Effect of Headings. The article and section headings herein and in the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
     13.12 Indenture May Be Executed in Counterparts. This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original; but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
[Remainder of This Page Intentionally Left Blank.]

44


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the day and year first above written.
             
    NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
  Title:        
 
           
 
           
    [                                        ]    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
  Title:        
 
           

45

EX-4.5 3 g23618exv4w5.htm EX-4.5 exv4w5
Exhibit 4.5
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
as Issuer,
and
[                                        ],
as Trustee
INDENTURE
Dated as of                     , 20___
Subordinated Debt Securities

 


 

CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE
         
TIA Section   Indenture Section
310(a)
    7.10  
(b)
    7.10  
(c)
    N.A.  
311(a)
    7.11  
(b)
    7.11  
(c)
    N.A.  
312(a)
    5.01  
(b)
    5.02  
(c)
    5.02  
313(a)
    5.03  
(b)
    5.03  
(c)
    13.03  
(d)
    5.03  
314(a)
    4.05  
(b)
    N.A.  
(c)(1)
    13.05  
(c)(2)
    13.05  
(c)(3)
    N.A.  
(d)
    N.A.  
(e)
    13.05  
(f)
    N.A.  
315(a)
    7.01  
(b)
    6.07 & 13.03  
(c)
    7.01  
(d)
    7.01  
(e)
    6.08  
316(a) (last sentence)
    1.01  
(a)(1)(A)
    6.06  
(a)(1)(B)
    6.06  
(a)(2)
    9.01 (d)
(b)
    6.04  
(c)
    5.04  
317(a)(1)
    6.02  
(a)(2)
    6.02  
(b)
    4.04  
318(a)
    13.07  
 
N.A. means Not Applicable
 
NOTE:   This Cross-Reference table shall not, for any purpose, be deemed part of this Indenture.

i


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
    1  
Section 1.01. Definitions
    1  
Section 1.02. Other Definitions
    5  
Section 1.03. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act
    5  
Section 1.04. Rules of Construction
    5  
 
       
ARTICLE II DEBT SECURITIES
    6  
Section 2.01. Forms Generally
    6  
Section 2.02. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication
    6  
Section 2.03. Principal Amount; Issuable in Series
    6  
Section 2.04. Execution of Debt Securities
    8  
Section 2.05. Authentication and Delivery of Debt Securities
    8  
Section 2.06. Denomination of Debt Securities
    10  
Section 2.07. Registration of Transfer and Exchange
    10  
Section 2.08. Temporary Debt Securities
    11  
Section 2.09. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Debt Securities
    11  
Section 2.10. Cancellation of Surrendered Debt Securities
    12  
Section 2.11. Provisions of the Indenture and Debt Securities for the Sole Benefit of the Parties and the Holders
    12  
Section 2.12. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved
    12  
Section 2.13. Securities Denominated in Dollars
    13  
Section 2.14. Wire Transfers
    13  
Section 2.15. Securities Issuable in the Form of a Global Security
    13  
Section 2.16. Medium Term Securities
    15  
Section 2.17. Defaulted Interest
    15  
Section 2.18. CUSIP Numbers
    16  
 
       
ARTICLE III REDEMPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
    16  
Section 3.01. Right of Redemption
    16  
Section 3.02. Notice of Redemption; Selection of Debt Securities
    16  
Section 3.03. Payment of Debt Securities Called for Redemption
    17  
Section 3.04. Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds
    17  
Section 3.05. Redemption of Debt Securities for Sinking Fund
    18  
 
       
ARTICLE IV PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE ISSUER
    19  
Section 4.01. Payment of Principal of, and Premium, If Any, and Interest on, Debt Securities
    19  
Section 4.02. Maintenance of Offices or Agencies for Registration of Transfer, Exchange and Payment of Debt Securities
    19  
Section 4.03. Appointment to Fill a Vacancy in the Office of Trustee
    19  
Section 4.04. Duties of Paying Agents, etc
    19  
Section 4.05. SEC Reports; Financial Statements
    20  
Section 4.06. Compliance Certificate
    21  
Section 4.07. Further Instruments and Acts
    21  
Section 4.08. Existence
    21  
Section 4.09. Maintenance of Properties
    22  
Section 4.10. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims
    22  
Section 4.11. Waiver of Certain Covenants
    22  
 
       
ARTICLE V HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE TRUSTEE
    22  
Section 5.01. Issuer to Furnish Trustee Information as to Names and Addresses of Holders; Preservation of Information
    22  
Section 5.02. Communications to Holders
    22  
Section 5.03. Reports by Trustee
    23  
Section 5.04. Record Dates for Action by Holders
    23  
 ii

 


 

         
ARTICLE VI REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND HOLDERS IN EVENT OF DEFAULT
    23  
Section 6.01. Events of Default
    23  
Section 6.02. Collection of Debt by Trustee, etc
    25  
Section 6.03. Application of Moneys Collected by Trustee
    25  
Section 6.04. Limitation on Suits by Holders
    26  
Section 6.05. Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission in Exercise of Rights Not a Waiver of Default
    26  
Section 6.06. Rights of Holders of Majority in Principal Amount of Debt Securities to Direct Trustee and to Waive Default
    27  
Section 6.07. Trustee to Give Notice of Defaults Known to It, but May Withhold Such Notice in Certain Circumstances
    27  
Section 6.08. Requirement of an Undertaking to Pay Costs in Certain Suits under the Indenture or Against the Trustee
    27  
 
       
ARTICLE VII CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
    28  
Section 7.01. Certain Duties and Responsibilities
    28  
Section 7.02. Certain Rights of Trustee
    29  
Section 7.03. Trustee Not Liable for Recitals in Indenture or in Debt Securities
    30  
Section 7.04. Trustee, Paying Agent or Registrar May Own Debt Securities
    30  
Section 7.05. Moneys Received by Trustee to Be Held in Trust
    30  
Section 7.06. Compensation and Reimbursement
    30  
Section 7.07. Right of Trustee to Rely on an Officers’ Certificate Where No Other Evidence Specifically Prescribed
    30  
Section 7.08. Separate Trustee; Replacement of Trustee
    31  
Section 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger
    31  
Section 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification
    32  
Section 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer
    32  
Section 7.12. Compliance with Tax Laws
    32  
 
       
ARTICLE VIII CONCERNING THE HOLDERS
    32  
Section 8.01. Evidence of Action by Holders
    32  
Section 8.02. Proof of Execution of Instruments and of Holding of Debt Securities
    32  
Section 8.03. Who May Be Deemed Owner of Debt Securities
    32  
Section 8.04. Instruments Executed by Holders Bind Future Holders
    33  
 
       
ARTICLE IX SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
    33  
Section 9.01. Purposes for Which Supplemental Indenture May Be Entered into Without Consent of Holders
    33  
Section 9.02. Modification of Indenture with Consent of Holders of Debt Securities
    35  
Section 9.03. Effect of Supplemental Indentures
    36  
Section 9.04. Debt Securities May Bear Notation of Changes by Supplemental Indentures
    36  
 
       
ARTICLE X CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
    36  
Section 10.01. Consolidations and Mergers of the Issuer
    36  
Section 10.02. Rights and Duties of Successor Issuer
    36  
 
ARTICLE XI SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE; UNCLAIMED MONEYS
    37  
Section 11.01. Applicability of Article
    37  
Section 11.02. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance
    37  
Section 11.03. Conditions of Defeasance
    38  
Section 11.04. Application of Trust Money
    39  
Section 11.05. Repayment to Issuer
    39  
Section 11.06. Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations
    39  
Section 11.07. Reinstatement
    39  
 
       
ARTICLE XII CONVERSION OF SECURITIES
    39  
 iii

 


 

         
Section 12.01. Right of Conversion
    39  
Section 12.02. Issuance of Shares on Conversion
    40  
Section 12.03. No Adjustment for Interest or Dividends
    40  
Section 12.04. Adjustment of Conversion Price
    40  
Section 12.05. Notice of Adjustment of Conversion Price
    42  
Section 12.06. Notice of Certain Corporate Action
    43  
Section 12.07. Taxes on Conversions
    44  
Section 12.08. Fractional Shares
    44  
Section 12.09. Cancellation of Converted Debt Securities
    44  
Section 12.10. Provisions in Case of Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets
    44  
Section 12.11. Disclaimer by Trustee of Responsibility for Certain Matters
    44  
Section 12.12. Covenant to Reserve Shares
    45  
 
       
ARTICLE XIII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
    45  
Section 13.01. Successors and Assigns of Issuer Bound by Indenture
    45  
Section 13.02. Acts of Board, Committee or Officer of Successor Issuer Valid
    45  
Section 13.03. Required Notices or Demands
    45  
Section 13.04. Indenture and Debt Securities to Be Construed in Accordance with the Laws of the State of New York
    46  
Section 13.05. Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel to Be Furnished upon Application or Demand by the Issuer
    46  
Section 13.06. Payments Due on Legal Holidays
    46  
Section 13.07. Provisions Required by TIA to Control
    46  
Section 13.08. Computation of Interest on Debt Securities
    46  
Section 13.09. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar
    47  
Section 13.10. Severability
    47  
Section 13.11. Effect of Headings
    47  
Section 13.12. Indenture May Be Executed in Counterparts
    47  
 
       
ARTICLE XIV SUBORDINATION OF DEBT SECURITIES
    47  
Section 14.01. Applicability of Article; Agreement to Subordinate
    47  
Section 14.02. Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy
    47  
Section 14.03. Default on Senior Indebtedness
    47  
Section 14.04. Acceleration of Payment of Debt Securities
    48  
Section 14.05. When Distribution Must Be Paid Over
    48  
Section 14.06. Subrogation
    48  
Section 14.07. Relative Rights
    48  
Section 14.08. Subordination May Not Be Impaired by Issuer
    48  
Section 14.09. Rights of Trustee and Paying Agents
    48  
Section 14.10. Distribution or Notice to Representative
    49  
Section 14.11. Article XIV Not to Prevent Defaults or Limit Right to Accelerate
    49  
Section 14.12. Trust Moneys Not Subordinated
    49  
Section 14.13. Trustee Entitled to Rely
    49  
Section 14.14. Trustee to Effectuate Subordination
    49  
Section 14.15. Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness
    49  
Section 14.16. Reliance by Holders of Senior Indebtedness on Subordination Provisions
    50  
 iv

 


 

     THIS INDENTURE dated as of                     , 20___ is among National Health Investors, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Issuer”), and [                                        ], a                                         , as trustee (the “Trustee”).
RECITALS OF THE ISSUER
     The Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of the Issuer’s subordinated debentures, notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness to be issued in one or more series unlimited as to principal amount (herein called the “Debt Securities”), as in this Indenture provided.
     All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Issuer, 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 Debt Securities are authenticated, issued and delivered, and in consideration of the premises, and of the purchase and acceptance of the Debt Securities by the holders thereof, the Issuer and the Trustee covenant and agree with each other, for the benefit of the respective Holders from time to time of the Debt Securities or any series thereof, as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
     Section 1.01. Definitions.
     “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. The Trustee may request and may conclusively rely upon an Officers’ Certificate to determine whether any Person is an Affiliate of any specified Person.
     “Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.
     “Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any authorized committee of the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any directors and/or officers of the Issuer to whom such Board of Directors or such committee shall have duly delegated its authority to act hereunder. All references in the Indenture to “Board of Directors” shall be deemed to refer to the Board of Directors of the Issuer, unless otherwise expressly indicated or the context otherwise requires.
     “Business Day” means any day other than a Legal Holiday.
     “capital stock” of any Person means and includes any and all shares, rights to purchase, warrants or options (whether or not currently exercisable), participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) the equity (which includes, but is not limited to, common stock, preferred stock and partnership and joint venture interests) of such Person (excluding any debt securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable for, such equity).
     “Charter” means the Issuer’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended.
     “Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

 


 

     “Debt” of any Person at any date means any obligation created or assumed by such Person for the repayment of borrowed money and any guarantee thereof.
     “Debt Security” or “Debt Securities” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any debt security or debt securities, as the case may be, of any series authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
     “Default” means any event, act or condition that is, or after notice or the passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default (as defined in Section 6.01).
     “Depositary” means, unless otherwise specified by the Issuer pursuant to either Sections 2.03 or 2.15, with respect to Debt Securities of any series issuable or issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, or any successor thereto registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act or other applicable statute or regulations.
     “Designated Senior Indebtedness” means, as to any series of Debt Securities, any Senior Indebtedness identified as Designated Senior Indebtedness in the Board Resolution or supplemental Indenture setting forth the terms of such series.
     “Dollar” or “$” means such currency of the United States as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.
     “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor statute.
     “Floating Rate Security” means a Debt Security that provides for the payment of interest at a variable rate determined periodically by reference to an interest rate index specified pursuant to Section 2.03.
     “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States, as in effect from time to time.
     “Global Security” means with respect to any series of Debt Securities issued hereunder, a Debt Security which is executed by the Issuer and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction, all in accordance with this Indenture and any Indentures supplemental hereto, or resolution of the Board of Directors and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee and which shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all the Outstanding Debt Securities of such series or any portion thereof, in either case having the same terms, including, without limitation, the same original issue date, date or dates on which principal is due and interest rate or method of determining interest.
     “guarantee” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Debt or other obligation of any other Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Debt or other obligation of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise) or (b) entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Debt or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part); provided, however, that the term “guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The term “guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
     “Holder,” “Holder of Debt Securities” or other similar terms means, a Person in whose name a Debt Security is registered in the Debt Security Register (as defined in Section 2.07(a)).

2


 

     “Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed, or, if amended or supplemented as herein provided, as so amended or supplemented and shall include the form and terms of particular series of Debt Securities as contemplated hereunder, whether or not a supplemental Indenture is entered into with respect thereto.
     “Issuer Order” means a written request or order signed in the name of the Issuer, with respect to the Issuer, by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President of the Issuer, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, an Assistant Controller, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer, in each case delivered to the Trustee.
     “Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York, New York or at a Place of Payment (as defined in Section 2.03(e)) are authorized by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.
     “Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, security interest, pledge, charge or other encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law.
     “Officer” means, with respect to a Person, the Chairman of the Board, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, Controller, Secretary, Assistant Secretary or any Assistant Vice President of such Person.
     “Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by two Officers of the Issuer. One of the Officers signing the Officers’ Certificate must be the Issuer’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer or chief accounting officer.
     “Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuer or the Trustee.
     “Original Issue Discount Debt Security” means any Debt Security which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01.
     “Outstanding,” when used with respect to any series of Debt Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Debt Securities of that series theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:
  (a)   Debt Securities of that series theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
 
  (b)   Debt Securities of that series for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any paying agent (other than the Issuer) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Issuer (if the Issuer shall act as its own paying agent) for the Holders of such Debt Securities; provided, that, if such Debt Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made; and
 
  (c)   Debt Securities of that series which have been paid pursuant to Section 2.09 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Debt Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Debt Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Debt Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Debt Securities are valid obligations of the Issuer; provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of any series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Debt Securities owned by the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities or any Affiliate of the Issuer or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Debt Securities which an officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Debt 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 Debt Securities and that the pledgee is not the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt

3


 

      Securities or an Affiliate of the Issuer or of such other obligor. In determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Debt Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Debt Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purposes shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01.
     “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or other agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity of any kind.
     “Redemption Date” means, when used with respect to any Debt Security to be redeemed, the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.
     “Representative” means the trustee, agent or representative (if any) for an issue of Senior Indebtedness and, in the absence of any trustee, agent or representative, it means the holder or holders of such issue.
     “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
     “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor statute.
     “Senior Indebtedness” means, as to any series of Debt Securities, the indebtedness of the Issuer identified as Senior Indebtedness in the Board Resolution or supplemental Indenture setting forth the terms of such series.
     “Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency beyond the control of the Issuer unless such contingency has occurred).
     “Subsidiary” of any Person means:
  (a)   any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of equity interests entitled, without regard to the occurrence of any contingency, to vote in the election of directors, managers, trustees or equivalent Persons thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person or combination thereof; or
 
  (b)   in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the partners’ equity interests, considering all partners’ equity interests as a single class, is at such time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person or combination thereof.
     “TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§77aaa-77bbbb), as in effect on the date of this Indenture as originally executed and, to the extent required by law, as amended.
     “Trustee” initially means [                                        ] and any other Person or Persons appointed as such from time to time pursuant to Section 7.08, and, subject to the provisions of Article VII, includes its or their

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successors and assigns. If at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Debt Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of that series.
     “Trust Officer” means any officer or assistant officer of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate trust matters.
     “United States” means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.
     “U.S. Government Obligations” means direct obligations of the United States of America, obligations on which the payment of principal and interest is fully guaranteed by the United States of America or obligations or guarantees for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged.
     “Yield to Maturity” means the yield to maturity, calculated at the time of issuance of a series of Debt Securities, or, if applicable, at the most recent redetermination of interest on such series and calculated in accordance with accepted financial practice.
     Section 1.02.Other Definitions.
         
