<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 15, 1996
REGISTRATION NOS. 333- , 333- , 333- AND 333-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
---------------
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE C/O COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC. APPLIED FOR
(STATE OR OTHER 155 NORTH LAKE AVENUE (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
JURISDICTION PASADENA, CA 91101 IDENTIFICATION NO.)
OF INCORPORATION OR (818) 304-8400
ORGANIZATION)
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE
NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL II
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE C/O COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC. APPLIED FOR
(STATE OR OTHER 155 NORTH LAKE AVENUE (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
JURISDICTION PASADENA, CA 91101 IDENTIFICATION NO.)
OF INCORPORATION OR (818) 304-8400
ORGANIZATION)
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE
NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
NEW YORK 155 NORTH LAKE AVENUE 13-2631719
(STATE OR OTHER PASADENA, CA 91101 (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
JURISDICTION (818) 304-8400 IDENTIFICATION NO.)
OF INCORPORATION OR
ORGANIZATION)
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE
NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE 155 NORTH LAKE AVENUE 13-2641992
(STATE OR OTHER PASADENA, CA 91101 (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
JURISDICTION (818) 304-8400 IDENTIFICATION NO.)
OF INCORPORATION OR
ORGANIZATION)
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE
NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
---------------
DAVID S. LOEB
DIRECTOR
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
AND
PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
155 NORTH LAKE AVENUE
PASADENA, CA 91101
(818) 304-8400
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE
NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
---------------
COPIES TO:
KENNETH R. BLACKMAN EDWARD J. FINE
FRIED, FRANK, HARRIS, SHRIVER & BROWN & WOOD LLP
JACOBSON ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004-1980 (212) 839-5300
(212) 859-8000
---------------
THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(a) MAY DETERMINE.
(Continued on next page)
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<PAGE>
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(Continued from previous page)
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
---------------
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
following box [_]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
---------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROPOSED PROPOSED
MAXIMUM MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE TO BE PER OFFERING REGISTRATION
REGISTERED REGISTERED(1) UNIT(1)(2)(3) PRICE(1)(2)(3) FEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Preferred Securities of
Countrywide Capital I
and Countrywide Capital
II....................
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subordinated Debt
Securities of
Countrywide Home Loans,
Inc...................
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guarantees of Preferred
Securities of
Countrywide Capital I
and Countrywide Capital
II by Countrywide
Credit Industries, Inc.
and certain back-up
undertakings
("Preferred Securities
Guarantees") (4)(5)...
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guarantees of
Subordinated Debt
Securities of
Countrywide Home Loans,
Inc. by Countrywide
Credit Industries, Inc.
("Debt
Guarantees") (5)......
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10,000,000
Preferred
Total.................. Securities 100% $250,000,000 $75,757.58
</TABLE>
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- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Such indeterminate number of Preferred Securities of Countrywide Capital I
and Countrywide Capital II and such indeterminate principal amount of
Subordinated Debt Securities of Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. as may from
time to time be issued at indeterminate prices. Includes Preferred
Securities which may be purchased by underwriters to cover over-
allotments, if any. Subordinated Debt Securities may be issued and sold to
Countrywide Capital I or Countrywide Capital II, in which event such
Subordinated Debt Securities may later be distributed to the holders of
Preferred Securities upon a dissolution of Countrywide Capital I or
Countrywide Capital II, as the case may be, and the distribution of the
assets thereof.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
pursuant to Rule 457. The aggregate public offering price of the Preferred
Securities of Countrywide Capital I and Countrywide Capital II and the
Subordinated Debt Securities of Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. registered
hereby will not exceed $250,000,000.
(3) Exclusive of accrued interest and distributions, if any.
(4) Includes the rights of holders of the Preferred Securities under the
Preferred Securities Guarantees and certain back-up undertakings comprised
of obligations of Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., guaranteed by Countrywide
Credit Industries, Inc., to provide certain indemnities in respect of, and
pay and be responsible for certain costs, expenses, debts and liabilities
of, each of Countrywide Capital I and Countrywide Capital II (other than
with respect to the Preferred Securities) and such obligations of
Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. as set forth in the Indenture and the
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and of each of Countrywide
Capital I and Countrywide Capital II Trust, in each case as further
described in the Registration Statement. The Preferred Securities
Guarantees, when taken together with Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.'s
obligations under the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Indenture,
including its liabilities to pay costs, expenses, debts and other
obligations of Countrywide Capital I and Countrywide Capital II and
Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc.'s obligations under the Debt
Guarantees, the Indenture and the Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust, will provide a full and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated
basis by Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. of amounts due on the
Preferred Securities.
(5) No separate consideration will be received for any Preferred Securities
Guarantees or Debt Guarantees or back-up undertakings.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS +
+SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY +
+NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH +
+OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR +
+QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT DATED OCTOBER 15, 1996
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED , 1996)
PREFERRED SECURITIES
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
% CUMULATIVE TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES(SM) ("TOPRS(SM)")
(LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $25 PER PREFERRED SECURITY)
FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED AS TO DISTRIBUTIONS AND OTHER PAYMENTS TO
THE EXTENT SET FORTH HEREIN BY
COUNTRYWIDE/SM/
-----------------------
CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
----------
The % Cumulative Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the "Preferred
Securities") offered hereby represent preferred undivided beneficial interests
in the assets of Countrywide Capital I, a statutory business trust formed under
the laws of the State of Delaware ("Countrywide Capital Trust" or the "Trust").
Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("CCI"), will own
all the common securities (the "Common Securities" and, together with the
Preferred Securities, the "Trust Securities") representing undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of Countrywide Capital Trust. Countrywide Capital Trust
exists for the sole purpose of issuing the Trust Securities and investing the
proceeds thereof in $ in aggregate principal amount of % Junior
Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2045 (the "Subordinated Debt
Securities") of Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a
(continued on next page)
----------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE S-5 OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT FOR
CERTAIN INFORMATION RELEVANT TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE PREFERRED SECURITIES,
INCLUDING THE PERIOD AND CIRCUMSTANCES DURING AND UNDER WHICH PAYMENTS ON THE
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES AND THE PREFERRED SECURITIES MAY BE DEFERRED AND
THE RELATED UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH DEFERRAL.
Application has been made to have the Preferred Securities listed, subject to
notice of issuance, on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "New York Stock
Exchange"). Subject to notice of issuance, trading of the Preferred Securities
on the New York Stock Exchange is expected to commence within a 30-day period
after the date of this Prospectus Supplement. See "Underwriting."
----------
THESE SECURITIES 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 TO WHICH IT RELATES. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK HAS NOT PASSED ON OR ENDORSED THE
MERITS OF THIS OFFERING. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INITIAL PUBLIC UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
OFFERING PRICE(1)(5) COMMISSION(2)(5) TRUST(3)(4)(5)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Preferred Security... $25.00 (3) $25.00
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(s)................. $ (3) $
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Plus accrued distributions, if any, from , 1996.
(2) Countrywide Capital Trust, CCI and the Company have agreed to indemnify the
several Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See "Underwriting."
(3) In view of the fact that the proceeds of the sale of the Preferred
Securities will be invested in the Subordinated Debt Securities, the
Company has agreed to pay to the Underwriters as compensation (the
"Underwriters' Compensation") for their arranging the investment therein of
such proceeds $ per Preferred Security (or $ in the aggregate);
provided that such compensation for sales of 10,000 or more Preferred
Securities to a single purchaser will be $ per Preferred Security.
Therefore, to the extent of such sales, the actual amount of Underwriters'
Compensation will be less than the aggregate amount specified in the
preceding sentence. See "Underwriting."
(4) Expenses of the offering which are payable by the Company are estimated to
be $ .
(5) The Trust has granted to the several Underwriters an option to purchase up
to an additional Preferred Securities to cover over-allotments. If all of
such Preferred Securities are purchased, the Initial Public Offering Price,
Underwriting Commission and Proceeds to Trust will be $ , $ and $ ,
respectively. See "Underwriting" herein.
The Preferred Securities offered hereby are offered severally by the
Underwriters, as specified herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them
and subject to their right to reject any order in whole or in part. It is
expected that delivery of the Preferred Securities will be made only in book-
entry form through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, on or about
, 1996.
----------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
GOLDMAN SACHS & CO.
PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
SMITH BARNEY INC.
----------
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is , 1996.
SM "Trust Originated Preferred Securities" and "TOPrS" are service marks of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
<PAGE>
(continued from previous page)
New York corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of CCI ("CHL" or the
"Company"). The Subordinated Debt Securities are fully and unconditionally
guaranteed (the "Debt Guarantee") on a subordinated basis as to payment of
principal, premium, if any, and interest by CCI. The Subordinated Debt
Securities, the Debt Guarantee, the Preferred Securities and the Preferred
Securities Guarantee (as defined below) in respect of which this Prospectus
Supplement is being delivered shall be referred to herein as the "Offered
Securities." The Subordinated Debt Securities when issued will be unsecured
obligations of the Company and will be subordinate and junior in right of
payment to certain other indebtedness of the Company, as described herein.
Upon an event of default under the Declaration (as defined herein), the
holders of Preferred Securities will have a preference over the holders of the
Common Securities with respect to payments in respect of distributions and
payments upon redemption, liquidation and otherwise.
Holders of the Preferred Securities are entitled to receive cumulative cash
distributions at an annual rate of percent per annum of the liquidation
amount of $25 per Preferred Security, accruing from the date of original
issuance and payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30
and December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 1996 ("distributions").
The payment of distributions out of moneys held by Countrywide Capital Trust
and payments on liquidation of Countrywide Capital Trust or the redemption of
Preferred Securities, as set forth below, are guaranteed by CCI (the
"Preferred Securities Guarantee") to the extent described herein and under
"Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees" in the accompanying
Prospectus. The Preferred Securities Guarantee covers payments of
distributions and other payments on the Preferred Securities only if and to
the extent that Countrywide Capital Trust has funds available therefor, which
funds will not be available except to the extent the Company has made payments
of interest or principal or other payments on the Subordinated Debt Securities
or CCI has made such payments pursuant to the Debt Guarantee held by
Countrywide Capital Trust as its sole assets. The Preferred Securities
Guarantee, when taken together with the Company's obligations under the
Subordinated Debt Securities and the Indenture (as defined below), including
its liabilities to pay costs, expenses, debts and other obligations of
Countrywide Capital Trust (other than with respect to the Trust Securities),
and CCI's obligations under the Debt Guarantee, the Indenture and the
Declaration, provide a full and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated
basis by CCI of amounts due on the Preferred Securities. See "Risk Factors--
Rights Under the Preferred Securities Guarantee" herein. The obligations of
CCI under the Preferred Securities Guarantee are subordinate and junior in
right of payment to all other liabilities of CCI, including the Debt
Guarantee, and rank pari passu with the most senior preferred stock issued,
from time to time, if any, by CCI. The obligations of the Company under the
Subordinated Debt Securities are subordinate and junior in right of payment to
all present and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined herein) of the Company,
which aggregated approximately $5.5 billion at August 31, 1996, and rank pari
passu with the Company's other general unsecured creditors. The obligations of
CCI under the Debt Guarantee are subordinate and junior in right of payment to
all present and future Senior Indebtedness of CCI and are also effectively
subordinate to claims of creditors of CCI's subsidiaries (including the
Company). CCI had no Senior Indebtedness as of August 31, 1996, and the
indebtedness of CCI's subsidiaries (including the Senior Indebtedness and
other indebtedness of the Company) aggregated approximately $5.5 billion at
August 31, 1996. There are no terms in the Subordinated Debt Securities, the
Debt Guarantee, the Preferred Securities or the Preferred Securities Guarantee
that limit the ability of CCI or its subsidiaries (including the Company) to
incur additional indebtedness, including indebtedness that ranks senior to the
Subordinated Debt Securities, the Debt Guarantee and the Preferred Securities
Guarantee. The Subordinated Debt Securities purchased by the Trust may be
subsequently distributed pro rata to holders of the Preferred Securities and
Common Securities in connection with the dissolution of the Trust, upon the
occurrence of certain events.
The distribution rate and the distribution payment dates and other payment
dates for the Preferred Securities will correspond to the interest rate and
interest payment dates and other payment dates on the Subordinated Debt
Securities, which, together with the Debt Guarantee, will be the sole assets
of the Trust. As a result, if no principal or interest is paid on the
Subordinated Debt Securities, and no payments are made under the Debt
Guarantee, no amounts will be paid on the Preferred Securities. If the Company
does not make principal or interest payments on the Subordinated Debt
Securities and CCI does not make such payments under the Debt
S-2
<PAGE>
Guarantee, the Trust will not have sufficient funds to make distributions on
the Preferred Securities, and the Preferred Securities Guarantee will not
apply to distributions for which the Trust has insufficient funds available.
So long as the Company is not in default in the payment of interest on the
Subordinated Debt Securities, the Company has the right to defer payments of
interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities by extending the interest payment
period on the Subordinated Debt Securities at any time and from time to time
for up to 20 consecutive quarters (each such period, an "Extension Period").
If interest payments are so deferred, distributions on the Preferred
Securities will also be deferred. During any such Extension Period,
distributions will continue to accrue at the distribution rate equal to %
per annum compounded quarterly (to the extent permitted by applicable law),
and holders of Preferred Securities will be subject to United States federal
income tax on the deferred amounts in advance of receipt of cash distributions
with respect to such deferred interest payments. There could be multiple
Extension Periods of varying lengths, each up to 20 consecutive quarters,
throughout the term of the Subordinated Debt Securities. See "Description of
the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantees--Option to Extend
Interest Payment Period," "Risk Factors--Option to Extend Interest Payment
Period" and "United States Federal Income Taxation--Original Issue Discount."
The Subordinated Debt Securities are redeemable by the Company, in whole or
in part, at any time and from time to time, on or after December 31, 2001, or
at any time in certain circumstances upon the occurrence of a Tax Event (as
defined herein). If the Company redeems Subordinated Debt Securities, the
Trust must redeem Trust Securities having an aggregate liquidation amount
equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Debt Securities so
redeemed at $25 per Preferred Security plus accrued and unpaid distributions
thereon (the "Redemption Price") to the date fixed for redemption. See
"Description of the Preferred Securities--Mandatory Redemption." The Preferred
Securities will be redeemed upon maturity of the Subordinated Debt Securities,
whereupon the Trust will be dissolved. In addition, upon the occurrence of a
Tax Event arising from a change in law or a change in legal interpretation
regarding tax matters, the Trust will be dissolved, with the result that,
unless the Subordinated Debt Securities are redeemed in the limited
circumstances described herein, the Subordinated Debt Securities, together
with the Debt Guarantee, will be distributed to the holders of the Preferred
Securities, on a pro rata basis, in lieu of a cash distribution in liquidation
of the Trust. See "Description of the Preferred Securities--Tax Event
Redemption or Distribution." If the Subordinated Debt Securities are
distributed to the holders of the Preferred Securities, the Company will use
its best efforts to have the Subordinated Debt Securities listed on the New
York Stock Exchange or on such other exchange on which the Preferred
Securities are then listed. See "Description of the Preferred Securities--Tax
Event Redemption or Distribution" and "Description of the Subordinated Debt
Securities and the Debt Guarantees."
In the event of the involuntary or voluntary dissolution, winding up or
termination of the Trust, the holders of the Preferred Securities will be
entitled to receive for each Preferred Security a liquidation amount of $25
plus accrued and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of payment, unless,
in connection with such dissolution, the Subordinated Debt Securities are
distributed to the holders of the Preferred Securities. See "Description of
the Preferred Securities--Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution."
----------------
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS THAT STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE SECURITIES
OFFERED HEREBY AT LEVELS ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, IN
THE OVER-THE-COUNTER MARKET OR OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING TRANSACTIONS, IF
COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
S-3
<PAGE>
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The consolidated financial data with respect to CCI set forth below for each
of the five fiscal years in the period ended February 29, 1996 has been
derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the related audited
financial statements and accompanying notes incorporated by reference herein.
The consolidated financial information presented below as of and for the six
month periods ended August 31, 1996 and August 31, 1995 is unaudited; however,
in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring
adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results
of operations for the six month period ended August 31, 1996 are not
necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for
the full year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
AUGUST 31, YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28 (29),
---------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT OPERATING DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SELECTED STATEMENT OF
EARNINGS DATA:
Revenues:
Loan origination fees.. $ 101,546 $ 94,906 $ 199,724 $ 203,426 $ 379,533 $ 241,584 $ 91,933
Gain (loss) on sale of
loans................. 105,491 32,014 92,341 (41,342) 88,212 67,537 38,847
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Loan production
revenue.............. 207,037 126,920 292,065 162,084 467,745 309,121 130,780
Interest earned........ 200,426 165,614 354,226 280,917 320,217 191,389 103,014
Interest charges....... (153,309) (135,417) (281,573) (205,464) (219,898) (128,612) (68,760)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net interest income... 47,117 30,197 72,653 75,453 100,319 62,777 33,254
Loan servicing income.. 342,874 268,513 575,058 428,994 307,477 177,291 94,830
Add (less) amortization
and
impairment/recovery of
servicing assets...... 13,662 (199,421) (342,811) (95,768) (242,177) (151,362) (53,768)
Servicing hedge
(expense) benefit..... (118,151) 135,080 200,135 (40,030) 73,400 74,075 17,000
Less write-off of
servicing hedge....... -- -- -- (25,600) -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net loan
administration
income............... 238,385 204,172 432,382 267,596 138,700 100,004 58,062
Commissions, fees and
other income.......... 41,558 26,984 63,642 40,650 48,816 33,656 19,714
Gain on sale of
servicing............. -- -- -- 56,880 -- -- 4,302
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues........ 534,097 388,273 860,742 602,663 755,580 505,558 246,112
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Expenses:
Salaries and related
expenses.............. 136,989 106,608 229,668 199,061 227,702 140,063 72,654
Occupancy and other
office expenses....... 61,313 51,083 106,298 102,193 101,691 64,762 36,645
Guarantee fees......... 76,864 54,281 121,197 85,831 57,576 29,410 13,622
Marketing expenses..... 17,922 12,540 27,115 23,217 26,030 12,974 5,015
Other operating
expenses.............. 39,171 21,881 50,264 37,016 43,481 24,894 17,849
Branch and
administrative office
consolidation costs... -- -- -- 8,000 -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total expenses........ 332,259 246,393 534,542 455,318 456,480 272,103 145,785
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Earnings before income
taxes.................. 201,838 141,880 326,200 147,345 299,100 233,455 100,327
Provision for income
taxes.................. 78,717 56,752 130,480 58,938 119,640 93,382 40,131
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings............ $ 123,121 $ 85,128 $ 195,720 $ 88,407 $ 179,460 $ 140,073 $ 60,196
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET
DATA AT END OF PERIOD:
Mortgage loans shipped
and held for sale...... $3,650,611 $4,320,918 $4,740,087 $2,898,825 $3,714,261 $2,316,297 $1,585,392
Total assets............ 8,747,269 7,593,689 8,657,653 5,710,182 5,631,061 3,369,499 2,474,625
Short-term debt......... 3,703,795 4,078,760 4,423,738 2,664,006 3,111,945 1,579,689 1,046,289
Long-term debt.......... 2,036,500 1,542,700 1,911,800 1,499,306 1,197,096 734,762 383,065
Convertible preferred
stock.................. -- -- -- -- -- 25,800 37,531
Common shareholders'
equity................. 1,434,301 1,218,820 1,319,755 942,558 880,137 693,105 558,617
OPERATING DATA (DOLLAR
AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS):
Volume of loans
produced............... $ 20,172 $ 15,635 $ 34,584 $ 27,866 $ 52,459 $ 32,388 $ 12,156
Loan servicing portfolio
(at period end)(1)..... 148,623 126,415 136,835 113,111 84,678 54,484 27,546
Ratio of earnings to
fixed charges(2)....... 2.29 2.02 2.13 1.69 2.32 2.76 2.38
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes warehoused loans and loans under subservicing agreements.
(2) For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
earnings consist of income before federal income taxes, plus fixed
charges. Fixed charges include interest expense on debt and the portion of
rental expenses which is considered to be representative of the interest
factor (one-third of operating leases).
S-4
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
Prior to making an investment decision, prospective purchasers of Preferred
Securities should carefully review the information contained elsewhere in this
Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus and should
particularly consider the following matters.
ABSENCE OF PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Preferred
Securities. Although application has been made to have the Preferred
Securities listed, subject to notice of issuance, on the New York Stock
Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active public market will develop
for the Preferred Securities or that, if such market develops, the market
price will equal or exceed the public offering price set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus Supplement. The public offering price for the
Preferred Securities has been determined through negotiations among the
Company, CCI and the Underwriters. Trading prices for the Preferred Securities
will be determined in the marketplace and may be influenced by many factors,
including the liquidity of the market for the Preferred Securities, investor
perceptions of the Company and CCI and general industry and economic
conditions.
RANKING OF SUBORDINATE OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE,
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES AND DEBT GUARANTEE
CCI's obligations under the Preferred Securities Guarantee are subordinate
and junior in right of payment to all present and future liabilities of CCI,
including the Debt Guarantee, and rank pari passu with the most senior
preferred stock issued, if any, from time to time by CCI. The obligations of
the Company under the Subordinated Debt Securities are subordinate and junior
in right of payment to all present and future Senior Indebtedness of the
Company and rank pari passu with obligations to or rights of the Company's
other general unsecured creditors. The obligations of CCI under the Debt
Guarantee are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all present and
future Senior Indebtedness of CCI and are also effectively subordinate to
claims of creditors of CCI's subsidiaries (including the Company). No payment
of principal of (including redemption payments, if any) or premium, if any, or
interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities may be made if (i) any Senior
Indebtedness of the Company is not paid when due and any applicable grace
period with respect to such default has ended with such default not having
been cured or waived or ceasing to exist or (ii) the maturity of any Senior
Indebtedness of the Company has been accelerated because of a default. In
addition, no payment by CCI in respect of any obligation due under the Debt
Guarantee may be made if (i) any Senior Indebtedness of CCI is not paid when
due and any applicable grace period with respect to such default has ended
with such default not having been cured or waived or ceasing to exist or (ii)
the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness of CCI has been accelerated because of
a default. As of August 31, 1996, CCI had no Senior Indebtedness, Senior
Indebtedness of the Company aggregated approximately $5.5 billion, and the
indebtedness of CCI's subsidiaries (including the Senior Indebtedness and
other indebtedness of the Company) aggregated approximately $5.5 billion.
There are no terms in the Preferred Securities, the Subordinated Debt
Securities, the Preferred Securities Guarantee or the Debt Guarantee that
limit the ability of CCI or its subsidiaries (including the Company) to incur
additional indebtedness, including indebtedness that ranks senior to the
Subordinated Debt Securities, the Preferred Securities Guarantee and the Debt
Guarantee. See "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees--Status of
the Preferred Securities Guarantees" and "Description of the Subordinated Debt
Securities and the Debt Guarantees" in the accompanying Prospectus, and
"Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee--
Subordination" herein.
RIGHTS UNDER THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
The Preferred Securities Guarantee will be qualified as an indenture under
the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). The
Bank of New York will act as indenture trustee under the Preferred Securities
Guarantee for the purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act (the "Preferred Guarantee Trustee"). The Preferred Guarantee
Trustee will hold the Preferred Securities Guarantee for the benefit of the
holders of the Preferred Securities.
S-5
<PAGE>
The Preferred Securities Guarantee guarantees to the holders of the
Preferred Securities the payment of (i) any accrued and unpaid distributions
that are required to be paid on the Preferred Securities, to the extent the
Trust has funds available therefor, (ii) the Redemption Price, including all
accrued and unpaid distributions with respect to Preferred Securities called
for redemption by the Trust, to the extent the Trust has funds available
therefor, and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or
termination of the Trust (other than in connection with the distribution of
Subordinated Debt Securities to the holders of Preferred Securities upon a
redemption of all the Preferred Securities), the lesser of (a) the aggregate
of the liquidation amount and all accrued and unpaid distributions on the
Preferred Securities to the date of the payment to the extent the Trust has
funds available therefor or (b) the amount of assets of the Trust remaining
available for distribution to holders of the Preferred Securities in
liquidation of the Trust. The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of
the Preferred Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place
of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred
upon the Preferred Guarantee Trustee under the Preferred Securities Guarantee.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any holder of record of Preferred Securities
may, after such holder's written request to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee to
pursue such trustee's remedies under the Preferred Securities Guarantee and
any failure by such trustee to do so, institute a legal proceeding directly
against CCI, without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust,
the Preferred Guarantee Trustee or any other person or entity, for enforcement
of payment, on or after the respective due dates specified in the Preferred
Securities, to such holder of distributions on the Preferred Securities of
such holder. If the Company were to default on its obligation to pay amounts
payable on the Subordinated Debt Securities and CCI were to default on its
obligations under the Debt Guarantee, the Trust would lack available funds for
the payment of distributions or amounts payable on redemption of the Preferred
Securities or otherwise, and, in such event, holders of the Preferred
Securities would not be able to rely upon the Preferred Securities Guarantee
for payment of such amounts. Instead, each holder of Preferred Securities
would rely on the enforcement (1) by the Institutional Trustee (as defined
herein) of its rights as registered holder of the Subordinated Debt Securities
against the Company pursuant to the terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities
and against CCI under the Debt Guarantee or (2) by such holder of Preferred
Securities of its right against the Company to enforce payments of principal
and interest on Subordinated Debt Securities having an aggregate principal
amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of Preferred Securities of
such holder and against CCI to enforce such payments on the Debt Guarantee.
See "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees" and "Description of
the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantees" in the accompanying
Prospectus. The Declaration provides that each holder of Preferred Securities,
by acceptance thereof, agrees to the provisions of the Preferred Securities
Guarantee, including the subordination provisions thereof, and the Indenture.
ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
If a Declaration Event of Default (as defined herein) occurs and is
continuing, then the holders of Preferred Securities would rely on the
enforcement by the Institutional Trustee of its rights as holder of the
Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee against the Company and
CCI. In addition, the holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the
Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the time, method, and place
of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Institutional
Trustee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the
Institutional Trustee under the Declaration, including the right to direct the
Institutional Trustee to exercise the remedies available to it as holder of
the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee. If the Institutional
Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the Subordinated Debt Securities or
the Debt Guarantee, a holder of record of Preferred Securities may institute a
legal proceeding directly against the Company or CCI to enforce the
Institutional Trustee's rights under the Subordinated Debt Securities or the
Debt Guarantee, as the case may be, without first instituting any legal
proceeding against the Institutional Trustee or any other person or entity
including, in the case of the Debt Guarantee, against the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Declaration Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing and such event is attributable to (i) the failure of the
Company to pay interest or principal on the Subordinated Debt Securities on
the respective dates such interest or principal is payable (or in the case of
redemption, on the redemption date) or (ii) the failure of CCI to pay any
obligation in respect thereof under the Debt Guarantee, then a holder of
record of Preferred
S-6
<PAGE>
Securities may, after such holder's written request to the Institutional
Trustee to pursue such trustee's remedies under the Indenture and the Debt
Guarantee as holder of the Subordinated Debt Securities and any failure by the
Institutional Trustee to do so, institute a proceeding directly against the
Company or CCI, as the case may be, for enforcement of payment, on or after
the respective due dates specified in the Subordinated Debt Securities, to
such holder directly of the principal of or interest on Subordinated Debt
Securities having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate
liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities of such holder (a "Direct
Action"). In connection with such Direct Action, the Company and CCI will be
subrogated to the rights of such holder of Preferred Securities under the
Declaration to the extent of any payment made by the Company or CCI, as the
case may be, to such holder of Preferred Securities in such Direct Action;
provided, however, that no such subrogation right may be exercised so long as
a Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. The holders of
Preferred Securities will not be able to exercise directly any other remedy
available to the holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities or the Debt
Guarantee. See "Description of the Preferred Securities--Declaration Events of
Default."
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
The Company has the right under the Indenture to defer payments of interest
on the Subordinated Debt Securities by extending the interest payment period
at any time, and from time to time, subject to certain conditions, for
Extension Periods, each up to 20 consecutive quarters. During each such
Extension Period, quarterly distributions on the Preferred Securities would be
deferred (but would continue to accrue, despite such deferral, with interest
thereon compounded quarterly) by the Trust. In the event that the Company
exercises this right to defer interest payments, then during any Extension
Period (a) CCI and the Company shall not declare or pay dividends on, or make
a distribution with respect to, or redeem, purchase or acquire, or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than (i)
purchases or acquisitions of shares of any such capital stock or rights to
acquire such capital stock in connection with the satisfaction by CCI or the
Company, respectively, of its obligations under any employee benefit plans,
(ii) as a result of a reclassification of CCI's or the Company's capital stock
or rights to acquire such capital stock or the exchange or conversion of one
class or series of CCI's or the Company's capital stock or rights to acquire
such capital stock for another class or series of CCI's or the Company's
capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock, (iii) the purchase of
fractional interests in shares of CCI's or the Company's capital stock
pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such capital stock or the
security being converted or exchanged or (iv) dividends and distributions made
on CCI's or the Company's capital stock or rights to acquire such capital
stock with CCI's or the Company's capital stock or rights to acquire such
capital stock), (b) CCI and the Company shall not make any payment of
interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any
debt securities issued by CCI or the Company that rank pari passu with or
junior to the Subordinated Debt Securities and (c) CCI shall not make any
guarantee payments with respect to the foregoing (other than pursuant to the
Preferred Securities Guarantee or the Debt Guarantee). Prior to the
termination of any such Extension Period, the Company may further extend the
interest payment period; provided that each such Extension Period, together
with all such previous and further extensions thereof, may not exceed 20
consecutive quarters or extend beyond the maturity of the Subordinated Debt
Securities. Upon the termination of any Extension Period and the payment of
all amounts then due, the Company may commence a new Extension Period, subject
to the above requirements. See "Description of the Preferred Securities--
Distributions" and "Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the
Debt Guarantee--Option to Extend Interest Payment Period."
During each Extension Period, if any, each holder of record of Preferred
Securities will continue to accrue income (as original issue discount ("OID"))
in respect of the deferred interest allocable to its Preferred Securities for
United States federal income tax purposes. As a result, each holder of
Preferred Securities will recognize income for United States federal income
tax purposes in advance of the receipt of cash, and will not receive cash
related to such income from Countrywide Capital Trust if such holder disposes
of its Preferred Securities prior to the record date for payment of such
deferred interest. The Company has no current intention of exercising its
right to defer payments of interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities.
However, should the Company determine to exercise such right in the future,
the market price of the Preferred Securities is likely to
S-7
<PAGE>
be affected. A holder that disposes of its Preferred Securities during an
Extension Period, therefore, might not receive the same return on its
investment as a holder that continues to hold its Preferred Securities. In
addition, as a result of the existence of the Company's right to defer
interest payments, the market price of the Preferred Securities (which
represent undivided beneficial interests in the Subordinated Debt Securities)
may be more volatile than other securities on which OID accrues that do not
have such rights. See "United States Federal Income Taxation--Original Issue
Discount."
PROPOSED TAX LEGISLATION
On March 19, 1996, President Clinton proposed certain tax law changes that
would, among other things, generally deny corporate issuers a deduction for
interest in respect of certain debt obligations issued on or after December 7,
1995 (the "Proposed Legislation") if such debt obligations have a maximum term
in excess of twenty years and are not shown as indebtedness on the issuer's
applicable consolidated balance sheet. In addition, the Proposed Legislation
would deny issuers an interest deduction on any debt instruments with a
weighted average maturity greater than 40 years. On March 29, 1996, Senate
Finance Committee Chairman William V. Roth, Jr. and House Ways and Means
Committee Chairman Bill Archer issued a joint statement (the "Joint
Statement") indicating their intent that certain legislative proposals
initiated by the Clinton administration, including the Proposed Legislation,
that may be adopted by either of the tax-writing committees of Congress would
have an effective date that is no earlier than the date of "appropriate
Congressional action." Based upon the Joint Statement, it is expected that if
the Proposed Legislation were to be enacted, such legislation would not apply
to the Subordinated Debt Securities. There can be no assurance, however, that
the effective date guidance contained in the Joint Statement will be
incorporated into the Proposed Legislation, if enacted, or that other
legislation enacted after the date hereof will not otherwise adversely affect
the ability of the Company to deduct the interest payable on the Subordinated
Debt Securities. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a Tax Event will
not occur. See "Description of the Preferred Securities--Tax Event Redemption
or Distribution."
TAX EVENT REDEMPTION OR DISTRIBUTION
Upon the occurrence of a Tax Event, Countrywide Capital Trust will be
dissolved, except in the limited circumstances described below, with the
result that the Subordinated Debt Securities, together with the Debt
Guarantee, would be distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities in
connection with the liquidation of the Trust. In certain circumstances, the
Company will have the right to redeem the Subordinated Debt Securities, in
whole or in part, in lieu of a distribution of the Subordinated Debt
Securities and the Debt Guarantee by the Trust, in which event the Trust will
redeem the Trust Securities to the same extent as the Subordinated Debt
Securities are redeemed by the Company. See "Description of the Preferred
Securities--Tax Event Redemption or Distribution."
Under current United States federal income tax law, a distribution of
Subordinated Debt Securities, together with the Debt Guarantee, upon the
dissolution of Countrywide Capital Trust would not be a taxable event to
holders of the Preferred Securities. Upon the occurrence of a Tax Event,
however, a dissolution of Countrywide Capital Trust in which holders of the
Preferred Securities receive cash would be a taxable event to such holders.
See "United States Federal Income Taxation--Receipt of Subordinated Debt
Securities (and the Debt Guarantee) or Cash Upon Liquidation of Countrywide
Capital Trust."
There can be no assurance as to the market prices for the Preferred
Securities or the Subordinated Debt Securities that may be distributed in
exchange for Preferred Securities if a dissolution or liquidation of the Trust
were to occur. Accordingly, the Preferred Securities that an investor may
purchase, whether pursuant to the offering made hereby or in the secondary
market, or the Subordinated Debt Securities that a holder of Preferred
Securities may receive on dissolution and liquidation of the Trust, may trade
at a discount to the price paid to purchase the Preferred Securities offered
hereby. Because the ability of the Trust to pay amounts due on the Preferred
Securities is wholly dependent upon the Company's making payments on the
Subordinated Debt
S-8
<PAGE>
Securities as and when required, or CCI's making payments on the Debt
Guarantee as and when required, and because holders of Preferred Securities
may receive Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee upon the
occurrence of a Tax Event, prospective purchasers of Preferred Securities are
also making an investment decision with regard to the Subordinated Debt
Securities and the Debt Guarantee and should carefully review all the
information regarding the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee
contained herein and in the accompanying Prospectus and evaluate the credit
risk of the Company and CCI. See "Description of the Preferred Securities--Tax
Event Redemption or Distribution" and "Description of the Subordinated Debt
Securities and the Debt Guarantee--General."
CONSEQUENCES OF HIGHLY LEVERAGED TRANSACTION
Neither the Indenture nor the Debt Guarantee contains provisions that afford
holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities protection in the event of a
highly leveraged transaction, including a change of control, or other similar
transactions involving the Company or CCI that may adversely affect such
holders. See "Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt
Guarantee--General."
LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS
Holders of Preferred Securities will have limited voting rights and will not
be entitled to vote to appoint, remove or replace, or to increase or decrease
the number of, Countrywide Trustees (as defined herein), of which the Regular
Trustees (as defined herein) will be persons who are employees or officers of,
or who are affiliated with, CCI. Such voting rights with respect to the
Countrywide Trustees are vested exclusively in the holder of the Common
Securities which will be CCI. See "Description of the Preferred Securities--
Voting Rights."
TRADING PRICE
Application has been made to have the Preferred Securities listed, subject
to notice of issuance, as an equity security on the New York Stock Exchange.
The Preferred Securities are expected to trade at a price that takes into
account the value, if any, of accrued and unpaid distributions. Therefore,
other than as may be included in the trading price of the Preferred
Securities, purchasers of Preferred Securities would not pay, and sellers
would not receive, any amount in respect of accrued and unpaid interest on the
Subordinated Debt Securities in which such Preferred Securities represent
undivided beneficial interests. However, a holder who disposes of his
Preferred Securities between record dates for payments of distributions
thereon will be required to include accrued but unpaid interest on the
Subordinated Debt Securities through the date of disposition in income as
ordinary income (i.e., OID), and to add such amount to such holder's adjusted
tax basis in the underlying Subordinated Debt Securities deemed disposed of by
virtue of such holder's disposition of Preferred Securities. To the extent the
selling price is less than the holder's adjusted tax basis (which will
include, in the form of OID, all accrued but unpaid interest), a holder will
recognize a capital loss. Subject to certain limited exceptions, capital
losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income for United States federal
income tax purposes. See "United States Federal Income Taxation--Original
Issue Discount" and "--Sales of Preferred Securities." Because the Preferred
Securities pay distributions at a fixed rate based upon the fixed interest
rate payable on the Subordinated Debt Securities, the trading price of the
Preferred Securities may decline if interest rates rise.
S-9
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. (formerly Countrywide Funding Corporation), the
principal subsidiary of Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., is engaged
primarily in the mortgage banking business and as such originates, purchases,
sells and services mortgage loans. The Company is a New York corporation,
originally incorporated in 1969. Its principal executive offices are located
at 155 North Lake Avenue, P. O. Box 7137, Pasadena, California 91109-7137, and
its telephone number is (818) 304-8400.
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
CCI is a holding company which through its principal subsidiary, Countrywide
Home Loans, Inc., is engaged in the mortgage banking business. CCI, through
its other wholly-owned subsidiaries, offers products and services
complementary to its mortgage banking business. CCI is a Delaware corporation,
and was originally incorporated in New York under the name of OLM Credit
Industries, Inc. in 1969. Its principal executive offices are located at 155
North Lake Avenue, P. O. Box 7137, Pasadena, California 91109-7137, and its
telephone number is (818) 304-8400.
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL TRUST
Countrywide Capital Trust is a statutory business trust formed under
Delaware law pursuant to (i) a declaration of trust, dated as of October 14,
1996, executed by CCI, as sponsor (the "Sponsor"), and the trustees of
Countrywide Capital Trust (the "Countrywide Trustees") and (ii) the filing of
a certificate of trust with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on
October 15, 1996. Such declaration will be amended and restated in its
entirety (as so amended and restated, the "Declaration") substantially in the
form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus form a part. The
Declaration will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.
Upon issuance of the Preferred Securities, the purchasers thereof will own all
of the Preferred Securities. See "Description of the Preferred Securities--
Book-Entry Only Issuance--The Depository Trust Company." CCI will acquire
Common Securities in an aggregate liquidation amount equal to 3% of the total
capital of Countrywide Capital Trust. Countrywide Capital Trust exists for the
exclusive purposes of (i) issuing the Trust Securities representing undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust, (ii) investing the gross
proceeds from the sale of the Trust Securities in the Subordinated Debt
Securities and the Debt Guarantee and (iii) engaging in only those other
activities necessary or incidental thereto.
Pursuant to the Declaration, the number of Countrywide Trustees will
initially be five. Three of the Countrywide Trustees (the "Regular Trustees")
will be persons who are employees or officers of, or who are affiliated with,
CCI. The fourth trustee will be a financial institution that is unaffiliated
with CCI, which trustee will serve as institutional trustee under the
Declaration and as indenture trustee for the purposes of compliance with the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act (the "Institutional Trustee").
Initially, The Bank of New York, a New York banking corporation, will be the
Institutional Trustee until removed or replaced by the holder of the Common
Securities. The Bank of New York will also act as trustee (the "Preferred
Guarantee Trustee") under the Preferred Securities Guarantee and as Debt
Trustee (as defined herein) under the Indenture. The fifth trustee will be an
entity that maintains its principal place of business in the State of Delaware
(the "Delaware Trustee"). Initially, The Bank of New York (Delaware), an
affiliate of the Institutional Trustee, will act as Delaware Trustee. See
"Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees" in the accompanying
Prospectus and "Description of the Preferred Securities--Voting Rights"
herein.
The Institutional Trustee will hold title to the Subordinated Debt
Securities and the Debt Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the Trust
Securities, and the Institutional Trustee will have the power to exercise all
rights, powers and privileges under the Indenture as the holder of the
Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt
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<PAGE>
Guarantee. In addition, the Institutional Trustee will maintain exclusive
control of a segregated non-interest bearing bank account (the "Property
Account") to hold all payments made in respect of the Subordinated Debt
Securities and the Debt Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the Trust
Securities. The Institutional Trustee will make payments of distributions and
payments on liquidation, redemption and otherwise to the holders of record of
the Trust Securities out of funds from the Property Account. The Preferred
Guarantee Trustee will hold the Preferred Securities Guarantee for the benefit
of the holders of the Preferred Securities. CCI, as holder of all the Common
Securities, will have the right, subject to the Trust Indenture Act with
respect to the Institutional Trustee and Delaware law with respect to the
Delaware Trustee, to appoint, remove or replace any Countrywide Trustee and to
increase or decrease the number of Countrywide Trustees. The Company will pay
all fees and expenses related to Countrywide Capital Trust and the offering
and sale of the Trust Securities. See "Description of the Subordinated Debt
Securities and the Debt Guarantee--Miscellaneous."
The rights of the holders of the Preferred Securities, including economic
rights, rights to information and voting rights, are set forth in the
Declaration, the Delaware Business Trust Act, as amended (the "Trust Act"),
and the Trust Indenture Act. See "Description of the Preferred Securities."
Countrywide Capital Trust's registered office in the State of Delaware is
c/o The Bank of New York (Delaware), 400 White Clay Center, Route 273, Newark,
Delaware 19711, Attn: Corporate Trust Administration. The principal place of
business of the Trust is c/o Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., 155 North
Lake Avenue, P.O. Box 7137, Pasadena, California 91109-7137, and its telephone
is (818) 304-8400.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the actual capitalization of CCI at August
31, 1996, and the "As Adjusted" column reflects, on a pro forma basis as of
such date, the application of the estimated net proceeds from the sale of the
Preferred Securities (assuming the over-allotment option granted to the
Underwriters is not exercised). See "Use of Proceeds." The table should be
read in conjunction with CCI's consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto incorporated by reference herein. See "Incorporation of Certain
Documents by Reference" in the accompanying Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
--------------- -----------------
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Long-term debt................................. $ 2,036,500 $
=============== ==============
Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable
Preferred Securities of subsidiary trust(1)... $ -- $
Preferred Stock--authorized, 1,500,000 shares
of $.05 par value; issued and outstanding,
none.......................................... -- --
Common Stockholders' equity
Common Stock--authorized, 240,000,000 shares
of $.05 par value; issued and outstanding,
102,699,926 shares(2)....................... 5,135 5,135
Additional paid-in capital..................... 827,969 827,969
Retained earnings.............................. 601,197 601,197
--------------- --------------
Total common stockholders' equity.......... 1,434,301 1,434,301
--------------- --------------
Total Preferred Stock and common stockholders'
equity........................................ $ 1,434,301 $
=============== ==============
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) As described herein, the sole assets of Countrywide Capital I, a
subsidiary trust of CCI, will be the % Junior Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Debentures due 2045 of the Company with an aggregate principal
amount of approximately $ , and upon redemption of such debt, the
Preferred Securities will be mandatorily redeemable.
(2) Does not include 13,901,226 shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of
stock options of which options for 3,926,880 shares were exercisable as of
August 31, 1996.
S-11
<PAGE>
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed charges of CCI
for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
AUGUST 31, YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28 (29),
----------- -----------------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges........................ 2.29 2.02 2.13 1.69 2.32 2.76 2.38
</TABLE>
For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
consist of income before federal income taxes, plus fixed charges. Fixed
charges include interest expense on debt and the portion of rental expenses
which is considered to be representative of the interest factor (one-third of
operating leases).
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The financial statements of Countrywide Capital Trust will be consolidated
into CCI's consolidated financial statements, with the Preferred Securities
shown as Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of
Countrywide Capital Trust holding as its sole assets the Subordinated Debt
Securities and the Debt Guarantee. See "Capitalization."
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Trust will use the gross proceeds received from the sale of the
Preferred Securities to purchase Subordinated Debt Securities from the
Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds (after payment of the
expenses of the offering and Underwriters' Compensation) from the sale of the
Subordinated Debt Securities for general corporate purposes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES
The Preferred Securities will be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Declaration. The Declaration will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust
Indenture Act. The Institutional Trustee, The Bank of New York, will act as
indenture trustee for the Preferred Securities under the Declaration for
purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. The
terms of the Preferred Securities will include those stated in the Declaration
and those made part of the Declaration by the Trust Indenture Act. The
following summary of the material terms and provisions of the Preferred
Securities does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in
its entirety by reference to, the Declaration, a copy of which is filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus Supplement is a
part, the Trust Act and the Trust Indenture Act.
GENERAL
The Declaration authorizes the Regular Trustees to issue on behalf of the
Trust the Trust Securities, which represent undivided beneficial interests in
the assets of the Trust. All of the Common Securities will be owned by CCI.
The Common Securities will rank pari passu, and payments will be made thereon
on a pro rata basis, with the Preferred Securities, except that upon the
occurrence and during the continuance of a Declaration Event of Default, the
rights of the holders of the Common Securities to receive payment of periodic
distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise will be
subordinated to the rights of the holders of the Preferred Securities. The
Declaration does not permit the issuance by the Trust of any securities other
than the Trust Securities or the incurrence of any indebtedness by the Trust.
Pursuant to the Declaration, the Institutional Trustee will own the
Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee purchased by the Trust for
the benefit of the holders of the Trust Securities. The payment of
distributions out of money held by the Trust, and payments upon redemption of
the Preferred Securities or liquidation of the Trust, are guaranteed by CCI to
the extent described under "Description of the Preferred Securities
Guarantees" in the accompanying Prospectus. The
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Preferred Securities Guarantee will be held by The Bank of New York, the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Preferred
Securities. The Preferred Securities Guarantee does not cover payment of
distributions to the extent the Trust does not have available funds to pay
such distributions. In such event, the remedy of holders of Preferred
Securities would be, through the vote of holders of a majority in liquidation
amount of the Preferred Securities, to direct the Institutional Trustee to
enforce the Institutional Trustee's rights under the Subordinated Debt
Securities and the Debt Guarantee except in the limited circumstances in which
a holder of Preferred Securities may take Direct Action. See "--Voting Rights"
and "--Declaration Events of Default."
DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions on the Preferred Securities will be fixed at a rate per annum
of % of the stated liquidation amount of $25 per Preferred Security.
Distributions in arrears for more than one quarter will accrue at the
distribution rate per annum of % thereof compounded quarterly. The term
"distribution" as used herein includes any such compounded distributions
payable unless otherwise stated. The amount of distributions payable for any
period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months
and the actual number of days elapsed per 30-day month.
Distributions on the Preferred Securities will be cumulative, will accrue
from , 1996 and will be payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June
30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 1996,
when, as and if available for payment. Distributions will be made by the
Institutional Trustee, except as otherwise described below.
The Company has the right under the Indenture to defer payments of interest
on the Subordinated Debt Securities by extending the interest payment period
at any time and from time to time on the Subordinated Debt Securities, subject
to the conditions described below. If such right is exercised, quarterly
distributions on the Preferred Securities will also be deferred (though such
distributions would continue to accrue at the distribution rate of % per
annum, compounded quarterly (to the extent permitted by law) since interest
would continue to accrue on the Subordinated Debt Securities at a rate of %
per annum compounded quarterly) during any Extension Period. Such right to
extend any interest payment period for the Subordinated Debt Securities is
limited to Extension Periods, each not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters, and
no Extension Period may be initiated while accrued interest from a prior,
completed Extension Period is unpaid or extend beyond the maturity of the
Subordinated Debt Securities. In the event that the Company exercises this
right, then during any Extension Period (a) CCI and the Company shall not
declare or pay dividends on, make a distribution with respect to, or redeem,
purchase or acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its
capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock (other than (i)
purchases or acquisitions of shares of any such capital stock or rights to
acquire such capital stock in connection with the satisfaction by CCI or the
Company, respectively, of its obligations under any employee benefit plans,
(ii) as a result of a reclassification of CCI's or the Company's capital stock
or rights to acquire such capital stock or the exchange or conversion of one
class or series of CCI's or the Company's capital stock or rights to acquire
such capital stock for another class or series of CCI's or the Company's
capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock, (iii) the purchase of
fractional interests in shares of CCI's or the Company's capital stock
pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such capital stock or the
security being converted or exchanged or (iv) dividends and distributions made
on CCI's or the Company's capital stock or rights to acquire such capital
stock with CCI's or the Company's capital stock or rights to acquire such
capital stock, (b) CCI and the Company shall not make any payment of interest,
principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt
securities issued by CCI or the Company that rank pari passu with or junior to
such Subordinated Debt Securities and (c) CCI shall not make any guarantee
payments with respect to the foregoing (other than pursuant to the Preferred
Securities Guarantee or the Debt Guarantee). Prior to the termination of any
such Extension Period, the Company may further extend the interest payment
period; provided that each such Extension Period, together with all such
previous and further extensions thereof, may not exceed 20 consecutive
quarters or extend beyond the maturity of the Subordinated Debt Securities.
Upon the termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all amounts
then due, the Company may commence a
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new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements. See "Description of
the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee--Interest" and "--
Option to Extend Interest Payment Period." If distributions are deferred, the
deferred distributions (including accrued interest on the Subordinated Debt
Securities) shall be paid on the quarterly distribution payment date next
following the termination of the Extension Period to holders of the Preferred
Securities as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the record
date next following the termination of such Extension Period.
Distributions on the Preferred Securities must be paid on the dates payable
(after giving effect to any Extension Period) to the extent that the Trust has
funds available for the payment of such distributions in the Property Account.
The Trust's funds available for distribution to the holders of the Preferred
Securities will be limited to payments received from the Company on the
Subordinated Debt Securities and CCI on the Debt Guarantee. See "Description
of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee." The payment of
distributions out of moneys held by the Trust is guaranteed by CCI to the
extent set forth under "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees" in
the accompanying Prospectus.
Distributions on the Preferred Securities will be payable to the holders
thereof as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the relevant
record dates, which, as long as the Preferred Securities remain in book-entry
only form, will be one Business Day (as defined below) prior to the relevant
payment dates. Such distributions will be paid through the Institutional
Trustee who will hold amounts received in respect of the Subordinated Debt
Securities and the Debt Guarantee in the Property Account for the benefit of
the holders of the Trust Securities. Subject to any applicable laws and
regulations and the provisions of the Declaration, each such payment will be
made as described under "--Book-Entry Only Issuance--The Depository Trust
Company" below. In the event that the Preferred Securities do not continue to
remain in book-entry only form, the Regular Trustees shall select relevant
record dates, which shall be more than one Business Day prior to the relevant
payment dates. In the event that any date on which distributions are to be
made on the Preferred Securities is not a Business Day, then payment of the
distributions payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day
which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect
of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next
succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made
on such payment date. A "Business Day" shall mean any day other than Saturday,
Sunday or any other day on which banking institutions in New York City (in the
State of New York) are permitted or required by any applicable law to close.
MANDATORY REDEMPTION
The Subordinated Debt Securities will mature on December 31, 2045 and may be
redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on or after
December 31, 2001, or at any time in certain circumstances upon the occurrence
of a Tax Event. See "Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the
Debt Guarantees." Upon the repayment of the Subordinated Debt Securities,
whether at maturity or upon redemption, the proceeds from such repayment or
payment shall simultaneously be applied to redeem, at the Redemption Price,
Trust Securities having an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the aggregate
principal amount of the Subordinated Debt Securities so repaid or redeemed;
provided that holders of Trust Securities shall be given not less than 30 nor
more than 60 days notice of such redemption. See "Description of the
Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee--Optional Redemption." In
the event that fewer than all of the outstanding Preferred Securities are to
be redeemed, the Preferred Securities will be redeemed in accordance with the
procedures of DTC (as defined herein) as described under "--Book-Entry Only
Issuance--The Depository Trust Company" below.
TAX EVENT REDEMPTION OR DISTRIBUTION
"Tax Event" means that the Regular Trustees shall have received an opinion
of a nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters
(a "Dissolution Tax Opinion") to the effect that, as a result of (a) any
amendment to, clarification of or change (including any announced prospective
change) in, the laws
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(or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political
subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, (b) any judicial decision
or official administrative pronouncement, ruling, regulatory procedure, notice
or announcement, including any notice or announcement of intent to adopt such
procedures or regulations (an "Administrative Action") or (c) any amendment
to, clarification of or change in the administrative position or
interpretation of any Administrative Action or judicial decision that differs
from the theretofore generally accepted position, in each case, by any
legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory body, irrespective
of the manner in which such amendment, clarification or change is made known,
which amendment, clarification or change is effective or such Administrative
Action or decision is announced, in each case, on or after the date of this
Prospectus Supplement, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the
Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date thereof, subject to United
States federal income tax with respect to interest accrued or received on the
Subordinated Debt Securities or subject to more than a de minimis amount of
other taxes, duties or other governmental charges, (ii) any portion of
interest payable by the Company to the Trust on the Subordinated Debt
Securities is not, or within 90 days of the date thereof will not be,
deductible by the Company for United States federal income tax purposes, or
(iii) the Company could become liable to pay, on the next date on which any
amount would be payable with respect to the Subordinated Debt Securities, any
Additional Interest (as defined in the Indenture).
If, at any time, a Tax Event shall occur and be continuing, the Regular
Trustees will, except in the limited circumstances described below, dissolve
the Trust and, after satisfaction of creditors, cause Subordinated Debt
Securities held by the Institutional Trustee, having an aggregate principal
amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of, with an interest
rate identical to the distribution rate of, and accrued and unpaid interest
equal to accrued and unpaid distributions on, and having the same record date,
as the Trust Securities, to be distributed to the holders of the Trust
Securities, together with the Debt Guarantee, in liquidation of such holders'
interests in the Trust on a pro rata basis within 90 days following the
occurrence of such Tax Event; provided, however, that such dissolution and
distribution shall be conditioned on (i) the Regular Trustees' receipt of an
opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such
matters (a "No Recognition Opinion"), which opinion may rely on published
revenue rulings of the Internal Revenue Service, to the effect that the
holders of the Trust Securities will not recognize any gain or loss for United
States federal income tax purposes as a result of such dissolution and
distribution of Subordinated Debt Securities and (ii) the Company being unable
to avoid the adverse effects of such Tax Event within such 90-day period by
taking some ministerial action such as filing a form or making an election or
pursuing some other similar reasonable measure that will have no adverse
effect on the Trust, CCI, the Company or the holders of the Trust Securities.
Furthermore, if after a Tax Event has occurred (i) the Company receives an
opinion (a "Redemption Tax Opinion") of nationally recognized independent tax
counsel experienced in such matters that, as a result of such Tax Event, there
is more than an insubstantial risk that the Company would be precluded from
deducting the interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities for United States
federal income tax purposes, even if the Subordinated Debt Securities were
distributed to the holders of Trust Securities in liquidation of such holders'
interests in the Trust as described above, or (ii) the Regular Trustees shall
have been informed by the tax counsel expressing the Dissolution Tax Opinion
that it cannot deliver a No Recognition Opinion to the Trust, the Company
shall have the right at any time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days
notice, to redeem the Subordinated Debt Securities, in whole or in part, for
cash so long as such Tax Event is continuing, and, following such redemption,
Trust Securities with an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the aggregate
principal amount of the Subordinated Debt Securities so redeemed shall be
redeemed by the Trust at the Redemption Price; provided, however, that if at
the time there is available to the Company or the Trust the opportunity to
eliminate, within such 90-day period, the adverse effects of the Tax Event by
taking some ministerial action, such as filing a form or making an election or
pursuing some other similar reasonable measure that will have no adverse
effect on the Trust, CCI, the Company or the holders of the Trust Securities,
the Company or the Trust will pursue such measure in lieu of redemption.
If the Subordinated Debt Securities, together with the Debt Guarantee, are
distributed to the holders of the Preferred Securities, the Company will use
its best efforts to cause the Subordinated Debt Securities to be listed on the
New York Stock Exchange or on such other exchange as the Preferred Securities
are then listed.
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After the date for any distribution of Subordinated Debt Securities,
together with the Debt Guarantee, upon dissolution of the Trust, (i) the
Preferred Securities will be deemed to be no longer outstanding, (ii) the
Depositary (as defined herein) or its nominee, as the record holder of the
Preferred Securities, will receive a registered Global Certificate (as defined
herein) or Certificates representing the Subordinated Debt Securities and the
Debt Guarantee to be delivered upon such distribution, and (iii) any
certificates representing Preferred Securities not held by the Depositary or
its nominee will be deemed to represent undivided beneficial interests in such
of the Subordinated Debt Securities as have an aggregate principal amount
equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of, with an interest rate
identical to the distribution rate of, and bearing accrued and unpaid interest
equal to accrued and unpaid distributions on, such Preferred Securities until
such certificates are presented to the Company or its agent for transfer or
reissuance.
There can be no assurance as to the market prices for either the Preferred
Securities or the Subordinated Debt Securities that may be distributed in
exchange for the Preferred Securities if a dissolution and liquidation of the
Trust were to occur. Accordingly, the Preferred Securities that an investor
may purchase, whether pursuant to the offering made hereby or in the secondary
market, or the Subordinated Debt Securities that an investor may receive if a
dissolution and liquidation of the Trust were to occur, may trade at a
discount to the price paid to purchase the Preferred Securities offered
hereby.
REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
The Trust may not redeem fewer than all of the outstanding Preferred
Securities unless all accrued and unpaid distributions have been paid on all
Preferred Securities for all quarterly distribution periods terminating on or
prior to the date of redemption.
If the Trust gives a notice of redemption in respect of Preferred Securities
(which notice will be irrevocable), then, by 12:00 noon, New York City time,
on the redemption date, provided that the Company has paid to the
Institutional Trustee a sufficient amount of cash in connection with the
related redemption or maturity of the Subordinated Debt Securities, the Trust
will irrevocably deposit with the Depositary funds sufficient to pay the
applicable Redemption Price and will give the Depositary irrevocable
instructions and authority to pay the Redemption Price to the holders of the
Preferred Securities. See "--Book-Entry Only Issuance--The Depository Trust
Company." If notice of redemption shall have been given and funds deposited as
required, then, immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such
deposit, distributions will cease to accrue and all rights of holders of such
Preferred Securities so called for redemption will cease, except the right of
the holders of such Preferred Securities to receive the Redemption Price but
without interest on such Redemption Price. In the event that any date fixed
for redemption of Preferred Securities is not a Business Day, then payment of
the Redemption Price payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding
day that is a Business Day (without any interest or other payment in respect
of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day falls in the next
calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding Business
Day. In the event that payment of the Redemption Price in respect of Preferred
Securities is improperly withheld or refused and not paid by the Trust, or by
CCI pursuant to the Preferred Securities Guarantee, distributions on such
Preferred Securities will continue to accrue at the then applicable rate from
the original redemption date to the date of payment, in which case the actual
payment date will be considered the date fixed for redemption for purposes of
calculating the Redemption Price.
In the event that fewer than all of the outstanding Preferred Securities are
to be redeemed, the Preferred Securities will be redeemed in accordance with
the procedures of DTC as described below under "--Book-Entry Only Issuance--
The Depository Trust Company."
Subject to the foregoing and applicable law (including, without limitation,
United States federal securities laws), provided the acquiror is not the
holder of the Common Securities or the obligor under the Subordinated Debt
Securities, CCI or its subsidiaries may at any time, and from time to time,
purchase outstanding Preferred Securities by tender, in the open market or by
private agreement.
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LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON DISSOLUTION
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution,
winding-up or termination of the Trust (each a "Liquidation"), the holders of
the Preferred Securities will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the
Trust, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, distributions in an
amount equal to the aggregate of the stated liquidation amount of $25 per
Preferred Security plus accrued and unpaid distributions thereon to the date
of payment (the "Liquidation Distribution"), unless, in connection with such
Liquidation, Subordinated Debt Securities in an aggregate stated principal
amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of, with an interest
rate identical to the distribution rate of, and bearing accrued and unpaid
interest equal to accrued and unpaid distributions on, the Preferred
Securities have been distributed on a pro rata basis to the holders of the
Preferred Securities.
If, upon any such Liquidation, the Liquidation Distribution can be paid only
in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the
aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the
Trust on the Preferred Securities shall be paid on a pro rata basis. The
holders of the Common Securities will be entitled to receive distributions
upon any such dissolution pro rata with the holders of the Preferred
Securities, except that if a Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, the Preferred Securities shall have a preference over the Common
Securities with regard to such distributions.
Pursuant to the Declaration, the Trust shall terminate (i) on December 31,
2050, the expiration of the term of the Trust, (ii) upon the bankruptcy of CCI
or the Company, (iii) (other than in connection with a merger, consolidation
or similar transaction not prohibited by the Indenture, Declaration, Debt
Guarantee or Preferred Securities Guarantee, as the case may be) upon the
filing of a certificate of dissolution or its equivalent with respect to CCI
or the Company, the filing of a certificate of cancellation with respect to
the Trust after obtaining the consent of the holders of at least a majority in
liquidation amount of the Trust Securities voting together as a single class
to file such certificate of cancellation, or the revocation of the charter of
CCI or the Company and the expiration of 90 days after the date of revocation
without a reinstatement thereof, (iv) upon the distribution of Subordinated
Debt Securities, together with the Debt Guarantee, upon the occurrence of a
Tax Event, (v) upon the entry of a decree of a judicial dissolution of CCI,
the Company or the Trust, or (vi) upon the redemption of all the Trust
Securities.
DECLARATION EVENTS OF DEFAULT
An event of default under the Indenture (an "Indenture Event of Default")
constitutes an event of default under the Declaration with respect to the
Trust Securities (a "Declaration Event of Default"); provided that pursuant to
the Declaration, the holder of the Common Securities will be deemed to have
waived any Declaration Event of Default with respect to the Common Securities
until all Declaration Events of Default with respect to the Preferred
Securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until such
Declaration Events of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities have
been so cured, waived, or otherwise eliminated, the Institutional Trustee will
be deemed to be acting solely on behalf of the holders of the Preferred
Securities and only the holders of the Preferred Securities will have the
right to direct the Institutional Trustee with respect to certain matters
under the Declaration, and therefore the Indenture. If the Institutional
Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the Subordinated Debt Securities or
the Debt Guarantee after a holder of record of Preferred Securities has made a
written request, such holder of record of Preferred Securities may institute a
legal proceeding against the Company or CCI to enforce the Institutional
Trustee's rights under the Subordinated Debt Securities or the Debt Guarantee,
as the case may be, without first instituting any legal proceeding against the
Institutional Trustee or any other person or entity including in the case of
the Debt Guarantee, the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a
Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and such event is
attributable to (i) the failure of the Company to pay interest or principal on
the Subordinated Debt Securities on the respective dates such interest or
principal is payable (or in the case of redemption, the redemption date) or
(ii) the failure of CCI to pay any obligation in respect thereof under the
Debt Guarantee, then a holder of record of Preferred Securities may, after
such holder's written request to the Institutional Trustee to pursue such
trustee's remedies under the Indenture and the Debt Guarantee as holder of the
Subordinated Debt Securities and
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any failure by the Institutional Trustee to do so, institute directly against
the Company or CCI, as the case may be, a proceeding for enforcement of
payment, on or after the respective due dates specified in the Subordinated
Debt Securities, to such holder directly of the principal of or interest on
Subordinated Debt Securities having an aggregate principal amount equal to the
aggregate liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities of such holder. In
connection with such Direct Action, the Company and CCI will be subrogated to
the rights of such holder of Preferred Securities under the Declaration to the
extent of any payment made by the Company or CCI, as the case may be, to such
holder of Preferred Securities in such Direct Action; provided, however, that
no such subrogation right may be exercised so long as a Declaration Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing. The holders of Preferred Securities
will not be able to exercise directly any other remedy available to the
holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities or the Debt Guarantee.
Upon the occurrence of a Declaration Event of Default, the Institutional
Trustee, so long as it is the sole holder of the Subordinated Debt Securities,
will have the right under the Indenture to declare the principal of and
interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities to be immediately due and
payable. CCI and the Trust are each required to file annually with the
Institutional Trustee an officer's certificate as to its compliance with all
conditions and covenants under the Declaration.
VOTING RIGHTS
Except as described herein, under the Trust Act, the Trust Indenture Act and
under "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees--Modification of the
Preferred Securities Guarantees; Assignment" in the accompanying Prospectus,
and as otherwise required by law and the Declaration, the holders of the
Preferred Securities will have no voting rights. The Regular Trustees are
required to call a meeting of the holders of the Preferred Securities if
directed to do so by holders of at least 10% in aggregate liquidation amount
thereof.
Subject to the requirement of the Institutional Trustee's obtaining a tax
opinion in certain circumstances set forth in the last sentence of this
paragraph, the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the
Preferred Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Institutional
Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Institutional
Trustee under the Declaration, including the right to direct the Institutional
Trustee, as holder of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee,
to (i) exercise the remedies available to it under the Indenture as a holder
of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee, (ii) waive any
past default that is waivable under the Indenture, (iii) exercise any right to
rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all the Subordinated Debt
Securities shall be due and payable or (iv) consent on behalf of all the
holders of the Preferred Securities to any amendment, modification or
termination of the Indenture, the Subordinated Debt Securities or the Debt
Guarantee where such consent shall be required; provided, however, that, where
a consent or action under the Indenture would require the consent or act of
holders of more than a majority in principal amount of the Subordinated Debt
Securities (a "Super-Majority") affected thereby, the Institutional Trustee
may only give such consent or take such action at the written direction of the
holders of at least the proportion in aggregate liquidation amount of the
Preferred Securities outstanding which the relevant Super Majority represents
of the aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Debt Securities
outstanding. If the Institutional Trustee fails to enforce its rights under
the Subordinated Debt Securities or the Debt Guarantee, a holder of record of
Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against the
Company or CCI to enforce the Institutional Trustee's rights under the
Subordinated Debt Securities or the Debt Guarantee, as the case may be,
without first instituting any legal proceeding against the Institutional
Trustee or any other person or entity including, in the case of the Debt
Guarantee, against the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a
Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and such event is
attributable to (i) the failure of the Company to pay interest or principal on
the Subordinated Debt Securities on the respective dates such interest or
principal is payable (or in the case of redemption, the redemption date) or
(ii) the failure of CCI to pay any obligation in respect thereof under the
Debt Guarantee, then a holder of record of Preferred Securities may, after
such holder's written request to the Institutional Trustee to pursue such
trustee's remedies under the Indenture and the Debt Guarantee as holder of the
Subordinated Debt Securities and any failure by the Institutional Trustee to
do so,
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directly institute a proceeding for enforcement of payment, on or after the
respective due dates specified in the Subordinated Debt Securities, to such
holder directly of the principal of or interest on Subordinated Debt
Securities having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate
liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities of such holder. The
Institutional Trustee shall notify all holders of the Preferred Securities of
any default actually known to the Institutional Trustee with respect to the
Subordinated Debt Securities unless (x) such defaults have been cured prior to
the giving of such notice or (y) the Institutional Trustee determines in good
faith that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the holders of
the Preferred Securities, except where the default relates to the payment of
principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any of the Subordinated Debt
Securities. Such notice shall state that such Indenture Event of Default also
constitutes a Declaration Event of Default. Except with respect to directing
the time, method and place of conducting a proceeding for a remedy, the
Institutional Trustee shall not take any of the actions described in clauses
(i), (ii) or (iii) above unless the Institutional Trustee has obtained an
opinion of tax counsel to the effect that, as a result of such action, the
Trust will not be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States
federal income tax purposes.
In the event the consent of the Institutional Trustee, as the holder of the
Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee, is required under the
Indenture with respect to any amendment, modification or termination of the
Indenture, the Institutional Trustee shall request the direction of the
holders of the Trust Securities with respect to such amendment, modification
or termination and shall vote with respect to such amendment, modification or
termination as directed by a majority in liquidation amount of the Trust
Securities voting together as a single class; provided, however, that where a
consent under the Indenture would require the consent of a Super-Majority, the
Institutional Trustee may only give such consent at the direction of the
holders of at least the proportion in liquidation amount of the Trust
Securities outstanding which the relevant Super-Majority represents of the
aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Debt Securities outstanding.
The Institutional Trustee shall not take any such action in accordance with
the directions of the holders of the Trust Securities unless the Institutional
Trustee has obtained an opinion of tax counsel to the effect that, as a result
of such action, the Trust will not be classified as other than a grantor trust
for United States federal income tax purposes.
A waiver of an Indenture Event of Default will constitute a waiver of the
corresponding Declaration Event of Default.
Any required approval or direction of holders of Preferred Securities may be
given at a separate meeting of holders of Preferred Securities convened for
such purpose, at a meeting of all of the holders of Trust Securities or
pursuant to written consent. The Regular Trustees will cause a notice of any
meeting at which holders of Preferred Securities are entitled to vote, or of
any matter upon which action by written consent of such holders is to be
taken, to be mailed to each holder of record of Preferred Securities. Each
such notice will include a statement setting forth the following information:
(i) the date of such meeting or the date by which such action is to be taken;
(ii) a description of any resolution proposed for adoption at such meeting on
which such holders are entitled to vote or of such matter upon which written
consent is sought; and (iii) instructions for the delivery of proxies or
consents. No vote or consent of the holders of Preferred Securities will be
required for the Trust to redeem and cancel Preferred Securities or distribute
Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee in accordance with the
Declaration.
