<PAGE>
RULE NO. 424(b)(1)
REGISTRATION NO. 333-33783
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT RELATES TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT +
+UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AND IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED MARCH 24, 1998
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 5, 1998
$200,000,000
CONTIFINANCIAL CORPORATION
% Senior Notes Due 2008
Interest payable April and October Due April , 2008
--------
The % Senior Notes Due 2008 (the "Notes") are being offered by ContiFinancial
Corporation (the "Company") and will be represented by one or more book-
entry securities registered in the name of a nominee of The Depository
Trust Company ("DTC"). Beneficial interests in the Notes will be shown
on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records
maintained by DTC and its participants. Except as described in this
Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, Notes in
certificated form will not be issued in exchange for the book-
entry securities.
FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN
CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES, SEE "RISK FACTORS"
BEGINNING ON PAGE 6 OF THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS.
THESE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITING
PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC(1) COMMISSIONS COMPANY(1)(2)
--------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Note................................... % % %
Total...................................... $ $ $
</TABLE>
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from , 1998.
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $ .
The Notes are offered by the several Underwriters when, as and if issued by
the Company, delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters and subject to their
right to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of the
Notes in book-entry form will be made through the facilities of DTC on or about
, 1998, against payment in immediately available funds.
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
Prospectus Supplement dated , 1998.
<PAGE>
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE NOTES OFFERED
HEREBY, INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING TRANSACTIONS, SYNDICATE SHORT-
COVERING TRANSACTIONS AND PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES,
SEE "UNDERWRITING."
THE COMPANY
The Company is a consumer and commercial finance company. The Company,
through ContiMortgage Corporation and other subsidiaries, is an originator,
securitizer and servicer of home equity loans made to borrowers whose needs
may not be met by traditional financial institutions. In addition, the Company
provides, through ContiTrade Services L.L.C., financing, securitization
services and, through ContiFinancial Services Corporation, bond placement
services to originators of a broad range of loans, leases and receivables,
including: loans for a variety of commercial real estate property types; home
equity loans; home improvement loans; prime, sub-prime and non-prime auto
loans; equipment leases; franchise loans and time-share loans.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
In March 1998, the Company expanded its commercial mortgage business by
investing in convertible preferred stock and warrants of Crown NorthCorp, Inc.
("Crown"). The preferred stock, when converted, and the warrants, when
exercised, will represent 7% of the common stock of Crown. Crown is an
international financial services firm which originates commercial mortgages
and provides asset management and loan servicing capabilities.
The Company has undertaken an assessment to determine the anticipated costs
and remediation of the systems and applications, either its own or those of
material business counterparties, to make them Year 2000 compliant. This
assessment is not yet complete; completion is expected in the first quarter of
fiscal 1999 (i.e., the quarter ended June 30, 1998). The "Year 2000" issue
involves computer programs and applications that were written using two digits
(instead of four) to describe the applicable year. Failure to successfully
modify such programs and applications to be Year 2000 compliant may have a
material adverse impact on the Company. Exposure arises not only from
potential consequences (e.g., business interruption) of certain of the
Company's own applications not being Year 2000 compliant, but the impact on
non-compliance by certain significant counterparties, including Strategic
Alliances.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Notes are estimated to
be approximately $ , after deduction of underwriting discounts and
commissions and estimated offering expenses. The Company intends to use the
net proceeds from the sale of the Notes for general corporate purposes,
including repurchasing loans from its Purchase and Sale Facilities, strategic
acquisitions and other working capital needs.
S-2
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
December 31, 1997, on an actual basis and as adjusted to give effect to the
sale of the Notes.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
1997
-----------------------
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
---------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT PORTION OF LONG-TERM DEBT:
Capitalized leases................................... $ 273 $ 273
---------- ----------
LONG-TERM DEBT:
Capitalized leases................................... $ 1,010 $ 1,010
7 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2002......................... 199,380 199,380
8 3/8% Senior Notes Due 2003......................... 299,269 299,269
% Senior Notes Due 2008.............................. -- 200,000
---------- ----------
Total Long-term debt............................... 499,659 699,659
---------- ----------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock ($0.01 par value) 25,000,000 shares
authorized; none issued
and outstanding..................................... -- --
Common stock ($0.01 par value) 250,000,000 shares au-
thorized;
47,657,539 shares issued and outstanding............ 477 477
Paid-in capital...................................... 398,963 398,963
Retained earnings.................................... 225,502 225,502
Treasury stock....................................... (158) (158)
Deferred compensation................................ (12,482) (12,482)
---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity......................... 612,302 612,302
---------- ----------
Total capitalization............................. $1,112,234 $1,312,234
========== ==========
</TABLE>
S-3
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following sets forth selected financial information for the nine months
ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for each year in the five year period
ended March 31, 1997. The selected financial information presented below for
the year ended March 31, 1993, has not been separately audited but has been
derived from Continental Grain Company's audited financial statements which
are not included herein. The selected financial information presented below
for the years ended March 31, 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994 has been derived from
the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. The selected
financial information for each of the nine months ended December 31, 1997 and
1996, has been derived from the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of
the Company incorporated by reference. In the opinion of the Company, such
unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of
normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the results
for such periods. Results for the nine months ended December 31, 1997, are not
necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. The following data
should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and
the notes thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations included in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1997, which has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, YEARS ENDED MARCH 31,
---------------------- -------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA: (DOLLAR AMOUNTS EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Gross income:
Gain on sale of receiv-
ables................. $ 225,763 $ 133,773 $ 210,861 $146,529 $ 67,512 $ 49,671 $18,587
Interest............... 171,401 109,967 161,402 91,737 42,929 20,707 11,385
Net servicing income... 58,646 32,386 46,340 29,298 9,304 3,989 1,842
Other income (loss).... 13,598 4,652 9,227 4,252 2,252 162 (147)
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total gross income.... $ 469,408 $ 280,778 $ 427,830 $271,816 $121,997 $ 74,529 $31,667
========== ========== ========== ======== ======== ======== =======
Income before income
tax expense and
minority interest..... $ 163,059 $ 122,787 $ 177,041 $126,536 $ 56,988 $ 35,286 $12,149
Income taxes........... 66,154 49,192 71,341 49,096 22,168 13,726 4,640
Minority interest of 55 (379) (304) 3,310 8,728 5,076 1,600
subsidiary............ ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Net income............. $ 96,850 $ 73,974 $ 106,004 $ 74,130 $ 26,092 $ 16,484 $ 5,909
========== ========== ========== ======== ======== ======== =======
Diluted earnings per
common share (pro
forma at March 31,
1996 only)............ $ 2.07 $ 1.68 $ 2.40 $ 2.00
Ratio of earnings to
fixed charges (a)..... 2.33x 2.47x 2.65x 2.63x 3.49x 2.62x
BALANCE SHEET DATA (END
OF PERIOD):
Cash and cash equiva-
lents................. $ 116,668 $ 39,043 $ 51,200 $ 32,479 $ 2,822 $ 2,308 $ 222
Interest-only and re-
sidual certificates
(excess
spread receivables)... 622,764 338,012 445,005 293,218 143,031 94,491 51,270
Total assets........... 2,357,986 1,542,738 1,545,798 892,540 327,742 217,856 76,526
Due to affiliates...... 16,163 242,245 36,367 337,734 114,907 49,846 12,463
Long-term debt......... 499,932 299,170 498,817 -- -- -- --
Total liabilities...... 1,744,341 1,167,444 1,136,726 597,721 243,579 138,513 18,743
Minority interest in
subsidiary............ 1,343 1,234 1,288 -- 16,248 7,520 2,444
Stockholders' equity... 612,302 374,060 407,784 294,819 67,915 71,823 55,339
AS ADJUSTED BALANCE
SHEET DATA
(END OF PERIOD) (B):
Cash and cash equiva-
lents................. $
Interest-only and re-
sidual certificates
(excess spread receiv-
ables)................ 622,764
Total assets...........
Due to affiliates...... 16,163
Long-term debt.........
Total liabilities......
Minority interest in
subsidiary............ 1,343
Stockholders' equity... 612,302
</TABLE>
S-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, YEARS ENDED MARCH 31,
------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
ContiMontgage serviced
loan portfolio (at
period end).......... $9,122,792 $5,699,145 $6,423,376 $3,863,575 $2,192,190 $1,105,393 $484,857
Securitization and
sales volume:
Home equity and home
improvement loans(c). $4,681,365 $2,460,335 $3,642,554 $2,030,270 $1,292,691 $ 772,324 $272,544
Commercial loans...... 981,545 437,203 742,259 185,980 89,000 -- --
Triad auto loans...... 108,055 -- 43,530 -- -- -- --
Strategic Alliances... 307,898 484,805 568,401 1,776,700 906,000 418,000 426,000
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
Total securitization
and sales $6,078,863 $3,382,343 $4,996,744 $3,992,950 $2,287,691 $1,190,324 $698,544
volume.............. ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ========
LOAN LOSS DATA (D):
Delinquency rate (at
period end) (e)...... 3.42% 4.17% 3.24% 2.51% 1.64% 0.97% 1.20%
Default rate (at pe-
riod end) (f)........ 5.55% 4.38% 4.70% 3.54% 1.16% 0.81% 1.70%
Net losses as a per-
centage of average
amount outstanding... 0.33%(g) 0.18%(g) 0.26% 0.13% 0.08% 0.15% 0.26%
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Amounts represent the ratio of (i) the sum of income before income taxes
and minority interest plus interest expense less equity in income of
unconsolidated subsidiaries and minority interest to (ii) interest
expense.
(b) The as adjusted balance sheet data as of December 31, 1997, reflects the
offering of the Notes, net of estimated expenses of such offering. See
"Capitalization."
(c) Includes production from ContiMortgage, ContiWest and other home equity
subsidiaries of the Company.
(d) Loan loss data represents data for the home equity loan servicing
portfolio of ContiMortgage and certain of the Company's home equity loan
subsidiaries for which ContiMortgage services loans.
(e) The delinquency percentage represents, as a percentage of the aggregate
principal balance of loans in ContiMortgage's servicing portfolio as of
the relevant date, the outstanding principal balance of home equity loans
for which payments are contractually past due, exclusive of home equity
loans in foreclosure, bankruptcy, real estate owned or forbearance.
(f) The default percentage represents, as a percentage of the aggregate
principal balance of loans in the Company's portfolio as of the relevant
date, the aggregate principal balance pertaining to home equity loans in
foreclosure, bankruptcy or forbearance, and real estate owned.
(g) This percentage is based on data for the nine months ended December 31.
S-5
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
The following description of the Notes supplements, and should be read in
conjunction with, statements under "Description of Securities--Debt
Securities" set forth in the accompanying Prospectus. The Notes will be
"Senior Debt Securities" (as defined in the Prospectus). The Notes will be
issued pursuant to the Indenture (as defined in the Prospectus).
GENERAL
The Notes will be limited to $200,000,000 in aggregate principal amount. The
Notes constitute part of the senior debt of the Company and will rank pari
passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated debt of the Company. As of
December 31, 1997, after adjusting for the sale of the Notes, the Company
would have had $701.3 million principal amount of senior debt outstanding
(including capital leases) and no subordinated debt. The Notes will bear
interest from April , 1998, or from the most recent date to which interest
has been paid or provided for, at the annual rate set forth on the cover page
of this Prospectus Supplement, and will mature on April , 2008. Interest
will be payable semi-annually on April and October , commencing October ,
1998 to the persons in whose names the Notes are registered at the close of
business on the preceding April or October . Interest on the Notes will be
calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
The Notes will be issued in fully registered form only, in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof. All payments of interest and principal
will be payable in U.S. Dollars. The redemption features of the Notes, if any,
will be determined by negotiation between the Company and the Underwriters in
connection with the establishment of the interest rate and price to public for
the Notes.
DEFEASANCE
The Indenture permits the defeasance of the Notes upon the satisfaction of
the conditions described under "Description of Securities--Debt Securities--
Discharge, Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance" in the Prospectus. The
Notes are subject to these defeasance provisions.
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM
The Notes will be issued in the form of one or more Book-Entry Securities
(as defined in the Prospectus) which will be deposited with, or on behalf of,
DTC and registered in the name of DTC's nominee. See "Description of
Securities--Debt Securities--Book-Entry Debt Securities" in the Prospectus.
Payments of principal of and interest on the Notes will be made to DTC in
immediately available funds.
DTC has advised as follows: It is a limited-purpose trust company which was
created to hold securities for its participating organizations (the
"Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions between Participants in such securities through electronic book-
entry changes in accounts of its Participants. Participants include securities
brokers and dealers (including the Underwriters), banks and trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC's system
is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust
companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a
Participant. Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities
held by DTC only through Participants.
The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery
of securities which they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial
interest in the Book-Entry Securities is limited to the extent this
requirement may prevent certain potential purchasers of such beneficial
interests from purchasing them.
Under the terms of the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee will treat the
persons in whose names the Notes are registered as the owners of such Notes
for the purpose of receiving payment of principal and interest on the Notes
and for all other purposes whatsoever. Therefore, neither the Company, the
Trustee nor any paying agent has any direct responsibility or liability for
the payment of principal or interest on the Notes to owners of beneficial
interests in the Notes.
S-6
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Terms
Agreement dated , 1998, among the Company, Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation, Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated, which incorporates by reference the Underwriting
Agreement dated , 1998 (collectively, the "Underwriting Agreement"),
the Company has agreed to sell to the several underwriters named below (the
"Underwriters") and the Underwriters have severally but not jointly agreed to
purchase from the Company the principal amounts of Notes set forth opposite
their respective names below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
UNDERWRITER AMOUNT
----------- ---------
<S> <C>
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation.......................... $
Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith Incorporated...............
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated...............................
-------
Total......................................................... $
=======
</TABLE>
The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters
are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the Underwriters will be
obligated to purchase all the Notes, if any are purchased. The Underwriting
Agreement provides that, in the event of a default by an Underwriter, in
certain circumstances the purchase commitments of non-defaulting Underwriters
may be increased or the Underwriting Agreement may be terminated.
The Company has been advised by the Underwriters that they propose to offer
the Notes to the public initially at the public offering price set forth on
the cover page of this Prospectus Supplement and to certain dealers at such
price less a concession of % of the principal amount per Note, and that the
Underwriters and such dealers may allow a discount of % of such principal
amount per Note on sales to certain other dealers. After the initial public
offering, the public offering price and concession and discount to dealers may
be changed by the Underwriters.
The Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market.
The Underwriters have advised the Company that they intend to act as market
makers for the Notes. However, the Underwriters are not obligated to do so and
may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can
be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the Notes.
The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or
contribute to payments which the Underwriters may be required to make in
respect thereof.
Certain of the Underwriters and their associates and affiliates have in the
past, and may in the future (i) provide underwriting, financial advisory or
other services to the Company, (ii) purchase from or sell to the Company
loans, securities or other assets or (iii) may have borrowing relationships
with, engage in other transactions with, and/or perform services, including
commercial and investment banking services, for the Company and its
subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, on behalf of the Underwriters, may
engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering
transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Over-allotment involves
syndicate sales in excess of the offering size, which create a syndicate short
position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying
security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.
Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the Notes in the open
market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate
short positions. Penalty bids permit the Underwriters to reclaim a selling
concession from a syndicate member when the Notes originally sold by such
syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction to cover
syndicate short positions. Such stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering
transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the Notes to be higher
than it would otherwise be in the absence of such transactions.
S-7
<PAGE>
NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS
RESALE RESTRICTIONS
The distribution of the Notes in Canada is being made only on a private
placement basis exempt from the requirement that the Company prepare and file
a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each province where
trades of Notes are effected. Accordingly, any resale of the Notes in Canada
must be made in accordance with applicable securities laws which will vary
depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be
made in accordance with available statutory exemptions or pursuant to a
discretionary exemption granted by the applicable Canadian securities
regulatory authority. Purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any
resale of the Securities.
REPRESENTATIONS OF PURCHASERS
Each purchaser of Notes in Canada who receives a purchase confirmation will
be deemed to represent to the Company and the dealer from whom such purchase
confirmation is received that (i) such purchaser is entitled under applicable
provincial securities laws to purchase such Notes without the benefit of a
prospectus qualified under such securities laws, (ii) where required by law,
that such purchaser is purchasing as principal and not as agent, and (iii)
such purchaser has reviewed the text above under "Resale Restrictions".
RIGHTS OF ACTION (ONTARIO PURCHASERS)
The Notes being offered are those of a foreign issuer and Ontario purchasers
will not receive the contractual right of action prescribed by section 32 of
the Regulation under the Securities Act (Ontario). As a result, Ontario
purchasers must rely on other remedies that may be available, including common
law rights of action for damages or rescission or rights of action under the
civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.
ENFORCEMENT OF LEGAL RIGHTS
All of the issuer's directors and officers as well as the experts named
herein may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be
possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of process within Canada
upon the issuer or such persons. All or a substantial portion of the assets of
the issuer and such persons may be located outside of Canada and, as a result,
it may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against such issuer or persons in
Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in Canadian courts against such
issuer or persons outside of Canada.
NOTICE TO BRITISH COLUMBIA RESIDENTS
A purchaser of Notes to whom the Securities Act (British Columbia) applies
is advised that such purchaser is required to file with the British Columbia
Securities Commission a report within ten days of the sale of any Notes
acquired by such purchaser pursuant to this offering. Such report must be in
the form attached to British Columbia Securities Commission Blanket Order BOR
#95/17, a copy of which may be obtained from the Company. Only one such report
must be filed in respect of Notes acquired on the same date and under the same
prospectus exemption.
TAXATION AND ELIGIBILITY FOR INVESTMENT
Canadian purchasers of Notes should consult their own legal and tax advisors
with respect to the tax consequences of an investment in the Notes in their
particular circumstances and with respect to the eligibility of the Notes for
investment by the purchaser under relevant Canadian legislation.
S-8
<PAGE>
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Notes and certain other legal matters will be passed
upon for the Company by Dewey Ballantine LLP, counsel for the Company. The
Underwriters have been represented by Cravath, Swaine & Moore.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of ContiFinancial Corporation and its
subsidiaries as of March 31, 1997 and 1996, and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended March 31, 1997, included in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1997, are incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus Supplement and have been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports
with respect thereto and are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon
the authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Prospectus Supplement and under the captions "The
Company" and "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Prospectus constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Reform Act. Such
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors, which may cause the actual results, performances or
achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-
looking statements. Many important factors could cause the Company's actual
results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking
statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, general economic
conditions, including interest rate risk, prepayment, delinquency and default
rates, changes (legislative and otherwise) in the asset securitization
industry, demand for the Company's services, the impact of certain covenants
in loan agreements of the Company, the degree to which the Company is
leveraged, the Company's needs for financing, and other risks identified in
the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
S-9
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
CONTIFINANCIAL CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
PREFERRED STOCK
DEBT SECURITIES
ContiFinancial Corporation (the "Company") may offer from time to time,
together or separately, (i) shares of its Common Stock, $0.01 par value per
share (the "Common Stock"), (ii) shares of its preferred stock, $0.01 par
value per share (the "Preferred Stock") and (iii) its unsecured debt
securities, which may be either senior (the "Senior Debt Securities") or
subordinated (the "Subordinated Debt Securities" and, together with the Senior
Debt Securities, the "Debt Securities") (the Common Stock, the Preferred Stock
and the Debt Securities are collectively referred to herein as the
"Securities"), in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time
of the offering thereof. The Subordinated Debt Securities and Preferred Stock
may be convertible or exchangeable into other series of Preferred Stock or
shares of Common Stock. The Securities offered pursuant to this Prospectus by
the Company may be issued in one or more series or issuances the aggregate
offering price of which will not exceed $600,000,000 (or the equivalent
thereof in one or more foreign currencies or foreign currency units).