Term
  Defined in Section
“Blockage Notice”
    14.03  
“Debt Security Register”
    2.07  
“Defaulted Interest”
    2.17  
“Event of Default”
    6.01  
“Payment Blockage Period”
    14.03  
“Place of Payment”
    2.03  
“Registrar”
    2.07  
“REIT
    3.01  
“Subordinated Debt Securities”
    14.01  
“Successor Issuer”
    10.01  
     Section 1.03. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act. Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.
     All terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them.
     Section 1.04. Rules of Construction.
Unless the context otherwise requires:
  (a)   a term has the meaning assigned to it;
 
  (b)   an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;
 
  (c)   “or” is not exclusive;
 
  (d)   words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular;
 
  (e)   provisions apply to successive events and transactions; and
 
  (f)   the principal amount of any non-interest-bearing or other discount security at any date shall be the principal amount thereof that would be shown on a balance sheet of the Issuer dated such date prepared in accordance with GAAP.

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ARTICLE II
DEBT SECURITIES
     Section 2.01. Forms Generally. The Debt Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form established without the approval of any Holder by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or in one or more Indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as the Issuer may deem appropriate (and, if not contained in a supplemental Indenture entered into in accordance with Article IX, as are not prohibited by the provisions of this Indenture) or as may be required or appropriate to comply with any law or with any rules made pursuant thereto or with any rules of any securities exchange on which such series of Debt Securities may be listed, or to conform to general usage, or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Debt Securities as evidenced by their execution of the Debt Securities.
     The definitive Debt Securities of each series shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Debt Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Debt.
     Section 2.02. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication. The Trustee’s certificate of authentication on all Debt Securities authenticated by the Trustee shall be in substantially the following form:
TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
     This is one of the Debt Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
[                                        ],
As Trustee
         
By:
       
 
 
 
   
Authorized Signatory    
     Section 2.03. Principal Amount; Issuable in Series. The aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities which may be issued, executed, authenticated, delivered and outstanding under this Indenture is unlimited.
     The Debt Securities may be issued in one or more series in fully registered form. There shall be established, without the approval of any Holders, in or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, or established in one or more Indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Debt Securities of any series any or all of the following:
  (a)   the title of the Debt Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Debt Securities of the series from all other Debt Securities);
 
  (b)   any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Debt Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Debt Securities of the series pursuant to this Article II);
 
  (c)   the date or dates on which the principal and premium, if any, of the Debt Securities of the series are payable;
 
  (d)   the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the Debt Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, or the method of determining such rate or rates, the date

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      or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest shall be payable, or the method by which such date will be determined, the record dates for the determination of Holders thereof to whom such interest is payable; and the basis upon which interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve thirty-day months;
 
  (e)   the place or places, if any, in addition to or instead of the corporate trust office of the Trustee, where the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, Debt Securities of the series shall be payable (“Place of Payment”);
 
  (f)   the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which Debt Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Issuer or otherwise;
 
  (g)   whether Debt Securities of the series are entitled to the benefits of any guarantee of any subsidiary guarantors pursuant to this Indenture or supplemental Indenture;
 
  (h)   the obligation, if any, of the Issuer to redeem, purchase or repay Debt Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof, and the price or prices at which and the period or periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which Debt Securities of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligations;
 
  (i)   the terms, if any, upon which the Debt Securities of the series may be convertible into or exchanged for capital stock (which may be represented by depositary shares), other Debt Securities or warrants for capital stock or Debt or other securities of any kind of the Issuer or any other obligor and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange shall be effected, including the initial conversion or exchange price or rate, the conversion or exchange period and any other provision in addition to or in lieu of those described herein;
 
  (j)   if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which Debt Securities of the series shall be issuable;
 
  (k)   if the amount of principal of or any premium or interest on Debt Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts will be determined;
 
  (l)   if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of Debt Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to such Stated Maturity, the amount which will be deemed to be such principal amount as of any such date for any purpose, including the principal amount thereof which will be due and payable upon any maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which will be deemed to be Outstanding as of any such date (or, in any such case, the manner in which such deemed principal amount is to be determined);
 
  (m)   any changes or additions to Article XI or Article XIV, including the addition of additional covenants that may be subject to the covenant defeasance option pursuant to Section 11.02(b);
 
  (n)   if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Debt Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01 or provable in bankruptcy pursuant to Section 6.02;

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  (o)   the terms, if any, of the transfer, mortgage, pledge or assignment as security for the Debt Securities of the series of any properties, assets, moneys, proceeds, securities or other collateral, including whether certain provisions of the TIA are applicable and any corresponding changes to provisions of this Indenture as currently in effect;
 
  (p)   any addition to or change in the Events of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of the series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the Holders to declare the principal of, and premium and interest on, such Debt Securities due and payable;
 
  (q)   if the Debt Securities of the series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of a Global Security or Securities, the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such Global Security or Securities may be exchanged in whole or in part for other individual Debt Securities in definitive registered form; and the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities and the form of any legend or legends to be borne by any such Global Security or Securities in addition to or in lieu of the legend referred to in Section 2.15(a);
 
  (r)   any trustees, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrars;
 
  (s)   the applicability of, and any addition to or change in the covenants and definitions currently set forth in this Indenture or in the terms currently set forth in Article X, including conditioning any merger, conveyance, transfer or lease permitted by Article X upon the satisfaction of any Debt coverage standard by the Issuer and any Successor Issuer (as defined in Article X);
 
  (t)   with regard to Debt Securities of the series that do not bear interest, the dates for certain required reports to the Trustee; and
 
  (u)   any other terms of the Debt Securities of the series (which terms shall not be prohibited by the provisions of this Indenture).
     All Debt Securities of any one series appertaining thereto shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to such resolution of the Board of Directors and as set forth in such Officers’ Certificate or in any such Indenture supplemental hereto.
     Section 2.04. Execution of Debt Securities. The Debt Securities shall be signed on behalf of the Issuer by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President of the Issuer. Such signatures upon the Debt Securities may be the manual or facsimile signatures of the present or any future such authorized officers and may be imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Debt Securities. The seal of the Issuer, if any, may be in the form of a facsimile thereof and may be impressed, affixed, imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Debt Securities.
     Only such Debt Securities as shall bear thereon a certificate of authentication substantially in the form hereinbefore recited, signed manually by the Trustee, shall be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose. Such certificate by the Trustee upon any Debt Security executed by the Issuer, shall be conclusive evidence that the Debt Security so authenticated has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder.
     In case any officer of the Issuer who shall have signed any of the Debt Securities shall cease to be such officer before the Debt Securities so signed shall have been authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, or disposed of by the Issuer, such Debt Securities nevertheless may be authenticated and delivered or disposed of as though the Person who signed such Debt Securities had not ceased to be such officer of the Issuer; and any Debt Security may be signed on behalf of the Issuer by such Persons as, at the actual date of the execution of such Debt Security, shall be the proper officers of the Issuer, as applicable, although at the date of such Debt Security or of the execution of this Indenture any such Person was not such officer.
     Section 2.05. Authentication and Delivery of Debt Securities. At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Issuer may deliver Debt Securities of any series executed by the

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Issuer to the Trustee for authentication, and the Trustee shall thereupon authenticate and deliver said Debt Securities to or upon an Issuer Order. In authenticating such Debt Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Debt Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon:
     a copy of any resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors, certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Issuer, authorizing the terms of issuance of any series of Debt Securities;
  (a)   an executed supplemental Indenture, if any;
 
  (b)   an Officers’ Certificate; and
 
  (c)   an Opinion of Counsel prepared in accordance with Section 13.05 which shall also state:
  (i)   that the form of such Debt Securities has been established by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or by a supplemental Indenture as permitted by Section 2.01 in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
 
  (ii)   that the terms of such Debt Securities have been established by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or by a supplemental Indenture as permitted by Section 2.03 in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
 
  (iii)   that such Debt Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Issuer in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Issuer, enforceable in accordance with their terms except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and rights of acceleration and the availability of equitable remedies may be limited by equitable principles of general applicability;
 
  (iv)   that the Issuer has the corporate power to issue such Debt Securities and has duly taken all necessary corporate action with respect to such issuance;
 
  (v)   that the issuance of such Debt Securities will not contravene the organizational documents of the Issuer or result in any material violation of any of the terms or provisions of any law or regulation or of any material indenture, mortgage or other agreement known to such counsel by which the Issuer is bound;
 
  (vi)   that authentication and delivery of such Debt Securities and the execution and delivery of any supplemental Indenture will not violate the terms of this Indenture; and
 
  (vii)   such other matters as the Trustee may reasonably request.
     Such Opinion of Counsel need express no opinion as to whether a court in the United States would render a money judgment in a currency other than that of the United States.
     The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Debt Securities under this Section 2.05 if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith by its board of directors or trustees, executive committee or a trust committee of directors, trustees or vice presidents (or any combination thereof) shall determine that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability to existing Holders.

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     The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate Debt Securities of any series. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate Debt Securities whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as any Registrar, paying agent or agent for service of notices and demands.
     Unless otherwise provided in the form of Debt Security for any series, each Debt Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
     Section 2.06. Denomination of Debt Securities. Unless otherwise provided in the form of Debt Security for any series, the Debt Securities of each series shall be issuable only as fully registered Debt Securities in such Dollar denominations as shall be specified or contemplated by Section 2.03. In the absence of any such specification with respect to the Debt Securities of any series, the Debt Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
    Section 2.07. Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
  (a)   The Issuer shall keep or cause to be kept a register for each series of Debt Securities issued hereunder (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Debt Security Register”), in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Issuer shall provide for the registration of all Debt Securities and the transfer of Debt Securities as in this Article II provided. At all reasonable times the Debt Security Register shall be open for inspection by the Trustee. Subject to Section 2.15, upon due presentment for registration of transfer of any Debt Security at any office or agency to be maintained by the Issuer in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.02, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a new Debt Security or Debt Securities of authorized denominations for a like aggregate principal amount. In no event may Debt Securities be issued as, or exchanged for, bearer securities.
     Unless and until otherwise determined by the Issuer by resolution of the Board of Directors, the register of the Issuer for the purpose of registration, exchange or registration of transfer of the Debt Securities shall be kept at the principal corporate trust office of the Trustee and, for this purpose, the Trustee shall be designated “Registrar.”
     Debt Securities of any series (other than a Global Security, except as set forth below) may be exchanged for a like aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities of the same series of other authorized denominations. Subject to Section 2.15, Debt Securities to be exchanged shall be surrendered at the office or agency to be maintained by the Issuer as provided in Section 4.02, and the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor the Debt Security or Debt Securities which the Holder making the exchange shall be entitled to receive.
  (b)   All Debt Securities presented or surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange or payment shall (if so required by the Issuer, the Trustee or the Registrar) be duly endorsed or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Issuer, the Trustee and the Registrar, duly executed by the Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing.
     All Debt Securities issued in exchange for or upon transfer of Debt Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Debt Securities surrendered for such exchange or transfer.
     No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of Debt Securities (except as provided by Section 2.09), but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, fee, assessment or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto, other than those expressly provided in this Indenture to be made at the Issuer’s own expense or without expense or without charge to the Holders.

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     The Issuer shall not be required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Debt Securities for a period of 15 days next preceding any mailing of notice of redemption of Debt Securities of such series or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Debt Securities selected, called or being called for redemption.
     Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Debt Security, the Issuer, the Trustee, any paying agent or any Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name a Debt Security is registered as the absolute owner of such Debt Security for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal of, and premium, if any, and (subject to Section 2.12) interest on, such Debt Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Debt Security is overdue, and none of the Issuer, the Trustee, any paying agent or any Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
     None of the Issuer, the Trustee, any agent of the Trustee, any paying agent or any Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests of a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
     Section 2.08. Temporary Debt Securities. Pending the preparation of definitive Debt Securities of any series, the Issuer may execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver temporary Debt Securities (printed, lithographed, photocopied, typewritten or otherwise produced) of any authorized denomination, and substantially in the form of the definitive Debt Securities in lieu of which they are issued, in registered form with such omissions, insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Debt Securities, all as may be determined by the Issuer with the concurrence of the Trustee. Temporary Debt Securities may contain such reference to any provisions of this Indenture as may be appropriate. Every temporary Debt Security shall be executed by the Issuer and be authenticated by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with like effect, as the definitive Debt Securities.
     If temporary Debt Securities of any series are issued, the Issuer will cause definitive Debt Securities of such series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Debt Securities of such series, the temporary Debt Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Debt Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Debt Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Issuer at a Place of Payment for such series, without charge to the Holder thereof, except as provided in Section 2.07 in connection with a transfer. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Debt Securities of any series, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Debt Securities of the same series of authorized denominations and of like tenor. Until so exchanged, temporary Debt Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Debt Securities of such series.
     Upon any exchange of a portion of a temporary Global Security for a definitive Global Security or for the individual Debt Securities represented thereby pursuant to Section 2.07 or this Section 2.08, the temporary Global Security shall be endorsed by the Trustee to reflect the reduction of the principal amount evidenced thereby, whereupon the principal amount of such temporary Global Security shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount to be exchanged and endorsed.
     Section 2.09. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Debt Securities. If (a) any mutilated Debt Security is surrendered to the Trustee at its corporate trust office or (b) the Issuer and the Trustee receive evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Debt Security, and there is delivered to the Issuer and the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any paying agent harmless, and neither the Issuer nor the Trustee receives notice that such Debt Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, then the Issuer shall execute and, upon an Issuer Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Debt Security, a new Debt Security of the same series of like tenor, form, terms and principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously Outstanding. Upon the issuance of any substituted Debt Security, the Issuer may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, fee, assessment or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses connected therewith. In case any Debt which has matured or is about to mature or which has been called for redemption shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Issuer may, instead of issuing a substituted Debt Security, pay or authorize the payment of the same (without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated Debt Security) if

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the applicant for such payment shall furnish the Issuer and the Trustee with such security or indemnity as either may require to save it harmless from all risk, however remote, and, in case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence to the satisfaction of the Issuer and the Trustee of the destruction, loss or theft of such Debt Security and of the ownership thereof.
     Every substituted Debt Security of any series issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section 2.09 by virtue of the fact that any Debt Security is destroyed, lost or stolen shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Issuer, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Debt Security shall be found at any time, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Debt Securities of that series duly issued hereunder. All Debt Securities shall be held and owned upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Debt Securities, and shall preclude any and all other rights or remedies, notwithstanding any law or statute existing or hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the replacement or payment of negotiable instruments or other securities without their surrender.
     Section 2.10. Cancellation of Surrendered Debt Securities. All Debt Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, conversion, registration of transfer or exchange shall, if surrendered to the Issuer or any paying agent or a Registrar, be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation by it, or if surrendered to the Trustee, shall be canceled by it, and no Debt Securities shall be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly permitted by any of the provisions of this Indenture. All canceled Debt Securities held by the Trustee shall be destroyed (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act) and certification of their destruction delivered to the Issuer, unless otherwise directed. On request of the Issuer, the Trustee shall deliver to the Issuer canceled Debt Securities held by the Trustee. If the Issuer shall acquire any of the Debt Securities, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the Debt represented thereby unless and until the same are delivered or surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation. The Issuer may not issue new Debt Securities to replace Debt Securities it has redeemed, converted, paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
     Section 2.11. Provisions of the Indenture and Debt Securities for the Sole Benefit of the Parties and the Holders. Nothing in this Indenture or in the Debt Securities, expressed or implied, shall give or be construed to give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, the Holders or any Registrar or paying agent, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Indenture, or under any covenant, condition or provision herein contained; all its covenants, conditions and provisions being for the sole benefit of the parties hereto, the Holders and any Registrar and paying agents.
     Section 2.12. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.
  (a)   Interest on any Debt Security that is payable and is punctually paid or duly provided for on any interest payment date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Debt Security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest notwithstanding the cancellation of such Debt Security upon any transfer or exchange subsequent to the regular record date. Payment of interest on Debt Securities shall be made at the corporate trust office of the Trustee (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 2.03), or at the option of the Issuer, by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Debt Security Register or, if provided pursuant to Section 2.03 and in accordance with arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee, at the option of the Holder by wire transfer to an account designated by the Holder.
 