Notwithstanding that holders of Preferred Securities are entitled to vote or
consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the Preferred
Securities that are owned at such time by CCI or any entity directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect common
control with, CCI, shall not entitle the holders thereof to vote or consent
and shall, for purposes of such vote or consent, be treated as if such
Preferred Securities were not outstanding.
The procedures by which holders of Preferred Securities may exercise their
voting rights are described below. See "--Book-Entry Only Issuance--The
Depository Trust Company" below.
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Holders of the Preferred Securities will have no rights to appoint or remove
the Countrywide Trustees, who may be appointed, removed or replaced solely by
CCI as the holder of all of the Common Securities.
MODIFICATION OF THE DECLARATION
The Declaration may be amended without the consent of the holders of the
Trust Securities to: (i) cure any ambiguity; (ii) correct or supplement any
provision in the Declaration that may be defective or inconsistent with any
other provision of the Declaration; (iii) add to the covenants, restrictions
or obligations of CCI; (iv) conform to any change in Rule 3a-5 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), or written change
in interpretation or application of Rule 3a-5 by any legislative body, court,
government agency or regulatory authority, which amendment does not have a
material adverse effect on the rights, preferences or privileges of the
holders of the Trust Securities; and (v) modify, eliminate and add to any
provision of the Declaration to such extent as may be necessary, provided that
no such amendment shall adversely affect the powers, preferences or special
rights of the holders of the Trust Securities.
In addition, the Declaration may be modified and amended if approved by the
Regular Trustees (and in certain circumstances the Institutional Trustee and
the Delaware Trustee), provided that, if any proposed amendment provides for,
or the Regular Trustees otherwise propose to effect, (i) any action that would
adversely affect the powers, preferences or special rights of the Trust
Securities, whether by way of amendment to the Declaration or otherwise or
(ii) the dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust other than
pursuant to the terms of the Declaration, then the holders of the Trust
Securities voting together as a single class will be entitled to vote on such
amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective
except with the approval of at least a majority in liquidation amount of the
Trust Securities affected thereby; provided that if any amendment or proposal
referred to in clause (i) above would adversely affect only the Preferred
Securities or the Common Securities, then only the affected class will be
entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal
shall not be effective except with the approval of a majority in liquidation
amount of such class of Trust Securities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or modification may be made to
the Declaration if such amendment or modification would (i) cause the Trust to
be classified for purposes of United States federal income taxation as other
than a grantor trust, (ii) reduce or otherwise adversely affect the powers of
the Institutional Trustee in contravention of the Trust Indenture Act or (iii)
cause the Trust to be deemed an "investment company" which is required to be
registered under the 1940 Act.
MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS OR AMALGAMATIONS
The Trust may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be
replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to, any corporation or other body, except as
described below. The Trust may, with the consent of the Regular Trustees and
without the consent of the holders of the Trust Securities, the Institutional
Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into,
or be replaced by, a trust organized as such under the laws of any State of
the United States; provided that (i) if the Trust is not the survivor, such
successor entity either (x) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the
Trust under the Trust Securities or (y) substitutes for the Trust Securities
other securities having substantially the same terms as the Trust Securities
(the "Successor Securities"), so that the Successor Securities rank the same
as the Trust Securities rank with respect to distributions and payments upon
liquidation, redemption and otherwise, (ii) the Company expressly acknowledges
a trustee of such successor entity possessing the same powers and duties as
the Institutional Trustee as the holder of the Subordinated Debt Securities
and CCI expressly acknowledges such trustee of such successor entity as the
holder of the Debt Guarantee, (iii) the Preferred Securities or any Successor
Securities are listed, or any Successor Securities will be listed upon
notification of issuance, on any national securities exchange or with another
organization on which the Preferred Securities are then listed or quoted, (iv)
such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not cause the
Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) to be downgraded by
any nationally recognized statistical rating organization, (v) such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not adversely affect the
rights,
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preferences and privileges of the holders of the Trust Securities (including
any Successor Securities) in any material respect (other than with respect to
any dilution of the holders' interest in such successor entity), (vi) such
successor entity has a purpose identical to that of the Trust, (vii) prior to
such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement, the Regular Trustees
have received an opinion of a nationally recognized independent counsel to the
Trust experienced in such matters to the effect that (A) such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not adversely affect the
rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Trust Securities
(including any Successor Securities) in any material respect (other than with
respect to any dilution of the holders' interest in such successor entity),
(B) following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement, neither
the Trust nor such successor entity will be required to register as an
investment company under the 1940 Act and (C) following such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation or replacement, neither the Trust nor such
successor entity will be classified as other than a grantor trust for United
States federal income tax purposes, and (viii) CCI guarantees the obligations
of such successor entity under the Successor Securities at least to the extent
provided by the Preferred Securities Guarantee and the Common Securities
Guarantee (as described in the accompanying Prospectus). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Trust shall not, except with the consent of holders of 100% in
liquidation amount of the Trust Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge
with or into, or be replaced by, any other entity or permit any other entity
to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it, if such
consolidation, amalgamation, merger or replacement would cause the Trust or
the successor entity to be classified as other than a grantor trust for United
States federal income tax purposes.
BOOK-ENTRY ONLY ISSUANCE--THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY
The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") will act as securities depositary (the
"Depositary") for the Preferred Securities. The Preferred Securities will be
issued only as fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede &
Co. (DTC's nominee). One or more fully-registered global Preferred Securities
certificates (each, a "Global Certificate"), representing the total aggregate
number of Preferred Securities, will be issued and will be deposited with DTC.
The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair
the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the global Preferred
Securities as represented by a Global Certificate.
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law,
a member of the 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 Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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. Participants in DTC include
securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations
and certain other organizations ("Direct Participants"). DTC is owned by a
number of its Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, 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 transactions through
or maintain a direct or indirect 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 Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Purchases of Preferred Securities within the DTC system must be made by or
through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Preferred
Securities on DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser
of each Preferred Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on
the Direct Participants'
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and Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written
confirmation from DTC of their purchases, but Beneficial Owners are expected
to receive written confirmations providing details of the transactions, as
well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect
Participants through which the Beneficial Owners purchased Preferred
Securities. Transfers of ownership interests in the Preferred Securities are
to be accomplished by entries made on the books of Participants acting on
behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates
representing their ownership interests in the Preferred Securities, except in
the event that use of the book-entry system for the Preferred Securities is
discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all the Preferred Securities deposited
by Participants with DTC will be registered in the name of DTC's nominee, Cede
& Co. The deposit of Preferred Securities with DTC and their registration in
the name of Cede & Co. will effect no change in beneficial ownership. DTC will
have no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Preferred Securities.
DTC's records will reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to
whose accounts such Preferred Securities are credited, which may or may not be
the Beneficial Owners. The Direct Participants and Indirect Participants will
remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their
customers.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of a
Global Certificate, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be
considered the sole owner or holder of the Preferred Securities represented
thereby for all purposes under the Declaration and the Preferred Securities.
No Beneficial Owner of an interest in a Global Certificate will be able to
transfer that interest except in accordance with DTC's applicable procedures.
DTC has advised the Company that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a holder of Preferred Securities (including the presentation of
Preferred Securities for exchange as described below) only at the direction of
one or more Participants to whose accounts the DTC interests in the Global
Certificates are credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate
liquidation amount of Preferred Securities as to which such Participant or
Participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is a
Declaration Event of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities, DTC
will, upon notice, exchange the Global Certificates for certificated
securities, which it will distribute to its Participants.
Conveyance 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 will be governed
by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Redemption notices in respect of the Preferred Securities held in book-entry
form will be sent to Cede & Co. If less than all of the Preferred Securities
are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the
interest of each Direct Participant to be redeemed.
Although voting with respect to the Preferred Securities is limited, in
those cases where a vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself
consent or vote with respect to Preferred Securities. Under its usual
procedures, DTC would mail an Omnibus Proxy to the Trust as soon as possible
after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or
voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts the Preferred
Securities are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached
to the Omnibus Proxy).
Distributions on the Preferred Securities held in book-entry form will be
made to DTC in immediately available funds. DTC's practice is to credit Direct
Participants' accounts on the relevant payment date in accordance with their
respective holdings shown on DTC's records unless DTC has reason to believe
that it will not receive payments on such payment date. Payments by Direct
Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed
by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the
responsibility of such Direct Participants and Indirect Participants and not
of DTC, the Trust, CCI or the Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of distributions
to DTC is the responsibility of the Trust, disbursement of such payments to
Direct Participants is
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the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial
Owners is the responsibility of Direct Participants and Indirect Participants.
Except as provided herein, a Beneficial Owner of an interest in a Global
Certificate will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Preferred
Securities. Accordingly, each Beneficial Owner must rely on the procedures of
DTC, the Direct Participants and the Indirect Participants to exercise any
rights under the Preferred Securities.
Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate
transfers of interests in the Global Certificates among Participants of DTC,
DTC is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures,
and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither the Company, CCI,
the Trust nor the Institutional Trustee will have any responsibility for the
performance by DTC or its Direct Participants or Indirect Participants under
the rules and procedures governing DTC. DTC may discontinue providing its
services as securities depositary with respect to the Preferred Securities at
any time by giving notice to the Trust. Under such circumstances, in the event
that a successor securities depositary is not obtained, Preferred Security
certificates are required to be printed and delivered. Additionally, the Trust
(with the consent of the Company) may decide to discontinue use of the system
of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor depositary) with respect
to the Preferred Securities. In that event, certificates for the Preferred
Securities will be printed and delivered.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that CCI, the Company and the Trust believe to
be reliable, but neither CCI, the Company nor the Trust takes responsibility
for the accuracy thereof.
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENCY
Payments in respect of the Preferred Securities represented by the Global
Certificates shall be made to DTC, which shall credit the relevant accounts at
DTC on the applicable distribution payment dates or, in the case of
certificated securities in non-book-entry form, such payments shall be made by
check mailed to the address of the holder entitled thereto as such address
shall appear on books and records of the Trust. The paying agent for the Trust
Securities (the "Paying Agent") shall initially be The Bank of New York. The
Paying Agent shall be permitted to resign as Paying Agent upon 30 days'
written notice to the Institutional Trustee. In the event that The Bank of New
York shall no longer be the Paying Agent, the Institutional Trustee shall
appoint a successor to act as Paying Agent (which shall be a bank or trust
company).
REGISTRAR, TRANSFER AGENT AND PAYING AGENT
The Institutional Trustee will act as registrar, transfer agent and Paying
Agent for the Preferred Securities.
Registration of transfers or exchanges of Preferred Securities will be
effected without charge by or on behalf of the Trust, but upon payment (with
the giving of such indemnity as the Trust or the Company may require) in
respect of any tax or other government charges which may be imposed in
relation to it.
The Trust will not be required to register or cause to be registered the
transfer or exchange of Preferred Securities after such Preferred Securities
have been called for redemption.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE INSTITUTIONAL TRUSTEE
The Institutional Trustee, prior to the occurrence of a default with respect
to the Trust Securities and after the curing of any defaults that may have
occurred, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth
in the Declaration and, after default, shall exercise such of the rights and
powers vested in it by the Declaration, and use the same degree of care and
skill in their exercise, as a prudent individual would exercise or use in the
conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the
Institutional Trustee is under no
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obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Declaration at
the request of any holder of Preferred Securities, unless offered reasonable
indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities which
might be incurred thereby. The holders of Preferred Securities will not be
required to offer such indemnity in the event such holders, by exercising
their voting rights, direct the Institutional Trustee to take any action it is
empowered to take under the Declaration following a Declaration Event of
Default. The Institutional Trustee also serves as trustee under the Preferred
Securities Guarantee and the Indenture. CCI and certain of its subsidiaries
(including the Company) conduct certain banking transactions with the
Institutional Trustee in the ordinary course of their business.
Whenever in the exercise of its rights or powers or the performance of its
duties under the Declaration the Institutional Trustee shall deem it desirable
to receive instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or
taking any other action thereunder, the Institutional Trustee (i) may request
instructions from the holders of the Preferred Securities which instructions
may only be given by the holders of a majority, or such other proportion, in
liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities as would be entitled to direct
the Institutional Trustee under the terms of the Preferred Securities in
respect of such remedy, right or action, (ii) may refrain from enforcing such
remedy or right or taking such other action until such instructions are
received, and (iii) shall be protected in conclusively relying on or acting in
or accordance with such instructions.
GOVERNING LAW
The Declaration and the Preferred Securities will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without
regard to principles of conflict of laws.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Regular Trustees are authorized and directed to operate the Trust in
such a way so that the Trust will not be required to register as an
"investment company" under the 1940 Act nor be characterized as other than a
grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes. The Company is
authorized and directed to conduct its affairs so that the Subordinated Debt
Securities will be treated as indebtedness of the Company for United States
federal income tax purposes. In this connection, the Company, CCI and the
Regular Trustees are authorized to take any action, not inconsistent with
applicable law, the Declaration or the certificates of incorporation of the
Company and CCI, that each of the Company, CCI and the Regular Trustees
determine in their discretion to be necessary or desirable to achieve such
end, as long as such action does not adversely affect the interests of the
holders of the Preferred Securities or vary the terms thereof.
Holders of the Preferred Securities have no preemptive rights.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
Pursuant to the Preferred Securities Guarantee, CCI will irrevocably and
unconditionally agree, to the extent set forth therein, to pay in full to the
holders of the Preferred Securities the Guarantee Payments (as defined in the
accompanying Prospectus) (except to the extent paid by the Trust), as and when
due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim which the
Trust may have or assert. CCI's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be
satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by CCI to the holders of
Preferred Securities or by causing the Trust to pay such amounts to such
holders. The Preferred Securities Guarantee will be qualified as an indenture
under the Trust Indenture Act. The Bank of New York will act as indenture
trustee under the Preferred Securities Guarantee (the "Preferred Guarantee
Trustee"). The terms of the Preferred Securities Guarantee will be those set
forth in such Preferred Securities Guarantee and those made part of such
Preferred Securities Guarantee by the Trust Indenture Act. The Preferred
Securities Guarantee will be held by the Preferred Guarantee Trustee for the
benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities. A summary description of
the Preferred Securities Guarantee appears in the accompanying Prospectus
under the caption "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees."
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DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
AND THE DEBT GUARANTEE
Set forth below is a description of the principal terms of the Subordinated
Debt Securities in which the Trust will invest the proceeds from the issuance
and sale of the Trust Securities. This description supplements the description
of the general terms and provisions of the Subordinated Debt Securities set
forth in the accompanying Prospectus under the caption "Description of the
Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantees." The following
description does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the description in the accompanying
Prospectus and the Indenture, dated as of , 1996 (the "Base Indenture"),
among the Company, CCI and The Bank of New York, as trustee (the "Debt
Trustee"), as supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of
, 1996 (the Base Indenture, as so supplemented, is hereinafter referred
to as the "Indenture"), the forms of which are filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus Supplement and the
accompanying Prospectus form a part. Certain capitalized terms used herein are
defined in the Indenture. The Indenture will be qualified as an indenture
under the Trust Indenture Act. Initially, the Bank of New York will be the
Debt Trustee.
Under certain circumstances involving the dissolution of the Trust following
the occurrence of a Tax Event, Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt
Guarantee may be distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities in
liquidation of the Trust. See "Description of the Preferred Securities--Tax
Event Redemption or Distribution."
If the Subordinated Debt Securities are distributed to the holders of the
Preferred Securities, the Company will use its best efforts to have the
Subordinated Debt Securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange or on such
other exchange on which the Preferred Securities are then listed.
GENERAL
The Subordinated Debt Securities will be issued as unsecured debt under the
Indenture. The Subordinated Debt Securities will be limited in aggregate
principal amount to approximately $ , such amount being the sum of the
aggregate stated liquidation amounts of the Preferred Securities and the
Common Securities.
The Subordinated Debt Securities are not subject to a sinking fund
provision. The entire principal amount of the Subordinated Debt Securities
will mature and become due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid
interest thereon including Compounded Interest (as defined herein) and
Additional Interest (as defined herein), if any, on December 31, 2045. The
Subordinated Debt Securities will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a
subordinated basis as to principal, premium, if any, and interest by CCI. See
"Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantees--Debt
Guarantees" in the accompanying Prospectus.
If Subordinated Debt Securities are distributed to holders of Preferred
Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust, such
Subordinated Debt Securities will initially be issued as a Global Security (as
defined herein). As described herein, under certain limited circumstances,
Subordinated Debt Securities may be issued in certificated non-book entry form
in exchange for a Global Security. See "--Book-Entry and Settlement" below. In
the event that Subordinated Debt Securities are issued in certificated non-
book entry form, such Subordinated Debt Securities will be in denominations of
$25 and integral multiples thereof and may be transferred or exchanged at the
offices described below. Payments on Subordinated Debt Securities issued as a
Global Security will be made to DTC, a successor depositary or, in the event
that no depositary is used, to a paying agent for the Subordinated Debt
Securities. In the event Subordinated Debt Securities are issued in
certificated non-book entry form, principal and interest will be payable, the
transfer of the Subordinated Debt Securities will be registrable and
Subordinated Debt Securities will be exchangeable for Subordinated Debt
Securities of other denominations of a like aggregate principal amount at the
corporate trust office of the Debt Trustee in New York, New York; provided
that payment of interest may be made at the option of the Company by check
mailed to the address of the holder entitled thereto or by wire transfer to an
account appropriately
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designated by the holder entitled thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so
long as the holder of any Subordinated Debt Securities is the Institutional
Trustee, the payment of principal and interest on the Subordinated Debt
Securities held by the Institutional Trustee will be made at such place and to
such account as may be designated by the Institutional Trustee.
The Indenture does not contain provisions that afford holders of the
Subordinated Debt Securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged
transaction or other similar transaction involving the Company or CCI that may
adversely affect such holders.
SUBORDINATION
The Indenture provides that the Subordinated Debt Securities are
subordinated and junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of the
Company and that the Debt Guarantee is subordinated and junior in right of
payment to all Senior Indebtedness of CCI. No payment of principal (including
redemption payments), premium, if any, or interest on the Subordinated Debt
Securities and no payment under the Debt Guarantee may be made if (i) any
Senior Indebtedness of the Company or CCI, as the case may be, is not paid
when due, (ii) any applicable grace period with respect to a payment default
under such Senior Indebtedness has ended and such default has not been cured
or waived or ceased to exist or (iii) the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness
of the Company or CCI, as the case may be, has been accelerated because of a
default. Upon any distribution of assets of the Company or CCI, as the case
may be, to creditors upon any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or
reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in bankruptcy,
insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all principal, premium, if any,
and interest due or to become due on all Senior Indebtedness of the Company or
CCI, as the case may be, must be paid in full before the holders of
Subordinated Debt Securities or the Debt Guarantee are entitled to receive or
retain any payment. Upon satisfaction of all claims of all Senior Indebtedness
then outstanding, the rights of the holders of the Subordinated Debt
Securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of Senior
Indebtedness of the Company or CCI, as the case may be, to receive payments or
distributions applicable to Senior Indebtedness until all amounts owing on the
Subordinated Debt Securities or the Debt Guarantee, as the case may be, are
paid in full.
The term "Senior Indebtedness" means, with respect to the Company or CCI, as
the case may be, (i) the principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect
of (A) indebtedness of such obligor for money borrowed and (B) indebtedness
evidenced by securities, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued
by such obligor, (ii) all capital lease obligations of such obligor, (iii) all
obligations of such obligor issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price
of property, all conditional sale obligations of such obligor and all
obligations of such obligor under any title retention agreement (but excluding
trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business), (iv) all
obligations of such obligor for the reimbursement on any letter of credit,
banker's acceptance, security purchase facility, repurchase agreement or
similar arrangement, interest rate swap, other hedging arrangement, obligation
under options or similar credit or other transaction, (v) all obligations of
the type referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) above of other persons for
the payment of which such obligor is responsible or liable as obligor,
guarantor or otherwise and (vi) all obligations of the type referred to in
clauses (i) through (v) above of other persons secured by any lien on any
property or asset of such obligor (whether or not such obligation is assumed
by such obligor), except for (1) any such indebtedness that contains express
terms, or is issued under a deed, indenture or other instrument that contains
express terms, providing that it is subordinate to or ranks pari passu with
the Subordinated Debt Securities or the Debt Guarantee, as the case may be,
(2) any indebtedness between or among the Company or CCI or any affiliate of
the Company or CCI and (3) all other debt securities and guarantees in respect
of those debt securities, in any case issued by the Company or CCI to (a) any
other Countrywide Trust or a trustee of such trust and (b) any other trust, or
a trustee of such trust, partnership or other entity affiliated with the
Company or CCI that is a financing vehicle of the Company or CCI (a "financing
entity") in connection with the issuance by such financing entity of preferred
securities of a similar nature to the Preferred Securities or of other
securities that rank pari passu with, or junior to, the Preferred Securities.
Such Senior Indebtedness shall continue to be Senior Indebtedness and be
entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any
amendment, modification or waiver of any term of such Senior Indebtedness.
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The Indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of Senior Indebtedness
that may be issued by the Company or CCI. CCI's obligations under the Debt
Guarantee are also effectively subordinate to claims of creditors of CCI's
subsidiaries (including the Company). As of August 31, 1996, CCI had no Senior
Indebtedness, Senior Indebtedness of the Company aggregated approximately $5.5
billion and the indebtedness of CCI's subsidiaries (including the Senior
Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Company) aggregated approximately
$5.5 billion.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
The Company may redeem the Subordinated Debt Securities, without premium or
penalty, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, on or after
December 31, 2001, or at any time in certain circumstances upon the occurrence
of a Tax Event as described under "Description of the Preferred Securities--
Tax Event Redemption or Distribution," upon not less than 30 nor more than 60
days notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be
redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest, including Additional Interest,
if any, to the redemption date. If a partial redemption of the Preferred
Securities resulting from a partial redemption of the Subordinated Debt
Securities would result in the delisting of the Preferred Securities, the
Company may only redeem the Subordinated Debt Securities in whole.
INTEREST
Each of the Subordinated Debt Securities shall bear interest at the rate of
% per annum from the original date of issuance, payable quarterly in arrears
on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year (each an
"Interest Payment Date"), commencing December 31, 1996, to the person in whose
name such Subordinated Debt Security is registered, subject to certain
exceptions, at the close of business on the Business Day next preceding such
Interest Payment Date. In the event the Subordinated Debt Securities shall not
continue to remain in book-entry only form, the Company shall select relevant
record dates, which shall be more than one Business Day prior to the relevant
Interest Payment Date.
The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the basis
of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The amount of interest payable for
any period shorter than a full quarterly period for which interest is computed
will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed per 30-day
month. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on the
Subordinated Debt Securities is not a Business Day, then payment of the
interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is
a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any
such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding
calendar year, then such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding
Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such
date.
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
The Company shall have the right, subject to certain conditions, to defer
payments of interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities by extending the
interest payment period, at any time and from time to time, for Extension
Periods, each not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters, and following the end of
each Extension Period the Company shall pay on the next Interest Payment Date
all interest then accrued and unpaid (including any Additional Interest),
together with interest thereon compounded quarterly at the rate specified for
the Subordinated Debt Securities to the extent permitted by applicable law
("Compounded Interest"); provided that during any Extension Period (a) CCI and
the Company shall not declare or pay dividends on, make any distribution with
respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment with
respect to, any of its capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock
(other than (i) purchases or acquisitions of shares of any such capital stock
or rights to acquire such capital stock in connection with the satisfaction by
CCI or the Company, respectively, of its obligations under any employee
benefit plans, (ii) as a result of a reclassification of CCI's or the
Company's capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock or the
exchange or conversion of one class or series of CCI's or the Company's
capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock for another class or
series of CCI's or the Company's capital stock or rights to acquire such
capital stock, (iii) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of CCI's
or the Company's capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange
provisions of such capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged
or (iv) dividends and distributions made on CCI's or the Company's capital
stock or rights to acquire such capital stock with CCI's or the
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Company's capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock, (b) CCI and
the Company shall not make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if
any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities issued by CCI or
the Company that rank pari passu with or junior to the Subordinated Debt
Securities and (c) CCI shall not make any guarantee payments with respect to
the foregoing (other than pursuant to the Preferred Securities Guarantee or
the Debt Guarantee). Prior to the termination of any such Extension Period,
the Company may further defer payments of interest by extending the interest
payment period; provided, however, that each such Extension Period, including
all such previous and further extensions, may not exceed 20 consecutive
quarters or beyond the maturity of the Subordinated Debt Securities. Upon the
termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then due,
the Company may commence a new Extension Period, subject to the terms set
forth in this section. No interest during an Extension Period, except on the
next Interest Payment Date following the end thereof, shall be due and
payable. The Company has no present intention of exercising its right to defer
payments of interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities. If the Institutional
Trustee shall be the sole holder of the Subordinated Debt Securities, the
Company shall give the Regular Trustees and the Institutional Trustee notice
of its initiation of any Extension Period one Business Day prior to the
earlier of (i) the date distributions on the Preferred Securities are payable
or (ii) the date the Regular Trustees are required to give notice to the New
York Stock Exchange (or other applicable self-regulatory organization) or to
holders of the Preferred Securities of the record date or the distribution
payment date, in each case with respect to distributions on the Trust
Securities the payment of which is being deferred. The Regular Trustees shall
give notice of the Company's initiation of any Extension Period to the holders
of the Preferred Securities. If the Institutional Trustee shall not be the
sole holder of the Subordinated Debt Securities, the Company shall give the
holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities notice of its initiation of such
Extension Period 10 Business Days prior to the earlier of (i) the Interest
Payment Date or (ii) the date upon which the Company is required to give
notice to the New York Stock Exchange (or other applicable self-regulatory
organization) or to holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities of the record
or interest payment date, in each case with respect to interest payments the
payment of which is being deferred.
ADDITIONAL INTEREST
If at any time the Trust shall be required to pay any taxes, duties,
assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (other than withholding
taxes) imposed by the United States, or any other taxing authority, then, in
any such case, the Company will pay as additional interest ("Additional
Interest") on the Subordinated Debt Securities held by the Institutional
Trustee such additional amounts as shall be required so that the net amounts
received and retained by the Trust after paying any such taxes, duties,
assessments or other governmental charges will equal the amounts the Trust and
the Institutional Trustee would have received had no such taxes, duties,
assessments or other governmental charges been imposed.
PROPOSED TAX LEGISLATION
On March 19, 1996, President Clinton proposed the Proposed Legislation
which, among other things, would generally deny corporate issuers a deduction
for interest in respect of certain debt obligations issued on or after
December 7, 1995, if such debt obligations have a maximum term in excess of
twenty years and are not shown as indebtedness on the issuer's applicable
consolidated balance sheet. In addition, the Proposed Legislation would deny
issuers an interest deduction on any debt instruments with a weighted average
maturity greater than 40 years. On March 29, 1996, Senate Finance Committee
Chairman William V. Roth, Jr. and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill
Archer issued the Joint Statement indicating their intent that certain
legislative proposals initiated by the Clinton administration, including the
Proposed Legislation, that may be adopted by either of the tax-writing
committees of Congress would have an effective date that is no earlier than
the date of "appropriate Congressional action." Based upon the Joint
Statement, it is expected that if the Proposed Legislation were to be enacted,
such legislation would not apply to the Subordinated Debt Securities. There
can be no assurance, however, that the effective date guidance contained in
the Joint Statement will be incorporated into the Proposed Legislation, if
enacted, or that other legislation enacted after the date hereof will not
otherwise adversely affect the ability of the Company to deduct the interest
payable on the Subordinated Debt Securities. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that a Tax Event will not occur. See "Description of the Preferred
Securities--Tax Event Redemption or Distribution."
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INDENTURE EVENTS OF DEFAULT
If any Indenture Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the
Institutional Trustee, as the holder of the Subordinated Debt Securities, will
have the right to declare the principal of and the interest on the
Subordinated Debt Securities (including any Compounded Interest and Additional
Interest, if any) and any other amounts payable under the Indenture to be
forthwith due and payable and to enforce its other rights as a creditor with
respect to the Subordinated Debt Securities. See "Description of the
Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantees--Events of Default,
Waiver and Notice" and "--Certain Covenants" in the accompanying Prospectus
for a description of the Indenture Events of Default and certain consequences
thereof. An Indenture Event of Default also constitutes a Declaration Event of
Default. The holders of Preferred Securities in certain circumstances have the
right to direct the Institutional Trustee to exercise its rights as the holder
of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee. See "Description
of the Preferred Securities--Declaration Events of Default" and "--Voting
Rights." Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Indenture Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing and such event is attributable to (i) the failure
of the Company to pay interest or principal on the Subordinated Debt
Securities on the respective dates such interest or principal is payable (or
in the case of redemption, on the redemption date) or (ii) the failure of CCI
to pay any obligation in respect thereof under the Debt Guarantee, the Company
and CCI acknowledge that a holder of record of Preferred Securities may, after
such holder's written request to the Institutional Trustee to pursue such
trustee's remedies under the Indenture and the Debt Guarantee as holder of the
Subordinated Debt Securities and any failure by the Institutional Trustee to
do so, institute a Direct Action for payment, on or after the respective due
dates specified in the Subordinated Debt Securities, to such holder directly
of the principal of or interest on Subordinated Debt Securities having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the
Preferred Securities of such holder. Notwithstanding any payments made to such
holder of Preferred Securities by CCI or the Company in connection with a
Direct Action, CCI and the Company shall remain obligated to pay the principal
of or interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities held by the Trust or the
Institutional Trustee of the Trust, and CCI or the Company, as the case may
be, shall be subrogated to the rights of such holder of such Preferred
Securities under the Declaration to the extent of any payments made by CCI or
the Company, as the case may be, to such holder in any Direct Action;
provided, however, that no such subrogation right may be exercised so long as
a Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Except to the
extent described above under "Description of the Preferred Securities--
Declaration Events of Default" and "--Voting Rights," the holders of Preferred
Securities will not be able to exercise directly any other remedy available to
the holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee.
BOOK-ENTRY AND SETTLEMENT
If distributed to holders of Preferred Securities in connection with the
involuntary or voluntary dissolution, winding-up or liquidation of the Trust
as a result of the occurrence of a Tax Event, the Subordinated Debt Securities
will be issued in the form of one or more global certificates (each a "Global
Security") registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee. Except
under the limited circumstances described below, Subordinated Debt Securities
represented by a Global Security will not be exchangeable for, and will not
otherwise be issuable as, Subordinated Debt Securities in definitive form. The
Global Securities described above may not be transferred except by the
Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to
the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor
depositary or its nominee.
The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may
impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in such a Global Security.
Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a Global
Security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Subordinated
Debt Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the holders (as
defined in the Indenture) thereof for any purpose under the Indenture, and no
Global Security representing Subordinated Debt Securities shall be
exchangeable, except for another Global Security of like denomination and
tenor to be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee or to a
successor Depositary or its nominee. Accordingly, each Beneficial Owner must
rely on the procedures of the Depositary or if such person is not a
Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which such person
owns its interest to exercise any rights of a holder under the Indenture.
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THE DEPOSITARY
If Subordinated Debt Securities are distributed to holders of Preferred
Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust, DTC will
act as securities Depositary for the Subordinated Debt Securities. For a
description of DTC and the specific terms of the depositary arrangements, see
"Description of the Preferred Securities--Book-Entry Only Issuance--The
Depository Trust Company." As of the date of this Prospectus Supplement, the
description herein of DTC's book-entry system and DTC's practices as they
relate to purchases, transfers, notices and payments with respect to the
Preferred Securities apply in all material respects to any debt obligations
represented by one or more Global Securities held by DTC. The Company may
appoint a successor to DTC or any successor depositary in the event DTC or
such successor depositary is unable or unwilling to continue as the Depositary
for the Global Securities.
None of CCI, the Company, the Trust, the Institutional Trustee, the Debt
Trustee, any paying agent and any other agent of CCI, the Company, the Trust,
the Institutional Trustee or the Debt Trustee will have any responsibility or
liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests in a Global Security for the
Subordinated Debt Securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
DISCONTINUANCE OF THE DEPOSITARY'S SERVICES
A Global Security shall be exchangeable for Subordinated Debt Securities
registered in the names of persons other than the Depositary or its nominee
only if (i) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable
to continue as a depositary for such Global Security and no successor
depositary shall have been appointed, (ii) the Depositary, at any time, ceases
to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at which time the
Depositary is required to be so registered to act as such depositary and no
successor depositary shall have been appointed, (iii) the Company, in its sole
discretion, determines that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable or
(iv) there shall have occurred an Indenture Event of Default. Any Global
Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be
exchangeable for Subordinated Debt Securities registered in such names as the
Depositary shall direct. It is expected that such instructions will be based
upon directions received by the Depositary from its Participants with respect
to ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security.
DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE
See "Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt
Guarantees--Defeasance and Discharge" in the accompanying Prospectus.
GOVERNING LAW
The Indenture, the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee will
be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New
York, without regard to conflict of laws principles.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Indenture will provide that the Company will pay all fees and expenses
related to (i) the offering and sale of the Trust Securities, the Subordinated
Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee, (ii) the organization, maintenance and
dissolution of the Trust, (iii) the retention of the Countrywide Trustees and
(iv) the enforcement by the Institutional Trustee of the rights of the holders
of the Preferred Securities. The payment of such fees and expenses will be
fully and unconditionally guaranteed by CCI.
The Company and CCI will have the right at all times to assign any of their
respective rights or obligations under the Indenture to a direct or indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company or CCI; provided that, in the event of
any such assignment, the Company or CCI, as the case may be, will remain
liable for all of their respective obligations. Subject to the foregoing, the
Indenture will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties thereto
and their respective successors and assigns. The Indenture provides that it
may not otherwise be assigned by the parties thereto.
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EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES, THE DEBT
GUARANTEE AND THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
As set forth in the Declaration, the sole purpose of the Trust is to issue
and sell the Trust Securities evidencing undivided beneficial interests in the
assets of the Trust and to invest the proceeds from such issuance and sale in
the Subordinated Debt Securities.
As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the
Subordinated Debt Securities, such payments will be sufficient to cover
distributions and payments due on the Trust Securities because of the
following factors: (i) the aggregate principal amount of Subordinated Debt
Securities will be equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of the
Trust Securities; (ii) the interest rate and the interest and other payment
dates on the Subordinated Debt Securities will match the distribution rate and
distribution and other payment dates for the Preferred Securities; (iii) the
Company shall pay all, and the Trust shall not be obligated to pay directly or
indirectly any, costs, expenses, debt and obligations of the Trust (other than
with respect to the Trust Securities); and (iv) the Declaration further
provides that the Countrywide Trustees shall not cause or permit the Trust to,
among other things, engage in any activity that is not consistent with the
purposes of the Trust.
Payments of distributions (to the extent funds therefor are available to the
Trust) and other payments due on the Preferred Securities (to the extent funds
therefor are available to the Trust) are guaranteed by CCI as and to the
extent set forth under "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees" in
the accompanying Prospectus. If the Company does not make interest payments on
the Subordinated Debt Securities purchased by the Trust and CCI does not make
payments under the Debt Guarantee, it is expected that the Trust will not have
sufficient funds to pay distributions on the Preferred Securities. The
Preferred Securities Guarantee does not apply to any payment of distributions
except to the extent that the Trust has funds available for the payment of
such distributions. The Preferred Securities Guarantee covers the payment of
distributions and other payments on the Preferred Securities only if and to
the extent that the Company or CCI has made payments of interest or principal
on the Subordinated Debt Securities or the Debt Guarantee held by the Trust as
its sole assets. The Preferred Securities Guarantee, when taken together with
the Company's obligations under the Subordinated Debt Securities and the
Indenture, including its obligations to pay costs, expenses, debts and
liabilities of the Trust (other than with respect to the Trust Securities),
and CCI's obligations under Debt Guarantee, the Indenture and the Declaration,
provide a full and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated basis by CCI of
amounts when due on the Preferred Securities.
If the Company fails to make interest or other payments on the Subordinated
Debt Securities when due (after giving effect to any Extension Period) and CCI
fails to make payments under the Debt Guarantee with respect to such payments
due on the Subordinated Debt Securities, the Declaration provides a mechanism
whereby the holders of the Preferred Securities, using the procedures
described herein under "Description of the Preferred Securities--Book-Entry
Only Issuance--The Depository Trust Company" and "--Voting Rights," may direct
the Institutional Trustee to enforce its rights under the Subordinated Debt
Securities and the Debt Guarantee, including proceeding directly against CCI
to enforce the Debt Guarantee without first proceeding against the Company
under the Subordinated Debt Securities. If the Institutional Trustee fails to
enforce its rights under the Subordinated Debt Securities or the Debt
Guarantee, a holder of record of Preferred Securities may institute a legal
proceeding against the Company or CCI to enforce the Institutional Trustee's
rights under the Subordinated Debt Securities or the Debt Guarantee, as the
case may be, without first instituting any legal proceeding against the
Institutional Trustee or any other person or entity including, in the case of
the Debt Guarantee, against the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a
Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and such event is
attributable to (i) the failure of the Company to pay interest or principal on
the Subordinated Debt Securities on the respective dates such interest or
principal is payable (or in the case of redemption, on the redemption date) or
(ii) the failure of CCI to pay any obligation in respect thereof under the
Debt Guarantee, then a holder of record of Preferred Securities may, after
such holder's written request to the Institutional Trustee
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to pursue such trustee's remedies under the Indenture and the Debt Guarantee
as holder of the Subordinated Debt Securities and any failure by the
Institutional Trustee to do so, institute a Direct Action for payment on or
after the respective due dates specified in the Subordinated Debt Securities.
In connection with such Direct Action, the Company or CCI, as the case may be,
will be subrogated to the rights of such holder of Preferred Securities under
the Declaration to the extent of any payment made by the Company or CCI, as
the case may be, to such holder of Preferred Securities in such Direct Action;
provided, however, that no such subrogation right may be exercised so long as
a Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. CCI, under the
Preferred Securities Guarantee, acknowledges that the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee shall enforce the Preferred Securities Guarantee on behalf of the
holders of the Preferred Securities. If CCI fails to make payments under the
Preferred Securities Guarantee, the Preferred Securities Guarantee provides a
mechanism whereby the holders of the Preferred Securities may direct the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee to enforce its rights thereunder. Any holder of
Preferred Securities may, subject to certain conditions, institute a legal
proceeding directly against CCI to enforce the Preferred Guarantee Trustee's
rights under the Preferred Securities Guarantee without first instituting a
legal proceeding against the Trust, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, or any
other person or entity.
CCI and the Trust believe that the above mechanisms and obligations, taken
together, provide a full and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated basis
by CCI of payments due on the Preferred Securities. See "Description of the
Preferred Securities Guarantees--General" in the accompanying Prospectus.
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UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
GENERAL
In the opinion of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson (a partnership
including professional corporations), special counsel to the Company, CCI and
the Trust ("Counsel"), the discussion which follows is a summary of certain of
the material United States federal income tax consequences of the purchase,
ownership and disposition of Preferred Securities.
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), Treasury regulations thereunder, and administrative and judicial
interpretations thereof, each as of the date hereof, all of which are subject
to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.
Unless otherwise stated, this summary deals only with a Preferred Security
held as a capital asset by a holder who or which (i) purchased Preferred
Securities upon original issuance (an "Initial Holder") and (ii) is a US
Holder (as defined below). It does not deal with all aspects of United States
federal income taxation, nor with the particular United States federal income
tax (hereafter, "income tax") consequences which may be applicable to certain
classes of US Holders (such as banks, thrift institutions, real estate
investment trusts, regulated investment companies, insurance companies,
brokers and dealers in securities or currencies, other financial institutions,
tax-exempt organizations, persons holding Preferred Securities as a position
in a "straddle," as part of a "synthetic security or hedge," as part of a
"conversion transaction" or as part of any other integrated investment,
persons having a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar and certain
United States expatriates). Further, this summary does not address (a) the
income tax consequences to shareholders in, or partners or beneficiaries of, a
holder of Preferred Securities, (b) the United States federal alternative
minimum tax consequences of the purchase, ownership or disposition of
Preferred Securities, or (c) any state, local or foreign tax consequences of
the purchase, ownership and disposition of Preferred Securities.
A "US Holder" is a holder of Preferred Securities who or which is a citizen
or individual resident (or is treated as a citizen or individual resident) of
the United States for income tax purposes, a corporation or partnership
created or organized (or treated as created or organized for income tax
purposes) in or under the laws of the United States or any political
subdivision thereof, or a trust or estate the income of which is includible in
its gross income for income tax purposes without regard to its source. (For
taxable years beginning after December 31, 1996 (or for an earlier taxable
year, if the trustee of a trust so elects), a trust is a US Holder for income
tax purposes if, and only if, (i) a court within the United States is able to
exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust for income
tax purposes and (ii) one or more United States trustees have the authority to
control all substantial decisions of the trust.)
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE TRUST
In connection with the issuance of the Preferred Securities, Counsel will
render its opinion generally to the effect that, under then current law and
assuming full compliance with the terms of the Declaration (and other
documents), and based on certain assumptions and qualifications referenced in
the opinion, the Trust will be characterized for United States federal income
tax purposes as a grantor trust, and will not be characterized as an
association taxable as a corporation for such purposes. Accordingly, for
income tax purposes, each holder of Preferred Securities generally will be
considered the owner of an undivided interest in the Subordinated Debt
Securities owned by the Trust, and each US Holder will be required to include
all income or gain recognized for income tax purposes with respect to its
allocable share of the Subordinated Debt Securities on its own income tax
return.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
In connection with the issuance of the Subordinated Debt Securities, Counsel
will render its opinion generally to the effect that, under then current law
and assuming full compliance with the terms of the Indenture
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(and other documents), and based on certain assumptions and qualifications
referenced in the opinion, the Subordinated Debt Securities should be
characterized for United States federal income tax purposes as debt of the
Company.
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT
Under the terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities, the Company has the
option to defer payments of interest from time to time by extending the
interest payment period for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters,
but not beyond the maturity of the Subordinated Debt Securities. Recently
issued Treasury regulations under Section 1273 of the Code, applicable to debt
instruments issued on or after August 13, 1996, provide that debt instruments
like the Subordinated Debt Securities will not be considered issued with
original issue discount ("OID") if the likelihood of deferral of any stated
interest is "remote."
The Company has concluded, and this discussion assumes, that the likelihood
of exercise of that option is "remote" within the meaning of the applicable
regulations, in part because exercising that option would prevent the Company
and CCI from declaring dividends on their stock and would prevent the Company
and CCI from making any payments with respect to debt securities that rank
pari passu or junior to the Subordinated Debt Securities. Therefore, the
Subordinated Debt Securities should not be treated as issued with OID. Rather,
stated interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities will generally be taxable
to a US Holder, as ordinary income, when paid or accrued in accordance with
that holder's method of accounting for income tax purposes.
It should be noted that these regulations have not yet been addressed in any
rulings or other interpretations by the Service. Moreover, in a revenue ruling
issued prior to the new regulations, the Service indicated it would view a
right to defer interest, such as the right contained in the Subordinated Debt
Securities, as giving rise to OID, unless exercise of the right was coupled
with a substantial financial penalty. Accordingly, it is possible that the
Service could take a position contrary to the interpretation described herein.
In the event the Company subsequently exercised its option to defer payments
of interest, the Subordinated Debt Securities would be treated as reissued for
OID purposes and the sum of the remaining interest payments on the
Subordinated Debt Securities (and any de minimis OID (discussed below)) would
thereafter be treated as OID, which would accrue, and be includible in a US
Holder's taxable income, on an economic accrual basis (regardless of the US
Holder's method of accounting for income tax purposes) over the remaining term
of the Subordinated Debt Securities (including any period of interest
deferral), without regard to the timing of payments under the Subordinated
Debt Securities. (Subsequent distributions of interest on the Subordinated
Debt Securities generally would not be taxable.) The amount of OID that
accrued in any period would generally equal the amount of interest that
accrued on the Subordinated Debt Securities in that period at the stated
interest rate. Consequently, during any period of interest deferral, US
Holders will include OID in gross income in advance of the receipt of cash,
and a US Holder which disposes of a Preferred Security prior to the record
date for payment of distributions on the Subordinated Debt Securities
following that period will be subject to income tax on OID accrued during that
period, but will not receive cash from the Trust with respect to that OID.
In the absence of the Company's election to defer an interest payment
period, de minimis OID would not be subject to income tax until a holder's
Subordinated Debt Securities were sold, redeemed or retired, in which event
the de minimis OID would increase any gain or decrease any loss recognized by
the holder. De minimis OID will be present if (i) the excess of (a) the stated
redemption price at maturity (as defined for income tax purposes) of a
Subordinated Debt Security, over (b) the issue price of the Subordinated Debt
Security, is less than (ii) the product of (a) 0.25% of that redemption price,
and (b) the number of complete calendar years from the Subordinated Debt
Security's issue date to its maturity.
CHARACTERIZATION OF INCOME
Because the income underlying the Preferred Securities will not be
characterized as dividends for income tax purposes, corporate holders of
Preferred Securities will not be entitled to a dividend received deduction for
any income recognized with respect to the Preferred Securities.
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MARKET DISCOUNT AND BOND PREMIUM
Holders of Preferred Securities other than Initial Holders may be considered
to have acquired their undivided interests in the Subordinated Debt Securities
with market discount or acquisition premium (as each phrase is defined for
income tax purposes).
RECEIPT OF SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES (AND THE DEBT GUARANTEE) OR CASH
UPON LIQUIDATION OF COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL TRUST
Under the circumstances described under the caption "Description of the
Preferred Securities--Tax Event Redemption or Distribution," above,
Subordinated Debt Securities, together with the Debt Guarantee, may be
distributed to holders in exchange for the Preferred Securities and in
liquidation of the Trust. Such a distribution would not be a taxable event for
income tax purposes, and each holder would have an aggregate adjusted basis in
its Subordinated Debt Securities for income tax purposes equal to such
holder's aggregate adjusted basis in its Preferred Securities. For income tax
purposes, a holder's holding period in the Subordinated Debt Securities and
the Debt Guarantee received in such a liquidation of the Trust would include
the period during which the Preferred Securities were held by the holder. If,
however, the relevant event is a Tax Event which results in the Trust being
treated as an association taxable as a corporation, the distribution would
likely constitute a taxable event to US Holders of the Preferred Securities
for income tax purposes.
Under certain circumstances described herein (see "Description of the
Preferred Securities"), the Subordinated Debt Securities may be redeemed for
cash and the proceeds of such redemption distributed to holders in redemption
of their Preferred Securities. Such a redemption would be taxable for income
tax purposes, and a US Holder would recognize gain or loss as if it sold the
Preferred Securities for cash. See "United States Federal Income Taxation--
Sales of Preferred Securities" below.
SALES OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
A US Holder that sells Preferred Securities will recognize gain or loss
equal to the difference between its adjusted basis in the Preferred Securities
and the amount realized on the sale of such Preferred Securities. A US
Holder's adjusted basis in the Preferred Securities generally will be its
initial purchase price, increased by OID previously included (or currently
includible) in such holder's gross income to the date of disposition, and
decreased by payments received on the Preferred Securities. Any such gain or
loss generally will be capital gain or loss, and generally will be a long-term
capital gain or loss if the Preferred Securities have been held for more than
one year.
The Preferred Securities may trade at a price that does not accurately
reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the
underlying Subordinated Debt Securities. A US Holder which disposes of its
Preferred Securities between record dates for distributions thereon will be
required to include OID on the Subordinated Debt Securities through the date
of disposition in its taxable income for income tax purposes, and to add that
amount to its adjusted basis for its Preferred Securities. To the extent the
selling price is less than the US Holder's adjusted basis (which will
generally include, in the form of OID, all accrued but unpaid interest), that
holder will recognize a capital loss. Capital losses cannot generally be
applied to offset ordinary income for income tax purposes.
NON-US HOLDERS
The following discussion applies to an Initial Holder who is not a US Holder
(a "Non-US Holder").
Payments to a holder of a Preferred Security which is a Non-US Holder will
generally not be subject to withholding of income tax, provided that (a) the
beneficial owner of the Preferred Security does not (directly or indirectly,
actually or constructively) own 10% or more of the total combined voting power
of all classes of stock of the Company entitled to vote, (b) the beneficial
owner of the Preferred Security is not a controlled foreign corporation that
is related to the Company through stock ownership, and (c) either (I) the
beneficial owner of the
S-35
<PAGE>
Preferred Securities certifies to the Trust or its agent, under penalties of
perjury, that it is a Non-US Holder and provides its name and address, or (II)
a securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that
holds customers' securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business (a
"Financial Institution"), and holds the Preferred Security in such capacity,
certifies to the Trust or its agent, under penalties of perjury, that such a
statement has been received from the beneficial owner by it or by another
Financial Institution between it and the beneficial owner in the chain of
ownership, and furnishes the Trust or its agent with a copy thereof.
As discussed above (see "Description of the Preferred Securities--Tax Event
Redemption or Distribution"), changes in legislation affecting the income tax
consequences of the Subordinated Debt Securities are possible, and could
adversely affect the ability of the Company to deduct the interest payable on
the Subordinated Debt Securities. Moreover, any such legislation could, as the
Proposed Legislation would have, adversely affect Non-US Holders by
characterizing income derived from the Subordinated Debt Securities as
dividends, generally subject to a 30% income tax (on a withholding basis) when
paid to a Non-US Holder, rather than as interest which, as discussed above, is
generally exempt from income tax in the hands of a Non-US Holder.
A Non-US Holder of a Preferred Security will generally not be subject to
withholding of income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other
disposition of a Preferred Security.
A Non-US Holder which holds Preferred Securities in connection with the
active conduct of a United States trade or business will be subject to income
tax on all income and gains recognized with respect to its proportionate share
of the Subordinated Debt Securities.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
Payments made on, and proceeds from the sale of, the Preferred Securities
may be subject to a "backup" withholding tax of 31% unless the holder complies
with certain identification or exemption requirements. Any withheld amounts
will be allowed as a credit against the holder's income tax liability,
provided the required information is provided to the United States Internal
Revenue Service.
* * *
THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION IS ONLY A SUMMARY, AND DOES NOT ADDRESS THE
CONSEQUENCES TO A PARTICULAR HOLDER, OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND
DISPOSITION OF PREFERRED SECURITIES. POTENTIAL HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
ARE URGED TO CONTACT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS TO DETERMINE THEIR PARTICULAR
CONSEQUENCES.
S-36
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement
(the "Underwriting Agreement"), Countrywide Capital Trust has agreed to sell
to each of the Underwriters named below, and each of the Underwriters, for
whom Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"),
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co., PaineWebber Incorporated and
Smith Barney Inc. are acting as representatives (the "Representatives"), has
severally agreed to purchase, the number of Preferred Securities set forth
opposite its name below. In the Underwriting Agreement, the several
Underwriters have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth
therein, to purchase all the Preferred Securities offered hereby if any of the
Preferred Securities are purchased. In the event of default by an Underwriter,
the Underwriting Agreement provides that, in certain circumstances, the
purchase commitments of the non-defaulting Underwriters may be increased or
the Underwriting Agreement may be terminated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
UNDERWRITERS PREFERRED SECURITIES
------------ --------------------
<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated......................................
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc...................................
Goldman Sachs & Co.........................................
PaineWebber Incorporated...................................
Smith Barney Inc...........................................
-----------
Total....................................................
===========
</TABLE>
The Underwriters propose to offer the Preferred Securities, in part,
directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus Supplement and, in part, to certain securities
dealers at such price less a concession of $ per Preferred Security;
provided that such concession for sales of 10,000 or more Preferred Securities
to any single purchaser will be $ per Preferred Security. The Underwriters
may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $ per
Preferred Security to certain brokers and dealers. After the Preferred
Securities are released for sale to the public, the offering price and other
selling terms may from time to time be varied by the Representatives.
In view of the fact that the gross proceeds of the sale of the Preferred
Securities will ultimately be used by Countrywide Capital Trust to purchase
the Subordinated Debt Securities of the Company, the Underwriting Agreement
provides that the Company will pay as compensation ("Underwriters'
Compensation") to the Underwriters arranging the investment therein of such
proceeds an amount in immediately available funds of $ per Preferred
Security (or $ in the aggregate) for the accounts of the several
Underwriters; provided that such compensation for sales of 10,000 or more
Preferred Securities to any single purchaser will be $ per Preferred
Security. Therefore, to the extent of such sales, the actual amount of
Underwriters' Compensation will be less than the aggregate amount specified in
the preceding sentence.
The Trust has granted the Underwriters an option exercisable for 30 days
after the date of this Prospectus Supplement to purchase up to additional
Preferred Securities at the initial public offering price set forth on the
cover of this Prospectus Supplement, solely to cover over-allotments of the
Preferred Securities. The Company has granted the Trust an option exercisable
for 30 days after the date of this Prospectus Supplement to purchase up to an
additional $ million in aggregate principal amount of Subordinated Debt
Securities at the offering price per Subordinated Debt Security paid in
connection with such offering price per Preferred Security, solely to cover
over-allotments of Preferred Securities. The Company will pay the
Underwriters' Compensation in the amounts per Preferred Security set forth
above with respect to such additional Preferred Securities. If the
Underwriters exercise this option, each of the Underwriters will have a firm
commitment, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same
percentage of such additional Preferred Securities which the number of
Preferred Securities to be purchased by it shown in the foregoing table is of
the Preferred Securities initially offered hereby.
S-37
<PAGE>
During a period of 30 days from the date of this Prospectus Supplement,
neither Countrywide Capital Trust, CCI nor the Company will, without the prior
written consent of Merrill Lynch, directly or indirectly, sell, offer to sell,
grant any option for sale of, or otherwise dispose of, any Preferred
Securities, any security convertible into or exchangeable into or exercisable
for Preferred Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities or any debt
securities substantially similar to the Subordinated Debt Securities or equity
securities substantially similar to the Preferred Securities (except for the
Subordinated Debt Securities and the Preferred Securities offered hereby).
Application has been made to have the Preferred Securities listed, subject
to notice of issuance, on the New York Stock Exchange. Subject to notice of
issuance, trading of the Preferred Securities on the New York Stock Exchange
is expected to commence within a 30-day period after the date of this
Prospectus Supplement. The Representatives have advised Countrywide Capital
Trust that they intend to make a market in the Preferred Securities prior to
the commencement of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The
Representatives will have no obligation to make a market in the Preferred
Securities, however, and may cease market making activities, if commenced, at
any time.
Prior to this offering there has been no public market for the Preferred
Securities. In order to meet one of the requirements for listing the Preferred
Securities on the New York Stock Exchange, the Underwriters will undertake to
sell lots of 100 or more Preferred Securities to a minimum of 400 beneficial
holders.
Countrywide Capital Trust, CCI and the Company have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriters against, or contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be
required to make in respect of, certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Certain of the Underwriters engage in transactions with, and, from time to
time, have performed services for, CCI and its subsidiaries in the ordinary
course of business.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain matters of Delaware law relating to the validity of the Preferred
Securities and the formation of the Trust will be passed upon on behalf of the
Trust by Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, special Delaware counsel to the
Trust. The validity under New York law of the Subordinated Debt Securities,
the Preferred Securities Guarantee and the Debt Guarantee, will be passed upon
for CCI and the Company by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, a
partnership including professional corporations, New York, New York. Edwin
Heller (whose professional corporation retired as a partner of Fried, Frank,
Harris, Shriver & Jacobson in September 1996) is of counsel to Fried, Frank,
Harris, Shriver & Jacobson and is a director of CCI. Certain United States
federal income tax matters will be passed upon for the Company, CCI and the
Trust by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson. Certain legal matters will
be passed upon for the Underwriters by Brown & Wood LLP, New York, New York.
Brown & Wood LLP also serves as counsel for CWMBS, Inc. and CWABS, Inc., each
a wholly-owned subsidiary of CCI, in connection with offerings of mortgage
pass-through certificates, and as counsel to CWM Mortgage Holdings, Inc.
S-38
<PAGE>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF +
+ANY SUCH STATE. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED OCTOBER 15, 1996
PROSPECTUS
$
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED AS TO PAYMENT OF
PRINCIPAL, PREMIUM, IF ANY, AND INTEREST BY
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
-----------
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL II
PREFERRED SECURITIES
FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED AS TO PAYMENT OF
DISTRIBUTIONS AND OTHER PAYMENTS TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH HEREIN BY
COUNTRYWIDE/SM/
-----------------------
CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
-----------
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a New York corporation (the "Company"), and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("CCI"), may from time to time offer its subordinated debentures,
notes or other evidence of indebtedness (the "Subordinated Debt Securities") in
one or more series and in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at
the time of the offering. The Subordinated Debt Securities when issued will be
unsecured obligations of the Company and will be fully and unconditionally
guaranteed as to payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest by CCI
(the "Debt Guarantees"). The Company's obligations under the Subordinated Debt
Securities and CCI's obligations under the Debt Guarantees will be subordinate
and junior in right of payment to certain other indebtedness of the Company and
CCI, respectively, as may be described in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement
(the "Prospectus Supplement") and in an aggregate amount to be set forth as of
the most recent practicable date in such Prospectus Supplement.
Countrywide Capital I and Countrywide Capital II (each, a "Countrywide
Capital Trust" or a "Trust"), each a statutory business trust formed under the
laws of the State of Delaware, may offer, from time to time, preferred
securities representing undivided beneficial interests in its assets
("Preferred Securities"). The payment of periodic cash distributions
("distributions") with respect to Preferred Securities of each of the
Countrywide Capital Trusts out of moneys held by such Countrywide Capital
Trust, and payment on liquidation, redemption
(continued on following page)
-----------
THESE SECURITIES 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. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK HAS NOT PASSED ON OR
ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THIS OFFERING. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.
The date of this Prospectus is , 1996
<PAGE>
(continued from previous page)
or otherwise with respect to such Preferred Securities, will be guaranteed by
CCI to the extent described herein (each a "Preferred Securities Guarantee").
See "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees" below. CCI's
obligations under the Preferred Securities Guarantees are subordinate and
junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of CCI and rank pari passu
with the most senior preferred stock, if any, issued from time to time by CCI.
Subordinated Debt Securities may be issued and sold from time to time in one
or more series to a Countrywide Capital Trust, or a trustee of such
Countrywide Capital Trust, in connection with the investment of the proceeds
from the offering of Preferred Securities and Common Securities (as defined
herein, together the "Trust Securities") of such Countrywide Capital Trust.
The Subordinated Debt Securities purchased by a Countrywide Capital Trust may
be subsequently distributed pro rata to holders of Preferred Securities and
Common Securities in connection with the dissolution of such Countrywide
Capital Trust upon the occurrence of certain events as may be described in an
accompanying Prospectus Supplement. The Subordinated Debt Securities, the
related Debt Guarantees and the Preferred Securities and the related Preferred
Securities Guarantees are sometimes collectively referred to hereafter as the
"Offered Securities."
Specific terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities of any series and the
Preferred Securities of any Countrywide Capital Trust, the terms of which will
mirror the terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities held by such Countrywide
Capital Trust, in respect of which this prospectus (the "Prospectus") is being
delivered, will be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement with respect to such
securities, which will describe, without limitation and where applicable, the
following: (i) in the case of Subordinated Debt Securities, the specific
designation, aggregate principal amount, denomination, maturity, premium, if
any, any exchange, conversion, redemption or sinking fund provisions, if any,
interest rate (which may be fixed or variable), if any, the time and method of
calculating interest payments, if any, dates on which premium, if any, and
interest, if any, will be payable, the right of the Company, if any, to defer
payment of interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities and the maximum length
of such deferral period, the initial public offering price, subordination
terms, any listing on a securities exchange and other specific terms of the
offering and (ii) in the case of Preferred Securities, the designation, number
of securities, liquidation preference per security, initial public offering
price, any listing on a securities exchange, distribution rate (or method of
calculation thereof), dates on which distributions shall be payable and dates
from which distributions shall accrue, any voting rights, terms for any
conversion or exchange into other securities, any redemption, exchange or
sinking fund provisions, any other rights, preferences, privileges,
limitations or restrictions relating to the Preferred Securities and the terms
upon which the proceeds of the sale of the Preferred Securities shall be used
to purchase a specific series of Subordinated Debt Securities of the Company.
The Offered Securities may be offered in amounts, at prices and on terms to
be determined at the time of offering; provided, however, that the aggregate
initial public offering price of all Offered Securities shall not exceed $ .
The Prospectus Supplement relating to any series of Offered Securities will
contain information concerning certain United States federal income tax
considerations, if applicable to the Offered Securities.
The Company and/or each of the Countrywide Capital Trusts may sell the
Offered Securities directly, through agents designated from time to time, or
through underwriters or dealers. See "Plan of Distribution" below. If any
agents of the Company and/or any Countrywide Capital Trust or any underwriters
or dealers are involved in the sale of the Offered Securities, the names of
such agents, underwriters or dealers and any applicable commissions and
discounts will be set forth in any related Prospectus Supplement.
This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of securities unless
accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement.
2
<PAGE>
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY
ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
COMPANY, CCI, ANY COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL TRUST OR THE UNDERWRITERS. NEITHER THE
DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT NOR ANY
SALE MADE HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE AN
IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY, CCI
OR ANY COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL TRUST SINCE THE DATE HEREOF. THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY
ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR
SOLICITATION BY ANYONE IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT
AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT
QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANYONE TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
This Prospectus constitutes a part of a combined Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration
Statement") filed by the Company, CCI and the Countrywide Capital Trusts with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the Offered
Securities. This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth
in such Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, although it does include
a summary of the material terms of the Indenture (as defined herein) and the
Declarations (as defined herein). Reference is made to such Registration
Statement and to the exhibits relating thereto for further information with
respect to the Company, CCI, the Countrywide Capital Trusts and the Offered
Securities. Any statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed
with the SEC or incorporated by reference herein are not necessarily complete,
and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document so filed
for a more complete description of the matter involved. Each such statement is
qualified in its entirety by such reference.
CCI 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 SEC. Reports,
proxy statements and other information concerning CCI can be inspected and
copied at prescribed rates at the SEC's Public Reference Room, Judiciary
Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, as well as
the following Regional Offices of the SEC: 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300,
New York, New York 10048; and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite
1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. The SEC also maintains a Web site
(http://www.sec.gov) from which such reports, proxy statements and other
information concerning CCI may be obtained. Such reports, proxy statements and
other information may also be inspected at the offices of the following stock
exchanges on which certain of CCI's securities are listed: the New York Stock
Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005 and the Pacific Stock
Exchange, 115 Sansome Street, San Francisco, California 94104.
No separate financial statements of any of the Countrywide Capital Trusts
have been included herein. CCI does not consider that such financial
statements would be material to holders of the Preferred Securities because
(i) all of the voting securities of each of the Countrywide Capital Trusts
will be owned by CCI, a reporting company under the Exchange Act, (ii) each of
the Countrywide Capital Trusts has no independent operations but exists for
the sole purpose of issuing securities representing undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of such
3
<PAGE>
Countrywide Capital Trust and investing the proceeds of the sale thereof in
Subordinated Debt Securities guaranteed by CCI, and (iii) the Company's
obligations described herein and in any accompanying Prospectus Supplement to
provide certain indemnities in respect of and be responsible for certain
costs, expenses, debts and liabilities of each of Countrywide Capital I and II
under the Indenture and any supplemental indenture thereto and pursuant to the
Declaration of each Trust, the guarantee issued by CCI with respect to the
Preferred Securities issued by that Trust, the Subordinated Debt Securities
purchased by that Trust, the guarantee issued by CCI with respect to the
Subordinated Debt Securities purchased by that Trust and the related
Indenture, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee on a
subordinated basis by CCI of payments due on the Preferred Securities. See
"Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantees" and
"Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees."
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents are incorporated by reference in this Prospectus:
(a) CCI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February
29, 1996;
(b) CCI's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31,
1996; and
(c) CCI's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31,
1996.
All documents filed by CCI pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act, subsequent to the date of this Prospectus or any Prospectus
Supplement and prior to the termination of the offering of the Offered
Securities shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
and such Prospectus Supplement and to be a part hereof and thereof from the
date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained in this Prospectus
or any Prospectus Supplement or in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein or in any Prospectus Supplement shall be
deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus and such
Prospectus Supplement to the extent that a statement contained herein or
therein (or in any subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein or therein) modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except
as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus or any
Prospectus Supplement.
CCI will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of this
Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement has been delivered, upon the written
or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the documents referred
to above which have been or may be incorporated by reference herein or therein
(other than exhibits to such documents unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference in such documents). Requests for such copies should
be directed to Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., 155 North Lake Avenue,
P.O. Box 7137, Pasadena, California 91109-7137 (telephone (818) 304-8400),
Attention: Investor Relations.
4
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. (formerly Countrywide Funding Corporation), the
principal subsidiary of Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., is engaged
primarily in the mortgage banking business and as such originates, purchases,
sells and services mortgage loans. The Company's mortgage loans are
principally prime credit quality first-lien mortgage loans secured by single-
(one to four) family residences. The Company also offers home equity loans
both in conjunction with newly produced first-lien mortgages and as a separate
product and sub-prime credit quality first-lien single-family mortgage loans.
The principal sources of revenue of the Company are: (i) loan origination
fees; (ii) gains from the sale of loans, if any; (iii) interest earned on
mortgage loans during the period that they are held by the Company pending
sale, net of interest paid on funds borrowed to finance such mortgage loans;
(iv) loan servicing fees; and (v) interest benefit derived from the custodial
balances associated with the Company's servicing portfolio.
The Company produces mortgage loans through three separate divisions. The
Consumer Markets Division originates loans using direct contact with consumers
through its nationwide network of retail branch offices and its telemarketing
systems. Through its Wholesale Division, the Company originates loans through
and purchases loans from mortgage loan brokers. Through the Correspondent
Division, the Company purchases loans primarily from other mortgage bankers,
commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions and other
financial intermediaries. The Company customarily sells all loans that it
originates or purchases. Substantially all loans sold by the Company are sold
without recourse, subject, in the case of loan guaranties by the Veterans
Administration ("VA"), to the limits of such guaranties.
The Company services on a non-recourse basis substantially all of the
mortgage loans that it originates or purchases. In addition, the Company
purchases bulk servicing contracts, also on a non-recourse basis, to service
single-family residential mortgage loans originated by other lenders.
Servicing mortgage loans includes collecting and remitting loan payments,
making advances when required, accounting for principal and interest, holding
custodial (impound) funds for payment of property taxes and hazard insurance,
making any physical inspections of the property, counseling delinquent
mortgagors, supervising foreclosures and property dispositions in the event of
unremedied defaults and generally administering the loans. The Company
receives fee income for servicing mortgage loans ranging generally from 1/4%
to 1/2% per annum on the declining principal balances of the loans. The
Company has sold, and may sell in the future, a portion of its portfolio of
loan servicing rights to other mortgage servicers.
The Company's principal financing needs are the financing of loan funding
activities and the investment in servicing rights. To meet these needs, the
Company currently utilizes commercial paper supported by its revolving credit
facility, medium-term notes, mortgage-backed securities, repurchase
agreements, subordinated notes, unsecured notes, pre-sale funding facilities
and cash flows from operations. In the past, the Company has utilized whole
loan repurchase agreements, servicing-secured bank facilities, direct
borrowings from its revolving credit facility, privately-placed financings and
contributions from CCI of the proceeds of public offerings of preferred and
common stock.
The Company is a New York corporation, originally incorporated in 1969. Its
principal executive offices are located at 155 North Lake Avenue, P. O. Box
7137, Pasadena, California 91109-7137, and its telephone number is (818) 304-
8400.
THE TRUSTS
Each of Countrywide Capital I and Countrywide Capital II is a statutory
business trust formed under Delaware law pursuant to (i) a separate
declaration of trust (each a "Declaration") executed by CCI, as sponsor for
such Trust (the "Sponsor"), and the Countrywide Capital Trustees (as defined
herein) for such Trust and (ii) the filing of a certificate of trust with the
Delaware Secretary of State on , 1996. Each Countrywide Capital Trust
exists for the exclusive purposes of (i) issuing the Preferred Securities and
common securities
5
<PAGE>
representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of such Trust (the
"Common Securities" and, together with the Preferred Securities, the "Trust
Securities"), (ii) investing the gross proceeds of the Trust Securities in the
Subordinated Debt Securities, and (iii) engaging in only those other
activities necessary or incidental thereto. All of the Common Securities will
be directly or indirectly owned by CCI. The Common Securities will rank pari
passu, and payments will be made thereon pro rata, with the Preferred
Securities except that upon an event of default under the Declaration, the
rights of the holders of the Common Securities to payment in respect of
distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise will be
subordinated to the rights of the holders of the Preferred Securities. CCI
will acquire Common Securities in an aggregate liquidation amount equal to 3%
of the total capital of each Countrywide Capital Trust. Each Countrywide
Capital Trust has a term of approximately 55 years, but may earlier terminate
as provided in the relevant Declaration. Each Countrywide Capital Trust's
business and affairs will be conducted by the trustees (the "Countrywide
Capital Trustees") appointed by CCI, as the holder of all the Common
Securities. The holder of the Common Securities will be entitled to appoint,
remove or replace any of, or increase or reduce the number of, the Countrywide
Capital Trustees of a Countrywide Capital Trust. The duties and obligations of
the Countrywide Capital Trustees shall be governed by the Declaration of such
Countrywide Capital Trust. A majority of the Countrywide Capital Trustees (the
"Regular Trustees") of each Countrywide Capital Trust will be persons who are
employees or officers of or affiliated with the Company or CCI. One
Countrywide Capital Trustee of each Countrywide Capital Trust will be a
financial institution which will be unaffiliated with the Company and CCI and
which shall be eligible and act as property trustee and as indenture trustee
for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust
Indenture Act"), pursuant to the terms set forth in a Prospectus Supplement
(the "Institutional Trustee"). In addition, unless the Institutional Trustee
maintains a principal place of business in the State of Delaware, and
otherwise meets the requirements of applicable law, one Countrywide Capital
Trustee of each Countrywide Capital Trust will have its principal place of
business or reside in the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Trustee"). The
Company will pay all fees and expenses related to the Countrywide Capital
Trusts and the offering and sale of Trust Securities, the payment of which
will be guaranteed by CCI. The office of the Delaware Trustee for each
Countrywide Capital Trust in the State of Delaware is The Bank of New York
(Delaware), White Clay Center, Route 273, Newark, Delaware 19711. The
principal place of business of each Countrywide Capital Trust shall be c/o
Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., 155 North Lake Avenue, Pasadena,
California 91109-7137.