The specific terms of the Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is
being delivered (the "Offered Securities") will be set forth in an
accompanying supplement to this Prospectus (each, a "Prospectus Supplement"),
including, where applicable, (i) in the case of Common Stock, the aggregate
number of shares offered and whether such shares will be offered by the
Company, (ii) in the case of Preferred Stock, the specific designation, the
aggregate number of shares offered, the dividend rate (or method of
calculation thereof), the dividend period and dividend payment dates, whether
such dividends will be cumulative or noncumulative, the liquidation
preference, the voting rights, if any, any terms for optional or mandatory
redemption, any terms for conversion or exchange into other Securities and any
other special terms and (iii) in the case of Debt Securities, the specific
designation, the aggregate principal amount, the ranking as Senior Debt
Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities, the authorized denominations, the
maturity, any premium, rate or method of calculation of interest and dates for
payment thereof, any terms for optional or mandatory redemption, any sinking
fund provisions, any terms for conversion or exchange into other Securities
and any other special terms. If so specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, Debt Securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in
the form of one or more temporary or permanent global securities. Unless
otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the Senior Debt Securities,
when issued, will rank equally with all other unsubordinated and unsecured
indebtedness of the Company. The Subordinated Debt Securities, when issued,
will be subordinate in right of payment to all existing and future Senior
Indebtedness (as defined below) of the Company including any Senior Debt
Securities.
The Company may sell the Securities (i) through underwriting syndicates
represented by managing underwriters, or by underwriters without a syndicate,
with such underwriters to be designated at the time of sale, (ii) through
agents designated from time to time, or (iii) directly. The names of any
underwriters or agents of the Company involved in the sale of the Offered
Securities, the public offering price or purchase price thereof, any
applicable commissions or discounts, any other terms of the offering of such
Offered Securities and the net proceeds to the Company from such sale, will be
set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE
SECURITIES, SEE THE INFORMATION UNDER "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 6.
The Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"CFN." Any shares of Common Stock sold pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement
will be listed on such exchange, subject to an official notice of issuance.
---------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------
This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of Offered Securities
unless accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement, whose terms shall modify and
supersede any inconsistent statement made herein.
The date of this Prospectus is March 5, 1998.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Available Information...................................................... 3
Incorporation Of Certain Documents By Reference............................ 3
The Company................................................................ 4
Recent Developments........................................................ 5
Risk Factors............................................................... 6
Ratios Of Earnings To Fixed Charges........................................ 13
Use Of Proceeds............................................................ 13
Description Of Securities.................................................. 14
Plan Of Distribution....................................................... 48
Legal Matters.............................................................. 49
Experts.................................................................... 49
</TABLE>
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by the Company with the Commission can
be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at
the Commission's regional offices located at Suite 1300, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048, and Suite 1400, Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such materials can be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at Room 1024, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates and
electronically through the Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis
and Retrieval System ("EDGAR") at the Commission's web site
(http://www.sec.gov). Such materials can also be inspected at the New York
Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
This Prospectus constitutes a part of a Registration Statement filed by the
Company with the Commission on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act") with respect to the securities. This Prospectus
omits certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement, and
reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits
for further information with respect to the Company and the securities offered
hereby. Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any document
are not necessarily complete and, in each instance, reference is made to the
copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or
otherwise filed with the Commission. Each such statement is qualified in its
entirety by such reference. These documents may be inspected without charge at
the office of the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies may be obtained at fees and charges
prescribed by the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents, previously filed by the Company with the Commission
pursuant to the Exchange Act, are incorporated herein by reference: (a) the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1997; (b)
the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30,
1997, September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1997; and (c) the Company's Proxy
Statement sent on or about July 29, 1997 in connection with the Company's
Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on September 17, 1997.
All reports and any definitive proxy or information statements filed by the
Company with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering of the Securities offered hereby shall be deemed
to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof
from the date of filing of such documents. 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.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy
of any and all of the documents that have been or may be incorporated by
reference herein (other than exhibits to such documents which are not
specifically incorporated by reference into such documents). Such requests
should be directed to ContiFinancial Corporation, 277 Park Avenue, New York,
New York 10172, Attention: Chief Counsel or by telephone at (212) 207-2800.
3
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THE COMPANY
The Company together with its subsidiaries engages in the consumer and
commercial finance business by originating home equity loans, commercial real
estate loans and non-prime auto loans. The Company together with its
subsidiaries also provides financing and asset securitization structuring and
placement services to originators of a broad range of loans, leases,
receivables and other assets. The Company is a leading originator, purchaser,
seller and servicer of home equity loans made to borrowers whose borrowing
needs may not be met by traditional financial institutions due to credit
exceptions or other factors. Loans are made to borrowers primarily for debt
consolidation, home improvements, education or refinancing and are primarily
secured by first mortgages on one- to four-family residential properties.
During the nine months ended December 31, 1997 and the year ended March 31,
1997, the Company securitized or sold $4.7 billion and $3.6 billion,
respectively, of home equity loans through its subsidiary ContiMortgage
Corporation ("ContiMortgage") and the Home Equity Companies (defined below).
For the same periods, the Company securitized or sold $982 million and $742
million, respectively, of commercial real estate loans, and $308 million and
$568 million, respectively, of other loans and assets for its Strategic
Alliance Clients (as defined below). In addition, during the nine months ended
December 31, 1997 and the year ended March 31, 1997, the Company securitized
or sold $108 million and $44 million, respectively, of non-prime auto loans
originated by its majority-owned subsidiary, Triad Financial Corporation
("Triad").
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, the Company purchased 100% of
the outstanding stock of California Lending Group, Inc. d/b/a United Lending
Group ("ULG"), a west coast-based home equity lender specializing in retail
originations through direct mail and telemarketing throughout the United
States, and Royal Mortgage Partners, L.P., d/b/a Royal MortgageBanc ("Royal"),
a California-based wholesale and retail originator of home equity loans. The
Company also purchased Resource One Consumer Discount Company, Inc. ("Resource
One"), a Pennsylvania-based home equity lender specializing in retail
origination through direct mail, television, telemarketing, referrals and
other sources to generate loan inquiries directly from borrowers throughout
the eastern and mid-western states. During the same period, the Company
organized ContiWest Corporation ("ContiWest"), a Nevada corporation, to better
administer and underwrite the Company's origination portfolio. Collectively,
ContiMortgage, ContiWest, ULG, Royal and Resource One are referred to as the
"Home Equity Companies."
Additionally, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, ContiTrade
Services L.L.C. ("ContiTrade"), provides financing and asset securitization
structuring expertise, and through its subsidiary, ContiFinancial Services
Corporation ("ContiFinancial Services"), provides placement services. In this
area, ContiTrade's management and execution of ContiMortgage's financing,
hedging and securitization needs has served as a model for the Company's
strategic alliances with originators of a broad range of consumer and
commercial loans and other assets ("Strategic Alliances"). The Company offers
Strategic Alliance clients ("Strategic Alliance Clients") complete balance
sheet liability management, including warehouse financing, interest rate
hedging services and the structuring and placement of asset portfolios in the
form of asset-backed securities.
4
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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The Company is continually evaluating acquisition opportunities with the
view of expanding the origination capabilities of its current asset classes
and diversifying into the origination and servicing of other under-served,
securitizable asset classes. Consequently, in October 1997, the Company,
through its subsidiary ContiMortgage, acquired Fidelity Mortgage Decisions
Corporation ("FMD"), a midwest-based wholesale and retail originator of fixed
and adjustable rate "B" and "C" credit grade home equity loans and in December
1997, acquired a 24% equity interest in Empire Funding Holding Corporation
("EFHC") with an option to acquire additional shares of EFHC at a later date.
EFHC is a newly formed entity which owns 100% of Empire Funding Corp., a
Texas-based originator, servicer and securitizer of high loan-to-value home
improvement loans. In January 1998, as part of the Company's strategies of
diversifying and expanding its origination capabilities, the Company, through
its subsidiary, ContiMortgage, acquired Crystal Mortgage Company, Inc.
("Crystal"), a midwest-based retail mortgage broker and its subsidiary Lenders
M.D., Inc. ("Lenders"), a midwest-based mortgage bank. Crystal and Lenders
originate conforming and non-conforming mortgage loans. Towards diversifying
into other securitizable asset classes, the Company, in February 1998, through
its subsidiary, ContiAsset Receivables Management LLC ("CARMA") acquired
Pacific Advisory Services LLC ("Pacific"), a California-based firm
specializing in sourcing, pricing and acquiring charged-off consumer
receivable portfolios. Concurrent with the merger of Pacific into CARMA, CARMA
entered into an agreement with Arrow Service Bureau, Inc., a midwest-based
accounts receivable management firm specializing in the collection of charged-
off consumer receivables to service and collect the charged-off consumer debt
sourced by CARMA. In March 1998, the Company acquired the remaining 44% of the
outstanding common stock of Triad Financial Corporation, the Company's
automobile finance subsidiary, from Triad's minority shareholders.
5
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
Prior to making an investment decision, prospective investors should
carefully consider all information set forth in this Prospectus and, in
particular, should evaluate the factors described below.
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
General
The risks associated with the Company's business become more acute in any
economic slowdown or recession. Periods of economic slowdown or recession may
be accompanied by decreased demand for consumer and commercial credit and
declining real estate and other asset values. In the mortgage business, any
material decline in real estate values reduces the ability of borrowers to use
home equity to support borrowings and increases the loan-to-value ratios of
loans previously made by the Company, thereby weakening collateral coverage
and increasing the possibility of a loss in the event of a default.
Delinquencies, foreclosures and losses generally increase during economic
slowdowns or recessions. Because of the Company's focus on credit-impaired
borrowers in the home equity loan market and certain other markets, the actual
rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses on such loans could be higher
under adverse economic conditions than those experienced in such markets in
general. In addition, in an economic slowdown or recession, the Company's
servicing costs will increase. Any sustained period of increased
delinquencies, foreclosures, losses or increased costs could adversely affect
the Company's ability to sell loans or other assets through securitization and
could increase the cost of selling loans or other assets through
securitization, which could adversely affect the Company's financial condition
and results of operations.
Interest Rates
Profitability may be directly affected by the level of and fluctuations in
interest rates which affect the Company's ability to earn a spread between
interest received on its loans and the costs of its liabilities. While the
Company monitors the interest rate environment and employs a hedging strategy
designed to mitigate the impact of changes in interest rates, there can be no
assurance that the profitability of the Company would not be adversely
affected during any period of changes in interest rates. During periods of
increasing interest rates, the Company generally experiences competitive
pressure to reduce servicing spreads. In addition, an increase in interest
rates may decrease the demand for consumer or commercial credit. A substantial
and sustained increase in interest rates could, among other things (i)
adversely affect the ability of the Company to purchase or originate loans or
other assets; (ii) reduce the average size of loans underwritten by the
Company; and (iii) reduce the gains recognized by the Company upon their
securitization and sale. A decline in interest rates could decrease the size
of the Company's loan servicing portfolio by increasing the level of loan
prepayments, thereby shortening the life and impairing the value of the Excess
Spread Receivable (as defined below). Fluctuating interest rates also may
affect the net interest income earned by the Company resulting from the
difference between the yield to the Company on loans held pending sale and the
cost of funds obtained by the Company to finance such loans. In addition,
inverse or flattened interest yield curves could have an adverse impact on the
profitability of the Company because the loans or assets pooled and sold by
the Company are priced based on long-term interest rates while the senior
interests in the related REMIC, owner trust or grantor trust are priced on the
basis of intermediate term United States Treasury rates.
NEGATIVE CASHFLOWS AND CAPITAL NEEDS
Although the Company believes that cash available from operations will be
sufficient to enable it to make required interest payments on its debt
obligations and other required payments, there can be no assurance in this
regard and the Company may encounter liquidity problems which could affect its
ability to meet such obligations while attempting to withstand competitive
pressures or adverse economic conditions. In such circumstances, the value of
the debt obligations, including any Debt Securities, could be adversely
affected.
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The Company's primary cash requirements are expected to include the funding
of: (i) mortgage, loan and lease originations and purchases pending their
pooling and sale; (ii) the points and expenses paid in connection with the
acquisition of wholesale loans; (iii) fees and expenses incurred in connection
with its securitization program; (iv) overcollateralization or reserve account
requirements in connection with loans and leases pooled and sold; (v) ongoing
administrative and other operating expenses; (vi) payments related to tax
obligations; (vii) interest and principal payments under the Company's long-
term debt and short-term borrowed funds; (viii) the costs of the Purchase and
Sale Facilities (as defined below) and the funding obligation under the
Repurchase Agreement (as defined below); and (ix) the cost of any new
acquisitions that the Company may pursue and deferred purchase price
commitments on existing acquisitions. The Company has operated, and expects to
continue to operate, on a negative cash flow basis which is expected to
increase as the volume of the Company's loan and asset purchases and
originations increases and its securitization program grows. In a
securitization, the Company recognizes a gain on the sale of loans or assets
securitized upon the closing of the securitization, but does not receive the
majority of the cash representing such gain until it receives the Excess
Spread, which is payable over the actual life of the loan or other assets
securitized. This negative cash flow has been partially offset by the
Company's move into retail origination which resulted in an increase in the
cash received from securitization through origination points and other cash
income included in the gain on sale results. The Company incurs significant
expenses in connection with a securitization and incurs both current and
deferred tax liabilities as a result of the gain on sale. Therefore, the
Company requires continued access to short- and long-term external sources of
cash to fund its operations.
The Company's primary sources of liquidity are existing cash, sales of
loans, leases and other assets, the sale of loans under the Purchase and Sale
Facilities and Repurchase Agreement, the sale of Excess Spread Receivables and
further issuances of debt and equity (subject to the covenants of Senior Notes
and the Debt Securities).
In anticipation of growth in the Company's future operations, additional
financing sources will be required although there can be no assurance that the
Company will be successful in consummating additional financing transactions
in the future on terms that the Company would consider to be favorable.
Furthermore, no assurance can be given that Continental Grain Company
("Continental Grain") will provide any financing if the Company is unable to
obtain third party financing.
Dependence on Securitization Program
Since 1991, the Company has pooled and sold through securitization
substantially all loans or other assets which it originates or purchases.
Accordingly, adverse changes in the securitization market could impair the
Company's ability to originate, purchase and sell loans or other assets on a
favorable or timely basis. Any such impairment could have a material adverse
effect upon the Company's business and results of operations. In addition, the
securitization market for many types of assets is relatively undeveloped and
may be more susceptible to market fluctuations or other adverse changes than
more developed capital markets. Finally, any delay in the sale of a loan or
other asset pool would postpone the recognition of gain on such loans until
their sale. Such delays could cause the Company's earnings to fluctuate from
quarter to quarter.
In addition, in order to gain access to the securitization market for home
equity loans and certain other classes of assets the Company has credit
enhanced its securitizations with a guarantee from a monoline insurance
company and through the internal credit enhancement of a senior/subordinate
structure. The senior/subordinate structure utilizes overcollateralization
mechanics that include (i) subordinating the principal and interest payments
due to junior securityholders to the principal and interest payments due to
senior securityholders and (ii) requiring the Company to retain certain Excess
Spread Receivables. For guaranteed securitizations, the Company has primarily
relied on four monoline insurance companies to provide guarantees on
outstanding senior interests in the related REMIC, owner trust or grantor
trust to enable it to obtain an AAA/Aaa rating for such interests. Any
unwillingness of the monoline insurance companies to guarantee the senior
interests in the Company's home equity loan or other asset pools may have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial
7
<PAGE>
position and results of operations. For senior/subordinate structures, any
decline in interest by investors for less than "AAA" rated investments may
require the Company to retain more Excess Spread Receivables.
Dependence on Purchase and Sale Facilities and the Repurchase Agreement
In order to fund new loan and asset originations and purchases, the Company
is dependent upon its ability to sell loans and other assets through its
subsidiaries under the Purchase and Sale Facilities and the Repurchase
Agreement with certain financial institutions. The "Purchase and Sale
Facilities" allow the Company's subsidiaries to sell, with limited recourse,
interests in designated pools of loans and other assets, subject to various
repurchase options. A portion of the purchase price for any assets (up to 10%)
is generally deposited into an account held by the financial institution on
behalf of the subsidiary, against which the financial institution may set off
any losses incurred in the resale of such assets. Unless waived, each Purchase
and Sale Facility will terminate upon the occurrence of certain events, which
include: (i) failure of the subsidiary to perform under the terms and
covenants of the Purchase and Sale Facility (including payment obligations),
to make true representations and warranties regarding the assets sold and
certain other matters, to make material scheduled payments under all
indebtedness or to perform under any other agreement with the financial
institution; (ii) any material adverse change in the financial condition of
the Company or the subsidiary; and (iii) certain bankruptcy events of the
Company or the subsidiary. The Company has guaranteed its subsidiaries'
obligations under the Purchase and Sale Facilities. The "Repurchase Agreement"
is a funding agreement which allows the Company to sell receivables held for
sale to a financial institution under an agreement that the Company will
repurchase the asset, generally within 30 to 90 days. This agreement has a
one-year renewable term which expires March 1999.
Although the Company expects to be able to obtain replacement financing or
asset purchase commitments when the Company's current Purchase and Sale
Facilities and the Repurchase Agreement expire or additional financing or
asset purchase commitments when such agreements become fully utilized, there
can be no assurance that such financing will be obtainable on as favorable
terms, if at all. To the extent that the Company is unable to arrange any
third party or other financing, the Company's loan origination and purchasing
activities would be adversely affected, which could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's operations, financial results and cash position.
EFFECT OF CERTAIN DEBT OBLIGATIONS ON THE COMPANY
Effect of the Notes
In August 1996, the Company issued $300 million aggregate principal amount
of 8\ 3/8% Senior Notes due 2003 (the 8\ 3/8% Senior Notes ), and, in March
1997, the Company issued $200 million aggregate principal amount of 7 1/2%
Senior Notes due 2002 (the 7 1/2% Senior Notes, and together with the 8\ 3/8%
Senior Notes, the "Senior Notes"). The indentures pursuant to which the Senior
Notes were issued (the "Senior Notes Indentures"), and the indenture pursuant
to which any Debt Securities may be issued (the "Indenture") place certain
restrictions on the Company which may limit the Company's operating
flexibility. Such restrictions include the following: (i) limitations on
indebtedness; (ii) limitations on liens; (iii) limitations on restricted
payments such as dividends, repurchases of the Company's stock and repurchase
of subordinated obligations and minority investments; (iv) limitations on
restrictions on distributions from subsidiaries; (v) limitations on sales of
assets and subsidiary stock; and (vi) limitations on mergers and
consolidations.
In addition, upon a "change of control," the Holders of the Senior Notes may
cause the Company to repurchase the Senior Notes. A "change of control" as
defined in the Senior Notes Indentures and the Indenture includes the
occurrence of: (i) the acquisition of 35% of the outstanding Common Stock by a
person other than Continental Grain or its stockholders at a time when
Continental Grain or its stockholders own less than such amount owned by such
greater than 35% stockholder; (ii) certain changes in the composition of a
majority of the Board of Directors during any two consecutive years; and (iii)
certain mergers and consolidations or sale of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company.
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The occurrence of an event of default under the Senior Notes Indentures and
the Indenture or a "change of control" could have a material adverse effect
upon the Company.
Effect of Credit Facilities
The Company's Credit Facilities contain a number of restrictive covenants
including: (i) limitations on indebtedness; (ii) limitations on liens; (iii)
minimum net worth requirements; (iv) limitations on restrictions on
distributions from subsidiaries; (v) limitations on sales of assets and
subsidiary stock; and (vi) limitations on merger and consolidations.
EXCESS SPREAD RECEIVABLES
As a fundamental part of its business and financing strategy, the Company
sells substantially all of its loans or other assets through securitizations.
In a securitization, the Company sells loans or other assets that it has
originated or purchased to a trust for a cash purchase price and an interest
in the loans or other assets securitized in the form of the Excess Spread. The
cash purchase price is raised through an offering of pass-through certificates
by the trust. Following the securitization, the purchasers of the pass-through
certificates receive a portion of the loans' principal and interest collected
and interest at the investor pass-through interest rate on the certificate
balance, while the Company receives the Excess Spread. The Excess Spread
generally represents, over the life of the loans or other assets, the excess
of the weighted average coupon on each pool of loans or other assets sold over
the sum of the pass-through interest rate plus a normal servicing fee, a
trustee fee, an insurance fee and an estimate of annual future credit losses
related to the loans or other assets securitized.
The primary component of the Company's gross income is the gain on sale of
loans or other assets, which represents the Excess Spread Receivable. The
Company recognizes the gain on sale of loans or other assets in the fiscal
year in which such loans or other assets are sold, although cash (representing
the Excess Spread and servicing fees) is received by the Company over the life
of the loans or other assets. Concurrent with recognizing such gain on sale,
the Company records the Excess Spread Receivable as an asset on its
consolidated balance sheet.