  (b)   Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.12 and Section 2.17, each Debt Security of a particular series delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Debt Security of the same series shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Debt Security.

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     Section 2.13. Securities Denominated in Dollars. Except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 2.03 for Debt Securities of any series, payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, Debt Securities of such series will be made in Dollars.
     Section 2.14. Wire Transfers. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary in this Indenture, the Issuer may make any payment of moneys required to be deposited with the Trustee on account of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Debt Securities (whether pursuant to optional or mandatory redemption payments, interest payments or otherwise) by wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account designated by the Trustee before 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date such moneys are to be paid to the Holders of the Debt Securities in accordance with the terms hereof.
     Section 2.15. Securities Issuable in the Form of a Global Security.
  (a)   If the Issuer shall establish pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.03 that the Debt Securities of a particular series are to be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, then the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee or its agent shall, in accordance with Section 2.05, authenticate and deliver, such Global Security or Securities, which shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, the Outstanding Debt Securities of such series to be represented by such Global Security or Securities, or such portion thereof as the Issuer shall specify in an Officers’ Certificate, shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities or its nominee, shall be delivered by the Trustee or its agent to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction and shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect:
     “UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENTS FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
     TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO HEREIN,”
     or such other legend as may then be required by the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities.
  (b)   Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.15 or of Section 2.07 to the contrary, and subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) below, unless the terms of a Global Security expressly permit such Global Security to be exchanged in whole or in part for definitive Debt Securities in registered form, a Global Security may be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in Section 2.07, only by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary for such Global Security, or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary to a successor Depositary for such Global Security selected or approved by the Issuer, or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.
     (c) (i) If at any time the Depositary for a Global Security or Securities notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or Securities or if at

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any time the Depositary for the Debt Securities for such series shall no longer be eligible or in good standing under the Exchange Act or other applicable statute, rule or regulation, the Issuer shall appoint a successor Depositary with respect to such Global Security or Securities. If a successor Depositary for such Global Security or Securities is not appointed by the Issuer within 90 days after the Issuer receives such notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee or its agent, upon receipt of an Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery of such individual Debt Securities of such series in exchange for such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver, individual Debt Securities of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security in exchange for such Global Security or Securities.
          (ii) The Issuer may at any time and in its sole discretion determine that the Debt Securities of any series or portion thereof issued or issuable in the form of one or more Global Securities shall no longer be represented by such Global Security or Securities. In such event the Issuer will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery of individual Debt Securities of such series in exchange in whole or in part for such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver individual Debt Securities of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such series or portion thereof in exchange for such Global Security or Securities.
          (iii) If specified by the Issuer pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.03 with respect to Debt Securities issued or issuable in the form of a Global Security, the Depositary for such Global Security may surrender such Global Security in exchange in whole or in part for individual Debt Securities of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form on such terms as are acceptable to the Issuer, the Trustee and such Depositary. Thereupon the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee or its agent upon receipt of an Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery of definitive Debt Securities of such series shall authenticate and deliver, without service charge, to each Person specified by such Depositary a new Debt Security or Securities of the same series of like tenor and terms and of any authorized denomination as requested by such Person in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for such Person’s beneficial interest in the Global Security; and to such Depositary a new Global Security of like tenor and terms and in an authorized denomination equal to the difference, if any, between the principal amount of the surrendered Global Security and the aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities delivered to Holders thereof.
          (iv) In any exchange provided for in any of the preceding three paragraphs, the Issuer will execute and the Trustee or its agent will authenticate and deliver individual Debt Securities. Upon the exchange of the entire principal amount of a Global Security for individual Debt Securities, such Global Security shall be canceled by the Trustee or its agent. Except as provided in the preceding paragraph, Debt Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security pursuant to this Section 2.15 shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary for such Global Security, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee or the Registrar. The Trustee or the Registrar shall deliver such Debt Securities to the Persons in whose names such Debt Securities are so registered.
     Payments in respect of the principal of and interest on any Debt Securities registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee will be payable to the Depositary or such nominee in its capacity as the registered owner of such Global Security. The Issuer and the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name the Debt Securities, including the Global Security, are registered as the owner thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. None of the Issuer, the Trustee, any Registrar, the paying agent or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of the beneficial ownership interests of the Global Security by the Depositary or its nominee or any of the Depositary’s direct or indirect participants, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of the Depositary, its nominee or any of its direct or indirect participants relating to the beneficial ownership interests of the Global Security, the payments to the beneficial owners of the Global Security of amounts paid to the Depositary or its nominee, or any other matter relating to the actions and practices of the Depositary, its nominee or any of its direct or indirect participants. None of the Issuer, the Trustee or any such agent will be liable for any delay by the Depositary, its nominee, or any of its direct or indirect participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the Debt Securities, and the Issuer and the Trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on,

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instructions from the Depositary or its nominee for all purposes (including with respect to the registration and delivery, and the respective principal amounts, of the Debt Securities to be issued).
     Section 2.16. Medium Term Securities. Notwithstanding any contrary provision herein, if all Debt Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary for the Issuer to deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate, resolutions of the Board of Directors, supplemental Indenture, Opinion of Counsel or written order or any other document otherwise required pursuant to Sections 2.01, 2.03, 2.05 or 13.05 at or prior to the time of authentication of each Debt Security of such series if such documents are delivered to the Trustee or its agent at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first such Debt Security of such series to be issued; provided, that any subsequent request by the Issuer to the Trustee to authenticate Debt Securities of such series upon original issuance shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Issuer that, as of the date of such request, the statements made in the Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Sections 2.05 or 13.05 shall be true and correct as if made on such date and that the Opinion of Counsel delivered at or prior to such time of authentication of an original issuance of Debt Securities shall specifically state that it shall relate to all subsequent issuances of Debt Securities of such series that are identical to the Debt Securities issued in the first issuance of Debt Securities of such series.
     An Issuer Order delivered by the Issuer to the Trustee in the circumstances set forth in the preceding paragraph may provide that Debt Securities which are the subject thereof will be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or its agent on original issue from time to time upon the telephonic or written order of Persons designated in such written order (any such telephonic instructions to be promptly confirmed in writing by such Person) and that such Persons are authorized to determine, consistent with the Officers’ Certificate, supplemental Indenture or resolution of the Board of Directors relating to such written order, such terms and conditions of such Debt Securities as are specified in such Officers’ Certificate, supplemental Indenture or such resolution.
     Section 2.17. Defaulted Interest. Any interest on any Debt Security of a particular series which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on the dates and in the manner provided in the Debt Securities of such series and in this Indenture (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder thereof on the relevant record date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Issuer, at their election in each case, as provided in clause (a) or (b) below:
  (a)   The Issuer may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Debt Securities of such series are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each such Debt Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer of such special record date and, in the name and at the expense of the Issuer, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor to be mailed, first class postage pre-paid, to each Holder thereof at its address as it appears in the Debt Security Register, not less than 10 days prior to such special record date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Debt Securities of such series are registered at the close of business on such special record date.
 
  (b)   The Issuer may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Debt Securities of such series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities

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      exchange on which the Debt Securities of such series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Issuer to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
     Section 2.18. CUSIP Numbers. The Issuer in issuing the Debt 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 accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Debt 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 Debt Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
     Section 3.01. Right of Redemption. The Issuer may, at its option, redeem Debt Securities of any series as permitted or required by the terms of Debt Securities, which redemption shall be made in accordance with the terms of such Debt Securities and this Article. The Issuer may also redeem the Debt Securities of any series, in whole or from time to time in part, at any time in order to protect the Issuer’s status as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”), at the option of the Issuer at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article III, with respect to redemptions to protect the Issuer’s status as a REIT, the Debt Securities of any series will be immediately redeemable, at the option of and upon notice by the Issuer to the extent deemed sufficient in the opinion of the Board of Directors to prevent the Holder of such Debt Securities (or any other Person having an interest therein if the Debt Securities were thereupon converted) from being deemed to own shares of beneficial interest in excess of the limits prescribed in Article Ninth of the Charter.
     Section 3.02. Notice of Redemption; Selection of Debt Securities. In case the Issuer shall desire to exercise the right to redeem all or, as the case may be, any part of the Debt Securities of any series in accordance with their terms, by resolution of the Board of Directors or a supplemental Indenture, the Issuer shall fix a date for redemption and shall give notice of such redemption at least 30 and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption to the Holders of Debt Securities of such series so to be redeemed as a whole or in part, in the manner provided in Section 13.03. The notice if given in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice. In any case, failure to give such notice or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Debt Security of a series designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Debt Security of such series.
     Each such notice of redemption shall specify the date fixed for redemption, the redemption price at which Debt Securities of such series are to be redeemed (or the method of calculating such redemption price), the Place or Places of Payment that payment will be made upon presentation and surrender of such Debt Securities, that any interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption will be paid as specified in said notice, that the redemption is for a sinking fund payment (if applicable), that, unless otherwise specified in such notice, that, if the Issuer defaults in making such redemption payment, the paying agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, that on and after said date any interest thereon or on the portions thereof to be redeemed will cease to accrue, that in the case of Original Issue Discount Debt Securities original issue discount accrued after the date fixed for redemption will cease to accrue, the terms of the Debt Securities of that series pursuant to which the Debt Securities of that series are being redeemed, and that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Debt Securities of that series. If less than all the Debt Securities of a series are to be redeemed the notice of redemption shall specify the certificate numbers of the Debt Securities of that series to be redeemed. In case any Debt Security of a series is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, upon surrender of such Debt Security, a new Debt Security or Debt Securities of that series in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof, will be issued.

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     At least 45 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date, unless the Trustee consents to a shorter period, the Issuer shall give written notice to the Trustee of the Redemption Date, the principal amount of Debt Securities to be redeemed and the series and terms of the Debt Securities pursuant to which such redemption will occur. Such notice shall be accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel from the Issuer to the effect that such redemption will comply with the conditions herein. If fewer than all the Debt Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the record date relating to such redemption shall be selected by the Issuer and given in writing to the Trustee, which record date shall be not less than 15 days after the date of notice to the Trustee.
     By 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Redemption Date for any Debt Securities, the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee or with a paying agent (or, if the Issuer is acting as its own paying agent, segregate and hold in trust) an amount of money in Dollars (except as provided pursuant to Section 2.03) sufficient to pay the redemption price of such Debt Securities or any portions thereof that are to be redeemed on that date, together with any interest accrued to the Redemption Date.
     If less than all the Debt Securities of like tenor and terms of a series are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such other method as in its sole discretion it shall deem appropriate and fair, the Debt Securities of that series or portions thereof (in multiples of $1,000) to be redeemed. In any case where more than one Debt Security of such series is registered in the same name, the Trustee in its discretion may treat the aggregate principal amount so registered as if it were represented by one Debt Security of such series. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the Debt Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Debt Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. If any Debt Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof on such Redemption Date, the principal, premium, if any, and interest shall bear interest until paid from the Redemption Date at the rate borne by the Debt Securities of that series. If less than all the Debt Securities of unlike tenor and terms of a series are to be redeemed, the particular Debt Securities to be redeemed shall be selected by the Issuer. Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Debt Securities called for redemption also apply to portions of Debt Securities called for redemption.
     Section 3.03. Payment of Debt Securities Called for Redemption. If notice of redemption has been given as provided in Section 3.02, the Debt Securities or portions of Debt Securities of the series with respect to which such notice has been given shall become due and payable on the date and at the Place or Places of Payment stated in such notice at the applicable redemption price, together with any interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption, and on and after said date (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of such Debt Securities at the applicable redemption price, together with any interest accrued to said date) any interest on the Debt Securities or portions of Debt Securities of any series so called for redemption shall cease to accrue, any original issue discount in the case of Original Issue Discount Debt Securities shall cease to accrue. On presentation and surrender of such Debt Securities at the Place or Places of Payment in said notice specified, the said Debt Securities or the specified portions thereof shall be paid and redeemed by the Issuer at the applicable redemption price, together with any interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption.
     Any Debt Security that is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at the corporate trust office or such other office or agency of the Issuer as is specified pursuant to Section 2.03 with, if the Issuer, the Registrar or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer, the Registrar and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Debt Security without service charge, a new Debt Security or Debt Securities of the same series, of like tenor and form, 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 Debt Security so surrendered; except that if a Global Security is so surrendered, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Depositary for such Global Security, without service charge, a new Global Security in a denomination equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Global Security so surrendered. In the case of a Debt Security providing appropriate space for such notation, at the option of the Holder thereof, the Trustee, in lieu of delivering a new Debt Security or Debt Securities as aforesaid, may make a notation on such Debt Security of the payment of the redeemed portion thereof.
     Section 3.04. Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds. The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Debt Securities of any series, resolution of the Board of Directors or a

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supplemental Indenture 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 Debt Securities of any series, resolution of the Board of Directors or a supplemental Indenture is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment.”
     In lieu of making all or any part of any mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to any Debt Securities of a series in cash, the Issuer may at its option (a) deliver to the Trustee Debt Securities of that series theretofore purchased or otherwise acquired by the Issuer or (b) receive credit for the principal amount of Debt Securities of that series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Issuer pursuant to the terms of such Debt Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Debt Securities, resolution or supplemental Indenture; provided, that such Debt Securities have not been previously so credited. Such Debt Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the redemption price specified in such Debt Securities, resolution or supplemental Indenture for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such mandatory sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.
     Section 3.05. Redemption of Debt Securities for Sinking Fund. Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Debt Securities, the Issuer 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, any resolution or supplemental Indenture, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Debt Securities of that series pursuant to this Section 3.05 (which Debt Securities, if not previously redeemed, will accompany such certificate) and whether the Issuer intends to exercise its right to make any permitted optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series. Such certificate shall also state that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to such series. Such certificate shall be irrevocable and upon its delivery the Issuer shall be obligated to make the cash payment or payments therein referred to, if any, by 11 a.m., New York City time, on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date. Failure of the Issuer to deliver such certificate (or to deliver the Debt Securities specified in this paragraph) shall not constitute a Default, but such failure shall require that 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 Debt Securities subject to a mandatory sinking fund payment without the option to deliver or credit Debt Securities as provided in this Section 3.05 and without the right to make any optional sinking fund payment, if any, with respect to such series.
     Any sinking fund payment or payments (mandatory or optional) made in cash plus any unused balance of any preceding sinking fund payments made in cash which shall equal or exceed $100,000 (or a lesser sum if the Issuer shall so request) with respect to the Debt Securities of any particular series shall be applied by the Trustee on the sinking fund payment date on which such payment is made (or, if such payment is made before a sinking fund payment date, on the sinking fund payment date following the date of such payment) to the redemption of such Debt Securities at the redemption price specified in such Debt Securities, resolution or supplemental Indenture for operation of the sinking fund together with any accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption. Any sinking fund moneys not so applied or allocated by the Trustee to the redemption of Debt Securities shall be added to the next cash sinking fund payment received by the Trustee for such series and, together with such payment, shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.05. Any and all sinking fund moneys with respect to the Debt Securities of any particular series held by the Trustee on the last sinking fund payment date with respect to Debt Securities of such series and not held for the payment or redemption of particular Debt Securities shall be applied by the Trustee, together with other moneys, if necessary, to be deposited sufficient for the purpose, to the payment of the principal of the Debt Securities of that series at its Stated Maturity.
     The Trustee shall select the Debt Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in the last paragraph of Section 3.02 and the Issuer shall cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the manner provided in Section 3.02 except that the notice of redemption shall also state that the Debt Securities are being redeemed by operation of the sinking fund. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Debt Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Section 3.03.
     The Trustee shall not redeem any Debt Securities of a series with sinking fund moneys or mail any notice of redemption of such Debt Securities by operation of the sinking fund for such series during the continuance of a Default in payment of interest on such Debt Securities or of any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default occurring as a consequence of this paragraph) with respect to such Debt Securities, except that if the notice of