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
CCI is a holding company which through its principal subsidiary, Countrywide
Home Loans, Inc., is engaged primarily in the mortgage banking business. CCI,
through its other wholly owned subsidiaries, offers products and services
complementary to its mortgage banking business. A subsidiary of CCI trades
with other broker-dealers and institutional investors mortgage-backed
securities and other mortgage-related assets. In addition, a subsidiary of CCI
receives fee income for managing the operation of CWM Mortgage Holdings, Inc.
("CWM"), a real estate investment trust whose shares are traded on the New
York Stock Exchange. CWM conducts real estate lending activities and has an
affiliate engaged in the operation of a jumbo and non-conforming mortgage loan
conduit. CCI also has a subsidiary which acts as an agent in the sale of
homeowners, fire, flood, earthquake, mortgage life and disability insurance to
the Company's mortgagors in connection with the Company's mortgage banking
operations. Another subsidiary of CCI earns fee income by brokering servicing
contracts owned by other mortgage lenders and loan servicers. CCI also has a
subsidiary that acts as a provider of various title insurance and escrow
services in the capacity of an agent rather than an underwriter.
CCI is a Delaware corporation, and was originally incorporated in New York
under the name of OLM Credit Industries, Inc. in 1969. Its principal executive
offices are located at 155 North Lake Avenue, P. O. Box 7137, Pasadena,
California 91109-7137, and its telephone number is (818) 304-8400.
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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the ratio of earnings of CCI to fixed charges
for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28 (29)
SIX MONTHS ENDED -----------------------------
AUGUST 31, 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges................... 2.29 2.13 1.69 2.32 2.76 2.38
</TABLE>
For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
consist of income before federal income taxes, plus fixed charges. Fixed
charges include interest expense on debt and the portion of rental expenses
which is considered to be representative of the interest factor (one-third of
operating leases).
USE OF PROCEEDS
Each Countrywide Capital Trust will use gross proceeds received from the
sale of the Preferred Securities to purchase Subordinated Debt Securities from
the Company. Except as may be otherwise stated in any Prospectus Supplement,
the Company intends to use the net proceeds (after payment of the expenses of
the offering and Underwriters' Compensation) from the sale of the Subordinated
Debt Securities for general corporate purposes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES AND THE DEBT GUARANTEES
Subordinated Debt Securities may be issued from time to time in one or more
series under an Indenture (the "Indenture") among the Company, CCI and The
Bank of New York, as Trustee (the "Debt Trustee"). The terms of the
Subordinated Debt Securities will include those stated in the Indenture and
those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act. The
following summary of the material terms of the Indenture does not purport to
be complete and is subject in all respects to the provisions of, and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Indenture, a form of which is
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
forms a part, and the Trust Indenture Act. Whenever particular provisions or
defined terms in the Indenture are referred to herein, such provisions or
defined terms are incorporated by reference herein. Section and Article
references used herein are references to provisions of the Indenture unless
otherwise noted.
GENERAL
The Subordinated Debt Securities will be unsecured, subordinated obligations
of the Company. The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of
Subordinated Debt Securities which may be issued thereunder and provides that
the Subordinated Debt Securities may be issued from time to time in one or
more series. The Subordinated Debt Securities are issuable in one or more
series pursuant to an indenture supplemental to the Indenture or a resolution
of the Company's Board of Directors or a special committee appointed thereby
(each, a "Supplemental Indenture"). (Section 2.03)
In the event Subordinated Debt Securities are issued to a Countrywide
Capital Trust or a trustee of such Trust in connection with the issuance of
Trust Securities by such Countrywide Capital Trust, such Subordinated Debt
Securities subsequently may be distributed pro rata to the holders of such
Trust Securities in connection with the dissolution of such Countrywide
Capital Trust upon the occurrence of certain events described in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to such Trust Securities. Only one series of
Subordinated Debt Securities will be issued to a Countrywide Capital Trust or
a trustee of such Trust in connection with the issuance of Trust Securities by
such Countrywide Capital Trust.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular
Subordinated Debt Securities being offered thereby for the following terms:
(1) the designation of such Subordinated Debt Securities; (2) the
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aggregate principal amount of such Subordinated Debt Securities; (3) the
percentage of their principal amount at which such Subordinated Debt
Securities will be issued; (4) the date or dates on which such Subordinated
Debt Securities will mature and the right, if any, to extend such date or
dates; (5) the rate or rates, if any, per annum, at which such Subordinated
Debt Securities will bear interest, or the method of determination of such
rate or rates; (6) the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue,
the interest payment dates on which such interest will be payable or the
manner of determination of such interest payment dates and the record dates
for the determination of holders to whom interest is payable on any such
interest payment dates; (7) the right, if any, to extend the interest payment
periods and the duration of such extension; (8) provisions for a sinking,
purchase or other analogous fund, if any; (9) the period or periods, if any,
within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon
which such Subordinated Debt Securities may be redeemed, in whole or in part,
at the option of the Company or the holder; (10) the form of such Subordinated
Debt Securities; and (11) any other specific terms of the Subordinated Debt
Securities. Principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, will be payable,
and the Subordinated Debt Securities offered thereby will be transferable, at
the corporate trust office of the Debt Trustee in New York, New York, provided
that payment of interest, if any, may be made at the option of the Company by
check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as it appears in
the Security Register or by wire transfer to an account appropriately
designated by the holder entitled thereto. (Sections 3.01 and 3.02)
If a Prospectus Supplement specifies that a series of Subordinated Debt
Securities is denominated in a currency or currency unit other than United
States dollars, such Prospectus Supplement shall also specify the denomination
in which such Subordinated Debt Securities will be issued and the coin or
currency in which the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on
such Subordinated Debt Securities will be payable, which may be United States
dollars based upon the exchange rate for such other currency or currency unit
existing on or about the time a payment is due.
There are no terms in the Indenture or the Debt Guarantee that limit the
ability of CCI or its subsidiaries (including the Company) to incur additional
indebtedness, including indebtedness that may rank senior to, or pari passu
with, the Subordinated Debt Securities. The Indenture contains no covenants or
other provisions to afford protection to holders of the Subordinated Debt
Securities in the event of a highly leveraged transaction or a change in
control of the Company or CCI, except to the limited extent described under
"--Limitation on Mergers and Sales of Assets" below.
DEBT GUARANTEES
The Indenture provides that CCI will fully and unconditionally guarantee the
due and punctual payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest on
the Subordinated Debt Securities when and as the same shall become due and
payable, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise. (Section 2.13)
Since CCI is a holding company, the right of CCI and, hence, the right of
creditors of CCI (including the holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities)
to participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary of CCI,
whether upon liquidation, reorganization, or otherwise, is subject to prior
claims of creditors of such subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of
CCI itself as a creditor of such subsidiary may be recognized.
FORM, EXCHANGE, REGISTRATION, TRANSFER AND PAYMENT
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Subordinated Debt Securities will be issued in fully registered form without
coupons and in denominations of $1,000 and multiples of $1,000. No service
charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of the Subordinated Debt
Securities, but the Company or the Debt Trustee may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other government charge payable in connection
therewith. Where Subordinated Debt Securities of any series are issued in
bearer form, the special restrictions and considerations, including special
offering restrictions and special United States federal income tax
considerations, applicable to any such Subordinated Debt Securities and to
payment on and transfer and exchange of such Subordinated Debt Securities will
be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Bearer Subordinated Debt
Securities will be transferable by delivery.
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<PAGE>
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, principal
and premium, if any, or interest, if any, will be payable and the Subordinated
Debt Securities may be surrendered for payment or transferred at the offices
of the Debt Trustee as paying and authenticating agent, provided that payment
of interest on registered securities may be made at the option of the Company
by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as it appears in
the Security Register or by wire transfer to an account approximately
designated by the holder entitled thereto. Payment of Subordinated Debt
Securities in bearer form will be made at such paying agencies outside of the
United States as the Company may appoint.
BOOK-ENTRY SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
The Subordinated Debt Securities of a series may be issued in whole or in
part in the form of one or more global securities (each, a "Global Security")
that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary (the "Global
Depositary"), or its nominee, identified in the Prospectus Supplement relating
to such series. In such a case, one or more Global Securities will be issued
in a denomination or aggregate denomination equal to the portion of the
aggregate principal amount of outstanding Subordinated Debt Securities of the
series to be represented by such Global Security or Securities. Unless and
until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Subordinated Debt Securities in
definitive registered form, a Global Security may not be registered for
transfer or exchange except as a whole by the Global Depositary to a nominee
for such Global Depositary and except in the circumstances described in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any portion
of a series of Subordinated Debt Securities to be represented by a Global
Security and a description of the Global Depositary will be provided in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
SUBORDINATION
The Subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinated and junior in right of
payment to certain other indebtedness of the Company and the Debt Guarantees
will be subordinated and junior in right of payment to certain other
indebtedness of CCI to the extent set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement.
CERTAIN COVENANTS
If Subordinated Debt Securities are issued to a Countrywide Capital Trust or
a trustee of such Trust in connection with the issuance of Trust Securities by
such Countrywide Capital Trust and (i) there shall have occurred and be
continuing any event that would constitute an Event of Default (as defined
herein), (ii) CCI shall be in default with respect to its payment of any
obligations under the related Preferred Securities Guarantee or Common
Securities Guarantee (as defined in the Indenture), or (iii) the Company shall
have given notice of its election to defer payments of interest on the
Subordinated Debt Securities by extending the interest payment period as
provided in the Indenture and such period, or any extension thereof, shall be
continuing then (a) the Company and CCI shall not declare or pay any dividend
on, make a distribution with respect to, or redeem, purchase or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock or rights to
acquire such capital stock (other than (i) purchases or acquisitions of shares
of any such capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock in
connection with the satisfaction by CCI or the Company, respectively, of its
obligations under any employee benefit plans, (ii) as a result of a
reclassification of CCI's or the Company's capital stock or rights to acquire
such capital stock or the exchange or conversion of one class or series of
CCI's or the Company's capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock
for another class or series of CCI's or the Company's capital stock or rights
to acquire such capital stock, (iii) the purchase of fractional interests in
shares of CCI's or the Company's capital stock pursuant to the conversion or
exchange provisions of such capital stock or the security being converted or
exchanged, or (iv) dividends and distributions made on CCI's or the Company's
capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock with CCI's or the
Company's capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock), (b) the
Company and CCI shall not make any payment of interest, principal or premium,
if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities issued by the
Company or CCI that rank pari passu with or junior to such Subordinated Debt
Securities and (c) CCI shall not make any guarantee payments with respect to
the foregoing (other than pursuant to any Preferred Securities Guarantee or
Debt Guarantee). (Section 3.07)
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<PAGE>
In the event Subordinated Debt Securities are issued to a Countrywide
Capital Trust or a trustee of such Trust in connection with the issuance of
Trust Securities by such Countrywide Capital Trust, for so long as such Trust
Securities remain outstanding, CCI will covenant (i) to maintain 100%
ownership of the Common Securities of such Countrywide Capital Trust;
provided, however, that any permitted successor of CCI under the Indenture may
succeed to CCI's ownership of such Common Securities, (ii) to use its
reasonable efforts to cause such Countrywide Capital Trust (a) to remain a
statutory business trust, except in connection with the distribution of
Subordinated Debt Securities to the holders of Trust Securities in liquidation
of such Countrywide Capital Trust, the redemption of all of the Trust
Securities of such Countrywide Capital Trust or certain mergers,
consolidations or amalgamations, each as permitted by the Declaration of such
Countrywide Capital Trust, and (b) to otherwise continue not to be classified
as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes and (iii) to
use its reasonable efforts to cause each holder of Trust Securities to be
treated as owning an undivided beneficial interest in the Subordinated Debt
Securities. (Section 3.08)
LIMITATION ON MERGERS AND SALES OF ASSETS
Nothing contained in the Indenture or in the Subordinated Debt Securities of
any series shall prevent any consolidation or merger of the Company or CCI
with or into any other corporation (whether or not affiliated with the Company
or CCI, as the case may be) or successive consolidations or mergers in which
the Company or CCI, as the case may be, or its successor or successors shall
be a party, or shall prevent any sale, conveyance, transfer or other
disposition of the property of the Company or CCI, as the case may be, or its
successor or successors as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, to
any other corporation (whether or not affiliated with the Company or CCI, as
the case may be, or its successor or successors) authorized to acquire and
operate the same; provided, however, the Company or CCI, as the case may be,
shall, upon any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or
other disposition, cause the obligations of the Company under such series of
Subordinated Debt Securities or the obligations of CCI under the Debt
Guarantee, as the case may be, and under the Indenture, to be expressly
assumed, by supplemental indenture satisfactory in form to the Debt Trustee
and executed and delivered to the Debt Trustee, by the successor entity formed
by such consolidation or into which the Company or CCI, as the case may be,
shall have been merged, or which shall have acquired such property. Upon
execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture to the Debt Trustee,
such successor entity will be substituted under the Indenture, such series of
Subordinated Debt Securities and each Debt Guarantee, as the case may be, and
thereupon the Company and CCI, as the case may be, will be relieved of any
further liability or obligation thereunder. (Sections 10.01 and 10.02)
EVENTS OF DEFAULT, WAIVER AND NOTICE
The Indenture provides than any one or more of the following described
events which has occurred and is continuing with respect to any series of
Subordinated Debt Securities constitutes an "Event of Default" with respect to
such series of Subordinated Debt Securities:
(a) default for 30 days in payment of any interest on the Subordinated
Debt Securities of that series, including any Additional Interest in
respect thereof, when due; provided, however, that a valid extension of the
interest payment period by the Company shall not constitute a default in
the payment of interest for this purpose; or
(b) default in payment of principal and premium, if any, on the
Subordinated Debt Securities of that series when due either at maturity,
upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise; provided, however, that a
valid extension of the maturity of such Subordinated Debt Securities shall
not constitute a default for this purpose; or
(c) default by the Company or CCI in the performance of any other of the
covenants or agreements in the Indenture which shall not have been remedied
for a period of 90 days after notice; or
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(d) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the
Company or CCI; or
(e) in the event Subordinated Debt Securities of that series are issued
to a Countrywide Capital Trust or a trustee of such trust in connection
with the issuance of Trust Securities by such Countrywide Capital Trust,
the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of such
Countrywide Capital Trust, except in connection with the distribution of
Subordinated Debt Securities of that series to the holders of Trust
Securities in liquidation of such Countrywide Capital Trust, the redemption
of all of the Trust Securities of such Countrywide Capital Trust, or
certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations, each as permitted by the
Declaration of such Countrywide Capital Trust. (Section 5.01)
The Indenture provides that the Debt Trustee may, under certain
circumstances, withhold from the holders notice of default with respect to any
series of Subordinated Debt Securities (except for any default in payment of
principal of or interest or premium on the Subordinated Debt Securities of
such series) if the Trustee considers it in the interest of such holders to do
so. (Section 5.08)
The Indenture provides that if an Event of Default on any series of
Subordinated Debt Securities shall have occurred and be continuing, either the
Debt Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount
of the Subordinated Debt Securities of such series then outstanding may
declare the principal of and accrued interest on all Subordinated Debt
Securities of such series to be due and payable immediately, but upon certain
conditions such declarations may be annulled and past defaults may be waived
(except defaults in payment of principal of or interest or premium on the
Subordinated Debt Securities, which must be cured or paid in full) by the
holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Debt
Securities of such series (or of all series, as the case may be) then
outstanding. (Section 5.01)
No holder of any Subordinated Debt Security of any series shall have any
right to institute any suit, action or proceeding for any remedy under the
Indenture, unless such holder previously shall have given to the Debt Trustee
written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the
Subordinated Debt Securities of that series and unless the holders of not less
than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Debt Securities of
that series then outstanding shall have given the Debt Trustee a written
request to institute such action, suit or proceeding and shall have offered to
the Debt Trustee such reasonable indemnity as it may require against the
costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred thereby, and the Debt Trustee
for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity
shall have failed to institute any such action, suit or proceeding; provided
that no holder of Subordinated Debt Securities of any series shall have any
right to prejudice the rights of any other holder of Subordinated Debt
Securities, obtain priority or preference over any other such holder or
enforce any right under this Indenture except as provided in the Indenture and
for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all holders of Subordinated Debt
Securities of the applicable series. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the right
of any holder of any Subordinated Debt Security to receive payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such Subordinated Debt
Security when due, or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such
payment, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such holder.
(Section 5.04)
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated
Debt Securities of any and all series affected (voting as one class) and then
outstanding shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to, or exercising any trust
or power conferred on, the Debt Trustee under the Indenture; provided,
however, that, except under certain circumstances, the Debt Trustee may
decline to follow any such direction if the Debt Trustee determines that the
action so directed would be unjustly prejudicial to holders not taking part in
such direction or unlawful or would involve the Debt Trustee in personal
liability. (Section 5.07) The Indenture requires the annual filing by the
Company with the Debt Trustee of a certificate as to the absence of certain
defaults under the Indenture. (Section 3.05)
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURE
The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company, CCI and the Debt
Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in
principal amount of the Subordinated Debt Securities of all series
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affected (voting as one class) by such modification at the time outstanding,
to modify the Indenture or any supplemental indenture or the rights of the
holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities; provided, however, that no such
modification shall (i) extend the fixed maturity of any Subordinated Debt
Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof (including in the case of a
discounted Subordinated Debt Security the amount payable thereon in the event
of acceleration or the amount provable in bankruptcy) or any redemption
premium thereon, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest
thereon, or make the principal of, or interest or premium on, the Subordinated
Debt Securities payable in any coin or currency other than that provided in
the Subordinated Debt Securities, or impair or affect the right of any holder
of Subordinated Debt Securities to institute suit for the payment thereof or
the right of prepayment, if any, at the option of the holder, without the
consent of the holder of each Subordinated Debt Security so affected, or (ii)
reduce the aforesaid percentage of Subordinated Debt Securities the consent of
the holders of which is required for any such modification, without, in each
such case, the consent of the holders of each Subordinated Debt Security
affected. (Section 9.02)
The Company, CCI and the Debt Trustee may enter into supplemental
indentures, without the consent of any holder of the Subordinated Debt
Securities: (a) to evidence the succession of another corporation to the
Company or CCI and the assumption by the successor corporation of the
covenants, agreements and obligations of the Company or CCI, as the case may
be, pursuant to the Indenture; (b) to add to the covenants of the Company or
CCI such further covenants, restrictions or conditions for the protection of
the holders of all or any series of Subordinated Debt Securities and to make
the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance (including any or no grace
periods), of a default in any of such additional covenants, restrictions or
conditions a default or an Event of Default permitting the enforcement of
remedies provided in the Indenture; (c) to provide for the issuance of
Subordinated Debt Securities in coupon form (including Subordinated Debt
Securities registrable as to principal only) and to provide for
exchangeability of such Subordinated Debt Securities and to make all
appropriate changes for such purpose; (d) to cure any ambiguity or to correct
or supplement any provision contained in the Indenture or in any supplemental
indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision
contained therein or in any supplemental indenture, or to make such other
provisions in regard to matters or questions arising under the Indenture;
provided that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the
holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities; (e) to add on, delete from, or
revise the terms of Subordinated Debt Securities of any series as permitted by
the Indenture, including, without limitation, any terms relating to the
issuance, exchange, registration or transfer of Subordinated Debt Securities
issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and
the payment of any principal thereof, or interest or premium, if any, thereon;
(f) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under the
Indenture by a successor Debt Trustee with respect to the Subordinated Debt
Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions
of the Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the
administration of the trusts under the Indenture by more than one Debt
Trustee, pursuant to the Indenture; (g) to make any change that does not
adversely affect the rights of any holder of any Subordinated Debt Security in
any material respect; or (h) to provide for the issuance, and establish the
form and terms and conditions, of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the
Debt Guarantees of any series, to establish the form of any certifications
required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of the Indenture or any series
of Subordinated Debt Securities or to add to the rights of the holders of any
series of Subordinated Debt Securities. (Section 9.01)
DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE
The Indenture provides that the Company, at the Company's option: (a) will
be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Subordinated Debt
Securities of a series (except for certain obligations to register the
transfer or exchange of Subordinated Debt Securities, replace stolen, lost or
mutilated Subordinated Debt Securities, maintain paying agencies and hold
moneys for payment in trust) or (b) need not comply with certain restrictive
covenants of the Indenture (including those described under "--Certain
Covenants" above), in each case if the Company deposits, in trust with the
Debt Trustee or the Defeasance Agent (as defined in the Indenture), money or
U.S. Government Obligations which through the payment of interest thereon and
principal thereof in accordance with their terms will provide money in an
amount sufficient to pay all the principal (including any mandatory sinking
fund payments) of, and interest and premium, if any, on, the Subordinated
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Debt Securities of such series on the dates such payments are due in
accordance with the terms of such Subordinated Debt Securities. To exercise
any such option, the Company is required to deliver to the Debt Trustee and
the Defeasance Agent, if any, an opinion of counsel to the effect that (i) the
deposit and related defeasance would not cause the holders of the Subordinated
Debt Securities of such series to recognize income, gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes and, in the case of a discharge pursuant to clause (a),
such opinion shall be accompanied by a private letter ruling to such effect
received from the United States Internal Revenue Service or a revenue ruling
pertaining to a comparable form of transaction to such effect published by the
United States Internal Revenue Service, and (ii) if listed on any national
securities exchange, such Subordinated Debt Securities would not be delisted
from such exchange as a result of the exercise of such option. (Sections 11.01
and 11.05)
GOVERNING LAW
The Indenture, the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantees will
be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New
York, without regard to conflict of laws principles. (Section 13.05)
THE DEBT TRUSTEE
The Company and CCI may have normal banking relationships with the Debt
Trustee in the ordinary course of business.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES
Each Countrywide Capital Trust may issue, from time to time, only one series
of Preferred Securities having terms described in the Prospectus Supplement
relating thereto. The Declaration of each Countrywide Capital Trust will
authorize the Regular Trustees of such Countrywide Capital Trust to issue on
behalf of such Countrywide Capital Trust one series of Preferred Securities.
The Declaration will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture
Act. The Preferred Securities will have such terms, including distributions,
redemption, voting, liquidation rights and such other preferred, deferred or
other special rights or such restrictions as shall be set forth in the
Declaration or made part of the Declaration by the Trust Indenture Act and
which will mirror the terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities held by such
Countrywide Capital Trust and described in the Prospectus Supplement relating
thereto. Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the
Preferred Securities of such Countrywide Capital Trust for specific terms,
including (i) the distinctive designation of such Preferred Securities; (ii)
the number of Preferred Securities issued by such Countrywide Capital Trust;
(iii) the annual distribution rate (or method of determining such rate) for
Preferred Securities issued by such Countrywide Capital Trust and the date or
dates upon which such distributions shall be payable; provided, however, that
distributions on such Preferred Securities shall be payable on a quarterly
basis to holders of such Preferred Securities as of a record date in each
quarter during which such Preferred Securities are outstanding subject,
however, to the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods; (iv)
whether distributions on Preferred Securities issued by such Countrywide
Capital Trust shall be cumulative, and, in the case of Preferred Securities
having such cumulative distribution rights, the date or dates or method of
determining the date or dates from which distributions on Preferred Securities
issued by such Countrywide Capital Trust shall be cumulative; (v) the amount
or amounts which shall be paid out of the assets of such Countrywide Capital
Trust to the holders of Preferred Securities of such Countrywide Capital Trust
upon voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of such
Countrywide Capital Trust; (vi) the obligation, if any, of such Countrywide
Capital Trust to purchase or redeem Preferred Securities issued by such
Countrywide Capital Trust and the price or prices at which, the period or
periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, Preferred
Securities issued by such Countrywide Capital Trust shall be purchased or
redeemed, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation; (vii) the voting
rights, if any, of Preferred Securities issued by such Countrywide Capital
Trust in addition to those required by law, including the number of votes per
Preferred Security and any requirement for the approval by the holders of
Preferred Securities, or of Preferred Securities issued by one or more
Countrywide Capital Trusts, or of both, as a condition to specified action or
amendments to the Declaration of such Countrywide Capital Trust; (viii) the
terms and conditions, if any, upon which the Subordinated Debt Securities may
be distributed to holders of Preferred Securities; (ix) if applicable, any
securities exchange upon which the Preferred Securities shall be listed; and
(x) any other relevant rights, preferences, privileges, limitations or
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restrictions of Preferred Securities issued by such Countrywide Capital Trust
not inconsistent with the Declaration of such Countrywide Capital Trust or
with applicable law. All Preferred Securities offered hereby will be
guaranteed by CCI to the extent set forth below under "Description of the
Preferred Securities Guarantees." Certain United States federal income tax
considerations applicable to any offering of Preferred Securities will be
described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
In connection with the issuance of Preferred Securities, each Countrywide
Capital Trust will issue one series of Common Securities. The Declaration of
each Countrywide Capital Trust will authorize the Regular Trustees of such
Trust to issue on behalf of such Countrywide Capital Trust one series of
Common Securities having such terms including distributions, redemption,
voting, liquidation rights or such restrictions as shall be set forth therein.
The terms of the Common Securities issued by a Countrywide Capital Trust will
be substantially identical to the terms of the Preferred Securities issued by
such Trust and the Common Securities will rank pari passu, and payments will
be made thereon pro rata, with the Preferred Securities except that, upon an
event of default under the Declaration, the rights of the holders of the
Common Securities to payment in respect of distributions and payments upon
liquidation, redemption and otherwise will be subordinated to the rights of
the holders of the Preferred Securities. Except in certain limited
circumstances, the Common Securities will also carry the right to vote to
appoint, remove or replace any of the Countrywide Capital Trustees of a
Countrywide Capital Trust. All of the Common Securities of each Countrywide
Capital Trust will be owned by CCI.
ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
If an Event of Default under the Declaration of a Countrywide Capital Trust
occurs and is continuing, then the holders of Preferred Securities of such
Countrywide Capital Trust would rely on the enforcement by the Institutional
Trustee of its rights as a holder of the applicable series of Subordinated
Debt Securities against the Company and CCI. In addition, subject to the
requirement of the Institutional Trustee's obtaining a tax opinion in certain
circumstances, the holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the
Preferred Securities of such Countrywide Capital Trust will have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the Institutional Trustee, or exercising any trust or power
conferred upon the Institutional Trustee under the applicable Declaration,
including the right to direct the Institutional Trustee to exercise the
remedies available to it as a holder of the Subordinated Debt Securities and
the related Debt Guarantee. If the Institutional Trustee fails to enforce its
rights under the applicable series of Subordinated Debt Securities or the
related Debt Guarantee, after a holder of record of Preferred Securities of
such Countrywide Capital Trust has made a written request, such holder of
record of such Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly
against the Company or CCI to enforce the Institutional Trustee's rights under
the applicable series of Subordinated Debt Securities or the related Debt
Guarantee as the case may be, without first instituting any legal proceeding
against the Institutional Trustee or any other person or entity, including, in
the case of the Debt Guarantee, against the Company. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if an Event of Default under the applicable Declaration has
occurred and is continuing and such event is attributable to (i) the failure
of the Company to pay interest or principal on the applicable series of
Subordinated Debt Securities on the respective dates such interest or
principal is payable (or in the case of redemption, on the redemption date) or
(ii) the failure of CCI to pay any obligation in respect thereof under the
related Debt Guarantee, then a holder of record of Preferred Securities of
such Countrywide Capital Trust may, after such holder's written request to the
Institutional Trustee to pursue its remedies under the Indenture and such Debt
Guarantee as holder of such Subordinated Debt Securities and any failure by
the Institutional Trustee to do so, directly institute a proceeding for
enforcement of payment, on or after the respective due dates specified in such
Subordinated Debt Securities, to such holder of the principal of or interest
on the applicable series of Subordinated Debt Securities having an aggregate
principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the Preferred
Securities of such holder (a "Direct Action"). In connection with such Direct
Action, the Company and CCI will be subrogated to the rights of such holder of
Preferred Securities under the applicable Declaration to the extent of any
payment made by the Company or CCI, as the case may be, to such holder of
Preferred Securities in such Direct Action; provided, however, that no such
subrogation right may be exercised so long as an event of default under the
applicable Declaration has occurred and is continuing. The holders of
Preferred Securities of a Countrywide Capital Trust will not be able to
exercise directly any other remedy available to the holders of the applicable
series of Subordinated Debt Securities or the related Debt Guarantee.
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<PAGE>
PROPOSED TAX LEGISLATION
On March 19, 1996, President Clinton proposed certain tax law changes that
would, among other things, generally deny corporate issuers a deduction for
interest in respect of certain debt obligations issued on or after December 7,
1995 (the "Proposed Legislation") if such debt obligations have a maximum term
in excess of twenty years and are not shown as indebtedness on the issuer's
applicable consolidated balance sheet. In addition, the Proposed Legislation
would deny issuers an interest deduction on any debt instruments with a
weighted average maturity greater than 40 years. On March 29, 1996, Senate
Finance Committee Chairman William V. Roth, Jr. and House Ways and Means
Committee Chairman Bill Archer issued a joint statement (the "Joint
Statement") indicating their intent that certain legislative proposals
initiated by the Clinton administration, including the Proposed Legislation,
that may be adopted by either of the tax-writing committees of Congress would
have an effective date that is no earlier than the date of "appropriate
Congressional action." Based upon the Joint Statement, it is expected that if
the Proposed Legislation were to be enacted, such Legislation would not apply
to a series of Subordinated Debt Securities if the series (i) was issued prior
to the date of "appropriate Congressional action" or (ii) had a maximum term
that did not exceed 20 years. The Company intends that any series of
Subordinated Debt Securities will either be issued prior to the date of
"appropriate Congressional action" or will have a maximum term that does not
exceed 20 years. Accordingly, the Company does not expect the Proposed
Legislation to apply to any series of Subordinated Debt Securities. There can
be no assurance, however, that the effective date guidance contained in the
Joint Statement will be incorporated into the Proposed Legislation, if
enacted, or that other legislation enacted after the date hereof will not
otherwise adversely affect the ability of the Company to deduct the interest
payable on any series of Subordinated Debt Securities. Accordingly, there can
be no assurance that a Tax Event will not occur.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the Preferred
Securities Guarantees which will be executed and delivered by CCI for the
benefit of the holders from time to time of Preferred Securities. Each
Preferred Securities Guarantee will be qualified as an indenture under the
Trust Indenture Act. The Bank of New York will act as indenture trustee under
each Preferred Securities Guarantee for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act
(the "Preferred Guarantee Trustee"). The terms of each Preferred Securities
Guarantee will be those set forth in such Preferred Securities Guarantee and
those made part of such Preferred Securities Guarantee by the Trust Indenture
Act. This summary of the material terms of the Preferred Securities Guarantees
does not purport to be complete and is subject in all respects to the
provisions of, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Preferred
Securities Guarantee, a form of which is filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, and the Trust
Indenture Act. Each Preferred Securities Guarantee will be held by the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Preferred
Securities of the applicable Countrywide Capital Trust.
GENERAL
Pursuant to each Preferred Securities Guarantee, CCI will irrevocably and
unconditionally agree, to the extent set forth therein, to pay in full, to the
holders of the Preferred Securities issued by a Countrywide Capital Trust, the
Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) (except to the extent paid by such
Countrywide Capital Trust), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right
of set-off or counterclaim which such Countrywide Capital Trust may have or
assert. The following payments with respect to Preferred Securities issued by
a Countrywide Capital Trust, to the extent not paid by such Countrywide
Capital Trust (the "Guarantee Payments"), will be subject to the Preferred
Securities Guarantee thereon (without duplication): (i) any accrued and unpaid
distributions which are required to be paid on such Preferred Securities, to
the extent such Countrywide Capital Trust shall have funds available therefor;
(ii) the redemption price, including all accrued and unpaid distributions to
the date of redemption (the "Redemption Price"), to the extent such
Countrywide Capital Trust has funds available therefor, with respect to any
Preferred Securities called for redemption by such Countrywide Capital Trust
and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or
termination of such Countrywide
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Capital Trust (other than in connection with the distribution of Subordinated
Debt Securities to the holders of Preferred Securities upon the redemption of
all of the Preferred Securities), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the
liquidation amount and all accrued and unpaid distributions on such Preferred
Securities to the date of payment, to the extent such Countrywide Capital
Trust has funds available therefor, and (b) the amount of assets of such
Countrywide Capital Trust remaining available for distribution to holders of
such Preferred Securities in liquidation of such Countrywide Capital Trust.
The redemption price and liquidation amount will be fixed at the time the
Preferred Securities are issued. CCI's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment
may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by CCI to the
holders of Preferred Securities or by causing the applicable Countrywide
Capital Trust to pay such amounts to such holders.
Each Preferred Securities Guarantee will not apply to any payment of
distributions except to the extent the applicable Countrywide Capital Trust
shall have funds available therefor. If the Company does not make interest
payments on the Subordinated Debt Securities purchased by a Countrywide
Capital Trust and CCI does not fulfill its obligations under the Debt
Guarantee relating to such Subordinated Debt Securities, such Countrywide
Capital Trust will not pay distributions on the Preferred Securities issued by
such Countrywide Capital Trust and will not have funds available therefor. See
"Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantees--
Certain Covenants." The Preferred Securities Guarantee, when taken together
with the Company's obligations under the Subordinated Debt Securities and the
Indenture, including its obligations to pay costs, expenses, debts and
liabilities of such Countrywide Capital Trust (other than with respect to the
Trust Securities), and CCI's obligations under the Debt Guarantee, the
Indenture and the Declaration, will provide a full and unconditional guarantee
on a subordinated basis by CCI of payments due on the Preferred Securities.
CCI has also agreed separately to irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee
the obligations of each Countrywide Capital Trust with respect to its Common
Securities (the "Common Securities Guarantees") to the same extent as the
respective Preferred Securities Guarantees, except that upon an event of
default under the Declaration of a Countrywide Capital Trust, holders of
Preferred Securities of such Trust shall have priority over holders of Common
Securities of such Trust with respect to distributions and payments on
liquidation, redemption or otherwise.
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF CCI
In each Preferred Securities Guarantee, CCI will covenant that, so long as
any Preferred Securities issued by the applicable Countrywide Capital Trust
remain outstanding, if CCI shall be in default under such Preferred Securities
Guarantee or there shall have occurred and be continuing any event that would
constitute an event of default under the Declaration of such Countrywide
Capital Trust, then (a) CCI shall not, and shall cause the Company not to,
declare or pay any dividend on, make a distribution with respect to, or
redeem, purchase or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of CCI's
or the Company's capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock (other
than (i) purchases or acquisitions of shares of any such capital stock or
rights to acquire such capital stock in connection with the satisfaction by
CCI or the Company, respectively, of its obligations under any employee
benefit plans, (ii) as a result of a reclassification of CCI's or the
Company's capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock or the
exchange or conversion of one class or series of CCI's or the Company's
capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock for another class or
series of CCI's or the Company's capital stock or rights to acquire such
capital stock, (iii) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of CCI's
or the Company's capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange
provisions of such capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged,
or (iv) dividends and distributions made on CCI's or the Company's capital
stock or rights to acquire such capital stock with CCI's or the Company's
capital stock or rights to acquire such capital stock), (b) CCI and the
Company shall not make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any,
on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities issued by CCI or the
Company that rank pari passu with or junior to such Subordinated Debt
Securities and (c) CCI shall not make any guarantee payments with respect to
the foregoing (other than pursuant to such Preferred Securities Guarantee or
such Debt Guarantee).
MODIFICATION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES; ASSIGNMENT
Except with respect to any changes which do not adversely affect the rights
of holders of Preferred Securities (in which case no vote of such holders will
be required), each Preferred Securities Guarantee may be
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<PAGE>
amended only with the prior approval of the holders of not less than a
majority in liquidation amount of the outstanding Preferred Securities issued
by the applicable Countrywide Capital Trust. All guarantees and agreements
contained in a Preferred Securities Guarantee shall bind the successors,
assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of CCI and shall inure to the
benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities of the applicable
Countrywide Capital Trust then outstanding.
TERMINATION
Each Preferred Securities Guarantee will terminate as to the Preferred
Securities issued by the applicable Countrywide Capital Trust (a) upon full
payment of the Redemption Price of all Preferred Securities of such
Countrywide Capital Trust, (b) upon distribution of the Subordinated Debt
Securities held by such Countrywide Capital Trust to the holders of the
Preferred Securities of such Countrywide Capital Trust or (c) upon full
payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the Declaration of such
Countrywide Capital Trust upon liquidation of such Countrywide Capital Trust.
Each Preferred Securities Guarantee will continue to be effective or will be
reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of Preferred
Securities issued by the applicable Countrywide Capital Trust must restore
payment of any sums paid under such Preferred Securities or such Preferred
Securities Guarantee.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
An event of default under a Preferred Securities Guarantee will occur upon
the failure of CCI to perform any of its payment or other obligations
thereunder.
The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities
relating to such Preferred Securities Guarantee have the right to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available
to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee in respect of the Preferred Securities
Guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee under such Preferred Securities Guarantee. If the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce such Preferred Securities
Guarantee, after a holder of record of Preferred Securities relating to such
Preferred Securities Guarantee has made a written request, such holder of
record of such Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly
against CCI to enforce the Preferred Guarantee Trustee's rights under such
Preferred Securities Guarantee, without first instituting a legal proceeding
against the relevant Countrywide Capital Trust, the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee or any other person or entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if CCI
has failed to make a guarantee payment, a holder of record of Preferred
Securities may, after such holder's written request to the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee to pursue such Trustee's remedies under the Preferred Securities
Guarantee and any failure by the Preferred Guarantee Trustee to do so,
directly institute a proceeding against CCI for enforcement of the Preferred
Securities Guarantee for such payment. In the Preferred Securities Guarantees
CCI will waive any right or remedy to require that any action be brought first
against such Countrywide Capital Trust or any other person or entity before
proceeding directly against CCI.
STATUS OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
CCI's obligations under the Preferred Securities Guarantees are subordinate
and junior in right of payment to all present and future liabilities of CCI,
including the Debt Guarantee, and rank pari passu with the most senior
preferred stock issued, if any, from time to time by CCI. The terms of the
Preferred Securities provide that each holder of Preferred Securities issued
by the applicable Countrywide Capital Trust by acceptance thereof agrees to
the subordination provisions and other terms of the Preferred Securities
Guarantee relating thereto.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
The Preferred Guarantee Trustee, prior to the occurrence of a default with
respect to a Preferred Securities Guarantee, undertakes to perform only such
duties as are specifically set forth in such Preferred Securities Guarantee
and, after default, shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it
by such Preferred Securities
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Guarantee, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a
prudent individual would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own
affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee is under
no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by a Preferred
Securities Guarantee at the request of any holder of Preferred Securities,
unless offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and
liabilities which might be incurred thereby.
CCI and certain of its affiliates maintain a banking relationship with the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee.
GOVERNING LAW
The Preferred Securities Guarantees will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict
of laws principles.
EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES, THE DEBT
GUARANTEES AND THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
As set forth in the applicable Declaration, the sole purpose of each of the
Countrywide Capital Trusts is to issue and sell the Trust Securities
evidencing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of such Countrywide
Capital Trust, and to invest the proceeds from such issuance and sale in the
Subordinated Debt Securities of the Series issued by the Company in accordance
with such Trust Securities.
As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the
Subordinated Debt Securities of that Series, such payments will be sufficient
to cover distributions and payments due on such Trust Securities because of
the following factors: (i) the aggregate principal amount of Subordinated Debt
Securities of that Series will be equal to the aggregate stated liquidation
amount of such Trust Securities; (ii) the interest rate and the interest and
other payment dates on the Subordinated Debt Securities of that Series will
match the distribution rate and distribution and other payment dates for the
Preferred Securities of such Trust; (iii) the Company shall pay all, and such
Trust shall not be obligated to pay directly or indirectly any, costs,
expenses, debt, and obligations of such Trust (other than with respect to such
Trust Securities); and (iv) the Declaration of such Trust further provides
that the Countrywide Capital Trustees of such Trust shall not take or cause or
permit such Trust to, among other things, engage in any activity that is not
consistent with the purposes of such Trust.
Payments of distributions (to the extent funds therefor are available to
such Trust) and other payments due on such Preferred Securities (to the extent
funds therefor are available to such Trust) are guaranteed by CCI as and to
the extent set forth under "Description of the Preferred Securities
Guarantees." If the Company does not make interest payments on the
Subordinated Debt Securities of that Series purchased by such Trust and CCI
does not make payments under the related Debt Guarantee, it is expected that
such Trust will not have sufficient funds to pay distributions on such
Preferred Securities. The Preferred Securities Guarantee will not apply to any
payment of distributions except to the extent that such Trust has funds
available for the payment of such distributions. The Preferred Securities
Guarantee will cover the payment of distributions and other payments on such
Preferred Securities only if and to the extent that the Company or CCI has
made payments of interest or principal on the Subordinated Debt Securities of
that Series or the related Debt Guarantees held by such Trust as its sole
assets. The Preferred Securities Guarantee, when taken together with the
Company's obligations under the Subordinated Debt Securities of that Series
and the Indenture, including its obligations to pay costs, expenses, debts and
liabilities of such Trust (other than with respect to the Trust Securities),
and CCI's obligations under such Debt Guarantee, the Indenture and such
Declaration, provide a full and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated
basis by CCI of amounts when due on such Preferred Securities.
If the Company fails to make interest or other payments on the Subordinated
Debt Securities of that Series when due (after giving effect to any Extension
Period) and CCI fails to make payments under such Debt Guarantee with respect
to such payments due on the Subordinated Debt Securities of that Series, such
Declaration provides a mechanism whereby the holders of the Preferred
Securities, using the procedures described in "Description of the Preferred
Securities--Book-Entry Only Issuance--The Depository Trust Company" and "--
Voting Rights" in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement with respect thereto,
may direct the
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Institutional Trustee to enforce its rights under the Subordinated Debt
Securities of that Series and such Debt Guarantee, including proceeding
directly against CCI under such Debt Guarantee without first proceeding
against the Company under the Subordinated Debt Security. If the Institutional
Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the Subordinated Debt Securities of
that Series or such Debt Guarantee, a holder of record of such Preferred
Securities may institute a legal proceeding against the Company or CCI to
enforce the Institutional Trustee's rights under the Subordinated Debt
Securities of that Series or such Debt Guarantee, as the case may be, without
first instituting any legal proceeding against the Institutional Trustee or
any other person or entity, including, in the case of such Debt Guarantee,
against the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Declaration Event of
Default under such Declaration has occurred and is continuing and such event
is attributable to (i) the failure of the Company to pay interest or principal
on the Subordinated Debt Securities of that Series on the respective dates
such interest or principal is under such Declaration payable (or in the case
of redemption, on the redemption date) or (ii) the failure of CCI to make
payment under such Debt Guarantee with respect to such payments due on the
Subordinated Debt Securities of that Series, then a holder of record of such
Preferred Securities may, after such holder's written request to the
Institutional Trustee to pursue such trustee's remedies under the Indenture
and such Debt Guarantee as holder of the Subordinated Debt Securities of that
Series and any failure by the Institutional Trustee to do so, institute a
Direct Action for payment on or after the respective due dates specified in
the Subordinated Debt Securities of that Series. In connection with such
Direct Action, CCI or the Company, as the case may be, will be subrogated to
the rights of such holder of such Preferred Securities under such Declaration
to the extent of any payment made by CCI or the Company, as the case may be,
to such holder of such Preferred Securities in such Direct Action; provided,
however, that no such subrogation right may be exercised so long as a
Declaration Event of Default under such Declaration has occurred and is
continuing. CCI, under the Preferred Securities Guarantee, acknowledges that
the Preferred Securities Trustee shall enforce the Preferred Securities
Guarantee on behalf of the holders of such Preferred Securities. If CCI fails
to make payments under the Preferred Securities Guarantee, the Preferred
Securities Guarantee provides a mechanism whereby the holders of such
Preferred Securities may direct the Preferred Guarantee Trustee to enforce its
rights thereunder. Any holder of such Preferred Securities may, subject to
certain conditions, institute a legal proceeding directly against CCI to
enforce the Preferred Guarantee Trustee's rights under the Preferred
Securities Guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against such
Trust, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, or any other person or entity.
CCI and each of the Countrywide Capital Trusts believe that the above
mechanisms and obligations, taken together, provide a full and unconditional
guarantee on a subordinated basis by CCI of payments due on the Preferred
Securities of each such Trust. See "Description of the Preferred Securities
Guarantees--General."
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company may sell the Subordinated Debt Securities and any Countrywide
Capital Trust may sell Preferred Securities in any of, or any combination of,
the following ways: (i) directly to purchasers, (ii) through agents, (iii)
through underwriters, and (iv) through dealers.
Offers to purchase Offered Securities may be solicited directly by the
Company and/or any Countrywide Capital Trust, as the case may be, or by agents
designated by the Company and/or any Countrywide Capital Trust, as the case
may be, from time to time. Any such agent, who may be deemed to be an
underwriter as that term is defined in the Securities Act, involved in the
offer or sale of the Offered Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is
delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by the Company to such
agent will be set forth, in the Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise
indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, any such agency will be acting on a
best efforts basis for the period of its appointment (ordinarily five business
days or less). Agents, dealers and underwriters may be customers of, engage in
transactions with, or perform services for the Company, CCI or their
affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
If an underwriter or underwriters are utilized in the sale, an underwriting
agreement will be executed with such underwriters at the time of sale to them
and the names of the underwriters and the terms of the transaction will be set
forth in the Prospectus Supplement.
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If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the Offered Securities in respect of
which this Prospectus is delivered, the Company and/or any Countrywide Capital
Trust, as the case may be, will sell such Offered Securities to the dealer, as
principal. The dealer may then resell such Offered Securities to the public at
varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale. The name
of the dealer and the terms of the transaction will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement.
Agents, underwriters, and dealers may be entitled under the relevant
agreements to indemnification by the Company, CCI and/or any Countrywide
Capital Trust, as the case may be, against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act.
The place and time of delivery for the Offered Securities in respect of
which this Prospectus is delivered are set forth in the accompanying
Prospectus Supplement.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain matters of Delaware law relating to the validity of the Preferred
Securities and formation of the Trust will be passed upon on behalf of the
Countrywide Capital Trusts by Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, special
Delaware counsel to the Countrywide Capital Trusts. The validity under New
York law of the Subordinated Debt Securities, the Debt Guarantees and the
Preferred Security Guarantees, will be passed upon by Fried, Frank, Harris,
Shriver & Jacobson, a partnership including professional corporations, New
York, New York. Edwin Heller (whose professional corporation retired as a
partner of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson in September 1996) is of
counsel to Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson and a director of CCI.
Certain United States federal income tax matters also will be passed upon by
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson. Brown & Wood LLP, New York, New
York, will serve as counsel for any underwriters and agents. Brown & Wood LLP
also serves as counsel for CWMBS, Inc. and CWABS, Inc., each a wholly-owned
subsidiary of CCI, in connection with offerings of mortgage pass-through
certificates, and as counsel to CWM.
EXPERTS
The annual consolidated financial statements of CCI incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement, of which this Prospectus forms a
part, have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public
accountants, for the periods and to the extent indicated in their report
thereon, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the authority of such
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR IN-
CORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PRO-
SPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.,
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC., COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I OR THE UNDERWRITERS. NEI-
THER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
SALE MADE HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE AN IM-
PLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT
INDUSTRIES, INC., COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC. OR COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I SINCE
THE DATE HEREOF. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTI-
TUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY BY ANYONE IN ANY JU-
RISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH
THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO
ANYONE TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
---------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. Summary Historical Financial
Information............................................................. S-4
Risk Factors............................................................. S-5
The Company.............................................................. S-10
Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc....................................... S-10
Countrywide Capital Trust................................................ S-10
Capitalization........................................................... S-11
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges....................................... S-12
Accounting Treatment..................................................... S-12
Use of Proceeds.......................................................... S-12
Description of the Preferred Securities.................................. S-12
Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee........................ S-24
Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantee... S-25
Effect of Obligations Under the Subordinated Debt Securities, the Debt
Guarantee and the Preferred Securities Guarantee........................ S-31
United States Federal Income Taxation.................................... S-33
Underwriting............................................................. S-37
Legal Matters............................................................ S-38
PROSPECTUS
Available Information.................................................... 3
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.......................... 4
The Company.............................................................. 5
The Trusts............................................................... 5
Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc....................................... 6
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges....................................... 7
Use of Proceeds.......................................................... 7
Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Debt Guarantees.. 7
Description of the Preferred Securities.................................. 13
Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees....................... 15
Effect of Obligations Under the Subordinated Debt Securities, the Debt
Guarantee and the Preferred Securities Guarantee........................ 18
Plan of Distribution..................................................... 19
Legal Matters............................................................ 20
Experts.................................................................. 20
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREFERRED SECURITIES
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
% CUMULATIVE TRUST
ORIGINATED
PREFERRED SECURITIESSM
("TOPRSSM" II)
FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY
GUARANTEED AS TO DISTRIBUTIONS AND OTHER PAYMENTS TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH
HEREIN BY
COUNTRYWIDE/SM/
-----------------------
CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
-------------------------
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
-------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
GOLDMAN SACHS & CO.
PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
SMITH BARNEY INC.
, 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION*
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SEC registration fee............................................. $75,758
Legal fees and expenses.......................................... *
Accounting fees and expenses..................................... *
Printing and engraving expenses.................................. *
Trustees' fees and expenses...................................... *
Rating agency fees............................................... *
New York Stock Exchange listing fees............................. *
Miscellaneous.................................................... *
-------
Total.......................................................... $ *
=======
</TABLE>
- --------
* Except for the SEC registration fee, all of the foregoing expenses have
been estimated.
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides, in substance,
that Delaware corporations shall have the power, under specified
circumstances, to indemnify their directors, officers, employees and agents in
connection with actions, suits or proceedings brought against them by a third
party or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that they were
or are such directors, officers, employees or agents, against expenses
incurred in any such action, suit or proceeding. The Delaware General
Corporation Law also provides that Delaware corporations may purchase
insurance on behalf of any such director, officer, employee or agent. Sections
722, 723, 725 and 726 of the New York Business Corporation Law are
substantively equivalent to Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law.
Article SIXTH of the Certificate of Incorporation of CCI provides that CCI
may indemnify its directors and officers to the full extent permitted by the
laws of the State of Delaware. Article VIII of CCI's Bylaws provides that CCI
shall indemnify its directors and officers, and persons serving as directors
and officers of CHL at the request of CCI, against any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding or investigation brought against such
directors and officers by reason of the fact that such persons were such
directors or officers, provided that such persons acted in good faith and in a
manner which they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of CCI; except that in the case of actions brought by or in the
right of CCI to procure a judgment in its favor, no indemnification is
permitted in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which any such
director or officer shall have been adjudged to be liable to CCI unless the
court in which the action was brought determines that such person is entitled
to indemnification. CCI's Bylaws further contemplate that the indemnification
provisions permitted thereunder are not exclusive of any other rights to which
such directors and officers are otherwise entitled by means of Bylaw
provisions, agreements, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
otherwise. CCI has entered into indemnity agreements with certain of its
directors and executive officers (including the directors and executive
officers of CHL), whereby such individuals are indemnified by CCI up to an
aggregate limit of $5,000,000 for any claims made against such individual
based on any act, omission or breach of duty committed while acting as a
director or officer, except, among other things, cases involving dishonesty or
improper personal benefit. CCI also maintains an insurance policy pursuant to
which its directors and officers (including the directors and executive
officers of CHL) are insured against certain liabilities which might arise out
of their relationship with CCI as directors and officers.
Article SEVENTH of the Certificate of Incorporation of CCI provides that a
director of CCI shall have no personal liability to CCI or its stockholders
for monetary damages for breach of his fiduciary duty of care as a director to
the full extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as it may
be amended from time to time.
II-1
<PAGE>
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.
------ ----------- --------
<C> <S> <C>
*1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement for offering of Preferred
Securities
4.1 Certificate of Trust of Countrywide Capital I
4.2 Certificate of Trust of Countrywide Capital II
4.3 Declaration of Trust of Countrywide Capital I
4.4 Declaration of Trust of Countrywide Capital II
4.5 Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust for
Countrywide Capital I
4.6 Form of Indenture among Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., as
Issuer, Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., as Guarantor,
and the Bank of New York, as Trustee
4.7 Form of Supplemental Indenture to be used in connection with
the issuance of Subordinated Debt Securities
4.8 Form of Preferred Security (included in Exhibit 4.5 above)
4.9 Form of Subordinated Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.7
above)
4.10 Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee of Countrywide Credit
Industries, Inc. for the benefit of the holders of Preferred
Securities
*5.1 Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell as to the
validity of the Preferred Securities
*5.2 Opinion of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson as to
the validity of the Subordinated Debt Securities, Debt
Guarantee and Preferred Securities Guarantee
*8.1 Opinions of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson as to
certain United States federal income taxation matters
12.1 Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to
fixed charges of Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc.
23.1 Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
*23.2 Consent of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell (included in
Exhibit 5.1)
*23.3 Consent of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson
(included in Exhibit 5.2)
*23.4 Consent of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson
(included in Exhibit 8.1)
24.1 Powers of Attorney (included on pages II-6 and II-7 of the
Registration Statement)
*25.1 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, of The Bank of New York, as Debt
Trustee under the Indenture
25.2 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, of The Bank of New York, as
Institutional Trustee under the Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust of Countrywide Capital I
25.3 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, of The Bank of New York, as
Preferred Guarantee Trustee under the Preferred Securities
Guarantee of Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. for the
benefit of the holders of Preferred Securities
</TABLE>
- --------
* To be subsequently filed by amendment.
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned, Countrywide Capital I, Countrywide Capital II, CHL and
CCI (collectively, the "Registrants"), hereby undertake:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment hereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in this Registration Statement; notwithstanding the foregoing, any
increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any
II-2
<PAGE>
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering
range may be reflected in the form of a prospectus filed with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 if,
in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more
than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in
the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
Registration Statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration Statement or
any material change to such information in this Registration Statement;
provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (1)(i) and
(ii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic
reports filed by CCI pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) Each of the undersigned Registrants hereby undertakes that, for purposes
of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of CCI's
annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act
that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrants pursuant to the provisions permitted under Item 15 above or
otherwise, the Registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In
the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other
than the payment by the Registrants of expenses incurred or paid by a
director, officer or controlling person of the Registrants in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against the Registrants
by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered hereby, the Registrants will, unless in the
opinion of their counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by them is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(d) The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
the information contained or omitted from the form of prospectus filed as
part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and in a
form of prospectus filed by the Registrants pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
(4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
Registration Statement as of the time if was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(e) The undersigned Registrants undertake to file an application for the
purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection
(a) of section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act ("Act") in accordance with the
rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under section 305(b)(2) of
the Act.
II-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, COUNTRYWIDE
CAPITAL I CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS
ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND IT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED,
THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF PASADENA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ON
THE 15TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 1996.
Countrywide Capital I
By: Countrywide Credit Industries,
Inc., as Sponsor
/s/ Angelo R. Mozilo
By:__________________________________
ANGELO R. MOZILO EXECUTIVE VICE
PRESIDENT AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
II-4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, COUNTRYWIDE
CAPITAL II CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS
ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND IT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO
DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF PASADENA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ON THE 15TH DAY
OF OCTOBER, 1996.
Countrywide Capital II
By: Countrywide Credit Industries,
Inc., as Sponsor
/s/ Angelo R. Mozilo
By: _________________________________
ANGELO R. MOZILO EXECUTIVE VICE
PRESIDENT AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
II-5
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, COUNTRYWIDE HOME
LOANS, INC. CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS
ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND IT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED,
THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF PASADENA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ON
THE 15TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 1996.
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.
/s/ Angelo R. Mozilo
By: _________________________________
ANGELO R. MOZILO
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, THAT EACH PERSON WHOSE SIGNATURE APPEARS
BELOW CONSTITUTES AND APPOINTS DAVID S. LOEB, ANGELO R. MOZILO, STANFORD L.
KURLAND AND CARLOS M. GARCIA, AND EACH OF THEM, HIS TRUE AND LAWFUL ATTORNEYS-
IN-FACT AND AGENTS, WITH FULL POWERS OF SUBSTITUTION AND RESUBSTITUTION, FOR
AND IN HIS NAME, PLACE AND STEAD, IN ANY AND ALL CAPACITIES, TO SIGN ANY OR
ALL AMENDMENTS (INCLUDING POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENTS) TO THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT, AND ANY REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED TO THE OFFERING CONTEMPLATED
BY THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT IS TO BE EFFECTIVE UPON FILING PURSUANT TO
RULE 462(B) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AND TO FILE THE SAME, WITH ALL
EXHIBITS THERETO, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, GRANTING UNTO SAID ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND
AGENTS, AND EACH OF THEM, FULL POWER AND AUTHORITY TO DO AND PERFORM EACH AND
EVERY ACT AND THING REQUISITE AND NECESSARY TO BE DONE IN AND ABOUT THE
PREMISES, AS FULLY TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES AS MIGHT OR COULD BE DONE IN
PERSON, HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING ALL THAT SAID ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND
AGENTS OR ANY OF THEM, OR THEIR SUBSTITUTE OR SUBSTITUTES, MAY LAWFULLY DO OR
CAUSE TO BE DONE BY VIRTUE HEREOF.
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
/s/ David S. Loeb Director October 15,
- ------------------------------------- 1996
DAVID S. LOEB
/s/ Angelo R. Mozilo
- ------------------------------------- Chairman of the October 15,
ANGELO R. MOZILO Board of Directors 1996
and Chief Executive
Officer (Principal
Executive Officer);
Director
/s/ Stanford L. Kurland
- ------------------------------------- President and Chief October 15,
STANFORD L. KURLAND Operating Officer; 1996
Director
/s/ Thomas K. McLaughlin
- ------------------------------------- Executive Vice October 15,
THOMAS K. MCLAUGHLIN President and Chief 1996
Financial Officer
(Principal
Financial and
Accounting Officer)
II-6
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, COUNTRYWIDE
CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC. CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE
THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND IT HAS DULY
CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE
UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF PASADENA, STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, ON THE 15TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 1996.
Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc.
/s/ David S. Loeb
By: _________________________________
DAVID S. LOEB
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND PRESIDENT
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, THAT EACH PERSON WHOSE SIGNATURE APPEARS
BELOW CONSTITUTES AND APPOINTS DAVID S. LOEB, ANGELO R. MOZILO, STANFORD L.
KURLAND AND CARLOS M. GARCIA, AND EACH OF THEM, HIS OR HER TRUE AND LAWFUL
ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS, WITH FULL POWERS OF SUBSTITUTION AND
RESUBSTITUTION, FOR AND IN HIS NAME, PLACE AND STEAD, IN ANY AND ALL
CAPACITIES, TO SIGN ANY OR ALL AMENDMENTS (INCLUDING POST-EFFECTIVE
AMENDMENTS) TO THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT, AND ANY REGISTRATION STATEMENT
RELATED TO THE OFFERING CONTEMPLATED BY THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT IS TO
BE EFFECTIVE UPON FILING PURSUANT TO RULE 462(B) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933, AND TO FILE THE SAME, WITH ALL EXHIBITS THERETO, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS IN
CONNECTION THEREWITH, WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, GRANTING
UNTO SAID ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS, AND EACH OF THEM, FULL POWER AND
AUTHORITY TO DO AND PERFORM EACH AND EVERY ACT AND THING REQUISITE AND
NECESSARY TO BE DONE IN AND ABOUT THE PREMISES, AS FULLY TO ALL INTENTS AND
PURPOSES AS MIGHT OR COULD BE DONE IN PERSON, HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING
ALL THAT SAID ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS OR ANY OF THEM, OR THEIR SUBSTITUTE
OR SUBSTITUTES, MAY LAWFULLY DO OR CAUSE TO BE DONE BY VIRTUE HEREOF.
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
/s/ David S. Loeb Chairman of the October 15,
- ------------------------------------- Board of Directors 1996
DAVID S. LOEB and President
(Principal
Executive Officer);
Director
/s/ Angelo R. Mozilo
- ------------------------------------- Executive Vice October 15,
ANGELO R. MOZILO President and Vice 1996
Chairman of the
Board of Directors;
Director
/s/ Carlos M. Garcia
- ------------------------------------- Managing Director-- October 15,
CARLOS M. GARCIA Finance, Chief 1996
Financial Officer
and Chief
Accounting Officer
(Principal
Financial and
Accounting Officer)
II-7
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
/s/ Robert J. Donato Director October 15,
- ------------------------------------- 1996
ROBERT J. DONATO
/s/ Ben M. Enis Director October 15,
- ------------------------------------- 1996
BEN M. ENIS
/s/ Edwin Heller Director October 15,
- ------------------------------------- 1996
EDWIN HELLER
/s/ Harley W. Snyder Director October 15,
- ------------------------------------- 1996
HARLEY W. SNYDER
II-8
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.
------ ----------- --------
<C> <S> <C>
*1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement for offering of Preferred
Securities
4.1 Certificate of Trust of Countrywide Capital I
4.2 Certificate of Trust of Countrywide Capital II
4.3 Declaration of Trust of Countrywide Capital I
4.4 Declaration of Trust of Countrywide Capital II
4.5 Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust for
Countrywide Capital I
4.6 Form of Indenture among Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., as
Issuer, Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., as Guarantor,
and the Bank of New York, as Trustee
4.7 Form of Supplemental Indenture to be used in connection with
the issuance of Subordinated Debt Securities
4.8 Form of Preferred Security (included in Exhibit 4.5 above)
4.9 Form of Subordinated Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.7
above)
4.10 Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee of Countrywide Credit
Industries, Inc. for the benefit of the holders of the
Preferred Securities
*5.1 Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell as to the
validity of the Preferred Securities
*5.2 Opinion of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson as to
the validity of the Subordinated Debt Securities, Debt
Guarantee and Preferred Securities Guarantee
*8.1 Opinions of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson as to
certain United States federal income taxation matters
12.1 Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to
fixed charges of Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc.
23.1 Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
*23.2 Consent of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell (included in
Exhibit 5.1)
*23.3 Consent of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson
(included in Exhibit 5.2)
*23.4 Consent of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson
(included in Exhibit 8.1)
24.1 Powers of Attorney (included on pages II-6 and II-7 of the
Registration Statement)
*25.1 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, of The Bank of New York, as Debt
Trustee under the Indenture
25.2 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, of The Bank of New York, as
Institutional Trustee under the Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust of Countrywide Capital I
25.3 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, of The Bank of New York, as
Preferred Guarantee Trustee under the Preferred Securities
Guarantee of Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. for the
benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities
</TABLE>
- --------
* To be subsequently filed by amendment.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.1
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
OF
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
This Certificate of Trust of Countrywide Capital I (the "Trust") dated
October 14, 1996, is being duly executed and filed by the undersigned, as
trustees, to form a business trust pursuant to the Delaware Business Trust Act,
12 Del. C. (S) 3801, et seq. The undersigned, as trustees, do hereby certify as
-------
follows:
1. The name of the business trust being formed hereby is "Countrywide Capital
I."
2. The name and business address of the trustee of the Trust which has its
principal place of business in the State of Delaware is as follows:
The Bank of New York (Delaware)
400 White Clay Center, Route 273
Newark, Delaware 19711
3. This Certificate of Trust shall be effective as of the date of filing.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the sole trustees of the Trust, have
executed this Certificate of Trust as of the date first above written.
Dated: October 14, 1996 /s/ Eric P. Sieracki
----------------------------------
Eric P. Sieracki, as Trustee
/s/ Carlos Garcia
----------------------------------
Carlos Garcia, as Trustee
THE BANK OF NEW YORK (DELAWARE),
as Trustee
By: /s/ Melissa Beneduce
-------------------------------
Name: Melissa Beneduce
Title: Assistant Vice President
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.2
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
OF
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL II
This Certificate of Trust of Countrywide Capital II (the "Trust") dated
October 14, 1996, is being duly executed and filed by the undersigned, as
trustees, to form a business trust pursuant to the Delaware Business Trust Act,
12 Del. C. (S) 3801, et seq. The undersigned, as trustees, do hereby certify as
-------
follows:
1. The name of the business trust being formed hereby is "Countrywide Capital
II."
2. The name and business address of the trustee of the Trust which has its
principal place of business in the State of Delaware is as follows:
The Bank of New York (Delaware)
400 White Clay Center, Route 273
Newark, Delaware 19711
3. This Certificate of Trust shall be effective as of the date of filing.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the sole trustees of the Trust, have
executed this Certificate of Trust as of the date first above written.
Dated: October 14, 1996 /s/ Eric P. Sieracki
----------------------------------
Eric P. Sieracki, as Trustee
/s/ Carlos Garcia
----------------------------------
Carlos Garcia, as Trustee
THE BANK OF NEW YORK (DELAWARE),
as Trustee
By: /s/ Melissa Beneduce
-------------------------------
Name: Melissa Beneduce
Title: Assistant Vice President
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.3
B&W Draft: 10/14/96
DECLARATION OF TRUST
OF
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
THIS DECLARATION OF TRUST (this "Declaration"), dated and effective as
of October 14, 1996, by the undersigned trustees (together with all other
Persons from time to time duly appointed and serving as trustees in accordance
with the provisions of this Declaration, the "Trustees"), Countrywide Credit
Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as trust sponsor (the "Sponsor"), and
by the holders, from time to time, of undivided beneficial interests in the
Trust to be issued pursuant to this Declaration;
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Trustees and the Sponsor desire to establish a trust (the
"Trust") pursuant to the Delaware Business Trust Act for the sole purpose of
issuing and selling certain securities representing undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of the Trust and investing the proceeds thereof in
certain Debentures (as hereinafter defined) of the Debenture Issuer (as
hereinafter defined);
NOW THEREFORE, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the
Trust constitute a business trust under the Delaware Business Trust Act and that
this Declaration constitute the governing instrument of such business trust, the
Trustees declare that all assets contributed to the Trust will be held in trust
for the benefit of the holders, from time to time, of undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of the Trust, subject to the provisions of this
Declaration.
ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
SECTION 1.1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Declaration
but not defined in the preamble above have the respective meanings assigned
thereto in this Section 1.1. A term defined anywhere in this Declaration has
the same meaning throughout.
"Affiliate" has the same meaning as given to that term in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act or any successor rule thereunder.
<PAGE>
"Business Day" means, with respect to any series of Securities, any
day other than a day on which federal or state banking institutions in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, are authorized or obligated by
law, executive order or regulation to close.
"Business Trust Act" means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware
Code, 12 Del. C. (S)3801, et seq, as it may be amended from time to time.
-------
"Certificate" means a Common Security Certificate or a Preferred
Security Certificate.
"Common Security" means a security representing a common undivided
beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust with such terms as may be
set out in any amendment to this Declaration.
"Common Security Certificate" means a definitive certificate in fully
registered form representing a Common Security.
"Covered Person" means: (a) any officer, director, shareholder,
partner, member, representative, employee or agent of (i) the Trust or (ii)
the Trust's Affiliates; and (b) any Holder.
"Debenture Issuer" means Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a New York
corporation, or any successor entity in a merger, consolidation or
amalgamation, in its capacity as the issuer of the Debentures.
"Debentures" means the junior subordinated deferrable interest
debentures to be issued by the Debenture Issuer and purchased with the
proceeds of the Securities.
"Delaware Trustee" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
from time to time, and any successor legislation.
"Holder" means a Person in whose name a Certificate representing a
Security is registered, such Person being a beneficial owner within the
meaning of the Business Trust Act.
"Indemnified Person" means (a) any Trustee; (b) any Affiliate of any
Trustee; (c) any officers, directors,
2
<PAGE>
shareholders, members, partners, employees, representatives or agents of
any Trustee; or (d) any employee or agent of the Trust or its Affiliates.
"Person" means a legal person, including any individual, corporation,
estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company,
limited liability company, trust, unincorporated association, or government
or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of
whatever nature.
"Preferred Security" means a security representing a preferred
undivided beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust with such terms as
may be set out in any amendment to this Declaration.
"Preferred Security Certificate" means a certificate representing a
Preferred Security.
"Regular Trustee" means any Trustee other than the Delaware Trustee.
"Securities" means the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from
time to time, and any successor legislation.
"Sponsor" means Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, or any successor entity in a merger, consolidation or
amalgamation, in its capacity as Sponsor of the Trust.