In 1994, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities" ("SFAS 115"), which requires fair value accounting for these
securities. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 115, the Company
classifies subordinated classes of REMICs, owner trusts and grantor trusts as
"trading securities" and, as such, they are recorded at fair value with the
resultant unrealized gain or loss recorded in the results of operations in the
period of the change in fair value. The Company determines fair value on a
quarterly basis based on a discounted cash flow analysis. The cash flows are
estimated as the excess of the weighted average coupon on each pool of
consumer and commercial loans, leases and receivables (collectively, the
"Receivables") sold over the sum of the pass-through interest rates plus a
normal servicing fee, a trustee fee, an insurance fee (where applicable) and
an estimate of annual future credit losses related to the Receivables
securitized, over the life of the Receivables. These cash flows are projected
over the life of the Receivables using prepayment, default, and interest rate
assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use for
similar financial instruments subject to prepayment, credit and interest rate
risk and are discounted using an interest rate that the Company believes a
purchaser unrelated to the seller of such a financial instrument would demand.
Higher than anticipated rates of loan prepayments or credit losses on the
loans or other assets underlying the Excess Spread Receivables would require
the Company to write down the value of the Excess Spread Receivables, which
could have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position and
results of operations.
While the Company has consummated contingent recourse sales of Excess Spread
Receivables from time to time, there is no liquid market for such Excess
Spread Receivables. In fiscal 1995, the Company, through its subsidiaries,
began to sell certain Excess Spread Receivables. In fiscal 1998, the Company,
executed a securitization of Excess Spread Receivables through the issuance of
$99.7 million in Net Interest Margin Notes by a subsidiary of the Company. In
connection with such sales of Excess Spread Receivables, the Company may
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retain negotiated levels of recourse obligations in the event the purchaser
does not realize expected cash flows from the Excess Spread Receivables that
have been sold. Prior to April 2, 1996, Continental Grain had guaranteed, for
a fee, the Company's performance obligations under such sales, but is under no
obligation to provide such guarantees for future transactions. The Company, as
well as Continental Grain, has guaranteed its subsidiaries' performance
obligations under each such sale although, in fiscal 1997, the Company sold
Excess Spread Receivables without guarantees by Continental Grain. The Company
expects to continue such sales in the future. If Continental Grain does not
provide such guarantees in the future, the Company's ability to raise cash by
entering into future sales of its Excess Spread Receivables with retained
recourse could be impaired. The Company's recourse obligations under these
sales transactions could result in losses in the event actual cash flow from
the Excess Spread Receivables that have been sold is significantly less than
was anticipated at the time of the related sale.
In addition, the Company has also sold without recourse a significant volume
of interest-only certificates which the Company generated from its
securitization activities from time to time. These sales represent an
important source of liquidity for the Company. Any impairment of the Company's
ability to sell these interest-only certificates would require the Company to
obtain liquidity from other sources and thus could have a materially adverse
impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Although the Company intends to continue to pursue opportunities to sell
Excess Spread Receivables, no assurance can be given that such opportunities
will be available in the future or that all or any portion of Excess Spread
Receivables could in fact be sold at their stated value on the balance sheet,
if at all. The Senior Notes Indentures, the Indenture and the Credit
Facilities place certain limitations on the Company's ability to incur
indebtedness secured by its Excess Spread Receivables. Although the Company
may seek in the future to negotiate such financing within the terms of such
limitations, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
identify sources of such financing or whether the terms of any such financing,
if available, would be on terms the Company would consider favorable.
FINANCING EXCESS SPREAD RECEIVABLES FOR STRATEGIC ALLIANCE CLIENTS
The Company finances the Excess Spread Receivables of certain Strategic
Alliance Clients through loans secured by such Excess Spread Receivables or by
a pledge of the stock of the special purpose corporation holding such Excess
Spread Receivables. In a similar manner, the Company also finances the related
Excess Spread, subsequent to the related securitization, of certain Strategic
Alliance Clients. The financed Excess Spread Receivables are generated through
securitizations of home equity and home improvement loans. While all financed
Excess Spread Receivables have been issued in securitizations which yielded
securities rated investment grade by nationally recognized statistical rating
organizations, and all have been financed at a discount to fair value
determined after application of discounts for expected loss, prepayment and
interest rate factors, the Strategic Alliance Clients are often companies with
limited operating histories and capital and have not been rated or have a non-
investment grade credit rating. The value of the financed Excess Spread
Receivables or Excess Spread is dependent on, among other things, the ability
of the Strategic Alliance Client to service its securitized assets in
accordance with the specifications of the related pooling and servicing
agreements. If a Strategic Alliance Client is unable to meet its obligations
under the pooling and servicing agreement pertaining to the financed Excess
Spread Receivables, the value of such Excess Spread Receivables could decline
to less than the amount of the loan it secures. In such cases, the Company
would suffer losses.
COMPETITION
The home equity loan market is highly competitive. The Company faces
competition from other consumer finance lenders, mortgage lenders, mortgage
brokers, commercial banks, mortgage banks, large securities firms, smaller
boutique securities firms, credit unions, thrift institutions, credit card
issuers and finance companies. Many of these competitors are substantially
larger and have more capital and other resources than the Company. Competition
can take many forms, including convenience in obtaining a loan, customer
service, marketing and
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distribution channels, terms provided and interest rates charged to borrowers.
Heightened competition could contribute to higher prepayments. In addition,
the current level of gains realized by the Company and its competitors on the
sale of their home equity loans could attract additional competitors into this
market with the possible effect of lowering gains that may be realized on the
Company's future loan sales. Although the Company has recently diversified its
organization capabilities with the acquisition of home equity companies with
retail capabilities, wholesale loans are expected to remain a significant part
of the Company's home equity loan production program. As a purchaser of
wholesale loans, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in the volume and cost
of wholesale loans resulting from competition from other purchasers of such
loans, market conditions and other factors.
CONTINGENT RISKS
Although the Company sells substantially all loans or other assets which it
originates or purchases, the Company retains some degree of risk on
substantially all loans or other assets sold. During the period of time that
loans or other assets are held pending sale, the Company is subject to the
various business risks associated with the lending business including the risk
of borrower default, the risk of foreclosure and the risk that an increase in
interest rates would result in a decline in the value of loans or other
assets. The Company continues to be subject to the risks of default and
foreclosure following the sale of the loans or other assets through
securitization to the extent that actual losses exceed the loss assumption
made by the Company in valuing the Excess Spread received from its
securitizations. The documents governing the Company's securitization program
require (i) the Company to establish deposit accounts or (ii) the related
trust to build overcollateralization levels by retaining Excess Spread
distributions or applying Excess Spread distributions to reduce the principal
balances of the senior interests issued by the trust. These actions serve as
credit enhancement for the related trust and are therefore available to fund
losses realized on loans or other assets held by such trust. In addition,
documents governing the Company's securitization programs require the Company
to commit to repurchase or replace loans or other assets which do not conform
to the representations and warranties made by the Company at the time of sale.
When borrowers are delinquent in making monthly payments on loans included in
a REMIC, owner trust or grantor trust, the Company is required, if it is the
servicer of such loans, to advance amounts equal to the delinquent interest on
such loans to the extent that the Company deems such advances ultimately
recoverable. These advances may require funding from the Company's capital
resources but have priority of repayment out of the trust from the succeeding
month's payments on loans in the trust. The Company also has contingent risk
with respect to financing through its Purchase and Sale Facilities and the
sale of Excess Spread Receivables. See "Negative Cashflows and Capital Needs--
Dependence on Purchase and Sale Facilities and the Repurchase Agreement" and
"Excess Spread Receivables."
ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES
In the course of its business, the Company has acquired, and may in the
future acquire, properties securing loans that are in default. There is a risk
that hazardous substances or waste, contaminants, pollutants or sources
thereof could be discovered on such properties after acquisition by the
Company. In such event, the Company might be required to remove such
substances from the affected properties at its sole cost and expense. There
can be no assurances that the cost of such removal would not substantially
exceed the value of the affected properties or the loans secured by the
properties or that the Company would have adequate remedies against the prior
owner or other responsible parties, or that the Company would not find it
difficult or impossible to sell the affected properties either prior to or
following any such removal.
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
The home equity loan and financing operations of the Company are subject to
regulation by federal, state and local government authorities, as well as to
various laws and judicial and administrative decisions, that impose
requirements and restrictions affecting, among other things, the Company's
loan originations, credit activities, maximum interest rates, finance and
other charges, disclosures to customers, the terms of secured transactions,
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collection, repossession and claims-handling procedures, multiple
qualification and licensing requirements for doing business in various
jurisdictions and other trade practices. Although the Company believes that it
is in compliance in all material respects with applicable local, state and
federal laws, rules and regulations, there can be no assurance that more
restrictive laws, rules and regulations will not be adopted in the future that
could make compliance much more difficult or expensive, restrict the Company's
ability to originate, purchase or sell loans, further limit or restrict the
amount of interest and other charges earned on loans originated or purchased
by the Company, further limit or restrict the terms of loan agreements, or
otherwise adversely affect the business of the Company. In addition, changes
in government sponsored loan programs, such as the Title I Home Improvement
Loan program, could adversely affect the business of the Company.
As part of the Company's financing and asset securitization business,
ContiFinancial Services is required to register as a broker-dealer with
certain Federal and state securities regulatory agencies and is a member of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"). As a
registered broker-dealer, ContiFinancial Services is subject to certain
minimum net capital rules and certain other requirements. Any changes in such
requirements or the loss of the broker-dealer license of ContiFinancial
Services, for any reason, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT CONSIDERATIONS
The Company believes that it is not an investment company as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act").
Among other things, under the Investment Company Act, an investment company is
prohibited from engaging in certain activities, is restricted from entering
into certain transactions with affiliated persons and interested persons, is
governed by certain laws that limit the issuance of debt securities, preferred
stock, warrants and rights to subscribe or purchase a security and is subject
to certain restrictions on the payment of dividends, the making of loans and
the purchase and redemption of its securities.
The Company intends to continue its business and to conduct its operations
so as not to become regulated as an investment company under the Investment
Company Act. The Company's business strategy includes acquiring equity or debt
interests in Strategic Alliance Clients and investing in loans, other assets
and Excess Spread Receivables. In order to avoid becoming an investment
company, the Company will have to limit certain types of its investments or
its activities. If the Company were to become an investment company for any
reason, the Company could be required either (i) to change significantly the
manner in which it conducts its operations to avoid being required to register
as an investment company or (ii) to register as an investment company, either
of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company and the market
prices for the Offered Securities.
CONTROL OF THE COMPANY
Continental Grain currently owns approximately 75% of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock. As a result, Continental Grain is able to elect all
of the directors of the Company and to determine the outcome of any matter
submitted to a vote of the Company's stockholders for approval. Continental
Grain has advised the Company that its current intention is to continue to
hold all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by it. However, there can
be no assurance that Continental Grain will not decide to sell all or a
portion of its holdings at some future date.
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RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for
the Company for the nine months ended December 31, 1997 and for each of the
years in the five-year period ended March 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS
ENDED
DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
------------ -----------------------------
1997 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges... 2.33x 2.47x 2.65x 2.63x 3.49x 2.62x
===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges has been computed by dividing
earnings by fixed charges. Earnings consist of income before income taxes less
undistributed earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries plus fixed charges.
Fixed charges consist of interest on all indebtedness.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Except as may otherwise be set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the net proceeds from the sale of the Offered Securities will be
used for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of
indebtedness outstanding from time to time, acquisitions and other general
corporate purposes.
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
GENERAL
The following description of the terms of the Securities sets forth certain
general terms and provisions of the Securities to which any Prospectus
Supplement may relate. The particular terms of the Securities offered by any
Prospectus Supplement and the extent, if any, to which such general provisions
may apply to the Securities so offered will be described in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to such Securities.
CAPITAL STOCK
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 250,000,000 shares
of Common Stock and 25,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. As of December 31,
1997, the Company had 47,657,539 shares of Common Stock and no shares of
Preferred Stock outstanding. The following summary description of the capital
stock of the Company is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and the By-laws of the Company, copies of which
are incorporated by reference herein.
COMMON STOCK
The shares of Common Stock currently outstanding are, and the shares of
Common Stock that may be offered hereby will be, fully paid and non-
assessable. Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share
owned of record on the applicable record date on all matters presented to a
vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. In the event of any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the
Company, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to share equally and ratably
in the net assets of the Company, if any, remaining after the payment of all
debts and liabilities of the Company and the liquidation preference of any
outstanding Preferred Stock. The holders of the Common Stock have no
cumulative voting rights or preemptive or preferential right to purchase or
subscribe for any part of the unissued capital stock of the Company of any
class or for any new issue of stock of any class or to purchase or subscribe
for any Debt Securities, whether or not convertible into Common Stock, whether
now or hereafter issued. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive
dividends if, as and when declared by the Board of Directors out of funds
legally available for such purpose, subject to the dividend and liquidation
rights of any Preferred Stock that may be issued.
The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is First Chicago Trust
Company of New York.
PREFERRED STOCK
The description of the Preferred Stock set forth below and in any Prospectus
Supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in
its entirety by reference to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended (the "Certificate"), and the Certificate of Designations relating to
each such series of Preferred Stock.
General
Under the Certificate, the Board of Directors may, by resolution, establish
series of Preferred Stock having such voting powers, and such designations,
preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as the Board of Directors
may determine.
Each series of Preferred Stock will have the dividend, liquidation,
redemption and voting rights set forth below unless otherwise provided in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to such series of Preferred Stock. Reference is
made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular series of
Preferred Stock offered thereby for specific terms, including: (1) the
designation and stated value per share of such Preferred Stock and the number
of shares offered; (2) the amount of liquidation preference per share (or
method of calculation); (3) the price at which such series of Preferred Stock
will be issued; (4) the dividend rate (or method of calculation),
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<PAGE>
the dates on which dividends will be payable, whether such dividends will be
cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends
will accrue; (5) any redemption or sinking fund provisions; (6) any terms by
which such series of Preferred Stock may be convertible into or exchanged for
Common Stock or Debt Securities; (7) any listing of such series on any
securities exchange or inclusion on any automated trading system; (8) the
relative ranking and preferences, if applicable, of such series as to dividend
rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of the
affairs of the Company; and (9) any additional or other rights, preferences,
privileges, limitations and restrictions relating to such series of Preferred
Stock.
The Preferred Stock offered hereby will be issued in one or more series. The
holders of Preferred Stock will have no preemptive rights. Preferred Stock
will be fully paid and nonassessable upon issuance against full payment of the
purchase price therefor. Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to a particular series of Preferred Stock, each series of
Preferred Stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights on
liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Company, rank prior to the
Common Stock (the "Junior Stock") and on a parity with each other series of
Preferred Stock offered hereby (the "Parity Stock").
Dividend Rights
Holders of the Preferred Stock of each series will be entitled to receive,
when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, out of
funds legally available therefor, cash dividends at such rates and on such
dates as are set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series of
Preferred Stock. Such rate may be fixed or variable or both. Each such
dividend will be payable to the holders of record as they appear on the stock
books of the Company on such record dates as will be fixed by the Board of
Directors of the Company. Dividends on any series of the Preferred Stock may
be cumulative or noncumulative, as provided in the Prospectus Supplement
relating thereto. If the Board of Directors of the Company fails to declare a
dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of Preferred Stock
for which dividends are noncumulative, then the right to receive a dividend in
respect of the dividend period ending on such dividend payment date will be
lost, and the Company will have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for
that period, whether or not dividends are declared for any future period.
Dividends on shares of each series of Preferred Stock for which dividends are
cumulative will accrue from the date set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement.
The Preferred Stock of each series will include customary provisions (1)
restricting the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions on,
or the redemption, purchase or other acquisition of, Junior Stock unless full
dividends, including, in the case of cumulative Preferred Stock, accruals, if
any, in respect of prior dividend periods, on the shares of such series of
Preferred Stock have been paid and (2) providing for the pro rata payment of
dividends on such series and other Parity Stock when dividends have not been
paid in full upon such series and other Parity Stock.
Rights Upon Liquidation
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, the holders of each series of Preferred Stock will
be entitled to receive out of assets of the Company available for distribution
to stockholders, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of
Junior Stock, liquidating distributions in the amount set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to such series of Preferred Stock plus an
amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends. If, upon any voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the amounts
payable with respect to the Preferred Stock of any series and any Parity Stock
are not paid in full, the holders of the Preferred Stock of such series and of
such Parity Stock will share ratably in any such distribution of assets of the
Company in proportion to the full respective preferential amounts (which may
include accumulated dividends) to which they are entitled. After payment of
the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled,
the holders of such series of Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to
any of the remaining assets of the Company. Neither the sale of all or a
portion of the Company's assets nor the merger or consolidation of the Company
into or with any other corporation shall be deemed to be a dissolution,
liquidation or winding up, voluntarily or involuntarily, of the Company.
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<PAGE>
Redemption
A series of Preferred Stock may be redeemable at any time, in whole or in
part, at the option of the Company or the holder thereof and may be subject to
mandatory redemption pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise upon terms and at
the redemption prices set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such
series.
In the event of partial redemptions of Preferred Stock, whether by mandatory
or optional redemption, the shares to be redeemed will be determined by lot or
pro rata, as may be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, or by
any other method determined to be equitable by the Board of Directors.
On and after a redemption date, unless the Company defaults in the payment
of the redemption price, dividends will cease to accrue on shares of Preferred
Stock called for redemption and all rights of holders of such shares will
terminate except for the right to receive the redemption price.
Voting Rights
The holders of Preferred Stock of a series offered hereby will not be
entitled to vote except as indicated in the Prospectus Supplement relating to
such series of Preferred Stock or as required by applicable law.
DEBT SECURITIES
The following summary of the terms of the Debt Securities sets forth certain
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 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.
The Debt Securities are to be issued under an indenture dated as of March 4,
1998, as supplemented from time to time (the "Indenture"), between the Company
and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (the "Trustee"). The Indenture provides
that there may be more than one trustee thereunder, each with respect to one
or more series of Debt Securities. In the event that there is more than one
trustee under the Indenture, the powers and trust obligations of each trustee
as described herein will extend only to the series of Debt Securities for
which it is Trustee. The Indenture is subject to and governed by the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "TIA").
The statements made under this heading relating to the Debt Securities and
the Indenture, as modified or superseded by the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, are summaries of the provisions thereof, do not purport to be
complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the detailed
provisions of the Indenture (the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part), including the
definitions of certain terms therein and in the TIA. Certain capitalized terms
used below but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the
Indenture. Unless otherwise noted below, section references below are to the
Indenture.
The particular terms of the Debt Securities being offered (the "Offered Debt
Securities"), any modifications of or additions to the general terms of the
Debt Securities as described herein that may be applicable in the case of the
Offered Debt Securities and any applicable federal income tax considerations
will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Offered Debt
Securities. Accordingly, for a description of the terms of the Offered Debt
Securities, reference must be made both to the Prospectus Supplement relating
thereto and the description of Debt Securities set forth in this Prospectus.
General
The Debt Securities will be direct, unsecured obligations of the Company.
The indebtedness represented by the Senior Debt Securities will rank equally
with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the
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<PAGE>
Company. The indebtedness represented by the Subordinated Debt Securities will
be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of the Senior
Indebtedness of the Company (including the Senior Debt Securities) as
described under "Debt Securities--Subordination" below. The Debt Securities
may be issued in one or more series. The Indenture provides that there is no
limitation on the amount of debt securities that may be issued thereunder from
time to time.