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redemption of any such Debt Securities shall theretofore have been mailed in accordance with the provisions hereof, the Trustee shall redeem such Debt Securities if cash sufficient for that purpose shall be deposited with the Trustee for that purpose in accordance with the terms of this Article III. Except as aforesaid, any moneys in the sinking fund for such series at the time when any such Default or Event of Default shall occur and any moneys thereafter paid into such sinking fund shall, during the continuance of such Default or Event of Default, be held as security for the payment of such Debt Securities; provided, however, that in case such Default or Event of Default shall have been cured or waived as provided herein, such moneys shall thereafter be applied on the next sinking fund payment date for such Debt Securities on which such moneys may be applied pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.05.
ARTICLE IV
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE ISSUER
     Section 4.01. Payment of Principal of, and Premium, If Any, and Interest on, Debt Securities. The Issuer, for the benefit of each series of Debt Securities, will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, each of the Debt Securities at the place, at the respective times and in the manner provided herein or in the Debt Securities. Each installment of interest on the Debt Securities may at the Issuer’s option be paid by mailing checks for such interest payable to the Person entitled thereto pursuant to Section 2.07(a) to the address of such Person as it appears on the Debt Security Register.
     Principal, premium and interest of Debt Securities of any series shall be considered paid on the date due if, by 11 a.m., New York City time, on such date the Trustee or any paying agent holds in accordance with this Indenture money sufficient to pay all principal, premium and interest then due.
     The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal or premium, if any, at the rate specified therefor in the Debt Securities and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.
     Section 4.02. Maintenance of Offices or Agencies for Registration of Transfer, Exchange and Payment of Debt Securities. The Issuer will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Debt Securities an office or agency where Debt Securities of such series may be presented or surrendered for payment, and it shall also maintain (in or outside such Place of Payment) an office or agency where Debt Securities of such series may be surrendered for transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Debt Securities of such series and this Indenture may be served. The Issuer 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 Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the office of the Trustee where its corporate trust business is principally administered in the United States, and the Issuer hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
     The Issuer may also from time to time designate different or additional offices or agencies to be maintained for such purposes (in or outside of such Place of Payment), and may from time to time rescind any such designation; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Issuer of their obligations described in the preceding paragraph. The Issuer will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such additional designation or rescission of designation and any change in the location of any such different or additional office or agency.
     Section 4.03. Appointment to Fill a Vacancy in the Office of Trustee. The Issuer, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office of Trustee, will appoint, in the manner provided in Section 7.08, a Trustee, so that there shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder with respect to each series of Debt Securities.
     Section 4.04. Duties of Paying Agents, etc.
  (a)   The Issuer shall cause each paying agent, if any, other than the Trustee, to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 4.04:

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  (i)   that it will hold all sums held by it as such agent for the payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, the Debt Securities of any series (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Issuer or by any other obligor on the Debt Securities of such series) in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Debt Securities of such series;
 
  (ii)   that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Issuer (or by any other obligor on the Debt Securities of such series) to make any payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, the Debt Securities of such series when the same shall be due and payable; and
 
  (iii)   that it will at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held by it as such agent.
  (b)   If the Issuer shall act as their own paying agent, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, the Debt Securities of any series, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Debt Securities of such series a sum sufficient to pay such principal, premium, if any, or interest so becoming due. The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of any failure by the Issuer to take such action or the failure by any other obligor on such Debt Securities to make any payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, such Debt Securities when the same shall be due and payable.
 
  (c)   Anything in this Section 4.04 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Issuer may, at any time, for the purpose of obtaining a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, or for any other reason, pay or cause to be paid to the Trustee all sums held in trust by it or any paying agent, as required by this Section 4.04, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Issuer or such paying agent.
 
  (d)   Whenever the Issuer shall have one or more paying agents with respect to any series of Debt Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, any Debt Securities of such series, deposit with any such paying agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal, premium or interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto, and (unless any such paying agent is the Trustee) the Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.
 
  (e)   Anything in this Section 4.04 to the contrary notwithstanding, the agreement to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section 4.04 is subject to the provisions of Section 11.05.
     Section 4.05. SEC Reports; Financial Statements.
  (a)   The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are Outstanding, file with the Trustee, within 15 days after it files the same with the SEC, copies of the annual reports and the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Issuer is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. If the Issuer is not subject to the requirements of such Section 13 or 15(d), the Issuer shall file with the Trustee, within 15 days after it would have been required to file the same with the SEC, financial statements, including any notes thereto (and with respect to annual reports, an auditors’ report by a firm of established national reputation), and a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” both comparable to that which the Issuer would have been required to include in such annual reports, information, documents or other reports if the Issuer had been subject to the

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      requirements of such Section 13 or 15(d). The Issuer shall also comply with the provisions of TIA Section 314(a).
 
  (b)   If the Issuer is required to furnish annual or quarterly reports to its stockholders pursuant to the Exchange Act, the Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are outstanding, cause any annual report furnished to its stockholders generally and any quarterly or other financial reports furnished by it to its stockholders generally to be filed with the Trustee and mailed to the Holders in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 5.03.
 
  (c)   The Issuer shall provide the Trustee with a sufficient number of copies of all reports and other documents and information that the Trustee may be required to deliver to Holders under this Section 4.05.
 
  (d)   The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are Outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days of any Officer of the Issuer becoming aware of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
     Section 4.06. Compliance Certificate.
  (a)   The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are Outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Issuer, an Officers’ Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Issuer and its subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers of the Issuer with a view to determining whether the Issuer has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his knowledge the Issuer has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions hereof, without regard to any grace period or requirement of notice required by this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which such Officer may have knowledge and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto) and that to the best of his knowledge no event has occurred and remains in existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Debt Securities are prohibited or, if such event has occurred, a description of the event and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
 
  (b)   The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee within 30 days after the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default under this Indenture, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default, the status thereof and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
     Section 4.07. Further Instruments and Acts. The Issuer will, upon request of the Trustee, execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may reasonably be necessary or proper to carry out more effectually the purposes of this Indenture.
     Section 4.08. Existence. Except as permitted by Article X hereof, the Issuer shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence and all rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of the Issuer, provided that the Issuer shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise, if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuer.

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     Section 4.09. Maintenance of Properties. The Issuer shall cause all properties owned by the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries or used or held for use in the conduct of its business or the business of any such subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order (reasonable wear and tear excepted) and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Issuer may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided that nothing in this Section 4.09 shall prevent the Issuer from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Issuer, desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any such Subsidiary and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
     Section 4.10. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims. The Issuer shall pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (i) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries or upon the income, profits or property of the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries, and (ii) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a Lien upon the property of the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries; provided that the Issuer shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
     Section 4.11. Waiver of Certain Covenants. The Issuer may, with respect to the Debt Securities of any series, omit in any particular instance to comply with any covenant set forth in this Article IV (except Sections 4.01 through 4.08) or made applicable to such Debt Securities pursuant to Section 2.03, if, before or after the time for such compliance, the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each series affected, waive such compliance in such instance with such covenant, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such covenant except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Issuer and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such covenant shall remain in full force and effect.
ARTICLE V
HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE TRUSTEE
     Section 5.01. Issuer to Furnish Trustee Information as to Names and Addresses of Holders; Preservation of Information. The Issuer covenants and agrees that it will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of each series:
  (a)   not more than 10 days after each record date with respect to the payment of interest, if any, 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
 
  (b)   at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Issuer of any such request, a list of similar form and contents as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished;
provided, however, that so long as the Trustee shall be the Registrar, such lists shall not be required to be furnished.
     The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the Holders (i) contained in the most recent list furnished to it as provided in this Section 5.01 or (ii) received by it in the capacity of paying agent or Registrar (if so acting) hereunder.
     The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in this Section 5.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
     Section 5.02. Communications to Holders. Holders may communicate pursuant to Section 312(b) of the TIA with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Debt Securities. The Issuer, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of Section 312(c) of the TIA.

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     Section 5.03. Reports by Trustee. Within 60 days after each January 31, beginning with the first January 31 following the date of this Indenture, and in any event on or before April 1 in each year, the Trustee shall mail to Holders a brief report dated as of such January 31 that complies with TIA Section 313(a); provided, however, that if no event described in TIA Section 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted. The Trustee also shall comply with TIA Section 313(b).
     Reports pursuant to this Section 5.03 shall be transmitted by mail:
  (a)   to all Holders, as the names and addresses of such Holders appear in the Debt Security Register; and
 
  (b)   except in the cases of reports under Section 313(b)(2) of the TIA, to each Holder of a Debt Security of any series whose name and address appear in the information preserved at the time by the Trustee in accordance with Section 5.01.
     A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Holders shall be filed with the SEC and each stock exchange (if any) on which the Debt Securities of any series are listed. The Issuer agrees to notify promptly the Trustee whenever the Debt Securities of any series become listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.
     Section 5.04. Record Dates for Action by Holders. If the Issuer shall solicit from the Holders of Debt Securities of any series any action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any direction, notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the Issuer may, at its option, by resolution of the Board of Directors, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders of Debt Securities entitled to take such action, but the Issuer shall have no obligation to do so. Any such record date shall be fixed at the Issuer’s discretion. If such a record date is fixed, such action may be sought or given before or after the record date, but only the Holders of Debt Securities of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders of Debt Securities for the purpose of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Debt Securities of such series Outstanding have authorized or agreed or consented to such action, and for that purpose the Debt Securities of such series Outstanding shall be computed as of such record date.
ARTICLE VI
REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND HOLDERS IN EVENT OF DEFAULT
     Section 6.01. Events of Default. If any one or more of the following shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to Debt Securities of any series (each of the following, an “Event of Default”):
  (a)   default in the payment of any installment of interest upon any Debt Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or
 
  (b)   default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any Debt Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable, whether at Stated Maturity, upon redemption, by declaration, upon required repurchase or otherwise; or
 
  (c)   default in the payment of any sinking fund payment with respect to any Debt Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable; or
 
  (d)   failure on the part of the Issuer duly to observe or perform any other of the covenants or agreements on the part of the Issuer, in the Debt Securities of that series, in any resolution of the Board of Directors authorizing the issuance of that series of Debt Securities, in this Indenture with respect to such series or in any supplemental Indenture with respect to such series (other than a covenant a default in the performance of which is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with), continuing for a period of 60 days after the date on

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      which written notice specifying such failure and requiring the Issuer to remedy the same shall have been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Issuer, by the Trustee or to the Issuer and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series at the time Outstanding; or
 
  (e)   the Issuer, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
  (i)   commences a voluntary case,
 
  (ii)   consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,
 
  (iii)   consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property; or
 
  (iv)   makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;
  (f)   a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
  (i)   is for relief against the Issuer, as debtor in an involuntary case,
 
  (ii)   appoints a Custodian of the Issuer, or a Custodian for all or substantially all of the property of the Issuer, or
 
  (iii)   orders the liquidation of the Issuer,
and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days; or
  (g)   any other Event of Default provided with respect to Debt Securities of that series; then and in each and every case that an Event of Default described in clause (a), (b), (c), (d), or (g) with respect to Debt Securities of that series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, unless the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the Debt Securities of that series shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by notice in writing to the Issuer (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), may declare the principal of (or, if the Debt Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Debt Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series), premium, if any, and interest on all the Debt Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become and shall be immediately due and payable, anything in this Indenture or in the Debt Securities of that series contained to the contrary notwithstanding. If an Event of Default described in clause (e) or (f) occurs, then and in each and every such case, unless the principal of and interest on all the Debt Securities shall have become due and payable, the principal of (or, if any Debt Securities are Original Issue Discount Debt Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms thereof), premium, if any, and interest on all the Debt Securities then Outstanding hereunder shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders, anything in this Indenture or in the Debt Securities contained to the contrary notwithstanding.
     The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of a particular series by written notice to the Trustee may waive all past Defaults (except with respect to the nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest) and rescind an acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction already rendered and if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that has become due

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solely because of acceleration. Upon any such rescission, the parties hereto shall be restored respectively to their several positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the parties hereto shall continue as though no such proceeding had been taken.
     Section 6.02. Collection of Debt by Trustee, etc. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid or enforce the performance of any provision of the Debt Securities of the affected series or this Indenture, and may prosecute any such action or proceedings to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of such series (and collect in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of such series wherever situated the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable).
     In case there shall be pending proceedings for the bankruptcy or for the reorganization of the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of any series under any Bankruptcy Law, or in case a Custodian shall have been appointed for its property, or in case of any other similar judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of any series, its creditors or its property, the Trustee, irrespective of whether the principal of Debt Securities of any series 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 pursuant to the provisions of this Section 6.02, shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceedings or otherwise, to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of principal, premium, if any, and interest (or, if the Debt Securities of such series are Original Issue Discount Debt Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such series) owing and unpaid in respect of the Debt Securities of such series, 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 reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and for reimbursement of all expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee except as a result of its negligence or bad faith) and of the Holders thereof allowed in any such judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer, or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of such series, its creditors or its property, and to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims, and to distribute all amounts received with respect to the claims of such Holders and of the Trustee on their behalf, and any receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization is hereby authorized by each of such Holders to make payments to the Trustee, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of payments directly to such Holders, to pay to the Trustee such amount as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other reasonable expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee except as a result of its negligence or bad faith.
     All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the Debt Securities of any series, may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any such Debt Securities, or the production thereof in any trial or other proceedings relative thereto, and any such action or proceedings instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment (except for any amounts payable to the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.06) shall be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of all the Debt Securities in respect of which such action was taken.
     In case of an Event of Default hereunder the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any of such rights, either at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture, or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.
     Section 6.03. Application of Moneys Collected by Trustee. Any moneys or other property collected by the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.02 with respect to Debt Securities of any series shall be applied, in the order following, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee for the distribution of such moneys or other property, upon presentation of the several Debt Securities of such series in respect of which moneys or other property have been collected, and the notation thereon of the payment, if only partially paid, and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
     FIRST: To the payment of all money due the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.06;

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     SECOND: In case the principal of the Outstanding Debt Securities in respect of which such moneys have been collected shall not have become due, to the payment of interest on the Debt Securities of such series in the order of the maturity of the installments of such interest, with interest (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon the overdue installments of interest at the rate or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Debt Securities) borne by the Debt Securities of such series, such payments to be made ratably to the Persons entitled thereto, without discrimination or preference;
     THIRD: In case the principal of the Outstanding Debt Securities in respect of which such moneys have been collected shall have become due, by declaration or otherwise, to the payment of the whole amount then owing and unpaid upon the Debt Securities of such series for principal and premium, if any, and interest, with interest on the overdue principal and premium, if any, and (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon overdue installments of interest at the rate or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Debt Securities) borne by the Debt Securities of such series; and, in case such moneys shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole amount so due and unpaid upon the Debt Securities of such series, then to the payment of such principal and premium, if any, and interest, without preference or priority of principal and premium, if any, over interest, or of interest over principal and premium, if any, or of any installment of interest over any other installment of interest, or of any Debt Security of such series over any Debt Security of such series, ratably to the aggregate of such principal and premium, if any, and interest; and
     FOURTH: The remainder, if any, shall be paid to the Issuer, its successors or assigns, or to whomsoever may be lawfully entitled to receive the same, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.
     The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.03. At least 15 days before such record date, the Issuer shall mail to each Holder and the Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.
     Section 6.04. Limitation on Suits by Holders. No Holder of any Debt Security of any series shall have any right by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any action or proceeding at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, upon or under or with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default with respect to Debt Securities of that same series and of the continuance thereof and unless the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action or proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder and shall have offered to the Trustee such reasonable indemnity or security as it may require against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby, and the Trustee, for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity or security shall have failed to institute any such action or proceedings and no direction inconsistent with such written request shall have been given to the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.06; it being understood and intended, and being expressly covenanted by the Holder of every Debt Security with every other Holder and the Trustee, that no one or more Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any Holders, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such Holder, or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all such Holders. For the protection and enforcement of the provisions of this Section 6.04, each and every Holder and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in equity.
     Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture (but subject to Article XIV), however, the right of any Holder of any Debt Security to receive payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and (subject to Section 2.12) interest on, such Debt Security, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Debt Security, and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.
     Section 6.05. Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission in Exercise of Rights Not a Waiver of Default. All powers and remedies given by this Article VI to the Trustee or to the Holders shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any thereof or of any other powers and remedies available to the Trustee or the Holders, by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to enforce the performance or observance of the

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covenants and agreements contained in this Indenture, and no delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid, shall impair any such right or power, or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Default or an acquiescence therein; and, subject to the provisions of Section 6.04, every power and remedy given by this Article VI or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders.
     Section 6.06. Rights of Holders of Majority in Principal Amount of Debt Securities to Direct Trustee and to Waive Default. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series at the time 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 right, trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Debt Securities of such series; provided, however, that such direction shall not be otherwise than in accordance with law and the provisions of this Indenture, and that subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee being advised by counsel shall determine that the action so directed may not lawfully be taken, or if the Trustee shall by a responsible officer or officers determine that the action so directed would involve it in personal liability or would be unduly prejudicial to Holders of Debt Securities of such series not taking part in such direction; and provided, further, however, that nothing in this Indenture contained shall impair the right of the Trustee to take any action deemed proper by the Trustee and which is not inconsistent with such direction by such Holders. Prior to the acceleration of the maturity of the Debt Securities of any series, as provided in Section 6.01, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series at the time Outstanding may on behalf of the Holders of all the Debt Securities of that series waive any past Default or Event of Default and its consequences for that series, except a Default in the payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, any of the Debt Securities and a Default in respect of a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be amended without the consent of each Holder affected thereby. In case of any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture, and the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of the Debt Securities of that series shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, respectively; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
     Section 6.07. Trustee to Give Notice of Defaults Known to It, but May Withhold Such Notice in Certain Circumstances. The Trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of a Default known to it, or if later, within 30 days after the Trustee obtains actual knowledge of the Default, with respect to a series of Debt Securities give to the Holders thereof, in the manner provided in Section 13.03, notice of all Defaults with respect to such series known to the Trustee, unless such Defaults shall have been cured or waived before the giving of such notice; provided, that, except in the case of Default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any of the Debt Securities of such series or in the making of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Debt Securities 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 committee of directors or responsible officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders thereof.
     Section 6.08. Requirement of an Undertaking to Pay Costs in Certain Suits under the Indenture or Against the Trustee. All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Debt Security 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 in the manner and to the extent provided in the TIA, 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 6.08 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 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any Debt Security on or after the due date for such payment expressed in such Debt Security.