"Trustee" or "Trustees" means each Person who has signed this
Declaration as a trustee, so long as such Person shall continue in office
in accordance with the terms hereof, and all other Persons who may from
time to time be duly appointed, qualified and serving as Trustees in
accordance with the provisions hereof, and references herein to a Trustee
or the Trustees shall refer to such Person or Persons solely in their
capacity as trustees hereunder.
SECTION 1.2. Interpretation. Each definition in this Declaration
includes the singular and the plural, and references to the neuter gender
include the masculine and feminine where appropriate. Terms which relate to
accounting matters shall be interpreted in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in effect from time to time. References to any statute
mean such statute as amended at that time and include any successor legislation.
The word "or" is not exclusive, and the
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words "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" refer to this Declaration as a whole.
The headings to the Articles and Sections are for convenience of reference and
shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Declaration. Reference
to Articles, Sections and Exhibits means the Articles, Sections and Exhibits of
this Declaration. The Exhibits are hereby incorporated by reference into, and
shall be deemed a part of, this Declaration.
ARTICLE II.
ORGANIZATION
SECTION 2.1. Name. The Trust created by this Declaration is named
"Countrywide Capital I." The Trust's activities may be conducted under the name
of the Trust or any other name deemed advisable by the Regular Trustees.
SECTION 2.2. Office. The address of the principal office of the
Trust is c/o Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., 155 North Lake Avenue,
Pasadena, CA 91101. At any time, the Regular Trustees may designate another
principal office.
SECTION 2.3. Purpose. The exclusive purposes and functions of the
Trust are (a) to issue and sell Securities and use the proceeds from such sale
to acquire the Debentures and (b) except as otherwise limited herein, to engage
in only those other activities necessary or incidental thereto. The Trust shall
not borrow money, issue debt or reinvest proceeds derived from investments or
pledge any of its assets.
SECTION 2.4. Authority. Subject to the limitations provided in this
Declaration, the Regular Trustees shall have exclusive and complete authority to
carry out the purposes of the Trust. An action taken by the Regular Trustees in
accordance with their powers shall constitute the act of, and serve to bind, the
Trust. In dealing with the Regular Trustees acting on behalf of the Trust, no
Person shall be required to inquire into the authority of the Regular Trustees
to bind the Trust. Persons dealing with the Trust are entitled to rely
conclusively on the power and authority of the Regular Trustees as set forth in
this Declaration.
SECTION 2.5. Title to Property of the Trust. Legal title to all
assets of the Trust shall he vested in the Trust.
SECTION 2.6. Powers of the Regular Trustees. The Regular Trustees
shall have the exclusive power and authority to cause the Trust to engage in the
following activities:
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(a) to issue and sell the Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities in accordance with this Declaration; provided, however, that the
Trust may issue no more than one series of Preferred Securities and no more than
one series of Common Securities, and, provided further, there shall be no
interests in the Trust other than the Securities and the issuance of the
Securities shall be a simultaneous issuance of both Preferred Securities and
Common Securities;
(b) in connection with the issue and sale of the Preferred Securities,
under the direction of the Sponsor, to:
(i) execute and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
a registration statement on Form S-3 prepared by the Sponsor in
relation to the Preferred Securities, including any amendments thereto
to be prepared by the Sponsor;
(ii) determine the states in which to take appropriate action to
qualify or register for sale all or part of the Preferred Securities
and to take any and all such acts as they deem necessary or advisable
to comply with the applicable laws of any of those states;
(iii) execute and file an application prepared by the Sponsor to
the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. or any other national stock
exchange and/or the Nasdaq National Market for listing upon notice of
issuance of any Preferred Securities; and
(iv) execute and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
a registration statement on Form 8-A prepared by the Sponsor relating
to the registration of the Preferred Securities under Section 12(b) or
12(g) of the Exchange Act, including any amendments thereto;
(c) to employ or otherwise engage employees and agents (who may be
designated as officers with titles) and managers, contractors, advisors, and
consultants and provide for reasonable compensation for such services;
(d) to incur expenses which are necessary or incidental to carry out
any of the purposes of this Declaration; and
(e) to execute all documents or instruments, perform all duties and
powers, and do all things for and on behalf of the Trust in all matters
necessary or incidental to the foregoing.
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SECTION 2.7. Filing of Certificate of Trust. On or after the
effective date of this Declaration, the Trustees shall cause the Certificate of
Trust for the Trust in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A to be filed with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
SECTION 2.8. Duration of Trust. The Trust, absent termination
pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.2, shall have existence for fifty-five
years from the date hereof.
ARTICLE III.
TRUSTEES
SECTION 3.1. Trustees. The number of Trustees shall initially be
three, and thereafter the number of Trustees shall be such number as shall be
fixed from time to time by a written instrument signed by the Sponsor. The
Sponsor is entitled to appoint or remove without cause any Trustee at any time;
provided that the number of Trustees shall in no event be less than three; and
provided further that one Trustee, in the case of a natural person, shall be a
person who is resident of the State of Delaware or which, if not a natural
person, has its principal place of business in the State of Delaware and meets
the requirements of applicable Delaware law (the "Delaware Trustee").
Except as expressly set forth in this Declaration, any power of the
Regular Trustees may be exercised by, or with the consent of, a majority of the
Regular Trustees; provided that if there are two or fewer Regular Trustees, all
powers of the Regular Trustees shall be exercised by, or with the consent of,
all of the Regular Trustees.
The initial Regular Trustees shall be:
Eric P. Sieracki
Carlos Garcia
The initial Delaware Trustee shall be:
The Bank of New York (Delaware)
SECTION 3.2. Delaware Trustee. Notwithstanding any other provisions
of this Declaration, the Delaware Trustee, in its capacity as Delaware Trustee,
shall not be entitled to exercise any of the powers, nor shall the Delaware
Trustee have any of the duties and responsibilities, of the Regular Trustees
described in this Declaration. The Delaware Trustee shall be a Trustee for the
sole and limited purpose of fulfilling the requirements of Section 3807 of the
Business Trust Act.
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SECTION 3.3. Execution of Documents. (a) The Regular Trustees are
authorized to execute on behalf of the Trust any documents that the Regular
Trustees have the power and authority to cause the Trust to execute pursuant to
Section 2.6.
(b) The Regular Trustees may, by power of attorney consistent with
applicable law, delegate to any other natural person over the age of 21 their
power for the purposes of signing any documents which the Regular Trustees have
power and authority to cause the Trust to execute pursuant to Section 2.6.
ARTICLE IV.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF
HOLDERS OF SECURITIES, TRUSTEES OR OTHERS
SECTION 4.1. Exculpation. (a) No Indemnified Person shall be
liable, responsible or accountable in damages or otherwise to the Trust or any
Covered Person for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or
omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf
of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be
within the scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by this
Declaration or by law, except that an Indemnified Person shall be liable for any
such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Indemnified Person's gross
negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions.
(b) An Indemnified Person shall be fully protected in relying in good
faith upon the records of the Trust and upon such information, opinions, reports
or statements presented to the Trust by any Person as to matters the Indemnified
Person reasonably believes are within such other Person's professional or expert
competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the
Trust, including information, opinions, reports or statements as to the value
and amount of the assets, liabilities, profits, losses, or any other facts
pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from which distributions to
Holders might properly be paid.
SECTION 4.2. Fiduciary Duty. (a) To the extent that, at law or in
equity, an Indemnified Person has duties (including fiduciary duties) and
liabilities relating thereto to the Trust or to any other Covered Person, an
Indemnified Person acting under this Declaration shall not be liable to the
Trust or to any other Covered Person for its good faith reliance on the
provisions of this Declaration. The provisions of this Declaration, to the
extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of an Indemnified Person
otherwise existing at law or
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in equity, are agreed by the parties hereto to replace such other duties and
liabilities of such Indemnified Person.
(b) Unless otherwise expressly provided herein:
(i) whenever a conflict of interest exists or arises between an
Indemnified Person and Covered Persons, or
(ii) whenever this Declaration or any other agreement contemplated
herein or therein provides that an Indemnified Person shall act in a
manner that is, or provides terms that are, fair and reasonable to the
Trust or any Holder,
the Indemnified Person shall resolve such conflict of interest, take such action
or provide such terms, considering in each case the relative interest of each
party (including its own interest) to such conflict, agreement, transaction or
situation and the benefits and burdens relating to such interests, any customary
or accepted industry practices, and any applicable generally accepted accounting
practices or principles. In the absence of bad faith by the Indemnified Person,
the resolution, action or term so made, taken or provided by the Indemnified
Person shall not constitute a breach of this Declaration or any other agreement
contemplated herein or of any duty or obligation of the Indemnified Person at
law or in equity or otherwise.
(c) Whenever in this Declaration an Indemnified Person is permitted or
required to make a decision:
(i) in its "discretion" or under a grant of similar authority,
the Indemnified Person shall be entitled to consider such interest and
factors as it desires, including its own interests, and shall have no
duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of, or
factors affecting, the Trust or any other Person; or
(ii) in its "good faith" or under another express standard, the
Indemnified Person shall act under such express standard and shall not
be subject to any other or different standard imposed by this
Declaration or by applicable law.
SECTION 4.3. Indemnification. (a) To the fullest extent permitted
by applicable law, the Sponsor shall indemnify and hold harmless each
Indemnified Person from and against any loss, damage or claim incurred by such
Indemnified Person by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such
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Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of the Trust and in a manner such
Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority
conferred on such Indemnified Person by this Declaration, except that no
Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss,
damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of gross
negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, expenses
(including legal fees) incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending any claim,
demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by the
Sponsor prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or
proceeding upon receipt by the Sponsor of an undertaking by or on behalf of the
Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the
Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in Section
4.3(a).
SECTION 4.4. Other Businesses. Any Covered Person, the Sponsor and
the Delaware Trustee may engage in or possess an interest in other business
ventures of any nature or description, independently or with others, similar or
dissimilar to the business of the Trust; the Trust and the Holders shall have no
rights by virtue of this Declaration in and to such independent ventures or the
income or profits derived therefrom; and the pursuit of any such venture, even
if competitive with the business of the Trust, shall not be deemed wrongful or
improper. No Covered Person, the Sponsor or the Delaware Trustee shall be
obligated to present any particular investment or other opportunity to the Trust
even if such opportunity is of a character that, if presented to the Trust,
could be taken by the Trust, and any Covered Person, the Sponsor and the
Delaware Trustee shall have the right to take for its own account (individually
or as a partner or fiduciary) or to recommend to others any such particular
investment or other opportunity. Any Covered Person and the Delaware Trustee
may engage or be interested in any financial or other transaction with the
Sponsor or any Affiliate of the Sponsor, or may act on any committee or body of
holders of securities or other obligations of the Sponsor or its Affiliates.
ARTICLE V.
AMENDMENTS, TERMINATION, MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 5.1. Amendments. At any time before the issue of any
Securities, this Declaration may be amended by, and only by, a written
instrument executed by a majority of the Regular Trustees and the Sponsor.
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SECTION 5.2. Termination of Trust. (a) The Trust shall terminate
and be of no further force or effect:
(i) upon the bankruptcy of the Sponsor;
(ii) upon the filing of a certificate of dissolution or its
equivalent with respect to the Sponsor or the revocation of the
Sponsor's Certificate of Incorporation;
(iii) upon the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the
Sponsor or the Trust; or
(iv) before the issuance of any Securities, with the consent of at
least a majority of the Regular Trustees and the Sponsor.
(b) As soon as is practicable after the occurrence of an event
referred to in Section 5.2(a), the Trustees shall file a Certificate of
Cancellation for the Trust with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
SECTION 5.3. Governing Law. This Declaration and the rights of the
parties hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the
laws of the State of Delaware and all rights and remedies shall be governed by
such laws without regard to principles of conflict of laws.
SECTION 5.4. Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Declaration
any of the parties hereto is named or referred to, the successors and assigns of
such party shall be deemed to be included, and all covenants and agreements in
this Declaration by the Sponsor and the Trustees shall bind and inure to the
benefit of their respective successors and assigns, whether or not so expressed.
SECTION 5.5. Partial Enforceability. If any provision of this
Declaration, or the application of such provision to any Person or circumstance,
shall be held invalid, the remainder of this Declaration, or the application of
such provision to any Person or circumstances other than those to which it is
held invalid, shall not be affected thereby.
SECTION 5.6. Counterparts. This Declaration may contain more than
one counterpart of the signature page and this Declaration may be executed by
the affixing of the signature of each of the Trustees to one of such counterpart
signature pages. All of such counterpart signature pages shall be read as
though one, and they shall have the same force and effect as though all of the
signers had signed a single signature page.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Declaration of
Trust of Countrywide Capital I to be executed as of the day and year first above
written.
TRUSTEES:
/s/ Eric P. Sieracki
------------------------------------
Eric P. Sieracki, as Trustee
/s/ Carlos Garcia
------------------------------------
Carlos Garcia, as Trustee
THE BANK OF NEW YORK (DELAWARE),
as Delaware Trustee
By: /s/ Melissa Beneduce
--------------------------------
Name: Melissa Beneduce
Title: Assistant Vice President
SPONSOR:
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
By: /s/ Eric P. Sieracki
--------------------------------
Name: Eric P. Sieracki
Title: Managing Director, Corporate
Finance and Investor Relations
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EXHIBIT A
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
OF
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
This Certificate of Trust of Countrywide Capital I (the "Trust") dated
October 14, 1996, is being duly executed and filed by the undersigned, as
trustees, to form a business trust pursuant to the Delaware Business Trust Act,
12 Del. C. (S) 3801, et seq. The undersigned, as trustees, do hereby certify as
-------
follows:
1. The name of the business trust being formed hereby is "Countrywide Capital
I."
2. The name and business address of the trustee of the Trust which has its
principal place of business in the State of Delaware is as follows:
The Bank of New York (Delaware)
400 White Clay Center, Route 273
Newark, Delaware 19711
3. This Certificate of Trust shall be effective as of the date of filing.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the sole trustees of the Trust, have
executed this Certificate of Trust as of the date first above written.
Dated: October 14, 1996 ________________________________
Eric P. Sieracki, as Trustee
________________________________
Carlos Garcia, as Trustee
THE BANK OF NEW YORK (DELAWARE),
as Trustee
By:
-----------------------------
Name:
Title:
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EXHIBIT 4.4
B&W Draft: 10/14/96
DECLARATION OF TRUST
OF
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL II
THIS DECLARATION OF TRUST (this "Declaration"), dated and effective as
of October 14, 1996, by the undersigned trustees (together with all other
Persons from time to time duly appointed and serving as trustees in accordance
with the provisions of this Declaration, the "Trustees"), Countrywide Credit
Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as trust sponsor (the "Sponsor"), and
by the holders, from time to time, of undivided beneficial interests in the
Trust to be issued pursuant to this Declaration;
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Trustees and the Sponsor desire to establish a trust (the
"Trust") pursuant to the Delaware Business Trust Act for the sole purpose of
issuing and selling certain securities representing undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of the Trust and investing the proceeds thereof in
certain Debentures (as hereinafter defined) of the Debenture Issuer (as
hereinafter defined);
NOW THEREFORE, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the
Trust constitute a business trust under the Delaware Business Trust Act and that
this Declaration constitute the governing instrument of such business trust, the
Trustees declare that all assets contributed to the Trust will be held in trust
for the benefit of the holders, from time to time, of undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of the Trust, subject to the provisions of this
Declaration.
ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
SECTION 1.1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Declaration
but not defined in the preamble above have the respective meanings assigned
thereto in this Section 1.1. A term defined anywhere in this Declaration has
the same meaning throughout.
"Affiliate" has the same meaning as given to that term in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act or any successor rule thereunder.
<PAGE>
"Business Day" means, with respect to any series of Securities, any
day other than a day on which federal or state banking institutions in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, are authorized or obligated by
law, executive order or regulation to close.
"Business Trust Act" means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware
Code, 12 Del. C. (S)3801, et seq, as it may be amended from time to time.
-------
"Certificate" means a Common Security Certificate or a Preferred
Security Certificate.
"Common Security" means a security representing a common undivided
beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust with such terms as may be
set out in any amendment to this Declaration.
"Common Security Certificate" means a definitive certificate in fully
registered form representing a Common Security.
"Covered Person" means: (a) any officer, director, shareholder,
partner, member, representative, employee or agent of (i) the Trust or (ii)
the Trust's Affiliates; and (b) any Holder.
"Debenture Issuer" means Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a New York
corporation, or any successor entity in a merger, consolidation or
amalgamation, in its capacity as the issuer of the Debentures.
"Debentures" means the junior subordinated deferrable interest
debentures to be issued by the Debenture Issuer and purchased with the
proceeds of the Securities.
"Delaware Trustee" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
from time to time, and any successor legislation.
"Holder" means a Person in whose name a Certificate representing a
Security is registered, such Person being a beneficial owner within the
meaning of the Business Trust Act.
"Indemnified Person" means (a) any Trustee; (b) any Affiliate of any
Trustee; (c) any officers, directors,
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shareholders, members, partners, employees, representatives or agents of
any Trustee; or (d) any employee or agent of the Trust or its Affiliates.
"Person" means a legal person, including any individual, corporation,
estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company,
limited liability company, trust, unincorporated association, or government
or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of
whatever nature.
"Preferred Security" means a security representing a preferred
undivided beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust with such terms as
may be set out in any amendment to this Declaration.
"Preferred Security Certificate" means a certificate representing a
Preferred Security.
"Regular Trustee" means any Trustee other than the Delaware Trustee.
"Securities" means the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from
time to time, and any successor legislation.
"Sponsor" means Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, or any successor entity in a merger, consolidation or
amalgamation, in its capacity as Sponsor of the Trust.
"Trustee" or "Trustees" means each Person who has signed this
Declaration as a trustee, so long as such Person shall continue in office
in accordance with the terms hereof, and all other Persons who may from
time to time be duly appointed, qualified and serving as Trustees in
accordance with the provisions hereof, and references herein to a Trustee
or the Trustees shall refer to such Person or Persons solely in their
capacity as trustees hereunder.
SECTION 1.2. Interpretation. Each definition in this Declaration
includes the singular and the plural, and references to the neuter gender
include the masculine and feminine where appropriate. Terms which relate to
accounting matters shall be interpreted in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in effect from time to time. References to any statute
mean such statute as amended at that time and include any successor legislation.
The word "or" is not exclusive, and the
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words "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" refer to this Declaration as a whole.
The headings to the Articles and Sections are for convenience of reference and
shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Declaration. Reference
to Articles, Sections and Exhibits means the Articles, Sections and Exhibits of
this Declaration. The Exhibits are hereby incorporated by reference into, and
shall be deemed a part of, this Declaration.
ARTICLE II.
ORGANIZATION
SECTION 2.1. Name. The Trust created by this Declaration is named
"Countrywide Capital II." The Trust's activities may be conducted under the name
of the Trust or any other name deemed advisable by the Regular Trustees.
SECTION 2.2. Office. The address of the principal office of the
Trust is c/o Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., 155 North Lake Avenue,
Pasadena, CA 91101. At any time, the Regular Trustees may designate another
principal office.
SECTION 2.3. Purpose. The exclusive purposes and functions of the
Trust are (a) to issue and sell Securities and use the proceeds from such sale
to acquire the Debentures and (b) except as otherwise limited herein, to engage
in only those other activities necessary or incidental thereto. The Trust shall
not borrow money, issue debt or reinvest proceeds derived from investments or
pledge any of its assets.
SECTION 2.4. Authority. Subject to the limitations provided in this
Declaration, the Regular Trustees shall have exclusive and complete authority to
carry out the purposes of the Trust. An action taken by the Regular Trustees in
accordance with their powers shall constitute the act of, and serve to bind, the
Trust. In dealing with the Regular Trustees acting on behalf of the Trust, no
Person shall be required to inquire into the authority of the Regular Trustees
to bind the Trust. Persons dealing with the Trust are entitled to rely
conclusively on the power and authority of the Regular Trustees as set forth in
this Declaration.
SECTION 2.5. Title to Property of the Trust. Legal title to all
assets of the Trust shall he vested in the Trust.
SECTION 2.6. Powers of the Regular Trustees. The Regular Trustees
shall have the exclusive power and authority to cause the Trust to engage in the
following activities:
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(a) to issue and sell the Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities in accordance with this Declaration; provided, however, that the
Trust may issue no more than one series of Preferred Securities and no more than
one series of Common Securities, and, provided further, there shall be no
interests in the Trust other than the Securities and the issuance of the
Securities shall be a simultaneous issuance of both Preferred Securities and
Common Securities;
(b) in connection with the issue and sale of the Preferred Securities,
under the direction of the Sponsor, to:
(i) execute and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
a registration statement on Form S-3 prepared by the Sponsor in
relation to the Preferred Securities, including any amendments thereto
to be prepared by the Sponsor;
(ii) determine the states in which to take appropriate action to
qualify or register for sale all or part of the Preferred Securities
and to take any and all such acts as they deem necessary or advisable
to comply with the applicable laws of any of those states;
(iii) execute and file an application prepared by the Sponsor to
the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. or any other national stock
exchange and/or the Nasdaq National Market for listing upon notice of
issuance of any Preferred Securities; and
(iv) execute and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
a registration statement on Form 8-A prepared by the Sponsor relating
to the registration of the Preferred Securities under Section 12(b) or
12(g) of the Exchange Act, including any amendments thereto;
(c) to employ or otherwise engage employees and agents (who may be
designated as officers with titles) and managers, contractors, advisors, and
consultants and provide for reasonable compensation for such services;
(d) to incur expenses which are necessary or incidental to carry out
any of the purposes of this Declaration; and
(e) to execute all documents or instruments, perform all duties and
powers, and do all things for and on behalf of the Trust in all matters
necessary or incidental to the foregoing.
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SECTION 2.7. Filing of Certificate of Trust. On or after the
effective date of this Declaration, the Trustees shall cause the Certificate of
Trust for the Trust in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A to be filed with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
SECTION 2.8. Duration of Trust. The Trust, absent termination
pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.2, shall have existence for fifty-five
years from the date hereof.
ARTICLE III.
TRUSTEES
SECTION 3.1. Trustees. The number of Trustees shall initially be
three, and thereafter the number of Trustees shall be such number as shall be
fixed from time to time by a written instrument signed by the Sponsor. The
Sponsor is entitled to appoint or remove without cause any Trustee at any time;
provided that the number of Trustees shall in no event be less than three; and
provided further that one Trustee, in the case of a natural person, shall be a
person who is resident of the State of Delaware or which, if not a natural
person, has its principal place of business in the State of Delaware and meets
the requirements of applicable Delaware law (the "Delaware Trustee").
Except as expressly set forth in this Declaration, any power of the
Regular Trustees may be exercised by, or with the consent of, a majority of the
Regular Trustees; provided that if there are two or fewer Regular Trustees, all
powers of the Regular Trustees shall be exercised by, or with the consent of,
all of the Regular Trustees.
The initial Regular Trustees shall be:
Eric P. Sieracki
Carlos Garcia
The initial Delaware Trustee shall be:
The Bank of New York (Delaware)
SECTION 3.2. Delaware Trustee. Notwithstanding any other provisions
of this Declaration, the Delaware Trustee, in its capacity as Delaware Trustee,
shall not be entitled to exercise any of the powers, nor shall the Delaware
Trustee have any of the duties and responsibilities, of the Regular Trustees
described in this Declaration. The Delaware Trustee shall be a Trustee for the
sole and limited purpose of fulfilling the requirements of Section 3807 of the
Business Trust Act.
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SECTION 3.3. Execution of Documents. (a) The Regular Trustees are
authorized to execute on behalf of the Trust any documents that the Regular
Trustees have the power and authority to cause the Trust to execute pursuant to
Section 2.6.
(b) The Regular Trustees may, by power of attorney consistent with
applicable law, delegate to any other natural person over the age of 21 their
power for the purposes of signing any documents which the Regular Trustees have
power and authority to cause the Trust to execute pursuant to Section 2.6.
ARTICLE IV.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF
HOLDERS OF SECURITIES, TRUSTEES OR OTHERS
SECTION 4.1. Exculpation. (a) No Indemnified Person shall be
liable, responsible or accountable in damages or otherwise to the Trust or any
Covered Person for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or
omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf
of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be
within the scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by this
Declaration or by law, except that an Indemnified Person shall be liable for any
such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Indemnified Person's gross
negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions.
(b) An Indemnified Person shall be fully protected in relying in good
faith upon the records of the Trust and upon such information, opinions, reports
or statements presented to the Trust by any Person as to matters the Indemnified
Person reasonably believes are within such other Person's professional or expert
competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the
Trust, including information, opinions, reports or statements as to the value
and amount of the assets, liabilities, profits, losses, or any other facts
pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from which distributions to
Holders might properly be paid.
SECTION 4.2. Fiduciary Duty. (a) To the extent that, at law or in
equity, an Indemnified Person has duties (including fiduciary duties) and
liabilities relating thereto to the Trust or to any other Covered Person, an
Indemnified Person acting under this Declaration shall not be liable to the
Trust or to any other Covered Person for its good faith reliance on the
provisions of this Declaration. The provisions of this Declaration, to the
extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of an Indemnified Person
otherwise existing at law or
7
<PAGE>
in equity, are agreed by the parties hereto to replace such other duties and
liabilities of such Indemnified Person.
(b) Unless otherwise expressly provided herein:
(i) whenever a conflict of interest exists or arises between an
Indemnified Person and Covered Persons, or
(ii) whenever this Declaration or any other agreement contemplated
herein or therein provides that an Indemnified Person shall act in a
manner that is, or provides terms that are, fair and reasonable to the
Trust or any Holder,
the Indemnified Person shall resolve such conflict of interest, take such action
or provide such terms, considering in each case the relative interest of each
party (including its own interest) to such conflict, agreement, transaction or
situation and the benefits and burdens relating to such interests, any customary
or accepted industry practices, and any applicable generally accepted accounting
practices or principles. In the absence of bad faith by the Indemnified Person,
the resolution, action or term so made, taken or provided by the Indemnified
Person shall not constitute a breach of this Declaration or any other agreement
contemplated herein or of any duty or obligation of the Indemnified Person at
law or in equity or otherwise.
(c) Whenever in this Declaration an Indemnified Person is permitted or
required to make a decision:
(i) in its "discretion" or under a grant of similar authority,
the Indemnified Person shall be entitled to consider such interest and
factors as it desires, including its own interests, and shall have no
duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of, or
factors affecting, the Trust or any other Person; or
(ii) in its "good faith" or under another express standard, the
Indemnified Person shall act under such express standard and shall not
be subject to any other or different standard imposed by this
Declaration or by applicable law.
SECTION 4.3. Indemnification. (a) To the fullest extent permitted
by applicable law, the Sponsor shall indemnify and hold harmless each
Indemnified Person from and against any loss, damage or claim incurred by such
Indemnified Person by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such
8
<PAGE>
Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of the Trust and in a manner such
Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority
conferred on such Indemnified Person by this Declaration, except that no
Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss,
damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of gross
negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, expenses
(including legal fees) incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending any claim,
demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by the
Sponsor prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or
proceeding upon receipt by the Sponsor of an undertaking by or on behalf of the
Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the
Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in Section
4.3(a).
SECTION 4.4. Other Businesses. Any Covered Person, the Sponsor and
the Delaware Trustee may engage in or possess an interest in other business
ventures of any nature or description, independently or with others, similar or
dissimilar to the business of the Trust; the Trust and the Holders shall have no
rights by virtue of this Declaration in and to such independent ventures or the
income or profits derived therefrom; and the pursuit of any such venture, even
if competitive with the business of the Trust, shall not be deemed wrongful or
improper. No Covered Person, the Sponsor or the Delaware Trustee shall be
obligated to present any particular investment or other opportunity to the Trust
even if such opportunity is of a character that, if presented to the Trust,
could be taken by the Trust, and any Covered Person, the Sponsor and the
Delaware Trustee shall have the right to take for its own account (individually
or as a partner or fiduciary) or to recommend to others any such particular
investment or other opportunity. Any Covered Person and the Delaware Trustee
may engage or be interested in any financial or other transaction with the
Sponsor or any Affiliate of the Sponsor, or may act on any committee or body of
holders of securities or other obligations of the Sponsor or its Affiliates.
ARTICLE V.
AMENDMENTS, TERMINATION, MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 5.1. Amendments. At any time before the issue of any
Securities, this Declaration may be amended by, and only by, a written
instrument executed by a majority of the Regular Trustees and the Sponsor.
9
<PAGE>
SECTION 5.2. Termination of Trust. (a) The Trust shall terminate
and be of no further force or effect:
(i) upon the bankruptcy of the Sponsor;
(ii) upon the filing of a certificate of dissolution or its
equivalent with respect to the Sponsor or the revocation of the
Sponsor's Certificate of Incorporation;
(iii) upon the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the
Sponsor or the Trust; or
(iv) before the issuance of any Securities, with the consent of at
least a majority of the Regular Trustees and the Sponsor.
(b) As soon as is practicable after the occurrence of an event
referred to in Section 5.2(a), the Trustees shall file a Certificate of
Cancellation for the Trust with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
SECTION 5.3. Governing Law. This Declaration and the rights of the
parties hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the
laws of the State of Delaware and all rights and remedies shall be governed by
such laws without regard to principles of conflict of laws.
SECTION 5.4. Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Declaration
any of the parties hereto is named or referred to, the successors and assigns of
such party shall be deemed to be included, and all covenants and agreements in
this Declaration by the Sponsor and the Trustees shall bind and inure to the
benefit of their respective successors and assigns, whether or not so expressed.
SECTION 5.5. Partial Enforceability. If any provision of this
Declaration, or the application of such provision to any Person or circumstance,
shall be held invalid, the remainder of this Declaration, or the application of
such provision to any Person or circumstances other than those to which it is
held invalid, shall not be affected thereby.
SECTION 5.6. Counterparts. This Declaration may contain more than
one counterpart of the signature page and this Declaration may be executed by
the affixing of the signature of each of the Trustees to one of such counterpart
signature pages. All of such counterpart signature pages shall be read as
though one, and they shall have the same force and effect as though all of the
signers had signed a single signature page.
10
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Declaration of
Trust of Countrywide Capital II to be executed as of the day and year first
above written.
TRUSTEES:
/s/ Eric P. Sieracki
-----------------------------------
Eric P. Sieracki, as Trustee
/s/ Carlos Garcia
-----------------------------------
Carlos Garcia, as Trustee
THE BANK OF NEW YORK (DELAWARE),
as Delaware Trustee
By: /s/ Melissa Beneduce
--------------------------------
Name: Melissa Beneduce
Title: Assistant Vice President
SPONSOR:
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
By: /s/ Eric P. Sieracki
--------------------------------
Name: Eric P. Sieracki
Title: Managing Director, Corporate Finance
and Investor Relations
11
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
OF
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL II
This Certificate of Trust of Countrywide Capital II (the "Trust") dated
October 14, 1996, is being duly executed and filed by the undersigned, as
trustees, to form a business trust pursuant to the Delaware Business Trust Act,
12 Del. C. (S) 3801, et seq. The undersigned, as trustees, do hereby certify as
-------
follows:
1. The name of the business trust being formed hereby is "Countrywide Capital
II."
2. The name and business address of the trustee of the Trust which has its
principal place of business in the State of Delaware is as follows:
The Bank of New York (Delaware)
400 White Clay Center, Route 273
Newark, Delaware 19711
3. This Certificate of Trust shall be effective as of the date of filing.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the sole trustees of the Trust, have
executed this Certificate of Trust as of the date first above written.
Dated: October 14, 1996 ________________________________
Eric P.Sieracki, as Trustee
________________________________
Carlos Garcia, as Trustee
THE BANK OF NEW YORK (DELAWARE),
as Trustee
By:
-----------------------------
Name: Melissa Beneduce
Title: Assistant Vice President
12
<PAGE>
==============================================
AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION
OF TRUST
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
Dated as of _____, 1996
==============================================
<PAGE>
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Section of
Trust Indenture Act Section of
of 1939, as amended Declaration
- ------------------- -----------
<S> <C>
310(a) ............................................. 5.3(a)
310(c) ............................................. Inapplicable
311(c) ............................................. Inapplicable
312(a) ............................................. 2.2(a)
312(b) ............................................. 2.2(b)
313 ............................................. 2.3
314(a) ............................................. 2.4
314(b) ............................................. Inapplicable
314(c) ............................................. 2.5
314(d) ............................................. Inapplicable
314(f) ............................................. Inapplicable
315(a) ............................................. 3.9(b)
315(c) ............................................. 3.9(a)
315(d) ............................................. 3.9(a)
316(a) ............................................. Annex I
316(c) ............................................. 3.6(e)
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Declaration
and shall not affect the interpretation of any of its terms or
provisions.
2
<PAGE>
AMENDED AND RESTATED
DECLARATION OF TRUST
OF
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
_____ __, 1996
AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST ("Declaration") dated and
effective as of ______, 1996, by the Trustees (as defined herein), the Sponsor
(as defined herein) and by the holders, from time to time, of undivided
beneficial interests in the Trust to be issued pursuant to this Declaration;
WHEREAS, the Trustees and the Sponsor established Countrywide Capital
I (the "Trust"), a trust under the Delaware Business Trust Act pursuant to a
Declaration of Trust dated as of ________, 1996 (the "Original Declaration"),
and a Certificate of Trust filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware on _______, 1996, for the sole purpose of issuing and selling certain
securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Trust and investing the proceeds thereof in certain Debentures of the Debenture
Issuer and the Debenture Guarantee of the Sponsor endorsed thereon;
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, no interests in the Trust have been
issued;
WHEREAS, all of the Trustees and the Sponsor, by this Declaration,
amend and restate each and every term and provision of the Original Declaration;
and
NOW, THEREFORE, it being the intention of the parties hereto to
continue the Trust as a business trust under the Business Trust Act and that
this Declaration constitute the governing instrument of such business trust, the
Trustees declare that all assets contributed to the Trust will be held in trust
for the benefit of the holders, from time to time, of the securities
representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust issued
hereunder, subject to the provisions of this Declaration.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE I
INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 Definitions.
-----------
Unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) Capitalized terms used in this Declaration but not defined
in the preamble above have the respective meanings assigned to them in
this Section 1.1;
(b) a term defined anywhere in this Declaration has the same
meaning throughout;
(c) all references to "the Declaration" or "this Declaration"
are to this Declaration as modified, supplemented or amended from time
to time;
(d) all references in this Declaration to Articles and Sections
and Annexes and Exhibits are to Articles and Sections of and Annexes
and Exhibits to this Declaration unless otherwise specified;
(e) a term defined in the Trust Indenture Act has the same
meaning when used in this Declaration unless otherwise defined in this
Declaration or unless the context otherwise requires; and
(f) a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice
versa.
"Affiliate" has the same meaning as given to that term in Rule 405 of
---------
the Securities Act or any successor rule thereunder.
"Agent" means any Paying Agent.
-----
"Authorized Officer" of a Person means any Person that is authorized
------------------
to bind such Person.
"Book Entry Interest" means a beneficial interest in a Global
-------------------
Certificate, ownership and transfers of which shall be maintained and made
through book entries by a Clearing Agency as described in Section 9.4.
"Business Day" means, with respect to any series of Securities, any
------------
day other than a day on which federal or state banking institutions in the
Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, are authorized or obligated by law,
executive order or regulation to close.
2
<PAGE>
"Business Trust Act" means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware
------------------
Code, 12 Del. Code (S) 3801 et seq., as it may be amended from time to time, or
------------ -- ---
any successor legislation.
"Certificate" means a Common Security Certificate or a Preferred
-----------
Security Certificate.
"Clearing Agency" means an organization registered as a "Clearing
---------------
Agency" pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act that is acting as depositary
for the Preferred Securities and in whose name or in the name of a nominee of
that organization shall be registered a Global Certificate and which shall
undertake to effect book entry transfers and pledges of the Preferred
Securities.
"Clearing Agency Participant" means a broker, dealer, bank, other
---------------------------
financial institution or other Person for whom from time to time the Clearing
Agency effects book entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the
Clearing Agency.
"Closing Date" means the "Closing Time" and each "Date of Delivery"
------------
under the Underwriting Agreement.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time
----
to time, or any successor legislation.
"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
----------
"Common Securities" has the meaning specified in Section 7.1(a).
-----------------
"Common Securities Guarantee" means the guarantee agreement to be
---------------------------
dated as of _____ __, 1996 of the Sponsor in respect of the Common Securities.
"Common Security" has the meaning specified in Section 7.1(a).
---------------
"Common Security Certificate" means a definitive certificate in fully
---------------------------
registered form representing a Common Security substantially in the form of
Exhibit A-2.
"Company Indemnified Person" means (a) any Regular Trustee; (b) any
--------------------------
Affiliate of any Regular Trustee; (c) any officers, directors, shareholders,
members, partners, employees, representatives or agents of any Regular Trustee;
or (d) any officer, employee or agent of the Trust or its Affiliates.
"Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Institutional Trustee
----------------------
at which the corporate trust business of the Institutional Trustee shall, at any
particular time, be
3
<PAGE>
principally administered, which office at the date of execution of this
Agreement is located at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 21 West, New York, New York
10286.
"Covered Person" means: (a) any officer, director, shareholder,
--------------
partner, member, representative, employee or agent of (i) the Trust or (ii) the
Trust's Affiliates; and (b) any Holder of Securities.
"Debenture Guarantee" means the guarantee by the Sponsor of the
-------------------
Debentures endorsed thereon.
"Debenture Issuer" means Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a New York
----------------
corporation, in its capacity as issuer of the Debentures under the Indenture.
"Debenture Trustee" means The Bank of New York, a New York banking
-----------------
corporation, as trustee under the Indenture until a successor is appointed
thereunder, and thereafter means such successor trustee.
"Debentures" means the series of Debentures to be issued by the
----------
Debenture Issuer under the Indenture to be held by the Institutional Trustee or,
upon a dissolution of the Trust, the Depositary or the Holder, as the case may
be, a specimen certificate for such series of Debentures being Exhibit B.
"Delaware Trustee" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.
----------------
"Definitive Preferred Security Certificates" has the meaning set forth
------------------------------------------
in Section 9.4.
"Depositary" means, with respect to the Preferred Securities, The
----------
Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, or another Clearing Agency.
"Distribution" means a distribution payable to Holders of Securities
------------
in accordance with Section 6.1.
"DTC" means The Depository Trust Company, the initial Clearing Agency.
---
"Event of Default" in respect of the Securities means an Indenture
----------------
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing in respect of the Debentures.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
------------
from time to time, or any successor legislation.
"Fiduciary Indemnified Person" has the meaning set forth in Section
----------------------------
10.4(b).
4
<PAGE>
"Global Certificate" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4.
------------------
"Guarantor" has the meaning set forth in the Indenture.
---------
"Holder" means a Person in whose name a Certificate representing a
------
Security is registered, such Person being a beneficial owner within the meaning
of the Business Trust Act.
"Indemnified Person" means a Company Indemnified Person or a Fiduciary
------------------
Indemnified Person.
"Indenture" means the Indenture dated as of _____ __, 1996, among the
---------
Debenture Issuer and the Debenture Trustee, and any indenture supplemental
thereto pursuant to which the Debentures and the Debenture Guarantees are to be
issued.
"Indenture Event of Default" means an Event of Default as defined in
--------------------------
the Indenture.
"Institutional Trustee" means the Trustee meeting the eligibility
---------------------
requirements set forth in Section 5.3
"Institutional Trustee Account" has the meaning set forth in Section
-----------------------------
3.8(c).
"Investment Company" means an investment company as defined in the
------------------
Investment Company Act.
"Investment Company Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
----------------------
amended from time to time, or any successor legislation.
"Legal Action" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(g).
------------
"Majority in liquidation amount of the Securities" means, except as
------------------------------------------------
provided in the terms of the Preferred Securities or by the Trust Indenture Act,
Holder(s) of outstanding Securities voting together as a single class or, as the
context may require, Holders of outstanding Preferred Securities or Holders of
outstanding Common Securities voting separately as a class, who are the record
owners of more than 50% of the aggregate liquidation amount (including the
stated amount that would be paid on redemption, liquidation or otherwise, plus
accrued and unpaid Distributions to the date upon which the voting percentages
are determined) of all outstanding Securities of the relevant class.
5
<PAGE>
"Ministerial Action" has the meaning set forth in the terms of the
------------------
Securities as set forth in Annex I.
"Officers' Certificates" means, with respect to any Person, a
----------------------
certificate signed by two Authorized Officers of such Person. Any Officers'
Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant
provided for it in this Declaration shall include:
(a) a statement that each officer signing the Certificate has
read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto;
(b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination
or investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the
Certificate;
(c) a statement that each such officer has made such examination
or investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is necessary to enable
such officer to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such
covenant or condition has been complied with; and
(d) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such
officer, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
"Paying Agent" has the meaning specified in Section 7.2.
------------
"Person" means a legal person, including any individual, corporation,
------
estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, limited
liability company, trust, unincorporated association, or government or any
agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever nature.
"Preferred Securities Guarantee" means the guarantee agreement to be
------------------------------
dated as of ___ __, 1996, of the Sponsor in respect of the Preferred Securities.
"Preferred Security" has the meaning specified in Section 7.1(a).
------------------
"Preferred Security Beneficial Owner" means, with respect to a Book
-----------------------------------
Entry Interest, a Person who is the beneficial owner of such Book Entry
Interest, as reflected on the books of the Clearing Agency, or on the books of a
Person maintaining an account with such Clearing Agency (directly as a Clearing
Agency Participant or as an indirect participant, in each case in accordance
with the rules of such Clearing Agency).
6
<PAGE>
"Preferred Security Certificate" means a certificate representing a
------------------------------
Preferred Security substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1.
"Pricing Agreement" means the pricing agreement between the Trust, the
-----------------
Debenture Issuer, and the underwriters designated by the Regular Trustees with
respect to the offer and sale of the Preferred Securities.
"Quorum" means a majority of the Regular Trustees or, if there are
------
only two Regular Trustees, both of them.
"Regular Trustee" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.
---------------
"Related Party" means, with respect to the Sponsor, any direct or
-------------
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Sponsor or any other Person that owns,
directly or indirectly, 100% of the outstanding voting securities of the
Sponsor.
"Responsible Officer" means, with respect to the Institutional
-------------------
Trustee, any officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Institutional
Trustee, including any vice-president, any assistant vice-president, any
assistant secretary, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer or other officer of
the Corporate Trust Office of the Institutional Trustee customarily performing
functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and
also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other
officer to whom such matter is referred because of that officer's knowledge of
and familiarity with the particular subject.
"Rule 3a-5" means Rule 3a-5 under the Investment Company Act.
---------
"Securities" means the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities.
----------
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from
--------------
time to time or any successor legislation.
"Securities Guarantees" means the Common Securities Guarantee and the
---------------------
Preferred Securities Guarantee.
"Sponsor" means Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., a Delaware
-------
corporation, or any successor entity in a merger, consolidation or amalgamation,
in its capacity as sponsor of the Trust.
"Successor Institutional Trustee" has the meaning set forth in Section
-------------------------------
5.7(b).
7
<PAGE>
"Super Majority" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a) (ii).
--------------
"Tax Event" has the meaning set forth in Annex I hereto.
---------
"10% in liquidation amount of the Securities" means, except as
-------------------------------------------
provided in the terms of the Preferred Securities or by the Trust Indenture Act,
Holder(s) of outstanding Securities voting together as a single class or, as the
context may require, holders of outstanding Preferred Securities or Holders of
outstanding Common Securities voting separately as a class, who are the record
owners of 10% or more of the aggregate liquidation amount (including the stated
amount that would be paid on redemption, liquidation or otherwise, plus accrued
and unpaid distributions to the date upon which the voting percentages are
determined) of all outstanding Securities of the relevant class.
"Treasury Regulations" means the income tax regulations, including
--------------------
temporary and proposed regulations, promulgated under the Code by the United
States Treasury, as such regulations may be amended from time to time (including
corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).
"Trustee" or "Trustees" means each Person who has signed this
------- --------
Declaration as a trustee, so long as such Person shall continue in office in
accordance with the terms hereof, and all other Persons who may from time to
time be duly appointed, qualified and serving as Trustees in accordance with the
provisions hereof, and references herein to a Trustee or the Trustees shall
refer to such Person or Persons solely in their capacity as trustees hereunder.
"Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
-------------------
amended from time to time, or any successor legislation.
"Underwriting Agreement" means the Underwriting Agreement for the
----------------------
offering and sale of Preferred Securities in the form of Exhibit C.
ARTICLE II
TRUST INDENTURE ACT
SECTION 2.1 Trust Indenture Act: Application.
--------------------------------
(a) This Declaration is subject to the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Declaration and shall, to the
extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.
8
<PAGE>
(b) The Institutional Trustee shall be the only Trustee which is a
Trustee for the purposes of the Trust Indenture Act.
(c) If and to the extent that any provision of this Declaration
limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by (S)(S) 310 to 317,
inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall control.
(d) The application of the Trust Indenture Act to this Declaration
shall not affect the nature of the Securities as equity securities representing
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.
SECTION 2.2 Lists of Holders of Securities.
------------------------------
(a) Each of the Sponsor and the Regular Trustees on behalf of the
Trust shall provide the Institutional Trustee (i) within 14 days after each
record date for payment of Distributions, a list, in such form as the
Institutional Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the
Holders of the Securities ("List of Holders") as of such record date, provided
--------
that neither the Sponsor nor the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust shall
- ----
be obligated to provide such List of Holders at any time the List of Holders
does not differ from the most recent List of Holders given to the Institutional
Trustee by the Sponsor and the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust, and
(ii) at any other time, within 30 days of receipt by the Trust of a written
request therefor, a List of Holders as of a date no more than 14 days before
such List of Holders is given to the Institutional Trustee. The Institutional
Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all
information contained in Lists of Holders given to it or which it receives in
the capacity as Paying Agent (if acting in such capacity) provided that the
Institutional Trustee may destroy any List of Holders previously given to it on
receipt of a new List of Holders.
(b) The Institutional Trustee shall comply with its obligations under
(S)(S) 311(a), 311(b) and 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.3 Reports by the Institutional Trustee.
------------------------------------
Within 60 days after May 15 of each year, the Institutional Trustee
shall provide to the Holders of the Preferred Securities such reports as are
required by (S) 313 of the Trust Indenture Act, if any, in the form and in the
manner provided by (S) 313 of the Trust Indenture Act. The Institutional
Trustee shall also comply with the requirements of (S) 313(d) of the Trust
Indenture Act.
9
<PAGE>
SECTION 2.4 Periodic Reports to Institutional Trustee.
-----------------------------------------
Each of the Sponsor and the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust
shall provide to the Institutional Trustee such documents, reports and
information as required by (S) 314 (if any) and the compliance certificate
required by (S) 314 of the Trust Indenture Act in the form, in the manner and at
the times required by (S) 314 of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.5 Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent.
------------------------------------------------
Each of the Sponsor and the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust
shall provide to the Institutional Trustee such evidence of compliance with any
conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Declaration that relate to
any of the matters set forth in (S) 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any
certificate or opinion required to be given by an officer pursuant to
(S) 314(c)(1) may be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate.
SECTION 2.6 Events of Default; Waiver.
-------------------------
(a) The Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of Preferred
Securities may, by vote or consent, on behalf of the Holders of all of the
Preferred Securities, waive any past Event of Default in respect of the
Preferred Securities and its consequences, provided that, if the underlying
-------- ----
Indenture Event of Default:
(i) is not waivable under the Indenture, the Event of Default
under this Declaration shall also not be waivable; or
(ii) requires the consent or vote of greater than a majority in
principal amount of the holders of the Debentures (a "Super Majority")
to be waived under the Indenture, such Event of Default under this
Declaration may only be waived by the vote or consent of the Holders
of at least the proportion in liquidation amount of the Preferred
Securities that the relevant Super Majority represents of the
aggregate principal amount of the Debentures outstanding.
The foregoing provisions of this Section 2.6(a) shall be in lieu of
(S) 316(a)(1)(B) of the Trust Indenture Act and such (S) 316(a)(1)(B) of the
Trust Indenture Act is hereby expressly excluded from this Declaration and the
Securities, as permitted by the Trust Indenture Act. Upon such waiver, any such
Indenture Event of Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default with
respect to the Preferred Securities arising therefrom shall be deemed to have
been cured, for every purpose of this Declaration,
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but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of
Default with respect to the Preferred Securities or impair any right consequent
thereon. Any waiver by the Holders of the Preferred Securities of an Event of
Default with respect to the Preferred Securities shall also be deemed to
constitute a waiver by the Holders of the Common Securities of any such Event of
Default with respect to the Common Securities for all purposes of this
Declaration without any further act, vote, or consent of the Holders of the
Common Securities.
(b) The Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of the Common
Securities may, by vote or consent, on behalf of the Holders of all of the
Common Securities, waive any past Event of Default with respect to the Common
Securities and its consequences, provided that, if the underlying Indenture
-------- ----
Event of Default:
(i) is not waivable under the Indenture, the Event of Default
under this Declaration shall also not be waivable; or
(ii) requires the consent or vote of a Super Majority to be
waived under the Indenture, such Event of Default under this
Declaration may only be waived by the vote or consent of the Holders
of at least the proportion in liquidation amount of the Common
Securities that the relevant Super Majority represents of the
aggregate principal amount of the Debentures outstanding;
provided, further, that, notwithstanding (i) or (ii) above, each Holder of
- -------- -------
Common Securities will be deemed to have waived any such Indenture Event of
Default and all Events of Default with respect to the Common Securities and
their consequences until all Events of Default with respect to the Preferred
Securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, and until such
Events of Default have been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the
Institutional Trustee will be deemed to be acting solely on behalf of the
Holders of the Preferred Securities and only the Holders of the Preferred
Securities will have the right to direct the Institutional Trustee in accordance
with the terms of the Securities. The foregoing provisions of this
Section 2.6(b) shall be in lieu of (S)(S) 316(a)(1)(A) and 316(a)(1)(B) of the
Trust Indenture Act and (S)(S) 316(a)(1)(A) and 316(a)(1)(B) of the Trust
Indenture Act are hereby expressly excluded from this Declaration and the
Securities, as permitted in the Trust Indenture Act. Subject to the foregoing
provisions in this Section 2.6(b), upon such waiver, any such Indenture Event of
Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default with respect to the
Common Securities arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for
every purpose of this Declaration, but no such waiver shall extend to any
subsequent or other default or Event of Default
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with respect to the Common Securities or impair any right consequent thereon.
(c) A waiver of an Indenture Event of Default by the Institutional
Trustee at the direction of the Holders of the Preferred Securities constitutes
a waiver of the corresponding Event of Default under this Declaration. The
foregoing provisions of this Section 2.6(c) shall be in lieu of
(S) 316(a)(1)(B) of the Trust Indenture Act and (S) 316(a)(1)(B) of the Trust
Indenture Act is hereby expressly excluded from this Declaration and the
Securities, as permitted by the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.7 Events of Default; Notice.
-------------------------
(a) The Institutional Trustee shall, within 90 days after the
occurrence of an Event of Default, transmit by mail, first class postage
prepaid, to the Holders of the Securities, notices of all defaults with respect
to the Securities actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Institutional
Trustee, unless such defaults have been cured before the giving of such notice
(the term "defaults" for the purposes of this Section 2.7(a) being hereby
defined to be an Indenture Event of Default, not including any periods of grace
provided for therein and irrespective of the giving of any notice provided
therein); provided, however, that, except for a default in the payment of
-------- ------- ----
principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any of the Debentures or in the
payment of any sinking fund installment established for the Debentures, the
Institutional Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so
long as a Responsible Officer of the Institutional Trustee in good faith
determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the
Holders of the Securities.
(b) The Institutional Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge
of any default except:
(i) a default under Sections 5.01(a) and 5.01(b) of the
Indenture; or
(ii) any default as to which the Institutional Trustee shall have
received written notice or of which a Responsible Officer of the
Institutional Trustee charged with the administration of the
Declaration shall have actual knowledge.
ARTICLE III
ORGANIZATION
SECTION 3.1 Name.
----
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The Trust is named "Countrywide Capital I," as such name may be
modified from time to time by the Regular Trustees following written notice to
the Holders of Securities. The Trust's activities may be conducted under the
name of the Trust or any other name deemed advisable by the Regular Trustees.
SECTION 3.2 Office.
------
The address of the principal office of the Trust is c/o Countrywide
Credit Industries, Inc., 155 North Lake Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101. On
ten Business Days written notice to the Holders of Securities, the Regular
Trustees may designate another principal office.
SECTION 3.3 Purpose.
-------
The exclusive purposes and functions of the Trust are (a) to issue and
sell Securities and use the proceeds from such sale to acquire the Debentures
and the Debenture Guarantee, and (b) except as otherwise limited herein, to
engage in only those other activities necessary or incidental thereto. The
Trust shall not borrow money, issue debt or reinvest proceeds derived from
investments, pledge any of its assets, or otherwise undertake (or permit to be
undertaken) any activity that would cause the Trust not to be classified for
United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust.
SECTION 3.4 Authority.
---------
Subject to the limitations provided in this Declaration and to the
specific duties of the Institutional Trustee, the Regular Trustees shall have
exclusive and complete authority to carry out the purposes of the Trust. An
action taken by the Regular Trustees in accordance with their powers shall
constitute the act of and serve to bind the Trust and an action taken by the
Institutional Trustee on behalf of the Trust in accordance with its powers shall
constitute the act of and serve to bind the Trust. In dealing with the Trustees
acting on behalf of the Trust, no person shall be required to inquire into the
authority of the Trustees to bind the Trust. Persons dealing with the Trust are
entitled to rely conclusively on the power and authority of the Trustees as set
forth in this Declaration.
SECTION 3.5 Title to Property of the Trust.
------------------------------
Except as provided in Section 3.8 with respect to the Debentures, the
Debenture Guarantee and the Institutional Trustee Account or as otherwise
provided in this Declaration, legal title to all assets of the Trust shall be
vested in the Trust. The Holders shall not have legal title to any part of the
assets of the Trust, but shall have an undivided beneficial interest in the
assets of the Trust.
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SECTION 3.6 Powers and Duties of the Regular Trustees.
-----------------------------------------
The Regular Trustees shall have the exclusive power, duty and
authority to cause the Trust to engage in the following activities:
(a) to issue and sell the Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities in accordance with this Declaration; provided, however, that the
-------- -------
Trust may issue no more than one series of Preferred Securities and no more
than one series of Common Securities, and, provided, further, that there
-------- -------
shall be no interests in the Trust other than the Securities, and the
issuance of Securities shall be limited to a simultaneous issuance of both
Preferred Securities and Common Securities on each Closing Date;
(b) in connection with the issue and sale of the Preferred
Securities, at the direction of the Sponsor, to:
(i) execute and file with the Commission the registration
statement on Form S-3 prepared by the Sponsor, including any
amendments thereto, pertaining to the Preferred Securities;
(ii) execute and file any documents prepared by the Sponsor, or
take any acts as determined by the Sponsor to be necessary in order to
qualify or register all or part of the Preferred Securities in any
State in which the Sponsor has determined to qualify or register such
Preferred Securities for sale;
(iii) execute and file an application, prepared by the Sponsor,
to the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. or any other national stock
exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market for listing upon
notice of issuance of any Preferred Securities;
(iv) execute and file with the Commission a registration
statement on Form 8-A, including any amendments thereto, prepared by
the Sponsor, relating to the registration of the Preferred Securities
under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act; and
(v) execute and enter into the Underwriting Agreement and
Pricing Agreement providing for the sale of the Preferred Securities;
(c) to acquire the Debentures and the Debenture Guarantee with the
proceeds of the sale of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities;
provided, however, that the Regular Trustees shall cause legal title to the
- -------- -------
Debentures and the Debenture Guarantee to be held of record in the name of the
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Institutional Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Preferred Securities
and the Holders of Common Securities;
(d) to give the Sponsor and the Institutional Trustee prompt written
notice of the occurrence of a Tax Event; provided that the Regular Trustees
-------- ----
shall consult with the Sponsor and the Institutional Trustee before taking or
refraining from taking any Ministerial Action in relation to a Tax Event;
(e) to establish a record date with respect to all actions to be
taken hereunder that require a record date be established, including and with
respect to, for the purposes of (S) 316(c) of the Trust Indenture Act,
Distributions, voting rights, redemptions and exchanges, and to issue relevant
notices to the Holders of Preferred Securities and Holders of Common Securities
as to such actions and applicable record dates;
(f) to take all actions and perform such duties as may be required of
the Regular Trustees pursuant to the terms of the Securities;
(g) to bring or defend, pay, collect, compromise, arbitrate, resort
to legal action, or otherwise adjust claims or demands of or against the Trust
("Legal Action"), unless pursuant to Section 3.8(e), the Institutional Trustee
has the exclusive power to bring such Legal Action;
(h) to employ or otherwise engage employees and agents (who may be
designated as officers with titles) and managers, contractors, advisors, and
consultants and pay reasonable compensation for such services;
(i) to cause the Trust to comply with the Trust's obligations under
the Trust Indenture Act;
(j) to give the certificate required by (S) 314(a)(4) of the Trust
Indenture Act to the Institutional Trustee, which certificate may be executed by
any Regular Trustee;
(k) to incur expenses that are necessary or incidental to carry out
any of the purposes of the Trust;
(l) to act as, or appoint another Person to act as, registrar and
transfer agent for the Securities;
(m) to give prompt written notice to the Holders of the Securities of
any notice received from the Debenture Issuer of its election to defer payments
of interest on the Debentures by extending the interest payment period under the
Indenture:
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(n) to execute all documents or instruments, perform all duties and
powers, and do all things for and on behalf of the Trust in all matters
necessary or incidental to the foregoing;
(o) to take all action that may be necessary or appropriate for the
preservation and the continuation of the Trust's valid existence, rights,
franchises and privileges as a statutory business trust under the laws of the
State of Delaware and of each other jurisdiction in which such existence is
necessary to protect the limited liability of the Holders of the Preferred
Securities or to enable the Trust to effect the purposes for which the Trust was
created;
(p) to take any action, not inconsistent with this Declaration or
with applicable law, that the Regular Trustees determine in their discretion to
be necessary or desirable in carrying out the activities of the Trust as set out
in this Section 3.6, including, but not limited to:
(i) causing the Trust not to be deemed to be an Investment
Company required to be registered under the Investment Company Act;
(ii) causing the Trust to be classified for United States
federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust; and
(iii) cooperating with the Debenture Issuer to ensure that the
Debentures will be treated as indebtedness of the Debenture Issuer for
United States federal income tax purposes,
provided that such action does not adversely affect the interests of Holders;
and
(q) to take all action necessary to cause all applicable tax returns
and tax information reports that are required to be filed with respect to the
Trust to be duly prepared and filed by the Regular Trustees, on behalf of the
Trust.
The Regular Trustees must exercise the powers set forth in this
Section 3.6 in a manner that is consistent with the purposes and functions of
the Trust set out in Section 3.3, and the Regular Trustees shall not take any
action that is inconsistent with the purposes and functions of the Trust set
forth in Section 3.3.
Subject to this Section 3.6, the Regular Trustees shall have none of
the powers or the authority of the Institutional Trustee set forth in
Section 3.8.
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Any expenses incurred by the Regular Trustees pursuant to this
Section 3.6 shall be reimbursed by the Debenture Issuer.
SECTION 3.7 Prohibition of Actions by the Trust and the Trustees.
----------------------------------------------------
(a) The Trust shall not, and the Trustees (including the
Institutional Trustee) shall not, engage in any activity other than as required
or authorized by this Declaration. In particular, the Trust shall not and the
Trustees (including the Institutional Trustee) shall cause the Trust not to:
(i) invest any proceeds received by the Trust from holding the
Debentures, but shall distribute all such proceeds to Holders of
Securities pursuant to the terms of this Declaration and of the
Securities;
(ii) acquire any assets other than as expressly provided herein;
(iii) possess Trust property for other than a Trust purpose;
(iv) make any loans or incur any indebtedness other than loans
represented by the Debentures;
(v) possess any power or otherwise act in such a way as to vary
the Trust assets or the terms of the Securities in any way whatsoever;
(vi) issue any securities or other evidences of beneficial
ownership of, or beneficial interest in, the Trust other than the
Securities; or
(vii) other than as provided in this Declaration (including
Annex I), (A) direct the time, method and place of exercising any
trust or power conferred upon the Debenture Trustee with respect to
the Debentures, (B) waive any past default that is waivable under the
Indenture, (C) exercise any right to rescind or annul any declaration
that the principal of all the Debentures shall be due and payable, or
(D) consent to any amendment, modification or termination of the
Indenture or the Debentures where such consent shall be required
unless the Trust shall have received an opinion of counsel to the
effect that such modification will not cause more than an
insubstantial risk that for United States federal income tax purposes
the Trust will not be classified as a grantor trust.
SECTION 3.8 Powers and Duties of the Institutional Trustee.
----------------------------------------------
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(a) The legal title to the Debentures and the Debenture Guarantee
shall be owned by and held of record in the name of the Institutional Trustee in
trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities. The right, title and
interest of the Institutional Trustee to the Debentures and the Debenture
Guarantee shall vest automatically in each Person who may hereafter be appointed
as Institutional Trustee in accordance with Section 5.7. Such vesting and
cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents with
regard to the Debentures and the Debenture Guarantee have been executed and
delivered.
(b) The Institutional Trustee shall not transfer its right, title
and interest in the Debentures and the Debenture Guarantee to the Regular
Trustees or to the Delaware Trustee (if the Institutional Trustee does not also
act as Delaware Trustee).
(c) The Institutional Trustee shall:
(i) establish and maintain a segregated non-interest bearing trust
account (the "Institutional Trustee Account") in the name of and under the
exclusive control of the Institutional Trustee on behalf of the Holders of
the Securities and, upon the receipt of payments of funds made in respect
of the Debentures and the Debenture Guarantee held by the Institutional
Trustee, deposit such funds into the Institutional Trustee Account and make
payments to the Holders of the Preferred Securities and Holders of the
Common Securities from the Institutional Trustee Account in accordance with
Section 6.1. Funds in the Institutional Trustee Account shall be held
uninvested until disbursed in accordance with this Declaration. The
Institutional Trustee Account shall be an account that is maintained with a
banking institution the rating on whose long-term unsecured indebtedness is
at least equal to the rating assigned to the Preferred Securities by a
"nationally recognized statistical rating organization", as that term is
defined for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Securities Act;
(ii) engage in such ministerial activities as shall be necessary or
appropriate to effect the redemption of the Preferred Securities and the
Common Securities to the extent the Debentures are redeemed or mature; and
(iii) upon written notice of distribution issued by the Regular
Trustees in accordance with the terms of the Securities, engage in such
ministerial activities as shall be necessary or appropriate to effect the
distribution of the Debentures and the Debenture Guarantees to Holders of
Securities upon the occurrence of certain special events (as may be defined
in the terms of the Securities) arising from
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a Tax Event or other specified circumstances pursuant to the terms of the
Securities.
(d) The Institutional Trustee shall take all actions and perform such
duties as may be specifically required of the Institutional Trustee pursuant to
the terms of the Securities.
(e) The Institutional Trustee shall take any Legal Action which
arises out of or in connection with an Event of Default of which a Responsible
Officer of the Institutional Trustee has actual knowledge or the Institutional
Trustee's duties and obligations under this Declaration or the Trust Indenture
Act; provided, however, that if an Event of Default has occurred and is
-------- -------
continuing and such event is attributable to (i) the failure of the Debenture
Issuer and the Guarantor to pay interest or principal on the Debentures on the
date such interest or principal is otherwise payable (or in the case of
redemption, on the redemption date) or (ii) the failure of the Sponsor to pay
any obligation thereof in respect of the Debenture Guarantee, then a Holder of
Preferred Securities may directly institute a proceeding for enforcement of
payment to such Holder of the principal of or interest on the Debentures having
a principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the Preferred
Securities of such Holder (a "Direct Action") on or after the respective due
date specified in the Debentures. In connection with such Direct Action, the
rights of the Holders of the Common Securities will be subrogated to the rights
of such Holder of Preferred Securities to the extent of any payment made by the
Debenture Issuer or the Guarantor to such Holder of Preferred Securities in such
Direct Action; provided that no Holder of the Common Securities may exercise any
such right of subrogation so long as an Event of Default with respect to the
Preferred Securities has occurred and is continuing. Except as provided in the
preceding sentences, the Holders of Preferred Securities will not be able to
exercise directly any other remedy available to the holders of the Debentures.
(f) The Institutional Trustee shall not resign as a Trustee unless
either:
(i) the Trust has been completely liquidated and the proceeds of the
liquidation distributed to the Holders of Securities pursuant to the terms
of the Securities; or
(ii) a Successor Institutional Trustee has been appointed and has
accepted that appointment in accordance with Section 5.7.
(g) The Institutional Trustee shall have the legal power to exercise
all of the rights, powers and privileges of a holder of Debentures and the
Debenture Guarantee under the Indenture and, if an Event of Default actually
known to a
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Responsible Officer of the Institutional Trustee occurs and is continuing, the
Institutional Trustee shall, for the benefit of Holders of the Securities,
enforce its rights as holder of the Debentures and the Debenture Guarantee
subject to the rights of the Holders pursuant to the terms of such Securities.
(h) The Institutional Trustee may authorize one or more Persons
(each, a "Paying Agent") to pay Distributions, redemption payments or
liquidation payments on behalf of the Trust with respect to all Securities and
any such Paying Agent shall comply with (S) 317(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
Any Paying Agent may be removed by the Institutional Trustee at any time and a
successor Paying Agent or additional Paying Agents may be appointed at any time
by the Institutional Trustee.
(i) Subject to this Section 3.8, the Institutional Trustee shall have
none of the duties, liabilities, powers or the authority of the Regular Trustees
set forth in Section 3.6.
The Institutional Trustee must exercise the powers set forth in this
Section 3.8 in a manner that is consistent with the purposes and functions of
the Trust set out in Section 3.3, and the Institutional Trustee shall not take
any action that is inconsistent with the purposes and functions of the Trust set
out in Section 3.3.
SECTION 3.9 Certain Duties and Responsibilities of the
------------------------------------------
Institutional Trustee.
---------------------
(a) The Institutional Trustee, before the occurrence of any Event of
Default and after the curing of all Events of Default that may have occurred,
shall undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in
this Declaration and no implied covenants shall be read into this Declaration
against the Institutional Trustee. In case an Event of Default has occurred
(that has not been cured or waived pursuant to Section 2.6) of which a
Responsible Officer of the Institutional Trustee has actual knowledge, the
Institutional Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it
by this Declaration, and use the same degree of care and skill in their
exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in
the conduct of his or her own affairs.
(b) No provision of this Declaration shall be construed to relieve
the Institutional Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own
negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(i) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and after the
curing or waiving of all such Events of Default that may have occurred:
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(A) the duties and obligations of the Institutional Trustee
shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this
Declaration and the Institutional Trustee shall not be liable except
for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically
set forth in this Declaration, and no implied covenants or obligations
shall be read into this Declaration against the Institutional Trustee;
and
(B) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Institutional
Trustee, the Institutional Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the
truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed
therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the
Institutional Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this
Declaration; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions that
by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to
the Institutional Trustee, the Institutional Trustee shall be under a
duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to
the requirements of this Declaration;
(ii) the Institutional Trustee shall not be liable for any error of
judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Institutional
Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Institutional Trustee was
negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(iii) the Institutional Trustee shall not be liable with respect to
any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance
with the direction of the Holders of not less than a Majority in
liquidation amount of the Securities relating to the time, method and place
of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Institutional
Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Institutional
Trustee under this Declaration;
(iv) no provision of this Declaration shall require the Institutional
Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal
financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the
exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable
grounds for believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is not
reasonably assured to it under the terms of this Declaration or indemnity
reasonably satisfactory to the Institutional Trustee against such risk or
liability is not reasonably assured to it;
(v) the Institutional Trustee's sole duty with respect to the
custody, safe keeping and physical preservation of
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the Debentures and the Institutional Trustee Account shall be to deal with
such property in a similar manner as the Institutional Trustee deals with
similar property for its own account, subject to the protections and
limitations on liability afforded to the Institutional Trustee under this
Declaration and the Trust Indenture Act;
(vi) the Institutional Trustee shall have no duty or liability for
or with respect to the value, genuineness, existence or sufficiency of the
Debentures or the payment of any taxes or assessments levied thereon or in
connection therewith;
(vii) the Institutional Trustee shall not be liable for any interest
on any money received by it except as it may otherwise agree in writing
with the Sponsor. Money held by the Institutional Trustee need not be
segregated from other funds held by it except in relation to the
Institutional Trustee Account maintained by the Institutional Trustee
pursuant to Section 3.8(c)(i) and except to the extent otherwise required
by law; and
(viii) the Institutional Trustee shall not be responsible for
monitoring the compliance by the Regular Trustees or the Sponsor with their
respective duties under this Declaration, nor shall the Institutional
Trustee be liable for any default or misconduct of the Regular Trustees or
the Sponsor.
SECTION 3.10 Certain Rights of Institutional Trustee.