The Company primarily conducts its operations through its Subsidiaries. The
rights of the Company and its creditors, including the Holders of the Debt
Securities, to participate in the assets of any Subsidiary upon the latter's
liquidation or reorganization will be subject to the prior claims of the
Subsidiary's creditors except to the extent that the Company may itself be a
creditor with recognized claims against the Subsidiary.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular
Debt Securities offered thereby for the following terms, where applicable, of
the Debt Securities:
(1) the specific designation or title of the Debt Securities;
(2) the denominations in which such Debt Securities are authorized to be
issued, if other than U.S.$1,000 or any integral multiple thereof in the
case of Registered Securities (as defined below) and U.S.$5,000 in the case
of Bearer Securities (as defined below);
(3) the aggregate principal amount of such Debt Securities;
(4) the date or dates on which the principal of such Debt Securities will
mature or the method of determining such date or dates;
(5) the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate
principal amount thereof) at which the Debt Securities will be issued;
(6) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which such Debt
Securities will bear interest, if any, or the method of calculating such
rate or rates;
(7) the times and places where principal of and any premium and interest,
if any, on such Debt Securities will be payable;
(8) the date or dates on which interest, if any, will be payable and the
record date or dates therefor or the method by which such date or dates
will be determined;
(9) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase such
Debt Securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions, upon
the happening of a specified event or at the option of a holder thereof and
the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the
terms and conditions upon which, such Debt Securities shall be redeemed or
purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligations;
(10) the terms and conditions upon which conversion of such Debt
Securities ("Convertible Debt Securities") will be effected, including the
conversion price, the conversion period and other conversion provisions in
addition to or in lieu of those described below;
(11) the currency or currency units for which such Debt Securities may be
purchased or in which such Debt Securities may be denominated and/or the
currency or currency units in which principal, or premium, if any, and/or
interest, if any, on such Debt Securities will be payable and whether the
Company or the Holders of any such Debt Securities may elect to receive
payments in respect of such Debt Securities in a currency or currency units
other than that in which such Debt Securities are stated to be payable;
(12) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the
principal amount of such Debt Securities which will be payable upon
declaration of the acceleration of the maturity thereof or the method by
which such portion shall be determined;
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(13) the person to whom any interest on any such Debt Security shall be
payable if other than the person in whose name such Debt Security is
registered on the applicable record date;
(14) any addition to, or modification or deletion of, any Event of
Default or any covenant of the Company specified in the Indenture with
respect to such Debt Securities;
(15) the application, if any, of such means of defeasance or covenant
defeasance as may be specified for such Debt Securities;
(16) whether such Debt Securities are to be issued in whole or in part in
the form of one or more temporary or permanent global securities and, if
so, the identity of the depositary for such global security or securities;
(17) whether such Debt Securities are Senior Debt Securities or
Subordinated Debt Securities; and
(18) other material or special terms pertaining to such Debt Securities.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Debt
Securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. Unless otherwise
provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, principal and premium, if
any, or interest, if any, will be payable and the Debt Securities may be
surrendered for payment or transferred at the offices of the Trustee as paying
and authenticating agent, provided that payment of interest on Registered
Securities may be made at the option of the Company (i) by check mailed to the
address of the person entitled thereto as it appears in the Security or (ii)
by wire transfer to an account designated by such person pursuant to an
arrangement that is satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee. Payment of
Bearer Securities may be made at such paying agencies outside of the United
States as the Company may appoint.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Debt
Securities will be issued in fully registered form without coupons in
denominations set forth in the Prospectus Supplement. No service charge will
be made for any transfer or exchange of such Debt Securities, but the Company
may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental
charge payable in connection therewith. Where Debt Securities and Convertible
Debt Securities of any series are issued in bearer form, the special
restrictions and considerations, including special offering restrictions and
special Federal income tax considerations, applicable to any such Debt
Securities and to payment on and transfer and exchange of such Debt Securities
will be described in the Prospectus Supplement. Bearer Securities will be
transferable by delivery.
The Prospectus Supplement for a particular series may indicate terms for
redemption at the option of a Holder. Unless otherwise indicated in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, the covenants contained in the Indenture and
the Debt Securities will not provide for redemption at the option of a Holder
nor necessarily afford Holders thereof protection in the event of a highly
leveraged or other transaction that may adversely affect such Holders.
Same-Day Settlement and Payment
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, settlement
for the Debt Securities will be made in immediately available funds. All
payments of principal and interest will be made by the Company in immediately
available funds. The Debt Securities will trade in the Same-Day Funds
Settlement System of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") until maturity, and
secondary market trading activity for the Debt Securities will therefore
settle in immediately available funds.
Change of Control
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, upon the
occurrence of any of the following events (each a "Change of Control"), each
Holder shall have the right to require that the Company repurchase such
Holder's Debt Securities at a purchase price in cash equal to 100% of the
principal amount
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thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase
(subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to
receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date):
(i) Any "person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the
Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, is or becomes the
"beneficial owner" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange
Act, except that such person shall be deemed to have "beneficial ownership"
of all shares that any such person has the right to acquire, whether such
right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time),
directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the total voting power of the
Voting Stock of the Company; provided, however, that the Permitted Holders
beneficially own (as defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the
Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage
of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company than such
other person and do not have the right or ability by voting power, contract
or otherwise to elect or designate for election a majority of the Board of
Directors (for the purposes of this clause (i), such other person shall be
deemed to beneficially own any Voting Stock of a corporation held by
another corporation (a "parent corporation"), if such other person is the
beneficial owner (as defined above for such person), directly or
indirectly, of more than 35% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of
such parent corporation and the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as
defined above for the Permitted Holders), directly or indirectly, in the
aggregate a lesser percentage of the voting power of the Voting Stock of
such parent corporation and do not have the right or ability by voting
power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a majority
of the board of directors of such parent corporation);
(ii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the
beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors (together with
any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose
nomination for election by the stockholders of the Company was approved by
a vote of 66 2/3% of the directors of the Company then still in office who
were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or
nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to
constitute a majority of the Board of Directors then in office; or
(iii) the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another
Person or the merger of another Person with or into the Company, or the
sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company to another
Person (other than a Person that is controlled by the Permitted Holders),
and, in the case of any such merger or consolidation, the securities of the
Company that are outstanding immediately prior to such transaction and
which represent 100% of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of
the Company are changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or property,
unless pursuant to such transaction such securities are changed into or
exchanged for, in addition to any other consideration, securities of the
surviving corporation that represent immediately after such transaction, at
least a majority of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of the
surviving corporation; provided, however, that the sale by the Company or
its Restricted Subsidiaries from time to time of Receivables to a trust for
the purpose solely of effecting one or more securitizations shall not be
treated hereunder as a sale of all or substantially all the assets of the
Company.
Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company shall mail a
notice to each Holder with a copy to the Trustee stating: (1) that a Change of
Control has occurred and that such Holder has the right to require the Company
to purchase such Holder's Debt Securities at a purchase price in cash equal to
100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any,
to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the
relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment
date); (2) the circumstances and relevant facts regarding such Change of
Control (including information with respect to pro forma results of
operations, cash flow and capitalization after giving effect to such Change of
Control); (3) the repurchase date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor
later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed); and (4) the
instructions determined by the Company, consistent with the covenant described
hereunder, that a Holder must follow in order to have its Debt Securities
purchased.
The Company shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of
Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations
in connection with the repurchase of Debt Securities pursuant to the covenant
described hereunder. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws
or regulations conflict
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<PAGE>
with the provisions of the covenant described hereunder, the Company shall
comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be
deemed to have breached its obligations under the covenant described hereunder
by virtue thereof.
Management has no present intention to engage in a transaction involving a
Change of Control, although it is possible that the Company would decide to do
so in the future. Subject to the limitations discussed below, the Company
could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including acquisitions,
refinancings or other recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change of
Control under the Indenture, but that could increase the amount of
indebtedness outstanding at such time or otherwise affect the Company's
capital structure or credit ratings. Restrictions on the ability of the
Company and its Subsidiaries to incur additional Indebtedness are contained in
the covenants described under "--Certain Covenants Applicable to Debt
Securities--Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness of the Company", "--
Limitation on Liens" and "--Limitation on Indebtedness and Preferred Stock of
Restricted Subsidiaries". Such restrictions can only be waived with the
consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debt
Securities then outstanding. See "--Modification or Waiver." Except for the
limitations contained in such covenants, however, the Indenture will not
contain any covenants or provisions that may afford Holders of the Debt
Securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.
Future indebtedness of the Company may contain prohibitions on the
occurrence of certain events that would constitute a Change of Control or
require such indebtedness to be repurchased upon a Change of Control.
Moreover, the exercise by the Holders of a right to require the Company to
repurchase the Debt Securities could cause a default under such indebtedness,
even if the Change of Control itself does not, due to the financial effect of
such repurchase on the Company. Finally, the Company's ability to pay cash to
the Holders of Debt Securities following the occurrence of a Change of Control
may be limited by the Company's then existing financial resources. There can
be no assurance that sufficient funds will be available when necessary to make
any required repurchases. The provisions under the Indenture relative to the
Company's obligation to make an offer to repurchase the Debt Securities as a
result of a Change of Control may be waived or modified with the written
consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debt
Securities.
Certain Covenants Applicable to Debt Securities
Set forth below are descriptions of certain covenants set forth in the
Indenture. With respect to the Debt Securities of any series, the covenants
may be modified or supplemented as set forth in the related Supplemental
Indenture for such series; any such modifications on supplements which are
material will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The
definition of certain capitalized terms set forth below are set forth under
"Debt Securities--Certain Definitions."
IN THE EVENT THAT AT ANY TIME (I) THE RATINGS ASSIGNED TO A PARTICULAR
SERIES OF DEBT SECURITIES BY BOTH OF THE RATING AGENCIES (AS DEFINED BELOW)
ARE INVESTMENT GRADE RATINGS (AS DEFINED BELOW) AND (II) NO DEFAULT HAS
OCCURRED AND IS CONTINUING UNDER THE INDENTURE WITH RESPECT TO SUCH SERIES,
EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE PROVISIONS OF THE
INDENTURE DESCRIBED BELOW UNDER "--LIMITATION ON INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS OF
THE COMPANY", "--LIMITATION ON INDEBTEDNESS AND PREFERRED STOCK OF RESTRICTED
SUBSIDIARIES", "--LIMITATION ON LIENS", "--LIMITATION ON RESTRICTED PAYMENTS",
"--LIMITATION ON RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTIONS FROM RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES",
"--LIMITATION ON AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS" "--LIMITATION ON SALES OF ASSETS AND
SUBSIDIARY STOCK" AND CLAUSE (III) OF "--MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION" WILL BE
PERMANENTLY TERMINATED WITH RESPECT TO SUCH SERIES AND THE COMPANY AND ITS
RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES WILL NO LONGER BE SUBJECT THERETO WITH RESPECT TO SUCH
SERIES (SUCH PERMANENT TERMINATION OF SUCH PROVISIONS BEING HEREIN CALLED THE
"COVENANT TERMINATION").
LIMITATION ON THE INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS OF THE COMPANY. (a) The Company
shall not Incur, directly or indirectly, any Indebtedness if, on the date of
such Incurrence and after giving effect thereto, the Consolidated Leverage
Ratio exceeds 2.5 to 1.0.
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(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph (a), the Company may Incur any
or all of the following Indebtedness:
(1) Permitted Warehouse Indebtedness;
(2) Indebtedness owed to and held by the Company or a Consolidated
Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that any subsequent issuance or
transfer of any Capital Stock which results in any such Consolidated
Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Consolidated Restricted Subsidiary or
any subsequent transfer of such Indebtedness (other than to the Company or
another Consolidated Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case,
to constitute the Incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Company;
(3) with respect to any series of Debt Securities, the Debt Securities of
such series and all Debt Securities of such series and all prior series
Outstanding as of the Issue Date of such series of Debt Securities;
(4) Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date of a series of Debt
Securities (other than Indebtedness described in clause (1), (2) or (3) of
this covenant);
(5) Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant
to paragraph (a) or pursuant to clause (b)(3) or (b)(4) or this clause
(b)(5);
(6) Hedging Obligations directly related to: (i) Indebtedness Incurred
(or reasonably expected to be Incurred) and permitted to be Incurred by the
Company or the Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the Indenture; (ii)
Receivables held by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries pending sale
or securitization; (iii) Receivables of the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries that are subject to a Warehouse Facility; (iv) Receivables
with respect to which the Company reasonably expects to purchase or commit
to purchase, finance or accept as collateral; or (v) Excess Spread
Receivables and other assets owned or financed by the Company or its
Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business; provided,
however, that such Hedging Obligations are eligible to receive hedge
accounting treatment in accordance with GAAP as applied by the Company as
of the date of Incurrence thereof; and
(7) Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount which, together with
the principal amount of all other Indebtedness of the Company outstanding
on the date of such Incurrence (other than Indebtedness permitted by
clauses (1) through (6) above or paragraph (a)) does not exceed $40.0
million.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not Incur any
Indebtedness if the proceeds thereof are used, directly or indirectly, to
Refinance any Subordinated Obligations unless such Indebtedness shall be
subordinated to the Debt Securities to at least the same extent as such
Subordinated Obligations.
(d) For purposes of determining compliance with the foregoing covenant, in
the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of
the types of Indebtedness described above, the Company, in its sole
discretion, may (i) classify such item of Indebtedness and only be required to
include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one of the above clauses
or (ii) divide and classify such item of Indebtedness in more than one of the
types of Indebtedness described above.
LIMITATION ON INDEBTEDNESS AND PREFERRED STOCK OF RESTRICTED
SUBSIDIARIES. The Company shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to Incur,
directly or indirectly, any Indebtedness or Preferred Stock except:
(a) Permitted Warehouse Indebtedness;
(b) Warehouse Margin Indebtedness provided, that such Warehouse Margin
Indebtedness has remained unpaid for five or fewer Business Days; provided
further, however, that the amount of such Warehouse Margin Indebtedness,
when taken together with the aggregate amount of all other Warehouse Margin
Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (b) and outstanding on the
date of such Incurrence, does not exceed 5% of Consolidated Net Worth;
(c) Indebtedness or Preferred Stock issued to and held by the Company or
a Consolidated Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that any
subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock which results in any
such Consolidated Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Consolidated
Restricted Subsidiary or any
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subsequent transfer of such Indebtedness or Preferred Stock (other than to
the Company or a Consolidated Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in
each case, to constitute the Incurrence of such Indebtedness or Preferred
Stock by the issuer thereof;
(d) Indebtedness or Preferred Stock of a Subsidiary Incurred and
outstanding on or prior to the date on which such Subsidiary was acquired
by the Company (other than Indebtedness or Preferred Stock Incurred in
connection with, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit
support utilized to consummate, the transaction or series of related
transactions pursuant to which such Subsidiary became a Subsidiary or was
acquired by the Company); provided, however, that on the date of such
acquisition and after giving effect thereto, the Company would have been
able to Incur at least $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to paragraph (a) of
the covenant described under "--Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness of
the Company";
(e) Indebtedness or Preferred Stock outstanding on the Issue Date of a
series of Debt Securities (other than Indebtedness described in clause (a),
(b), (c) or (d) of this covenant); and
(f) Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred in respect of Indebtedness or
Preferred Stock referred to in clause (d) or (e) above or this clause (f);
provided, however, that to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness
directly or indirectly Refinances Indebtedness or Preferred Stock of a
Subsidiary described in clause (d) above, such Refinancing Indebtedness
shall be Incurred only by such Subsidiary.
LIMITATION ON LIENS. With respect to any series of Debt Securities, the
Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly
or indirectly, Incur or permit to exist any Lien of any nature whatsoever on
any of its properties (including Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary),
whether owned at the Issue Date of such series or thereafter acquired, other
than Permitted Liens, without effectively providing that the Debt Securities
of such series shall be secured equally and ratably with (or prior to) the
obligations so secured for so long as such obligations are so secured.
LIMITATION ON RESTRICTED PAYMENTS. (a) The Company shall not, and shall not
permit any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to make a Restricted
Payment if at the time the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary makes such
Restricted Payment: (1) a Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or
would result therefrom); (2) the Company is not able to Incur an additional
$1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to paragraph (a) of the covenant described
under "--Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness of the Company"; or (3) the
aggregate amount of such Restricted Payment and all other Restricted Payments
since March 12, 1997 would exceed the sum of: (A) 25% of the Consolidated Net
Income accrued during the period (treated as one accounting period) from
January 1, 1997 to the end of the most recent fiscal quarter prior to the date
of such Restricted Payment for which financial statements are available (or,
in case such Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, minus 100% of such
deficit); (B) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company from the
issuance or sale of its Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock)
subsequent to January 1, 1997 (other than an issuance or sale to a Subsidiary
of the Company and other than an issuance or sale to an employee stock
ownership plan or to a trust established by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries for the benefit of their employees); (C) the amount by which
Indebtedness of the Company is reduced on the Company's balance sheet upon the
conversion or exchange (other than by a Subsidiary of the Company) subsequent
to March 12, 1997, of any Indebtedness of the Company convertible or
exchangeable for Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company
(less the amount of any cash, or the fair value of any other property,
distributed by the Company upon such conversion or exchange); (D) an amount
equal to the sum of (i) the net reduction in Investments in any Person
resulting from dividends or repayments of loans or advances, in each case to
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from such Person, and (ii) the
portion (proportionate to the Company's equity interest in such Subsidiary) of
the fair market value of the net assets of an Unrestricted Subsidiary at the
time such Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary;
provided, however, that the foregoing sum in this clause (D) shall not exceed,
in the case of any Person, the amount of Investments made since March 12, 1997
by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Person and treated as a
Restricted Payment; and (E) $15 million.
(b) The provisions of the foregoing paragraph (a) shall not prohibit: (i)
any purchase or redemption of Capital Stock or Subordinated Obligations of the
Company made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the
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substantially concurrent sale of, Capital Stock of the Company (other than
Disqualified Stock and other than Capital Stock issued or sold to a Subsidiary
of the Company or an employee stock ownership plan or to a trust established
by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for the benefit of their employees);
provided, however, that (A) such purchase or redemption shall be excluded in
the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments and (B) the Net Cash
Proceeds from such sale shall be excluded from the calculation of amounts
under clause (3)(B) of paragraph (a) above; (ii) any purchase, repurchase,
redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of
Subordinated Obligations made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the
substantially concurrent sale of, Indebtedness of the Company which is
permitted to be Incurred pursuant to the covenant described under "--
Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness of the Company"; provided, however,
that such purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or
retirement for value shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of
Restricted Payments; (iii) any purchase or redemption of Subordinated
Obligations from Net Available Cash to the extent permitted by the covenant
described under "--Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock";
provided, however, that such purchase or redemption shall be excluded in the
calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; (iv) dividends paid within
60 days after the date of declaration thereof if at such date of declaration
such dividend would have complied with the covenant described hereunder;
provided, however, that at the time of payment of such dividend, no other
Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or result therefrom); provided,
further, however, that such dividend shall be included in the calculation of
the amount of Restricted Payments; (v) any purchase of Capital Stock of the
Company made from time to time to meet the Company's obligations under its
employee stock ownership and option plans; provided, however, that such
purchase shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments; (vi) the exercise or conversion of an option, warrant or other
security convertible or exchangeable for an equity security of a Strategic
Alliance Client in connection with a substantially simultaneous sale or other
disposition by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of such equity security;
provided, however, that the exercise price or other consideration paid by the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such exercise or
conversion shall be excluded from the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments and (vii) the making of an Investment by the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary in another Person to the extent that the amount of such Investment,
when added together with the aggregate amount of all other Investments made
pursuant to this clause (vii) and then outstanding, does not exceed 10% of
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets; provided, however, that such Person's
primary business is a Related Business; provided, further, however, that (I)
at the time of such Investment, no Default shall have occurred and be
continuing and (II) the amount of such Investment shall be included in the
calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments.
LIMITATION ON RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTIONS FROM RESTRICTED
SUBSIDIARIES. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or permit to
exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the
ability of any Restricted Subsidiary (a) to pay dividends or make any other
distributions on its Capital Stock to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary
or pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company, (b) to make any loans or advances
to the Company or (c) transfer any of its property or assets to the Company,
except: (i) with respect to any series of Debt Securities, any encumbrance or
restriction pursuant to an agreement in effect at or entered into on the Issue
Date of such series; (ii) any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a
Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement applicable to such Restricted
Subsidiary on or prior to the date on which such Restricted Subsidiary was
acquired by the Company (other than an agreement entered into in connection
with, or in anticipation of, the transaction or series of related transactions
pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary or
was acquired by the Company) and outstanding on such date; (iii) any
encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to
any other agreement contained in any amendment to an agreement referred to in
clause (i) or (ii) of this covenant or this clause (iii); provided, however,
that the encumbrances and restrictions with respect to such Restricted
Subsidiary contained in any such agreement or amendment are no less favorable
to the Holders of Debt Securities than encumbrances and restrictions with
respect to such Restricted Subsidiary contained in the agreements referred to
in clauses (i) or (ii) of the covenant described hereunder, as the case may
be; (iv) any such encumbrance or restriction consisting of customary non
assignment provisions in leases governing leasehold interests to the extent
such provisions restrict the transfer of the lease or the property leased
thereunder; (v) in the case of clause (c) above, restrictions contained in
security agreements or mortgages
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securing Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent such
restrictions restrict the transfer of the property subject to such security
agreements or mortgages; and (vi) any restriction with respect to a Restricted
Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or
disposition of all or substantially all the Capital Stock or assets of such
Restricted Subsidiary pending the closing of such sale or disposition.