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ARTICLE VII
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
     Section 7.01. Certain Duties and Responsibilities. The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default which may have occurred, undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture. In case an Event of Default has occurred (which has not been cured or waived), the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.
     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, its own bad faith or its own willful misconduct, except that:
  (a)   this paragraph shall not be construed to limit the effect of the first paragraph of this Section 7.01;
 
  (b)   prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of a series and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default with respect to such series which may have occurred:
  (i)   the duties and obligations of the Trustee with respect to Debt Securities of any series shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations with respect to such series as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to such series shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee;
 
  (ii)   in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the 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 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 the Trustee shall examine the evidence furnished to it pursuant to Sections 4.05 and 4.06 to determine whether or not such evidence conforms to the requirement of this Indenture;
 
  (iii)   the Trustee shall not be liable for an 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
 
  (iv)   the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it with respect to Debt Securities of any series in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that 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 with respect to Debt Securities of such series.
     None of the provisions of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there shall be reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

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     Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.
     Section 7.02. Certain Rights of Trustee. Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01:
  (a)   the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, 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, direction, order or demand of the Issuer mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Issuer Order (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed); and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be evidenced to the Trustee by a copy thereof certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer;
 
  (c)   the Trustee may consult with counsel, and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or Opinion of Counsel;
 
  (d)   the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders of Debt Securities of any series pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred therein or thereby;
 
  (e)   the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted 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;
 
  (f)   prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and after the curing of all Events of Default which may have occurred, 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, approval or other paper or document, unless requested in writing to do so by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then Outstanding Debt Securities of a series affected by such matter; provided, however, that if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is not, in the opinion of the Trustee, reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require reasonable indemnity against such costs, expenses or liabilities as a condition to so proceeding, and the reasonable expense of every such investigation shall be paid by the Issuer or, if paid by the Trustee, shall be repaid by the Issuer upon demand;
 
  (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 by it with due care hereunder; and
 
  (h)   if any property other than cash shall at any time be subject to a Lien in favor of the Holders, the Trustee, if and to the extent authorized by a receivership or bankruptcy court of competent jurisdiction or by the supplemental instrument subjecting such property to

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      such Lien, shall be entitled to make advances for the purpose of preserving such property or of discharging tax Liens or other prior Liens or encumbrances thereon.
     Section 7.03. Trustee Not Liable for Recitals in Indenture or in Debt Securities. The recitals contained herein, in the Debt Securities (except the Trustee’s certificate of authentication) shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Debt Securities of any series, except that the Trustee represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture, authenticate the Debt Securities and perform its obligations hereunder, and that the statements made by it or to be made by it in a Statement of Eligibility and Qualification on Form T-1 supplied to the Issuer is true and accurate. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer of any of the Debt Securities or of the proceeds thereof.
     Section 7.04. Trustee, Paying Agent or Registrar May Own Debt Securities. The Trustee or any paying agent or Registrar, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Debt Securities and subject to the provisions of the TIA relating to conflicts of interest and preferential claims may otherwise deal with the Issuer with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, paying agent or Registrar.
     Section 7.05. Moneys Received by Trustee to Be Held in Trust. Subject to the provisions of Section 11.05, all moneys received by the Trustee shall, until used or applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received, but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any moneys received by it hereunder. So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, all interest allowed on any such moneys shall be paid from time to time to the Issuer upon an Issuer Order.
     Section 7.06. Compensation and Reimbursement. The Issuer covenants and agrees to pay in Dollars to the Trustee from time to time, and the Trustee shall be entitled to, reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust), and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Issuer will pay or reimburse in Dollars the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents, attorneys and counsel and of all Persons not regularly in its employ), including without limitation, Section 6.02, except any such expense, disbursement or advances as may arise from its negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. The Issuer also covenants to indemnify in Dollars the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust or trusts hereunder, including the reasonable costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim of liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. The obligations of the Issuer under this Section 7.06 to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional Debt hereunder and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture. The Issuer and the Holders agree that such additional Debt shall be secured by a Lien prior to that of the Debt 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, and premium, if any, or interest on, particular Debt Securities.
     When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Sections 6.01(e) or 6.01(f) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law.
     Section 7.07. Right of Trustee to Rely on an Officers’ Certificate Where No Other Evidence Specifically Prescribed. Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01, whenever in the administration of the provisions of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering or omitting any action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee and such certificate, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith thereof.

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     Section 7.08. Separate Trustee; Replacement of Trustee. The Issuer may, but need not, appoint a separate Trustee for any one or more series of Debt Securities. The Trustee may resign with respect to one or more or all series of Debt Securities at any time by giving notice to the Issuer. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debt Securities of a particular series may remove the Trustee for such series and only such series by so notifying the Trustee and may appoint a successor Trustee. The Issuer shall remove the Trustee if:
  (a)   the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;
 
  (b)   the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;
 
  (c)   a Custodian takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
 
  (d)   the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.
     If the Trustee resigns, is removed by the Issuer or by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debt Securities of a particular series and such Holders do not reasonably promptly appoint a successor Trustee, or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason (the Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Trustee), the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee. No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of this Section 7.08.
     A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuer. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders of Debt Securities of each applicable series. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.06.
     If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee gives notice of resignation or is removed, the retiring Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the Debt Securities of any applicable series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee for the Debt Securities of such series.
     If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, any Holder of Debt Securities of any applicable series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee for the Debt Securities of such series.
     Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, Issuer’s obligations under Section 7.06 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.
     In the case of the appointment hereunder of a separate or successor Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of one or more series, the Issuer, any retiring Trustee and each successor or separate Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of any applicable series shall execute and deliver an Indenture supplemental hereto (i) which shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of any retiring Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of any series as to which any such retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in such retiring Trustee and (ii) that shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental Indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such separate, retiring or successor 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.
     Section 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger. If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking

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association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation or banking association without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.
     In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Debt Securities shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee, and deliver such Debt Securities so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Debt Securities shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Debt Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Debt Securities or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.
     Section 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification. The Trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of Section 310(a) of the TIA. The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition. No obligor upon the Debt Securities of a particular series or Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such obligor shall serve as Trustee upon the Debt Securities of such series. The Trustee shall comply with Section 310(b) of the TIA; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from the operation of Section 310(b)(1) of the TIA this Indenture or any indenture or indentures under which other securities or certificates of interest or participation in other securities of the Issuer are outstanding if the requirements for such exclusion set forth in Section 310(b)(1) of the TIA are met.
     Section 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer. The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the TIA, excluding any creditor relationship listed in Section 311(b) of the TIA. A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the TIA to the extent indicated therein.
     Section 7.12. Compliance with Tax Laws. The Trustee hereby agrees to comply with all U.S. Federal income tax information reporting and withholding requirements applicable to it with respect to payments of premium (if any) and interest on the Debt Securities, whether acting as Trustee, Registrar, paying agent or otherwise with respect to the Debt Securities.
ARTICLE VIII
CONCERNING THE HOLDERS
     Section 8.01. Evidence of Action by Holders. Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the Holders of a specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any or all series may take action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any direction, notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action) the fact that at the time of taking any such action the Holders of such specified percentage have joined therein may be evidenced by any instrument or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by Holders in person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing, by the record of the Holders voting in favor thereof at any meeting of Holders duly called and held in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.02 or by a combination of such instrument or instruments and any such record of such a meeting of Holders.
     Section 8.02. Proof of Execution of Instruments and of Holding of Debt Securities. Subject to the provisions of Sections 7.01, 7.02 and 13.09, proof of the execution of any instrument by a Holder or his agent or proxy shall be sufficient if made in accordance with such reasonable rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Trustee or in such manner as shall be satisfactory to the Trustee. The ownership of Debt Securities of any series shall be proved by the Debt Security Register or by a certificate of the Registrar for such series. The Trustee may require such additional proof of any matter referred to in this Section 8.02 as it shall deem necessary.
     Section 8.03. Who May Be Deemed Owner of Debt Securities. Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any Debt Security, the Issuer, the Trustee, any paying agent and any Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Debt Security shall be registered upon the books of the Issuer as the absolute owner of such Debt Security (whether or not such Debt Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing thereon) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal of and premium, if any, and (subject to Section 2.12) interest on such Debt Security and for all other

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purposes, and neither the Issuer nor the Trustee nor any paying agent nor any Registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary; and all such payments so made to any such Holder for the time being, or upon his order, shall be valid and, to the extent of the sum or sums so paid, effectual to satisfy and discharge the liability for moneys payable upon any such Debt Security.
     None of the Issuer, the Trustee, any agent of the Trustee, any paying agent or any Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
     Section 8.04. Instruments Executed by Holders Bind Future Holders. At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section 8.01, of the taking of any action by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series specified in this Indenture in connection with such action and subject to the following paragraph, any Holder of a Debt Security which is shown by the evidence to be included in the Debt Securities the Holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice with the Trustee at its corporate trust office and upon proof of holding as provided in Section 8.02, revoke such action so far as concerns such Debt Security. Except as aforesaid any such action taken by the Holder of any Debt Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and owners of such Debt Security and of any Debt Security issued upon transfer thereof or in exchange or substitution therefor, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon such Debt Security or such other Debt Securities. Any action taken by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series specified in this Indenture in connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of all the Debt Securities of such series.
     The Issuer may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Debt Securities entitled to give their consent or take any other action required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders of Debt Securities at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders of Debt Securities after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date unless the consent of the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of such series specified in this Indenture shall have been received within such 120-day period.
ARTICLE IX
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
     Section 9.01. Purposes for Which Supplemental Indenture May Be Entered into Without Consent of Holders. The Issuer, when authorized by resolutions of the Board of Directors, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time, without the consent of Holders, enter into an Indenture or Indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the TIA as in force at the date of the execution thereof) for one or more of the following purposes:
  (a)   to evidence the succession pursuant to Article X of another Person to the Issuer, or successive successions, and the assumption by the Successor Issuer (as defined in Section 10.01) of the covenants, agreements and obligations of the Issuer in this Indenture and in the Debt Securities;
 
  (b)   to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer, to add to the covenants of the Issuer such further covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the Holders of all or any series of Debt Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Debt Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) as the Board of Directors shall consider to be for the protection of the Holders of such Debt Securities, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance, of a Default in any of

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      such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions a Default or an Event of Default permitting the enforcement of all or any of the several remedies provided in this Indenture; provided, that in respect of any such additional covenant, restriction, condition or provision such supplemental Indenture may provide for a particular period of grace after Default (which period may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other Defaults) or may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such Default or may limit the remedies available to the Trustee upon such Default or may limit the right of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of any or all series of Debt Securities to waive such default;
  (c)   to cure any ambiguity or omission or to correct or supplement any provision contained herein, in any supplemental Indenture or in any Debt Securities of any series that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained herein, in any supplemental Indenture or in the Debt Securities of such series; to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or with the Trustee, or to make such other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising under this Indenture as shall not adversely affect the interests of any Holders of Debt Securities of any series;
 
  (d)   to modify or amend this Indenture in such a manner as to permit the qualification of this Indenture or any Indenture supplemental hereto under the TIA as then in effect, except that nothing herein contained shall permit or authorize the inclusion in any Indenture supplemental hereto of the provisions referred to in Section 316(a)(2) of the TIA;
 
  (e)   to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, on, Debt Securities; provided, that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Debt Securities of any series in any material respect or permit or facilitate the issuance of Debt Securities of any series in uncertificated form;
 
  (f)   to comply with Article XIV;
 
  (g)   to add subsidiary guarantors with respect to any or all of the Debt Securities or to secure any or all of the Debt Securities;
 
  (h)   to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder;
 
  (i)   to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Debt Securities; provided, however, that any such addition, change or elimination not otherwise permitted under this Section 9.01 shall neither apply to any Debt Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental Indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor modify the rights of the Holder of any such Debt Security with respect to such provision or shall become effective only when there is no such Debt Security Outstanding;
 
  (j)   to make any changes in Article XIV that would limit or terminate the benefits applicable to any holder of Senior Indebtedness (or its Representatives) under Article XIV;
 
  (k)   to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor or separate Trustee with respect to the Debt 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; and
 
  (l)   to establish the form or terms of Debt Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 2.01 and 2.03.

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     The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Issuer in the execution of any such supplemental Indenture, to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained and to accept the conveyance, transfer, assignment, mortgage or pledge of any property thereunder, but the Trustee 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.
     Any supplemental Indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section 9.01 may be executed by the Issuer, and the Trustee without the consent of the Holders of any of the Debt Securities at the time Outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 9.02.
     Section 9.02. Modification of Indenture with Consent of Holders of Debt Securities. Without notice to any Holder but with the consent (evidenced as provided in Section 8.01) of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each series affected by such supplemental Indenture (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for any such series of Debt Securities), the Issuer, when authorized by resolutions of the Board of Directors, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an Indenture or Indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the TIA as in force at the date of execution thereof) for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Debt Securities of such series; provided, that no such supplemental Indenture, without the consent of the Holders of each Debt Security so affected, shall: (i) reduce the percentage in principal amount of Debt Securities of any series whose Holders must consent to an amendment; (ii) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any Debt Security; (iii) reduce the principal of or extend the Stated Maturity of any Debt Security; (iv) reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any Debt Security or change the time at which any Debt Security may or shall be redeemed in accordance with Article III; (v) make any Debt Security payable in currency other than the Dollar; (vi) impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of premium, if any, principal of and interest on such Holder’s Debt Securities on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Debt Securities; (vii) release any security that may have been granted in respect of the Debt Securities; or (viii) make any change in Section 6.06 or this Section 9.02.
     A supplemental Indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has been expressly included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Debt Securities or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Debt 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 Debt Securities of any other series.
     Upon the request of the Issuer, accompanied by a copy of resolutions of the Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such supplemental Indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Holders as aforesaid, the Trustee shall join with the Issuer in the execution of such supplemental Indenture unless such supplemental Indenture affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion but shall not be obligated to enter into such supplemental Indenture.
     It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental Indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.
     An amendment under this Section 9.02 may not make any change that adversely affects the rights under Article XIV of any holder of Senior Indebtedness then Outstanding unless the holders of such Senior Indebtedness (or any group or Representative thereof authorized to give a consent) consents to such change.
     After an amendment under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Issuer shall mail to Holders of Debt Securities of each series affected thereby a notice briefly describing such amendment. The failure to give such notice to all such Holders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section 9.02.