---------------------------------------
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 3.9:
(i) the Institutional Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be
fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution,
certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of
indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to
have been signed, sent or presented by the proper party or parties;
(ii) any direction or act of the Sponsor or the Regular Trustees
contemplated by this Declaration shall be sufficiently evidenced by an
Officers' Certificate;
(iii) whenever in the administration of this Declaration, the
Institutional Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or
established before taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the
Institutional Trustee (unless other evidence is herein specifically
prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on
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its part, request and conclusively rely upon an Officers' Certificate
which, upon receipt of such request, shall be promptly delivered by the
Sponsor or the Regular Trustees;
(iv) the Institutional Trustee shall have no duty to see to any
recording, filing or registration of any instrument (including any
financing or continuation statement or any filing under tax or securities
laws) or any rerecording, refiling or registration thereof;
(v) the Institutional Trustee may consult with counsel or other
experts of its selection and the advice or opinion of such counsel and
experts with respect to legal matters or advice within the scope of such
experts' area of expertise shall be full and complete authorization and
protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it
hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or opinion, such
counsel may be counsel to the Sponsor or any of its Affiliates, and may
include any of its employees. The Institutional Trustee shall have the
right at any time to seek instructions concerning the administration of
this Declaration from any court of competent jurisdiction;
(vi) the Institutional Trustee shall be under no obligation to
exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Declaration at
the request or direction of any Holder, unless such Holder shall have
provided to the Institutional Trustee security and indemnity, reasonably
satisfactory to the Institutional Trustee, against the costs, expenses
(including attorneys' fees and expenses and the expenses of the
Institutional Trustee's agents, nominees or custodians) and liabilities
that might be incurred by it in complying with such request or direction,
including such reasonable advances as may be requested by the Institutional
Trustee; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section
3.10(a)(vi) shall be taken to relieve the Institutional Trustee, upon the
occurrence of an Event of Default, of its obligation to exercise the rights
and powers vested in it by this Declaration;
(vii) the Institutional Trustee shall not be bound to make any
investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution,
certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of
indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Institutional Trustee, in
its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such
facts or matters as it may see fit;
(viii) the Institutional Trustee may execute any of the trusts or
powers hereunder or perform any duties
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hereunder either directly or by or through agents, custodians, nominees or
attorneys and the Institutional Trustee shall not be responsible for any
misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed
with due care by it hereunder;
(ix) any action taken by the Institutional Trustee or its agents
hereunder shall bind the Trust and the Holders of the Securities, and the
signature of the Institutional Trustee or its agents alone shall be
sufficient and effective to perform any such action and no third party
shall be required to inquire as to the authority of the Institutional
Trustee to so act or as to its compliance with any of the terms and
provisions of this Declaration, both of which shall be conclusively
evidenced by the Institutional Trustee's or its agent's taking such action;
(x) whenever in the administration of this Declaration the
Institutional Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with
respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action
hereunder, the Institutional Trustee (i) may request instructions from the
Holders of the Securities which instructions from the Holders may only be
given by the Holders of the same proportion in liquidation amount of the
Securities as would be entitled to direct the Institutional Trustee under
the terms of the Securities in respect of such remedy, right or action,
(ii) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such other
action until such instructions are received, and (iii) shall be protected
in conclusively relying on or acting in or accordance with such
instructions;
(xi) except as otherwise expressly provided by this Declaration, the
Institutional Trustee shall not be under any obligation to take any action
that is discretionary under the provisions of this Declaration; and
(xii) the Institutional Trustee shall not be liable for any action
taken, suffered, or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and reasonably
believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or
powers conferred upon it by this Declaration.
(b) No provision of this Declaration shall be deemed to impose any
duty or obligation on the Institutional Trustee to perform any act or acts or
exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it, in any
jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal or in which the Institutional Trustee
shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law to perform
any such act or acts or to exercise any such right, power, duty or obligation.
No permissive power or
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authority available to the Institutional Trustee shall be construed to be a
duty.
SECTION 3.11 Delaware Trustee.
----------------
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Declaration other than
Section 5.2, the Delaware Trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any powers,
nor shall the Delaware Trustee have any of the duties and responsibilities of
the Regular Trustees or the Institutional Trustee described in this Declaration.
Except as set forth in Section 5.2, the Delaware Trustee shall be a Trustee for
the sole and limited purpose of fulfilling the requirements of (S) 3807 of the
Business Trust Act.
SECTION 3.12 Execution of Documents.
----------------------
Unless otherwise determined by the Regular Trustees, and except as
otherwise required by the Business Trust Act, a majority of or, if there are
only two, any Regular Trustee or, if there is only one, such Regular Trustee is
authorized to execute on behalf of the Trust any documents that the Regular
Trustees have the power and authority to execute pursuant to Section 3.6;
provided, however, that the registration statement referred to in Section
3.6(b)(i), including any amendments thereto, shall be signed by all of the
Regular Trustees.
SECTION 3.13 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.
------------------------------------------------------
The recitals contained in this Declaration and the Securities shall be
taken as the statements of the Sponsor, and the Trustees do not assume any
responsibility for their correctness. The Trustees make no representations as
to the value or condition of the property of the Trust or any part thereof. The
Trustees make no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this
Declaration or the Securities.
SECTION 3.14 Duration of Trust.
-----------------
The Trust, unless terminated pursuant to the provisions of Article
VIII hereof, shall have existence for fifty-five (55) years from the Closing
Date.
SECTION 3.15 Mergers.
-------
(a) The Trust may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or
be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to any corporation or other body, except as
described in Section 3.15(b) and (c).
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(b) The Trust may, with the consent of the Regular Trustees or, if
there are more than two, a majority of the Regular Trustees and without the
consent of the Holders of the Securities, the Delaware Trustee or the
Institutional Trustee, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be
replaced by a trust organized as such under the laws of any State; provided
that:
(i) such successor entity (the "Successor Entity") either:
(A) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Trust under
the Securities; or
(B) substitutes for the Securities other securities having
substantially the same terms as the Preferred Securities (the
"Successor Securities") so long as the Successor Securities rank the
same as the Preferred Securities rank with respect to Distributions
and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise;
(ii) the Debenture Issuer expressly appoints a trustee of the
Successor Entity that possesses the same powers and duties as the
Institutional Trustee as the Holder of the Debentures and the Guarantor
expressly acknowledges such trustee of the Successor Entity as the holder
of the Debenture Guarantee;
(iii) the Preferred Securities or any Successor Securities are
listed, or any Successor Securities will be listed upon notification of
issuance, on any national securities exchange or with another organization
on which the Preferred Securities are then listed or quoted;
(iv) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not
cause the Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) to be
downgraded by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization;
(v) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not
adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the Holders of
the Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect
(other than with respect to any dilution of such Holders' interests in the
Successor Entity as a result of such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
replacement);
(vi) such Successor Entity has a purpose identical to that of the
Trust;
26
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(vii) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
replacement, the Sponsor has received an opinion of a nationally recognized
independent counsel to the Trust experienced in such matters to the effect
that:
(A) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement
does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of
the Holders of the Securities (including any Successor Securities) in
any material respect (other than with respect to any dilution of the
Holders' interest in the Successor Entity); and
(B) following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
replacement, neither the Trust nor the Successor Entity will be
required to register as an Investment Company;
(C) following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
replacement, the Trust (or the Successor Entity) will continue to be
classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax
purposes; and
(viii) the Sponsor guarantees the obligations of such Successor
Entity under the Successor Securities at least to the extent provided by
the Preferred Securities Guarantee.
(c) Notwithstanding Section 3.15(b), the Trust shall not, except with
the consent of Holders of 100% in liquidation amount of the Securities,
consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or to be replaced by any other
entity or permit any other entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or
into, or replace it if such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or replacement
would cause the Trust or Successor Entity to be classified as other than a
grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.
ARTICLE IV
SPONSOR
SECTION 4.1 Sponsor's Purchase of Common Securities.
---------------------------------------
The Sponsor will purchase all of the Common Securities issued by the
Trust, in an amount at least equal to 3% of the capital of the Trust, at the
same time as the Preferred Securities are sold.
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<PAGE>
SECTION 4.2 Responsibilities of the Sponsor.
--------------------------------
In connection with the issue and sale of the Preferred Securities, the
Sponsor shall have the exclusive right and responsibility to engage in the
following activities:
(a) to prepare for filing by the Trust with the Commission a
registration statement on Form S-3 in relation to the Preferred Securities,
including any amendments thereto;
(b) to determine the States in which to take appropriate action to
qualify or register for sale all or part of the Preferred Securities and to do
any and all such acts, other than actions which must be taken by the Trust, and
advise the Trust of actions it must take, and prepare for execution and filing
any documents to be executed and filed by the Trust, as the Sponsor deems
necessary or advisable in order to comply with the applicable laws of any such
States;
(c) to prepare for filing by the Trust of an application to the New
York Stock Exchange or any other national stock exchange or the Nasdaq National
Market for listing upon notice of issuance of any Preferred Securities;
(d) to prepare for filing by the Trust with the Commission a
registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the registration of the Preferred
Securities under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, including any amendments
thereto; and
(e) to negotiate the terms of the Underwriting Agreement and Pricing
Agreement providing for the sale of the Preferred Securities.
ARTICLE V
TRUSTEES
SECTION 5.1 Number of Trustees.
------------------
The number of Trustees initially shall be five (5), and:
(a) at any time before the issuance of any Securities, the Sponsor
may, by written instrument, increase or decrease the number of Trustees; and
(b) after the issuance of any Securities, the number of Trustees may
be increased or decreased by vote of the Holders of a majority in liquidation
amount of the Common Securities voting as a class at a meeting of the Holders of
the Common Securities; provided, however, that, the number of Trustees shall in
-------- -------
no event be less than two (2); provided further that (1) there
-------- -------
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<PAGE>
shall be a Delaware Trustee if required by Section 5.2; (2) there shall be at
least one Trustee who is an employee or officer of, or is affiliated with the
Sponsor (a "Regular Trustee"); and (3) one Trustee shall be the Institutional
Trustee for so long as this Declaration is required to qualify as an indenture
under the Trust Indenture Act, and such Trustee may also serve as Delaware
Trustee if it meets the applicable requirements, in which case Section 3.11
shall have no application to such entity in its capacity as Institutional
Trustee.
SECTION 5.2 Delaware Trustee.
----------------
If required by the Business Trust Act, one Trustee (the "Delaware
Trustee") shall be:
(a) a natural person who is a resident of the State of Delaware; or
(b) if not a natural person, an entity which has its principal place
of business in the State of Delaware, and otherwise meets the requirements of
applicable law.
SECTION 5.3 Institutional Trustee; Eligibility.
----------------------------------
(a) There shall at all times be one Trustee which shall act as
Institutional Trustee which shall:
(i) not be an Affiliate of the Sponsor; and
(ii) be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of
the United States of America or any State or Territory thereof or of the
District of Columbia, or a corporation or Person permitted by the
Commission to act as an institutional trustee under the Trust Indenture
Act, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having
a combined capital and surplus of at least 50 million U.S. dollars
($50,000,000), and subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State,
Territorial or District of Columbia authority. If such corporation
publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the
requirements of the supervising or examining authority referred to above,
then for the purposes of this Section 5.3(a)(ii), the combined capital and
surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and
surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published.
(b) If at any time the Institutional Trustee shall cease to be
eligible to so act under Section 5.3(a), the Institutional Trustee shall
immediately resign in the manner and with the effect set forth in Section
5.7(c).
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<PAGE>
(c) If the Institutional Trustee has or shall acquire any "conflicting
interest" within the meaning of (S) 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the
Institutional Trustee and the Holder of the Common Securities (as if it were the
obligor referred to in (S) 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act) shall in all
respects comply with the provisions of (S) 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
(d) The Indenture, the Debt Securities (as defined therein) issued or
to be issued thereunder, the Declaration, the Trust Securities issued or to be
issued thereunder and the Preferred Securities Guarantees and Common Securities
Guarantees in connection therewith (including the Preferred Securities Guarantee
in connection herewith) shall be deemed to be specifically described in this
Declaration for purposes of clause (i) of the proviso contained in Section
310(b)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act.
(e) The initial Institutional Trustee shall be:
The Bank of New York
SECTION 5.4 Certain Qualifications of Regular Trustees and Delaware
-------------------------------------------------------
Trustee Generally.
- -----------------
Each Regular Trustee and the Delaware Trustee shall be either a
natural person who is at least 21 years of age or a legal entity that shall act
through one or more Authorized Officers.
SECTION 5.5 Regular Trustees.
----------------
The initial Regular Trustees shall be:
[Insert three names]
(a) Except where a requirement for action by a specific number of
Regular Trustees is expressly set forth in this Declaration and except with
respect to any action the taking of which is the subject of a meeting of the
Regular Trustees any action required or permitted to be taken by the Regular
Trustees may be taken by, and any power of the Regular Trustees may be exercised
by, or with the consent of, any one such Regular Trustee.
(b) Unless otherwise determined by the Regular Trustees, and except as
otherwise required by the Business Trust Act or applicable law, any Regular
Trustee is authorized to execute on behalf of the Trust any documents which the
Regular Trustees have the power and authority to cause the Trust to execute
pursuant to Section 3.6, provided that the registration statement referred to in
-------- ----
Section 3.6, including any amendments thereto, shall be signed by all of the
Regular Trustees.
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SECTION 5.6 Delaware Trustee.
----------------
The initial Delaware Trustee shall be:
The Bank of New York (Delaware)
SECTION 5.7 Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Trustees.
------------------------------------------------
(a) Subject to Section 5.7(b), Trustees may be appointed or removed
without cause at any time except during an Event of Default:
(i) until the issuance of any Securities, by written instrument
executed by the Sponsor; and
(ii) after the issuance of any Securities, by vote of the Holders of
a Majority in liquidation amount of the Common Securities voting as a class
at a meeting of the Holders of the Common Securities.
(b) (i) The Trustee that acts as Institutional Trustee shall not be
removed in accordance with Section 5.7(a) until a Successor Institutional
Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by written
instrument executed by such Successor Institutional Trustee and delivered to the
Regular Trustees and the Sponsor; and
(ii) the Trustee that acts as Delaware Trustee shall not be removed
in accordance with Section 5.7(a) until a successor Trustee possessing the
qualifications to act as Delaware Trustee under Sections 5.2 and 5.4 (a
"Successor Delaware Trustee") has been appointed and has accepted such
appointment by written instrument executed by such Successor Delaware
Trustee and delivered to the Regular Trustees and the Sponsor.
(c) A Trustee appointed to office shall hold office until his
successor shall have been appointed or until his death, removal or resignation.
Any Trustee may resign from office (without need for prior or subsequent
accounting) by an instrument in writing signed by the Trustee and delivered to
the Sponsor and the Trust, which resignation shall take effect upon such
delivery or upon such later date as is specified therein; provided, however,
-------- -------
that:
(i) no such resignation of the Trustee that acts as the Institutional
Trustee shall be effective:
(A) until a Successor Institutional Trustee has been appointed
and has accepted such appointment by instrument executed by such
Successor Institutional
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<PAGE>
Trustee and delivered to the Trust, the Sponsor and the resigning
Institutional Trustee; or
(B) until the assets of the Trust have been completely
liquidated and the proceeds thereof distributed to the Holders of the
Securities; and
(ii) no such resignation of the Trustee that acts as the Delaware
Trustee shall be effective until a Successor Delaware Trustee has been
appointed and has accepted such appointment by instrument executed by such
Successor Delaware Trustee and delivered to the Trust, the Sponsor and the
resigning Delaware Trustee.
(d) The Holders of the Common Securities shall use their best efforts
to promptly appoint a Successor Delaware Trustee or Successor Institutional
Trustee as the case may be if the Institutional Trustee or the Delaware Trustee
delivers an instrument of resignation in accordance with this Section 5.7.
(e) If no Successor Institutional Trustee or Successor Delaware
Trustee shall have been appointed and accepted appointment as provided in this
Section 5.7 within 60 days after delivery of an instrument of resignation or
removal, the Institutional Trustee or Delaware Trustee resigning or being
removed, as applicable, may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for
appointment of a Successor Institutional Trustee or Successor Delaware Trustee.
Such court may thereupon, after prescribing such notice, if any, as it may deem
proper, appoint a Successor Institutional Trustee or Successor Delaware Trustee,
as the case may be.
(f) No Institutional Trustee or Delaware Trustee shall be liable for
the acts or omissions to act of any Successor Institutional Trustee or Successor
Delaware Trustee, as the case may be.
SECTION 5.8 Vacancies Among Trustees.
------------------------
If a Trustee ceases to hold office for any reason and the number of
Trustees is not reduced pursuant to Section 5.1, or if the number of Trustees is
increased pursuant to Section 5.1, a vacancy shall occur. A resolution
certifying the existence of such vacancy by the Regular Trustees or, if there
are more than two, a majority of the Regular Trustees shall be conclusive
evidence of the existence of such vacancy. The vacancy shall be filled with a
Trustee appointed in accordance with Section 5.7.
SECTION 5.9 Effect of Vacancies.
-------------------
The death, resignation, retirement, removal, bankruptcy, dissolution,
liquidation, incompetence or incapacity
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to perform the duties of a Trustee shall not operate to annul the Trust.
Whenever a vacancy in the number of Regular Trustees shall occur, until such
vacancy is filled by the appointment of a Regular Trustee in accordance with
Section 5.7, the Regular Trustees in office, regardless of their number, shall
have all the powers granted to the Regular Trustees and shall discharge all the
duties imposed upon the Regular Trustees by this Declaration.
SECTION 5.10 Meetings.
--------
If there is more than one Regular Trustee, meetings of the Regular
Trustees shall be held from time to time upon the call of any Regular Trustee.
Regular meetings of the Regular Trustees may be held at a time and place fixed
by resolution of the Regular Trustees. Notice of any in-person meetings of the
Regular Trustees shall be hand delivered or otherwise delivered in writing
(including by facsimile, with a hard copy by overnight courier) not less than 48
hours before such meeting. Notice of any telephonic meetings of the Regular
Trustees or any committee thereof shall be hand delivered or otherwise delivered
in writing (including by facsimile, with a hard copy by overnight courier) not
less than 24 hours before a meeting. Notices shall contain a brief statement of
the time, place and anticipated purposes of the meeting. The presence (whether
in person or by telephone) of a Regular Trustee at a meeting shall constitute a
waiver of notice of such meeting except where a Regular Trustee attends a
meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any activity
on the ground that the meeting has not been lawfully called or convened. Unless
provided otherwise in this Declaration, any action of the Regular Trustees may
be taken at a meeting by vote of a majority of the Regular Trustees present
(whether in person or by telephone) and eligible to vote with respect to such
matter, provided that a Quorum is present, or without a meeting by the unanimous
written consent of the Regular Trustees. In the event there is only one Regular
Trustee, any and all action of such Regular Trustee shall be evidenced by a
written consent of such Regular Trustee.
SECTION 5.11 Delegation of Power.
-------------------
(a) Any Regular Trustee may, by power of attorney consistent with
applicable law, delegate to any other natural person over the age of 21 his or
her power for the purpose of executing any documents contemplated in Section
3.6, including any registration statement or amendment thereto filed with the
Commission, or making any other governmental filing; and
(b) the Regular Trustees shall have power to delegate from time to
time to such of their number or to officers of the Trust the doing of such
things and the execution of such instruments either in the name of the Trust or
the names of the
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<PAGE>
Regular Trustees or otherwise as the Regular Trustees may deem expedient, to the
extent such delegation is not prohibited by applicable law or contrary to the
provisions of the Trust, as set forth herein.
SECTION 5.12 Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
---------------------------------------------------
Any corporation into which the Institutional Trustee or the Delaware
Trustee, as the case may be, may be merged or converted or with which either
may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or
consolidation to which the Institutional Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the
case may be, shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or
substantially all the corporate trust business of the Institutional Trustee or
the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, shall be the successor of the
Institutional Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, hereunder,
provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this
Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the
part of any of the parties hereto.
ARTICLE VI
DISTRIBUTIONS
SECTION 6.1 Distributions.
-------------
Holders shall receive Distributions (as defined herein) in accordance
with the applicable terms of the relevant Holder's Securities. Distributions
shall be made on the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities in
accordance with the preferences set forth in their respective terms. If and to
the extent that the Debenture Issuer makes a payment of interest (including
Compounded Interest (as defined in the Indenture) and Additional Interest (as
defined in the Indenture)), premium and/or principal on the Debentures (or the
Sponsor makes a payment in respect of the Debenture Guarantee) held by the
Institutional Trustee (the amount of any such payment being a "Payment Amount"),
the Institutional Trustee shall and is directed, to the extent funds are
available for that purpose, to make a distribution (a "Distribution") of the
Payment Amount to Holders.
ARTICLE VII
ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES
SECTION 7.1 General Provisions Regarding Securities.
---------------------------------------
34
<PAGE>
(a) The Regular Trustees shall on behalf of the Trust issue one class
of preferred securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the
assets of the Trust having such terms as are set forth in Annex I (the
"Preferred Securities") and one class of common securities representing
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust having such terms as
are set forth in Annex I (the "Common Securities"). The Trust shall issue no
securities or other interests in the assets of the Trust other than the
Preferred Securities and the Common Securities.
(b) The Certificates shall be signed on behalf of the Trust by a
Regular Trustee. Such signature shall be the manual signature of any present or
any future Regular Trustee. In case any Regular Trustee of the Trust who shall
have signed any of the Securities shall cease to be such Regular Trustee before
the Certificates so signed shall be delivered by the Trust, such Certificates
nevertheless may be delivered as though the person who signed such Certificates
had not ceased to be such Regular Trustee; and any Certificate may be signed on
behalf of the Trust by such persons who, at the actual date of execution of such
Security, shall be the Regular Trustees of the Trust, although at the date of
the execution and delivery of the Declaration any such person was not such a
Regular Trustee. Certificates shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or may
be produced in any other manner as is reasonably acceptable to the Regular
Trustees, as evidenced by their execution thereof, and may have such letters,
numbers or other marks of identification or designation and such legends or
endorsements as the Regular Trustees may deem appropriate, or as may be required
to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on
which Securities may be listed, or to conform to usage.
(c) The consideration received by the Trust for the issuance of the
Securities shall constitute a contribution to the capital of the Trust and shall
not constitute a loan to the Trust.
(d) Upon issuance of the Securities as provided in this Declaration,
the Securities so issued shall be deemed to be validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.
(e) Every Person, by virtue of having become a Holder or a Preferred
Security Beneficial Owner in accordance with the terms of this Declaration,
shall be deemed to have expressly assented and agreed to the terms of, and shall
be bound by, this Declaration.
SECTION 7.2 Paying Agent.
------------
In the event that the Preferred Securities are not in book-entry only
form, the Trust shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York,
State of New York, an office or
35
<PAGE>
agency where the Preferred Securities may be presented for payment ("Paying
Agent"). The Trust may appoint the Paying Agent and may appoint one or more
additional paying agents in such other locations as it shall determine. The
term "Paying Agent" includes any additional paying agent. The Trust may change
any Paying Agent without prior notice to any Holder. The Trust shall notify the
Institutional Trustee of the name and address of any Paying Agent not a party to
this Declaration. If the Trust fails to appoint or maintain another entity as
Paying Agent, the Institutional Trustee shall act as such. The Trust or any of
its Affiliates may act as Paying Agent. The Trust shall initially act as Paying
Agent for the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities.
ARTICLE VIII
DISSOLUTION AND TERMINATION OF TRUST
SECTION 8.1 Dissolution and Termination of Trust.
------------------------------------
(a) The Trust shall dissolve:
(i) upon the bankruptcy of the Sponsor or the Debenture Issuer;
(ii) upon the filing of a certificate of dissolution or its
equivalent with respect to the Sponsor or the Debenture Issuer; upon the
consent of a Majority in liquidation amount of the Securities voting
together as a single class to file a certificate of cancellation with
respect to the Trust or the revocation of the charter of the Sponsor or the
Debenture Issuer and the expiration of 90 days after the date of revocation
without a reinstatement thereof;
(iii) upon the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the
Holder of the Common Securities, the Sponsor, the Trust or the Debenture
Issuer;
(iv) when all of the Securities shall have been called for redemption
and the amounts necessary for redemption thereof shall have been paid to
the Holders in accordance with the terms of the Securities;
(v) upon the occurrence and continuation of a Tax Event pursuant to
which the Trust shall be dissolved in accordance with the terms of the
Securities and the Debentures and Debenture Guarantees endorsed thereon
shall, subject to the terms of the Securities, be distributed to the
Holders of Securities in exchange for the Securities; or
36
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(vi) before the issuance of any Securities, with the consent of all
of the Regular Trustees and the Sponsor.
(b) As soon as is practicable after the occurrence of an event
referred to in Section 8.1(a), the Trustees shall terminate the Trust by filing
a certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware.
(c) The provisions of Section 3.9 and Article X shall survive the
termination of the Trust.
ARTICLE IX
TRANSFER OF INTERESTS
SECTION 9.1 Transfer of Securities.
----------------------
(a) Securities may only be transferred, in whole or in part, in
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Declaration and in
the terms of the Securities. Any transfer or purported transfer of any Security
not made in accordance with this Declaration shall be null and void.
(b) Subject to this Article IX, Preferred Securities shall be freely
transferable.
(c) The Sponsor may not transfer the Common Securities.
SECTION 9.2 Transfer of Certificates.
------------------------
The Regular Trustees shall provide for the registration of
Certificates and of transfers of Certificates, which will be effected without
charge but only upon payment (with such indemnity as the Regular Trustees may
require) in respect of any tax or other government charges that may be imposed
in relation to it. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any
Certificate, the Regular Trustees shall cause one or more new Certificates to be
issued in the name of the designated transferee or transferees. Every
Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall be accompanied by a
written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Regular Trustees duly
executed by the Holder or such Holder's attorney duly authorized in writing.
Every Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall be canceled by
the Regular Trustees. A transferee of a Certificate shall be entitled to the
rights and subject to the obligations of a Holder hereunder upon the receipt by
such transferee of a Certificate. By acceptance of a Certificate, each
transferee shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by this Declaration.
SECTION 9.3 Deemed Security Holders.
------------------------
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The Trustees may treat the Person in whose name any Certificate shall
be registered on the books and records of the Trust as the sole holder of such
Certificate and of the Securities represented by such Certificate for purposes
of receiving Distributions and for all other purposes whatsoever and,
accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or
interest in such Certificate or in the Securities represented by such
Certificate on the part of any Person, whether or not the Trust shall have
actual or other notice thereof.
SECTION 9.4 Book Entry Interests.
--------------------
Unless otherwise specified in the terms of the Preferred Securities,
the Preferred Securities Certificates, on original issuance, will be issued in
the form of one or more, fully registered, global Preferred Security
Certificates (each a "Global Certificate"), to be delivered to DTC, the initial
Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Trust. Such Global Certificates shall
initially be registered on the books and records of the Trust in the name of
Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC, and no Preferred Security Beneficial Owner will
receive a definitive Preferred Security Certificate representing such Preferred
Security Beneficial Owner's interests in such Global Certificates, except as
provided in Section 9.7. Unless and until definitive, fully registered
Preferred Security Certificates (the "Definitive Preferred Security
Certificates") have been issued to the Preferred Security Beneficial Owners
pursuant to Section 9.7:
(a) the provisions of this Section 9.4 shall be in full force and
effect;
(b) the Trust and the Trustees shall be entitled to deal with the
Clearing Agency for all purposes of this Declaration (including the payment of
Distributions on the Global Certificates and receiving approvals, votes or
consents hereunder) as the Holder of the Preferred Securities and the sole
holder of the Global Certificates and shall have no obligation to the Preferred
Security Beneficial Owners;
(c) to the extent that the provisions of this Section 9.4 conflict
with any other provisions of this Declaration, the provisions of this Section
9.4 shall control; and
(d) the rights of the Preferred Security Beneficial Owners shall be
exercised only through the Clearing Agency and shall be limited to those
established by law and agreements between such Preferred Security Beneficial
Owners and the Clearing Agency and/or the Clearing Agency Participants and DTC
will make book entry transfers among the Clearing Agency
38
<PAGE>
Participants and receive and transmit payments of Distributions on the Global
Certificates to such Clearing Agency Participants.
SECTION 9.5 Notices to Clearing Agency.
--------------------------
Whenever a notice or other communication to the Preferred Security
Holders is required under this Declaration, unless and until Definitive
Preferred Security Certificates shall have been issued to the Preferred Security
Beneficial Owners pursuant to Section 9.7, the Regular Trustees shall give all
such notices and communications specified herein to be given to the Preferred
Security Holders to the Clearing Agency, and shall have no notice obligations to
the Preferred Security Beneficial Owners.
SECTION 9.6 Appointment of Successor Clearing Agency.
----------------------------------------
If any Clearing Agency elects to discontinue its services as
securities depositary with respect to the Preferred Securities, the Regular
Trustees may, in their sole discretion, appoint a successor Clearing Agency with
respect to such Preferred Securities.
SECTION 9.7 Definitive Preferred Security Certificates.
------------------------------------------
If:
(a) a Clearing Agency elects to discontinue its services as securities
depositary with respect to the Preferred Securities and a successor Clearing
Agency is not appointed within 90 days after such discontinuance pursuant to
Section 9.6; or
(b) the Regular Trustees elect after consultation with the Sponsor to
terminate the book entry system through the Clearing Agency with respect to the
Preferred Securities,
then:
(c) Definitive Preferred Security Certificates shall be prepared by
the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust with respect to such Preferred
Securities; and
(d) upon surrender of the Global Certificates by the Clearing Agency,
accompanied by registration instructions, the Regular Trustees shall cause
Definitive Preferred Security Certificates to be delivered to Preferred Security
Beneficial Owners in accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency.
Neither the Trustees nor the Trust shall be liable for any delay in delivery of
such instructions and each of them may
39
<PAGE>
conclusively rely on and shall be protected in relying on, said instructions of
the Clearing Agency. The Definitive Preferred Security Certificates shall be
printed, lithographed or engraved or may be produced in any other manner as is
reasonably acceptable to the Regular Trustees, as evidenced by their execution
thereof, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or
designation and such legends or endorsements as the Regular Trustees may deem
appropriate, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or
regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock
exchange on which Preferred Securities may be listed, or to conform to usage.
SECTION 9.8 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates.
-------------------------------------------------
If:
(a) any mutilated Certificates should be surrendered to the Regular
Trustees, or if the Regular Trustees shall receive evidence to their
satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Certificate; and
(b) there shall be delivered to the Regular Trustees such security or
indemnity as may be required by them to keep each of them harmless;
then, in the absence of notice that such Certificate shall have been acquired by
a bona fide purchaser, any Regular Trustee on behalf of the Trust shall execute
and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost
or stolen Certificate, a new Certificate of like denomination. In connection
with the issuance of any new Certificate under this Section 9.8, the Regular
Trustees may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith. Any duplicate
Certificate issued pursuant to this Section shall constitute conclusive evidence
of an ownership interest in the relevant Securities, as if originally issued,
whether or not the lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate shall be found at any
time.
ARTICLE X
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF
HOLDERS OF SECURITIES, TRUSTEES OR OTHERS
SECTION 10.1 Liability.
---------
(a) Except as expressly set forth in this Declaration, the Debenture
Guarantee, the Securities Guarantees and the terms of the Securities, the
Sponsor shall not be:
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(i) personally liable for the return of any portion of the capital
contributions (or any return thereon) of the Holders of the Securities
which shall be made solely from assets of the Trust; and
(ii) required to pay to the Trust or to any Holder of Securities any
deficit upon dissolution of the Trust or otherwise.
(b) The Holder of the Common Securities shall be liable for all of the
debts and obligations of the Trust (other than with respect to the Securities)
to the extent not satisfied out of the Trust's assets.
(c) Pursuant to (S) 3803(a) of the Business Trust Act, the Holders of
the Preferred Securities shall be entitled to the same limitation of personal
liability extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit organized
under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
SECTION 10.2 Exculpation.
-----------
(a) No Indemnified Person shall be liable, responsible or accountable
in damages or otherwise to the Trust or any Covered Person for any loss, damage
or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such
Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of the Trust and in a manner such
Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of the authority
conferred on such Indemnified Person by this Declaration or by law, except that
an Indemnified Person shall be liable for any such loss, damage or claim
incurred by reason of such Indemnified Person's negligence or willful misconduct
with respect to such acts or omissions.
(b) An Indemnified Person shall be fully protected in relying in good
faith upon the records of the Trust and upon such information, opinions, reports
or statements presented to the Trust by any Person as to matters the Indemnified
Person reasonably believes are within such other Person's professional or expert
competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the
Trust, including information, opinions, reports or statements as to the value
and amount of the assets, liabilities, profits, losses, or any other facts
pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from which Distributions to
Holders of Securities might properly be paid.
SECTION 10.3 Fiduciary Duty.
--------------
(a) To the extent that, at law or in equity, an Indemnified Person has
duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the
Trust or to any other Covered Person, an Indemnified Person acting under this
Declaration shall
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not be liable to the Trust or to any other Covered Person for its good faith
reliance on the provisions of this Declaration. The provisions of this
Declaration, to the extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of an
Indemnified Person otherwise existing at law or in equity (other than the duties
imposed on the Institutional Trustee under the Trust Indenture Act), are agreed
by the parties hereto to replace such other duties and liabilities of the
Indemnified Person.
(b) Unless otherwise expressly provided herein:
(i) whenever a conflict of interest exists or arises between any
Covered Persons; or
(ii) whenever this Declaration or any other agreement contemplated
herein or therein provides that an Indemnified Person shall act in a manner
that is, or provides terms that are, fair and reasonable to the Trust or
any Holder of Securities,
the Indemnified Person shall resolve such conflict of interest, take such action
or provide such terms, considering in each case the relative interest of each
party (including its own interest) to such conflict, agreement, transaction or
situation and the benefits and burdens relating to such interests, any customary
or accepted industry practices, and any applicable generally accepted accounting
practices or principles. In the absence of bad faith by the Indemnified Person,
the resolution, action or term so made, taken or provided by the Indemnified
Person shall not constitute a breach of this Declaration or any other agreement
contemplated herein or of any duty or obligation of the Indemnified Person at
law or in equity or otherwise.
(c) Whenever in this Declaration an Indemnified Person is permitted or
required to make a decision:
(i) in its "discretion" or under a grant of similar authority, the
Indemnified Person shall be entitled to consider such interests and factors
as it desires, including its own interests, and shall have no duty or
obligation to give any consideration to any interest of or factors
affecting the Trust or any other Person; or
(ii) in its "good faith" or under another express standard, the
Indemnified Person shall act under such express standard and shall not be
subject to any other or different standard imposed by this Declaration or
by applicable law.
SECTION 10.4 Indemnification.
---------------
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(a) (i) The Debenture Issuer shall indemnify, to the full extent
permitted by law, any Company Indemnified Person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Trust) by
reason of the fact that he is or was a Company Indemnified Person against
expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith
and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Trust, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order,
settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its
equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the Company
Indemnified Person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Trust, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
(ii) The Debenture Issuer shall indemnify, to the full extent
permitted by law, any Company Indemnified Person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action or suit by or in the right of the Trust to procure a judgment in its
favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a Company Indemnified Person
against expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses) actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of
such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust and
except that no such indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim,
issue or matter as to which such Company Indemnified Person shall have been
adjudged to be liable to the Trust unless and only to the extent that the
Court of Chancery of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was
brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of
liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is
fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such
Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
(iii) To the extent that a Company Indemnified Person shall be
successful on the merits or otherwise (including dismissal of an action
without prejudice or the settlement of an action without admission of
liability) in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in
paragraphs (i)
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and (ii) of this Section 10.4 (a), or in defense of any claim, issue or
matter therein, he shall be indemnified, to the full extent permitted by
law, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection therewith.
(iv) Any indemnification under paragraphs (i) and (ii) of this
Section 10.4(a) (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Debenture
Issuer only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that
indemnification of the Company Indemnified Person is proper in the
circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set
forth in paragraphs (i) and (ii). Such determination shall be made (1) by
the Regular Trustees by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of such
Regular Trustees who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding,
(2) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, if a quorum
of disinterested Regular Trustees so directs, by independent legal counsel
in a written opinion, or (3) by the Common Security Holder of the Trust.
(v) Expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses) incurred by a
Company Indemnified Person in defending a civil, criminal, administrative
or investigative action, suit or proceeding referred to in paragraphs (i)
and (ii) of this Section 10.4 (a) shall be paid by the Debenture Issuer in
advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon
receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Company Indemnified
Person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is
not entitled to be indemnified by the Debenture Issuer as authorized in
this Section 10.4 (a). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no advance shall be
made by the Debenture Issuer if a determination is reasonably and promptly
made (i) by the Regular Trustees by a majority vote of a quorum of
disinterested Regular Trustees, (ii) if such a quorum is not obtainable,
or, even if obtainable, if a quorum of disinterested Regular Trustees so
directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iii) the
Common Security Holder of the Trust, that, based upon the facts known to
the Regular Trustees, counsel or the Common Security Holder at the time
such determination is made, such Company Indemnified Person acted in bad
faith or in a manner that such Person did not believe to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the Trust, or, with respect to any
criminal proceeding, that such Company Indemnified Person believed or had
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. In no event shall
any advance be made in instances where the Regular Trustees, independent
legal counsel or the Common Security Holder reasonably determine that such
person deliberately breached his duty to the Trust or its Common or
Preferred Security Holders.
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(vi) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or
granted pursuant to, the other paragraphs of this Section 10.4 (a) shall
not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking
indemnification and advancement of expenses may be entitled under any
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors of the Debenture
Issuer or Preferred Security Holders of the Trust or otherwise, both as to
action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while
holding such office. All rights to indemnification under this Section
10.4(a) shall be deemed to be provided by a contract between the Debenture
Issuer and each Company Indemnified Person who serves in such capacity at
any time while this Section 10.4 (a) is in effect. Any repeal or
modification of this Section 10.4(a) shall not affect any rights or
obligations then existing.
(vii) The Debenture Issuer or the Trust may purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any Person who is or was a Company Indemnified
Person against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in
any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the
Debenture Issuer would have the power to indemnify him against such
liability under the provisions of this Section 10.4 (a).
(viii) For purposes of this Section 10.4 (a), references to "the
Trust" shall include, in addition to the resulting or surviving entity, any
constituent entity (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in
a consolidation or merger, so that any Person who is or was a director,
trustee, officer or employee of such constituent entity, or is or was
serving at the request of such constituent entity as a director, trustee,
officer, employee or agent of another entity, shall stand in the same
position under the provisions of this Section 10.4 (a) with respect to the
resulting or surviving entity as he would have with respect to such
constituent entity if its separate existence had continued.
(ix) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or
granted pursuant to, this Section 10.4(a) shall, unless otherwise provided
when authorized or ratified, continue as to a Person who has ceased to be a
Company Indemnified Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs,
executors and administrators of such a Person.
(b) The Debenture Issuer agrees to indemnify the (i) Institutional
Trustee, (ii) the Delaware Trustee, (iii) any Affiliate of the Institutional
Trustee and the Delaware Trustee, and (iv) any officers, directors,
shareholders, members, partners, employees, representatives, custodians,
nominees or
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agents of the Institutional Trustee and the Delaware Trustee (each of the
Persons in (i) through (iv) being referred to as a "Fiduciary Indemnified
Person") for, and to hold each Fiduciary Indemnified Person harmless against,
any and all loss, liability, damage, claim or expense including taxes (other
than taxes based on the income of such Fiduciary Indemnified Person) incurred
without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection
with the acceptance or administration or the trust or trusts hereunder,
including the costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses)
of defending itself against or investigating any claim or liability in
connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties
hereunder. The obligation to indemnify as set forth in this Section 10.4(b)
shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Declaration.
SECTION 10.5 Outside Businesses.
------------------
Any Covered Person, the Sponsor, the Delaware Trustee and the
Institutional Trustee may engage in or possess an interest in other business
ventures of any nature or description, independently or with others, similar or
dissimilar to the business of the Trust, and the Trust and the Holders of
Securities shall have no rights by virtue of this Declaration in and to such
independent ventures or the income or profits derived therefrom, and the pursuit
of any such venture, even if competitive with the business of the Trust, shall
not be deemed wrongful or improper. No Covered Person, the Sponsor, the
Delaware Trustee, or the Institutional Trustee shall be obligated to present any
particular investment or other opportunity to the Trust even if such opportunity
is of a character that, if presented to the Trust, could be taken by the Trust,
and any Covered Person, the Sponsor, the Delaware Trustee and the Institutional
Trustee shall have the right to take for its own account (individually or as a
partner or fiduciary) or to recommend to others any such particular investment
or other opportunity. Any Covered Person, the Delaware Trustee and the
Institutional Trustee may engage or be interested in any financial or other
transaction with the Sponsor or any Affiliate of the Sponsor, or may act as
depositary for, trustee or agent for, or act on any committee or body of holders
of, securities or other obligations of the Sponsor or its Affiliates.
ARTICLE XI
ACCOUNTING
SECTION 11.1 Fiscal Year.
-----------
The fiscal year ("Fiscal Year") of the Trust shall be the calendar
year, or such other year as is required by the Code.
SECTION 11.2 Certain Accounting Matters.
--------------------------
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(a) At all times during the existence of the Trust, the Regular
Trustees shall keep, or cause to be kept, full books of account, records and
supporting documents, which shall reflect in reasonable detail each transaction
of the Trust. The books of account shall be maintained on the accrual method of
accounting, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
consistently applied. The books of account and the records of the Trust shall
be examined by and reported upon as of the end of each Fiscal Year of the Trust
by a firm of independent certified public accountants selected by the Regular
Trustees.
(b) The Regular Trustees shall cause to be prepared and delivered to
each of the Holders of Securities, within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal
Year of the Trust, annual financial statements of the Trust, including a balance
sheet of the Trust as of the end of such Fiscal Year, and the related statements
of income or loss.
(c) The Regular Trustees shall cause to be duly prepared and delivered
to each of the Holders of Securities any annual United States federal income tax
information statement required by the Code, containing such information with
regard to the Securities held by each Holder as is required by the Code and the
Treasury Regulations. Notwithstanding any right under the Code to deliver any
such statement at a later date, the Regular Trustees shall endeavor to deliver
all such statements within 30 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the
Trust.
(d) The Regular Trustees shall cause to be duly prepared and filed an
annual United States federal income tax return on a Form 1041 or such other form
required by United States federal income tax law, and any other annual income
tax returns required to be filed by the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust
with any state or local taxing authority.
SECTION 11.3 Banking.
-------
The Trust shall maintain one or more bank accounts in the name and for
the sole benefit of the Trust; provided, however, that all payments of funds in
-------- -------
respect of the Debentures and the Debenture Guarantee held by the Institutional
Trustee shall be made directly to the Institutional Trustee Account and no other
funds of the Trust shall be deposited in the Institutional Trustee Account. The
sole signatories for such accounts shall be designated by the Regular Trustees;
provided, however, that the Institutional Trustee shall designate the
- -------- -------
signatories for the Institutional Trustee Account.
SECTION 11.4 Withholding.
-----------
The Trust and the Regular Trustees shall comply with all withholding
requirements under United States federal, state
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and local law. The Trust shall request, and the Holders shall provide to the
Trust, such forms or certificates as are necessary to establish an exemption
from withholding with respect to each Holder, and any representations and forms
as shall reasonably be requested by the Trust to assist it in determining the
extent of, and in fulfilling, its withholding obligations. The Regular Trustees
shall file required forms with applicable jurisdictions and, unless an exemption
from withholding is properly established by a Holder, shall remit amounts
withheld with respect to the Holder to applicable jurisdictions. To the extent
that the Trust is required to withhold and pay over any amounts to any authority
with respect to distributions or allocations to any Holder, the amount withheld
shall be deemed to be a Distribution in the amount of the withholding to the
Holder. In the event of any claimed overwithholding, Holders shall be limited
to an action against the applicable jurisdiction. If the amount required to be
withheld was not withheld from actual Distributions made, the Trust may reduce
subsequent Distributions by the amount of such withholding.
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS AND MEETINGS
SECTION 12.1 Amendments.
----------
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Declaration or by any
applicable terms of the Securities, this Declaration may only be amended by a
written instrument approved and executed by
(i) the Regular Trustees (or, if there are more than two Regular
Trustees, a majority of the Regular Trustees);
(ii) if the amendment affects the rights, powers, duties, obligations
or immunities of the Institutional Trustee, the Institutional Trustee; and
(iii) if the amendment affects the rights, powers, duties,
obligations or immunities of the Delaware Trustee, the Delaware Trustee.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article XII, no
amendment shall be made, and any such purported amendment shall be void and
ineffective:
(i) unless, in the case of any proposed amendment, the Institutional
Trustee shall have first received an Officers' Certificate from each of the
Trust and the Sponsor that such amendment is permitted by, and conforms to,
the terms of this Declaration (including the terms of the Securities);
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(ii) unless, in the case of any proposed amendment which affects the
rights, powers, duties, obligations or immunities of the Institutional
Trustee, the Institutional Trustee shall have first received;
(A) an Officers' Certificate from each of the Trust and the
Sponsor that such amendment is permitted by, and conforms to, the
terms of this Declaration (including the terms of the Securities); and
(B) an opinion of counsel (who may be counsel to the Sponsor or
the Trust) that such amendment is permitted by, and conforms to, the
terms of this Declaration (including the terms of the Securities); and
(iii) to the extent the result of such amendment would be to:
(A) cause the trust to fail to continue to be classified for
purposes of United States federal income taxation as a grantor trust;
(B) reduce or otherwise adversely affect the powers of the
Institutional Trustee in contravention of the Trust Indenture Act; or
(C) cause the Trust to be deemed to be an Investment Company
required to be registered under the Investment Company Act.
(c) At such time after the Trust has issued any Securities that remain
outstanding, any amendment that would adversely affect the rights, privileges or
preferences of any Holder of Securities may be effected only with such
additional requirements as may be set forth in the terms of such Securities.
(d) Section 9.1(c) and this Section 12.1 shall not be amended without
the consent of all of the Holders of the Securities.
(e) Article IV shall not be amended without the consent of the Holders
of a Majority in liquidation amount of the Common Securities.
(f) the rights of the holders of the Common Securities under Article V
to increase or decrease the number of, and appoint and remove, Trustees shall
not be amended without the consent of the Holders of a Majority in liquidation
amount of the Common Securities.
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(g) Notwithstanding Section 12.1(c), this Declaration may be amended
without the consent of the Holders of the Securities to:
(i) cure any ambiguity;
(ii) correct or supplement any provision in this Declaration that may
be defective or inconsistent with any other provision of this Declaration;
(iii) add to the covenants, restrictions or obligations of the
Sponsor;
(iv) to conform to any change in Rule 3a-5 or written change in
interpretation or application of Rule 3a-5 by any legislative body, court,
government agency or regulatory authority which amendment does not have a
material adverse effect on the right, preferences or privileges of the
Holders; and
(v) to modify, eliminate and add to any provision of this Declaration
to such extent as may be necessary; provided, however, that no such
amendment shall adversely affect the powers, preferences or special rights
of Holders of Securities.
SECTION 12.2 Meetings of the Holders of Securities; Action by
------------------------------------------------
Written Consent.
- ---------------
(a) Meetings of the Holders of any class of Securities may be called
at any time by the Regular Trustees (or as provided in the terms of the
Securities) to consider and act on any matter on which Holders of such class of
Securities are entitled to act under the terms of this Declaration, the terms of
the Securities or the rules of any stock exchange on which the Preferred
Securities are listed or admitted for trading. The Regular Trustees shall call
a meeting of the Holders of such class if directed to do so by the Holders of at
least 10% in liquidation amount of such class of Securities. Such direction
shall be given by delivering to the Regular Trustees one or more calls in a
writing stating that the signing Holders of Securities wish to call a meeting
and indicating the general or specific purpose for which the meeting is to be
called. Any Holders of Securities calling a meeting shall specify in writing
the Certificates held by the Holders of Securities exercising the right to call
a meeting and only those Securities represented by such Certificates shall be
counted for purposes of determining whether the required percentage set forth in
the second sentence of this paragraph has been met.
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(b) Except to the extent otherwise provided in the terms of the
Securities, the following provisions shall apply to meetings of Holders of
Securities:
(i) notice of any such meeting shall be given to all the Holders of
Securities having a right to vote thereat at least 7 days and not more than
60 days before the date of such meeting. Whenever a vote, consent or
approval of the Holders of Securities is permitted or required under this
Declaration or the rules of any stock exchange on which the Preferred
Securities are listed or admitted for trading, such vote, consent or
approval may be given at a meeting of the Holders of Securities. Any
action that may be taken at a meeting of the Holders of Securities may be
taken without a meeting if a consent in writing setting forth the action so
taken is signed by the Holders of Securities owning not less than the
minimum amount of Securities in liquidation amount that would be necessary
to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all Holders of
Securities having a right to vote thereon were present and voting. Prompt
notice of the taking of action without a meeting shall be given to the
Holders of Securities entitled to vote who have not consented in writing.
The Regular Trustees may specify that any written ballot submitted to the
Security Holder for the purpose of taking any action without a meeting
shall be returned to the Trust within the time specified by the Regular
Trustees;
(ii) each Holder of a Security may authorize any Person to act for it
by proxy on all matters in which a Holder of Securities is entitled to
participate, including waiving notice of any meeting, or voting or
participating at a meeting. No proxy shall be valid after the expiration
of 11 months from the date thereof unless otherwise provided in the proxy.
Every proxy shall be revocable at the pleasure of the Holder of Securities
executing it. Except as otherwise provided herein, all matters relating to
the giving, voting or validity of proxies shall be governed by the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware relating to proxies, and judicial
interpretations thereunder, as if the Trust were a Delaware corporation and
the Holders of the Securities were stockholders of a Delaware corporation;
(iii) each meeting of the Holders of the Securities shall be
conducted by the Regular Trustees or by such other Person that the Regular
Trustees may designate; and
(iv) unless the Business Trust Act, this Declaration, the terms of
the Securities, the Trust Indenture Act or the listing rules of any stock
exchange on which the Preferred Securities are then listed or trading
otherwise provides,
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the Regular Trustees, in their sole discretion, shall establish all other
provisions relating to meetings of Holders of Securities, including notice
of the time, place or purpose of any meeting at which any matter is to be
voted on by any Holders of Securities, waiver of any such notice, action by
consent without a meeting, the establishment of a record date, quorum
requirements, voting in person or by proxy or any other matter with respect
to the exercise of any such right to vote.
ARTICLE XIII
REPRESENTATIONS OF INSTITUTIONAL TRUSTEE
AND DELAWARE TRUSTEE
SECTION 13.1 Representations and Warranties of Institutional
-----------------------------------------------
Trustee.
The Trustee that acts as initial Institutional Trustee represents and
warrants to the Trust and to the Sponsor at the date of this Declaration, and
each Successor Institutional Trustee represents and warrants to the Trust and
the Sponsor at the time of the Successor Institutional Trustee's acceptance of
its appointment as Institutional Trustee, that:
(a) the Institutional Trustee is a New York banking corporation with
trust powers and authority to execute and deliver, and to carry out and perform
its obligations under the terms of, this Declaration;
(b) the execution, delivery and performance by the Institutional
Trustee of the Declaration has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on the part of the Institutional Trustee. This Declaration has been duly
executed and delivered by the Institutional Trustee, and it constitutes a legal,
valid and binding obligation of the Institutional Trustee, enforceable against
it in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy,
reorganization, moratorium, insolvency, and other similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally and to general principles of equity (regardless of
whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law);
(c) the execution, delivery and performance of this Declaration by the
Institutional Trustee does not conflict with or constitute a breach of the
charter or by-laws of the Institutional Trustee; and
(d) no consent, approval or authorization of, or registration with or
notice to, any New York State or federal banking authority is required for the
execution, delivery or performance by the Institutional Trustee of this
Declaration.
SECTION 13.2 Representations and Warranties of Delaware
------------------------------------------
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Trustee.
-------
The Trustee that acts as initial Delaware Trustee represents and
warrants to the Trust and to the Sponsor at the date of this Declaration, and
each Successor Delaware Trustee represents and warrants to the Trust and the
Sponsor at the time of the Successor Delaware Trustee's acceptance of its
appointment as Delaware Trustee, that:
(a) The Delaware Trustee is duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with trust power and
authority to execute and deliver, and to carry out and perform its obligations
under the terms of, this Declaration.
(b) The Delaware Trustee has been authorized to perform its
obligations under the Certificate of Trust and this Declaration. This
Declaration under Delaware law constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation
of the Delaware Trustee, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms,
subject to applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, moratorium, insolvency, and
other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally and to general
principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity
or at law).
(c) No consent, approval or authorization of, or registration with or
notice to, any federal banking authority is required for the execution, delivery
or performance by the Delaware Trustee of this Declaration.
(d) The Delaware Trustee is a natural person who is a resident of the
State of Delaware or, if not a natural person, an entity which has its principal
place of business in the State of Delaware.
ARTICLE XIV
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 14.1 Notices.
-------
All notices provided for in this Declaration shall be in writing, duly
signed by the party giving such notice, and shall be delivered, telecopied or
mailed by first class mail, as follows:
(a) if given to the Trust, in care of the Regular Trustees at the
Trust's mailing address set forth below (or such other address as the Trust may
give notice of to the Holders of the Securities:
Countrywide Capital I
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Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc.
155 North Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
Attention:
Telecopy
(b) if given to the Delaware Trustee, at the mailing address set forth
below (or such other address as Delaware Trustee may give notice of to the
Holders of the Securities):
The Bank of New York (Delaware)
White Clay Center, Route 273
Newark, Delaware 19711
Attention: Corporate Trust Department
(c) if given to the Institutional Trustee, at the Institutional
Trustee's mailing address set forth below (or such other address as the
Institutional Trustee may give notice of to the Holders of the Securities):
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street, 21 West
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Corporate Trust Trustee
Administration
(d) if given to the Holder of the Common Securities, at the mailing
address of the Sponsor set forth below (or such other address as the Holder of
the Common Securities may give notice of to the Trust):
Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc.
155 North Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
Attention:
(e) if given to any other Holder, at the address set forth on the
books and records of the Trust.
All such notices shall be deemed to have been given when received in
person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail,
postage prepaid except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery or
cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given,
such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date
of such refusal or inability to deliver.
SECTION 14.2 Governing Law.
-------------
This Declaration and the rights of the parties hereunder shall be
governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware
and all rights and remedies
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shall be governed by such laws without regard to the principles of conflict of
laws of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction that would call for the
application of the law of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware;
provided, however, that there shall not be applicable to the Trust, the Trustees
or this Declaration any provision of the laws (statutory or common) of the State
of Delaware pertaining to trusts that relate to or regulate, in a manner
inconsistent with the terms hereof (a) the filing with any court or governmental
body or agency of trustee accounts or schedules of trustee fees and charges, (b)
affirmative requirements to post bonds for trustees, officers, agents or
employees of a trust, (c) the necessity for obtaining court or other
governmental approval concerning the acquisition, holding or disposition of real
or personal property, (d) fees or other sums payable to trustees, officers,
agents or employees of a trust, (e) the allocation of receipts and expenditures
to income or principal, (f) restrictions or limitations on the permissible
nature, amount or concentration of trust investments or requirements relating to
the titling, storage or other manner of holding or investing trust assets or (g)
the establishment of fiduciary or other standards of responsibility or
limitations on the acts or powers of trustees that are inconsistent with the
limitations or liabilities or authorities and powers of the Trustees as set
forth or referenced in this Declaration. Section 3540 of Title 12 of the
Delaware Code shall not apply to the Trust.
SECTION 14.3 Intention of the Parties.
------------------------
It is the intention of the parties hereto that the Trust be classified
for United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust. The
provisions of this Declaration shall be interpreted to further this intention of
the parties.
SECTION 14.4 Headings.
--------
Headings contained in this Declaration are inserted for convenience of
reference only and do not affect the interpretation of this Declaration or any
provision hereof.
SECTION 14.5 Successors and Assigns.
----------------------
Whenever in this Declaration any of the parties hereto is named or
referred to, the successors and assigns of such party shall be deemed to be
included, and all covenants and agreements in this Declaration by the Sponsor
and the Trustees shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective
successors and assigns, whether or not so expressed.
SECTION 14.6 Partial Enforceability.
----------------------
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If any provision of this Declaration, or the application of such
provision to any Person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, the remainder of
this Declaration, or the application of such provision to persons or
circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be
affected thereby.
SECTION 14.7 Counterparts.
------------
This Declaration may contain more than one counterpart of the
signature page and this Declaration may be executed by the affixing of the
signature of each of the Trustees to any of such counterpart signature pages.
All of such counterpart signature pages shall be read as though one, and they
shall have the same force and effect as though all of the signers had signed a
single signature page.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused these presents to be
executed as of the day and year first above written.
-------------------------------
, as Regular Trustee
-------------------------------
, as Regular Trustee
-------------------------------
, as Regular Trustee
THE BANK OF NEW YORK (DELAWARE),
as Delaware Trustee
By: _____________________________
Name:
Title
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
as Institutional Trustee
By: _____________________________
Name:
Title:
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.,
as Sponsor
By: ______________________________
Name:
Title:
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ANNEX I
TERMS OF
____% CUMULATIVE TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES
____% CUMULATIVE TRUST ORIGINATED COMMON SECURITIES
Pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust, dated as of _________ ___, 1996 (as amended from time to time, the
"Declaration"), the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences
and other terms and provisions of the Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities are set out below (each capitalized term used but not defined herein
has the meaning set forth in the Declaration or, if not defined in the
Declaration, as defined in the Prospectus referred to below):
1. Designation and Number.
----------------------
(a) Preferred Securities. __________ Preferred Securities (or up to
--------------------
___________ Preferred Securities if the over-allotment option is exercised) of
the Trust, with an aggregate stated liquidation amount with respect to the
assets of the Trust of _____________________ dollars ($___________) and a stated
liquidation amount with respect to the assets of the Trust of $25 per Preferred
Security, are hereby designated for the purposes of identification only as
"____% Trust Originated Preferred Securities(SM) (`TOPrS'(SM))" (the "Preferred
Securities"). The Preferred Security Certificates evidencing the Preferred
Securities shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 to the Declaration,
with such changes and additions thereto or deletions therefrom as may be
required by ordinary usage, custom or practice or to conform to the rules of any
stock exchange on which the Preferred Securities are listed.
(b) Common Securities. _______ Common Securities of the Trust, with
-----------------
an aggregate stated liquidation amount with respect to the assets of the Trust
of _____________________________________ dollars ($_________) and a stated
liquidation amount with respect to the assets of the Trust of $25 per Common
Security, are hereby designated for the purposes of identification only as
"____% Cumulative Trust Originated Common Securities" (the "Common Securities").
The Common Security Certificates evidencing the Common Securities shall be
substantially in the form of Exhibit A-2 to the Declaration, with such changes
and additions thereto or deletions therefrom as may be required by ordinary
usage, custom or practice.
2. Distributions.
-------------
(a) Distributions payable on each Security will be fixed at a rate per
annum of ____% (the "Coupon Rate") of the
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stated liquidation amount of $25 per Security, such rate being the rate of
interest payable on the Debentures to be held by the Institutional Trustee.
Except as set forth below in respect of an Extension Period, Distributions in
arrears for more than one quarter will bear interest thereon compounded
quarterly at the Coupon Rate (to the extent permitted by applicable law). The
term "Distributions" as used herein includes cash distributions and any such
interest payable unless otherwise stated. A Distribution is payable only to the
extent that payments are made in respect of the Debentures and the Debenture
Guarantee held by the Institutional Trustee and to the extent the Institutional
Trustee has funds available therefor. The amount of Distributions payable for
any period will be computed for any full quarterly Distribution period on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, and, for any period shorter
than a full quarterly Distribution period for which Distributions are computed,
Distributions will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed
per 30-day month.
(b) Distributions on the Securities will be cumulative, will accrue
from ________ __, 1996, and will be payable quarterly in arrears on March 31,
June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year, commencing on December 31,
1996, except as otherwise described below. The Debenture Issuer has the right
under the Indenture to defer payments of interest by extending the interest
payment period at any time and from time to time on the Debentures for a period
not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters (each an "Extension Period"), during which
Extension Period no interest shall be due and payable on the Debentures,
provided that no Extension Period shall be initiated while accrued interest with
- -------- ----
respect to prior, completed Extension Periods is unpaid; and, provided further,
-------- -------
that no Extension Period shall extend beyond the date of maturity of the
Debentures. As a consequence of such deferral, Distributions will also be
deferred. Despite such deferral, quarterly Distributions will continue to
accrue with interest thereon (to the extent permitted by applicable law) at the
Coupon Rate compounded quarterly during any such Extension Period. Prior to the
termination of any such Extension Period, the Debenture Issuer may further
extend such Extension Period; provided that such Extension Period together with
-------- ----
all such previous and further extensions thereof may not exceed 20 consecutive
quarters or extend beyond the maturity of the Debentures. Distributions accrued
during any Extension Period will be payable on the next quarterly Distribution
payment date to Holders as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on
the record date next following the termination of the Extension Period. Upon
the termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then due,
the Debenture Issuer may commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above
requirements.
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(c) Distributions on the Securities will be payable to the Holders
thereof as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the relevant
record dates. While the Preferred Securities remain in book-entry only form,
the relevant record dates shall be one Business Day prior to the relevant
payment dates which payment dates correspond to the interest payment dates on
the Debentures. Subject to any applicable laws and regulations and the
provisions of the Declaration, each such payment in respect of the Preferred
Securities will be made as described under the heading "Description of the
Preferred Securities -- Book-Entry Only Issuance -- The Depository Trust
Company" in the Prospectus Supplement dated ________ __, 1996, to the Prospectus
dated _________ __, 1996 (together, the "Prospectus"), of the Trust included in
the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of the Sponsor, the Trust and certain
other business trusts. The relevant record dates for the Common Securities
shall be the same record dates as for the Preferred Securities. If the
Preferred Securities shall not continue to remain in book-entry only form, the
relevant record dates for the Preferred Securities shall conform to the rules of
any securities exchange on which the Preferred Securities are listed and, if
none, shall be selected by the Regular Trustees, which dates shall be at least
one Business Day but less than 60 Business Days before the relevant payment
dates, which payment dates correspond to the interest payment dates on the
Debentures. Distributions payable on any Securities that are not punctually
paid on any Distribution payment date, as a result of the Debenture Issuer or
the Guarantor having failed to make a payment under the Debentures or the
Debenture Guarantee, as the case may be, when due (taking into account any
Extension Period), will cease to be payable to the Person in whose name such
Securities are registered on the relevant record date, and such defaulted
Distribution will instead be payable to the Person in whose name such Securities
are registered on the special record date or other specified date determined in
accordance with the Indenture. If any date on which Distributions are payable
on the Securities is not a Business Day, then payment of the Distribution
payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business
Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay)
except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such
payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case
with the same force and effect as if made on such date.
(d) In the event that there is any money or other property held by or
for the Trust that is not accounted for hereunder, such property shall be
distributed Pro Rata (as defined herein) among the Holders of the Securities.
3. Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution.
-----------------------------------------
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In the event of any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up
or termination of the Trust, the Holders of the Securities on the date of the
dissolution, winding-up or termination, as the case may be, will be entitled to
receive out of the assets of the Trust available for distribution to Holders of
Securities after paying or making reasonable provision to pay all claims and
obligations of the Trust in accordance with Section 3808(e) of the Business
Trust Act an amount equal to the aggregate of the stated liquidation amount of
$25 per Security plus accrued and unpaid Distributions thereon to the date of
payment (such amount being the "Liquidation Distribution"), unless such
dissolution, winding-up or termination occurs in connection with a Tax Event in
which, in accordance with Section 4(c), Debentures in an aggregate stated
principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of such
Securities, with an interest rate equal to the Coupon Rate of, and bearing
accrued and unpaid interest in an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid
Distributions on, such Securities, shall be distributed on a Pro Rata basis to
the Holders of the Securities in exchange for such Securities.
If, upon any such dissolution, winding up or termination the
Liquidation Distribution can be paid only in part because the Trust has
insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate Liquidation
Distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the Trust on the Securities
shall be paid on a Pro Rata basis, except that if an Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing, the Preferred Securities shall have a preference
over the Common Securities with regard to such amounts.
4. Redemption and Distribution.
---------------------------
(a) Upon the repayment of the Debentures in whole or in part, whether
at maturity or upon redemption (either at the option of the Debenture Issuer or
pursuant to a Tax Event as described below), the proceeds from such repayment or
payment shall be simultaneously applied to redeem Securities having an aggregate
liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures so
repaid or redeemed at a redemption price of $25 per Security plus an amount
equal to accrued and unpaid Distributions thereon at the date of the redemption,
payable in cash (the "Redemption Price"). Holders will be given not less than
30 nor more than 60 days notice of such redemption.
(b) If fewer than all the outstanding Securities are to be so
redeemed, the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities will be redeemed
Pro Rata and the Preferred Securities to be redeemed will be as described in
Section 4(f)(ii) below.
(c) If, at any time, a Tax Event (as defined below) shall occur and
be continuing the Regular Trustees shall, except
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in certain limited circumstances described in this Section 4(c), dissolve the
Trust and, after paying or making reasonable provision to pay all claims and
obligations of the Trust in accordance with Section 3808(e) of the Business
Trust Act, cause Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee, having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of,
with an interest rate identical to the Coupon Rate of, and accrued and unpaid
interest equal to accrued and unpaid Distributions on, and having the same
record date for payment as the Securities, to be distributed to the Holders of
the Securities together with the Debenture Guarantee in liquidation of such
Holders' interests in the Trust on a Pro Rata basis, within 90 days following
the occurrence of such Tax Event (the "90 Day Period"); provided, however, that,
-------- -------
as a condition of such dissolution and distribution, the Regular Trustees shall
have received an opinion of a nationally recognized independent tax counsel
experienced in such matters (a "No Recognition Opinion"), which opinion may rely
on published revenue rulings of the Internal Revenue Service, to the effect that
the Holders of the Securities will not recognize any gain or loss for United
States federal income tax purposes as a result of the dissolution of the Trust
and the distribution of Debentures, and provided, further, that, if at the time
-------- -------
there is available to the Trust the opportunity to eliminate, within the 90 Day
Period, the adverse effects of the Tax Event by taking some ministerial action,
such as filing a form or making an election, or pursuing some other similar
reasonable measure that has no adverse effect on the Trust, the Debenture
Issuer, the Sponsor or the Holders of the Securities ("Ministerial Action"), the
Trust will pursue such Ministerial Action in lieu of dissolution.
If, at any time, a Tax Event shall occur and be continuing, then (i)
upon receipt of a Tax Event Opinion (as defined hereinafter) by the Regular
Trustees, the Debenture Issuer receives an opinion (a "Redemption Tax Opinion")
of a nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters
that, as a result of a Tax Event, there is more than an insubstantial risk that
the Debenture Issuer would be precluded from deducting the interest on the
Debentures for United States federal income tax purposes even if the Debentures
were distributed to the Holders of Securities in liquidation of such Holders'
interests in the Trust as described in this Section 4(c), or (ii) the Regular
Trustees shall have been informed by the tax counsel expressing the Dissolution
Tax Opinion (as defined below) that a No Recognition Opinion cannot be delivered
to the Trust, the Debenture Issuer shall have the right at any time, upon not
less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, to redeem the Debentures in whole or
in part for cash so long as such Tax Event is continuing, and, following such
redemption, Securities with an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the
aggregate principal amount of the Debentures so redeemed shall be redeemed by
the Trust at the Redemption Price on a Pro Rata
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basis; provided, however, that, if at the time there is available to the
-------- -------
Debenture Issuer or the Trust the opportunity to eliminate, within the 90 Day
Period, the adverse effects of the Tax Event by taking some Ministerial Action,
the Trust or the Debenture Issuer will pursue such Ministerial Action in lieu of
redemption.
"Tax Event" means that the Regular Trustees shall have received an
opinion of a nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such
matters (a "Dissolution Tax Opinion") to the effect that on or after the date of
the Prospectus Supplement, as a result of (a) any amendment to, clarification of
or change (including any announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any
regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or
taxing authority thereof or therein affecting taxation, (b) any judicial
decision, official administrative pronouncement, ruling, regulatory procedure,
notice or announcement, including any notice or announcement of intent to adopt
such procedures or regulations (an "Administrative Action"), or (c) any
amendment to, clarification of, or change in the official position or the
interpretation of such Administrative Action or judicial decision that differs
from the theretofore generally accepted position, in each case, by any
legislative body, court, governmental authority or regulatory body, irrespective
of the manner in which such amendment, clarification or change is made known,
which amendment, clarification, or change is effective or such Administrative
Action or decision is announced, in each case, on or after the first date of
issuance of the Securities, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i)
the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date thereof, subject to United
States federal income tax with respect to interest accrued or received on the
Debentures, (ii) the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date thereof,
subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or other
governmental charges, or (iii) (A) interest payable by the Debenture Issuer to
the Trust on the Debentures is not, or within 90 days of the date thereof will
not be, deductible, in whole or in part, by the Debenture Issuer for United
States federal income tax purposes or (B) the Debenture Issuer could become
liable to pay, on the next date on which any amount would be payable with
respect to the Debentures, any Additional Interest (as defined in the
Indenture).
On and from the date fixed by the Regular Trustees for any
distribution of Debentures and dissolution of the Trust: (i) the Securities will
be deemed to be no longer outstanding, (ii) The Depository Trust Company (the
"Depositary") or its nominee (or any successor Clearing Agency or its nominee),
as the Holder of the Preferred Securities, will receive a registered global
certificate or certificates representing the Debentures and the Debenture
Guarantee to be delivered upon such distribution and (iii) any Certificates
representing Securities, except for
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Certificates representing Preferred Securities held by the Depositary or its
nominee (or any successor Clearing Agency or its nominee), will be deemed to
represent beneficial interests in such of the Debentures having an aggregate
principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of, with an
interest rate identical to the Coupon Rate of, and accrued and unpaid interest
equal to accrued and unpaid Distributions on, such Securities until such
Certificates are presented to the Debenture Issuer or its agent for transfer or
reissue.