LIMITATION ON SALES OF ASSETS AND SUBSIDIARY STOCK. (a) The Company shall
not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or
indirectly, consummate any Asset Disposition unless (i) the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration at the time of such Asset
Disposition at least equal to the fair market value (including as to the value
of all non-cash consideration), as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors, of the shares and assets subject to such Asset Disposition and at
least 85% of the consideration thereof received by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash or cash equivalents and (ii) an
amount equal to 100% of the Net Available Cash from such Asset Disposition is
applied by the Company (or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) (A)
first, to the extent the Company elects, either to (x) acquire Additional
Assets, either directly or through a Restricted Subsidiary, or (y) prepay,
repay, redeem or purchase Senior Indebtedness of the Company or any
Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be (other than in
either case Indebtedness owed to the Company or an Affiliate of the Company),
in either case within 180 days from the later of the date of such Asset
Disposition or the receipt of such Net Available Cash; (B) second, to the
extent of the balance of such Net Available Cash after application in
accordance with clause (A), (x) make an offer to the Holders of a series of
Debt Securities (and to Holders of other Indebtedness which ranks pari passu
with such series of Debt Securities designated by the Company) to purchase
Debt Securities of such series (and such other pari passu Indebtedness)
pursuant to and subject to the conditions contained in the Indenture; and (C)
third, to the extent of the balance of such Net Available Cash after
application in accordance with clauses (A) and (B) to (x) the acquisition by
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of Additional Assets or (y) the
prepayment, repayment or purchase of Indebtedness (other than any Disqualified
Stock) of the Company (other than Indebtedness owed to an Affiliate of the
Company), in either case within 180 days from the later of the receipt of such
Net Available Cash and the date the offer described in clause (b) below is
consummated; provided, however, that in connection with any prepayment,
repayment or purchase of Indebtedness pursuant to clause (A), (B) or (C)
above, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary shall retire such
Indebtedness and shall cause the related loan commitment (if any) to be
permanently reduced in an amount equal to the principal amount so prepaid,
repaid or purchased, and (iii) at the time of such Asset Disposition no
Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or would result therefrom).
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, the Company and
the Restricted Subsidiaries shall not be required to apply any Net Available
Cash in accordance with this paragraph except to the extent that the aggregate
Net Available Cash from all Asset Dispositions which are not applied in
accordance with this paragraph exceeds $10 million. Pending application of Net
Available Cash pursuant to this covenant, such Net Available Cash shall be
invested in Temporary Cash Investments.
For the purposes of this covenant, the following are deemed to be cash or
cash equivalents: (x) the assumption of Indebtedness of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary, and the release of the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary from all liability on such Indebtedness, in connection with such
Asset Disposition and (y) securities received by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary from the transferee that are promptly converted by the Company or
such Restricted Subsidiary into cash.
(b) In the event of an Asset Disposition that requires the purchase of the
Debt Securities of a series (and other pari passu Indebtedness) pursuant to
clause (a)(ii)(B) above, the Company will be required to purchase Debt
Securities of such series tendered pursuant to an offer by the Company for
such Debt Securities (and other pari passu Indebtedness) at a purchase price
of 100% of their principal amount (without premium) plus accrued but unpaid
interest (or, in respect of such other pari passu Indebtedness, such lesser
price, if any, as may be provided for by the terms of such pari passu
Indebtedness) in accordance with the procedures (including prorating in the
event of oversubscription) set forth in the Indenture. If the aggregate
purchase price of Debt Securities of such series (and any other pari passu
Indebtedness) tendered pursuant to such offer is less than the
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Net Available Cash allotted to the purchase thereof, the Company will be
required to apply the remaining Net Available Cash in accordance with clause
(a)(ii)(C) above. The Company shall not be required to make such an offer to
purchase Debt Securities (and other pari passu Indebtedness) pursuant to this
covenant if the Net Available Cash available therefor is less than $10 million
(which lesser amount shall be carried forward for purposes of determining
whether such an offer is required with respect to any subsequent Asset
Disposition).
(c) The Company shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the
requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities
laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Debt Securities
pursuant to the covenant described hereunder. To the extent that the
provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of
the covenant described hereunder, the Company shall comply with the applicable
securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its
obligations under this clause by virtue thereof.
LIMITATION ON AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS. (a) The Company shall not, and shall
not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into or permit to exist any
transaction (including the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property,
employee compensation arrangements or the rendering of any service) with any
Affiliate of the Company (an "Affiliate Transaction") unless the terms thereof
(1) are no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than
those that could be obtained at the time of such transaction in arm's-length
dealings with a Person who is not such an Affiliate, (2) if such Affiliate
Transaction involves an amount in excess of $2.0 million, (i) are set forth in
writing and (ii) have been approved by a majority of the members of the Board
of Directors having no personal stake in such Affiliate Transaction and (3) if
such Affiliate Transaction involves an amount in excess of $10.0 million, have
been determined by a nationally recognized investment banking firm to be fair,
from a financial standpoint, to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
(b) The provisions of the foregoing paragraph (a) shall not prohibit (i) any
Permitted Investment or any Restricted Payment permitted to be made pursuant
to the covenant described under "--Limitation on Restricted Payments" or any
Permitted Investment, (ii) any issuance of securities, or other payments,
awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding
of, employment arrangements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved
by the Board of Directors, (iii) the grant of stock options or similar rights
to employees and directors of the Company pursuant to plans approved by the
Board of Directors, (iv) loans or advances to employees in the ordinary course
of business in accordance with the past practices of the Company or its
Restricted Subsidiaries, but in any event not to exceed $10 million in
aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time, (v) the payment of
reasonable fees to directors of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
who are not employees of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, (vi) any
Affiliate Transaction between the Company and a Consolidated Restricted
Subsidiary or between Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries and (vii) with
respect to any series of Debt Securities, transactions pursuant to any
agreement as in existence as of the Issue Date of such series between the
Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and Continental Grain or one of its
Subsidiaries.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION. The Company shall not consolidate with or merge
with or into, or convey, transfer or lease, in one transaction or a series of
related transactions, all or substantially all its assets to, any Person,
unless: (i) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the "Successor
Company") shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the
United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and
the Successor Company (if not the Company) shall expressly assume, by an
indenture supplemental thereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form
satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Company under the Debt
Securities and the Indenture; (ii) immediately after giving effect to such
transaction (and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the
Successor Company or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having
been Incurred by such Successor Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such
transaction), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (iii)
immediately after giving effect to such transaction, the Successor Company
would be able to Incur an additional $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to
paragraph (a) of the covenant described under "--Limitation on Incurrence of
Indebtedness of the
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Company", (iv) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, the
Successor Company shall have Consolidated Net Worth in an amount that is not
less than the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company prior to such transaction;
and (v) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation,
merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with the
Indenture.
The Successor Company shall be the successor to the Company and shall
succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of,
the Company under the Indenture, but the predecessor Company, in the case of a
lease, shall not be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and
interest on the Debt Securities.
LIMITATION ON INVESTMENT COMPANY STATUS. The Company shall not take any
action, or otherwise permit to exist any circumstance, that would require the
Company to register as an "investment company" under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended.
SEC REPORTS. Notwithstanding that the Company may not be required to remain
subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act, the Company shall file with the SEC and provide the Trustee with such
annual reports and such information, documents and other reports as are
specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act and applicable to a
U.S. corporation subject to such Sections, such information, documents and
other reports to be so filed and provided at the times specified for the
filing of such information, documents and reports under such Sections.
Certain Definitions
Set forth below is a summary of certain defined terms used in the Indenture:
"Additional Assets" means (i) any property or assets (other than
Indebtedness and Capital Stock) used or useful in a Related Business, (ii) the
Capital Stock of a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of
the acquisition of such Capital Stock by the Company or another Restricted
Subsidiary, (iii) Capital Stock constituting a minority interest in any Person
that at such time is a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that any such
Restricted Subsidiary described in clause (ii) or (iii) above is primarily
engaged in a Related Business or (iv) the Capital Stock or Indebtedness of a
Strategic Alliance Client.
"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 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. For purposes of the provisions described under "--Certain
Covenants--Limitation on Affiliate Transactions" and "--Certain Covenants--
Limitations on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock" only, "Affiliate" shall
also mean any beneficial owner of Capital Stock representing 5% or more of the
total voting power of the Voting Stock (on a fully diluted basis) of the
Company or of rights or warrants to purchase such Capital Stock (whether or
not currently exercisable) and any Person who would be an Affiliate of any
such beneficial owner pursuant to the first sentence hereof.
"Asset Disposition" means any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition (or
series of related sales, leases, transfers or dispositions) by the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary, including any disposition by means of a merger,
consolidation or similar transaction (each referred to for the purposes of
this definition as a "disposition"), of (i) any shares of Capital Stock of a
Restricted Subsidiary (other than directors' qualifying shares or shares
required by applicable law to be held by a Person other than the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary), (ii) all or substantially all the assets of any
division or line of business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary,
(iii) any other assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary outside of
the ordinary course of business of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary,
(iv) any Investment in a Strategic Alliance
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Client or (v) any Excess Spread Receivables (other than, in the case of (i),
(ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above, (x) a disposition by a Restricted Subsidiary
to the Company or by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to a Consolidated
Restricted Subsidiary, (y) for purposes of the covenant described under "--
Certain Covenants--Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock" only, a
disposition that constitutes a Restricted Payment permitted by the covenant
described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Restricted Payments" or
(z) a disposition of assets (including related assets) for an aggregate
consideration of $1.0 million or less).
"Average Life" means, as of the date of determination, with respect to any
Indebtedness or Preferred Stock, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum
of the products of numbers of years from the date of determination to the
dates of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or
redemption or similar payment with respect to such Preferred Stock multiplied
by the amount of such payment by (ii) the sum of all such payments.
"Bearer Security" means any Debt Security which is payable to bearer.
"Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the Company or any
committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such Board.
"Business Day" means each day which is not a Legal Holiday.
"Capital Lease Obligations" means an obligation that is required to be
classified and accounted for as a capital lease for financial reporting
purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of Indebtedness represented
by such obligation shall be the capitalized amount of such obligation
determined in accordance with GAAP; and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be
the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease
prior to the first date upon which such lease may be terminated by the lessee
without payment of a penalty.
"Capital Stock" of any Person means any and all shares, interests, rights to
purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or
interests or membership interests in (however designated) equity of such
Person, including any Preferred Stock, but excluding any debt securities
convertible into such equity.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Consolidated Current Liabilities" as of the date of determination means the
aggregate amount of liabilities of the Company and its consolidated Restricted
Subsidiaries which may properly be classified as current liabilities
(including taxes accrued as estimated), on a consolidated basis, after
eliminating (i) all intercompany items between the Company and any Restricted
Subsidiary and (ii) all current maturities of long-term Indebtedness, all as
determined in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.
"Consolidated Leverage Ratio" as of any date of determination means the
ratio of (i) the aggregate amount of all Indebtedness of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, excluding (A) Permitted
Warehouse Indebtedness and (B) Hedging Obligations permitted to be Incurred
pursuant to clause (b)(6) of the covenant described under "--Limitation on the
Incurrence of Indebtedness of the Company" to (ii) the Consolidated Net Worth
of the Company.
"Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, the net income of the
Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries; provided, however, that there shall
not be included in such Consolidated Net Income: (i) any net income of any
Person if such Person is not a Restricted Subsidiary, except that (A) subject
to the exclusion contained in clause (iv) below, the Company's equity in the
net income of any such Person for such period shall be included in such
Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash actually
distributed by such Person during such period to the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a
dividend or other distribution paid to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the
limitations contained in clause (iii) below) and (B) the Company's equity in a
net loss of any such Person for such period shall be included in determining
such Consolidated Net Income; (ii) any net income (or loss) of any Person
acquired by
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the Company or a Subsidiary in a pooling of interests transaction for any
period prior to the date of such acquisition; (iii) any net income of any
Restricted Subsidiary if such Restricted Subsidiary is subject to
restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the payment of dividends or the
making of distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly,
to the Company, except that (A) subject to the exclusion contained in clause
(iv) below, the Company's equity in the net income of any such Restricted
Subsidiary for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income
to the extent that cash could have been distributed by such Restricted
Subsidiary during such period to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary
as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or
other distribution paid to another Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitation
contained in this clause) and (B) the Company's equity in a net loss of any
such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in determining
such Consolidated Net Income; (iv) any gain (but not loss) realized upon the
sale or other disposition of any asset (excluding any equity Investment in a
Strategic Alliance Client) of the Company or its consolidated Subsidiaries
(including pursuant to any sale-and-leaseback arrangement) which is not sold
or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business and any gain (but
not loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of
any Person (excluding Capital Stock in a Strategic Alliance Client); (v)
extraordinary gains or losses; and (vi) the cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principles. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purposes of the
covenant described under "Certain Covenants--Limitation on Restricted
Payments" only, there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any
dividends, repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of assets from
any Person to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent such
dividends, repayments or transfers increase the amount of Restricted Payments
permitted under such covenant pursuant to clause (a)(3)(D) thereof.
"Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" as of any date of determination, means
the total amount of assets (less accumulated depreciation and amortization,
allowances for doubtful receivables, other applicable reserves and other
properly deductible items) which would appear on a balance sheet of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP, and after giving effect to purchase accounting and after
deducting therefrom all Consolidated Current Liabilities and, to the extent
otherwise included, the amounts of: (i) minority interests in consolidated
Subsidiaries held by Persons other than the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary; (ii) excess of cost over fair value of assets of businesses
acquired, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors; (iii) any
revaluation or other write-up in book value of assets (other than Excess
Spread Receivables) subsequent to the Issue Date as a result of a change in
the method of valuation in accordance with GAAP consistently applied; (iv)
unamortized debt discount and expenses and other unamortized deferred charges,
goodwill, patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights,
licenses, organization or developmental expenses and other intangible items;
(v) treasury stock; (vi) cash set apart and held in a sinking or other
analogous fund established for the purpose of redemption or other retirement
of Capital Stock to the extent such obligation is not reflected in
Consolidated Current Liabilities; and (vii) Investments in and assets of
Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
"Consolidated Net Worth" means the total of the amounts shown on the balance
sheet of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, as of the end of the most recent
fiscal quarter of the Company for which financial statements are available, as
(i) the par or stated value of all outstanding Capital Stock of the Company
plus (ii) paid-in capital or capital surplus relating to such Capital Stock
plus (iii) any retained earnings or earned surplus less (A) any accumulated
deficit, (B) any amounts attributable to Disqualified Stock and (C) any
amounts attributable to deferred compensation appropriately classified as net
worth in accordance with GAAP.
"Consolidated Restricted Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary (i) 80%
of the Capital Stock and 80% of the Voting Stock of which is owned by the
Company or one or more Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) which is
treated as a consolidated subsidiary for the purpose of the Company's U.S.
Federal income tax reporting.
"Continental Grain" means Continental Grain Company, a Delaware corporation
and its successors.
"Credit Facilities" means (a) the $200,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility,
dated as of January 7, 1997, among the Company as Borrower, the lenders party
thereto, Credit Suisse First Boston, New York Branch, as
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Administrative Agent and Co-Arranger and Dresdner Bank AG, New York and Grand
Cayman Branches as Co-Arrangers, together with the related documents thereto,
in each case as such agreements may be amended, supplemented or otherwise
modified from time to time, including any agreement extending the maturity of,
refinancing, replacing, substituting, renewing or otherwise restructuring all
or a portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or any successor or
replacement agreement and (b) the $275,000,000 Letter of Credit and
Reimbursement Agreement dated as of September 9, 1997 among the Company, as
Borrower, the participating banks thereto, Credit Suisse First Boston, New
York Branch, as Agent and Co-Arranger and Dresdner Bank AG, New York Branch,
as Issuing Bank and Co-Arranger.
"Currency Agreement" means in respect of a Person any foreign exchange
contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement to which such
Person is a party or a beneficiary.
"Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or
both would be, an Event of Default.
"Designated Senior Debt" means (a) any Indebtedness of the Company under the
Credit Facilities and (b) any other Senior Indebtedness of the Company having,
at the time of determination, an aggregate principal amount of at least
$25,000,000 and specifically designated in the instrument evidencing such
Senior Indebtedness as "Designated Senior Debt" by the Company.
"Discharged" means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and
discharged the entire indebtedness represented by, and obligations under, the
Debt Securities of such series and to have satisfied all the obligations under
the Indenture relating to the Debt Securities of such series, except (i) the
right of Holders of Debt Securities of such series to receive, from the trust
fund described under "Discharge, Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance"
below, payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such
Debt Securities when such payments are due, (ii) the Company's obligations
with respect to the Debt Securities of such series under the provisions
relating to exchanges, transfers and replacement of Debt Securities, the
maintenance of an office or agency of the Company and the defeasance trust
fund, the provisions relating to compensation and reimbursement of the
applicable Trustee and (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities
of the applicable Trustee thereunder.
"Disqualified Stock" means, with respect to any Person and any series of
Debt Securities, any Capital Stock which by its terms (or by the terms of any
security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable) or upon
the happening of any event (i) matures or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant
to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, (ii) is convertible or exchangeable
for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or (iii) is redeemable at the option of
the holder thereof, in each case in whole or in part on or prior to the first
anniversary of the Stated Maturity of the Debt Securities of such series;
provided, however, that any Capital Stock that would not constitute
Disqualified Stock but for provisions thereof giving Holders thereof the right
to require such Person to repurchase or redeem such Capital Stock upon the
occurrence of an "asset sale" or "change of control" occurring prior to the
first anniversary of the Stated Maturity of the Debt Securities of such series
shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if the "asset sale" or "change of
control" provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are not more favorable as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors to the holders of such
Capital Stock than the provisions described under "--Certain Covenants--
Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock" and "Change of Control".
"Eligible Excess Spread Receivables" means Excess Spread Receivables created
after April 2, 1996; provided, however, that Eligible Excess Spread
Receivables shall not include any Excess Spread Receivables created as the
result of the securitization or sale of Excess Spread Receivables.
"Excess Spread" means, over the life of a "pool" of Receivables that have
been sold by a Person to a trust or other Person in a securitization or sale,
the rights retained by such Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries at or
subsequent to the closing of such securitization or sale to receive cash flows
attributable to such "pool".
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"Excess Spread Receivables" of a Person means the contractual or
certificated right to Excess Spread capitalized on such Person's consolidated
balance sheet (the amount of which shall be the present value of the Excess
Spread, calculated in accordance with GAAP).
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
of America as in effect as of the Issue Date, including those set forth (i) in
the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, (ii) in the statements and
pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (iii) in such
other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of
the accounting profession, and (iv) in the rules and regulations of the SEC
governing the inclusion of financial statements (including pro forma financial
statements) in periodic reports required to be filed pursuant to Section 13 of
the Exchange Act, including opinions and pronouncements in staff accounting
bulletins and similar written statements from the accounting staff of the SEC
and releases of the Emerging Issues Task Force.
"Guarantee" means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person
directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of
any Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of
such Person (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the
purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation of such Person
(whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to
keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay
or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise) or (ii) entered
into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such
Indebtedness 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.
"Guarantor" shall mean any Person Guaranteeing any obligation.
"Hedging Obligations" of any Person means the obligations of such Person
pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement, Currency Agreement or such other
agreement designed to mitigate risks of fluctuations in value of assets owned,
financed or sold, or of liabilities incurred or assumed, in either case in the
ordinary course of business of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries.