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     Section 9.03. Effect of Supplemental Indentures. Upon the execution of any supplemental Indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX, this Indenture shall be and be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Issuer, and the Holders shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all the terms and conditions of any such supplemental Indenture shall be and be deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.
     The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Sections 7.01 and 7.02, may receive an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any such supplemental Indenture complies with the provisions of this Article IX.
     Section 9.04. Debt Securities May Bear Notation of Changes by Supplemental Indentures. Debt Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental Indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX 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. New Debt Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Board of Directors, to any modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental Indenture may be prepared and executed by the Issuer, authenticated by the Trustee and delivered in exchange for the Debt Securities of such series then Outstanding. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Debt Security of such series shall not affect the validity of such amendment.
ARTICLE X
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
     Section 10.01. Consolidations and Mergers of the Issuer. The Issuer shall not consolidate or amalgamate with or merge with or into any Person, or sell, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to any Person, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, except (1) in accordance with the provisions of the Charter, and (2) unless: (a) either (i) the Issuer shall be the continuing Person in the case of a merger or (ii) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person if other than the Issuer (the “Successor Issuer”), shall be a partnership, limited liability company or corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, and the Successor Issuer shall expressly assume, by an Indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Debt Securities according to their tenor; (b) immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Debt which becomes an obligation of the Successor Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Successor Issuer as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Successor Issuer or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default or Event of Default would occur or be continuing; and (c) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or disposition and such supplemental Indenture (if any) comply with this Indenture.
     Section 10.02. Rights and Duties of Successor Issuer. In case of any consolidation, amalgamation or merger in respect of an Issuer where such Issuer is not the continuing Person, or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such Issuer in accordance with Section 10.01, the Successor Issuer shall succeed to and be substituted for such Issuer with the same effect as if it had been named herein as the respective party to this Indenture, and the predecessor entity shall be released from all liabilities and obligations under this Indenture and the Debt Securities, except that no such release will occur in the case of a lease of all or substantially all of its assets. The Successor Issuer thereupon may cause to be signed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of such Issuer, any or all the Debt Securities issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by such Issuer and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of the Successor Issuer, instead of the Issuer, and subject to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee shall authenticate and shall deliver any Debt Securities which previously shall have been signed and delivered by the officers of the Issuer, to the Trustee for authentication, and any Debt Securities which the Successor Issuer thereafter shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee for that purpose. All the Debt Securities so issued shall in all respects have the same legal

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rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Debt Securities theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all such Debt Securities had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.
     In case of any such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, sale or disposition such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Debt Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.
ARTICLE XI
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE; UNCLAIMED MONEYS
     Section 11.01. Applicability of Article. The provisions of this Article XI relating to defeasance of Debt Securities shall be applicable to each series of Debt Securities except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 2.03 for Debt Securities of such series.
     Section 11.02. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance.
  (a)   If at any time the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all Debt Securities of any series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than any Debt Securities of such series which shall have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which shall have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.09 and Debt Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Issuer as provided in Section 11.05) or all Debt Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or 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 the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee as trust funds the entire amount in cash sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all Debt 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 on such date of Stated Maturity or redemption date, as the case may be, and if in either case the Issuer shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Issuer, then this Indenture shall cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of such Debt Securities herein expressly provided for) with respect to the Debt Securities of such series, and the Trustee, on demand of the Issuer accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel and at the cost and expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction of and discharging this Indenture.
 
  (b)   Subject to Sections 11.02(c), 11.03 and 11.07, the Issuer at any time may terminate, with respect to Debt Securities of a particular series, all its obligations under the Debt Securities of such series and this Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of such series (“legal defeasance option”) or the operation of (x) any covenant made applicable to such Debt Securities pursuant to Section 2.03, (y) Sections 6.01(d) and 6.01(g) (“covenant defeasance option”). If the Issuer exercises its legal defeasance option, any guarantee will terminate with respect to that series of Debt Securities. The Issuer may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option.
     If the Issuer exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of the Debt Securities of the defeased series may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default. If the Issuer exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the Debt Securities of the defeased series may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in Sections 6.01(d) and 6.01(g) and, with respect to any subsidiary guarantors only, Sections 6.01(e) and 6.01(f) (except to the extent covenants or agreements referenced in such sections remain applicable).

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     Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and upon request of the Issuer, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of those obligations that the Issuer terminates.
  (c)   Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) above, the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 2.07, 2.09, 4.02, 4.04, 5.01, 7.06, 11.05, 11.06, 11.07 and in Article XII shall survive until the Debt Securities of the defeased series have been paid in full. Thereafter, the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 7.06, 11.05 and 11.06 shall survive.
     Section 11.03. Conditions of Defeasance. The Issuer may exercise its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option with respect to Debt Securities of a particular series only if:
  (a)   the Issuer irrevocably deposits in trust with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Debt Securities of such series to Stated Maturity or redemption, as the case may be;
 
  (b)   the Issuer deliver to the Trustee a certificate from a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants expressing their opinion that the payments of principal and interest when due and without reinvestment on the deposited U.S. Government Obligations plus any deposited money without investment will provide cash at such times and in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay the principal, premium and interest when due on all the Debt Securities of such series to Stated Maturity or redemption, as the case may be;
 
  (c)   91 days pass after the deposit is made and during the 91-day period no Default specified in Sections 6.01(e) or 6.01(f) with respect to the Issuer occurs which is continuing at the end of the period;
 
  (d)   no Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit and after giving effect thereto;
 
  (e)   the deposit does not constitute a default under any other agreement binding on the Issuer;
 
  (f)   the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the trust resulting from the deposit does not constitute, or is qualified as, a regulated investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;
 
  (g)   in the event of the legal defeasance option, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that the Issuer has received from the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or since the date of this Indenture there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case of the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of Debt Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred;
 
  (h)   in the event of the covenant defeasance option, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of Debt Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such covenant defeasance had not occurred; and

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  (i)   the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge of the Debt Securities of such series as contemplated by this Article XI have been complied with.
     Before or after a deposit, the Issuer may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of Debt Securities of such series at a future date in accordance with Article III.
     Section 11.04. Application of Trust Money. The Trustee shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to this Article XI. It shall apply the deposited money and the money from U.S. Government Obligations through any paying agent and in accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Debt Securities of the defeased series.
     Section 11.05. Repayment to Issuer. The Trustee and any paying agent shall promptly turn over to the Issuer upon request any excess money or securities held by them at any time.
     Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, the Trustee and any paying agent shall pay to the Issuer upon request any money held by them for the payment of principal, premium or interest that remains unclaimed for two years, and, thereafter, Holders entitled to such money must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors.
     Section 11.06. Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations. The Issuer shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee and the Holders against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against deposited U.S. Government Obligations or the principal and interest received on such U.S. Government Obligations.
     Section 11.07. Reinstatement. If the Trustee or any paying agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article XI by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or government authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture and the Debt Securities of the defeased series shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article XI until such time as the Trustee or any paying agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article XI.
ARTICLE XII
CONVERSION OF SECURITIES
     Section 12.01. Right of Conversion: Conversion Price. If provided in the resolutions of the Board of Directors with respect to such series of Debt Securities, the Holder of any Debt Security or Debt Securities of a particular series shall have the right, at his option, at any time after such date as determined by such resolutions and before the close of business on such date as determined by such resolutions (except that, with respect to any Debt Security or portion of a Debt Security of such series which shall be called for redemption, such right shall terminate at the close of business on the date fixed for redemption of such Debt Security or portion of a Debt Security unless the Issuer shall default in payment due upon redemption thereof), to convert, subject to the terms and provisions of this Article XII, the principal of any Debt Security or Debt Securities of such series or any portion thereof which is $1,000 principal amount or an integral multiple thereof into shares of common stock of the Issuer or Debt Securities of another series of Debt Securities, initially at the conversion price per share specified in the Debt Securities of such series; or, in case an adjustment of such price has taken place pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.04, then at the price as last adjusted (such price or adjusted price being referred to herein as the “conversion price”), upon surrender of the Debt Security or Debt Securities, the principal of which is so to be converted, accompanied by written notice of conversion duly executed, to the Issuer, at any time during usual business hours at the office or agency maintained by it for such purpose, and, if so required by the conversion agent or Registrar, accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the conversion agent or Registrar duly executed by the Holder or his duly authorized representative in writing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and in order to protect the Issuer’s status as a REIT, a Holder may not convert any Debt Security, and any such Debt Security shall not be convertible by any Holder, if as a result of such conversion any person would then be deemed to beneficially own, directly or indirectly shares of beneficial interest in excess of the limits prescribed in Article Ninth of the Charter.

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     Section 12.02. Issuance of Shares on Conversion. As promptly as practicable after the surrender, as herein provided, of any Debt Security or Debt Securities of any series for conversion, the Issuer shall deliver or cause to be delivered at its said office or agency, to or upon the written order of the Holder of the Debt Security or Debt Securities so surrendered, certificates representing the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of common stock of the Issuer or Debt Securities of another series of the Issuer into which such Debt Security or Debt Securities may be converted in accordance with the provisions of this Article XII. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made as of the close of business on the date that such Debt Security or Debt Securities shall have been surrendered for conversion by delivery thereof with a written notice of conversion duly executed, so that the rights of the Holder of such Debt Security or Debt Securities as such shall cease at such time and, subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, the Person or Persons entitled to receive the shares of common stock or Debt Securities of another series upon conversion of such Debt Security or Debt Securities shall be treated for all purposes as having become the record holder or holders of such shares of common stock or Debt Securities of another series at such time and such conversion shall be at the conversion price in effect at such time; provided, however, that with respect to shares of the Issuer’s common stock, no such surrender on any date when the stock transfer books of the Issuer shall be closed shall be effective to constitute the Person or Persons entitled to receive the shares of common stock upon such conversion as the record holder or holders of such shares of common stock on such date, but such surrender shall be effective to constitute the Person or Persons entitled to receive such shares of common stock as the record holder or holders thereof for all purposes at the close of business on the next succeeding day on which such stock transfer books are open; such conversion shall be at the conversion price in effect on the date that such Debt Security or Debt Securities shall have been surrendered for conversion by delivery thereof, as if the stock transfer books of the Issuer had not been closed. The Issuer shall give or cause to be given to the Trustee written notice whenever the stock transfer books of the Issuer shall be closed.
     Upon conversion of any Debt Security of any series which is converted in part only, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to or on the order of the Holder thereof, at the expense of the Issuer, a new Debt Security or Debt Securities of such series of authorized denominations in principal amount equal to the unconverted portion of such Debt Security.
     Section 12.03. No Adjustment for Interest or Dividends. No payment or adjustment in respect of interest on the Debt Securities of any series or dividends on the shares of common stock shall be made upon the conversion of any Debt Security or Debt Securities; provided, however, that if a Debt Security of any series or any portion thereof shall be converted subsequent to any regular record date and on or prior to the next succeeding interest payment date, the interest falling due on such interest payment date shall be payable on such interest payment date notwithstanding such conversion, and such interest (whether or not punctually paid or duly provided for) shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Debt Security is registered at the close of business on such regular record date and Debt Securities surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any regular record date to the opening of business on the corresponding interest payment date must be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the interest payable on such interest payment date.
     Section 12.04. Adjustment of Conversion Price.
  (a)   With respect to any series of Debt Securities that is convertible into shares of the Issuer’s common stock, in case the Issuer shall pay or make a dividend or other distribution on any class of capital stock of the Issuer in shares of common stock, the conversion price for any series of Debt Securities in effect at the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or other distribution shall be reduced by multiplying such conversion price by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for such determination and the denominator shall be the sum of such number of shares and the total number of shares constituting such dividend or other distribution, such reduction to become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such determination.
 
  (b)   With respect to any series of Debt Securities that is convertible into shares of the Issuer’s common stock, in case the Issuer shall issue rights or warrants to all or substantially all holders of its shares of common stock entitling them to subscribe for or purchase shares

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    of common stock at a price per share (or having a conversion price per share) less than the current market price per share (determined as provided in paragraph (f) of this Section) of the shares of common stock on the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants, the conversion price for any series of Debt Securities in effect at the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such determination shall be reduced by multiplying such conversion price by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for such determination plus the number of shares of common stock which the aggregate of the subscription price of the total number of shares of common stock so offered for subscription or purchase would purchase at such current market price and the denominator shall be the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for such determination plus the number of shares of common stock so offered for subscription or purchase, such reduction to become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such determination. In the event that all of the shares of common stock subject to such rights or warrants have not been issued when such rights or warrants expire, then the conversion price shall promptly be readjusted to the conversion price which would then be in effect had the adjustment upon the issuance of such rights or warrants been made on the basis of the actual number of shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of such rights or warrants. For the purposes of this paragraph (b), the number of shares of common stock at any time outstanding shall not include shares held in the treasury of the Issuer but shall include shares issuable in respect of scrip certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares of common stock. The Issuer will not issue any rights or warrants in respect of shares of common stock held in the treasury of the Issuer.
 
  (c)   With respect to any series of Debt Securities that is convertible into shares of the Issuer’s common stock, in case the outstanding shares of common stock shall be subdivided into a greater number of shares, the conversion price for any series of Debt Securities in effect at the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such subdivision becomes effective shall be proportionately reduced, and, conversely, in case outstanding shares of common stock shall each be combined into a smaller number of shares, the conversion price for any series of Debt Securities in effect at the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such combination becomes effective shall be proportionately increased, such reduction or increase, as the case may be, to become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such subdivision or combination becomes effective.
 
  (d)   With respect to any series of Debt Securities that is convertible into shares of the Issuer’s common stock, in case the Issuer shall, by dividend or otherwise, distribute to all or substantially all holders of shares of common stock evidences of indebtedness or assets (including securities, but excluding (i) any rights or warrants referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section 12.04, (ii) any dividend or distribution paid in cash and (iii) any dividend or distribution referred to in paragraph (a) of this Section), the conversion price for any series of Debt Securities shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the price determined by multiplying the conversion price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the day fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the current market price per share (determined as provided in paragraph (f) of this Section) of the shares of common stock on the date fixed for such determination less the then fair market value as determined by the Board of Directors (whose determination shall be conclusive and described in a resolution of the Board of Directors filed with the Trustee) of the portion of the assets or evidences of indebtedness so distributed allocable to one share of common stock and the denominator shall be such current market price per share of the shares of common stock, such adjustment to become effective immediately prior to the

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    opening of business on the day following the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution.
 
  (e)   With respect to any series of Debt Securities that is convertible into shares of the Issuer’s common stock, in case the shares of common stock shall be changed into the same or a different number of shares of any class or classes of stock, whether by capital reorganization, reclassification, or otherwise (other than a subdivision or combination of shares or a stock dividend described in paragraph (a) or paragraph (c) of this Section 12.04, or a consolidation, merger or sale of assets described in Section 12.10), then and in each such event the Holders of Debt Securities of any series shall have the right thereafter to convert such Debt Securities into the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property receivable upon such reorganization, reclassification or other change, by holders of the number of shares of common stock into which such Debt Securities might have been converted immediately prior to such reorganization, reclassification or change.
 
  (f)   For the purpose of any computation under paragraphs (b) and (d) of this Section 12.04, the current market price per share of common stock on any date shall be deemed to be the average of the closing prices for the 15 consecutive Business Days selected by the Issuer commencing not more than 30 and not less than 20 Business Days before the date in question.
 
  (g)   No adjustment in the conversion price for the Debt Securities of any series shall be required unless such adjustment (plus any adjustments not previously made by reason of this paragraph (g)) would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% in such price; provided, however, that any adjustments which by reason of this paragraph (g) are not required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment. All calculations under this paragraph (g) shall be made to the nearest cent.
 