(d) The Trust may not redeem fewer than all the outstanding
Securities unless all accrued and unpaid Distributions have been paid on all
Securities for all quarterly Distribution periods terminating on or before the
date of redemption.
(e) If the Debentures and the Debenture Guarantee are distributed to
Holders of the Securities, pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Debenture
Issuer will use its best efforts to have the Debentures listed on the New York
Stock Exchange or on such other securities exchange on which the Preferred
Securities were listed immediately prior to the distribution of the Debentures.
(f) "Redemption or Distribution Procedures."
(i) Notice of any redemption of, or notice of distribution of
Debentures in exchange for, the Securities (a "Redemption/Distribution
Notice") will be given by the Trust by mail to each Holder of Securities to
be redeemed or exchanged not fewer than 30 nor more than 60 days before the
date fixed for redemption or exchange thereof which, in the case of a
redemption, will be the date fixed for redemption of the Debentures. For
purposes of the calculation of the date of redemption or exchange and the
dates on which notices are given pursuant to this Section 4(f)(i), a
Redemption/Distribution Notice shall be deemed to be given on the day such
notice is first mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to Holders of
such Securities. Each Redemption/Distribution Notice shall be addressed to
the Holders of such Securities at the address of each such Holder appearing
on the books and records of the Trust. No defect in the
Redemption/Distribution Notice or in the mailing thereof with respect to
any Holder shall affect the validity of the redemption or exchange
proceedings with respect to any other Holder.
(ii) In the event that fewer than all the outstanding Securities
are to be redeemed, the Securities to be redeemed shall be redeemed Pro
Rata from each Holder of Preferred Securities; provided, however, that, in
respect of Preferred Securities registered in the name of and held of
record by
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the Depositary or its nominee (or any successor Clearing Agency or its
nominee), the Preferred Securities shall be redeemed in accordance with the
procedures of the Depositary (which may include redemption by lot), and the
distribution of the proceeds of such redemption will be made to each
Clearing Agency Participant (or Person on whose behalf such nominee holds
such Securities) in accordance with the procedures applied by such Clearing
Agency or nominee.
(iii) If Securities are to be redeemed and the Trust gives a
Redemption/Distribution Notice, which notice may only be issued if the
Debentures are redeemed as set out in this Section 4 (which notice will be
irrevocable), then (A) with respect to the Preferred Securities, while the
Preferred Securities are in book-entry only form, provided that the
Debenture Issuer or the Guarantor has paid the Institutional Trustee a
sufficient amount of cash in connection with the related redemption or
maturity of the Debentures, the Institutional Trustee will deposit
irrevocably with the Depositary or its nominee (or successor Clearing
Agency or its nominee), by 12:00 noon, New York city time, on the
redemption date, funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price
with respect to the Preferred Securities and will give the Depositary
irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption Price to the
Holders of the Preferred Securities, and (B) with respect to Preferred
Securities issued in definitive form and Common Securities, provided that
the Debenture Issuer has paid the Institutional Trustee a sufficient amount
of cash in connection with the related redemption or maturity of the
Debentures, the Institutional Trustee will pay the relevant Redemption
Price to the Holders of such Securities by check mailed to the address of
each such Holder appearing on the books and records of the Trust on the
redemption date. If a Redemption/Distribution Notice shall have been given
and funds deposited as required, if applicable, then immediately prior to
the close of business on the date of such deposit, or on the redemption
date, as applicable, Distributions will cease to accrue on the Securities
so called for redemption and all rights of Holders of such Securities so
called for redemption will cease, except the right of the Holders of such
Securities to receive the Redemption Price, but without interest on such
Redemption Price. Neither the Regular Trustees nor the Trust shall be
required to register or cause to be registered the transfer or exchange of
any Securities that have been so called for redemption. If any date fixed
for redemption of Securities is not a Business Day, then payment of the
Redemption Price payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding
day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in
respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day falls in the
next calendar
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year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding Business Day,
in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date fixed
for redemption. If payment of the Redemption Price in respect of any
Securities is improperly withheld or refused and not paid either by the
Institutional Trustee or by the Sponsor as guarantor pursuant to the
relevant Securities Guarantee, Distributions on such Securities will
continue to accrue from the original redemption date to the actual date of
payment, in which case the actual payment date will be considered the date
fixed for redemption for purposes of calculating the Redemption Price.
(iv) Redemption/Distribution Notices shall be sent by the Regular
Trustees on behalf of the Trust to (A) in respect of the Preferred
Securities, the Depositary or its nominee (or any successor Clearing Agency
or its nominee) if the Global Certificates have been issued or, if
Definitive Preferred Security Certificates have been issued, to the Holders
thereof, and (B) in respect of the Common Securities, to the Holder
thereof.
(v) Subject to the foregoing and applicable law (including, without
limitation, United States federal securities laws), provided the acquiror
is not the Holder of the Common Securities or the obligor under the
Indenture, the Sponsor or any of its subsidiaries may at any time and from
time to time purchase outstanding Preferred Securities by tender, in the
open market or by private agreement.
5. Voting Rights - Preferred Securities.
------------------------------------
(a) Except as provided under Sections 5(b) and 7 and as otherwise
required by law and the Declaration, the Holders of the Preferred Securities
will have no voting rights.
(b) Subject to the requirements set forth in this paragraph, the
Holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the Preferred
Securities, voting separately as a class, may direct the time, method, and place
of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Institutional
Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Institutional
Trustee under the Declaration, including the right to direct the Institutional
Trustee, as holder of the Debentures, to (i) exercise the remedies available
under the Indenture conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Debenture Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Debenture
Trustee with respect to the Debentures, (ii) waive any past default and its
consequences that is waivable under the Indenture, or (iii) exercise any right
to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all the Debentures shall
be due and payable, provided, however, that, where a consent or action
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under the Indenture would require the consent or act of the holders of greater
than a majority in principal amount of Debentures affected thereby (a "Super
Majority"), the Institutional Trustee may only give such consent or take such
action at the written direction of the Holders of at least the proportion in
liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities which the relevant Super Majority
represents of the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures outstanding. The
Institutional Trustee shall not revoke any action previously authorized or
approved by a vote or consent of the Holders of the Preferred Securities. Other
than with respect to directing the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Institutional Trustee as set forth
above, the Institutional Trustee shall not take any action described in (i),
(ii), or (iii) above, unless the Institutional Trustee has obtained an opinion
of tax counsel to the effect that for the purposes of United States federal
income tax the Trust will not be classified as other than a grantor trust on
account of such action. If a Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing and such event is attributable to the failure of the Debenture Issuer
to pay interest or principal on the Debentures on the date such interest or
principal is otherwise payable (or in the case of redemption, on the redemption
date), then a Holder of Preferred Securities may, after such Holder's written
request to the Institutional Trustee to pursue its remedies under the Indenture
and any failure by the Institutional Trustee to do so, directly institute a
proceeding against the Debenture Issuer ("Direct Action") for enforcement of
payment, on or after the respective due dates specified in the Debentures, to
such Holder of the principal of or interest on the Debentures having a principal
amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities of
such Holder. In connection with such Direct Action, the rights of the Holders
of the Common Securities will be subrogated to the rights of such Holder of
Preferred Securities to the extent of any payment made by the Debenture Issuer
to such Holder of Preferred Securities in such Direct Action, provided that no
Holder of the Common Securities may exercise any such right of subrogation so
long as an Event of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities has
occurred and is continuing. Except as provided in the preceding sentences, the
Holders of Preferred Securities will not be able to exercise directly any other
remedy available to the holders of the Debentures.
Any approval or direction of Holders of Preferred Securities may be
given at a separate meeting of Holders of Preferred Securities convened for such
purpose, at a meeting of all of the Holders of Securities in the Trust or
pursuant to written consent. The Regular Trustees will cause a notice of any
meeting at which Holders of Preferred Securities are entitled to vote, or of any
matter upon which action by written consent of such Holders is to be taken, to
be mailed to each Holder of
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Preferred Securities. Each such notice will include a statement setting forth
(i) the date of such meeting or the date by which such action is to be taken,
(ii) a description of any resolution proposed for adoption at such meeting on
which such Holders are entitled to vote or of such matter upon which written
consent is sought and (iii) instructions for the delivery of proxies or
consents.
No vote or consent of the Holders of the Preferred Securities will be
required for the Trust to redeem and cancel Preferred Securities or to
distribute the Debentures in accordance with the Declaration and the terms of
the Securities.
Notwithstanding that Holders of Preferred Securities are entitled to
vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, the Preferred
Securities that are owned by the Sponsor or any Affiliate of the Sponsor shall
not entitle the Holder thereof to vote or consent and shall, for purposes of
such vote or consent, be treated as if such Preferred Securities were not
outstanding.
6. Voting Rights - Common Securities.
---------------------------------
(a) Except as provided under Sections 6(b), 6(c) and 7 and as
otherwise required by law and the Declaration, the Holders of the Common
Securities will have no voting rights.
(b) The Holders of the Common Securities are entitled, in accordance
with Article V of the Declaration, to vote to appoint, remove or replace any
Trustee or to increase or decrease the number of Trustees.
(c) Subject to Section 2.6 of the Declaration and only after each
Event of Default (if any) with respect to the Preferred Securities has been
cured, waived, or otherwise eliminated and subject to the requirements of the
second to last sentence of this paragraph, the Holders of a Majority in
liquidation amount of the Common Securities, voting separately as a class, may
direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the Institutional Trustee, or exercising any trust or power
conferred upon the Institutional Trustee under the Declaration, including (i)
directing the time, method, place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the Debenture Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred
on the Debenture Trustee with respect to the Debentures, (ii) waive any past
default and its consequences that is waivable under the Indenture, or (iii)
exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all
the Debentures shall be due and payable, provided, however, that, where a
-------- ------- ----
consent or action under the Indenture would require a Super Majority, the
Institutional Trustee may only give such consent or take such action at the
written direction of the
I-11
<PAGE>
Holders of at least the proportion in liquidation amount of the Common
Securities which the relevant Super Majority represents of the aggregate
principal amount of the Debentures outstanding. Notwithstanding this Section
6(c), the Institutional Trustee shall not revoke any action previously
authorized or approved by a vote or consent of the Holders of the Preferred
Securities. Other than with respect to directing the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Institutional Trustee
or the Debenture Trustee as set forth above, the Institutional Trustee shall not
take any action described in (i), (ii) or (iii) above, unless the Institutional
Trustee has obtained an opinion of tax counsel to the effect that for the
purposes of United States federal income tax the Trust will not be classified as
other than a grantor trust on account of such action. If the Institutional
Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the Declaration, any Holder of Common
Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against any Person to
enforce the Institutional Trustee's rights under the Declaration, without first
instituting a legal proceeding against the Institutional Trustee or any other
Person.
Any approval or direction of Holders of Common Securities may be given
at a separate meeting of Holders of Common Securities convened for such purpose,
at a meeting of all of the Holders of Securities in the Trust or pursuant to
written consent. The Regular Trustees will cause a notice of any meeting at
which Holders of Common Securities are entitled to vote, or of any matter upon
which action by written consent of such Holders is to be taken, to be mailed to
each Holder of Common Securities. Each such notice will include a statement
setting forth (i) the date of such meeting or the date by which such action is
to be taken, (ii) a description of any resolution proposed for adoption at such
meeting on which such Holders are entitled to vote or of such matter upon which
written consent is sought and (iii) instructions for the delivery of proxies or
consents.
No vote or consent of the Holders of the Common Securities will be
required for the Trust to redeem and cancel Common Securities or to distribute
the Debentures in accordance with the Declaration and the terms of the
Securities.
7. Amendments to Declaration and Indenture.
---------------------------------------
(a) In addition to any requirements under Section 12.1 of the
Declaration, if any proposed amendment to the Declaration provides for, or the
Regular Trustees otherwise propose to effect, (i) any action that would
adversely affect the powers, preferences or special rights of the Securities,
whether by way of amendment to the Declaration or otherwise, or (ii) the
dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust, other than as described in
Section 8.1 of the Declaration, then the Holders of outstanding Securities,
voting together as a single class,
I-12
<PAGE>
will be entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal and such amendment or
proposal shall not be effective except with the approval of the Holders of at
least a Majority in liquidation amount of the Securities, affected thereby;
provided, however, if any amendment or proposal referred to in clause (i) above
- -------- -------
would adversely affect only the Preferred Securities or only the Common
Securities, then only the affected class will be entitled to vote on such
amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective
except with the approval of a Majority in liquidation amount of such class of
Securities.
(b) In the event the consent of the Institutional Trustee as the
holder of the Debentures and the Debenture Guarantee is required under the
Indenture with respect to any amendment, modification or termination of the
Indenture, the Debentures or the Debenture Guarantee, the Institutional Trustee
shall request the written direction of the Holders of the Securities with
respect to such amendment, modification or termination and shall vote with
respect to such amendment, modification, or termination as directed by a
Majority in liquidation amount of the Securities voting together as a single
class; provided, however, that where a consent under the Indenture would require
-------- -------
a Super Majority, the Institutional Trustee may only give such consent at the
direction of the Holders of at least the proportion in liquidation amount of the
Securities which the relevant Super Majority represents of the aggregate
principal amount of the Debentures outstanding; provided, further, that the
-------- -------
Institutional Trustee shall not take any action in accordance with the
directions of the Holders of the Securities under this Section 7(b) unless the
Institutional Trustee has obtained an opinion of tax counsel to the effect that
for the purposes of United States federal income tax the Trust will not be
classified as other than a grantor trust on account of such action.
8. Pro Rata.
--------
A reference in these terms of the Securities to any payment,
distribution or treatment as being "Pro Rata" shall mean pro rata to each Holder
of Securities according to the aggregate liquidation amount of the Securities
held by the relevant Holder in relation to the aggregate liquidation amount of
all Securities outstanding unless, in relation to a payment, an Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing, in which case any funds available to make such
payment shall be paid first to each Holder of the Preferred Securities pro rata
according to the aggregate liquidation amount of Preferred Securities held by
the relevant Holder relative to the aggregate liquidation amount of all
Preferred Securities outstanding, and only after satisfaction of all amounts
owed to the Holders of the Preferred Securities, to each Holder of Common
Securities pro rata according to the aggregate liquidation amount of Common
Securities held by the
I-13
<PAGE>
relevant Holder relative to the aggregate liquidation amount of all Common
Securities outstanding.
9. Ranking.
-------
The Preferred Securities rank pari passu and payment thereon shall be
---- -----
made Pro Rata with the Common Securities except that, where an Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing, the rights of Holders of the Common Securities
to payment in respect of Distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption
and otherwise are subordinated to the rights to payment of the Holders of the
Preferred Securities.
10. Listing.
-------
The Regular Trustees shall use their best efforts to cause the
Preferred Securities to be listed for quotation on the New York Stock Exchange,
Inc.
11. Acceptance of Securities Guarantee and Indenture.
------------------------------------------------
Each Holder of Preferred Securities and Common Securities, by the
acceptance of such Securities, agrees to the provisions of the Preferred
Securities Guarantee and the Common Securities Guarantee, respectively,
including the subordination provisions therein and to the provisions of the
Indenture.
12. No Preemptive Rights.
--------------------
The Holders of the Securities shall have no preemptive rights to
subscribe for any additional securities.
13. Miscellaneous.
-------------
These terms constitute a part of the Declaration.
The Sponsor will provide a copy of the Declaration, the Preferred
Securities Guarantee or the Common Securities Guarantee (as may be appropriate),
and the Indenture to a Holder without charge on written request to the Sponsor
at its principal place of business.
I-14
<PAGE>
Exhibit A-1
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A-1
FORM OF PREFERRED SECURITY CERTIFICATE
This Preferred Security is a Global Certificate within the meaning of
the Declaration hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of The
Depository Trust Company (the "Depositary") or a nominee of the Depositary.
This Preferred Security is exchangeable for Preferred Securities registered in
the name of a person other than the Depositary or its nominee only in the
limited circumstances described in the Declaration and no transfer of this
Preferred Security (other than a transfer of this Preferred Security as a whole
by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the
Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary) may be
registered except in limited circumstances.
Unless this Preferred Security is presented by an authorized
representative of The Depository Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York, New
York) to the Trust or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or
payment, and any Preferred Security issued is registered in the name of Cede &
Co. or such other name as requested by an authorized representative of The
Depository Trust Company and any payment hereon is made to Cede & Co., ANY
TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY A PERSON IS
WRONGFUL since the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.
Certificate Number Number of Preferred Securities
CUSIP NO ___________
Certificate Evidencing Preferred Securities
of
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
____% Cumulative Trust Originated Preferred Securities/SM/
("TOPrS"/SM/)
(liquidation amount $25 per Preferred Security)
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I, a statutory business trust formed under the
laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that
______________ (the "Holder") is the registered owner of preferred securities of
the Trust representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Trust, designated the ____% Cumulative Trust Originated Preferred Securities/SM/
(liquidation amount $25 per Preferred Security) (the "Preferred Securities").
The Preferred Securities are transferable on the books and records of the Trust,
in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate
A1-1
<PAGE>
duly endorsed and in proper form for transfer. The designation, rights,
privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the
Preferred Securities represented hereby are issued pursuant to, and shall in all
respects be subject to, the provisions of the Amended and Restated Declaration
of Trust of the Trust dated as of __________ __, 1996, including the designation
of the terms of the Preferred Securities as set forth in Annex I to the
Declaration, as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Declaration").
Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meaning given them
in the Declaration. The Holder is entitled to the benefits of the Preferred
Securities Guarantee to the extent provided therein. The Sponsor will provide a
copy of the Declaration, the Preferred Securities Guarantee and the Indenture to
the Holder without charge upon written request to the Trust at its principal
place of business.
Upon receipt of this Certificate, the Holder is bound by the
Declaration and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.
By acceptance of this Certificate, the Holder agrees to treat, for
United States federal income tax purposes, the Debentures as indebtedness and
the Preferred Securities as evidence of beneficial ownership in the Debentures.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the Trust has executed this certificate
this _____ day of _________, 1996.
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
By:________________________________
Name:
Title: Regular Trustee
A1-2
<PAGE>
[FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITY]
Distributions payable on each Preferred Security will be fixed at a
rate per annum of ____% (the "Coupon Rate") of the stated liquidation amount of
$25 per Preferred Security, such rate being the rate of interest payable on the
Debentures to be held by the Institutional Trustee. Except as set forth below
in respect of an Extension Period, Distributions in arrears for more than one
quarter will bear interest thereon compounded quarterly at the Coupon Rate (to
the extent permitted by applicable law). The term "Distributions" as used
herein includes cash distributions and any such interest payable unless
otherwise stated. A Distribution is payable only to the extent that payments
are made in respect of the Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee and to
the extent the Institutional Trustee has funds available therefor. The amount
of Distributions payable for any period will be computed for any full quarterly
Distribution period on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, and,
for any period shorter than a full quarterly Distribution period for which
Distributions are computed, Distributions will be computed on the basis of the
actual number of days elapsed per 30-day month.
Except as otherwise described below, Distributions on the Preferred
Securities will be cumulative, will accrue from the date of original issuance
and will be payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and
December 31 of each year, commencing on December 31, 1996. The Debenture Issuer
has the right under the Indenture to defer payments of interest by extending the
interest payment period at any time and from time to time on the Debentures for
a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters (each an "Extension Period"),
during which Extension Period no interest will be due and payable on the
Debentures, provided that no Extension Period shall be initiated while accrued
-------- ----
interest with respect to prior, completed Extension Periods is unpaid or extend
beyond the date of the maturity of the Debentures. As a consequence of such
deferral, Distributions will also be deferred. Despite such deferral, quarterly
Distributions will continue to accrue with interest thereon (to the extent
permitted by applicable law) at the Coupon Rate compounded quarterly during any
such Extension Period. Prior to the termination of any such Extension Period,
the Debenture Issuer may further extend such Extension Period; provided that
-------- ----
such Extension Period together with all such previous and further extensions
thereof may not exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend beyond the maturity of
the Debentures. Distributions accrued during any Extension Period will be
payable on the next quarterly Distribution payment date to Holders as they
appear on the books and records of the Trust on the record date next following
the termination of the Extension Period. Upon the termination of any Extension
Period and the payment of all
A1-3
<PAGE>
amounts then due, the Debenture Issuer may commence a new Extension Period,
subject to the above requirements.
The Preferred Securities shall be redeemable as provided in the
Declaration.
A1-4
<PAGE>
_________________________
ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned assigns and transfers this Preferred
Security Certificate to:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Insert assignee's social security or tax identification number)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Insert address and zip code of assignee)
and irrevocably appoints
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
agent to transfer this Preferred Security Certificate on the books of the Trust.
The agent may substitute another to act for him or her.
Date: ___________________________
Signature: _____________________
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Preferred Security
Certificate)
Signature Guarantee/*/: _____________________________
/*/ Signature must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" that is
a bank, stockbroker, savings and loan association or credit union meeting
the requirements of the Security registrar, which requirements include
membership or participation in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion
Program ("STAMP") or such other "signature guarantee program" as may be
determined by the Security registrar in addition to, or in substitution
for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
A1-5
<PAGE>
Exhibit A-2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A-2
FORM OF COMMON SECURITY CERTIFICATE
Certificate Number Number of Common Securities
Certificate Evidencing Common Securities
of
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
_____% Cumulative Trust Originated Common Securities
(liquidation amount $25 per Common Security)
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I, a statutory business trust formed under the
laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that Countrywide
Credit Industries, Inc. (the "Holder") is the registered owner of common
securities of the Trust representing undivided beneficial interests in the
assets of the Trust, designated the _____% Cumulative Trust Originated Common
Securities (liquidation amount $25 per Common Security) (the "Common
Securities"). The Common Securities are transferable on the books and records
of the trust, in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this
Certificate duly endorsed and in proper form for transfer. The designation,
rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of
the Common Securities represented hereby are issued pursuant to, and shall in
all respects be subject to, the provisions of the Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of ________ __, 1996, including the
designation of the terms of the Common Securities as set forth in Annex I to the
Declaration, as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Declaration").
Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meaning given them
in the Declaration. The Holder is entitled to the benefits of the Common
Securities Guarantee to the extent provided therein. The Sponsor will provide a
copy of the Declaration, the Common Securities Guarantee and the Indenture to
the Holder without charge upon written request to the Sponsor at its principal
place of business.
Upon receipt of this Certificate, the Holder is bound by the
Declaration and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.
By acceptance of this Certificate, the Holder agrees to treat, for
United States federal income tax purposes, the Debentures as indebtedness and
the Common Securities as evidence of undivided beneficial ownership in the
Debentures.
A2-1
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust has executed this certificate this _____
day of ______, 1996.
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
By:______________________________
Name:
Title: Regular Trustee
A2-2
<PAGE>
[FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITY]
Distributions payable on each Common Security will be fixed at a rate
per annum of _____% (the "Coupon Rate") of the stated liquidation amount of $25
per Common Security, such rate being the rate of interest payable on the
Debentures to be held by the Institutional Trustee. Except as set forth below
in respect of an Extension Period, Distributions in arrears for more than one
quarter will bear interest thereon compounded quarterly at the Coupon Rate (to
the extent permitted by applicable law). The term "Distributions" as used herein
includes cash distributions and any such interest payable unless otherwise
stated. A Distribution is payable only to the extent that payments are made in
respect of the Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee and to the extent
the Institutional Trustee has funds available therefor. The amount of
Distributions payable for any period will be computed for any full quarterly
Distribution period on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, and,
for any period shorter than a full quarterly Distribution period for which
Distributions are computed, Distributions will be computed on the basis of the
actual number of days elapsed per 30-day month.
Except as otherwise described below, Distributions on the Common
Securities will be cumulative, will accrue from the date of original issuance
and will be payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and
December 31 of each year, commencing on December 31, 1996, to Holders of record
fifteen (15) days prior to such payment dates, which payment dates shall
correspond to the interest payment dates on the Debentures. The Debenture
Issuer has the right under the Indenture to defer payments of interest by
extending the interest payment period at any time and from time to time on the
Debentures for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters (each an
"Extension Period"), provided that no Extension Period shall be initiated while
-------- ----
accrued interest with respect to prior completed Extension Period is unpaid or
extend beyond the date of the maturity of the Debentures. As a consequence of
such deferral, Distributions will also be deferred. Despite such deferral,
quarterly Distributions will continue to accrue with interest thereon (to the
extent permitted by applicable law) at the Coupon Rate compounded quarterly
during any such Extension Period. Prior to the termination of any such
Extension Period, the Debenture Issuer may further extend such Extension Period;
provided that such Extension Period together with all such previous and further
- -------- ----
extensions thereof may not exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend beyond the
maturity date of the Debentures. Distributions accruing during any Extension
Period will be payable on the next quarterly Distribution payment date to
Holders as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the record date
next following the termination of the Extension Period. Upon the termination of
any Extension Period
A2-3
<PAGE>
and the payment of all amounts then due, the Debenture Issuer may commence a
new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements.
The Common Securities shall be redeemable as provided in the
Declaration.
A2-4
<PAGE>
______________________
ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned assigns and transfers this Common Security
Certificate to:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
(Insert assignee's social security or tax identification number)
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
(Insert address and zip code of assignee)
and irrevocably appoints _______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________agent to transfer
this Common Security Certificate on the books of the Trust. The agent may
substitute another to act for him or her.
Date: __________________________
Signature: __________________________
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Common Security
Certificate)
Signature: ______________________________________
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this common Security
Certificate)
Signature Guarantee*: ________________________________________________________
___________________________________
* Signature must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" that
is a bank, stockbroker, savings and loan association or credit union,
meeting the requirements of the Security registrar, which requirements
include membership or participation in the Securities Transfer Agents
Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such other "signature guarantee program"
as may be determined by the Security registrar in addition to, or in
substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended.
A2-5
<PAGE>
Exhibit B
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
SPECIMEN OF DEBENTURE
B-1
<PAGE>
(FACE OF DEBENTURE)
[If the Debenture is to be a global Debenture, Insert - This Debenture
is a Global Debenture within the meaning of the Indenture hereinafter referred
to and is registered in the name of a Depositary or a nominee of a Depositary.
This Debenture is exchangeable for Debentures registered in the name of a person
other than the Depositary or its nominee only in the limited circumstances
described in the Indenture, and no transfer of this Debenture (other than a
transfer of this Debenture as a whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the
Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another
nominee of the Depositary) may be registered except in limited circumstances.
Unless this Debenture is presented by an authorized representative of
The Depository Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York, New York) to the issuer
or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any
Debenture issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name as
requested by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company and
any payment hereon is made to Cede & Co., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE
HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY A PERSON IS WRONGFUL since the registered owner
hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.]
No. _________________ CUSIP No. _______________
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
______% JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST DEBENTURE
DUE ______
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC., a New York corporation (the "Company",
which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter
referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to ____________ or
registered assigns, the principal sum of ________________ Dollars ($_________ )
on ________ __, 20___, and to pay interest on said principal sum from ________
__, ____, or from the most recent interest payment date (each such date, an
"Interest Payment Date") to which interest has been paid or duly provided for,
quarterly (subject to deferral as set forth herein) in arrears on March 31, June
30, September 30 and December 31 of each year commencing ________ __, 199__, at
the rate of ______% per annum until the principal hereof shall have become due
and payable, and on any overdue principal and premium, if any, and (without
duplication and to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under
applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest at the same rate per
annum compounded quarterly. The amount of interest payable on any Interest
Payment Date shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months. In the event
B-2
<PAGE>
that any date on which interest is payable on this Debenture is not a Business
Day, then payment of interest payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment
in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next
succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made
on such date. The interest installment so payable, and punctually paid or duly
provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture,
be paid to the Person in whose name this Debenture (or one or more Predecessor
Securities, as defined in said Indenture) is registered at the close of business
on the regular record date for such interest installment, which shall be the
close of business on the Business Day next preceding such Interest Payment Date.
[IF PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE THE DEBENTURES ARE NO LONGER
REPRESENTED BY A GLOBAL Debenture --which shall be the close of business on the
____ Business Day next preceding such Interest Payment Date.] Any such interest
installment not punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be
payable to the registered holders on such regular record date and may be paid to
the Person in whose name this Debenture (or one or more Predecessor Securities)
is registered at the close of business on a special record date to be fixed by
the Trustee for the payment of such defaulted interest, notice whereof shall be
given to the registered holders of this series of Debentures not less than 10
days prior to such special record date, or may be paid at any time in any other
lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange
on which the Debentures may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required
by such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture. The principal of
(and premium, if any) and the interest on this Debenture shall be payable at the
office or agency of the Trustee (or other paying agent appointed by the Company)
maintained for that purpose in any coin or currency of the United States of
America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and
private debts; provided, however, that payment of interest may be made at the
-------- -------
option of the Company by check mailed to the registered holder at such address
as shall appear in the Security Register. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so
long as the holder of this Debenture is the Institutional Trustee, the payment
of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on this Debenture will be
made at such place and to such account as may be designated by the Institutional
Trustee.
The indebtedness evidenced by this Debenture is, to the extent
provided in the Indenture, subordinate and junior in right of payment to the
prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Debenture is issued
subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto. Each holder of
this Debenture, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be
B-3
<PAGE>
bound by such provisions, (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her
behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or
effectuate the subordination so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his or her
attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes. Each holder hereof, by his or
her acceptance hereof, hereby waives all notice of the acceptance of the
subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each holder of
Senior Indebtedness, whether now outstanding or hereafter incurred, and waives
reliance by each such holder upon said provisions.
This Debenture shall not be entitled to any benefit under the
Indenture hereinafter referred to, be valid or become obligatory for any purpose
until the certificate of authentication hereon shall have been signed by or on
behalf of the Trustee.
The provisions of this Debenture are continued on the reverse side
hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect
as though fully set forth at this place.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be
executed.
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
By:________________________
Name:
Title:
Attest:
By: _________________
Name:
Title:
B-4
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein referred
to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
Dated ________________
The Bank of New York,
as Trustee
By____________________
Authorized Signatory
[FORM OF GUARANTEE]
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Guarantor"), hereby unconditionally guarantees to the holder
of the Security upon which this Guarantee is endorsed the due and punctual
payment of the principal of, sinking fund payment, if any, premium, if any, or
interest on said Security, when and as the same shall become due and payable,
whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, according to the terms
thereof and of the Indenture referred to therein.
The Guarantor agrees to determine, at least one Business Day prior to the
date upon which a payment of principal of, sinking fund payment, if any,
premium, if any, or interest on said Security is due and payable, whether the
Company has available the funds to make such payment as the same shall become
due and payable. In case of the failure of the Company punctually to pay any
such principal, sinking fund payment, if any, premium, if any, or interest, the
Guarantor hereby agrees to cause any such payment to be made punctually when and
as the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, upon redemption,
or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by the Company.
The Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be
unconditional, irrevocable, and absolute, irrespective of the validity,
regularity, or enforceability of said Security or said Indenture, the absence of
any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by the holder of said
Security with respect to any provisions thereof, the recovery of any judgment
against the Company or any action to enforce the same, or any other circumstance
which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a
guarantor. The Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of
payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of
the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company,
protest or notice with respect to said Security or
B-5
<PAGE>
indebtedness evidenced thereby, and all demands whatsoever and covenants that
this Guarantee will not be discharged except by complete performance of the
obligations contained in said Security and in this Guarantee.
The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the holder of said
Security against the Company in respect of any amounts paid by the Guarantor
pursuant to the provisions of this Guarantee; provided, however, that the
Guarantor shall not, without the consent of the holders of all of the Securities
then outstanding, be entitled to enforce or to receive any payments arising out
of or based upon such right of subrogation until the principal of and premium,
if any, and interest on all Securities shall have been paid in full or payment
thereof shall have been provided for in accordance with said Indenture.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if following any
payment of principal or interest by the Company on the Securities to the holders
of the Securities it is determined by a final decision of a court of competent
jurisdiction that such payment shall be avoided by a trustee in bankruptcy
(including any debtor-in-possession) as a preference under 11 U.S.C. Section 547
and such payment is paid by such holder to such trustee in bankruptcy, then and
to the extent of such repayment, the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder
shall remain in full force and effect.
The obligations of the Guarantor under this Guarantee are, to the extent
provided in the Indenture, subordinate and junior in right of payment to the
prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Guarantee is issued
subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto.
Each holder of the Security upon which this Guarantee is endorsed, by
accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions, (b)
authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take such action as
may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the subordination
so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his or her attorney-in-fact for any and
all such purposes. Each holder of the Security upon which this Guarantee is
endorsed, by his or her acceptance thereof, hereby waives all notice of the
acceptance of the subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture
by each holder of Senior Indebtedness, whether now outstanding or hereafter
incurred, and waives reliance by each holder upon said provisions.
This Guarantee shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose with
respect to a Security until the certificate of authentication on such Security
shall have been signed by the Trustee (or the Authentication Agent).
B-6
<PAGE>
This Guarantee shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.
B-7
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC. has caused this
Guarantee to be signed in its corporate name by the facsimile signature of two
of its officers thereunto duly authorized and has caused a facsimile of its
corporate seal to be affixed hereunto or imprinted or otherwise reproduced
hereon.
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
______________________________{Seal} _______________________
{Title} {Title}
B-8
<PAGE>
(REVERSE OF DEBENTURE)
This Debenture is one of a duly authorized series of Debt Securities
of the Company, specified in the Indenture, all issued or to be issued in one or
more series under and pursuant to an Indenture dated as of _________ __, 1996,
duly executed and delivered between the Company and The Bank of New York as
Trustee (the "Trustee"), as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture
dated as of ________ __, 1996, between the Company and the Trustee (the
Indenture as so supplemented, the "Indenture"), to which Indenture and all
indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a description of
the rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder
of the Trustee, the Company and the holders of the series of Debt Securities
(referred to herein as the "Debentures") of which this Debenture is a part. By
the terms of the Indenture, the Debt Securities are issuable in series that may
vary as to amount, date of maturity, rate of interest and in other respects as
provided in the Indenture. This series of Debentures is limited in aggregate
principal amount as specified in said First Supplemental Indenture.
Because of the occurrence and continuation of a Tax Event, in certain
circumstances, this Debenture may become due and payable at the principal amount
together with any interest accrued thereon (the "Redemption Price"). The
Redemption Price shall be paid prior to 12:00 noon, New York time, on the date
of such redemption or at such earlier time as the Company determines. The
Company shall have the right to redeem this Debenture at the option of the
Company, without premium or penalty, in whole or in part at any time on or after
______ __, ____ (an "Optional Redemption"), or at any time in certain
circumstances upon the occurrence of a Tax Event, at a redemption price equal to
100% of the principal amount plus any accrued but unpaid interest, to the date
of such redemption (the "Optional Redemption Price"). Any redemption pursuant
to this paragraph will be made upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days
notice, at the Optional Redemption Price. If the Debentures are only partially
redeemed by the Company pursuant to an Optional Redemption, the Debentures will
be redeemed pro rata or by lot or by any other method utilized by the Trustee;
--- ----
provided that if, at the time of redemption, the Debentures are registered as a
Global Debenture, the Depositary shall determine the principal amount of such
Debentures held by each Debentureholder to be redeemed in accordance with its
procedures.
In the event of redemption of this Debenture in part only, a new
Debenture or Debentures of this series for the unredeemed portion hereof will be
issued in the name of the holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.
B-9
<PAGE>
In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall have
occurred and be continuing, the principal of all of the Debentures may be
declared, and upon such declaration shall become, due and payable, in the
manner, with the effect and subject to the conditions provided in the Indenture.
The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the
Trustee, with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of each series affected at the
time outstanding, as specified in the Indenture, to execute supplemental
indentures for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner
or eliminating any of the provisions of the Indenture or of any supplemental
indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the holders of the Debt
Securities; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall (i),
among other things, extend the fixed maturity of any Debt Securities of any
series, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the
time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the
redemption thereof, without the consent of the holder of each Debt Security so
affected, or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Debt Securities, the
holders of which are required to consent to any such supplemental indenture,
without the consent of the holders of each Debt Securities then outstanding and
affected thereby. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series
at the time outstanding affected thereby, on behalf of all of the holders of the
Debt Securities of such series, to waive any past default in the performance of
any of the covenants contained in the Indenture, or established pursuant to the
Indenture with respect to such series, and its consequences, except a default in
the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any of the
Debt Securities of such series. Any such consent or waiver by the registered
holder of this Debenture (unless revoked as provided in the Indenture) shall be
conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all future holders and owners
of this Debenture and of any Debenture issued in exchange herefor or in place
hereof (whether by registration of transfer or otherwise), irrespective of
whether or not any notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this
Debenture.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this
Debenture or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the
Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and
premium, if any, and interest on this Debenture at the time and place and at the
rate and in the money herein prescribed.
The Company shall have the right at any time during the term of the
Debentures and from time to time to extend the
B-10
<PAGE>
interest payment period of the Debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarters
(each, an "Extended Interest Payment Period"), following the end of which period
the Company shall pay on the next Interest Payment Date all interest then
accrued and unpaid (together with interest thereon at the rate specified for the
Debentures to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under
applicable law); provided that no Extended Interest Payment Period may last
-------- ----
beyond the Maturity Date. Before the termination of any such Extended Interest
Payment Period, the Company may further extend such Extended Interest Payment
Period, provided that such Extended Interest Payment Period together with all
such further extensions thereof shall not exceed 20 consecutive quarters or
extend beyond the Maturity Date. At the termination of any such Extended
Interest Payment Period and upon the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest
and any additional amounts then due, the Company may commence a new Extended
Interest Payment Period.
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations
therein set forth, this Debenture is transferable by the registered holder
hereof on the Security Register of the Company, upon surrender of this Debenture
for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Trustee in the City
and State of New York accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Company or the Trustee duly executed by the
registered holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and
thereupon one or more new Debentures of authorized denominations and for the
same aggregate principal amount and series will be issued to the designated
transferee or transferees. No service charge will be made for any such
transfer, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any
tax or other governmental charge payable in relation thereto.
Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of this
Debenture, the Company, the Trustee, any paying agent and the Security registrar
may deem and treat the registered holder hereof as the absolute owner hereof
(whether or not this Debenture shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notice
of ownership or writing hereon made by anyone other than the Security registrar)
for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal hereof
and premium, if any, and interest due hereon and for all other purposes, and
neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any paying agent nor any Security
registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or the
interest on this Debenture, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in
respect hereof, or based on or in respect of the Indenture, against any
incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, past, present or future, as
such, of the Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation, whether
B-11
<PAGE>
by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of
any assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such liability being, by the
acceptance hereof and as part of the consideration for the issuance hereof,
expressly waived and released.
[The Debentures of this series are issuable only in registered form
without coupons in denominations of $25 and any integral multiple thereof.]
[This Global Debenture is exchangeable for Debentures in definitive form only
under certain limited circumstances set forth in the Indenture. Debentures of
this series so issued are issuable only in registered form without coupons in
denominations of $25 and any integral multiple thereof.] As provided in the
Indenture and subject to certain limitations [herein and] therein set forth,
Debentures of this series [so issued] are exchangeable for a like aggregate
principal amount of Debentures of this series of a different authorized
denomination, as requested by the holder surrendering the same. All terms used
in this Debenture that are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings
assigned to them in the Indenture.
THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN THE INDENTURE
AND THE DEBENTURES WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
B-12
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C
<PAGE>
B&W Draft of 10/10/96
================================================================================
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
as Issuer
and
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
as Guarantor
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
INDENTURE
Dated as of ______, 1996
-------------------------------
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
as Trustee
-------------------------------
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
================================================================================
<PAGE>
TIE-SHEET
of provisions of Trust Indenture Act of 1939 with Indenture dated as of
________, 1996 among Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., as Issuer, Countrywide Credit
Industries, Inc., as Guarantor and The Bank of New York, Trustee:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACT SECTION INDENTURE SECTION
<S> <C>
301(a)(1) ...................................................... 6.09
(a)(2) ...................................................... 6.09
310(a)(3) ...................................................... N.A.
(a)(4) ...................................................... N.A.
310(b) ......................................... 6.08; 6.10(a)(b) and (d)
310(c) ...................................................... N.A.
311(a) and (b) ................................................... 6.13
311(c) ...................................................... N.A.
312(a) .................................................... 4.01; 4.02(a)
312(b) and (c) ............................................... 4.02(b) and (c)
313(a) ...................................................... 4.04(a)
313(b)(1) ...................................................... N.A.
313(b)(2) ...................................................... 4.04(b)
313(c) ...................................................... 4.04(c)
313(d) ...................................................... 4.04(d)
314(a) ...................................................... 4.03
314(b) ...................................................... N.A.
314(c)(1) and (2) ................................................ 13.05
314(c)(3) ...................................................... N.A.
314(d) ...................................................... N.A.
314(e) ...................................................... 13.05
314(f) ...................................................... N.A.
315(a)(c) and (d) ................................................ 6.01
315(b) ...................................................... 5.08
315(e) ...................................................... 5.09
316(a)(1) ...................................................... 5.01; 5.07
316(a)(2) ...................................................... Omitted
316(a) last sentence ............................................. 7.04
316(b) ...................................................... 5.04
317(a) ...................................................... 5.02
317(b) ...................................................... 3.04(a)
318(a) ...................................................... 13.07
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------------
THIS TIE-SHEET IS NOT PART OF THE INDENTURE AS EXECUTED.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS/*/
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Parties.................................................................... 1
Recitals................................................................... 1
Authorization of Indenture................................................. 1
Compliance with Legal Requirements......................................... 1
Purpose of and Consideration for Indenture................................. 1
</TABLE>
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
SECTION 1.01. Definitions.................................... 1
Affiliate............................................. 2
Authenticating Agent.................................. 2
Bankruptcy Law........................................ 2
Board of Directors.................................... 2
Board Resolution...................................... 2
Business Day.......................................... 3
Certificate........................................... 3
Common Securities..................................... 3
Common Securities Guarantee........................... 3
Company............................................... 3
Countrywide Trust..................................... 3
Custodian............................................. 3
Debt Security......................................... 4
Declaration........................................... 4
Default............................................... 4
Depositary............................................ 4
Event of Default...................................... 4
Exchange Act.......................................... 4
Global Security....................................... 4
Guarantee............................................. 4
Guarantor............................................. 4
Indenture............................................. 4
Institutional Trustee................................. 5
Interest.............................................. 5
Interest Payment Date................................. 5
Mortgage.............................................. 5
Officers' Certificate................................. 5
Opinion of Counsel.................................... 5
Original Issue Date................................... 5
Original Issue Discount Security...................... 5
Outstanding........................................... 5
Person................................................ 6
</TABLE>
- -----------------------------
/*/ THIS TABLE OF CONTENTS SHALL NOT, FOR ANY PURPOSE, BE DEEMED TO BE A
PART OF THE INDENTURE.
i
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Predecessor Security........................................... 6
Preferred Securities........................................... 7
Preferred Securities Guarantee................................. 7
Principal Office of the Trustee................................ 7
Responsible Officer............................................ 7
Security....................................................... 7
Securityholder................................................. 7
Security Register.............................................. 7
Senior Indebtedness............................................ 8
Subsidiary..................................................... 8
Trustee........................................................ 9
Trust Indenture Act............................................ 9
Trust Securities............................................... 9
U.S. Government Obligations.................................... 9
Yield to Maturity.............................................. 9
</TABLE>
ARTICLE II
SECURITIES
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
SECTION 2.01. Forms Generally........................................... 10
SECTION 2.02. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication........... 10
SECTION 2.03. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series...................... 10
SECTION 2.04. Authentication and Dating................................. 13
SECTION 2.05. Date and Denomination of Securities....................... 15
SECTION 2.06. Execution of Securities................................... 17
SECTION 2.07. Exchange and Registration of Transfer of Securities....... 18
SECTION 2.08. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities........... 19
SECTION 2.09. Temporary Securities...................................... 20
SECTION 2.10. Cancellation of Securities Paid, etc...................... 21
SECTION 2.11. Global Securities......................................... 21
SECTION 2.12. CUSIP Numbers............................................. 22
SECTION 2.13. Unconditional Guarantees.................................. 23
SECTION 2.14. Execution of Guarantee.................................... 25
SECTION 2.15. Assumption by Guarantor................................... 25
</TABLE>
ARTICLE III
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
SECTION 3.01. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest................ 26
SECTION 3.02. Offices for Notices and Payments, etc..................... 26
SECTION 3.03. Appointments to Fill Vacancies in Trustee's Office........ 27
SECTION 3.04. Provision as to Paying Agent.............................. 27
SECTION 3.05. Certificate to Trustee.................................... 28
SECTION 3.06. Compliance with Consolidation Provisions.................. 28
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 3.07. Limitation on Dividends.................................... 28
SECTION 3.08. Covenants as to Countrywide Trusts......................... 29
SECTION 3.09. Calculation of Original Issue Discount..................... 30
</TABLE>
ARTICLE IV
SECURITYHOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE
COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 4.01. Securityholders' Lists..................................... 30
SECTION 4.02. Preservation and Disclosure of Lists....................... 30
SECTION 4.03. Reports by Guarantor....................................... 32
SECTION 4.04. Reports by the Trustee..................................... 33
</TABLE>
ARTICLE V
REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS
AN EVENT OF DEFAULT
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 5.01. Events of Default.......................................... 34
SECTION 5.02. Payment of Securities on Default; Suit Therefor............ 37
SECTION 5.03. Application of Moneys Collected by Trustee................. 40
SECTION 5.04. Proceedings by Securityholders............................. 40
SECTION 5.05. Proceedings by Trustee..................................... 41
SECTION 5.06. Remedies Cumulative and Continuing......................... 42
SECTION 5.07. Direction of Proceedings and Waiver of Defaults by Majority
of Securityholders......................................... 42
SECTION 5.08. Notice of Defaults......................................... 43
SECTION 5.09. Undertaking to Pay Costs................................... 44
</TABLE>
ARTICLE VI
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 6.01. Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee..................... 44
SECTION 6.02. Reliance on Documents, Opinions, etc....................... 46
SECTION 6.03. No Responsibility for Recitals, etc........................ 48
SECTION 6.04. Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agents,
Transfer Agents or Registrar May Own Securities............ 47
SECTION 6.05. Moneys to be Held in Trust................................. 48
SECTION 6.06. Compensation and Expenses of Trustee....................... 48
SECTION 6.07. Officers' Certificate as Evidence.......................... 49
SECTION 6.08. Conflicting Interest of Trustee............................ 50
SECTION 6.09. Eligibility of Trustee..................................... 50
SECTION 6.10. Resignation or Removal of Trustee.......................... 50
SECTION 6.11. Acceptance by Successor Trustee............................ 52
SECTION 6.12. Succession by Merger, etc.................................. 54
SECTION 6.13. Limitation on Rights of Trustee as a Creditor.............. 54
</TABLE>
iii
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 6.14. Authenticating Agents...................................... 54
</TABLE>
ARTICLE VII
CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 7.01. Action by Securityholders.................................. 56
SECTION 7.02. Proof of Execution by Securityholders...................... 57
SECTION 7.03. Who Are Deemed Absolute Owners............................. 57
SECTION 7.04. Securities Owned by Company or the Guarantor Deemed Not
Outstanding................................................ 58
SECTION 7.05. Revocation of Consents; Future Holders Bound............... 58
</TABLE>
ARTICLE VIII
SECURITYHOLDERS' MEETINGS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 8.01. Purposes of Meetings....................................... 59
SECTION 8.02. Call of Meetings by Trustee................................ 59
SECTION 8.03. Call of Meetings by Company, Guarantor or Securityholders.. 60
SECTION 8.04. Qualifications for Voting.................................. 60
SECTION 8.05. Regulations................................................ 60
SECTION 8.06. Voting..................................................... 61
</TABLE>
ARTICLE IX
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 9.01. Supplemental Indentures without Consent of
Securityholders............................................ 62
SECTION 9.02. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Securityholders.... 64
SECTION 9.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act; Effect of
Supplemental Indentures.................................... 66
SECTION 9.04. Notation on Securities..................................... 66
SECTION 9.05. Evidence of Compliance of Supplemental Indenture to be
Furnished Trustee.......................................... 66
</TABLE>
ARTICLE X
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE, CONVEYANCE AND LEASE
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 10.01. Company or Guarantor May Consolidate, etc., on Certain
Terms...................................................... 67
SECTION 10.02. Successor Corporation to be Substituted.................... 67
SECTION 10.03. Opinion of Counsel to be Given Trustee..................... 68
</TABLE>
ARTICLE XI
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
iv
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 11.01. Discharge of Indenture..................................... 68
SECTION 11.02. Deposited Moneys and U.S. Government Obligations to be
Held in Trust by Trustee................................... 69
SECTION 11.03. Paying Agent to Repay Moneys Held.......................... 70
SECTION 11.04. Return of Unclaimed Moneys................................. 70
SECTION 11.05. Defeasance Upon Deposit of Moneys or U.S. Government
Obligations................................................ 70
</TABLE>
ARTICLE XII
IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS,
OFFICERS AND DIRECTOR
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 12.01. Indenture and Securities Solely Corporate Obligations. 73
</TABLE>
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 13.01. Successors................................................. 73
SECTION 13.02. Official Acts by Successor Corporation..................... 73
SECTION 13.03. Surrender of Company Powers................................ 74
SECTION 13.04. Addresses for Notices, etc................................. 74
SECTION 13.05. Governing Law.............................................. 74
SECTION 13.06. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent........... 74
SECTION 13.07. Legal Holidays............................................. 75
SECTION 13.08. Trust Indenture Act to Control............................. 75
SECTION 13.09. Table of Contents, Headings, etc........................... 75
SECTION 13.10. Execution in Counterparts.................................. 75
SECTION 13.11. Separability............................................... 76
SECTION 13.12. Assignment................................................. 76
SECTION 13.13. Acknowledgement of Rights.................................. 76
</TABLE>
ARTICLE XIV
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES -- MANDATORY AND
OPTIONAL SINKING FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
SECTION 14.01. Applicability of Article................................... 77
SECTION 14.02. Notice of Redemption; Selection of Debt Securities......... 77
SECTION 14.03. Payment of Securities Called for Redemption................ 78
SECTION 14.04. Mandatory and Optional Sinking Fund........................ 79
</TABLE>
ARTICLE XV
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES
v
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 15.01. Agreement to Subordinate.................................... 81
SECTION 15.02. Default on Senior Indebtedness.............................. 82
SECTION 15.03. Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy........................ 82
SECTION 15.04. Subrogation................................................. 84
SECTION 15.05. Trustee to Effectuate Subordination......................... 85
SECTION 15.06. Notice by the Company and the Guarantor..................... 86
SECTION 15.07. Rights of the Trustee; Holders of Senior Indebtedness....... 87
SECTION 15.08. Subordination May Not Be Impaired........................... 87
</TABLE>
Testimonium
Signatures
Acknowledgements
vi
<PAGE>
THIS INDENTURE, dated as of _____, 1996, among Countrywide Home Loans,
Inc., a New York corporation (hereinafter sometimes called the "Company"),
Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter
sometimes called the "Guarantor"), and The Bank of New York, a New York banking
corporation, as trustee (hereinafter sometimes called the "Trustee"),
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, for its lawful corporate purposes, the Company has duly
authorized the issue from time to time of its subordinated unsecured debentures,
notes or other evidence of indebtedness to be issued in one or more series (the
"Debt Securities") up to such principal amount or amounts as may from time to
time be authorized in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and, to
provide the terms and conditions upon which the Debt Securities are to be
authenticated, issued and delivered, the Company has duly authorized the
execution of this Indenture; and
WHEREAS, for its lawful corporate purposes, the Guarantor has duly
authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture and deems it appropriate
from time to time to issue its guarantee of the Debt Securities on the terms
herein provided (the "Guarantees" and, together with the Debt Securities, the
"Securities");
WHEREAS, all acts and things necessary to make this Indenture a valid
agreement according to its terms, have been done and performed;
NOW, THEREFORE, This Indenture Witnesseth:
In consideration of the premises, and the purchase of the Securities
by the holders thereof, the Company and the Guarantor covenant and agree with
the Trustee for the equal and proportionate benefit of the respective holders
from time to time of the Securities or of a series thereof, as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions.
The terms defined in this Section 1.01 (except as herein otherwise
expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires) for all purposes of
this Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto shall have the
respective meanings
<PAGE>
specified in this Section 1.01. All other terms used in this Indenture which
are defined in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture
Act"), or which are by reference therein defined in the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"), shall (except as herein otherwise expressly
provided or unless the context otherwise requires) have the meanings assigned to
such terms in said Trust Indenture Act and in said Securities Act as in force at
the date of this Indenture as originally executed. All accounting terms used
herein and not expressly defined shall have the meanings assigned to such terms
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the term
"generally accepted accounting principles" means such accounting principles as
are generally accepted at the time of any computation. The words "herein",
"hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of similar import refer to this
Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other
subdivision.
"Affiliate" means, with respect to a specified Person, (a) any Person
directly or indirectly owning, controlling or holding with power to vote 10% or
more of the outstanding voting securities or other ownership interests of the
specified Person, (b) any Person 10% or more of whose outstanding voting
securities or other ownership interests are directly or indirectly owned,
controlled or held with power to vote by the specified Person, (c) any Person
directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with
the specified Person, (d) a partnership in which the specified Person is a
general partner, (e) any officer or director of the specified Person, and (f) if
the specified Person is an individual, any entity of which the specified Person
is an officer, director or general partner.
"Authenticating Agent" shall mean any agent or agents of the Trustee
which at the time shall be appointed and acting pursuant to Section 6.14.
"Bankruptcy Law" shall mean Title 11, U.S. Code, or any similar
federal or state law for the relief of debtors.
"Board of Directors" shall mean the board of directors or the
executive committee or any other duly authorized designated officers of the
Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be.
"Board Resolution" shall mean a copy of a resolution certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case
may be, to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full
force and effect on the date of such certification.
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"Business Day" shall mean, with respect to any series of Securities,
any day other than a day on which federal or state banking institutions in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, are authorized or obligated by law,
executive order or regulation to close.
"Certificate" shall mean a certificate signed by the principal
executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting
officer of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be.
"Common Securities" shall mean undivided beneficial interests in the
assets of a Countrywide Trust which rank pari passu with Preferred Securities
issued by such Countrywide Trust; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of
-----------------
an Event of Default, the rights of holders of Common Securities to payment in
respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise
are subordinated to the rights of holders of Preferred Securities.
"Common Securities Guarantee" shall mean, in respect of any
Countrywide Trust, any guarantee that the Guarantor may enter into with any
Person or Persons and that operates directly or indirectly for the benefit of
holders of Common Securities of such Countrywide Trust.
"Company" shall mean Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a New York
corporation, and, subject to the provisions of Article Ten, shall include its
successors and assigns.
"Countrywide Trust" shall mean Countrywide Capital I, a Delaware
business trust, or any other similar trust created for the purpose of issuing
Preferred Securities in connection with the issuance of Securities under this
Indenture.
"Custodian" shall mean any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, or
similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
"Debt Security" or "Debt Securities" shall have the meaning stated in
the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any debt
security or debt securities, as the case may be, authenticated and delivered
under this Indenture.
"Declaration", with respect to a Countrywide Trust, shall mean the
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of such Countrywide Trust.
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"Default" means any event, act or condition that with notice or lapse
of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.
"Depositary" shall mean, with respect to Securities of any series, for
which the Company shall determine that such Securities will be issued as a
Global Security, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, another
clearing agency, or any successor registered as a clearing agency under the
Exchange Act, or other applicable statute or regulation, which, in each case,
shall be designated by the Company pursuant to either Section 2.03 or 2.11.
"Event of Default" shall mean any event specified in Section 5.01,
continued for the period of time, if any, and after the giving of the notice, if
any, therein designated.
"Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
"Global Security" shall mean, with respect to any series of
Securities, a Security executed by the Company and delivered by the Trustee to
the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary's instruction, all in accordance
with the Indenture, which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or
its nominee.
"Guarantee" means the agreement of the Guarantor, in the form set
forth in Section 2.13 hereof, to be endorsed on the Debt Securities
authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
"Guarantor" means Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., a corporation
duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
"Indenture" shall mean this instrument as originally executed or, if
amended or supplemented as herein provided, as so amended or supplemented, or
both, and shall include the form and terms of particular series of Securities
established as contemplated hereunder.
"Institutional Trustee" has the meaning set forth in the Declaration
of the applicable Countrywide Trust.
"Interest" shall mean, when used with respect to noninterest bearing
Securities, interest payable after maturity.
"Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any installment of
interest on a Debt Security of a particular series, shall mean the date
specified in such Debt Security or in a Board Resolution or in an indenture
supplemental hereto with respect to such series as the fixed date on which an
installment of interest with respect to Debt Securities of that series is due
and payable.
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"Mortgage" shall mean and include any mortgage, pledge, lien, security
interest, conditional sale or other title retention agreement or other similar
encumbrance.
"Officers' Certificate" shall mean a certificate signed by the
Chairman of the Board, the President, any Managing Director or any Vice
President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Comptroller, an
Assistant Comptroller, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company or
the Guarantor, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee. Each such
certificate shall include the statements provided for in Section 13.06 if and to
the extent provided by the provisions of such Section.
"Opinion of Counsel" shall mean an opinion in writing signed by legal
counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel to the Company, or may be other
counsel satisfactory to the Trustee. Each such opinion shall include the
statements provided for in Section 13.06 if and to the extent required by the
provisions of such Section.
"Original Issue Date" of any Security (or any portion thereof) shall
mean the earlier of (a) the date of such Security or (b) the date of any
Security (or portion thereof) for which such Security was issued (directly or
indirectly) on registration of transfer, exchange or substitution.
"Original Issue Discount Security" shall mean any Debt Security which
provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and
payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to
Section 5.01.
The term "outstanding", when used with reference to Debt Securities,
shall, subject to the provisions of Section 7.04, mean, as of any particular
time, all Debt Securities authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or the
Authenticating Agent under this Indenture, except
(a) Debt Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or the
Authenticating Agent or delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation;
(b) Debt Securities, or portions thereof, for the payment or
redemption of which moneys in the necessary amount shall have
been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with any paying agent
(other than the Company) or shall have been set aside and
segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as
its own paying agent); provided that, if such Debt Securities, or
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portions thereof, are to be redeemed prior to maturity thereof,
notice of such redemption shall have been given as provided in
Article Fourteen or provision satisfactory to the Trustee shall
have been made for giving such notice; and
(c) Debt Securities paid pursuant to Section 2.08 or in lieu of or in
substitution for which other Debt Securities shall have been
authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of Section 2.08
unless proof satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee is
presented that any such Debt Securities are held by bona fide
holders in due course.
In determining whether the holders of the requisite principal
amount of outstanding Debt Securities have given any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, the
principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that shall be
deemed to be outstanding for such purposes shall be the amount of the
principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such
determination upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity
thereof pursuant to Section 5.01.
"Person" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, joint
venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every previous
Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt and guarantee and as that
evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition,
any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 2.08 in lieu of a lost,
destroyed or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt and
guarantee as the lost, destroyed or stolen Security.
"Preferred Securities" shall mean undivided beneficial interests in
the assets of a Countrywide Trust which rank pari passu with Common Securities
issued by such Countrywide Trust; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of
-------- -------
an Event of Default, the rights of holders of Common Securities to payment in
respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise
are subordinated to the rights of holders of Preferred Securities.
"Preferred Securities Guarantee" shall mean, in respect of any
Countrywide Trust, any guarantee that the Guarantor may
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enter into with The Bank of New York or other Persons that operates directly or
indirectly for the benefit of holders of Preferred Securities of such
Countrywide Trust.
"Principal Office of the Trustee", or other similar term, shall mean
the principal office of the Trustee, at which at any particular time its
corporate trust business shall be administered.
"Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee, shall
mean the chairman and vice chairman of the board of directors, the chairman or
vice chairman of the executive committee of the board of directors, the
president, any vice president, any assistant vice president, the cashier, any
assistant cashier, the secretary, any assistant secretary, the treasurer, any
assistant treasurer, any senior trust officer, any trust officer, the
controller, any assistant controller or any other officer or assistant officer
of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by
the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any
corporate trust matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity
with the particular subject.
"Security" or "Securities" means any Debt Security or Debt Securities
with a Guarantee endorsed thereon.
"Securityholder", "holder of Securities", or other similar terms,
shall mean any Person in whose name at the time a particular Security is
registered on the register kept by the Company or the Trustee for that purpose
in accordance with the terms hereof.
"Security Register" shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.07.
"Senior Indebtedness" means, with respect to the Company or the
Guarantor, as the case may be, (i) the principal, premium, if any, and interest
in respect of (A) indebtedness of such obligor for money borrowed and (B)
indebtedness evidenced by securities, debentures, bonds or other similar
instruments issued by such obligor; (ii) all capital lease obligations of such
obligor; (iii) all obligations of such obligor issued or assumed as the deferred
purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of such obligor and
all obligations of such obligor under any title retention agreement (but
excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business);
(iv) all obligations of such obligor for the reimbursement on any letter of
credit, banker's acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit
transaction; (v) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through
(iv) of other Persons for the
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payment of which such obligor is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or
otherwise; and (vi) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i)
through (v) of other Persons secured by any lien on any property or asset of
such obligor (whether or not such obligation is assumed by such obligor), except
(1) any such indebtedness that contains express terms, or is issued under a
deed, indenture or other instrument that contains express terms, providing that
it is subordinate to or ranks pari passu with the Debt Securities, (2) any
indebtedness between or among the Company or the Guarantor and any of its
Affiliates, and (3) all other debt securities and guarantees in respect of those
debt securities, in any case issued by the Company or the Guarantor to (x) any
Countrywide Trust or (y) any other trust, or a trustee of such trust,
partnership or other entity affiliated with the Company or the Guarantor, as the
case may be, which is a financing vehicle of the Company or the Guarantor, as
the case may be (a "Financing Entity"), in connection with the issuance by such
Financing Entity of preferred securities of a similr nature to the Preferred
Securities or of other securities that rank pari passu with, or junior to, the
Preferred Securities.
"Subsidiary" shall mean with respect to any Person, (i) any
corporation at least a majority of the outstanding voting stock of which is
owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more of its
Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries, (ii) any
general partnership, joint venture or similar entity, at least a majority of the
outstanding partnership or similar interests of which shall at the time be owned
by such Person, or by one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one
or more of its Subsidiaries and (iii) any limited partnership of which such
Person or any of its Subsidiaries is a general partner. For the purposes of
this definition, "voting stock" means shares, interests, participations or other
equivalents in the equity interest (however designated) in such Person having
ordinary voting power for the election of a majority of the directors (or the
equivalent) of such Person, other than shares, interests, participations or
other equivalents having such power only by reason of the occurrence of a
contingency.
"Trustee" shall mean the Person identified as "Trustee" in the first
paragraph hereof, and, subject to the provisions of Article Six hereof, shall
also include its successors and assigns as Trustee hereunder. The term
"Trustee" as used with respect to a particular series of Securities shall mean
the trustee with respect to that series.
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"Trust Indenture Act" shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in
force at the date of execution of this Indenture, except as provided in Section
9.03.
"Trust Securities" shall mean Common Securities and Preferred
Securities of a Countrywide Trust.
"U.S. Government Obligations" shall mean securities that are (i)
direct obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its
full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or
supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of
America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and
credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case under
clauses (i) or (ii), are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer
thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust
company as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a
specific payment of interest on or principal of any such U.S. Government
Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository
receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not
authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such
depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the
U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal
of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.
"Yield to Maturity" shall mean the yield to maturity on a series of
Debt Securities, calculated at the time of issuance of such series of Debt
Securities, or if applicable, at the most recent redetermination of interest on
such series and calculated in accordance with accepted financial practice.
ARTICLE II
SECURITIES
SECTION 2.01. Forms Generally.
The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form as
shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution and as set forth in an
Officers' Certificate of the Company and the Guarantor or in one or more
indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions,
omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by
this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of
identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be
required to comply with any law or with any rules made pursuant thereto or
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with any rules of any securities exchange or as may, consistently herewith, be
determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their
execution of the Securities.
In the event the Securities are issued in definitive form pursuant to
this Indenture, such Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on
steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined
by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of
such Securities.
SECTION 2.02. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.
The Trustee's certificate of authentication on all Debt Securities
shall be in substantially the following form:
This is one of the Debt Securities of the series designated therein
referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
The Bank of New York as Trustee
By
------------------------------
Authorized Signatory
SECTION 2.03. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.
(a) The aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities which may be
authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
The Debt Securities may be issued in one or more series up to the
aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities of that series from time to time
authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution of the Company or pursuant to
one or more indentures supplemental hereto. Prior to the initial issuance of
Debt Securities of any series, there shall be established in or pursuant to a
Board Resolution of the Company and set forth in an Officers' Certificate of the
Company or established in one or more indentures supplemental:
(1) the title of the Debt Securities of the series (which shall
distinguish Debt Securities of the series from all other Debt
Securities);
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Debt
Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered
under this Indenture (except for Debt Securities authenticated
and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in
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exchange for, or in lieu of, other Debt Securities of the series
pursuant to Section 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 9.04 or 14.03);
(3) the date or dates on which the principal of and premium, if any,
on the Debt Securities of the series is payable;
(4) the rate or rates at which the Debt Securities of the series
shall bear interest, if any, or the method by which such interest
may be determined, the date or dates from which such interest
shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest
shall be payable or the manner of determination of such Interest
Payment Dates and the record dates for the determination of
holders to whom interest is payable on any such Interest Payment
Dates;
(5) the place or places where the principal of, and premium, if any,
and any interest on Debt Securities of the series shall be
payable;
(6) the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the
duration of such extension;
(7) the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which
and the terms and conditions upon which Debt Securities of the
series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the
Company, pursuant to any sinking fund or otherwise:
(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, purchase or
repay Debt Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund
or analogous provisions or at the option of a Securityholder
thereof and the price or prices at which and the period or
periods within which the price or prices at which, and the terms
and conditions upon which Debt Securities of the series shall be
redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to
such obligation;
(9) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple
thereof, the denominations in which Debt Securities of the series
shall be issuable;
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(10) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the
principal amount of Debt Securities of the series which shall be
payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof
pursuant to Section 5.01 or provable in bankruptcy pursuant to
Section 5.02;
(11) any Events of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of a
particular series, if not set forth herein;
(12) the form of the Securities of the series including the form of
the certificate of authentication of such series;
(13) any trustee, authenticating or paying agents, warrant agents,
transfer agents or registrars with respect to the Debt Securities
of such series;
(14) whether the Debt Securities of the series shall be issued in
whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities
and, in such case, the Depositary for such Global Security or
Securities, and whether beneficial owners of interests in any
such Global Securities may exchange such interests for other Debt
Securities of such series in the manner provided in Section 2.07,
and the manner and the circumstances under which and the place or
places where any such exchanges may occur if other than in the
manner provided in Section 2.07, and any other terms of the
series relating to the global nature of the Global Securities of
such series and the exchange, registration or transfer thereof
and the payment of any principal thereof, or interest or premium,
if any, thereon; and
(15) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be
inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture).
All Debt Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical
except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant
to such resolution of the Board of Directors or in any such indenture
supplemental hereto.
If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken
pursuant to a Board Resolution of the Company, a copy of an appropriate record
of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of
the Company and
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delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers'
Certificate of the Company setting forth the terms of the series.
(b) Prior to the issuance of any of the Guarantees, the exact form
and terms of such Guarantees, which shall comply with the terms of Section 2.13
hereof and contain such additional terms as are permitted by this Indenture,
shall be established by an Officers' Certificate of the Guarantor or in an
indenture supplemental hereto.
SECTION 2.04. Authentication and Dating.
At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of
this Indenture, the Company may deliver Debt Securities of any series executed
by the Company, together with the Guarantees endorsed thereon executed by the
Guarantor, to the Trustee for authentication, and the Trustee shall thereupon
authenticate and make available for delivery said Securities to or upon the
written order of the Company, signed by its Chairman of the Board of Directors,
President, one of its Managing Directors or one of its Vice Presidents and by
its Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer, without any further action by the
Company hereunder. In authenticating such Securities, and accepting the
additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities,
the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 6.01) shall be
fully protected in relying upon:
(1) a copy of any Board Resolution or Resolutions relating thereto
and, if applicable, an appropriate record of any action taken
pursuant to such resolution, in each case certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company or the
Guarantor as the case may be;
(2) an executed supplemental indenture, if any;
(3) an Officers' Certificate setting forth the form and terms of the
Securities as required pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.03,
respectively; and
(4) an Opinion of Counsel prepared in accordance with Section 13.06
which shall also state:
(a) that the form of such Securities has been established by or
pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or by a
supplemental indenture as permitted by Section 2.01 in
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conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(b) that the terms of such Securities have been established by
or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or by
a supplemental indenture as permitted by Section 2.03 in
conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(c) that (i) such Debt Securities, when authenticated and
delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company and (ii)
such Guarantees, when issued by the Guarantor, in each case
in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in
such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally
binding obligations of the Company and the Guarantor,
respectively;
(d) that all laws and requirements in respect of the execution
and delivery by the Company and the Guarantor of the Debt
Securities and the Guarantees, respectively, have been
complied with and that authentication and delivery of the
Securities by the Trustee will not violate the terms of the
Indenture; and
(e) such other matters as the Trustee may reasonably request.