"Holder" means with respect to a Registered Security, a Person in whose name
a Debt Security is registered in the Security Register and, with respect to a
Bearer Security, a bearer thereof or of a coupon appertaining thereto.
"Incur" means issue, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable
for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time
such Person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger, consolidation,
acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Subsidiary at
the time it becomes a Subsidiary. The term "Incurrence" when used as a noun
shall have a correlative meaning. The accretion of principal of a non-interest
bearing or other discount security shall be deemed the Incurrence of
Indebtedness.
"Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person on any date of
determination (without duplication), (i) the outstanding principal as of such
date in respect of (A) indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed and (B)
indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar
instruments for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable,
including, in each case, any premium on such indebtedness to the extent such
premium has become due and payable; (ii) all Capital Lease Obligations of such
Person; (iii) all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred
purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of such Person
and all obligations of such Person under any title retention agreement (but
excluding trade accounts payable and expense accruals arising in the ordinary
course of business); (iv) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement
of any obligor on any letter of credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit
transaction (other
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than obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other
than obligations described in (i) through (iii) above) entered into in the
ordinary course of business of such Person to the extent such letters of
credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is
reimbursed no later than the tenth Business Day following receipt by such
Person of a demand for reimbursement following payment on the letter of
credit); (v) the amount of all obligations of such Person with respect to the
redemption, repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified Stock (but
excluding any accrued dividends); (vi) Warehouse Indebtedness; (vii) in
connection with each sale by such Person of any Excess Spread Receivables, the
maximum aggregate contractual claim (if any) that the purchaser thereof could
have as of such date against such Person if the amounts anticipated at the
time of such sale to be received by such purchaser in connection with such
Excess Spread Receivables are not received by such purchaser; (viii) all
obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (vii) of other
Persons and all dividends of other Persons for the payment of which, in either
case, such Person is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as
obligor, guarantor or otherwise, including by means of any Guarantee; (ix) all
obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (viii) of other
Persons secured by any Lien on any property or asset of such Person (whether
or not such obligation is assumed by such Person), the amount of such
obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the value of such property or
assets or the amount of the obligation so secured and (x) to the extent not
otherwise included in this definition, Hedging Obligations of such Person. The
amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding
balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and
the maximum liability, upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to
the obligation, of any contingent obligations at such date. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, any securities issued in a securitization by a special purpose
owner trust or similar entity formed by or on behalf of a Person and to which
Receivables or Excess Spread Receivables have been sold or otherwise
transferred by or on behalf of such Person or its Subsidiaries shall not be
treated as Indebtedness of such Person or its Subsidiaries under the
Indenture, regardless of whether such securities are treated as indebtedness
for tax purposes and regardless of whether such securities are styled as debt.
"Interest Rate Agreement" means any interest rate swap agreement, interest
rate cap agreement, repurchase agreement, futures contract or other financial
agreement or arrangement designed to protect the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary against fluctuations in interest rates.
"Investment" in any Person means any direct or indirect advance, loan (other
than advances to customers in the ordinary course of business that are
recorded as trade accounts on the balance sheet of the lender) or other
extensions of credit (including by way of Guarantee or similar arrangement) or
capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to
others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of
others), or any purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, Indebtedness or
other similar instruments issued by such Person. For purposes of the
definition of "Unrestricted Subsidiary", the definition of "Restricted
Payment" and the covenant described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on
Restricted Payments", (i) "Investment" shall include the portion
(proportionate to the Company's equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the
fair market value of the net assets of any Subsidiary of the Company at the
time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided,
however, that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted
Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent
"Investment" in an Unrestricted Subsidiary equal to an amount (if positive)
equal to (x) the Company's "Investment" in such Subsidiary at the time of such
redesignation less (y) the portion (proportionate to the Company's equity
interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of
such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and (ii) any property
transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair
market value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good
faith by the Board of Directors.
"Investment Grade Rating" means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or
the equivalent) and BBB- (or the equivalent) by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. (or any successor to the rating agency business thereof) and Standard &
Poor's Ratings Group (or any successor to the rating agency business thereof),
respectively.
"Issue Date" means, with respect to any series of Debt Securities, the date
of issuance of such series of Debt Securities.
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"Legal Holiday" means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking
institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York. If a
payment date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding
day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the
intervening period. If a regular record date is a Legal Holiday, the record
date shall not be affected.
"Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or
charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement or lease in the nature thereof).
"Net Available Cash" from an Asset Disposition means cash payments received
therefrom (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of
principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only
as and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the
form of assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness or other
obligations relating to such properties or assets or received in any other
noncash form) in each case net of (i) all legal, title and recording tax
expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses incurred, and all Federal,
state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to be accrued as a
liability under GAAP, as a consequence of such Asset Disposition, (ii) all
payments made on any Indebtedness which is secured by any assets subject to
such Asset Disposition, in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon or other
security agreement of any kind with respect to such assets, or which must by
its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset
Disposition, or by applicable law be, repaid out of the proceeds from such
Asset Disposition, (iii) all distributions and other payments required to be
made to minority interest holders in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a
result of such Asset Disposition and (iv) the deduction of appropriate amounts
provided by the seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any
liabilities associated with the property or other assets disposed in such
Asset Disposition and retained by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
after such Asset Disposition.
"Net Cash Proceeds," with respect to any issuance or sale of Capital Stock,
means the cash proceeds of such issuance or sale net of attorneys' fees,
accountants' fees, underwriters' or placement agents' fees, discounts or
commissions and brokerage, consultant and other fees actually incurred in
connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a
result thereof.
"Permitted Holders" means lineal descendants of Jules Fribourg, including
any individual legally adopted; spouses of such descendants; trusts, the
beneficiaries of which are any of the foregoing; partnerships, corporations,
or other entities in which any of the foregoing (individually or collectively)
has a controlling interest; and charitable organizations established by any of
the foregoing.
"Permitted Investment" means an Investment by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary in (i) the Company, a Restricted Subsidiary or a Person that will,
upon the making of such Investment, become a Restricted Subsidiary; provided,
however, that the primary business of such Restricted Subsidiary is a Related
Business; (ii) a Strategic Alliance Client to the extent such Investment
consists of options, warrants or other securities that are convertible or
exchangeable for equity securities of such Strategic Alliance Client and is
received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary without the payment of any
consideration other than the concurrent provision by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary to such Strategic Alliance Client of financing or asset
securitization expertise on terms determined by the Company to be fair and
reasonable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point
of view without taking into consideration any value that may inhere in such
option, warrant or convertible or exchangeable security; (iii) another Person
if as a result of such Investment such other Person is merged or consolidated
with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all its assets to,
the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Person's
primary business is a Related Business; (iv) Temporary Cash Investments; (v)
receivables owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary if created or
acquired in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in
accordance with customary trade terms; (vi) payroll, travel and similar
advances to cover matters that are expected at the time of such advances
ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting purposes and that are made
in the ordinary course of business; (vii) loans or advances to employees made
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices of the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary; (viii) stock, obligations or securities
received in settlement of debts created in the ordinary course of business
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and owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or in satisfaction of
judgments; (ix) any Person to the extent such Investment represents the non-
cash portion of the consideration received for an Asset Disposition as
permitted pursuant to the covenant described under "--Certain Covenants--
Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock"; (x) Receivables; (xi) a
Strategic Alliance Client to the extent such Investment consists of (A)
Indebtedness of such Strategic Alliance Client that is secured by Receivables
owned, directly or indirectly, by such Strategic Alliance Client in an
aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed 100% of the
aggregate market value of such Receivables; provided, however, that such
Indebtedness has not been outstanding in excess of 364 days; or
(B) Indebtedness of such Strategic Alliance Client that is secured by Excess
Spread Receivables owned by such Strategic Alliance Client; and (xii) Excess
Spread Receivables.
"Permitted Liens" means, with respect to any Person:
(a) pledges or deposits by such Person under worker's compensation laws,
unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits
in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of
Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to
secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or pledges or
deposits to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party,
or pledges or deposits as security for contested taxes or import duties or
for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of
business;
(b) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers', warehousemen's and
mechanics' Liens, in each case for sums not yet due or being contested in
good faith by appropriate proceedings or other Liens arising out of
judgments or awards against such Person with respect to which such Person
shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other proceedings for review;
(c) Liens for property taxes not yet subject to penalties for non-payment
or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;
(d) Liens in favor of issuers of surety bonds or letters of credit issued
pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the
ordinary course of its business; provided, however, that any reimbursement
obligation with respect to the related letter of credit does not constitute
Indebtedness as of the date such Lien is incurred;
(e) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or
reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights of way, sewers,
electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes,
or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real property or Liens
incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the
ownership of its properties which were not Incurred in connection with
Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect
the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the
operation of the business of such Person;
(f) Liens securing Indebtedness Incurred to finance the construction,
purchase or lease of, or repairs, improvements or additions to, property of
such Person (but excluding Capital Stock of another Person); provided,
however, that the Lien may not extend to any other property owned by such
Person or any of its Subsidiaries at the time the Lien is Incurred, and the
Indebtedness secured by the Lien may not be Incurred more than one year
after the later of the acquisition, completion of construction, repair,
improvement, addition or commencement of full operation of the property
subject to the Lien;
(g) Liens on Excess Spread Receivables (or on the Capital Stock of any
Subsidiary of such Person substantially all the assets of which are Excess
Spread Receivables); provided, however, that
(I) unless the Covenant Termination has occurred,
(A) in the case of Excess Spread Receivables which are Pre-Existing
Excess Spread Receivables, no Lien created on such Pre-Existing Excess
Spread Receivable after the Issue Date of a series of Debt Securities
(a "Subsequent Lien") shall be a Permitted Lien unless
(i) such Pre-Existing Excess Spread Receivable was, on April 2,
1996, subject to a Lien created by the Company in respect of the
financing thereof (a "predecessor Lien"), and
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(ii) the sum of (x) the aggregate book value of subordinated
interests created and retained by the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries as a result of the sale or financing associated with
such Subsequent Liens and (y) the aggregate book value of all Pre-
Existing Excess Spread Receivables which are not then subject to any
Lien (other than Permitted Liens described under another clause of
this definition) shall equal at least (z) the product of (1) the
aggregate book value, at the date of incurrence of such Subsequent
Lien, of all such Pre-Existing Excess Spread Receivables which are
then subject to Subsequent Liens, and (2) a fraction, the numerator
of which is the aggregate book value, on April 2, 1996, of the
subordinated interests associated with all predecessor Liens and the
denominator of which is the sum of (a) such aggregate book value of
such subordinated interests and (b) the outstanding balance, on
April 2, 1996, of the related senior interests; and
(B) in the case of Excess Spread Receivables other than Pre-Existing
Excess Spread Receivables, any Lien thereon, provided that at the date
of Incurrence of such Lien (i) the fair market value (as determined in
good faith by the Board of Directors) as of such date of all Excess
Spread Receivables then subject to Liens (other than Permitted Liens
described under another clause of this definition) collectively does
not exceed (ii) (x) 50% of the book value of Eligible Excess Spread
Receivables shown on the balance sheet of the Company and its
consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with GAAP, as of the end of the most recent fiscal
quarter of the Company prior to the creation of such Lien for which
financial statements are available minus (y) the amount of
Indebtedness then secured by Liens permitted by clause (o) below; and
(II) for purposes of this clause (g), any Lien on the Capital Stock
of any Person substantially all the assets of which are Excess Spread
Receivables shall be treated as a Lien on the Excess Spread Receivables
of such Person;
(h) Liens existing on the Issue Date of a series of Debt Securities;
(i) Liens on property or shares of Capital Stock of another Person at the
time such other Person becomes a Subsidiary of such Person; provided,
however, that such Liens are not created, incurred or assumed in connection
with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a Subsidiary;
provided, further, however, that such Lien may not extend to any other
property owned by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries;
(j) Liens on property at the time such Person or any of its Subsidiaries
acquires the property, including any acquisition by means of a merger or
consolidation with or into such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person;
provided, however, that such Liens are not created, incurred or assumed in
connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided,
further, however, that the Liens may not extend to any other property owned
by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries;
(k) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Subsidiary of
such Person owing to such Person or a Consolidated Restricted Subsidiary of
such Person;
(l) Liens (other than on any Excess Spread Receivables) securing Hedging
Obligations;
(m) Liens on cash or other assets (other than Excess Spread Receivables)
securing Warehouse Indebtedness of the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries;
(n) Liens to secure any Refinancing (or successive Refinancings) as a
whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in
the foregoing clauses (f),(h), (i) and (j); provided, however, that (I)
such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that
secured the original Lien (plus improvements to or on such property) and
(II) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to
any amount greater than the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount or,
if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses
(f), (h), (i) or (i), as the case may be, at the time the original Lien
became a Permitted Lien and (B) an amount necessary to pay any fees and
expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding,
extension, renewal or replacement
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(notwithstanding the foregoing, "Permitted Liens" will not include any Lien
described in clauses (f), (i) or (j) above to the extent such Lien applies
to any Additional Assets acquired directly or indirectly from Net Available
Cash pursuant to the covenant described under "--Certain Covenants--
Limitation on Sale of Assets and Subsidiary Stock"); and
(o) Liens, other than Liens described in clauses (a)-(n) above, on any
assets of the Company or Restricted Subsidiaries to secure Indebtedness if
the amount of such Indebtedness to be secured by such Lien, when taken
together with (x) the aggregate amount of Indebtedness then outstanding and
secured by Liens created pursuant to this clause (o) and (y) the aggregate
amount of Warehouse Margin Indebtedness then outstanding, does not exceed
10% of the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company.
"Permitted Warehouse Indebtedness" means Warehouse Indebtedness; provided,
however, that (i) the excess, if any, of (x) the amount of any such Warehouse
Indebtedness for which the holder thereof has contractual recourse to the
Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries to satisfy claims with respect to such
Warehouse Indebtedness over (y) the aggregate (without duplication of amounts)
realizable value of the assets which secure such Warehouse Indebtedness shall
not be Permitted Warehouse Indebtedness, and (ii) any such Indebtedness may
not have a term in excess of 364 days.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint-stock company, limited liability company, trust,
unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision
thereof or any other entity.
"Pre-Existing Excess Spread Receivable" means an Excess Spread Receivable
created on or prior to April 2, 1996.
"Preferred Stock", as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means
Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred
as to the payment of dividends, or as to the distribution of assets upon any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over
shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.
"Principal" of a Debt Security means the principal of the Debt Security plus
the premium, if any, payable on the Debt Security which is due or overdue or
is to become due at the relevant time.
"Public Equity Offering" means an underwritten primary public offering of
common stock of the Company pursuant to an effective registration statement
under the Securities Act.
"Rating Agencies" mean Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, a division of McGraw
Hill, Inc., and Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to the
respective rating agency businesses thereof.
"Receivables" means consumer and commercial loans, leases, accounts and
other receivables purchased or originated by the Company, any Restricted
Subsidiary or a Strategic Alliance Client in the ordinary course of business;
provided, however, that for purposes of determining the amount of a Receivable
at any time, such amount shall be determined in accordance with GAAP,
consistently applied, as of the most recent practicable date.
"Refinance" means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend,
renew, refund, repay, prepay, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other
Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness. "Refinanced"
and "Refinancing" shall have correlative meanings.
"Refinancing Indebtedness" in respect of a series of Debt Securities means
Indebtedness that Refinances any Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary existing on the Issue Date of such series or Incurred in compliance
with the Indenture including Indebtedness that Refinances Refinancing
Indebtedness; provided, however, that (i) such Refinancing Indebtedness has a
Stated Maturity no earlier than the Stated
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Maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced, (ii) such Refinancing
Indebtedness has an Average Life at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is
Incurred that is equal to or greater than the Average Life of the Indebtedness
being Refinanced and (iii) such Refinancing Indebtedness has an aggregate
principal amount (or if Incurred with original issue discount, an aggregate
issue price) that is equal to or less than the aggregate principal amount (or
if Incurred with original issue discount, the aggregate accreted value) then
outstanding or committed (plus fees and expenses, including any premium and
defeasance costs) under the Indebtedness being Refinanced; provided, further,
however, that Refinancing Indebtedness shall not include (x) Indebtedness of a
Subsidiary that Refinances Indebtedness of the Company or another Subsidiary
or (y) Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary that Refinances
Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
"Registered Security" means any Debt Security issued under the Indenture
which is registered as to principal and interest in the Security Register.
"Related Business" means any consumer or commercial finance business or any
financial service business.
"Restricted Payment" with respect to any Person and in respect of a series
of Debt Securities means (i) the declaration or payment of any dividends or
any other distributions of any sort in respect of its Capital Stock (including
any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving such
Person) or similar payment to the direct or indirect holders of its Capital
Stock (other than (A) dividends or distributions payable solely in its Capital
Stock (other than Disqualified Stock), (B) dividends or distributions payable
solely to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary and (C) pro rata dividends or
other distributions made by a Subsidiary that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary
to minority stockholders (or owners of an equivalent interest in the case of a
Subsidiary that is an entity other than a corporation)), (ii) the purchase,
redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Capital Stock
of the Company held by any Person or of any Capital Stock of a Restricted
Subsidiary held by any Affiliate of the Company (other than a Restricted
Subsidiary), including the exercise of any option to exchange any Capital
Stock (other than into Capital Stock of the Company that is not Disqualified
Stock), (iii) the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other
acquisition or retirement for value, prior to scheduled maturity, scheduled
repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment of any Subordinated Obligations in
respect of such series (other than the purchase, repurchase or other
acquisition of such Subordinated Obligations purchased in anticipation of
satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity,
in each case due within one year of the date of acquisition) or (iv) the
making of any Investment (other than a Permitted Investment) in any Person.
"Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company that is not an
Unrestricted Subsidiary.
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Senior Indebtedness" in respect of any series of Senior Securities means
(i) Indebtedness of any Person, whether outstanding on the Issue Date or
thereafter Incurred and (ii) accrued and unpaid interest (including interest
accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for
reorganization relating to the Company to the extent post-filing interest is
allowed in such proceeding) in respect of (A) indebtedness of such Person for
money borrowed and (B) indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or
other similar instruments for the payment of which such Person is responsible
or liable unless, in the case of either clause (i) or (ii), in the instrument
creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding,
it is provided that such obligations are subordinate in right of payment to
the Debt Securities of such series; provided, however, that Senior
Indebtedness shall not include (1) any obligation of such Person to any
Subsidiary of such Person, (2) any liability for Federal, state, local or
other taxes owed or owing by such Person, (3) any accounts payable or other
liability to trade creditors arising in the ordinary course of business
(including guarantees thereof or instruments evidencing such liabilities), (4)
any obligation in respect of Capital Stock of such Person or (5) that portion
of any Indebtedness which at the time of Incurrence is Incurred in violation
of the Indenture.
"Significant Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a
"Significant Subsidiary" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under
Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.
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"Stated Maturity" means, with respect to any security or any installment of
principal thereof or interest thereon, the date specified in such security as
the fixed date on which the principal of such security or such installment of
principal or interest is due and payable, 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 unless such contingency has occurred).
"Strategic Alliance Client" means any Person (other than a Restricted
Subsidiary) engaged in a Related Business to which the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company provides, or reasonably expects to provide,
financing or asset securitization expertise in return for asset-backed
underwriting, placement agent commitments or long-term purchase and sale of
assets.
"Subordinated Obligation" in respect of any series of Debt Securities means
any Indebtedness of the Company (whether outstanding on the Issue Date of such
series or thereafter Incurred) which is subordinate or junior in right of
payment to the Debt Securities of such series pursuant to a written agreement
to that effect.
"Subsidiary" means, in respect of any Person, any corporation, association,
partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total
voting power of shares of Capital Stock or other interests (including
partnership interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any
contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees
thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by (i)
such Person, (ii) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or
(iii) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.