  (h)   The Issuer may, but shall not be required to, make such reductions in the conversion price for the Debt Securities of any series, in addition to those required by paragraph (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this Section 12.04, as the Board of Directors considers to be advisable in order to avoid or diminish any income tax to any holders of shares of common stock resulting from any dividend or distribution of stock or issuance of rights or warrants to purchase or subscribe for stock or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes or for any other reasons. The Board of Directors shall have the power to resolve any ambiguity or correct any error in the adjustments made pursuant to this Section 12.04 and its actions in so doing shall be final and conclusive.
     Section 12.05. Notice of Adjustment of Conversion Price. Whenever the conversion price for the Debt Securities of any series is adjusted as herein provided:
  (a)   the Issuer shall compute the adjusted conversion price in accordance with Section 12.04 and shall prepare an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the adjusted conversion price and showing the facts upon which such adjustment is based and the computation thereof, and such certificate shall forthwith be filed at each office or agency maintained for the purpose of conversion of Debt Securities pursuant to Section 4.02 and with the Trustee; and
 
  (b)   a notice stating that the conversion price has been adjusted and setting forth the adjusted conversion price shall as soon as practicable be mailed by the Issuer to all Holders of Debt Securities of such series at their last addresses as they shall appear in the Debt Security Register.
 
  (c)   If the conversion price is adjusted and the Issuer fails to file an Officers’ Certificate with the Trustee as provided by Section 12.05(a) and the Trustee is acting as the conversion

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      agent, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the conversion price set forth in the Officer’s Certificate most recently received by the Trustee (or as set forth in this Indenture if the conversion price shall not have been adjusted).
     Section 12.06. Notice of Certain Corporate Action.
  (a)   In case:
  (i)   the Issuer shall authorize the granting to holders of its shares of common stock of rights or warrants entitling them to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any other rights; or
 
  (ii)   of any reclassification of the shares of common stock of the Issuer, or of any consolidation or merger to which the Issuer is a party and for which approval of any stockholders of the Issuer is required, or of the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer; or
 
  (iii)   of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Issuer; then the Issuer shall cause to be filed at each office or agency maintained for the purpose of conversion of Debt Securities of any series pursuant to Section 4.02 and shall cause to be mailed to all Holders of Debt Securities of such series that are convertible into shares of the Issuer’s common stock at their last addresses as they shall appear in the Debt Security Register, at least 20 days (or 10 days in any case specified in clause (i) or (ii) above) prior to the applicable record date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, rights or warrants, or, if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of shares of common stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distribution, rights or warrants are to be determined, or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up is expected to become effective, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of shares of common stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of common stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up. Such notice shall also state whether such transaction will result in any adjustment in the conversion price applicable to the Debt Securities of such series and, if so, shall state what the adjusted conversion price will be and when it will become effective. Neither the failure to give the notice required by this Section 12.06, nor any defect therein, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of the notice or the legality or validity of any such dividend, distribution, right, warrant, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, or the vote on any action authorizing such with respect to the other holders.
  (b)   In case the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer shall propose to engage in a “Rule 13e-3 Transaction” as defined in the SEC’s Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange Act, the Issuer shall, no later than the date on which any information with respect to such Rule 13e-3 Transaction is first required to be given to the Commission or any other Person pursuant to such Rule 13e-3, cause to be mailed to all Holders at their last addresses as they shall appear in the Debt Security Register, a copy of all information required to be given to the holders of the Issuer’s capital stock pursuant to such Rule 13e-3. The information required to be given under this paragraph shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other information required to be given by the Issuer pursuant to this Section 12.06 or any other provision of the Debt Securities or this Indenture.

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     Section 12.07. Taxes on Conversions. The Issuer will pay any and all stamp or similar taxes that may be payable in respect of the issuance or delivery of shares of common stock or Debt Securities of another series on conversion of Debt Securities pursuant hereto. The Issuer shall not, however, be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of shares of common stock in a name other than that of the Holder of the Debt Security or Debt Securities to be converted, and no such issuance or delivery shall be made unless and until the Person requesting such issuance has paid to the Issuer the amount of any such tax, or has established to the satisfaction of the Issuer that such tax has been paid.
     Section 12.08. Fractional Shares . No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon any conversion of Debt Securities. If any such conversion would otherwise require the issuance of a fractional share an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the current market price per share of common stock (determined as provided in paragraph (f) of Section 12.04) on the day of conversion shall be paid to the Holder in cash by the Issuer.
     Section 12.09. Cancellation of Converted Debt Securities. All Debt Securities delivered for conversion shall be delivered to the Trustee or the conversion agent to be cancelled by or at the direction of the Trustee or the conversion agent, which shall dispose of the same as provided in Section 2.10.
     Section 12.10. Provisions in Case of Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets.
  (a)   In case of any consolidation of the Issuer with, or merger of the Issuer into, any other corporation or trust, or in case of any merger of another corporation or trust into the Issuer (other than a consolidation or merger which does not result in any reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding shares of common stock of the Issuer), or in case of any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer, the corporation or trust formed by such consolidation or resulting from such merger or which acquires such assets, as the case may be, shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental Indenture providing that the Holder of each Debt Security of any series then outstanding shall have the right thereafter, during the period such Debt Security shall be convertible as specified in Section 12.01 to convert such Debt Security only into the kind and amount of Debt Securities, cash and other property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by a holder of the number of shares of common stock of the Issuer into which such Debt Security might have been converted immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer. Such supplemental Indenture shall provide for adjustments which, for events subsequent to the effective date of such supplemental Indenture, shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments provided for in this Article XII. The above provisions of this Section 12.10 shall similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers, sales or transfers.
 
  (b)   The Trustee shall not be under any responsibility to determine the correctness of any provisions contained in any such supplemental Indenture relating either to the kind or amount of shares of stock or securities or property receivable by Holders upon the conversion of their Debt Securities after any such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance or to any adjustment to be made with respect thereto.
     Section 12.11. Disclaimer by Trustee of Responsibility for Certain Matters. The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder of Debt Securities of any series to determine whether any facts exist which may require any adjustment of the conversion price for such series, or with respect to the nature or extent of any such adjustment when made, or with respect to the method employed, or herein or in any supplemental Indenture provided to be employed, in making the same. The Trustee shall not be accountable with respect to the validity, value, kind or amount of any shares of common stock, or of any securities or property, which may at any time be issued or delivered upon the conversion of any Debt Security; and it makes no representation with respect thereto. The Trustee shall not be responsible for any failure of the Issuer to issue, transfer or deliver any shares of common stock or stock certificates or other securities or property upon the surrender of any Debt Security for the purpose of conversion or, subject to Section 7.01, to comply with any of the covenants of the Issuer contained in this Article XII.

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     Section 12.12. Covenant to Reserve Shares. The Issuer covenants that it will at all times reserve and keep available, free from preemptive rights, out of its authorized shares of common stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon conversion of Debt Securities as herein provided, such number of shares of common stock as shall then be issuable upon the conversion of all outstanding Debt Securities. The Issuer covenants that all shares of common stock which shall be so issuable shall be, when issued, duly and validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable. For purposes of this Section 12.12, the number of shares of common stock which shall be deliverable upon the conversion of all outstanding Debt Securities shall be computed as if at the time of computation all outstanding Debt Securities were held by a single holder.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
     Section 13.01. Successors and Assigns of Issuer Bound by Indenture. All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements in this Indenture contained by or in behalf of the Issuer or the Trustee shall bind their respective successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
     Section 13.02. Acts of Board, Committee or Officer of Successor Issuer Valid. Any act or proceeding by any provision of this Indenture authorized or required to be done or performed by any board, committee or officer of the Issuer shall and may be done and performed with like force and effect by the like board, committee or officer of any Successor Issuer.
     Section 13.03. Required Notices or Demands. Any notice or communication by the Issuer or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing (in the English language) and delivered in Person or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), telecopier or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the other’s address:
If to the Issuer:
                                                            
                                                            
                                                            
If to the Trustee:
[                                                            ]
[                                                            ]
[                                                            ]
[                                                            ]
     The Issuer or the Trustee by notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
     All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; on the first Business Day on or after being sent, if telecopied and the sender receives confirmation of successful transmission; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.
     Any notice required or permitted to a Holder by the Issuer or the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture shall be deemed to be properly mailed by being deposited postage prepaid in a post office letter box in the United States addressed to such Holder at the address of such Holder as shown on the Debt Security Register. Any report pursuant to Section 313 of the TIA shall be transmitted in compliance with subsection (c) therein.

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     Notwithstanding the foregoing, any notice to Holders of Floating Rate Securities regarding the determination of a periodic rate of interest, if such notice is required pursuant to Section 2.03, shall be sufficiently given if given in the manner specified pursuant to Section 2.03.
     In the event of suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give notice by mail, then such notification as shall be given with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute sufficient notice for every purpose hereunder.
     In the event it shall be impracticable to give notice by publication, then such notification as shall be given with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute sufficient notice for every purpose hereunder.
     Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it or any defect in any notice by publication as to a Holder shall not affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. If a notice or communication is mailed or published in the manner provided above, it is conclusively presumed duly given.
     Section 13.04. Indenture and Debt Securities to Be Construed in Accordance with the Laws of the State of New York. THIS INDENTURE AND EACH DEBT SECURITY SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE NEW YORK CONTRACTS, AND FOR ALL PURPOSES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF SAID STATE.
     Section 13.05. Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel to Be Furnished upon Application or Demand by the Issuer. Upon any application or demand by the Issuer to the Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such document is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
     Each certificate or opinion provided for in this Indenture and delivered to the Trustee with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include (a) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition, (b) 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, (c) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with and (d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
     Section 13.06. Payments Due on Legal Holidays. In any case where the date of maturity of interest on or principal of and premium, if any, on the Debt Securities of a series or the date fixed for redemption or repayment of any Debt Security or the making of any sinking fund payment shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment for the Debt Securities of such series, then payment of interest or principal and premium, if any, or the making of such sinking fund payment need not be made on such date at such Place of Payment, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the date of maturity or the date fixed for redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period after such date. If a record date is not a Business Day, the record date shall not be affected.
     Section 13.07. Provisions Required by TIA to Control. If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision included in this Indenture which is required to be included in this Indenture by any of Sections 310 to 318, inclusive, of the TIA, such required provision shall control.
     Section 13.08. Computation of Interest on Debt Securities. Interest, if any, on the Debt Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to Section 2.03.

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     Section 13.09. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of Holders. The Registrar and any paying agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.
     Section 13.10. Severability. In case any provision in this Indenture or the Debt 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 13.11. Effect of Headings. The article and section headings herein and in the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
     Section 13.12. Indenture May Be Executed in Counterparts. This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original; but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
ARTICLE XIV
SUBORDINATION OF DEBT SECURITIES
     Section 14.01. Applicability of Article; Agreement to Subordinate.The provisions of this Article XIV shall be applicable to the Debt Securities of any series (Debt Securities of such series being referred to in this Article XIV as “Subordinated Debt Securities”) except to the extent such provisions may be changed or added to pursuant to Section 2.03. Each Holder by accepting a Subordinated Debt Security agrees that the indebtedness evidenced by such Subordinated Debt Security is subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Article XIV, to the prior payment of all Senior Indebtedness and that the subordination is for the benefit of and enforceable by the holders of Senior Indebtedness. All provisions of this Article XIV shall be subject to Section 14.12.
     Section 14.02. Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy.Upon any payment or distribution of the assets of the Issuer to creditors upon a voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of the Issuer or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating to the Issuer or its property:
  (a)   holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of the Senior Indebtedness (including interest (if any), accruing on or after the commencement of a proceeding in bankruptcy, whether or not allowed as a claim against the Issuer in such bankruptcy proceeding) before Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities shall be entitled to receive any payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Subordinated Debt Securities; and
 
  (b)   until the Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, any distribution to which Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities would be entitled but for this Article XIV shall be made to holders of Senior Indebtedness as their interests may appear, except that such Holders may receive Equity Interests and any debt securities that are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness to at least the same extent as the Subordinated Debt Securities.
     Section 14.03. Default on Senior Indebtedness.The Issuer may not pay the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Subordinated Debt Securities or make any deposit into a defeasance trust or pursuant to Article XI and may not repurchase, redeem or otherwise retire (except, in the case of Subordinated Debt Securities that provide for a mandatory sinking fund pursuant to Section 3.04, by the delivery of Subordinated Debt Securities by the Issuer to the Trustee pursuant to the first paragraph of Section 3.05) any Debt Securities (collectively, “pay the Subordinated Debt Securities”) if (i) any principal, premium, interest or any other amount payable in respect of Senior Indebtedness is not paid within any applicable grace period (including at maturity) or (ii) any other default on Senior Indebtedness occurs and the maturity of such Senior Indebtedness is accelerated in accordance with its terms unless, in either case, (x) the default has been cured or waived and any such acceleration has been rescinded or (y) such Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full in cash; provided, however, that the Issuer may pay the Subordinated

47


 

Debt Securities without regard to the foregoing if the Issuer and the Trustee receive written notice approving such payment from the Representative of each issue of Designated Senior Indebtedness. During the continuance of any default (other than a default described in clause (i) or (ii) of the preceding sentence) with respect to any Senior Indebtedness pursuant to which the maturity thereof may be accelerated immediately without further notice (except such notice as may be required to effect such acceleration) or the expiration of any applicable grace periods, the Issuer may not pay the Subordinated Debt Securities for a period (a “Payment Blockage Period”) commencing upon the receipt by the Issuer and the Trustee of written notice of such default from the Representative of any Designated Senior Indebtedness specifying an election to effect a Payment Blockage Period (a “Blockage Notice”) and ending 179 days thereafter (or earlier if such Payment Blockage Period is terminated (i) by written notice to the Trustee and the Issuer from the Person or Persons who gave such Blockage Notice, (ii) by repayment in full in cash of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or (iii) because the default giving rise to such Blockage Notice is no longer continuing). Notwithstanding the provisions described in the immediately preceding sentence (but subject to the provisions contained in the first sentence of this Section 14.03), unless the holders of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or the Representative of such holders shall have accelerated the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness, the Issuer may resume payments on the Subordinated Debt Securities after such Payment Blockage Period. Not more than one Blockage Notice may be given in any consecutive 360-day period, irrespective of the number of defaults with respect to any number of issues of Senior Indebtedness during such period. For purposes of this Section 14.03, no default or event of default which existed or was continuing on the date of the commencement of any Payment Blockage Period with respect to the Senior Indebtedness initiating such Payment Blockage Period shall be, or be made, the basis of the commencement of a subsequent Payment Blockage Period by the Representative of such Senior Indebtedness, whether or not within a period of 360 consecutive days, unless such default or event of default shall have been cured or waived for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days.
     Section 14.04. Acceleration of Payment of Debt Securities.If payment of the Subordinated Debt Securities is accelerated because of an Event of Default, the Issuer or the Trustee shall promptly notify the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness (or their Representatives) of the acceleration.
     Section 14.05. When Distribution Must Be Paid Over. If a distribution is made to Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities that because of this Article XIV should not have been made to them, the Holders who receive such distribution shall hold it in trust for holders of Senior Indebtedness and pay it over to them as their interests may appear.
     Section 14.06. Subrogation. After all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full and until the Subordinated Debt Securities are paid in full, Holders thereof shall be subrogated to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive distributions applicable to Senior Indebtedness. A distribution made under this Article XIV to holders of Senior Indebtedness which otherwise would have been made to Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities is not, as between the Issuer and such Holders, a payment by the Issuer on Senior Indebtedness.
     Section 14.07. Relative Rights. This Article XIV defines the relative rights of Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities and holders of Senior Indebtedness. Nothing in the Indenture shall:
  (a)   impair, as between the Issuer and Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities, the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Subordinated Debt Securities in accordance with their terms; or
 
  (b)   prevent the Trustee or any Holder of Subordinated Debt Securities from exercising its available remedies upon an Event of Default, subject to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive distributions otherwise payable to Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities.
     Section 14.08. Subordination May Not Be Impaired by Issuer. No right of any holder of Senior Indebtedness to enforce the subordination of the indebtedness evidenced by the Subordinated Debt Securities shall be impaired by any act or failure to act by the Issuer or by their failure to comply with the Indenture.
     Section 14.09. Rights of Trustee and Paying Agents. Notwithstanding Section 14.03, the Trustee or any paying agent may continue to make payments on Subordinated Debt Securities and shall not be charged with

48


 

knowledge of the existence of facts that would prohibit the making of any such payments unless, not less than two Business Days prior to the date of such payment, a responsible officer of the Trustee receives notice satisfactory to it that payments may not be made under this Article XIV. The Issuer, the Registrar, any paying agent, a Representative or a holder of Senior Indebtedness may give the notice; provided, however, that, if an issue of Senior Indebtedness has a Representative, only the Representative may give the notice. The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may hold Senior Indebtedness with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. The Registrar and any paying agent may do the same with like rights. The Trustee shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article XIV with respect to any Senior Indebtedness which may at any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness; and nothing in Article VII shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder. Nothing in this Article XIV shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.06.
     Section 14.10. Distribution or Notice to Representative. Whenever a distribution is to be made or a notice given to holders of Senior Indebtedness, the distribution may be made and the notice given to their Representative (if any).
     Section 14.11. Article XIV Not to Prevent Defaults or Limit Right to Accelerate. The failure to make a payment pursuant to the Debt Securities by reason of any provision in this Article XIV shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of a Default. Nothing in this Article XIV shall have any effect on the right of the Holders or the Trustee to accelerate the maturity of the Subordinated Debt Securities.
     Section 14.12. Trust Moneys Not Subordinated. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, payments from money or the proceeds of U.S. Government Obligations held in a defeasance trust or in trust under Article XI by the Trustee for the payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Subordinated Debt Securities shall not be subordinated to the prior payment of any Senior Indebtedness or subject to the restrictions set forth in this Article XIV, and none of the Holders thereof shall be obligated to pay over any such amount to the Issuer or any holder of Senior Indebtedness or any other creditor of the Issuer.
     Section 14.13. Trustee Entitled to Rely. Upon any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article XIV, the Trustee and the Holders shall be entitled to rely (i) upon any order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction in which any proceedings of the nature referred to in Section 14.02 are pending, (ii) upon a certificate of the liquidating trustee or agent or other Person making such payment or distribution to the Trustee or to such Holders or (iii) upon the Representatives for the holders of Senior Indebtedness for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of the Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Issuer, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article XIV. In the event that the Trustee determines, in good faith, that evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article XIV, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article XIV, and, if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment. The provisions of Sections 7.01 and 7.02 shall be applicable to all actions or omissions of actions by the Trustee pursuant to this Article XIV.
     Section 14.14. Trustee to Effectuate Subordination. Each Holder by accepting a Subordinated Debt Security authorizes and directs the Trustee on its behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the subordination between the Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities and the holders of Senior Indebtedness as provided in this Article XIV and appoints the Trustee as attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.
     Section 14.15. Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Indebtedness and shall not be liable to any such holders if it shall mistakenly pay over or distribute to Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities or the Issuer or any other Person, money or assets to which any holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of this Article XIV or otherwise.