The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and
deliver any Securities under this Section if the Trustee, being advised by
counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee
in good faith by its board of directors or trustees, executive committee, or a
trust committee of directors or trustees and/or vice presidents shall determine
that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability to existing
holders.
SECTION 2.05. Date and Denomination of Securities.
The Securities shall be issuable as registered Securities without
coupons and in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by
Section 2.03. In the absence of any such specification with respect to the
Securities of any series, the Securities of such Series shall be issuable in the
denominations of $1,000 and any multiple thereof. The Securities shall be
numbered, lettered, or otherwise distinguished in such manner or in accordance
with such plans as the officers executing
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the same may determine with the approval of the Trustee as evidenced by the
execution and authentication thereof.
Every Security shall be dated the date of its authentication, shall
bear interest, if any, from such date and shall be payable on such dates, in
each case, as contemplated by Section 2.03. The interest installment on any
Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any
Interest Payment Date for Securities of that series shall be paid to the Person
in whose name said Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is
registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest
installment. In the event that any Security of a particular series or portion
thereof is called for redemption and the redemption date is subsequent to a
regular record date with respect to any Interest Payment Date and prior to such
Interest Payment Date, interest on such Security will be paid upon presentation
and surrender of such Security as provided in Section 14.03.
Any interest on any Security that is payable, but is not punctually
paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for a Security of the
same series (herein called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be
payable to the registered holder on the relevant regular record date by virtue
of having been such holder; and such Defaulted Interest shall be paid by the
Company, at its election, as provided in clause (1) or clause (2) below:
(1) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on
Securities to the Persons in whose names such Securities (or their
respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business
on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which
shall be fixed in the following manner: the Company shall notify the
Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid
on each such Security and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same
time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to
the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted
Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such
deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when
deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to
such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee
shall fix a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest
which shall not be more than 15 nor less than ten days prior to the date of
the proposed payment and not less than ten days after the receipt by the
Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly
notify the Company of such special record
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date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice
of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record
date therefor to be mailed, first class postage prepaid, to each
Securityholder at his or her address as it appears in the Security Register
(as hereinafter defined), not less than ten days prior to such special
record date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and
the special record date therefor having been mailed as aforesaid, such
Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names such
Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered on
such special record date and shall be no longer payable pursuant to the
following clause (2).
(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on any
Securities in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the
requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be
listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after
notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant
to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the
Trustee.
Unless otherwise set forth in a Board Resolution of the Company or one
or more indentures supplemental hereto establishing the terms of any series of
Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof, the term "regular record date" as
used in this Section with respect to a series of Securities with respect to any
Interest Payment Date for such series shall mean either the fifteenth day of the
month immediately preceding the month in which an Interest Payment Date
established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such
Interest Payment Date is the first day of a month, or the last day of the month
immediately preceding the month in which an Interest Payment Date established
for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such Interest
Payment Date is the fifteenth day of a month, whether or not such date is a
Business Day.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security of
a series delivered under this Indenture upon transfer of or in exchange for or
in lieu of any other Security of such series shall carry the rights to interest
accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, that were carried by such other Security.
SECTION 2.06. Execution of Securities.
The Securities shall be signed in the name and on behalf of the
Company by, and the Guarantees endorsed thereon shall be signed on behalf of the
Guarantor by, the facsimile
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signature of its Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, one of its
Managing Directors or one of its Vice-Presidents and by the facsimile signature
of its Treasurer or one of its Assistant Treasurers, under its corporate seal
which may be affixed thereto or printed, engraved or otherwise reproduced
thereon, by facsimile or otherwise, and which need not be attested. Only such
Securities as shall bear thereon a certificate of authentication substantially
in the form hereinbefore recited, executed by the Trustee or the Authenticating
Agent, shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose. Such certificate by the Trustee or the
Authenticating Agent upon any Security executed by the Company and the Guarantor
shall be conclusive evidence that the Security so authenticated has been duly
authenticated and delivered hereunder and that the holder is entitled to the
benefits of this Indenture.
In case any officer of the Company or the Guarantor who shall have
signed any of the Securities shall cease to be such officer before the
Securities so signed shall have been authenticated and delivered by the Trustee
or the Authenticating Agent, or disposed of by the Company, such Securities
nevertheless may be authenticated and delivered or disposed of as though the
Person who signed such Securities had not ceased to be such officer of the
Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be; and any Security may be signed on
behalf of the Company or the Guarantor by such Persons as, at the actual date of
the execution of such Security, shall be the proper officers of the Company or
the Guarantor, as the case may be, although at the date of the execution of this
Indenture any such person was not such an officer.
SECTION 2.07. Exchange and Registration of Transfer of Securities.
Subject to Section 2.03(14), Securities of any series may be exchanged for
a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of the same series of other
authorized denominations. Securities to be exchanged may be surrendered at the
principal corporate trust office of the Trustee or at any office or agency to be
maintained by the Company for such purpose as provided in Section 3.02, and the
Company and the Guarantor shall execute, the Company or the Trustee shall
register and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and make
available for delivery in exchange therefor the Security or Securities which the
Securityholder making the exchange shall be entitled to receive. Upon due
presentment for registration of transfer of any Security of any series at the
principal corporate trust office of the Trustee or at any office or agency of
the Company maintained for such purpose as provided in Section 3.02, the Company
and the
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Guarantor shall execute, the Company or the Trustee shall register and the
Trustee or the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and make available for
delivery in the name of the transferee or transferees a new Security or
Securities of the same series for a like aggregate principal amount.
Registration or registration of transfer of any Security by the Trustee or by
any agent of the Company appointed pursuant to Section 3.02, and delivery of
such Security, shall be deemed to complete the registration or registration of
transfer of such Security.
The Company or the Trustee shall keep, at the principal corporate
trust office of the Trustee, a register (the "Security Register") for each
series of Securities issued hereunder in which, subject to such reasonable
regulations as it may prescribe, the Company or the Trustee shall register all
Securities and shall register the transfer of all Securities as in this Article
Two provided. Such register shall be in written form or in any other form
capable of being converted into written form within a reasonable time.
All Securities presented for registration of transfer or for exchange
or payment shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee or the
Authenticating Agent) be duly endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written
instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and
the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent duly executed by, the holder or his
attorney duly authorized in writing.
No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of
transfer of Securities, but the Company or the Trustee may require payment of a
sum sufficient to cover any tax, fee or other governmental charge that may be
imposed in connection therewith.
The Company or the Trustee shall not be required to exchange or
register a transfer of (a) any Security for a period of 15 days next preceding
the date of selection of Securities of such series for redemption, or (b) any
Securities of any series selected, called or being called for redemption in
whole or in part, except in the case of any Securities of any series to be
redeemed in part, the portion thereof not so to be redeemed.
SECTION 2.08. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities.
In case any temporary or definitive Security shall become mutilated or
be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company and the Guarantor shall execute, and
upon its request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, a new Security of
the same series bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange
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and substitution for the mutilated Security, or in lieu of and in substitution
for the Security so destroyed, lost or stolen. In every case the applicant for
a substituted Security shall furnish to the Company, the Guarantor and the
Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of
them harmless, and, in every case of destruction, loss or theft, the applicant
shall also furnish to the Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee evidence to
their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of such Security and of the
ownership thereof.
The Trustee may authenticate any such substituted Security and deliver
the same upon the written request or authorization of any officer of the
Company. Upon the issuance of any substituted Security, the Company may require
the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge
that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses connected
therewith. In case any Security which has matured or is about to mature or has
been called for redemption in full shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost
or stolen, the Company may, instead of issuing a substitute Security, pay or
authorize the payment of the same (without surrender thereof except in the case
of a mutilated Security) if the applicant for such payment shall furnish to the
Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be
required by them to save each of them harmless and, in case of destruction, loss
or theft, evidence satisfactory to the Company and to the Trustee of the
destruction, loss or theft of such Security and of the ownership thereof.
Every substituted Security of any series issued pursuant to the
provisions of this Section 2.08 by virtue of the fact that any such Security is
destroyed, lost or stolen shall constitute an additional contractual obligation
of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, whether or not the
destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be found at any time, and shall be
entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with
any and all other Securities of the same series duly issued hereunder. All
Securities shall be held and owned upon the express condition that, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, the foregoing provisions are exclusive with
respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
Securities and shall preclude any and all other rights or remedies
notwithstanding any law or statute existing or hereafter enacted to the contrary
with respect to the replacement or payment of negotiable instruments or other
securities without their surrender.
SECTION 2.09. Temporary Securities.
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Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the
Company and the Guarantor may execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and
make available for delivery temporary Securities (printed or lithographed).
Temporary Securities shall be issuable in any authorized denomination, and
substantially in the form of the definitive Securities but with such omissions,
insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Securities, all as
may be determined by the Company. Every such temporary Security shall be
executed by the Company and the Guarantor and be authenticated by the Trustee
upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with the same
effect, as the definitive Securities. Without unreasonable delay the Company
and the Guarantor will execute and deliver to the Trustee or the Authenticating
Agent definitive Securities and thereupon any or all temporary Securities of
such series may be surrendered in exchange therefor, at the principal corporate
trust office of the Trustee or at any office or agency maintained by the Company
for such purpose as provided in Section 3.02, and the Trustee or the
Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and make available for delivery in
exchange for such temporary Securities a like aggregate principal amount of such
definitive Securities. Such exchange shall be made by the Company at its own
expense and without any charge therefor except that in case of any such exchange
involving a registration of transfer the Company may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax, fee or other governmental charge that may be
imposed in relation thereto. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of
any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this
Indenture as definitive Securities of the same series authenticated and
delivered hereunder.
SECTION 2.10. Cancellation of Securities Paid, etc.
All Securities surrendered for the purpose of payment, redemption,
exchange or registration of transfer, shall, if surrendered to the Company, the
Guarantor or any paying agent, be surrendered to the Trustee and promptly
cancelled by it, or, if surrendered to the Trustee or any Authenticating Agent,
shall be promptly cancelled by it, and no Securities shall be issued in lieu
thereof except as expressly permitted by any of the provisions of this
Indenture. All Securities cancelled by any Authenticating Agent shall be
delivered to the Trustee. The Trustee shall deliver all cancelled Securities to
the Company. If the Company shall acquire any of the Securities, however, such
acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the
indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are
surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation.
SECTION 2.11. Global Securities.
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(a) If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 2.03 that the
Securities of a particular series are to be issued as a Global Security, then
the Company and the Guarantor shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance
with Section 2.04, authenticate and deliver, a Global Security that (i) shall
represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate
principal amount of, all of the outstanding Securities of such series, (ii)
shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, (iii) shall be
delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary's
instruction and (iv) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect:
"Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.11 of the Indenture, this Security
may be transferred, in whole but not in part, only to another nominee of the
Depositary or to a successor Depositary or to a nominee of such successor
Depositary."
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.07, the Global
Security of a series may be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the
manner provided in Section 2.07, only to another nominee of the Depositary for
such series, or to a successor Depositary for such series selected or approved
by the Company or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.
(c) If at any time the Depositary for a series of the Securities
notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary
for such series or if at any time the Depositary for such series shall no longer
be registered or in good standing under the Exchange Act, or other applicable
statute or regulation, and a successor Depositary for such series is not
appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice
or becomes aware of such condition, as the case may be, this Section 2.11 shall
no longer be applicable to the Securities of such series and the Company and the
Guarantor will execute, and subject to Section 2.07, the Trustee will
authenticate and make available for delivery the Securities of such series in
definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in
an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global
Security of such series in exchange for such Global Security. In addition, the
Company may at any time determine that the Securities of any series shall no
longer be represented by a Global Security and that the provisions of this
Section 2.11 shall no longer apply to the Securities of such series. In such
event the Company and the Guarantor will execute and subject to Section 2.07,
the Trustee, upon receipt of an Officers' Certificate evidencing such
determination by the Company, will authenticate and make available for delivery
the Securities of such series in definitive registered form without coupons, in
authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
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principal amount of the Global Security of such series in exchange for such
Global Security. Upon the exchange of the Global Security for such Securities
in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, the
Global Security shall be cancelled by the Trustee. Such Securities in
definitive registered form issued in exchange for the Global Security pursuant
to this Section 2.11(c) shall be registered in such names and in such authorized
denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to instructions from its direct or
indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee. The Trustee
shall deliver such Securities to the Depositary for delivery to the Persons in
whose names such Securities are so registered.
SECTION 2.12. CUSIP Numbers
The Company in issuing the Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then
generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use "CUSIP" numbers in notices
of redemption as a convenience to Securityholders; provided that any such notice
--------
may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers
either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a
redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification
numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected
by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify
the Trustee of any change in the CUSIP numbers.
SECTION 2.13. Unconditional Guarantees.
(FORM OF GUARANTEE)
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the Guarantor hereby unconditionally guarantees to
the holder of the Security upon which this Guarantee is endorsed the due and
punctual payment of the principal of, sinking fund payment, if any, premium, if
any, or interest on said Security, when and as the same shall become due and
payable, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, according to the
terms thereof and of the Indenture referred to therein.
The Guarantor agrees to determine, at least one Business Day prior to
the date upon which a payment of principal of, sinking fund payment, if any,
premium, if any, or interest on said Security is due and payable, whether the
Company has available the funds to make such payment as the same shall become
due and payable. In case of the failure of the Company punctually to pay any
such principal, sinking fund payment, if any, premium, if any, or interest, the
Guarantor hereby agrees to cause any such payment to be made punctually when and
as the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, upon
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redemption, or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by the Company.
The Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be
unconditional, irrevocable, and absolute, irrespective of the validity,
regularity, or enforceability of said Security or said Indenture, the absence of
any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by the holder of said
Security with respect to any provisions thereof, the recovery of any judgment
against the Company or any action to enforce the same, or any other circumstance
which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a
guarantor. The Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of
payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of
the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company,
protest or notice with respect to said Security or indebtedness evidenced
thereby, and all demands whatsoever and covenants that this Guarantee will not
be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in
said Security and in this Guarantee.
The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the holder of said
Security against the Company in respect of any amounts paid by the Guarantor
pursuant to the provisions of this Guarantee; provided, however, that the
Guarantor shall not, without the consent of the holders of all of the Securities
then outstanding, be entitled to enforce or to receive any payments arising out
of or based upon such right of subrogation until the principal of and premium,
if any, and interest on all Securities shall have been paid in full or payment
thereof shall have been provided for in accordance with said Indenture.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if
following any payment of principal or interest by the Company on the Securities
to the holders of the Securities it is determined by a final decision of a court
of competent jurisdiction that such payment shall be avoided by a trustee in
bankruptcy (including any debtor-in-possession) as a preference under 11 U.S.C.
Section 547 and such payment is paid by such holder to such trustee in
bankruptcy, then and to the extent of such repayment, the obligations of the
Guarantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect.
The obligations of the Guarantor under this Guarantee are, to the extent
provided in the Indenture, subordinate and junior in right of payment to the
prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Guarantee is issued
subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto.
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Each holder of the Security upon which this Guarantee is endorsed, by
accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions, (b)
authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take such action as
may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the subordination
so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his or her attorney-in-fact for any and
all such purposes. Each holder of the Security upon which this Guarantee is
endorsed, by his or her acceptance thereof, hereby waives all notice of the
acceptance of the subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture
by each holder of Senior Indebtedness, whether now outstanding or hereafter
incurred, and waives reliance by each holder upon said provisions.
This Guarantee shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose
with respect to a Security until the certificate of authentication on such
Security shall have been signed by the Trustee (or the Authentication Agent).
This Guarantee shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. has caused
this Guarantee to be signed in its corporate name by the facsimile signature of
two of its officers thereunto duly authorized and has caused a facsimile of its
corporate seal to be affixed hereunto or imprinted or otherwise reproduced
hereon.
SECTION 2.14. Execution of Guarantee
To evidence the Guarantee to the Securityholders specified in Section
2.13, the Guarantor hereby agrees to execute the Guarantees, in substantially
the form above recited, to be endorsed on each Security authenticated and
delivered by the Trustee (or the Authenticating Agent). Each such Guarantee
shall be signed on behalf of the Guarantor as set forth in Section 2.06 to the
authentication of the Security on which it is endorsed and the delivery of such
Security by the Trustee (or the Authenticating Agent), after the authentication
thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of such Guarantee on behalf of
the Guarantor.
SECTION 2.15. Assumption by Guarantor
(a) The Guarantor may, without the consent of the Securityholders,
assume all of the rights and obligations of the Company hereunder with respect
to a series of Securities and under the Securities of such series if, after
giving effect to such assumption, no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing. Upon such an assumption, the
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Guarantor shall execute a supplemental indenture evidencing its assumption of
all such rights and obligations of the Company and the Company shall be released
from its liabilities hereunder and under such Securities as obligor on the
Securities of such series.
(b) The Guarantor shall assume all of the rights and obligations of
the Company hereunder with respect to a series of Securities and under the
Securities of such series if, upon a default by the Company in the due and
punctual payment of the principal, sinking fund payment, if any, premium, if
any, or interest on such Securities, the Guarantor is prevented by any court
order or judicial proceeding from fulfilling its obligations under Section 2.13
with respect to such series of Securities. Such assumption shall result in the
Securities of such series becoming the direct obligations of the Guarantor and
shall be effected without the consent of the holders of the Securities of any
series. Upon such an assumption, the Guarantor shall execute a supplemental
indenture evidencing its assumption of all such rights and obligations of the
Company, and the Company shall be released from its liabilities hereunder and
under such Securities as obligor on the Securities of such series.
ARTICLE III
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
SECTION 3.01. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of
Securities that it will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the
principal of and premium, if any, and interest on each of the Debt Securities of
that series at the place, at the respective times and in the manner provided in
such Debt Securities. At the option of the Company, each installment of
interest on the Debt Securities of any series may be paid (i) by mailing checks
for such interest payable to the order of the holders of Debt Securities
entitled thereto as they appear on the registry books of the Company or (ii) if
so specified with respect to the Securities of such series as contemplated by
Section 2.03, by wire transfer to any account designated by such Person.
SECTION 3.02. Offices for Notices and Payments, etc.
So long as any of the Securities remain outstanding, the Company will
maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, The City
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of New York, an office or agency where the Securities of each series may be
presented for payment, an office or agency where the Securities of that series
may be presented for registration or transfer and for exchange as in this
Indenture provided and an office or agency where notices and demands to or upon
the Company in respect of the Securities of that series or of this Indenture may
be served. The Company will give to the Trustee written notice of the location
of any such office or agency and of any change of location thereof. Until
otherwise designated from time to time by the Company in a notice to the
Trustee, or specified as contemplated by Section 2.03, such office or agency for
all of the above purposes shall be the office or agency of the Trustee. In case
the Company shall fail to maintain any such office or agency in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, or shall fail to give such notice of the
location or of any change in the location thereof, presentations and demands may
be made and notices may be served at the principal corporate trust office of the
Trustee.
In addition to any such office or agency, the Company may from time to
time designate one or more offices or agencies outside the Borough of Manhattan,
The City of New York, where the Securities may be presented for registration of
transfer and for exchange in the manner provided in this Indenture, and the
Company may from time to time rescind such designation, as the Company may deem
desirable or expedient; provided, however, that no such designation or
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rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain
any such office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, for
the purposes above mentioned. The Company will give to the Trustee prompt
written notice of any such designation or rescission thereof.
SECTION 3.03. Appointments to Fill Vacancies in Trustee's Office.
The Company, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the
office of Trustee, will appoint, in the manner provided in Section 6.10, a
Trustee, so that there shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder.
SECTION 3.04. Provision as to Paying Agent.
(a) If the Company shall appoint a paying agent other than the
Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series, it will
cause such paying agent to execute and deliver to the Trustee an
instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee,
subject to the provision of this Section 3.04,
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(1) that it will hold all sums held by it as such agent for the
payment of the principal of and premium, if any, or
interest, if any, on the Securities of such series (whether
such sums have been paid to it by the Company or by any
other obligor on the Securities of such series) in trust for
the benefit of the holders of the Securities of such series;
and
(2) that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the
Company (or by any other obligor on the Securities of such
series) to make any payment of the principal of and premium,
if any, or interest, if any, on the Securities of such
series when the same shall be due and payable.
(b) If the Company shall act as its own paying agent, it will, on or
before each due date of the principal of and premium, if any, or
interest, if any, on the Securities of any series, set aside,
segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the holders of the
Securities of such series a sum sufficient to pay such principal,
premium or interest so becoming due and will notify the Trustee
of any failure to take such action and of any failure by the
Company (or by any other obligor under the Securities of such
series) to make any payment of the principal of and premium, if
any, or interest, if any, on the Securities of such series when
the same shall become due and payable.
(c) Anything in this Section 3.04 to the contrary notwithstanding,
the Company may, at any time, for the purpose of obtaining a
satisfaction and discharge with respect to one or more or all
series of Securities hereunder, or for any other reason, pay, or
direct any paying agent to pay to the Trustee all sums held in
trust for any such series by the Company or any such paying
agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the trusts herein
contained.
(d) Anything in this Section 3.04 to the contrary notwithstanding,
the agreement to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section
3.04 is subject to Sections 11.03 and 11.04.
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SECTION 3.05. Certificate to Trustee.
The Company will deliver to the Trustee on or before 120 days after
the end of each fiscal year in each year, so long as Securities of any series
are outstanding hereunder, a Certificate stating that in the course of the
performance by the signers of their duties as officers of the Company they would
normally have knowledge of any default by the Company in the performance of any
covenants contained herein, stating whether or not they have knowledge of any
such default and, if so, specifying each such default of which the signers have
knowledge and the nature thereof.
SECTION 3.06. Compliance with Consolidation Provisions.
Neither the Company nor the Guarantor will, while any of the
Securities remain outstanding, consolidate with, or merge into, or merge into
itself, or sell or convey all or substantially all of its property to any other
company unless the provisions of Article Ten hereof are complied with.
SECTION 3.07. Limitation on Dividends.
If Securities are issued to a Countrywide Trust or a trustee of such
trust in connection with the issuance of Trust Securities by such Countrywide
Trust and (i) there shall have occurred and be continuing any event that would
constitute an Event of Default, (ii) the Guarantor shall be in default with
respect to its payment of any obligations under the Preferred Securities
Guarantee or Common Securities Guarantee relating to such Countrywide Trust, or
(iii) the Company shall have given notice of its election to defer payments of
interest on such Securities by extending the interest payment period as provided
in the Indenture and such period, or any extension thereof, shall be continuing,
then (a) the Guarantor and the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend on,
make any distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than (i)
purchases or acquisitions of shares of the Company's or the Guarantor's capital
stock in connection with the satisfaction by the Company or the Guarantor,
respectively, of their obligations under any employee benefit plans, (ii) as a
result of a reclassification of the Company's or the Guarantor's capital stock
or the exchange or conversion of one class or series of the Company's or the
Guarantor's capital stock for another class or series of the Company's or the
Guarantor's capital stock, or in any such case, any rights to acquire any such
stock, (iii) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of the Company's or
the Guarantor's capital stock pursuant to the conversion or
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exchange provisions of such capital stock or the security being converted or
exchanged or (iv) dividends or distributions made on the Company's or the
Guarantor's capital stock or rights to acquire such stock with the Company's or
the Guarantor's capital stock or rights to acquire such stock) or make any
guarantee payments with respect to the foregoing, and (b) the Guarantor and the
Company shall not make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on
or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including guarantees) issued
by the Guarantor or the Company which rank pari passu with or junior to such
Securities.
SECTION 3.08. Covenants as to Countrywide Trusts.
In the event Securities are issued to a Countrywide Trust or a trustee
of such trust in connection with the issuance of Trust Securities by such
Countrywide Trust, for so long as such Trust Securities remain outstanding, the
Guarantor will (i) maintain 100% direct ownership of the Common Securities of
such Countrywide Trust, (ii) use its reasonable efforts to cause such
Countrywide Trust (a) to remain a business trust, except in connection with a
distribution of Securities, the redemption of all of the Trust Securities of
such Countrywide Trust or certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations, each
as permitted by the Declaration of such Countrywide Trust, and (b) to otherwise
continue not to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or
partnership for United States federal income tax purposes and (iii) use its
reasonable efforts to cause each holder of Trust Securities to be treated as
owning an undivided beneficial interest in the Securities.
SECTION 3.09. Calculation of Original Issue Discount
The Company shall file with the Trustee promptly at the end of each
calendar year a written notice specifying the amount of original issue discount
(including daily rates and accrual periods) accrued on outstanding Debt
Securities as of the end of such year.
ARTICLE IV
SECURITYHOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE
COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 4.01. Securityholders' Lists.
The Company covenants and agrees that it will furnish or caused to be
furnished to the Trustee:
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(a) on each regular record date for each series of Securities, a
list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the
names and addresses of the Securityholders of such series of
Securities as of such record date (and on dates to be determined
pursuant to Section 2.03 for non-interest bearing securities in
each year); and
(b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within
30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a
list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15
days prior to the time such list is furnished; except that no
such lists need be furnished under this Section 4.01 so long as
the Trustee is in possession thereof by reason of its acting as
Security registrar for such series.
SECTION 4.02. Preservation and Disclosure of Lists.
(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the
holders of each series of Securities (1) contained in the most
recent list furnished to it as provided in Section 4.01 or (2)
received by it in the capacity of Securities registrar (if so
acting) hereunder. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to
it as provided in Section 4.01 upon receipt of a new list so
furnished.
(b) In case three or more holders of Securities of any series
(hereinafter referred to as "applicants") apply in writing to the
Trustee and furnish to the Trustee reasonable proof that each
such applicant has owned a Security of such series for a period
of at least six months preceding the date of such application,
and such application states that the applicants desire to
communicate with other holders of Securities of such series or
with holders of all Securities with respect to their rights under
this Indenture or under such Securities and is accompanied by a
copy of the form of proxy or other communication which such
applicants propose to transmit, then the Trustee shall within
five Business Days after the receipt of such application, at its
election, either:
(1) afford such applicants access to the information preserved at the
time by the Trustee in accordance
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with the provisions of subsection (a) of this Section 4.02, or
(2) inform such applicants as to the approximate number of holders of
such series or all Securities, as the case may be, whose names
and addresses appear in the information preserved at the time by
the Trustee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a)
of this Section 4.02, and as to the approximate cost of mailing
to such Securityholders the form of proxy or other communication,
if any, specified in such application.
If the Trustee shall elect not to afford such applicants
access to such information, the Trustee shall, upon the written
request of such applicants, mail to each Securityholder of such
series or all Securities, as the case may be, whose name and
address appear in the information preserved at the time by the
Trustee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of
this Section 4.02 a copy of the form of proxy or other
communication which is specified in such request with reasonable
promptness after a tender to the Trustee of the material to be
mailed and of payment, or provision for the payment, of the
reasonable expenses of mailing, unless within five days after
such tender, the Trustee shall mail to such applicants and file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, together with a copy
of the material to be mailed, a written statement to the effect
that, in the opinion of the Trustee, such mailing would be
contrary to the best interests of the holders of Securities of
such series or all Securities, as the case may be, or would be in
violation of applicable law. Such written statement shall
specify the basis of such opinion. If said Commission, after
opportunity for a hearing upon the objections specified in the
written statement so filed, shall enter an order refusing to
sustain any of such objections or if, after the entry of an order
sustaining 1 or more of such objections, said Commission shall
find, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that all the
objections so sustained have been met and shall enter an order so
declaring, the Trustee shall mail copies of such material to all
such Securityholders with reasonable promptness after the entry
of such order and the renewal of such
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tender; otherwise the Trustee shall be relieved of any obligation
or duty to such applicants respecting their application.
(c) Each and every holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the
same, agrees with Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee that
neither the Company, the Guarantor nor the Trustee nor any paying
agent shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of
any such information as to the names and addresses of the holders
of Securities in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b)
of this Section 4.02, regardless of the source from which such
information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held
accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a
request made under said subsection (b).
SECTION 4.03. Reports by Guarantor.
(a) The Guarantor covenants and agrees to file with the Trustee,
within 15 days after the Guarantor is required to file the same
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of the annual
reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or
copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as said
Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations
prescribe) which the Guarantor may be required to file with said
Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act; or, if the Guarantor is not required to file
information, documents or reports pursuant to either of such
sections, then to file with the Trustee and said Commission, in
accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to
time by said Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic
information, documents and reports which may be required pursuant
to Section 13 of the Exchange Act in respect of a security listed
and registered on a national securities exchange as may be
prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations.
(b) The Guarantor covenants and agrees to file with the Trustee and
the Securities and Exchange Commission, in accordance with the
rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by said
Commission, such additional information, documents and reports
with respect to compliance by the
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Guarantor with the conditions and covenants provided for in this
Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and
regulations.
(c) The Guarantor covenants and agrees to transmit by mail to all
holders of Securities, as the names and addresses of such holders
appear upon the Security register, within 30 days after the
filing thereof with the Trustee, such summaries of any
information, documents and reports required to be filed by the
Guarantor pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this Section
4.03 as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from
time to time by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(d) Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the
Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee's
receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any
information contained therein or determinable from information
contained therein, including the Guarantor compliance with any of
its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to
rely exclusively on Certificates and Officers' Certificates).
SECTION 4.04. Reports by the Trustee.
(a) The Trustee shall transmit to Securityholders such reports
concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as
may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times
and in the manner provided pursuant thereto. If required by
Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall,
within 60 days after each May 15 following the date of this
Indenture deliver to Securityholders a brief report, dated as of
such May 15, which complies with the provisions of such Section
313(a).
(b) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such
transmission to Securityholders, be filed by the Trustee with
each stock exchange, if any, upon which the Securities are
listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company
will promptly notify the Trustee when the Securities are listed
on any stock exchange.
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ARTICLE V
REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS
AN EVENT OF DEFAULT
SECTION 5.01. Events of Default.
The following Events of Default with respect to Securities of any
series or such other events as may be established with respect to the Securities
of that series as contemplated by Section 2.03 hereof shall be "Events of
Default" with respect to Securities of that series:
(a) the Company or the Guarantor defaults in the payment of any
interest upon any Securities of that series when it becomes due
and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30
days; provided, however, that a valid extension of an interest
-------- -------
payment period by the Company in accordance with the terms of any
indenture supplemental hereto shall not constitute a default in
the payment of interest for this purpose; or
(b) the Company or the Guarantor defaults in the payment of all or
any part of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any
Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due
and payable either at maturity, upon redemption (including
redemption for any sinking fund), by declaration or otherwise;
provided, however, that a valid extension of the maturity of such
-------- -------
Securities in accordance with the terms of any indenture
supplemental hereto shall not constitute a default in the payment
of principal or premium, if any; or
(c) the Company or the Guarantor defaults in the performance, or
breach, of any of its covenants or warranties in this Indenture
(other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance
or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt
with and other than those set forth exclusively in terms of any
particular series of Securities established as contemplated in
this Indenture), and continuance of such default or breach for a
period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or
certified mail, to the Company and the Guarantor by the Trustee
or to the Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee by the holders
of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding
Securities,
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without regard to series, a written notice specifying such
default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating
that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or
(d) a court having jurisdiction in the premises shall enter a decree
or order for relief in respect of the Company or the Guarantor in
an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency
or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or appointing a
receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator
(or similar official) of the Company or the Guarantor or for any
substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding-up or
liquidation of its affairs and such decree or order shall remain
unstayed and in effect for a period of 90 consecutive days; or
(e) the Company or the Guarantor shall commence a voluntary case
under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law
now or hereafter in effect, shall consent to the entry of an
order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, or
shall consent to the appointment of or taking possession by a
receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator
(or other similar official) of the Company or the Guarantor or of
any substantial part of its property, or shall make any general
assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally
to pay its debts as they become due; or
(f) in the event the Securities of that series are issued to a
Countrywide Trust or a trustee of such trust in connection with
the issuance of Trust Securities by such Countrywide Trust, such
Countrywide Trust shall have voluntarily or involuntarily
dissolved, wound-up its business or otherwise terminated its
existence except in connection with (i) the distribution of the
Securities to holders of such Trust Securities in liquidation of
their interests in such Countrywide Trust, (ii) the redemption of
all of the outstanding Trust Securities of such Countrywide Trust
or (iii) certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations, each
as permitted by the Declaration of such Countrywide Trust.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to any
series of Securities, then, and in each and every
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such case, unless the principal of all of the Securities of that series shall
have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the holders of not
less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series
then outstanding hereunder, by notice in writing to the Company and the
Guarantor (and to the Trustee if given by Securityholders), may declare the
entire principal (or, if the Securities of that series are Original Issue
Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in
the terms of that series) of all Securities of that series and the interest
accrued thereon, if any, to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such
declaration the same shall become immediately due and payable.
The foregoing provisions, however, are subject to the condition that
if, at any time after the principal (or, if the Securities are Original Issue
Discount Securities, such portion of the principal as may be specified in the
terms thereof) of the Securities of any series (or of all the Securities, as the
case may be) shall have been so declared due and payable, and before any
judgment or decree for the payment of the moneys due shall have been obtained or
entered as hereinafter provided, the Company or the Guarantor shall pay or shall
deposit with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of
interest upon all the Securities of such series (or of all the Securities, as
the case may be) and the principal of and premium, if any, on any and all
Securities of such series (or of all the Securities, as the case may be) which
shall have become due otherwise than by acceleration (with interest upon such
principal and premium, if any, and, to the extent that payment of such interest
is enforceable under applicable law, on overdue installments of interest, at the
same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original
Issue Discount Securities) specified in the Securities of such series, (or at
the respective rates of interest or Yields to Maturity of all the Securities, as
the case may be) to the date of such payment or deposit) and such amount as
shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee and each
predecessor Trustee, their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and all
other expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee
and each predecessor Trustee except as a result of negligence or bad faith, and
if any and all Events of Default under the Indenture, other than the non-payment
of the principal of or premium, if any, on Securities which shall have become
due by acceleration, shall have been cured, waived or otherwise remedied as
provided herein -- then and in every such case the holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series (or of all the
Securities, as the case may be) then outstanding, by written notice to the
Company and to the Trustee, may waive all defaults with respect to that series
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(or with respect to all Securities, as the case may be, in such case, treated as
a single class) and rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences, but
no such waiver or rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any
subsequent default or shall impair any right consequent thereon.
In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right under
this Indenture and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned
because of such rescission or annulment or for any other reason or shall have
been determined adversely to the Trustee, then and in every such case the
Company, the Guarantor, the Trustee and the holders of the Securities shall be
restored respectively to their several positions and rights hereunder, and all
rights, remedies and powers of the Company, the Guarantor, the Trustee and the
holders of the Securities shall continue as though no such proceeding had been
taken.
SECTION 5.02. Payment of Securities on Default; Suit Therefor.
The Company and the Guarantor covenant that (a) in case default shall
be made in the payment of any installment of interest upon any of the Securities
of any series as and when the same shall become due and payable, and such
default shall have continued for a period of 30 days, or (b) in case default
shall be made in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any of
the Securities of any series as and when the same shall have become due and
payable, whether at maturity of the Securities of that series or upon redemption
or by declaration or otherwise -- then, upon demand of the Trustee, the Company
or the Guarantor will pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the
Securities of that series the whole amount that then shall have become due and
payable on all such Securities of that series for principal and premium, if any,
or interest, or both, as the case may be, with interest upon the overdue
principal and premium, if any, and (to the extent that payment of such interest
is enforceable under applicable law and, if the Securities are held by a
Countrywide Trust or a trustee of such trust, without duplication of any other
amounts paid by the Guarantor or such Countrywide Trust or trustee in respect
thereof) upon the overdue installments of interest at the rate or Yield to
Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) borne by the
Securities of that series; and, in addition thereto, such further amount as
shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including a
reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and
any expenses or liabilities incurred by the Trustee hereunder other than through
its negligence or bad faith.
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In case the Company or the Guarantor shall fail forthwith to pay such
amounts upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an
express trust, shall be entitled and empowered to institute any actions or
proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and
unpaid, and may prosecute any such action or proceeding to judgment or final
decree, and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Company or
the Guarantor or any other obligor on such Securities and collect in the manner
provided by law out of the property of the Company or the Guarantor or any other
obligor on such Securities wherever situated the moneys adjudged or decreed to
be payable.
In case there shall be pending proceedings for the bankruptcy or for
the reorganization of the Company or the Guarantor or any other obligor on the
Securities of any series under Title 11, United States Code, or any other
applicable law, or in case a receiver or trustee shall have been appointed for
the property of the Company or the Guarantor or such other obligor, or in the
case of any other similar judicial proceedings relative to the Company or the
Guarantor or other obligor upon the Securities of any series, or to the
creditors or property of the Company or the Guarantor or such other obligor, the
Trustee, irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities of any series
shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or
otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand
pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.02, shall be entitled and
empowered, by intervention in such proceedings or otherwise, to file and prove a
claim or claims for the whole amount of principal and interest (or, if the
Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities such portion of
the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) owing and
unpaid in respect of the Securities of such series and, in case of any judicial
proceedings, to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may
be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including
any claim for reasonable compensation to the Trustee and each predecessor
Trustee, and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and for
reimbursement of all expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made,
by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee, except as a result of negligence or
bad faith) and of the Securityholders allowed in such judicial proceedings
relative to the Company or the Guarantor or any other obligor on the Securities
of any series, or to the creditors or property of the Company or the Guarantor
or such other obligor, unless prohibited by applicable law and regulations, to
vote on behalf of the holders of the Securities or any series in any election of
a trustee or a standby trustee in arrangement, reorganization, liquidation or
other bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or
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person performing similar functions in comparable proceedings, and to collect
and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such
claims, and to distribute the same after the deduction of its charges and
expenses; and any receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization
is hereby authorized by each of the Securityholders to make such payments to the
Trustee, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such
payments directly to the Securityholders, to pay to the Trustee such amounts as
shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee, each
predecessor Trustee and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and all
other expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee
and each predecessor Trustee except as a result of negligence or bad faith.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to authorize the Trustee
to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Securityholder
any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the
Securities of any series or the rights of any holder thereof or to authorize the
Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Securityholder in any such
proceeding.
All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or
under any of the Securities, may be enforced by the Trustee without the
possession of any of the Securities, or the production thereof on any trial or
other proceeding relative thereto, and any such suit or proceeding instituted by
the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and
any recovery of judgment shall be for the ratable benefit of the holders of the
Securities.
In any proceedings brought by the Trustee (and also any proceedings
involving the interpretation of any provision of this Indenture to which the
Trustee shall be a party) the Trustee shall be held to represent all the holders
of the Securities, and it shall not be necessary to make any holders of the
Securities parties to any such proceedings.
SECTION 5.03. Application of Moneys Collected by Trustee.
Any moneys collected by the Trustee shall be applied in the following
order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee for the distribution of such
moneys, upon presentation of the several Securities in respect of which moneys
have been collected, and stamping thereon the payment, if only partially paid,
and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
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First: To the payment of costs and expenses of collection applicable
to such series and reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys
and counsel, and of all other expenses and liabilities incurred, and all
advances made, by the Trustee except as a result of its negligence or bad faith;
Second: To the payment of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company if
and to the extent required by Article Fifteen;
Third: In case the principal of the outstanding Securities in
respect of which moneys have been collected shall not have become due and be
unpaid, to the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon Securities of
such series for principal (and premium, if any), and interest on the Securities
of such series, in respect of which or for the benefit of which money has been
collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the
amounts due on such Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest,
respectively; and
Fourth: The balance, if any, to the Company.
SECTION 5.04. Proceedings by Securityholders.
No holder of any Security of any series shall have any right by virtue
of or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any suit,
action or proceeding in equity or at law upon or under or with respect to this
Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other
remedy hereunder, unless such holder previously shall have given to the Trustee
written notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof with
respect to the Securities of such series specifying such Event of Default, as
hereinbefore provided, and unless also the holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then outstanding
shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action, suit
or proceeding in its own name as Trustee hereunder and shall have offered to the
Trustee such reasonable indemnity as it may require against the costs, expenses
and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby, and the Trustee for 60 days
after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity shall have
failed to institute any such action, suit or proceeding, it being understood and
intended, and being expressly covenanted by the taker and holder of every
Security with every other taker and holder and the Trustee, that no one or more
holders of Securities of any series shall have any right in any manner whatever
by virtue of or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to affect,
disturb or prejudice the rights of any other holder of Securities, or to obtain
or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such holder, or to
enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner
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herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all holders of
Securities of the applicable series.
Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Indenture, however, the
right of any holder of any Security to receive payment of the principal of
(premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Security, on or after the same
shall have become due and payable, or to institute suit for the enforcement of
any such payment, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such
holder and by accepting a Security hereunder it is expressly understood,
intended and covenanted by the taker and holder of every Security of such series
with every other such taker and holder and the Trustee, that no one or more
holders of Securities of such series shall have any right in any manner
whatsoever by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to
affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of the holders of any other such
Securities, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any
other such holder, or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the
manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all
holders of Securities of series. For the protection and enforcement of the
provisions of this Section, each and every Securityholder and the Trustee shall
be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in equity.
SECTION 5.05. Proceedings by Trustee.
In case of an Event of Default hereunder the Trustee may in its
discretion proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this
Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem
most effectual to protect and enforce any of such rights, either by suit in
equity or by action at law or by proceeding in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether
for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in this
Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture, or
to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this
Indenture or by law.
SECTION 5.06. Remedies Cumulative and Continuing.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.08, all powers and remedies
given by this Article Five to the Trustee or to the Securityholders shall, to
the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any other
powers and remedies available to the Trustee or the holders of the Securities,
by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to enforce the performance or observance
of the covenants and agreements contained in this Indenture or otherwise
established with respect to such series, and no delay or omission of the Trustee
or of any
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holder of any of the Securities to exercise any right or power accruing upon any
Event of Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall impair any such
right or power, or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such default or an
acquiescence therein; and, subject to the provisions of Section 5.04, every
power and remedy given by this Article Five or by law to the Trustee or to the
Securityholders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be
deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Securityholders.
SECTION 5.07. Direction of Proceedings and Waiver of Defaults by
Majority of Securityholders.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Securities of any or all series affected (voting as one class) at the time
outstanding shall have the right to direct the time, method, and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising
any trust or power conferred on the Trustee; provided, however, that (subject to
-------- -------
the provisions of Section 6.01) the Trustee shall have the right to decline to
follow any such direction if the Trustee shall determine that the action so
directed would be unjustly prejudicial to the holders not taking part in such
direction or if the Trustee being advised by counsel determines that the action
or proceeding so directed may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good
faith by its board of directors or trustees, executive committee, or a trust
committee of directors or trustees and/or Responsible Officers shall determine
that the action or proceedings so directed would involve the Trustee in personal
liability. Prior to any declaration accelerating the maturity of any series of
the Securities, or of all the Securities, as the case may be, the holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series at the
time outstanding may on behalf of the holders of all of the Securities of such
series waive any past default or Event of Default, including any default or
Event of Default the conditions for the occurrence of which are established
pursuant to Section 2.03, and its consequences, except a default (a) in the
payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any of the Securities,
(b) in respect of covenants or provisions hereof which cannot be modified or
amended without the consent of the holder of each Security affected, or (c) a
default of the covenants contained in Section 3.08; provided, however, that if
the Securities of such series are held by a Countrywide Trust or a trustee of
such trust, such waiver or modification to such waiver shall not be effective
until the holders of a majority in liquidation preference of Trust Securities of
the applicable Countrywide Trust shall have consented to such waiver or
modification to such waiver; provided, further, that if the consent of the
holder of each outstanding Security is required,
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such waiver shall not be effective until each holder of the Trust Securities of
the applicable Countrywide Trust shall have consented to such waiver. Upon any
such waiver, the default covered thereby shall be deemed to be cured for all
purposes of this Indenture and the Company, the Guarantor, the Trustee and the
holders of the Securities of such series shall be restored to their former
positions and rights hereunder, respectively; but no such waiver shall extend to
any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right
consequent thereon. Whenever any default or Event of Default hereunder shall
have been waived as permitted by this Section 5.07, said default or Event of
Default shall for all purposes of the Securities of that series (or of all
Securities, as the case may be) and this Indenture be deemed to have been cured
and to be not continuing.
SECTION 5.08. Notice of Defaults.
The Trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of a default
with respect to the Securities of any series, mail to all Securityholders of
that series, as the names and addresses of such holders appear upon the Security
register, notice of all defaults with respect to that series known to the
Trustee, unless such defaults shall have been cured before the giving of such
notice (the term "defaults" for the purpose of this Section 5.08 being hereby
defined to be the events specified in clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of
Section 5.01, not including periods of grace, if any, provided for therein, and
irrespective of the giving of written notice specified in clause (c) of Section
5.01); and provided that, except in the case of default in the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any of the Securities of such
series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long
as the board of directors, the executive committee, or a trust committee of
directors and/or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines
that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Securityholders
of such series; and provided further, that in the case of any default of the
character specified in Section 5.01(c) no such notice to Securityholders of such
series shall be given until at least 60 days after the occurrence thereof but
shall be given within 90 days after such occurrence.
SECTION 5.09. Undertaking to Pay Costs.
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each holder of any Security
by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in
its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy
under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or
omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in
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such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court
may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys'
fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to
the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant;
but the provisions of this Section 5.09 shall not apply to any suit instituted
by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Securityholder, or group of
Securityholders of any series, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in
principal amount of the Securities of that series outstanding, or to any suit
instituted by any Securityholder for the enforcement of the payment of the
principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Security against the
Company on or after the same shall have become due and payable.
ARTICLE VI
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 6.01. Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee.
With respect to the holders of any series of Securities issued
hereunder, the Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with
respect to Securities of that series and after the curing or waiving of all
Events of Default which may have occurred, with respect to Securities of that
series, undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are
specifically set forth in this Indenture. In case an Event of Default with
respect to the Securities of a series has occurred (which has not been cured or
waived) the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by
this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as
a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of
his own affairs.
No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the
Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure
to act or its own willful misconduct, except that
(a) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to
Securities of a series and after the curing or waiving of all
Events of Default with respect to that series which may have
occurred
(1) the duties and obligations of the Trustee with respect to
Securities of a series shall be determined solely by the
express
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provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be
liable except for the performance of such duties and
obligations with respect to such series as are specifically
set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or
obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the
Trustee; and
(2) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the
Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the
statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed
therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the
Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this
Indenture; but, in the case of any such certificates or
opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically
required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall
be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or
not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture;
(b) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in
good faith by a Responsible Officer or Officers of the Trustee,
unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in
ascertaining the pertinent facts; and
(c) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken
or omitted to be taken by it in good faith, in accordance with
the direction of the Securityholders pursuant to Section 5.07,
relating to the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising
any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this
Indenture.
None of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall require the
Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial
liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of
its rights or powers, if there is reasonable ground for believing that the
repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the
terms of this Indenture or adequate indemnity against such risk is not
reasonably assured to it.
SECTION 6.02. Reliance on Documents, Opinions, etc.
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Except as otherwise provided in Section 6.01:
(a) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or
refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate,
statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent,
order, bond, note, debenture or other paper or document believed
by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the
proper party or parties;
(b) any request, direction, order or demand of the Company or the
Guarantor mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an
Officers' Certificate (unless other evidence in respect thereof
be herein specifically prescribed); and any Board Resolution may
be evidenced to the Trustee by a copy thereof certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company or the
Guarantor, as the case may be;
(c) the Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and any
advice or Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete
authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or
suffered omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance
with such advice or Opinion of Counsel;
(d) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the
rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request,
order or direction of any of the Securityholders, pursuant to the
provisions of this Indenture, unless such Securityholders shall
have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred
therein or thereby;
(e) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted
by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within
the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this
Indenture; nothing contained herein shall, however, relieve the
Trustee of the obligation, upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to a series of the Securities (that has not
been cured or waived) to exercise with respect to Securities of
that series such of the rights and powers vested in it by this
Indenture, and to
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use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a
prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the
conduct of his own affairs;
(f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the
facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate,
statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent,
order, approval, bond, debenture, coupon or other paper or
document, unless requested in writing to do so by the holders of
not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
Securities of the series affected thereby; provided, however,
that if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of
the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in
the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the
Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security
afforded to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may
require reasonable indemnity against such expense or liability as
a condition to so proceeding; and
(g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or
perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through
agents (including any Authenticating Agent) or attorneys, and the
Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence
on the part of any such agent or attorney appointed by it with
due care.
SECTION 6.03. No Responsibility for Recitals, etc.
The recitals contained herein and in the Securities (except in the
certificate of authentication of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent) shall
be taken as the statements of the Company and the Guarantor, and the Trustee and
the Authenticating Agent assume no responsibility for the correctness of the
same. The Trustee and the Authenticating Agent make no representations as to
the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities. The Trustee
and the Authenticating Agent shall not be accountable for the use or application
by the Company or the Guarantor of any Securities or the proceeds of any
Securities authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or the Authenticating
Agent in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture.
SECTION 6.04. Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agents, Transfer
Agents or Registrar May Own Securities.
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The Trustee or any Authenticating Agent or any paying agent or any
transfer agent or any Security registrar, in its individual or any other
capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities with the same rights it
would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, paying agent, transfer
agent or Security registrar.
SECTION 6.05. Moneys to be Held in Trust.
Subject to the provisions of Section 11.04, all moneys received by the
Trustee or any paying agent shall, until used or applied as herein provided, be
held in trust for the purpose for which they were received, but need not be
segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee
and any paying agent shall be under no liability for interest on any money
received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed in writing with the Company
and the Guarantor. So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, all interest allowed on any such moneys shall be paid from time to
time upon the written order of the Company, signed by the Chairman of the Board
of Directors, the President, a Managing Director, a Vice President, the
Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of the Company.
SECTION 6.06. Compensation and Expenses of Trustee.
The Company and the Guarantor covenant and agree to pay to the Trustee
from time to time, and the Trustee shall be entitled to, such compensation as
shall be agreed to in writing among the Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee
(which shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the
compensation of a trustee of an express trust), and the Company and the
Guarantor will pay or reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable
expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in
accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the
reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its counsel and of
all persons not regularly in its employ) except any such expense, disbursement
or advance as may arise from its negligence or bad faith. The Company and the
Guarantor also covenant to indemnify each of the Trustee or any predecessor
Trustee (and its officers, agents, directors and employees) for, and to hold it
harmless against, any and all loss, damage, claim, liability or expense
including taxes (other than taxes based on the income of the Trustee) incurred
without negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee and arising out of or
in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust, including the
costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim of liability in the
premises. The obligations of the Company and the Guarantor under this Section
6.06 to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and to
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pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall
constitute additional indebtedness hereunder. Such additional indebtedness
shall be secured by a lien prior to that of the Securities upon all property and
funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for
the benefit of the holders of particular Securities.
When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection
with an Event of Default specified in Section 5.01(d), Section 5.01(e) or
Section 5.01(f), the expenses (including the reasonable charges and expenses of
its counsel) and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute
expenses of administration under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy,
insolvency or other similar law.
The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this
Indenture.
SECTION 6.07. Officers' Certificate as Evidence.
Except as otherwise provided in Sections 6.01 and 6.02, whenever in
the administration of the provisions of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it
necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or
omitting any action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect
thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of negligence or
bad faith on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and
established by an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee, and such
certificate, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the
Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by
it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith thereof.
SECTION 6.08. Conflicting Interest of Trustee.
If the Trustee has or shall acquire any "conflicting interest" within
the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee and the
Company shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of
the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 6.09. Eligibility of Trustee.
The Trustee hereunder shall at all times be a corporation organized
and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or any state
or territory thereof or of the District of Columbia or a corporation or other
Person permitted to act as trustee by the Securities and Exchange Commission
authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust
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powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least 50 million U.S.
dollars ($50,000,000) and subject to supervision or examination by federal,
state, territorial, or District of Columbia authority. If such corporation
publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the
requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the
purposes of this Section 6.09 the combined capital and surplus of such
corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth
in its most recent records of condition so published.
The Company and the Guarantor may not, nor may any person directly or
indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company
or the Guarantor, serve as Trustee.
In case at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.09, the Trustee shall resign
immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 6.10.
SECTION 6.10. Resignation or Removal of Trustee.
(a) The Trustee, or any trustee or trustees hereafter appointed, may
at any time resign with respect to one or more or all series of
Securities by giving written notice of such resignation to the
Company and the Guarantor and by mailing notice thereof to the
holders of the applicable series of Securities at their addresses
as they shall appear on the Security Register. Upon receiving
such notice of resignation, the Company and the Guarantor shall
promptly appoint a successor trustee or trustees with respect to
the applicable series by written instrument, in duplicate,
executed by order of its Board of Directors, one copy of which
instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and one
copy to the successor Trustee. If no successor Trustee shall
have been so appointed with respect to any series of Securities
and have accepted appointment within 30 days after the mailing of
such notice of resignation to the affected Securityholders, the
resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee, or any
Securityholder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or
Securities of the applicable series for at least six months may,
subject to the provisions of Section 5.09, on behalf of himself
and all others similarly situated, petition any
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such court for the appointment of a successor Trustee. Such
court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem
proper and prescribe, appoint a successor Trustee.
(b) In case at any time any of the following shall occur --
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of
Section 6.08 after written request therefor by the Company
or the Guarantor or by any Securityholder who has been a
bona fide holder of a Security or Securities for at least
six months, or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with
the provisions of Section 6.09 and shall fail to resign
after written request therefor by the Company or the
Guarantor or by any such Securityholder, or
(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting, or shall be
adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a receiver of the
Trustee or of its property shall be appointed, or any public
officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of
its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation,
conservation or liquidation, then, in any such case, the
Company or the Guarantor may remove the Trustee and appoint
a successor Trustee by written instrument, in duplicate,
executed by order of the Board of Directors, one copy of
which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so
removed and one copy to the successor Trustee, or, subject
to the provisions of Section 5.09, any Securityholder who
has been a bona fide holder of a Security or Securities of
the applicable series for at least six months may, on behalf
of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any
court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the
Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee. Such
court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may
deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint a
successor Trustee.
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(c) Upon prior written notice to the Company, the Guarantor and the
Trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the Securities of any series at the time outstanding may at
any time remove the Trustee with respect to such series and
nominate a successor Trustee with respect to the applicable
series of Securities or all series, as the case may be, which
shall be deemed appointed as successor Trustee with respect to
the applicable series unless within ten Business Days after such
nomination the Company or the Guarantor objects thereto, in which
case the Trustee so removed or any Securityholder of the
applicable series, upon the terms and conditions and otherwise as
in subsection (a) of this Section 6.10 provided, may petition any
court of competent jurisdiction for an appointment of a successor
Trustee with respect to such series.
(d) Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a
successor Trustee pursuant to any of the provisions of this
Section 6.10 shall become effective upon acceptance of
appointment by the successor Trustee as provided in Section 6.11.
SECTION 6.11. Acceptance by Successor Trustee.
Any successor Trustee appointed as provided in Section 6.10 shall
execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and the Guarantor and to its
predecessor Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment hereunder, and
thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee with respect to all
or any applicable series shall become effective and such successor Trustee,
without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the
rights, powers, duties and obligations with respect to such series of its
predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as Trustee
herein; but, nevertheless, on the written request of the Company or the
Guarantor or of the successor Trustee, the Trustee ceasing to act shall, upon
payment of any amounts then due it pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.06,
execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the
rights and powers of the Trustee so ceasing to act and shall duly assign,
transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by
such retiring Trustee thereunder. Upon request of any such successor Trustee,
the Company and the Guarantor shall execute any and all instruments in writing
for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee
all such rights and powers. Any Trustee ceasing to act shall, nevertheless,
retain a lien upon all property or funds held or
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collected by such Trustee to secure any amounts then due it pursuant to the
provisions of Section 6.06.
If a successor Trustee is appointed with respect to the Securities of
one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the Guarantor, the retiring
Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any
applicable series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto
which shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to
confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee
with respect to the Securities of any series as to which the predecessor Trustee
is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the predecessor Trustee, and
shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be
necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the Trust hereunder
by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such
supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same
trust and that each such Trustee shall be Trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder
separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other
such Trustee.
No successor Trustee shall accept appointment as provided in this
Section 6.11 unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall
be qualified under the provisions of Section 6.08 and eligible under the
provisions of Section 6.09.
Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor Trustee as provided in
this Section 6.11, the Company and the Guarantor shall mail notice of the
succession of such Trustee hereunder to the holders of Securities of any
applicable series at their addresses as they shall appear on the Security
register. If the Company and the Guarantor fail to mail such notice within ten
Business Days after the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee, the
successor Trustee shall cause such notice to be mailed at the expense of the
Company and the Guarantor.
SECTION 6.12. Succession by Merger, etc.
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or
with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any
corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust
business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder without
the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of
the parties hereto.
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In case at the time such successor to the Trustee shall succeed to the
trusts created by this Indenture any of the Securities of any series shall have
been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may
adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee, and deliver
such Securities so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Securities
of any series shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee
may authenticate such Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder
or in the name of the successor Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates
shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities of such series
or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have;
provided, however, that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of
any predecessor Trustee or authenticate Securities of any series in the name of
any predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by
merger, conversion or consolidation.
SECTION 6.13. Limitation on Rights of Trustee as a Creditor.
The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture
Act, excluding any creditor relationship described in Section 311(b) of the
Trust Indenture Act. A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be
subject to Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act to the extent included
therein.
SECTION 6.14. Authenticating Agents.
There may be one or more Authenticating Agents appointed by the
Trustee upon the request of the Company and the Guarantor with power to act on
its behalf and subject to its direction in the authentication and delivery of
Securities of any series issued upon exchange or transfer thereof as fully to
all intents and purposes as though any such Authenticating Agent had been
expressly authorized to authenticate and deliver Securities of such series;
provided that the Trustee shall have no liability to the Company or the
Guarantor for any acts or omissions of the Authenticating Agent with respect to
the authentication and delivery of Securities of any series. Any such
Authenticating Agent shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing
business under the laws of the United States or of any state or territory
thereof or of the District of Columbia authorized under such laws to act as
Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of at least
$5,000,000 and being subject to supervision or examination by federal, state,
territorial or District of Columbia authority. If such corporation publishes
reports of condition at least annually pursuant to law or the requirements of
such authority, then for the purposes of this
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Section 6.14 the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be
deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent
report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall
cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall
resign immediately in the manner and with the effect herein specified in this
Section.
Any corporation into which any Authenticating Agent may be merged or
converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting
from any merger, consolidation or conversion to which any Authenticating Agent
shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate trust business
of any Authenticating Agent, shall be the successor of such Authenticating Agent
hereunder, if such successor corporation is otherwise eligible under this
Section 6.14 without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on
the part of the parties hereto or such Authenticating Agent.
Any Authenticating Agent may at any time resign with respect to one or
more or all series of Securities by giving written notice of resignation to the
Trustee and to the Company and the Guarantor. The Trustee may at any time
terminate the agency of any Authenticating Agent with respect to one or more or
all series of Securities by giving written notice of termination to such
Authenticating Agent and to the Company and the Guarantor. Upon receiving such
a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time any
Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible under this Section 6.14, the
Trustee may, and upon the request of the Company and the Guarantor shall,
promptly appoint a successor Authenticating Agent with respect to the applicable
series eligible under this Section 6.14, shall give written notice of such
appointment to the Company and the Guarantor and shall mail notice of such
appointment to all holders of the applicable series of Securities as the names
and addresses of such holders appear on the Security Register. Any successor
Authenticating Agent with respect to all or any series upon acceptance of its
appointment hereunder shall become vested with all rights, powers, duties and
responsibilities with respect to such series of its predecessor hereunder, with
like effect as if originally named as Authenticating Agent herein.
The Company and the Guarantor agree to pay to any Authenticating Agent
from time to time reasonable compensation for its services. Any Authenticating
Agent shall have no responsibility or liability for any action taken by it as
such in accordance with the directions of the Trustee.
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ARTICLE VII
CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS
SECTION 7.01. Action by Securityholders.
Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the holders of a
specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any or
all series may take any action (including the making of any demand or request,
the giving of any notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action)
the fact that at the time of taking any such action the holders of such
specified percentage have joined therein may be evidenced (a) by any instrument
or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by such Securityholders
in person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing, or (b) by the record of
such holders of Securities voting in favor thereof at any meeting of such
Securityholders duly called and held in accordance with the provisions of
Article Eight, or (c) by a combination of such instrument or instruments and any
such record of such a meeting of such Securityholders or (d) by any other method
the Trustee deems satisfactory.
If the Company or the Guarantor shall solicit from the Securityholders
of any series any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other action, the Company or the Guarantor may, at its option, as
evidenced by an Officers' Certificate, fix in advance a record date for such
series for the determination of Securityholders entitled to give such request,
demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, but
the Company or the Guarantor shall have no obligation to do so. If such a
record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice,
consent, waiver or other action may be given before or after the record date,
but only the Securityholders of record at the close of business on the record
date shall be deemed to be Securityholders for the purposes of determining
whether Securityholders of the requisite proportion of outstanding Securities of
that series have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, and for that
purpose the outstanding Securities of that series shall be computed as of the
record date; provided, however, that no such authorization, agreement or consent
-------- -------
by such Securityholders on the record date shall be deemed effective unless it
shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later
than six months after the record date.
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SECTION 7.02. Proof of Execution by Securityholders.
Subject to the provisions of Section 6.01, 6.02 and 8.05, proof of the
execution of any instrument by a Securityholder or his agent or proxy shall be
sufficient if made in accordance with such reasonable rules and regulations as
may be prescribed by the Trustee or in such manner as shall be satisfactory to
the Trustee. The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security
Register or by a certificate of the Security registrar. The Trustee may require
such additional proof of any matter referred to in this Section as it shall deem
necessary.
The record of any Securityholders' meeting shall be proved in the
manner provided in Section 8.06.
SECTION 7.03. Who Are Deemed Absolute Owners.
Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any Security,
the Company, the Guarantor, the Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any paying
agent, any transfer agent and any Security registrar may deem the person in
whose name such Security shall be registered upon the Security Register to be,
and may treat him as, the absolute owner of such Security (whether or not such
Security shall be overdue) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account
of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such Security and for all
other purposes; and neither the Company nor the Guarantor nor the Trustee nor
any Authenticating Agent nor any paying agent nor any transfer agent nor any
Security registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary. All such
payments so made to any holder for the time being or upon his order shall be
valid, and, to the extent of the sum or sums so paid, effectual to satisfy and
discharge the liability for moneys payable upon any such Security.
SECTION 7.04. Securities Owned by Company or the Guarantor Deemed Not
Outstanding.
In determining whether the holders of the requisite aggregate
principal amount of Securities have concurred in any direction, consent or
waiver under this Indenture, Securities which are owned by the Company or the
Guarantor or any other obligor on the Securities or by any Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with the Company or the Guarantor or any other obligor on the Securities
shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding for the purpose of any
such determination; provided that for the purposes of determining whether the
Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, consent or waiver,
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only Securities which the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so
disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be
regarded as outstanding for the purposes of this Section 7.04 if the pledgee
shall establish to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right to vote
such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or the Guarantor or any
such other obligor or Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by
or under direct or indirect common control with the Company or the Guarantor or
any such other obligor. In the case of a dispute as to such right, any decision
by the Trustee taken upon the advice of counsel shall be full protection to the
Trustee.
SECTION 7.05. Revocation of Consents; Future Holders Bound.
At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as
provided in Section 7.01, of the taking of any action by the holders of the
percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities specified in this
Indenture in connection with such action, any holder of a Security (or any
Security issued in whole or in part in exchange or substitution therefor) the
serial number of which is shown by the evidence to be included in the Securities
the holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice
with the Trustee at its principal office and upon proof of holding as provided
in Section 7.02, revoke such action so far as concerns such Security (or so far
as concerns the principal amount represented by any exchanged or substituted
Security). Except as aforesaid any such action taken by the holder of any
Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all future
holders and owners of such Security, and of any Security issued in exchange or
substitution therefor, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard
thereto is made upon such Security or any Security issued in exchange or
substitution therefor.
ARTICLE VIII
SECURITYHOLDERS' MEETINGS
SECTION 8.01. Purposes of Meetings.
A meeting of Securityholders of any or all series may be called at any
time and from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Article Eight for
any of the following purposes:
(a) to give any notice to the Company or to the Guarantor or to the
Trustee, or to give any
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directions to the Trustee, or to consent to the waiving of any
default hereunder and its consequences, or to take any other
action authorized to be taken by Securityholders pursuant to any
of the provisions of Article Five;
(b) to remove the Trustee and nominate a successor trustee pursuant
to the provisions of Article Six;
(c) to consent to the execution of an indenture or indentures
supplemental hereto pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.02;
or
(d) to take any other action authorized to be taken by or on behalf
of the holders of any specified aggregate principal amount of
such Securities under any other provision of this Indenture or
under applicable law.
SECTION 8.02. Call of Meetings by Trustee.
The Trustee may at any time call a meeting of Securityholders of any
or all series to take any action specified in Section 8.01, to be held at such
time and at such place in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, as the
Trustee shall determine. Notice of every meeting of the Securityholders of any
or all series, setting forth the time and the place of such meeting and in
general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be mailed
to holders of Securities of each series affected at their addresses as they
shall appear on the Securities Register for each series affected. Such notice
shall be mailed not less than 20 nor more than 180 days prior to the date fixed
for the meeting.
SECTION 8.03. Call of Meetings by Company, Guarantor or
Securityholders.
In case at any time the Company or the Guarantor pursuant to a
resolution of the Board of Directors, or the holders of at least 10% in
aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any or all series, as the case
may be, then outstanding, shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of
Securityholders of any or all series, as the case may be, by written request
setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the
meeting, and the Trustee shall not have mailed the notice of such meeting within
20 days after receipt of such request, then the Company, the Guarantor or such
Securityholders may determine the time and the place in said Borough of
Manhattan for such meeting and may call such meeting
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to take any action authorized in Section 8.01, by mailing notice thereof as
provided in Section 8.02.
SECTION 8.04. Qualifications for Voting.
To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Securityholders a Person
shall (a) be a holder of one or more Securities with respect to which the
meeting is being held or (b) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as
proxy by a holder of one or more such Securities. The only Persons who shall be
entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Securityholders shall be
the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel and any
representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the
Company and its counsel and any representatives of the Guarantor and its
counsel.
SECTION 8.05. Regulations.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee
may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of
Securityholders, in regard to proof of the holding of Securities and of the
appointment of proxies, and in regard to the appointment and duties of
inspectors of votes, the submission and examination of proxies, certificates and
other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the
conduct of the meeting as it shall think fit.
The Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing, appoint a temporary
chairman of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called by the
Company, by the Guarantor or by Securityholders as provided in Section 8.03, in
which case the Company, the Guarantor or the Securityholders calling the
meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary chairman.
A permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be elected
by majority vote of the meeting.
Subject to the provisions of Section 7.04, at any meeting each holder
of Securities with respect to which such meeting is being held or proxy therefor
shall be entitled to one vote for each $1,000 principal amount (in the case of
Original Issue Discount Securities, such principal amount to be determined as
provided in the definition "outstanding") of Securities held or represented by
him; provided, however, that no vote shall be cast or counted at any meeting in
respect of any Security challenged as not outstanding and ruled by the chairman
of the meeting to be not outstanding. The chairman of the meeting shall have no
right to vote other than by virtue of Securities held by him or instruments in
writing as aforesaid duly designating him as the Person to vote on behalf of
other Securityholders. Any
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meeting of Securityholders duly called pursuant to the provisions of Section
8.02 or 8.03 may be adjourned from time to time by a majority of those present,
whether or not constituting a quorum, and the meeting may be held as so
adjourned without further notice.
SECTION 8.06. Voting.
The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of holders of
Securities with respect to which such meeting is being held shall be by written
ballots on which shall be subscribed the signatures of such holders or of their
representatives by proxy and the serial number or numbers of the Securities held
or represented by them. The permanent chairman of the meeting shall appoint two
inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against
any resolution and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting
their verified written reports in triplicate of all votes cast at the meeting.
A record in duplicate of the proceedings of each meeting of Securityholders
shall be prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to
said record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by
ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more Persons having knowledge of
the facts setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that
said notice was mailed as provided in Section 8.02. The record shall show the
serial numbers of the Securities voting in favor of or against any resolution.
The record shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent
chairman and secretary of the meeting and one of the duplicates shall be
delivered to the Company and the other to the Trustee to be preserved by the
Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting.
Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the
matters therein stated.
ARTICLE IX
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 9.01. Supplemental Indentures without Consent of
Securityholders.