"Temporary Cash Investments" means any of the following: (i) any investment
in direct obligations of the United States of America or any agency thereof or
obligations guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency thereof,
(ii) investments in time deposit accounts, certificates of deposit and money
market deposits maturing within 180 days of the date of acquisition thereof
issued by a bank or trust company that is not an Affiliate of the Company and
which is organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state
thereof or any foreign country recognized by the United States, and which bank
or trust company has capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating in
excess of $50,000,000 (or the foreign currency equivalent thereof) and has
outstanding debt which is rated "A" (or such similar equivalent rating) or
higher by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization
(as defined in Rule 436 under the Securities Act) or any money-market fund
sponsored by a registered broker dealer or mutual fund distributor, (iii)
repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying
securities of the types described in clause (i) above entered into with a bank
meeting the qualifications described in clause (ii) above, (iv) investments in
commercial paper, maturing not more than 90 days after the date of
acquisition, issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate of the Company)
organized and in existence under the laws of the United States of America or
any foreign country recognized by the United States of America with a rating
at the time as of which any investment therein is made of "P-l" (or higher)
according to Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or "A-l" (or higher) according to
Standard and Poor's Ratings Group, and (v) investments in securities with
maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully
guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of
America, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof, and
rated at least "A" by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or "A" by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc.
"Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (i) any Subsidiary of the Company that at
the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by
the Board of Directors in the manner provided below and (ii) any Subsidiary of
an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors may designate any
Subsidiary of the Company (including any newly acquired or newly formed
Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of
its Subsidiaries owns any Capital Stock or Indebtedness of, or holds any Lien
on any property of, the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company that is
not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated; provided, however,
that either (A) the Subsidiary to be so designated has total assets of $1,000
or less or (B) if such Subsidiary has assets greater than $1,000, such
designation would be permitted under the covenant described under "--Certain
Covenants--Limitation on Restricted Payments". The Board of Directors may
designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided,
however, that immediately after giving effect to such designation (x) the
Company could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under
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paragraph (a) of the covenant described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation
on Incurrence of Indebtedness of the Company" and (y) no Default shall have
occurred and be continuing. Any such designation by the Board of Directors
shall be evidenced by the Company to the Trustee by promptly filing with the
Trustee a copy of the board resolution giving effect to such designation and
an Officers' Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the
foregoing provisions.
"U.S. Government Obligations" means direct obligations (or certificates
representing an ownership interest in such obligations) of the United States
of America (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment
of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged
and which are not callable at the issuer's option.
"Voting Stock" of a Person means all classes of Capital Stock or other
interests (including partnership interests or membership interests) of such
Person then outstanding and normally entitled (without regard to the
occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers
or trustees thereof.
"Warehouse Facility" means any funding arrangement with a financial
institution or other lender or purchaser exclusively to finance the purchase
or origination of Receivables by the Company, a Subsidiary of the Company or a
Strategic Alliance Client for the purpose of pooling such Receivables prior to
securitization or sale in the ordinary course of business, including (i)
facilities pursuant to which the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company funds
Receivables owned or financed by a Strategic Alliance Client and (ii) any
arrangement in which the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company provides
Guarantees to a financial institution or other lender with respect to a
Strategic Alliance Client for the purpose of inducing such financial
institution or other lender to fund the purchase or origination of Receivables
by such Strategic Alliance Client.
"Warehouse Indebtedness" means Indebtedness in connection with a Warehouse
Facility; the amount of any particular Warehouse Indebtedness as of any date
of determination shall be the greater of:
(A)(i) with respect to Warehouse Indebtedness relating to a Warehouse
Facility described in clause (i) of the definition of Warehouse Facility,
the consideration received by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries
under such Warehouse Facility and not previously repaid to the Holder of
such Warehouse Indebtedness or (ii) with respect to Warehouse Indebtedness
relating to a Warehouse Facility described in clause (ii) of the definition
of Warehouse Facility the maximum amount of the related Guarantee; and
(B) the book value of the assets securing such Warehouse Facility.
"Warehouse Margin Indebtedness" means Warehouse Indebtedness which does not
constitute Permitted Warehouse Indebtedness solely due to, and shall equal the
amount equal to the excess resulting from, the application of clause (i) of
the definition of Permitted Warehouse Indebtedness.
"Wholly Owned Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary all the Capital
Stock of which (other than directors' qualifying shares and shares held by
other Persons to the extent such shares are required by applicable law to be
held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) is owned
by the Company or one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.
Denominations, Registration and Transfer
Unless specified in the Prospectus Supplement, the Debt Securities of any
series shall be issuable only as Registered Securities in denominations of
U.S.$1,000 and any integral multiple thereof and shall be payable only in U.S.
dollars. The Indenture also provides that Debt Securities of a series may be
issuable in global form. See "Debt Securities--Book-Entry Debt Securities."
Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, Bearer Securities
(other than in global form) will have coupons attached.
Registered Securities of any series will be exchangeable for other
Registered Securities of the same series of like aggregate principal amount
and of like Stated Maturity and with like terms and conditions. If so
specified
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in the Prospectus Supplement, at the option of the Holder thereof, to the
extent permitted by law, any Bearer Security of any series which by its terms
is registrable as to principal and interest may be exchanged for a Registered
Security of such series of like aggregate principal amount and of a like
Stated Maturity and with like terms and conditions, upon surrender of such
Bearer Security at the corporate trust office of the applicable Trustee or at
any other office or agency of the Company designated for the purpose of making
any such exchanges. Subject to certain exceptions, any Bearer Security issued
with coupons surrendered for exchange must be surrendered with all unmatured
coupons and any matured coupons in default attached thereto. (Section 3.05)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the exchange of Bearer Securities for
Registered Securities will be subject to the provisions of United States
income tax laws and regulations applicable to Debt Securities in effect at the
time of such exchange. (Section 3.05)
Except as otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement, in no event may
Registered Securities, including Registered Securities received in exchange
for Bearer Securities, be exchanged for Bearer Securities. (Section 3.05)
Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Registered Security of
any series at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose,
the Company shall deliver, in the name of the designated transferee, one or
more new Registered Securities of the same series of like aggregate principal
amount of such denominations as are authorized for Registered Securities of
such series and of a like Stated Maturity and with like terms and conditions.
No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of Debt
Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover
any tax, penalty or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
(Section 3.05)
The Company shall not be required to (i) register, transfer or exchange Debt
Securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business
15 days before the day of the transmission of a notice of redemption of Debt
Securities of such series selected for redemption and ending at the close of
business on the day of such transmission, or to (ii) register, transfer or
exchange any Debt Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part,
except the unredeemed portion of any Debt Security being redeemed in part.
(Section 3.05)
Subordination
The payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if
any, on the Subordinated Debt is expressly subordinated, to the extent and in
the manner set forth in the Indenture, in right of payment to the prior
payment in full of all present and future Senior Indebtedness of the Company.
(Section 14.01) If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
provisions regarding subordination of the Subordinated Debt set forth in
Article Fourteen of the Indenture (or the definition of the term "Senior
Indebtedness" or any other term used therein) may differ from the provisions
set forth below.
The Company will not pay principal of, premium (if any) or interest on the
Subordinated Debt or make any deposit pursuant to the provisions described
under "--Discharge, Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance" below and may
not repurchase, redeem or otherwise retire any Subordinated Debt Securities if
(i) any payment of principal, premium (if any) or interests, if any, on any
Designated Senior Debt is not paid when due (after giving effect to any
applicable grace periods) or (ii) any other default on Designated Senior Debt
occurs and the maturity of such Designated Senior Debt is accelerated in
accordance with its terms unless, in either case, the default has been cured
or waived or has ceased to exist and any such acceleration has been rescinded
or such Designated Senior Debt has been discharged or paid in full. However,
the Company may make any payment with respect to Subordinated Debt Securities
without regard to the foregoing if the Company and the Trustee receive written
notice approving such payment from the representative of the Designated Senior
Debt with respect to which either of the events set forth in clause (i) or
(ii) of the immediately preceding sentence has occurred and is continuing.
(Section 14.03)
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Upon any distribution of the assets of the Company upon a total or partial
liquidation or dissolution or any reorganization or similar proceeding
(including bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership proceedings or upon any
assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of the
Company's assets and liabilities) relating to the Company or any of its
property (except in connection with a merger or consolidation under Article
Eight of the Indenture), the Holders of Senior Indebtedness will be entitled
to receive payment in full of principal and interest (including interest
accrued subsequent to the commencement of any bankruptcy proceeding) with
respect to such Senior Indebtedness before the Holders of Subordinated Debt
Securities are entitled to receive any payment or distribution of cash,
securities (subject to certain exceptions) or other property with respect to
the principal of or interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities, and until
the Senior Indebtedness is paid in full (including interest accrued subsequent
to the commencement of any bankruptcy proceeding), any payment or distribution
to which Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities would be entitled but for the
subordination provisions of the Indenture will be made to Holders of such
Senior Indebtedness as their interests may appear. If a distribution is made
to Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities that, due to the subordination
provisions, should not have been made to them, such Holders of Subordinated
Debt Securities are required to hold it in trust for the Holders of Senior
Indebtedness and pay it over to them as their interests may appear. (Section
14.02)
If payment of the Subordinated Debt Securities is accelerated because of an
Event of Default, the Company or the Trustee shall promptly notify the Holders
of Designated Senior Debt or the representative of such Holders of the
acceleration. By reason of the subordination provisions contained in the
Indenture, in the event of insolvency, creditors of the Company who are
Holders of Senior Indebtedness may recover more, ratably, than the Holders of
Subordinated Debt Securities. (Section 14.03)
If this Prospectus is being delivered in connection with the offering of a
series of Subordinated Debt Securities, the Prospectus Supplement relating
thereto, or information incorporated by reference therein, will set forth the
approximate amount of Senior Indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date.
The terms of the subordination provisions described above will not apply to
payments from money or the proceeds of U.S. Government Obligations held in
trust by the Trustee for the payment of principal of and interest on the
Subordinated Debt Securities pursuant to the provisions described under "--
Discharge, Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance." (Section 14.09)
Events of Default
Under the Indenture, "Event of Default" with respect to the Debt Securities
of any series means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for
such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be
effected by operation of law, pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any
court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental
body):
(1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Debt Security or any
payment with respect to the coupons, if any, of such series when it becomes
due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;
(2) default in the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on)
any Debt Security of such series at its Stated Maturity upon redemption, by
declaration or otherwise;
(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due
by the terms of a Debt Security of such series;
(4) default in the performance, or breach of any covenant or warranty in
the Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose
performance or whose breach is elsewhere in the Indenture specifically
dealt with or which expressly has been included in the Indenture solely for
the benefit of Debt Securities of a series other than such series), and
continuance of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there
has been given to the Company by the applicable Trustee or to the Company
and the applicable Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in principal
amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of such series, a written notice
specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied;
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(5) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with
respect to the Company as set forth in the Indenture; or
(6) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Debt Securities
of that series pursuant to the Indenture. (Section 5.01)
The Indenture requires the Company to file with the applicable Trustee,
annually, an officers' certificate as to the Company's compliance with all
conditions and covenants under the Indenture. (Section 12.02) The Indenture
provides that the applicable Trustee may withhold notice to the Holders of a
series of Debt Securities of any default (except payment defaults on such Debt
Securities) if it considers such withholding to be in the interest of the
Holders of such series of Debt Securities to do so. (Section 6.02)
If an Event of Default with respect to Debt Securities of any series at the
time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every case the applicable
Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of such series may declare the principal amount
(or, if any Debt Securities of such series are Discount Securities, such
portion of the principal amount of such Discount Securities as may be
specified in the terms of such Discount Securities) of the Debt Securities of
such series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the
Company (and to the applicable Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such
declaration such principal amount (or specified amount), plus accrued and
unpaid interest (and premium, if any) shall become immediately due and
payable. Upon payment of such amount in the currency in which such Debt
Securities are denominated (except as otherwise provided in the Indenture or
specified in the Prospectus Supplement), all obligations of the Company in
respect of the payment of principal of the Debt Securities of such series
shall terminate. (Section 5.02)
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
applicable Trustee, in case an Event of Default with respect to Debt
Securities of a particular series shall occur and be continuing, the
applicable Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights
or powers under such Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of
the Holders of Debt Securities of that series, unless such Holders shall have
offered to the applicable Trustee reasonable indemnity against the expenses
and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request.
(Section 5.07) Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the
applicable Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of such series shall have the right to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available
to the applicable Trustee under the Indenture, or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the applicable Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities
of that series provided that such direction does not conflict with law or with
the Indenture. (Section 5.12)
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Debt
Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for
payment of the money due has been obtained by the applicable Trustee as
provided in the Indenture, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
the Outstanding Debt Securities of such series, by written notice to the
Company and the applicable Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and
its consequences if (1) the Company has paid or deposited with the applicable
Trustee a sum in the currency in which such Debt Securities are denominated
(except as otherwise provided in the Indenture or specified in the Prospectus
Supplement) sufficient to pay (A) all overdue installments of interest on all
Debt Securities or all overdue payments with respect to any coupons of such
series, (B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Debt Securities of
such series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of
acceleration and interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in
such Debt Securities, (C) to the extent that payment of such interest is
lawful, interest upon overdue installments of interest on each Debt Security
of such series or upon overdue payments on any coupons of such series at a
rate established for such series, and (D) all sums paid or advanced by the
applicable Trustee and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements
and advances of the applicable Trustee, its agents and counsel; and (2) all
Events of Default with respect to Debt Securities of such series, other than
the nonpayment of the principal of Debt Securities of such series which have
become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or
waived as provided in the Indenture. No such rescission and waiver will affect
any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon. (Section 5.02)
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Modification or Waiver
Without prior notice to or consent of any Holders, the Company and the
applicable Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may modify the
Indenture for any of the following purposes:
(1) to evidence the succession of another corporation to the rights of
the Company and the assumption by such successor of the covenants and
obligations of the Company in the Indenture and in the Debt Securities and
coupons, if any, issued thereunder;
(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders
of all or any series of Debt Securities and the coupons, if any,
appertaining thereto (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of
less than all series, stating that such covenants are expressly being
included solely for the benefit of such series), or to surrender any right
or power conferred in the Indenture upon the Company;
(3) to add any additional Events of Default (and if such Events of
Default are to be applicable to less than all series, stating that such
Events of Default are expressly being included solely to be applicable to
such series);
(4) to add or change any of the provisions of the Indenture to such
extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance
thereunder of Debt Securities of any series in bearer form, registrable or
not registrable, and with or without coupons, to permit Bearer Securities
to be issued in exchange for Registered Securities, to permit Bearer
Securities to be issued in exchange for Bearer Securities of other
authorized denominations or to permit the issuance of Debt Securities of
any series in uncertificated form, provided that any such action shall not
adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Debt Securities of any
series or any related coupons in any material respect;
(5) to change or eliminate any of the provisions of the Indenture;
provided, that any such change or elimination will become effective only
when there is no Outstanding Debt Security issued thereunder or coupon of
any series created prior to such modification which is entitled to the
benefit of such provision and as to which such modification would apply;
(6) to secure the Debt Securities issued thereunder;
(7) to supplement any of the provisions of the Indenture to such extent
as is necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any
series of Debt Securities, provided that any such action will not adversely
affect the interests of the Holders of Debt Securities of such series or
any other series of Debt Securities issued under such Indenture or any
related coupons in any material respect;
(8) to establish the form or terms of Debt Securities and coupons, if
any, as permitted by the Indenture;
(9) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment thereunder
by a successor Trustee with respect to one or more series of Debt
Securities and to add to or change any of the provisions of the Indenture
as is necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the
trusts thereunder by more than one Trustee; or
(10) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision in the
Indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision
therein, to eliminate any conflict between the terms of the Indenture and
the Debt Securities issued thereunder and the TIA or to make any other
provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Indenture
which will not be inconsistent with any provision of the Indenture;
provided, that such other provisions shall not adversely affect the
interests of the Holders of Outstanding Debt Securities or coupons, if any,
of any series created thereunder prior to such modification in any material
respect. (Section 15.01)
With the written consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each series affected by
such modification voting together as one class, the Company and the applicable
Trustee may modify the Indenture for the purpose of adding any provisions to
or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the
Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Debt
Securities and coupons, if any, under the Indenture; provided, however, that
no such
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modification may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Debt
Security of each such series affected thereby (1) change the Stated Maturity
of the principal of, or any installment of interest on, any Debt Security, or
reduce the principal amount thereof or the interest thereon or any premium
payable upon redemption thereof, or change the Stated Maturity of or reduce
the amount of any payment to be made with respect to any coupon, or change the
currency or currencies in which the principal of (and premium, if any) or
interest on such Debt Security is denominated or payable, or reduce the amount
of the principal of a Discount Security that would be due and payable upon a
declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof, or adversely affect the
right of repayment or repurchase, if any, at the option of the Holder, or
reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, any payment under any
sinking fund or analogous provisions for any Debt Security, or impair the
right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the
Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the
Redemption Date), or limit the obligation of the Company to maintain a paying
agency outside the United States for payments on Bearer Securities, or
adversely affect the right to convert any Subordinated Debt Security into
shares of Common Stock as may be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement; (2)
reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities
of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such
modification, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver of
compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or certain defaults or
Events of Default thereunder and their consequences provided for in such
Indenture; (3) modify any of the provisions of the Indenture relating to
modifications and waivers of defaults and covenants, except to increase any
such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of the Indenture
cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each
Outstanding Debt Security of each series affected thereby; provided, however,
that certain of such modifications may be made without the consent of any
Holder of any Debt Security as provided in the preceding paragraph; or (4) in
the case of the Subordinated Debt Securities, modify any of the provisions
relating to the subordination of the Subordinated Debt Securities in a manner
adverse to the Holders thereof. (Section 15.02)
A modification which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision
of the Indenture with respect to one or more particular series of Debt
Securities and coupons, if any, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of
Debt Securities and coupons of such series with respect to such covenant or
other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under the Indenture
of the Holders of Debt Securities and coupons, if any, of any other series.
(Section 15.02)
In the case of the Subordinated Debt Securities, no modification may
adversely affect the rights of any holder of Senior Indebtedness under the
subordination provisions of the Indenture without the consent of such holder.
(Section 15.02)
The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all
the Debt Securities of any such series waive, by notice to the applicable
Trustee and the Company, any past default or Event of Default under the
Indenture with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default
(1) 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 or analogous obligation with respect to the Debt Securities of
such series or (2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which pursuant
to the second paragraph under "--Debt Securities--Modification or Waiver"
cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each
Outstanding Debt Security of such series affected. Upon any such waiver, such
default will cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom will
be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of the Debt Securities of such
series under the Indenture, but no such waiver will extend to any subsequent
or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
(Section 5.13)
The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with certain
covenants in the Indenture (including, if so specified in the Prospectus
Supplement, any covenant not set forth in the Indenture but specified in the
Prospectus Supplement to be applicable to the Debt Securities of any series
issued thereunder, except as otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement,
and including the covenants relating to the maintenance by the Company of its
existence, rights and franchises), if before the time for such compliance the
Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt
Securities affected either waive such compliance in such instance or generally
waive compliance with such provisions, but no such waiver may extend to or
affect
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any term, provision or condition except to the extent expressly so waived,
and, until such waiver becomes effective the obligations of the Company and
the duties of the applicable Trustee in respect of any such provision will
remain in full force and effect. (Section 15.02)
Discharge, Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
The Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of any series may be
Discharged, subject to certain terms and conditions, when (1) either (A) all
Debt Securities and the coupons, if any, of such series have been delivered to
the applicable Trustee for cancellation or (B) all Debt Securities and the
coupons, if any, of such series not theretofore delivered to the applicable
Trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable, (ii) will become due
and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or (iii) are to be
called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the
applicable Trustee for the giving of notice by the applicable Trustee, and the
Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) of subclause (B), has irrevocably
deposited or caused to be deposited with the applicable Trustee as trust funds
in trust for such purpose an amount in the currency in which such Debt
Securities are denominated sufficient to pay and discharge the entire
indebtedness on such Debt Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and
interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Debt Securities which
have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as
the case may be; provided, however, in the event a petition for relief under
the applicable Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law is
filed with respect to the Company within 123 days after the deposit and the
applicable Trustee is required to return the deposited money to the Company,
the obligations of the Company under the Indenture with respect to such Debt
Securities will not be deemed terminated or Discharged; (2) the Company has
paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable under the Indenture by the
Company; and (3) the Company has delivered to the applicable Trustee an
officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel each stating that all
conditions precedent therein provided relating to the satisfaction and
Discharge of the Indenture with respect to such series have been complied
with. (Section 4.01)
If provision is made for the defeasance of Debt Securities of a series, and
if the Debt Securities of such series are Registered Securities and
denominated and payable only in U.S. dollars, then the provisions of the
Indenture relating to defeasance shall be applicable except as otherwise
specified in the Prospectus Supplement for Debt Securities of such series.