49


 

     Section 14.16. Reliance by Holders of Senior Indebtedness on Subordination Provisions. Each Holder by accepting a Subordinated Debt Security acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing subordination provisions are, and are intended to be, an inducement and a consideration to each holder of any Senior Indebtedness, whether such Senior Indebtedness was created or acquired before or after the issuance of the Subordinated Debt Securities, to acquire and continue to hold, or to continue to hold, such Senior Indebtedness and such holder of Senior Indebtedness shall be deemed conclusively to have relied on such subordination provisions in acquiring and continuing to hold, or in continuing to hold, such Senior Indebtedness.
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the day and year first above written.
             
    NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
     
 
   
 
  Title:        
 
           
 
           
    [                                                            ]    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
  Title:        
 
           

50

EX-5 4 g23618exv5.htm EX-5 exv5
Exhibit 5
(H3GM LOGO)
May 28, 2010
National Health Investors, Inc.
222 Robert Rose Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Re:     Registration Statement on Form S-3
Gentlemen:
     We have acted as counsel to National Health Investors, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the registration of an indeterminate amount of one or more series of (i) debt securities (the “Debt Securities”), (ii) shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value (the “Preferred Shares”), (iii) shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Shares and, together with the Debt Securities and the Preferred Shares, the “Securities”), all of which Securities may be offered and sold by the Company from time to time as set forth in the prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement (the “Prospectus”), and as to be set forth in one or more supplements to the Prospectus (each, a “Prospectus Supplement”).
     We have assumed that the issuance, sale, amount and terms of the Securities to be offered from time to time will be duly authorized and determined by proper action of the Board of Directors of the Company (each, a “Board Action”) and in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended (the “Articles of Incorporation”), and applicable Maryland law. We further assume that any senior Debt Securities will be issued pursuant to a “Senior Indenture” and any subordinated Debt Securities will be issued pursuant to a “Subordinated Indenture.”
     In connection with this opinion, we have examined and relied upon such records, documents and other instruments as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate in order to express the opinions hereinafter set forth and have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, and the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies.
     In rendering the following opinion, we state that we are not admitted to practice in any state other than the State of Tennessee, and we express no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Tennessee and the federal law of the United States to the extent specifically referred to herein. All opinions expressed are as of the date hereof except where expressly stated otherwise.
     Based upon, subject to and limited by the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, as of the date hereof:
315 Deaderick Street, Suite 1800 Nashville, Tennessee 37238-1800
phone 615-256-0500 fax 615-251-1059 www.h3gm.com

 


 

     (1) When a series of the Debt Securities has been (a) duly established by an Indenture or any supplemental indenture thereto, (b) duly authorized and established by applicable Board Action and duly authenticated by the trustee under such Indenture, and (c) duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Company against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of such Board Action, any applicable underwriting agreement, the Indenture and any applicable supplemental indenture thereto and, as contemplated by the Registration Statement and/or the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Debt Securities will be the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms and entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.
     (2) When a series of the Preferred Shares has been duly authorized and established by applicable Board Action, in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law, and, upon issuance and delivery of certificates (or book entry notation if uncertificated) for such series of Preferred Shares against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of such Board Action, any applicable underwriting agreement, and as contemplated by the Registration Statement and/or the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the shares represented by such certificates (or book entry notation if uncertificated) will be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Company.
     (3) Upon due authorization by Board Action of an issuance of Common Shares, and upon issuance and delivery of certificates (or book entry notation if uncertificated) for Common Shares against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of such Board Action, any applicable underwriting agreement and as contemplated by the Registration Statement and/or the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the shares represented by such certificates (or book entry notation if uncertificated) will be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Company.
     To the extent that the obligations of the Company under an Indenture may be dependent on such matters, we assume for purposes of this opinion that the Trustee is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization; that the Trustee is duly qualified to engage in activities contemplated by the Indenture; that the Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trustee and constitutes the legally valid and binding obligation of the Trustee enforceable against the Trustee in accordance with its terms; that the Trustee is in compliance, with respect to acting as a trustee under the Indenture, with all applicable laws and regulations; and that the Trustee has the requisite organizational and legal power and authority to perform its obligations under the Indenture.
     We assume no obligation to advise you of any changes in the foregoing subsequent to the delivery of this opinion letter. While we have relied upon the documents referenced above and such other information as we have deemed necessary, we have made no independent verification or investigation of factual matters pertaining to the Company. The opinion expressed herein is subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and other similar laws now or thereafter in effect relating to or affecting the rights or creditors generally, judicial discretion, and equitable principles whether applied pursuant to a proceeding at law or in equity; and no opinion is expressed with respect to the availability of equitable remedies.

 


 

     This opinion letter has been prepared solely for your use in connection with the transmitting for filing of the Registration Statement on the date of this opinion letter and should not be quoted in whole or in part or otherwise be referred to, nor filed with or furnished to any governmental agency or other person or entity, without the prior written consent of this firm.
     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and further consent to the reference to this firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus constituting a part of the Registration Statement.
Sincerely,
HARWELL HOWARD HYNE
GABBERT & MANNER, P.C.
/s/ Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C.

 

EX-8 5 g23618exv8.htm EX-8 exv8
Exhibit 8
                 
(Letterhead))
  Jonathan Harwell *
Lin S. Howard *
Ernest E. Hyne II
Craig V. Gabbert, Jr.
Mark Manner
Glen Allen Civitts
Glenn B. Rose
John N. Popham IV
  John M. Brittingham
Susan V. Sidwell
John F. Blackwood
D. Alexander Fardon
Michael R. Hill
David Cox
Curtis Capeling
Barbara D. Holmes
  Alix Coulter Cross
Kris Kemp
J. Greg Giffen
Leslie B. Wilkinson, Jr.*
David P. Cañas
Wm. Jay Harrelson *
Tracy M. Lujan
Jonathan Stanley
  Kenneth S. Byrd
Jeffrey J. Miller
J. David McDowell
D. Matthew Foster
Jacob A. Feldman
Renee M. Bacon
Michael J. Mills
Lara A. Flatau
* Of Counsel
 
May 28, 2010
National Health Investors, Inc.
222 Robert Rose Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Re:      Registration Statement on Form S-3
Gentlemen:
     We have acted as counsel to National Health Investors, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the registration of an indeterminate amount of one or more series of (i) debt securities (the “Debt Securities”), (ii) shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value (the “Preferred Shares”), (iii) shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Shares and, together with the Debt Securities and the Preferred Shares, the “Securities”), all of which Securities may be offered and sold by the Company from time to time as set forth in the prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement (the “Prospectus”), and as to be set forth in one or more supplements to the Prospectus (each, a “Prospectus Supplement”).
     In connection with the Registration Statement, you have requested our opinion regarding:
     1. Whether the Company has operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for the Company’s taxable year which began January 1, 2009 and ended December 31, 2009, whether the Company is organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code, and whether the Company’s actual and proposed method of operation, as described in the Registration Statement, Prospectus and Certificates, has enabled it and will continue to enable it to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code.
     2. Whether the discussion in the Registration Statement under the heading “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” that describes applicable U.S. federal income tax law is correct in all material respects as of the date hereof.
 
315 Deaderick Street, Suite 1800 Nashville, Tennessee 37238-1800
phone 615-256-0500      fax 615-251-1059      www.h3gm.com

 


 

     
National Health Investors, Inc.
   
May 28, 2010
Page 2
   
 
 
     In rendering the opinion expressed herein, we have reviewed originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following documents (collectively, the “Reviewed Documents”):
  1.   the charter of the Company, filed with State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland, as amended and supplemented to the date hereof, and as in full force and effect on the date hereof (the “Charter”);
 
  2.   the Bylaws of the Company, as in effect on the date hereof (the “Bylaws”);
 
  3.   the Registration Statement; and
 
  4.   such other documents we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion.
     In addition, we have relied upon the factual representations made by the Company through certificates of officers of the Company, dated as of the date hereof (the “Officers’ Certificates”), executed by duly appointed officers of the Company, setting forth certain representations relating to the organization and operation of the Company and its subsidiaries.
     For purposes of our opinion, we have not made an independent investigation of the facts set forth in the documents we reviewed. We have assumed, with your consent, that all of the representations and statements of a factual nature set forth in the documents we reviewed are true and correct, and all of the obligations imposed by any such documents on the parties thereto have been and will be performed or satisfied in accordance with their terms. We have also assumed that the Company qualified as a REIT under the Code at all times from July 24, 1991 through December 31, 2008. We have also assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the proper execution of all documents, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to originals of documents submitted to us as copies, and the authenticity of the originals from which any copies were made. Any representation or statement in any document upon which we rely that is made “to the best of our knowledge” or otherwise similarly qualified is assumed to be correct. Any alteration of such facts may adversely affect our opinion. Further, we note that the Company may engage in transactions in connection with which we have not provided legal advice, and have not reviewed, and of which we may be unaware. We have also relied on the Company’s representation that certain stockholders have complied with the terms and conditions of excepted holder agreements that limit the ownership interest of such stockholders (the “Excepted Holder Agreements”) as described in the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A as filed with the SEC on March 23, 2009 for the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 1, 2009. We have assumed and relied upon the Corporation’s representation that the only “Subsidiaries” of the Corporation as defined in the Registration Statement are NHI/REIT, Inc. and other wholly owned entities which are qualified REIT subsidiaries under the Code and partnerships or limited liability companies of which the Corporation and NHI/REIT, Inc. own all of the interests.

 


 

     
National Health Investors, Inc.
   
May 28, 2010
Page 3
   
 
 
     The opinion set forth in this letter is based on relevant provisions of the Code, the regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Regulations”) administrative rulings and other administrative pronouncements issued by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and judicial decisions, all as currently in effect, and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. It should be noted that the Code and other statutes, Regulations, judicial decisions, and administrative interpretations are subject to change at any time and, in some circumstances, with retroactive effect. A material change that is made after the date hereof in any of the foregoing bases for our opinion could affect our conclusions. Furthermore, if the facts vary from those relied upon (including any representations, warranties, covenants or assumptions upon which we have relied are inaccurate, incomplete, breached or ineffective), our opinion contained herein could be inapplicable.
     This opinion is based on the correctness of the assumption that the Company and its subsidiaries will each be operated in the manner described in the Charter, the Bylaws and the other organizational documents of each of its subsidiaries and all terms and provisions of such documents will be complied with by all parties thereto. We have not conducted any independent inquiry or review of the identity of the holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation or of the holders of common stock or preferred stock of National Healthcare Corporation (“NHC”), a tenant of the Corporation, or of the holders of ownership interests in any other tenant of the Corporation; and with respect to the ownership of the Corporation and its relationship to any tenant (including, without limitation, NHC), we have relied exclusively on the Officers’ Certificates.
     Based on the factual matters in the documents and assumptions set forth herein, the representations set forth in the Officer’s Certificate, the discussions in the Registration Statement under the caption “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” (which are incorporated herein by reference), we are of the opinion that:
     (a) the Company has operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code for the Company’s taxable year which began January 1, 2009 and ended December 31, 2009, the Company is organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code, and the Company’s actual and proposed method of operation, as described in the Registration Statement, Prospectus and Certificates, has enabled it and will continue to enable it to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code for its taxable year ending December 31, 2010, and in the future; and
     (b) the discussion in the Registration Statement under the heading “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” that describes applicable U.S. federal income tax law is correct in all material respects as of the date hereof.
     We will not review on a continuing basis the Company’s compliance with the documents or assumptions set forth above, or the representations set forth in the Officer’s Certificate. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of the Company’s operations for any given taxable year will satisfy the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.

 


 

     
National Health Investors, Inc.
   
May 28, 2010
Page 4
   
 
 
     This opinion is limited to the matters specifically discussed herein, which are the only matters to which you have requested our opinion. Other than as expressly stated above, we express no opinion on any issue relating to the Company or to any investment therein. You should be aware that an opinion of counsel represents only counsel’s best legal judgment, and has no binding effect or official status of any kind, and that no assurance can be given that contrary positions may not be taken by the IRS or that a court considering the issues would not hold otherwise.
     Also, any variation or difference in the facts from those set forth in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the Officers’ Certificates may affect the conclusions stated herein. As described in the Prospectus, the Company’s qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon the Company’s ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code, including through actual annual operating results, asset composition, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership, the results of which have not been and will not be reviewed by us. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of the Company’s operation for any particular taxable year will satisfy such requirements.
     This opinion is rendered by us at the request of the Company in connection with the offering of the Securities. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and to the reference to this firm under the caption “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” and “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus constituting a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Sincerely,
HARWELL HOWARD HYNE
GABBERT & MANNER, P.C.
/s/ Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C.

 

EX-12 6 g23618exv12.htm EX-12 exv12
Exhibit 12
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
                                                 
                                            Three Months  
    Year Ended     Ended  
    2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     March 31, 2010  
Earnings
                                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 48,850     $ 56,561     $ 75,571     $ 51,579     $ 58,136     $ 14,693  
 
                                               
Add: State Franchise taxes
        based on gross receipts
                38       38       52       17  
Add: Fixed charges
    8,493       8,261       4,700       336       182       228  
 
                                   
Total Earnings
  $ 57,343     $ 64,822     $ 80,309     $ 51,953     $ 58,370     $ 14,938  
 
                                               
Fixed Charges
                                               
Interest expense
  $ 8,493     $ 8,261     $ 4,700     $ 323     $ 175     $ 228  
Estimated interest in rental expense(1)
                      13       7        
 
                                   
 
  $ 8,493     $ 8,261     $ 4,700     $ 336     $ 182     $ 228  
 
                                               
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
    6.75       7.85       17.09       154.62       320.71       65.52  
 
(1)   Assumes that approximately one-third of rent expense is representative of the interest factor.

EX-23.1 7 g23618exv23w1.htm EX-23.1 exv23w1
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
National Health Investors, Inc.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus constituting a part of this Registration Statement of our reports dated February 20, 2010, relating to the consolidated financial statements, the effectiveness of National Health Investors, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, and schedules of National Health Investors, Inc. appearing in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
We also consent to the reference to us under the caption “Experts” in the Prospectus.
/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP
BDO Seidman, LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
May 28, 2010

 

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