Defeasance provisions, if any, for Debt Securities denominated in a foreign
currency or currencies or for Bearer Securities may be specified in the
Prospectus Supplement. (Section 13.01)
At the Company's option, either (1) the Company shall be deemed to have been
Discharged from its obligations with respect to Debt Securities of any series
(including, in the case of Subordinated Debt Securities, the provisions
described under "--Debt Securities--Subordination" herein) ("legal defeasance
option") or (2) the Company shall cease to be under any obligation to comply
with any obligation of the Company in the Indenture including any restrictive
covenants described in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement and any other
covenants applicable to the Debt Securities which are subject to covenant
defeasance (including, in the case of Subordinated Debt Securities, the
provisions described under "Subordination" herein) ("covenant defeasance
option") at any time after the applicable conditions set forth below have been
satisfied: (A) the Company shall have deposited or caused to be deposited
irrevocably with the applicable Trustee as trust funds in trust, specifically
pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders
of the Debt Securities of such series (i) money in an amount, or (ii) U.S.
Government Obligations which through the payment of interest and principal in
respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than
one day before the due date of any payment, money in an amount, or (iii) a
combination of (i) and (ii), sufficient, in the opinion (with respect to (i)
and (ii)) of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants
expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the applicable
Trustee, to pay and discharge each installment of principal (including any
mandatory sinking fund payments) of (and premium, if any) and interest on, the
Outstanding Debt Securities of such series on the dates such installments of
interest or principal and premium are due; (B) such deposit shall not cause
the applicable Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of that series to
have a conflicting interest with respect to the Debt Securities of any series;
(C) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a
default under, the Indenture or any other agreement or instrument to which the
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Company is a party or by which it is bound; (D) if the Debt Securities of such
series are then listed on any national securities exchange, the Company shall
have delivered to the applicable Trustee an opinion of counsel or a letter or
other document from such exchange to the effect that the Company's exercise of
its legal defeasance option or the covenant defeasance option, as the case may
be, would not cause such Debt Securities to be delisted; (E) no Event of
Default or event (including such deposit) which, with notice or lapse of time
or both, would become an Event of Default with respect to the Debt Securities
of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such
deposit and, with respect to the legal defeasance option only, no Event of
Default under the provisions of the Indenture relating to certain events of
bankruptcy or insolvency or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of
time, or both, would become an Event of Default under such bankruptcy or
insolvency provisions shall have occurred and be continuing on the 123rd day
after such date; and (F) certain other opinions, officers' certificates and
other documents specified in the Indenture, including, in the case of legal
defeasance option, an opinion of counsel or a ruling of the Internal Revenue
Service to the effect that such deposit, defeasance or discharge will not
cause the Holders of the Debt Securities of such series to recognize income,
gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
if the Company exercises its covenant defeasance option and an Event of
Default under the provisions of the Indenture relating to certain events of
bankruptcy or insolvency or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of
time, or both, would become an Event of Default under such bankruptcy or
insolvency provisions shall have occurred and be continuing on the 123rd day
after the date of such deposit, the obligations of the Company referred to
under the definition of covenant defeasance option with respect to such Debt
Securities shall be reinstated in full. (Section 13.03)
Payment and Paying Agents
If Debt Securities of a series are issuable only as Registered Securities,
the Company will maintain an office or agency where Debt Securities of a
series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Debt Securities of
that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and
where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Debt
Securities of that series and the Indenture may be served. (Section 3.05)
Book-Entry Debt Securities
The Debt Securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in global
form that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in
the Prospectus Supplement. Global Notes may be issued in either registered or
bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form (each a "Global Note").
Payments of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on Debt Securities
represented by a Global Note will be made by the Company to the applicable
Trustee and then by such Trustee to the depositary.
If specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, any Global Notes will
be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York,
New York ("DTC"), as depositary, or such other depositary as may be specified
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. In the event that DTC acts as
depositary with respect to any Global Notes, the Company anticipates that such
Global Notes will be registered in the name of DTC's nominee, and that the
following provisions will apply to the depositary arrangements with respect to
any such Global Notes. Additional or differing terms of the depositary
arrangements, if any, applicable to the Offered Debt Securities, will be
described in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement.
So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a Global Note, DTC
or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole Holder of the
Debt Securities represented by such Global Note for all purposes under the
Indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a
Global Note will not be entitled to have Debt Securities represented by such
Global Note registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery or Debt Securities in certificated form and will not
be considered the owners or Holders thereof under the Indenture. The laws of
some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical
delivery of such securities in certificated form; accordingly, such laws may
limit the transferability of beneficial interests in a Global Note.
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If DTC is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary and a
successor depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days, the
Company will issue individual Debt Securities in certificated form in exchange
for the Global Notes. In addition, the Company may at any time, and in its
sole discretion, determine not to have any Debt Securities represented by one
or more Global Notes and, in such event, will issue individual Debt Securities
in certificated form in exchange for the relevant Global Notes. If Registered
Securities of any series shall have been issued in the form of one or more
Global Notes and if an Event of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of
such series shall have occurred and be continuing, the Company will issue
individual Debt Securities in certificated form in exchange for the relevant
Global Notes. (Section 3.04)
The following is based on information furnished by DTC:
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the Banking Law of
the State of New York, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the
Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System,
a clearing corporation within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial
Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section
17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its participants
("Participants") deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among
Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in
deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in
Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
securities certificates. Direct Participants include securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other
organizations ("Direct Participants"). DTC is owned by a number of its Direct
Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock
Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access
to the DTC system is also available to others such as securities brokers and
dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly
("Indirect Participants"). The rules applicable to DTC and its Participants
are on file with the Commission.
Purchases of Debt Securities under the DTC system must be made by or through
Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Debt Securities on
DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each Debt
Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn recorded on the Direct and Indirect
Participants' records. A Beneficial Owner does not receive written
confirmation from DTC of its purchase, but such Beneficial Owner is expected
to receive a written confirmation providing details of the transaction, as
well as periodic statements of its holdings, from the Direct or Indirect
Participant through which such Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction.
Transfers of ownership interests in Debt Securities are accomplished by
entries made on the books of Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial
Owners. Beneficial Owners do not receive certificates representing their
ownership interests in Debt Securities, except in the event that use of the
book entry system for the Debt Securities is discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, the Debt Securities are registered in
the name of DTC's partnership nominee, Cede & Co. The deposit of the Debt
Securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. effects
no change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual
Beneficial Owners of the Debt Securities; DTC records reflect only the
identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts Debt Securities are
credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Participants
remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their
customers.
Delivery of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants,
by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct Participants
and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners are governed by arrangements
among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time.
Redemption notices shall be sent to Cede & Co. If less than all of the Debt
Securities within a series are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine
by lot the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant in such series to
be redeemed.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will consent or vote with respect to the Debt
Securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails a proxy (an "Omnibus Proxy")
to the issuer as soon as possible after the record date.
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The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those
Direct Participants to whose accounts the Debt Securities are credited on the
record date (identified on a list attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
Principal and interest payments on the Debt Securities will be made to DTC.
DTC's practice is to credit Direct Participants' accounts on the payable date
in accordance with their respective holdings as shown on DTC's records unless
DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on the payable
date. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities
held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street
name," and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC, the
Paying Agent or the Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of principal and
interest to DTC is the responsibility of the Company or the Paying Agent,
disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants is the responsibility of
DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners will be the
responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with
respect to the Debt Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the
Company or the Paying Agent. Under such circumstances, in the event that a
successor securities depositary is not appointed, Debt Security certificates
are required to be printed and delivered.
The Company may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry
transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depositary). In that event,
Debt Security certificates will be printed and delivered.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources (including DTC) that the Company believes to be
reliable, but the Company takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
Unless stated otherwise in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
underwriters or agents with respect to a series of Debt Securities issued as
Global Notes will be Direct Participants in DTC.
None of the Company, any underwriter or agent, the applicable Trustee or any
applicable Paying Agent will have the responsibility or liability for any
aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
interests in a Global Note, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial interests.
Conversion or Exchange Rights
The terms and conditions, if any, upon which Subordinated Debt Securities
being offered are convertible or exchangeable into another series of Debt
Securities or shares of Common Stock will be set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the conversion or
exchange price, the conversion or exchange period, provisions as to whether
conversion or exchange will be at the option of the Holder or the Company, the
events requiring an adjustment of the conversion or exchange price and
provisions affecting conversions or exchanges in the event of the redemption
of such Subordinated Debt Securities.
Concerning the Trustee
The Company may from time to time maintain deposit accounts and conduct
other banking transactions with the Trustee and its affiliated entities in the
ordinary course of business.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company may offer and sell the Securities in one or more of the
following ways: (i) through underwriters or dealers, (ii) through agents or
(iii) directly to one or more purchasers. The Prospectus Supplement with
respect to a particular offering of a series of Securities will set forth the
terms of the offering of such Securities, including the name or names of any
underwriters or agents with whom the Company has entered into arrangements
with respect to the sale of such Securities, the public offering or purchase
price of such Securities and the proceeds to the Company from such sales and
any underwriting discounts, agency fees or commissions and other items
constituting underwriters' compensation, the initial public offering price,
any discounts or concessions to be allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers
and any securities exchange, if any, on which such Securities may be listed.
Dealer trading may take place in certain of the Offered Securities, including
Offered Securities not listed on any securities exchange.
If underwriters are used in the offer and sale of Offered Securities, the
Offered Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account
and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including
negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices
determined at the time of sale. The Offered Securities may be offered to the
public either through underwriting syndicates represented by managing
underwriters, or by underwriters without a syndicate, all of which
underwriters in either case will be designated in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, under the terms of the underwriting agreement, the obligations of
the underwriters to purchase Offered Securities will be subject to certain
conditions precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of
the Offered Securities if any are purchased. Any initial public offering price
and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may
be changed from time to time.
Offered Securities may be offered and sold directly by the Company or
through agents designated by the Company from time to time. Any agent involved
in the offer or sale of the Offered Securities with respect to which this
Prospectus is delivered will be named in, and any commissions payable to such
agent will be set forth in or calculable from, the applicable Prospectus
Settlement. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, any such
agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its
appointment.
If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company may
authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain
institutions to purchase the Offered Securities from the Company at the public
offering price set forth in such Prospectus Supplement pursuant to delayed
delivery contracts ("Delayed Delivery Contracts") providing for payment and
delivery on the date or dates stated in the Prospectus Supplement. Each
Delayed Delivery Contract will be for an amount of the Offered Securities not
less than and, unless the Company otherwise agrees, the aggregate amount of
the Offered Securities sold pursuant to Delayed Delivery Contracts shall be
not more than the respective minimum and maximum amounts stated in the
Prospectus Supplement. Institutions with which Delayed Delivery Contracts,
when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance
companies, pension funds, investment companies and educational and charitable
institutions, but shall in all cases be subject to the approval of the Company
in its sole discretion. The obligations of the purchaser under any Delayed
Delivery Contract to pay for and take delivery of the Offered Securities will
not be subject to any conditions except that (i) the purchase of the Offered
Securities by such institution shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited
under the laws of the jurisdiction to which such institution is subject, and
(ii) any related sale of the Offered Securities to underwriters shall have
occurred. A commission as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement will be paid
to underwriters soliciting purchases of the Offered Securities pursuant to
Delayed Delivery Contracts accepted by the Company. The underwriters will not
have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of Delayed
Delivery Contracts.
The Debt Securities and the Preferred Stock will be new issues of securities
with no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom Offered
Securities are sold by the Company for public offering and sale may make a
market in such Offered Securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated
to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No
assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for any
Offered Securities.
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Any underwriter, dealer or agent participating in the distribution of the
Offered Securities may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined
in the Securities Act, of the Offered Securities so offered and sold, and any
discounts or commissions received by it from the Company and any profit
realized by it on the sale or resale of the Offered Securities may be deemed
to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
Under agreements entered into with the Company, underwriters, dealers and
agents may be entitled to indemnification by the Company against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to
contribution with respect to payments which the underwriters or agents may be
required to make in respect thereof.
Underwriters, dealers and agents also may be customers of, engage in
transactions with, or perform other services for the Company in the ordinary
course of business.
LEGAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
validity of the Common Stock, the Preferred Stock and the Debt Securities
offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Dewey Ballantine LLP,
New York, New York. Certain other legal matters may be passed upon for the
Company by Dewey Ballantine LLP. Certain legal matters in connection with any
offering of Securities involving any underwriters or dealers will be passed
upon for such underwriters or dealers by counsel to be named in the
appropriate Prospectus Supplement.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of ContiFinancial Corporation and its
subsidiaries as of March 31, 1997 and 1996 and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended March 31, 1997 included in the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1997 are incorporated by reference
in this Prospectus and have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto and are
incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm
as experts in giving said reports.
49
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GLOSSARY
Adjustable Rate Mortgages or Mortgages with a variable interest rate which
ARMs........................ typically adjust off LIBOR or U.S. treasury
rates.
"A", "B", "C" and "D" Credit
Grades...................... A grading system used in the finance industry
to reflect a borrower's overall credit quality.
The grade assigned by a lender to each borrower
is a function of the borrower's historical
payment performance on his or her outstanding
consumer debt. Sub debt may include credit
cards and automobile loans. The Company
establishes the prices it will pay for loans
based on the borrower's credit profile,
prevailing market conditions and other factors.
Broker Loans................. Loans referred to the Company by brokers.
Commercial/Multi-family Loans secured by commercial properties
Loans....................... including multi-family dwellings, self-storage
facilities, assisted living and other health-
related facilities, and retail and industrial
buildings.
Conduits..................... Stand-alone securitization vehicles where the
originator(s), underwriter(s), servicer(s) and
seller(s) may all be different parties coming
together to generate loans or other assets to
be serviced and securitized. Conduits allow
smaller originators to sell their assets into a
single securitizable pool, thus benefiting from
economies of scale and the ability to share the
fixed transaction costs associated with
securitization.
Covered Loans................ Mortgage loans (other than mortgage loans to
finance the acquisition or initial construction
of a dwelling) with (i) total points and fees
upon origination in excess of eight percent of
the loan amount or (ii) an annual percentage
rate of more than ten percentage points higher
than comparably maturing U.S. Treasury
Securities.
Debt-to-Income Ratio......... The ratio of a borrower's monthly debt service
requirements to his or her monthly income.
Equipment Leases............. Leases of assets primarily to commercial users.
Leased assets may include office equipment and
medical equipment.
Franchise Loans.............. Loans to franchisees of national restaurant
chains or other service chains. The loans are
secured by fixtures, equipment and cash flows.
Gain on Sale of Receivables.. The gross income from the structuring and sale
of loans and other assets into REMICs, owner
trusts and grantor trusts. Gain on sale of
receivables represents the Excess Spread
Receivables less cost of originating and
structuring the loans and other assets.
Ginnie Mae ("GNMA"), Fannie
Mae ("FNMA"), Freddie Mac
("FHLMC")...................
Government National Mortgage Association,
Federal National Mortgage Association and
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
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Home Equity Loans............
Loans made to borrowers typically for debt
consolidation, home improvements, education or
refinancing and secured by a first or second
mortgage on one- to four-family residential
properties.
Interest-only Certificate.... Represents Excess Spread Receivables which
represent the right to receive interest
payments on a securitization trust's underlying
assets and is subject to changes in value due
to changes in prepayment rates. Generally, the
Interest-Only Certificate is senior to the
Residual Certificate(s).
Non-conforming Home Equity Home equity loans made to borrowers whose
Loans....................... financing needs cannot be met by traditional
financial institutions due to credit exceptions
or other factors and cannot be market to
agencies such as Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac.
Non-prime Auto Loans and Automobile loans or leases secured by new or
Leases...................... used automobiles made generally to "B" or "C"
Credit Grade borrowers.
Overcollateralization........ The amount by which the outstanding principal
balance of assets which have been securitized
exceeds the outstanding principal balance of
the certificates issued by the related trust.
The surplus principal of the assets is
available to absorb losses. The amount of
overcollateralization required for a
securitization is specified for each issuance.
Overcollateralization is developed by applying
Excess Spread as an accelerated payment of
principal on the certificates. Once the
required level of overcollateralization is
reached, and for so long as such level is
maintained, the Excess Spread flows through to
the Company.
Purchase Premium Refunds..... That portion of the premium paid by the Company
to a wholesale originator upon purchase of a
loan which is required to be repaid by the
originator if the loan prepays before a
contractually set time.
REMIC........................ Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit.
REMICs, Owner Trusts and
Grantor Trusts.............. Trusts formed to purchase securitizable assets,
issue pass-through certificates and make
distributions to investors. Such trusts are
organized in accordance with the Internal
Revenue Code so as to not be subject to
corporate tax at the entity level.
Reserve Account.............. A reserve account serves the same purpose as
Overcollateralization. However, instead of
applying Excess Spread as a payment of
principal on the certificates, it is
accumulated in an account until a required
amount is reached. Funds from this account are
available to cover losses realized on loans or
other assets held by a trust.
Residual Certificates........ Represent Excess Spread Receivables which are
subject to change in value due to prepayment
rates and credit losses. The Residual
Certificates are subordinate certificates and
are in a first loss position.
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Securitization...............
The sale by the Company of loans or other
assets it has originated or purchased to a
trust (or other special purpose entity).
Concurrently, the trust issues securities
(usually pass-through certificates) to
investors in a private placement or a public
offering. The Company is paid a purchase price
consisting of cash from the proceeds of the
sale of the securities and an interest in the
loans or other assets securitized generally in
the form of Interest-only Certificates and/or
Residual Certificates (i.e., the Excess Spread
Receivable).
Small Business Loans......... Loans to small businesses collateralized
primarily by accounts receivable. Such loans
are not guaranteed by the Small Business
Administration or any other government agency.
Strategic Alliance Equity Warrants, warrant-like equity participations or
Interests................... other equity investments in Strategic Alliance
clients.
Structured Finance
Transactions................ The securitization of consumer and commercial
loans, leases and other receivables, including
home equity loans, which are sold through
REMICs or other trust structures or in whole
loan sales.
Sub-prime Auto Loans and Automobile loans or leases made generally to
Leases...................... "C-" or "D" Credit Grade borrowers.
Timeshare Loans..............
Loans made to purchase a real property interest
in specific units at vacation resort
properties. Typically, the borrowers' rights to
use and occupy the real property are subject to
limitations.
Title I Home Improvement Loans to homeowners, a portion of which is
Loans....................... guaranteed by the U.S. government, for the
purpose of certain pre-qualified home
improvements.
Warehouse Financing..........
Secured loan facilities or purchase commitments
provided to asset originators to facilitate the
accumulation of securitizable assets prior to
securitization. Commitments are typically for
one year or less and are designed to fund only
securitizable assets.
Wholesale Loans.............. Loans purchased by the Company in bulk sales
from mortgage bankers and commercial banks.
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NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
COMPANY OR ANY UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS DO
NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF
THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS
UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL,
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS
CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO
CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE SUCH DATE.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
The Company................................................................ S-2
Recent Developments........................................................ S-2
Use of Proceeds............................................................ S-2
Capitalization............................................................. S-3
Selected Financial Information............................................. S-4
Description of the Notes................................................... S-6
Underwriting............................................................... S-7
Notice to Canadian Residents............................................... S-8
Legal Matters.............................................................. S-9
Experts.................................................................... S-9
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.......................... S-9
PROSPECTUS
Available Information...................................................... 3
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference............................ 3
The Company................................................................ 4
Recent Developments........................................................ 5
Risk Factors............................................................... 6
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges........................................ 13
Use of Proceeds............................................................ 13
Description of Securities.................................................. 14
Plan of Distribution....................................................... 48
Legal Matters.............................................................. 49
Experts.................................................................... 49
Glossary................................................................... 50
</TABLE>
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CONTIFINANCIAL CORPORATION
$200,000,000
% Senior Notes
Due 2008
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
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