The Company and the Guarantor, when authorized by resolutions of their
respective Boards of Directors, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any
time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which shall
conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect),
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without the consent of the Securityholders, for one or more of the following
purposes:
(a) to evidence the succession of another corporation to the Company
or the Guarantor, or successive successions, and the assumption
by the successor corporation of the covenants, agreements and
obligations of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be,
pursuant to Article Ten hereof;
(b) to add to the covenants of the Company or the Guarantor such
further covenants, restrictions or conditions for the protection
of the holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such
covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of
Securities stating that such covenants are expressly being
included for the benefit of such series) as such Boards of
Directors and the Trustee shall consider to be for the protection
of the holders of such Securities, and to make the occurrence, or
the occurrence and continuance, of a default in any of such
additional covenants, restrictions or conditions a default or an
Event of Default permitting the enforcement of all or any of the
several remedies provided in this Indenture as herein set forth;
provided, however, that in respect of any such additional
covenant, restriction or condition such supplemental indenture
may provide for a particular period of grace after default (which
period may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of
other defaults) or may provide for an immediate enforcement upon
such default or may limit the remedies available to the Trustee
upon such default;
(c) to provide for the issuance under this Indenture of Securities in
coupon form (including Securities registrable as to principal
only) and to provide for exchangeability of such Securities with
the Securities issued hereunder in fully registered form and to
make all appropriate changes for such purpose;
(d) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision
contained herein or in any supplemental indenture which may be
defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained
herein or in any supplemental indenture, or to make such other
provisions in regard to matters or
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questions arising under this Indenture; provided that any such
action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of
the Securities;
(e) to add to, delete from, or revise the terms of Securities of any
series as permitted by Section 2.01 and 2.03, including, without
limitation, any terms relating to the issuance, exchange,
registration or transfer of Securities issued in whole or in part
in the form of one or more Global Securities and the payment of
any principal thereof, or interest or premium, if any, thereon;
(f) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment
hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities
of one or more series and to add to or change any of the
provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for
or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more
than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 6.11;
(g) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of
any Securityholder in any material respect; or
(h) to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms
and conditions of the Debt Securities and the Guarantees of any
series, to establish the form of any certifications required to
be furnished pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or any
series of Securities, or to add to the rights of the holders of
any series of Securities.
The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Company and the
Guarantor in the execution of any such supplemental indenture, to make any
further appropriate agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained
and to accept the conveyance, transfer and assignment of any property
thereunder, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to, but may in its
discretion, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the
Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this
Section 9.01 may be executed by the Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee
without the consent of the holders of any of the Securities at the time
outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 9.02.
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SECTION 9.02. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of
Securityholders.
With the consent (evidenced as provided in Section 7.01) of the
holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Securities at the time outstanding of all series affected by such supplemental
indenture (voting as a class), the Company and the Guarantor, when authorized by
Board Resolutions, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter
into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act then in effect) for the purpose of adding
any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions
of this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner
the rights of the holders of the Securities of each series so affected;
provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall without the consent
- -------- -------
of the holders of each Security then outstanding and affected thereby (i) extend
the fixed maturity of any Security of any series, or reduce the rate or extend
the time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce the principal amount thereof
or any premium thereon, or reduce any amount payable on redemption thereof or
make the principal thereof or any interest or premium thereon payable in any
coin or currency other than that provided in the Securities, or reduce the
amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security that would be due
and payable upon an acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section
5.01 or the amount thereof provable in bankruptcy pursuant to Section 5.02, or
impair or affect the right of any Securityholder to institute suit for payment
thereof or the right of repayment, if any, at the option of the holder, without
the consent of the holder of each Security so affected, or (ii) reduce the
aforesaid percentage of Securities the holders of which are required to consent
to any such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the holders of each
Security then affected; provided, further, that if the Securities of such series
are held by a Countrywide Trust or a trustee of such trust, such supplemental
indenture shall not be effective until the holders of a majority in liquidation
preference of Trust Securities of the applicable Trust shall have consented to
such supplemental indenture; provided further, that if the consent of the Holder
of each outstanding Security is required, such supplemental indenture shall not
be effective until each holder of the Trust Securities of the applicable
Countrywide Trust shall have consented to such supplemental indenture.
A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or
other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for
the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies
the rights of
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Securityholders of such series with respect to such covenant or provision, shall
be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture or the Securityholders
of any other series.
Upon the request of the Company and the Guarantor accompanied by a
copy of resolutions of their respective Boards of Directors certified by their
respective Secretaries or Assistant Secretaries authorizing the execution of any
such supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of
the consent of Securityholders as aforesaid, the Trustee shall join with the
Company and the Guarantor in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless
such supplemental indenture affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or
immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in
its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such supplemental
indenture. The Trustee may receive an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence
that any supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article is authorized
or permitted by, and conforms to, the terms of this Article and that it is
proper for the Trustee under the provisions of this Article to join in the
execution hereof.
Promptly after the execution by the Company, the Guarantor and the
Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this
Section, the Trustee shall transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, a
notice, prepared by the Company and the Guarantor, setting forth in general
terms the substance of such supplemental indenture, to the Securityholders of
all series affected thereby as their names and addresses appear upon the
Security Register. Any failure of the Trustee to mail such notice, or any
defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of
any such supplemental indenture.
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Securityholders under
this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental
indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the
substance thereof.
SECTION 9.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act; Effect of
Supplemental Indentures.
Any supplemental indenture executed pursuant to the provisions of this
Article Nine shall comply with the Trust Indenture Act, as then in effect. Upon
the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this
Article Nine, this Indenture shall be and be deemed to be modified and amended
in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitations of rights,
obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the
Company, the Guarantor and the
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holders of Securities of each series affected thereby shall thereafter be
determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such
modifications and amendments and all the terms and conditions of any such
supplemental indenture shall be and be deemed to be part of the terms and
conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.
SECTION 9.04. Notation on Securities.
Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the
execution of any supplemental indenture affecting such series pursuant to the
provisions of this Article Nine may bear a notation in form approved by the
Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the
Company and the Guarantor or the Trustee shall so determine, new Securities of
any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the
respective Boards of Directors of the Company and the Guarantor, to any
modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may
be prepared and executed by the Company and the Guarantor, authenticated by the
Trustee or the Authenticating Agent and delivered in exchange for the Securities
of any series then outstanding.
SECTION 9.05. Evidence of Compliance of Supplemental Indenture to be
Furnished Trustee.
The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Sections 6.01 and 6.02, may
receive Officers' Certificates and an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence
that any supplemental indenture executed pursuant hereto complies with the
requirements of this Article Nine.
ARTICLE X
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE, CONVEYANCE AND LEASE
SECTION 10.01. Company or Guarantor May Consolidate, etc., on Certain
Terms.
Nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities shall
prevent any consolidation or merger of the Company or the Guarantor with or into
any other corporation or corporations (whether or not affiliated with the
Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be), or successive consolidations or
mergers in which the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, or its
successor or successors shall be a party or parties, or shall prevent any sale,
conveyance, transfer or other disposition of the property of the Company or the
Guarantor, as the case may be, or its successor or successors as an entirety,
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or substantially as an entirety, to any other corporation (whether or not
affiliated with the Company and the Guarantor, as the case may be, or its
successor or successors) authorized to acquire and operate the same; provided,
--------
however, the Company and the Guarantor hereby covenant and agree that, upon any
- -------
such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, the
due and punctual payment, in the case of the Company, of the principal of
(premium, if any) and interest on all of the Debt Securities of all series in
accordance with the terms of each series, according to their tenor or, in the
case of the Guarantor, the performance of all obligations under the Guarantees,
and the due and punctual performance and observance of all the covenants and
conditions of this Indenture with respect to each series or established with
respect to such series to be kept or performed by the Company or the Guarantor,
as the case may be, shall be expressly assumed, by supplemental indenture (which
shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, as then in effect)
satisfactory in form to the Trustee executed and delivered to the Trustee by the
entity formed by such consolidation, or into which the Company or the Guarantor,
as the case may be, shall have been merged, or by the entity which shall have
acquired such property.
SECTION 10.02. Successor Corporation to be Substituted.
In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer
or other disposition and upon the assumption by the successor corporation, by
supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee and satisfactory
in form to the Trustee, of, in the case of the Company, the due and punctual
payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all of the Debt
Securities or, in the case of the Guarantor, the performance of all obligations
under the Guarantees, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all
of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be performed or observed by
the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, such successor corporation
shall succeed to and be substituted for the Company or the Guarantor, as the
case may be, with the same effect as if it had been named herein as the Company
or the Guarantor, as the case may be, and thereupon the predecessor corporation
shall be relieved of any further liability or obligation hereunder or upon the
Securities. Such successor corporation thereupon may cause to be signed, and
may issue either in its own name or in the name of Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.
or Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., any or all of the Debt Securities or
Guaranties, respectively, issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have
been signed by the Company or the Guarantor and delivered to the Trustee or the
Authenticating Agent; and, upon the order of such successor corporation instead
of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, and subject to all the
terms, conditions and
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limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee or the Authenticating
Agent shall authenticate and deliver any Securities which previously shall have
been signed and delivered by the officers of the Company or the Guarantor, as
the case may be, to the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent for authentication,
and any Securities which such successor corporation thereafter shall cause to be
signed and delivered to the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent for that
purpose. All the Securities so issued shall in all respects have the same legal
rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Securities theretofore or
thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all
of such Securities had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.
SECTION 10.03. Opinion of Counsel to be Given Trustee.
The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Sections 6.01 and 6.02, may
receive an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any consolidation,
merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, and any assumption,
permitted or required by the terms of this Article Ten complies with the
provisions of this Article Ten.
ARTICLE XI
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
SECTION 11.01. Discharge of Indenture.
When (a) the Company and the Guarantor shall deliver to the Trustee
for cancellation all Securities theretofore authenticated (other than any
Securities which shall have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which shall have
been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.08) and not theretofore
cancelled, or (b) all the Securities not theretofore cancelled or delivered to
the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or are by their
terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for
redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for
the giving of notice of redemption, and the Company or the Guarantor shall
deposit with the Trustee, in trust, funds sufficient to pay at maturity or upon
redemption all of the Securities (other than any Securities which shall have
been destroyed, lost or stolen and which shall have been replaced or paid as
provided in Section 2.08) not theretofore cancelled or delivered to the Trustee
for cancellation, including principal and premium, if any, and interest due or
to become due to such date of maturity or redemption date, as the case may be,
but excluding, however, the amount of any moneys for the payment of principal
of, and
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premium, if any, or interest on the Securities (1) theretofore repaid to the
Company or the Guarantor in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.04, or
(2) paid to any state or to the District of Columbia pursuant to its unclaimed
property or similar laws, and if in either case the Company or the Guarantor
shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the
Company or the Guarantor, then this Indenture shall cease to be of further
effect except for the provisions of Sections 2.05, 2.07, 2.08, 3.01, 3.02, 3.04,
6.06, 6.10 and 11.04 hereof shall survive until such Securities shall mature and
be paid. Thereafter, Sections 6.10 and 11.04 shall survive, and the Trustee, on
demand of the Company and the Guarantor accompanied by an Officers' Certificate
and an Opinion of Counsel and at the cost and expense of the Company and the
Guarantor, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction of and
discharging this Indenture, the Company and the Guarantor, however, hereby
agreeing to reimburse the Trustee for any costs or expenses thereafter
reasonably and properly incurred by the Trustee in connection with this
Indenture or the Securities.
SECTION 11.02. Deposited Moneys and U.S. Government Obligations to be
Held in Trust by Trustee.
Subject to the provisions of Section 11.04, all moneys and U.S.
Government Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Sections 11.01 or
11.05 shall be held in trust and applied by it to the payment, either directly
or through any paying agent (including the Company if acting as its own paying
agent), to the holders of the particular Securities for the payment of which
such moneys or U.S. Government Obligations have been deposited with the Trustee,
of all sums due and to become due thereon for principal, premium, if any, and
interest.
The Company and the Guarantor shall pay and indemnify the Trustee
against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S.
Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 11.05 or the principal and
interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other
charge which by law is for the account of the holders of outstanding Securities.
SECTION 11.03. Paying Agent to Repay Moneys Held.
Upon the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture all moneys then
held by any paying agent of the Securities (other than the Trustee) shall, upon
demand of the Company or the Guarantor, be repaid to it or paid to the Trustee,
and thereupon such paying agent shall be released from all further liability
with respect to such moneys.
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SECTION 11.04. Return of Unclaimed Moneys.
Any moneys deposited with or paid to the Trustee or any paying agent
for payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on Securities
and not applied but remaining unclaimed by the holders of Securities for three
years after the date upon which the principal of, and premium, if any, or
interest on such Securities, as the case may be, shall have become due and
payable, shall be repaid to the Company or the Guarantor by the Trustee or such
paying agent on written demand; and the holder of any of the Securities shall
thereafter look only to the Company or the Guarantor for any payment which such
holder may be entitled to collect and all liability of the Trustee or such
paying agent with respect to such moneys shall thereupon cease.
SECTION 11.05. Defeasance Upon Deposit of Moneys or U.S. Government
Obligations.
The Company and the Guarantor shall be deemed to have been Discharged
(as defined below) from its respective obligations with respect to any series of
Securities on the 91st day after the applicable conditions set forth below have
been satisfied with respect to such series of Securities:
(1) The Company or the Guarantor shall have deposited or caused to be
deposited irrevocably with the Trustee or the Defeasance Agent
(as defined below) as trust funds in trust, specifically pledged
as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the
holders of the 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 of a nationally
recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a
written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee and the
Defeasance Agent, if any, to pay and discharge each installment
of principal (including any mandatory sinking fund payments) of,
and interest and premium, if any, on, the outstanding Securities
of such series on the dates such installments of principal,
interest or premium are due;
(2) if the Securities of such series are then listed on any national
securities exchange, the Company
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or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall have delivered to the
Trustee and the Defeasance Agent, if any, an Opinion of Counsel
to the effect that the exercise of the option under this Section
11.05 would not cause such Securities to be delisted from such
exchange;
(3) no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of time
would become an Event of Default with respect to the Securities
of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date
of such deposit; and
(4) the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall have
delivered to the Trustee and the Defeasance Agent, if any, an
Opinion of Counsel to the effect that holders of the Securities
of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United
States federal income tax purposes as a result of the exercise of
the option under this Section 11.05 and will be subject to United
States federal income tax on the same amount and in the same
manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such
option had not been exercised, and, in the case of the Securities
of such series being Discharged, such opinion shall be
accompanied by a private letter ruling to that effect received
from the United States Internal Revenue Service or a revenue
ruling pertaining to a comparable form of transaction to that
effect published by the United States Internal Revenue Service.
"Discharged" means that the Company and the Guarantor shall be deemed
to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by, and
obligations under, the Securities of such series and to have satisfied all the
obligations under this Indenture relating to the Securities of such series (and
the Trustee, at the expense of the Company and the Guarantor, shall execute
proper instruments acknowledging the same), except (A) the rights of holders of
Securities of such series to receive, from the trust fund described in clause
(1) above, payment of the principal of and the interest and premium, if any, on
such Securities when such payments are due; (B) the Company's and the
Guarantor's obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 2.05,
2.07, 2.08, 3.01, 3.02, 3.04, 6.06, 6.10 and 11.04; and (C) the rights, powers,
trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder.
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"Defeasance Agent" means another financial institution which is
eligible to act as Trustee hereunder and which assumes all of the obligations of
the Trustee necessary to enable the Trustee to act under this Section 11.05. In
the event such a Defeasance Agent is appointed pursuant to this Section, the
following conditions shall apply:
1. The Trustee shall have approval rights over the document
appointing such Defeasance Agent and the document setting forth
such Defeasance Agent's rights and responsibilities;
2. The Defeasance Agent shall provide verification to the Trustee
acknowledging receipt of sufficient money and/or U.S. Government
Obligations to meet the applicable conditions set forth in this
Section 11.05;
3. The Trustee shall determine whether the Company and the Guarantor
shall be deemed to have been Discharged from its respective
obligations with respect to any series of Securities.
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ARTICLE XII
IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS,
OFFICERS AND DIRECTOR
SECTION 12.01. Indenture and Securities Solely Corporate Obligations.
No recourse for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or
interest on any Debt Security or any Guarantee, or for any claim based thereon
or otherwise in respect thereof, and no recourse under or upon any obligation,
covenant or agreement of the Company or the Guarantor in this Indenture or in
any supplemental indenture, or in any such Security, or because of the creation
of any indebtedness represented thereby, shall be had against any incorporator,
stockholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or future, of the
Company or the Guarantor or of any successor corporation of the Company or the
Guarantor, either directly or through the Company or the Guarantor or any
successor corporation of the Company or the Guarantor, whether by virtue of any
constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or
penalty or otherwise; it being expressly understood that all such liability is
hereby expressly waived and released as a condition of, and as a consideration
for, the execution of this Indenture and the issue of the Securities.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 13.01. Successors.
All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements in this
Indenture contained by the Company or the Guarantor shall bind to successors and
assigns whether so expressed or not.
SECTION 13.02. Official Acts by Successor Corporation.
Any act or proceeding by any provision of this Indenture authorized or
required to be done or performed by any board, committee or officer of the
Company or the Guarantor shall and may be done and performed with like force and
effect by the like board, committee or officer of any corporation that shall at
the time be the lawful sole successor of the Company or the Guarantor, as the
case may be.
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SECTION 13.03. Surrender of Company Powers.
The Company or the Guarantor by instrument in writing executed by
authority of 2/3 (two-thirds) of its Board of Directors and delivered to the
Trustee may surrender any of the powers reserved to the Company or the Guarantor
as the case may be, and thereupon such power so surrendered shall terminate both
as to the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, and as to any successor
corporation.
SECTION 13.04. Addresses for Notices, etc.
Any notice or demand which by any provision of this Indenture is
required or permitted to be given or served by the Trustee or by the holders of
Securities on the Company or the Guarantor may be given or served by being
deposited postage prepaid by registered or certified mail in a post office
letter box addressed (until another address is filed by the Company or the
Guarantor, as the case may be, with the Trustee for the purpose) to the Company,
or the Guarantor, as the case may be, 155 North Lake Avenue, Pasadena,
California 91101, Attention: _______________. Any notice, direction, request or
demand by any Securityholder to or upon the Trustee shall be deemed to have been
sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, if given or made in writing at the
office of the Trustee, addressed to the Trustee, 101 Barclay Street, 21 West,
New York, New York 10286, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration.
SECTION 13.05. Governing Law.
This Indenture and each Security shall be deemed to be a contract made
under the laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of said State, without regard to
conflict of laws principles thereof.
SECTION 13.06. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent.
Upon any application or demand by the Company or the Guarantor to the
Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the
Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall furnish to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate stating that in the opinion of the signers all conditions
precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed
action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the
opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.
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Each certificate or opinion provided for in this Indenture and
delivered to the Trustee with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant
provided for in this Indenture shall include (1) a statement that the person
making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition; (2) a
brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation
upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion
are based; (3) a statement that, in the opinion of such person, he has made such
examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an
informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been
complied with; and (4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such
person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
SECTION 13.07. Legal Holidays.
Subject to Section 2.03, in any case where the date of payment of
interest on or principal of the Securities will be in The City of New York, New
York a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions are authorized by
law to close, the payment of such interest on or principal of the Securities
need not be made on such date but may be made on the next succeeding day not in
the City a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions are authorized
by law to close, with the same force and effect as if made on the date of
payment and no interest shall accrue for the period from and after such date.
SECTION 13.08. Trust Indenture Act to Control.
If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits,
qualifies or conflicts with another provision included in this Indenture which
is required to be included in this Indenture by any of Sections 310 to 317,
inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such required provision shall control.
SECTION 13.09. Table of Contents, Headings, etc.
The table of contents and the titles and headings of the articles and
sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only,
are not to be considered a part hereof, and shall in no way modify or restrict
any of the terms or provisions hereof.
SECTION 13.10. Execution in Counterparts.
This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but
one and the same instrument.
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SECTION 13.11. Separability.
In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Indenture
or in the Securities of any series shall for any reason be held to be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Indenture or of
such Securities, but this Indenture and such Securities shall be construed as if
such invalid or illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained
herein or therein.
SECTION 13.12. Assignment.
The Company and the Guarantor will have the right at all times to
assign any of its respective rights or obligations under this Indenture to a
direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company or the Guarantor,
provided that, in the event of any such assignment, the Company or the
Guarantor, as the case may be, will remain liable for all such obligations.
Subject to the foregoing, the Indenture is binding upon and inures to the
benefit of the parties thereto and their respective successors and assigns.
This Indenture may not otherwise be assigned by the parties thereto.
SECTION 13.13. Acknowledgement of Rights.
The Company and the Guarantor acknowledge that, with respect to any
Securities held by any Countrywide Trust or a trustee of such trust, if the
Institutional Trustee of such trust fails to enforce its rights under this
Indenture as the holder of the series of Securities held as the assets of such
Countrywide Trust any holder of Preferred Securities may institute legal
proceedings directly against the Company or the Guarantor to enforce such
Institutional Trustee's rights under this Indenture without first instituting
any legal proceedings against such Institutional Trustee or any other person or
entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing and such event is attributable to the failure of the Company or
the Guarantor to pay interest or principal on the applicable series of
Securities on the date such interest or principal is otherwise payable (or in
the case of redemption, on the redemption date), the Company and the Guarantor
acknowledge that a holder of Preferred Securities may directly institute a
proceeding or enforcement of payment to such holder of the principal of or
interest on the applicable series of Securities having a principal amount equal
to the aggregate liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities of such holder
on or after the respective due date specified in the applicable series of
Securities.
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ARTICLE XIV
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES -- MANDATORY AND
OPTIONAL SINKING FUND
SECTION 14.01. Applicability of Article.
The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to the Debt
Securities of any series which are redeemable before their maturity or to any
sinking fund for the retirement of Debt Securities of a series except as
otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.03 for Debt Securities of such
series.
SECTION 14.02. Notice of Redemption; Selection of Debt Securities.
In case the Company shall desire to exercise the right to redeem all,
or, as the case may be, any part of the Debt Securities of any series in
accordance with their terms, it shall fix a date for redemption and shall mail a
notice of such redemption at least 30 and not more than 60 days prior to the
date fixed for redemption to the holders of Debt Securities of such series so to
be redeemed as a whole or in part at their last addresses as the same appear on
the Security Register. Such mailing shall be by first class mail. The notice
if mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have
been duly given, whether or not the holder receives such notice. In any case,
failure to give such notice by mail or any defect in the notice to the holder of
any Debt Security of a series designated for redemption as a whole or in part
shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other
Debt Security of such series.
Each such notice of redemption shall specify the CUSIP number of the
Debt Securities to be redeemed, the date fixed for redemption, the redemption
price at which Debt Securities of such series are to be redeemed, the place or
places of payment, that payment will be made upon presentation and surrender of
such Debt Securities, that interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption
will be paid as specified in said notice, and that on and after said date
interest thereon or on the portions thereof to be redeemed will cease to accrue.
If less than all the Debt Securities of such series are to be redeemed the
notice of redemption shall specify the numbers of the Debt Securities of that
series to be redeemed. In case any Debt Security of a series is to be redeemed
in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the principal
amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed
for redemption, upon surrender of such Debt Security, a new Debt Security or
Debt Securities of that series in principal amount
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equal to the unredeemed portion thereof and having endorsed thereon a duly
executed Guarantee will be issued.
Prior to the redemption date specified in the notice of redemption
given as provided in this Section, the Company will deposit with the Trustee or
with one or more paying agents an amount of money sufficient to redeem on the
redemption date all the Debt Securities so called for redemption at the
appropriate redemption price, together with accrued interest to the date fixed
for redemption.
If all, or less than all, the Debt Securities of a series are to be
redeemed, the Company will give the Trustee notice not less than 45 or 60 days,
respectively, prior to the redemption date as to the aggregate principal amount
of Debt Securities of that series to be redeemed and the Trustee shall select,
in such manner as in its sole discretion it shall deem appropriate and fair, the
Debt Securities of that series or portions thereof (in integral multiples of
$1,000, except as otherwise set forth in the applicable form of Debt Security)
to be redeemed.
SECTION 14.03. Payment of Securities Called for Redemption.
If notice of redemption has been given as provided in Section 14.02 or
Section 14.04, the Debt Securities or portions of Debt Securities of the series
with respect to which such notice has been given shall become due and payable on
the date and at the place or places stated in such notice at the applicable
redemption price, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for
redemption, and on and after said date (unless the Company shall default in the
payment of such Debt Securities at the redemption price, together with interest
accrued to said date) interest on the Debt Securities or portions of Debt
Securities of any series so called for redemption shall cease to accrue. On
presentation and surrender of such Debt Securities at a place of payment
specified in said notice, the said Debt Securities or the specified portions
thereof shall be paid and redeemed by the Company at the applicable redemption
price, together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption.
Upon presentation of any Debt Security of any series redeemed in part
only, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and make
available for delivery to the holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a
new Debt Security or Debt Securities of such series of authorized denominations,
in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Debt
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Security so presented and having endorsed thereon a duly executed Guarantee.
SECTION 14.04. Mandatory and Optional Sinking Fund.
The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the
terms of Debt Securities of any series is herein referred to as a "mandatory
sinking fund payment", and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided
for by the terms of Debt Securities of any series is herein referred to as an
"optional sinking fund payment". The last date on which any such payment may be
made is herein referred to as a "sinking fund payment date".
In lieu of making all or any part of any mandatory sinking fund
payment with respect to any Debt Securities of a series in cash, the Company may
at its option (a) deliver to the Trustee Debt Securities of that series
theretofore purchased by the Company and (b) may apply as a credit Debt
Securities of that series which have been redeemed either at the election of the
Company pursuant to the terms of such Debt Securities or through the application
of optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the next succeeding paragraph, in
each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any mandatory sinking fund
payment, provided that such Debt Securities have not been previously so
credited. Each such Debt Security so delivered or applied as a credit shall be
credited at the sinking fund redemption price for such Debt Securities and the
amount of any mandatory sinking fund shall be reduced accordingly. If the
Company intends so to deliver or credit such Debt Securities with respect to any
mandatory sinking fund payment it shall deliver to the Trustee at least 60 days
prior to the next succeeding sinking fund payment date for such series (a) a
certificate signed by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of the Company
specifying the portion of such sinking fund payment, if any, to be satisfied by
payment of cash and the portion of such sinking fund payment, if any, which is
to be satisfied by delivering and crediting such Debt Securities and (b) any
Debt Securities to be so delivered. All Debt Securities so delivered to the
Trustee shall be cancelled by the Trustee and no Debt Securities shall be
authenticated in lieu thereof. If the Company fails to deliver such certificate
and Debt Securities at or before the time provided above, the Company shall not
be permitted to satisfy any portion of such mandatory sinking fund payment by
delivery or credit of Debt Securities.
At its option the Company may pay into the sinking fund for the
retirement of Debt Securities of any particular series, on or before each
sinking fund payment date for such series, any additional sum in cash as
specified by the terms of such series of Debt Securities. If the Company
intends to exercise its right
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to make any such optional sinking fund payment, it shall deliver to the Trustee
at least 60 days prior to the next succeeding sinking fund payment date for such
series a certificate signed by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of the
Company stating that the Company intends to exercise such optional right and
specifying the amount which the Company intends to pay on such sinking fund
payment date. If the Company fails to deliver such certificate at or before the
time provided above, the Company shall not be permitted to make any optional
sinking fund payment with respect to such sinking fund payment date. To the
extent that such right is not exercised in any year it shall not be cumulative
or carried forward to any subsequent year.
If the sinking fund payment or payments (mandatory or optional) made
in cash plus any unused balance of any preceding sinking fund payments made in
cash shall exceed $50,000 (or a lesser sum if the Company shall so request) with
respect to the Debt Securities of any particular series, it shall be applied by
the Trustee or one or more paying agents on the next succeeding sinking fund
payment date to the redemption of Debt Securities of such series at the sinking
fund redemption price together with accrued interest to the date fixed for
redemption. The Trustee shall select, in the manner provided in Section 14.02,
for redemption on such sinking fund payment date a sufficient principal amount
of Debt Securities of such series to absorb said cash, as nearly as may be, and
the Trustee shall, at the expense and in the name of the Company, thereupon
cause notice of redemption of Debt Securities of such series to be given in
substantially the manner and with the effect provided in Sections 14.02 and
14.03 for the redemption of Debt Securities of that series in part at the option
of the Company, except that the notice of redemption shall also state that the
Debt Securities of such series are being redeemed for the sinking fund. Any
sinking fund moneys not so applied or allocated by the Trustee or any paying
agent to the redemption of Debt Securities of that series shall be added to the
next cash sinking fund payment received by the Trustee or such paying agent and,
together with such payment, shall be applied in accordance with the provisions
of this Section 14.04. Any and all sinking fund moneys held by the Trustee or
any paying agent on the maturity date of the Debt Securities of any particular
series, and not held for the payment or redemption of particular Debt Securities
of such series, shall be applied by the Trustee or such paying agent, together
with other moneys, if necessary, to be deposited sufficient for the purpose, to
the payment of the principal of the Debt Securities of that series at maturity.
On or before each sinking fund payment date, the Company shall pay to
the Trustee or to one or more paying agents in cash a sum equal to all interest
accrued to the date fixed for
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redemption on Debt Securities to be redeemed on the next following sinking fund
payment date pursuant to this Section.
Neither the Trustee nor any paying agent shall redeem any Debt
Securities of a series with sinking fund moneys, and the Trustee shall not mail
any notice of redemption of Debt Securities for such series by operation of the
sinking fund, during the continuance of a default in payment of interest on such
Debt Securities or of any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default
occurring as a consequence of this paragraph), except that if the notice of
redemption of any Securities shall theretofore have been mailed in accordance
with the provisions hereof, the Trustee or any paying agent shall redeem such
Debt Securities if cash sufficient for that purpose shall be deposited with the
Trustee or such paying agent for that purpose in accordance with the terms of
this Article Fourteen. Except as aforesaid, any moneys in the sinking fund for
such series at the time when any such default or Event of Default shall occur
and any moneys thereafter paid into the sinking fund shall, during the
continuance of such default or Event of Default, be held as security for the
payment of all such Debt Securities; provided, however, that in case such Event
of Default or default, shall have been cured or waived as provided herein, such
moneys shall thereafter be applied on the next succeeding sinking fund payment
date on which such moneys may be applied pursuant to the provisions of this
Section 14.04.
ARTICLE XV
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 15.01. Agreement to Subordinate.
The Company and the Guarantor covenant and agree, and each holder of
Securities issued hereunder and under any supplemental indenture or by any
resolutions by the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Guarantor
("Additional Provisions") by such Securityholder's acceptance thereof likewise
covenants and agrees, that all Securities shall be issued subject to the
provisions of this Article Fifteen; and each holder of a Security, whether upon
original issue or upon transfer or assignment thereof, accepts and agrees to be
bound by such provisions.
The payment by the Company of the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on all Debt Securities and the payment by the Guarantor of any
obligation due under any Guarantees issued hereunder and under any Additional
Provisions shall, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, be
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subordinated and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all
Senior Indebtedness of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, whether
outstanding at the date of this Indenture or thereafter incurred.
No provision of this Article Fifteen shall prevent the occurrence of
any default or Event of Default hereunder.
SECTION 15.02. Default on Senior Indebtedness.
In the event and during the continuation of any default by the Company
or the Guarantor in the payment of principal, premium, interest or any other
payment due on any Senior Indebtedness of the Company or the Guarantor, as the
case may be, or in the event that the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness of the
Company, as the case may be, has been accelerated because of a default, then,
in either case, no payment shall be made by the Company or the Guarantor, as the
case may be, with respect to the principal (including redemption and sinking
fund payments) of, or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities, including
payment with respect to any obligation due under the Guarantees.
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment shall be
received by the Trustee when such payment is prohibited by the preceding
paragraph of this Section 15.02, such payment shall be held in trust for the
benefit of, and shall be paid over or delivered to, the holders of Senior
Indebtedness or their respective representatives, or to the trustee or trustees
under any indenture pursuant to which any of such Senior Indebtedness may have
been issued, as their respective interests may appear, but only to the extent
that the holders of the Senior Indebtedness (or their representative or
representatives or a trustee) notify the Trustee in writing within 90 days of
such payment of the amounts then due and owing on the Senior Indebtedness and
only the amounts specified in such notice to the Trustee shall be paid to the
holders of Senior Indebtedness.
SECTION 15.03. Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy.
Upon any payment by the Company or the Guarantor or distribution of
assets of the Company or the Guarantor of any kind or character, whether in
cash, property or securities, to creditors upon any dissolution or winding-up or
liquidation or reorganization of the Company or the Guarantor, whether voluntary
or involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings,
all amounts due upon all Senior Indebtedness of the Company or the Guarantor, as
the case may be, shall first be paid in full, or payment thereof provided for in
money in accordance with its terms, before any payment is made by the Company or
the Guarantor, as the case may be, on account of the
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principal (and premium, if any) or interest on the Securities; and upon any such
dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization, any payment by the
Company or the Guarantor, or distribution of assets of the Company or the
Guarantor of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to
which the Securityholders or the Trustee would be entitled to receive from the
Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, except for the provisions of this
Article Fifteen, shall be paid by the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may
be, or by any receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, agent or
other Person making such payment or distribution, or by the Securityholders or
by the Trustee under the Indenture if received by them or it, directly to the
holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may
be (pro rata to such holders on the basis of the respective amounts of Senior
Indebtedness held by such holders, as calculated by the Company or the
Guarantor, as the case may be) or their representative or representatives, or to
the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any instruments
evidencing such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, as their respective
interests may appear, to the extent necessary to pay such Senior Indebtedness in
full, in money or money's worth, after giving effect to any concurrent payment
or distribution to or for the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, before any
payment or distribution is made to the Securityholders or to the Trustee.
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or
distribution of assets of the Company or the Guarantor of any kind or character,
whether in cash, property or securities, prohibited by the foregoing, shall be
received by the Trustee before all Senior Indebtedness of the Company or the
Guarantor is paid in full, or provision is made for such payment in money in
accordance with its terms, such payment or distribution shall be held in trust
for the benefit of and shall be paid over or delivered to the holders of such
Senior Indebtedness or their representative or representatives, or to the
trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any instruments
evidencing such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, and their respective
interests may appear, as calculated by the Company or the Guarantor, for
application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company or the
Guarantor, as the case may be, remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay
such Senior Indebtedness in full in money in accordance with its terms, after
giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the benefit of
the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.
For purposes of this Article Fifteen, the words "cash, property or
securities" shall not be deemed to include shares of stock of the Company or the
Guarantor as reorganized or
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readjusted, or securities of the Company or the Guarantor or any other
corporation provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment, the
payment of which is subordinated at least to the extent provided in this Article
Fifteen with respect to the Securities to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness
of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, that may at the time be
outstanding, provided that (i) such Senior Indebtedness is assumed by the new
corporation, if any, resulting from any such reorganization or readjustment, and
(ii) the rights of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness are not, without the
consent of such holders, altered by such reorganization or readjustment. The
consolidation of the Company or the Guarantor with, or the merger of the Company
or the Guarantor into, another corporation or the liquidation or dissolution of
the Company or the Guarantor following the conveyance or transfer of its
property as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, to another corporation
upon the terms and conditions provided for in Article Ten of this Indenture
shall not be deemed a dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization for
the purposes of this Section 15.03 if such other corporation shall, as a part of
such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer, comply with the conditions
stated in Article Ten of this Indenture. Nothing in Section 15.02 or in this
Section 15.03 shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or
pursuant to Section 6.06 of this Indenture.
SECTION 15.04. Subrogation.
Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the
Company or the Guarantor, the Securityholders shall be subrogated to the rights
of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions
of cash, property or securities of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may
be, applicable to such Senior Indebtedness until the principal of (and premium,
if any) and interest on the Securities shall be paid in full; and, for the
purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions to the holders of
such Senior Indebtedness of any cash, property or securities to which the
Securityholders or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of
this Article Fifteen, and no payment over pursuant to the provisions of this
Article Fifteen to or for the benefit of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness
by Securityholders or the Trustee, shall, as between (i) the Company, its
creditors other than holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company, and the
holders of the Securities, or (ii) the Guarantor, its creditors other than the
holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor, and the holders of the
Securities, be deemed to be a payment by the Company or the Guarantor, as the
case may be, to or on account of such Senior Indebtedness. It is understood
that the provisions of this Article Fifteen are and are intended solely
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for the purposes of defining the relative rights of the holders of the
Securities, on the one hand, and the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, on the
other hand.
Nothing contained in this Article Fifteen or elsewhere in this
Indenture, any Additional Provisions or in the Securities is intended to or
shall impair, as between (i) the Company, its creditors other than the holders
of Senior Indebtedness of the Company, and the holders of the Securities, or
(ii) the Guarantor, its creditors other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness
of the Guarantor, and the holders of the Securities, the obligation of the
Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, which is absolute and
unconditional, to pay to the holders of the Securities the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Securities as and when the same shall
become due and payable in accordance with their terms, or is intended to or
shall affect the relative rights of the holders of the Securities and creditors
of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, other than the holders of
Senior Indebtedness of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, nor
shall anything herein or therein prevent the Trustee or the holder of any
Security from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon
default under the Indenture, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article
Fifteen of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness in respect of cash, property
or securities of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, received upon
the exercise of any such remedy.
Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company or the
Guarantor referred to in this Article Fifteen, the Trustee, subject to the
provisions of Article Six of this Indenture, and the Securityholders shall be
entitled to conclusively rely upon any order or decree made by any court of
competent jurisdiction in which such dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or
reorganization proceedings are pending, or a certificate of the receiver,
trustee in bankruptcy, liquidation trustee, agent or other Person making such
payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the Securityholders, for
the purposes of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such
distribution, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the
Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, the amount thereof or payable
thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts
pertinent thereto or to this Article Fifteen.
SECTION 15.05. Trustee to Effectuate Subordination.
Each Securityholder by such Securityholder's acceptance thereof
authorizes and directs the Trustee on such Securityholder's behalf to take such
action as may be necessary
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or appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided in this Article Fifteen
and appoints the Trustee such Securityholder's attorney-in-fact for any and all
such purposes.
SECTION 15.06. Notice by the Company and the Guarantor.
The Company or the Guarantor shall give prompt written notice to a
Responsible Officer of the Trustee of any fact known to the Company or the
Guarantor that would prohibit the making of any payment of monies to or by the
Trustee in respect of the Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Article
Fifteen. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article Fifteen or any other
provision of this Indenture or any Additional Provisions, the Trustee shall not
be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts that would prohibit the
making of any payment of monies to or by the Trustee in respect of the
Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Article Fifteen, unless and until
a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof
from the Company or the Guarantor or a holder or holders of Senior Indebtedness
or from any trustee therefor; and before the receipt of any such written notice,
the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Article Six of this Indenture, shall
be entitled in all respects to assume that no such facts exist; provided,
however, that if the Trustee shall not have received the notice provided for in
this Section 15.06 at least two Business Days prior to the date upon which by
the terms hereof any money may become payable for any purpose (including,
without limitation, the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or
interest on any Security), then, anything herein contained to the contrary
notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such
money and to apply the same to the purposes for which they were received, and
shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary that may be received by it
within two Business Days prior to such date.
The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Article Six of this
Indenture, shall be entitled to conclusively rely on the delivery to it of a
written notice by a Person representing himself to be a holder of Senior
Indebtedness of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be (or a trustee
on behalf of such holder), to establish that such notice has been given by a
holder of such Senior Indebtedness or a trustee on behalf of any such holder or
holders. In the event that the Trustee determines in good faith that further
evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of such
Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to
this Article Fifteen, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to
the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of such Senior
Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to
participate in such
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payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of such
Person under this Article Fifteen, and, if such evidence is not furnished, the
Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as
to the right of such Person to receive such payment.
SECTION 15.07. Rights of the Trustee; Holders of Senior Indebtedness.
The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the
rights set forth in this Article Fifteen in respect of any Senior Indebtedness
at any time held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior
Indebtedness, and nothing in this Indenture or any Additional Provisions shall
deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.
With respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company or
the Guarantor, the Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its
covenants and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Article Fifteen,
and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to the holders of such
Senior Indebtedness shall be read into this Indenture or any Additional
Provisions against the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any
fiduciary duty to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness and, subject to the
provisions of Article Six of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be liable to
any holder of such Senior Indebtedness if it shall pay over or deliver to
Securityholders, the Company, the Guarantor or any other Person money or assets
to which any holder of such Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of
this Article Fifteen or otherwise.
Nothing in this Article Fifteen shall apply to claims of, or payments
to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 6.06.
SECTION 15.08. Subordination May Not Be Impaired.
No right of any present or future holder of any Senior Indebtedness of
the Company or the Guarantor to enforce subordination as herein provided shall
at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on
the part of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, or by any act or
failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by
the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, with the terms, provisions and
covenants of this Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof that any such
holder may have or otherwise be charged with.
Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph,
the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the
87
<PAGE>
Company or the Guarantor may, at any time and from time to time, without the
consent of or notice to the Trustee or the Securityholders, without incurring
responsibility to the Securityholders and without impairing or releasing the
subordination provided in this Article Fifteen or the obligations hereunder of
the holders of the Securities to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, do any
one or more of the following: (i) change the manner, place or terms of payment
or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter, such Senior Indebtedness,
or otherwise amend or supplement in any manner such Senior Indebtedness or any
instrument evidencing the same or any agreement under which such Senior
Indebtedness is outstanding; (ii) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with
any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing such Senior Indebtedness;
(iii) release any Person liable in any manner for the collection of such Senior
Indebtedness; and (iv) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against
the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, and any other Person.
88
<PAGE>
The Bank of New York hereby accepts the trusts in this Indenture
declared and provided, upon the terms and conditions hereinabove set forth.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to
be duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of
the day and year first above written.
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
By
-----------------------------------
Name:
Title:
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
By
-----------------------------------
Name:
Title:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
as Trustee
By
-----------------------------------
Name:
Title:
89
<PAGE>
-------------------------------------
FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
among
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC., as Issuer,
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC., as Guarantor,
and
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
Dated as of __________, 1996
-------------------------------------
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 1.1 Definition of Terms......................................... 2
ARTICLE II
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE DEBENTURES
SECTION 2.1 Designation and Principal Amount............................ 3
SECTION 2.2 Maturity.................................................... 3
SECTION 2.3 Form and Payment............................................ 3
SECTION 2.4 Global Debenture............................................ 4
SECTION 2.5 Interest.................................................... 5
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION OF THE DEBENTURES
SECTION 3.1 Special Event Redemption.................................... 7
SECTION 3.2 Optional Redemption by Company.............................. 7
SECTION 3.3 No Sinking Fund............................................. 8
ARTICLE IV
EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
SECTION 4.1 Extension of Interest Payment Period........................ 8
SECTION 4.2 Notice of Extension......................................... 9
ARTICLE V
EXPENSES AND GUARANTEE
SECTION 5.1 Payment of Expenses......................................... 10
SECTION 5.2 Payment Upon Resignation or Removal......................... 10
SECTION 5.3 Guarantee of Payment of Expenses............................ 11
ARTICLE VI
COVENANT TO LIST ON EXCHANGE
SECTION 6.1 Listing on an Exchange...................................... 11
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VII
FORM OF DEBENTURE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 7.1 Form of Debenture........................................... 11
ARTICLE VIII
ORIGINAL ISSUE OF DEBENTURES
SECTION 8.1 Original Issue of Debentures................................ 23
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.1 Ratification of Indenture................................... 23
SECTION 9.2 Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals........................ 23
SECTION 9.3 Governing Law............................................... 23
SECTION 9.4 Separability................................................ 23
SECTION 9.5 Counterparts................................................ 24
</TABLE>
iii
<PAGE>
FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of ___________, 1996 (the "First
Supplemental Indenture"), among Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a New York
corporation (the "Company"), Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Guarantor"), and The Bank of New York as trustee (the
"Trustee"), under the Indenture dated as of ____________, 1996 among the
Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee (the "Indenture").
WHEREAS, the Company and the Guarantor executed and delivered the Indenture
to the Trustee to provide for the future issuance of the Company's unsecured
junior subordinated debt securities guaranteed by the Guarantor, to be issued
from time to time in one or more series as might be determined by the Company
under the Indenture, in an unlimited aggregate principal amount which may be
authenticated and delivered as provided in the Indenture;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Company desires to
provide for the establishment of a new series of its Debt Securities to be known
as its ____% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due ____ (the
"Debentures"), and the Guarantor desires to provide for the issuance of a
Guarantee of such Debt Securities (the "Debenture Guarantee"), the form and
substance of such Debentures and Debenture Guarantee and the terms, provisions
and conditions thereof to be set forth as provided in the Indenture and this
First Supplemental Indenture;
WHEREAS, Countrywide Capital I, a Delaware statutory business trust (the
"Trust"), has offered to the public $___ million aggregate liquidation amount of
its ____% Cumulative Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the "Preferred
Securities"), representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Trust and proposes to invest the proceeds from such offering, together with the
proceeds of the issuance and sale by the Trust to the Guarantor of $_________
million aggregate liquidation amount of its ____% Cumulative Trust Originated
Common Securities, in $___________ million aggregate principal amount of the
Debentures; and
WHEREAS, the Company and the Guarantor have requested that the Trustee
execute and deliver this First Supplemental Indenture; all requirements
necessary to make this First Supplemental Indenture a valid instrument in
accordance with its terms, and to make the Debentures, when executed by the
Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, the valid obligations of
the Company, and to make the Debenture Guarantee endorsed thereon when executed
by the Guarantor a valid obligation of the Guarantor, have been performed; and
the execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture has been duly
authorized in all respects:
1
<PAGE>
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase and acceptance of the
Debentures by the holders thereof, and for the purpose of setting forth, as
provided in the Indenture, the form and substance of the Debentures and the
terms, provisions and conditions thereof, the Company and the Guarantor covenant
and agree with the Trustee as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 Definition of Terms.
-------------------
Unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) a term defined in the Indenture has the same meaning when used in this
First Supplemental Indenture;
(b) a term defined anywhere in this First Supplemental Indenture has the
same meaning throughout;
(c) the singular includes the plural and vice versa;
(d) a reference to a Section or Article is to a Section or Article of this
First Supplemental Indenture;
(e) headings are for convenience of reference only and do not affect
interpretation;
(f) the following terms have the meanings given to them in the Declaration:
(i) Business Day; (ii) Clearing Agency; (iii) Delaware Trustee; (iv) Depositary;
(v) Dissolution Tax Opinion; (vi) Distribution; (vii) No Recognition Opinion;
(viii) Preferred Security Certificate; (ix) Pricing Agreement; (x) Institutional
Trustee; (xi) Regular Trustees; (xii) Tax Event; (xiii) Redemption Tax Opinion,
and (xiv) Underwriting Agreement;
(g) the following terms have the meanings given to them in this Section
1.1(g):
"Additional Interest" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(c).
-------------------
"Compounded Interest" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
-------------------
"Declaration" means the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of
-----------
Countrywide Capital I, a Delaware statutory business trust, dated as of
___________, 1996.
2
<PAGE>
"Deferred Interest" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
-----------------
"Dissolution Event" means that, as a result of the occurrence and
-----------------
continuation of a Tax Event, the Trust is to be dissolved in accordance with the
Declaration, and the Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee are to be
distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities issued by the Trust pro rata
--- ----
in accordance with the Declaration.
"Extended Interest Payment Period" shall have the meaning set forth in
--------------------------------
Section 4.1.
"Global Debenture" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a)(i).
----------------
"Maturity Date" means the date on which the Debentures mature and on which
-------------
the principal shall be due and payable together with all accrued and unpaid
interest thereon including Compounded Interest and Additional Interest, if any.
"Non Book-Entry Preferred Securities" shall have the meaning set forth in
-----------------------------------
Section 2.4(a)(ii).
"Optional Redemption Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
-------------------------
3.2(a).
ARTICLE II
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE DEBENTURES
SECTION 2.1 Designation and Principal Amount.
--------------------------------
There is hereby authorized (a) a series of Debt Securities designated the
"____% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due ____", limited in
aggregate principal amount to $___________ (or up to $_______ if the over-
allotment option for Preferred Securities is exercised), which amount shall be
as set forth in any written order of the Company for the authentication and
delivery of Debentures pursuant to Section 2.04 of the Indenture and (b) a
Guarantee of such Debt Securities.
SECTION 2.2 Maturity.
--------
The Maturity Date is ______, ____.
SECTION 2.3 Form and Payment.
----------------
Except as provided in Section 2.4, the Debentures shall be issued in fully
registered certificated form without interest
3
<PAGE>
coupons. Principal and interest on the Debentures issued in certificated form
will be payable, the transfer of such Debentures will be registrable and such
Debentures will be exchangeable for Debentures bearing identical terms and
provisions at the office or agency of the Trustee; provided, however, that
-------- -------
payment of interest may be made at the option of the Company by check mailed to
the holder of any Debenture at such address as shall appear in the Security
Register. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as the holder of any Debentures
is the Institutional Trustee, the payment of the principal of and interest
(including Compounded Interest and Additional Interest, if any) on such
Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee will be made at such place and to
such account as may be designated by the Institutional Trustee.
SECTION 2.4 Global Debenture.
----------------
(a) In connection with a Dissolution Event,
(i) the Debentures in certificated form may be presented to the
Trustee by the Institutional Trustee in exchange for a global Debenture in
an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of
all outstanding Debentures (a "Global Debenture"), to be registered in the
name of the Depositary, or its nominee, and delivered by the Trustee to the
Depositary for crediting to the accounts of its participants pursuant to
the instructions of the Regular Trustees which instructions shall be
provided in accordance with the terms of the Declaration. The Company upon
any such presentation shall execute a Global Debenture in such aggregate
principal amount and deliver the same to the Trustee for authentication and
delivery in accordance with the Indenture and this First Supplemental
Indenture. Payments on the Debentures issued as a Global Debenture will be
made to the Depositary; and
(ii) if any Preferred Securities are held in non book-entry
certificated form, the Debentures in certificated form may be presented to
the Trustee by the Institutional Trustee and any Preferred Security
Certificate which represents Preferred Securities other than Preferred
Securities held by the Clearing Agency or its nominee ("Non Book-Entry
Preferred Securities") will be deemed to represent beneficial interests in
Debentures presented to the Trustee by the Institutional Trustee having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the
Non Book-Entry Preferred Securities until such Preferred Security
Certificates are presented to the Security Registrar for transfer or
reissuance at which time such Preferred Security Certificates will be
cancelled and a Debenture, registered in the name of the holder of the
Preferred Security Certificate
4
<PAGE>
or the transferee of the holder of such Preferred Security Certificate, as
the case may be, with an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate
liquidation amount of the Preferred Security Certificate cancelled, will be
executed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee for authentication and
delivery in accordance with the Indenture and this First Supplemental
Indenture. On issue of such Debentures, Debentures with an equivalent
aggregate principal amount that were presented by the Institutional Trustee
to the Trustee will be deemed to have been cancelled.
(b) A Global Debenture may be transferred, in whole but not in part,
only to another nominee of the Depositary, or to a successor Depositary selected
or approved by the Company or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.
(c) If at any time the Depositary notifies the Company that it is
unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary or if at any time the Depositary
shall no longer be registered or in good standing under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, or other applicable statute or regulation, and a
successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the
Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such condition, as the case may
be, the Company will execute, and, subject to Article II of the Indenture, the
Trustee, upon written notice from the Company, will authenticate and make
available for delivery Debentures in definitive registered form without coupons,
in authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of the Global Debenture in exchange for such Global Debenture.
In addition, the Company may at any time determine that the Debentures shall no
longer be represented by a Global Debenture. In such event the Company will
execute, and subject to Section 2.07 of the Indenture, the Trustee, upon receipt
of an Officers' Certificate evidencing such determination by the Company, will
authenticate and deliver Debentures in definitive registered form without
coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal
to the principal amount of the Global Debenture in exchange for such Global
Debenture. Upon the exchange of the Global Debenture for such Debentures in
definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, the
Global Debenture shall be cancelled by the Trustee. Such Debentures in
definitive registered form issued in exchange for the Global Debenture shall be
registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary,
pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise,
shall instruct the Trustee. The Trustee shall deliver such Debentures to the
Depositary for delivery to the Persons in whose names such Debentures are so
registered.
SECTION 2.5 Interest.
--------
5
<PAGE>
(a) Each Debenture will bear interest at the rate of ____% per annum
(the "Coupon Rate") from the original date of issuance until the principal
thereof becomes due and payable, and on any overdue principal and (to the extent
that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) on any
overdue installment of interest at the Coupon Rate, compounded quarterly,
payable (subject to the provisions of Article Four) quarterly in arrears on
March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year (each, an "Interest
Payment Date," commencing on December 31, 1996), to the Person in whose name
such Debenture or any predecessor Debenture is registered, at the close of
business on the regular record date for such interest installment, which, in
respect of any Debentures of which the Institutional Trustee is the holder of a
Global Debenture, shall be the close of business on the Business Day next
preceding that Interest Payment Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence,
if (i) the Preferred Securities are no longer in book-entry only form, (ii)
after a Dissolution Event the Debentures are not in book-entry only form or
(iii) pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.11(c) of the Indenture the
Debentures are not represented by a Global Debenture, the Company may select a
regular record date for such interest installment which shall be any date at
least one Business Day before an Interest Payment Date.
(b) The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Except as provided in the
following sentence, the amount of interest payable for any period shorter than a
full quarterly period for which interest is computed, will be computed on the
basis of the actual number of days elapsed in such a period (assuming each full
month elapsed in such period consists of 30 days). In the event that any date
on which interest is payable on the Debentures is not a Business Day, then
payment of interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day
which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of
any such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding
calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business
Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date.
(c) If, at any time while the Institutional Trustee is the holder of any
Debentures, the Trust or the Institutional Trustee is required to pay any taxes,
duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (other than
withholding taxes) imposed by the United States, or any other taxing authority,
then, in any case, the Company will pay as additional interest ("Additional
Interest") on the Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee, such additional
amounts as shall be required so that the net amounts received and retained by
the Trust and the Institutional Trustee after paying such taxes, duties,
assessments or other
6
<PAGE>
governmental charges will be equal to the amounts the Trust and the
Institutional Trustee would have received had no such taxes, duties, assessments
or other government charges been imposed.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION OF THE DEBENTURES
SECTION 3.1 Special Event Redemption.
------------------------
If a Tax Event has occurred and is continuing and:
(a) the Company has received a Redemption Tax Opinion; or
(b) after receiving a Dissolution Tax Opinion, the Regular Trustees
shall have been informed by tax counsel rendering the Dissolution Tax
Opinion that a No Recognition Opinion cannot be delivered to the Trust,
then, notwithstanding Section 3.2(a) but subject to Section 3.2(b), the Company
shall have the right upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days notice to
the holders of the Debentures to redeem the Debentures, in whole or in part, for
cash within 90 days following the occurrence of such Tax Event (the "90 Day
Period") at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be
redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of such
redemption (the "Redemption Price"), provided that if at the time there is
--------
available to the Company the opportunity to eliminate, within the 90 Day Period,
the adverse effects of such Tax Event by taking some ministerial action
("Ministerial Action"), such as filing a form or making an election, or pursuing
some other similar reasonable measure which has no adverse effect on the
Company, the Trust, the Guarantor or the holders of the Trust Securities issued
by the Trust, the Company shall pursue such Ministerial Action in lieu of
redemption, and, provided, further, that the Company shall have no right to
-------- -------
redeem the Debentures while the Trust is pursuing any Ministerial Action
pursuant to its obligations under the Declaration. The Redemption Price shall
be paid prior to 12:00 noon, New York time, on the date of such redemption or
such earlier time as the Company determines, provided that the Company shall
--------
deposit with the Trustee an amount sufficient to pay the Redemption Price by
10:00 a.m., New York time, on the date such Redemption Price is to be paid.
SECTION 3.2 Optional Redemption by Company.
------------------------------
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 3.2(b) and to the provisions
of Article Fourteen of the Indenture, except as otherwise may be specified in
this First Supplemental Indenture,
7
<PAGE>
the Company shall have the right to redeem the Debentures, in whole or in part,
from time to time, on or after ______, 20__, at a redemption price equal to 100%
of the principal amount to be redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest
thereon to the date of such redemption (the "Optional Redemption Price"). Any
redemption pursuant to this paragraph will be made upon not less than 30 days
nor more than 60 days notice to the holder of the Debentures, at the Optional
Redemption Price. If the Debentures are only partially redeemed pursuant to
this Section 3.2(a), the Debentures will be redeemed pro rata or by lot or by
--- ----
any other method utilized by the Trustee; provided, that if at the time of
--------
redemption the Debentures are registered as a Global Debenture, the Depositary
shall determine, in accordance with its procedures, the principal amount of such
Debentures held by each holder of Debentures to be redeemed. The Optional
Redemption Price shall be paid prior to 12:00 noon, New York time, on the date
of such redemption or at such earlier time as the Company determines, provided
that the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount sufficient to pay the
Optional Redemption Price by 10:00 a.m., New York time, on the date such
Optional Redemption Price is to be paid.
(b) If a partial redemption of the Debentures would result in the
delisting of the Preferred Securities issued by the Trust from any national
securities exchange or other organization on which the Preferred Securities are
then listed, the Company shall not be permitted to effect such partial
redemption and may only redeem the Debentures in whole.
SECTION 3.3 No Sinking Fund.
---------------
The Debentures are not entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund.
ARTICLE IV
EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
SECTION 4.1 Extension of Interest Payment Period.
------------------------------------
The Company shall have the right, at any time and from time to time during
the term of the Debentures, to defer payments of interest by extending the
interest payment period of such Debentures for a period not exceeding 20
consecutive quarters (the "Extended Interest Payment Period"), during which
Extended Interest Payment Period no interest shall be due and payable; provided
--------
that no Extended Interest Payment Period may extend beyond the Maturity Date.
- ----
To the extent permitted by applicable law, interest, the payment of which has
been deferred because of the extension of the interest payment period pursuant
to this Section 4.1, will bear
8
<PAGE>
interest thereon at the Coupon Rate compounded quarterly for each quarter of the
Extended Interest Payment Period ("Compounded Interest"). On the next Interest
Payment Date following the end of the Extended Interest Payment Period, the
Company shall pay all interest accrued and unpaid on the Debentures, including
any Additional Interest and Compounded Interest (together, "Deferred Interest"),
that shall be payable to the holders of the Debentures in whose names the
Debentures are registered in the Security Register on the record date for the
payment of Deferred Interest on the next Interest Payment Date following the end
of the Extended Interest Payment Period. Before the termination of any Extended
Interest Payment Period, the Company may further extend such period, provided
that such period together with all such further extensions thereof shall not
exceed 20 consecutive quarters, or extend beyond the Maturity Date. Upon the
termination of any Extended Interest Payment Period and upon the payment of all
Deferred Interest then due, the Company may commence a new Extended Interest
Payment Period, subject to the foregoing requirements. The Company may prepay
at any time all or any portion of the interest accrued during an Extended
Interest Payment Period.
SECTION 4.2 Notice of Extension.
-------------------
(a) If the Institutional Trustee is the only registered holder of the
Debentures at the time the Company selects an Extended Interest Payment
Period, the Company shall give written notice to the Regular Trustees, the
Institutional Trustee and the Trustee of its selection of such Extended
Interest Payment Period one Business Day before the earlier of (i) the next
succeeding date on which distributions on the Trust Securities issued by
the Trust are payable, or (ii) the date the Trust is required to give
notice of the record date, or the date such distributions are payable, to
the New York Stock Exchange or other applicable self-regulatory
organization or to holders of the Preferred Securities issued by the Trust,
but in any event at least one Business Day before such record date.
(b) If the Institutional Trustee is not the only holder of the
Debentures at the time the Company selects an Extended Interest Payment
Period, the Company shall give the holders of the Debentures and the
Trustee written notice of its selection of such Extended Interest Payment
Period at least ten Business Days before the earlier of (i) the next
succeeding Interest Payment Date, or (ii) the date the Company is required
to give notice of the record or payment date of such interest payment to
the New York Stock Exchange or other applicable self-regulatory
organization or to holders of the Debentures.
9
<PAGE>
(c) The quarter in which any notice is given pursuant to paragraphs
(a) or (b) of this Section 4.2 shall be counted as one of the 20 quarters
permitted in the maximum Extended Interest Payment Period permitted under
Section 4.1.
ARTICLE V
EXPENSES AND GUARANTEE
SECTION 5.1 Payment of Expenses.
-------------------
In connection with the offering, sale and issuance of the Debentures to the
Institutional Trustee and in connection with the sale of the Trust Securities by
the Trust, the Company, in its capacity as borrower with respect to the
Debentures, shall:
(a) pay all costs and expenses relating to the offering, sale and
issuance of the Debentures, including commissions to the underwriters
payable pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement and the Pricing Agreement
and compensation of the Trustee under the Indenture in accordance with the
provisions of Section 6.06 of the Indenture;
(b) pay all costs and expenses of the Trust (including, but not
limited to, costs and expenses relating to the organization of the Trust,
the offering, sale and issuance of the Trust Securities (including
commissions to the underwriters in connection therewith), the fees and
expenses of the Institutional Trustee and the Delaware Trustee, the costs
and expenses relating to the operation of the Trust, including without
limitation, costs and expenses of accountants, attorneys, statistical or
bookkeeping services, expenses for printing and engraving and computing or
accounting equipment, paying agent(s), registrar(s), transfer agent(s),
duplicating, travel and telephone and other telecommunications expenses and
costs and expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition, financing,
and disposition of Trust assets);
(c) be primarily and fully liable for any indemnification obligations
arising with respect to the Declaration; and
(d) pay any and all taxes (other than United States withholding taxes
attributable to the Trust or its assets) and all liabilities, costs and
expenses with respect to such taxes of the Trust.
SECTION 5.2 Payment Upon Resignation or Removal.
-----------------------------------
10
<PAGE>
Upon termination of this First Supplemental Indenture or the Indenture or
the removal or resignation of the Trustee, unless otherwise stated, the Company
shall pay to the Trustee all amounts accrued to the date of such termination,
removal or resignation. Upon termination of the Declaration or the removal or
resignation of the Delaware Trustee or the Institutional Trustee, as the case
may be, pursuant to Section 5.7 of the Declaration, the Company shall pay to the
Delaware Trustee or the Institutional Trustee, as the case may be, all amounts
accrued to the date of such termination, removal or resignation.
SECTION 5.3 Guarantee of Payment of Expenses.
--------------------------------
The Guarantor hereby fully and unconditionally guarantees the due and
punctual payment of all amounts that become due and payable by the Company to
any Person pursuant to Section 5.1 or Section 5.2.
ARTICLE VI
COVENANT TO LIST ON EXCHANGE
SECTION 6.1 Listing on an Exchange.
----------------------
If the Debentures are to be issued as a Global Debenture in connection with
the distribution of the Debentures to the holders of the Preferred Securities
issued by the Trust upon a Dissolution Event, the Company will use its best
efforts to list such Debentures on the New York Stock Exchange or on such other
exchange as the Preferred Securities are then listed.
ARTICLE VII
FORM OF DEBENTURE
SECTION 7.1 Form of Debenture.
-----------------
The Debentures and the Trustee's certificate of authentication to be
endorsed thereon are to be substantially in the following forms:
(FACE OF DEBENTURE)
[IF THE DEBENTURE IS TO BE A GLOBAL DEBENTURE; INSERT-This Debenture
is a Global Debenture within the meaning of the Indenture hereinafter referred
to and is registered in the name of a Depositary or a nominee of a Depositary.
This Debenture is exchangeable for Debentures registered in the name of a person
other than the Depositary or its nominee only in the limited circumstances
described in the Indenture, and no transfer of this
11
<PAGE>
Debenture (other than a transfer of this Debenture as a whole by the Depositary
to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the
Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary) may be registered except in
limited circumstances.
Unless this Debenture is presented by an authorized representative of
The Depository Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York, New York) to the issuer
or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any
Debenture issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name as
requested by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company and
any payment hereon is made to Cede & Co., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE
HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY A PERSON IS WRONGFUL since the registered owner
hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.]
No. _________________ CUSIP No. _______________
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
______% JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST DEBENTURE
DUE ______
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC., a New York corporation (the "Company",
which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter
referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to ____________ or
registered assigns, the principal sum of ________________ Dollars ($_________ )
on ________ __, 20___, and to pay interest on said principal sum from ________
__, 199_, or from the most recent interest payment date (each such date, an
"Interest Payment Date") to which interest has been paid or duly provided for,
quarterly (subject to deferral as set forth herein) in arrears on March 31, June
30, September 30 and December 31 of each year commencing ________ __, 199__, at
the rate of ______% per annum until the principal hereof shall have become due
and payable, and on any overdue principal and premium, if any, and (without
duplication and to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under
applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest at the same rate per
annum compounded quarterly. The amount of interest payable on any Interest
Payment Date shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on this
Debenture is not a Business Day, then payment of interest payable on such date
will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any
interest or other payment in respect of any such delay), except that, if such
Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made
on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and
effect as if made on such date. The interest installment so payable, and
punctually paid or duly
12
<PAGE>
provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture,
be paid to the Person in whose name this Debenture (or one or more Predecessor
Securities, as defined in said Indenture) is registered at the close of business
on the regular record date for such interest installment, which shall be the
close of business on the Business Day next preceding such Interest Payment Date.
[IF PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE THE DEBENTURES ARE NO LONGER
REPRESENTED BY A GLOBAL Debenture -- which shall be the close of business on the
____ Business Day next preceding such Interest Payment Date.] Any such interest
installment not punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be
payable to the registered holders on such regular record date and may be paid to
the Person in whose name this Debenture (or one or more Predecessor Securities)
is registered at the close of business on a special record date to be fixed by
the Trustee for the payment of such defaulted interest, notice whereof shall be
given to the registered holders of this series of Debentures not less than 10
days prior to such special record date, or may be paid at any time in any other
lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange
on which the Debentures may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required
by such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture. The principal of
(and premium, if any) and the interest on this Debenture shall be payable at the
office or agency of the Trustee (or other paying agent appointed by the Company)
maintained for that purpose in any coin or currency of the United States of
America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and
private debts; provided, however, that payment of interest may be made at the
-------- -------
option of the Company by check mailed to the registered holder at such address
as shall appear in the Security Register. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so
long as the holder of this Debenture is the Institutional Trustee, the payment
of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on this Debenture will be
made at such place and to such account as may be designated by the Institutional
Trustee.
The indebtedness evidenced by this Debenture is, to the extent
provided in the Indenture, subordinate and junior in right of payment to the
prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Debenture is issued
subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto. Each holder of
this Debenture, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such
provisions, (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take
such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the
subordination so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his or her attorney-in-
fact for any and all such purposes. Each holder hereof, by his or her
acceptance hereof, hereby waives all notice of the acceptance of the
subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each holder of
Senior Indebtedness, whether now outstanding or
13
<PAGE>
hereafter incurred, and waives reliance by each such holder upon said
provisions.
This Debenture shall not be entitled to any benefit under the
Indenture hereinafter referred to, be valid or become obligatory for any purpose
until the certificate of authentication hereon shall have been signed by or on
behalf of the Trustee.
The provisions of this Debenture are continued on the reverse side
hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect
as though fully set forth at this place.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be
executed.
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
By:
________________________
Name:
Title:
Attest:
By: _________________
Name:
Title:
14
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein referred
to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
Dated ________________
The Bank of New York,
as Trustee
By____________________
Authorized Signatory
[FORM OF GUARANTEE]
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Guarantor"), hereby unconditionally guarantees to the holder
of the Security upon which this Guarantee is endorsed the due and punctual
payment of the principal of, sinking fund payment, if any, premium, if any, or
interest on said Security, when and as the same shall become due and payable,
whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, according to the terms
thereof and of the Indenture referred to therein.
The Guarantor agrees to determine, at least one Business Day prior to the
date upon which a payment of principal of, sinking fund payment, if any,
premium, if any, or interest on said Security is due and payable, whether the
Company has available the funds to make such payment as the same shall become
due and payable. In case of the failure of the Company punctually to pay any
such principal, sinking fund payment, if any, premium, if any, or interest, the
Guarantor hereby agrees to cause any such payment to be made punctually when and
as the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, upon redemption,
or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by the Company.
The Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be
unconditional, irrevocable, and absolute, irrespective of the validity,
regularity, or enforceability of said Security or said Indenture, the absence of
any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by the holder of said
Security with respect to any provisions thereof, the recovery of any judgment
against the Company or any action to enforce the same, or any other circumstance
which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a
guarantor. The Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of
payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of
the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company,
protest or
15
<PAGE>
notice with respect to said Security or indebtedness evidenced thereby, and all
demands whatsoever and covenants that this Guarantee will not be discharged
except by complete performance of the obligations contained in said Security and
in this Guarantee.
The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the holder of said
Security against the Company in respect of any amounts paid by the Guarantor
pursuant to the provisions of this Guarantee; provided, however, that the
Guarantor shall not, without the consent of the holders of all of the Securities
then outstanding, be entitled to enforce or to receive any payments arising out
of or based upon such right of subrogation until the principal of and premium,
if any, and interest on all Securities shall have been paid in full or payment
thereof shall have been provided for in accordance with said Indenture.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if following any
payment of principal or interest by the Company on the Securities to the holders
of the Securities it is determined by a final decision of a court of competent
jurisdiction that such payment shall be avoided by a trustee in bankruptcy
(including any debtor-in-possession) as a preference under 11 U.S.C. Section 547
and such payment is paid by such holder to such trustee in bankruptcy, then and
to the extent of such repayment, the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder
shall remain in full force and effect.
The obligations of the Guarantor under this Guarantee are, to the extent
provided in the Indenture, subordinate and junior in right of payment to the
prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Guarantee is issued
subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto.
Each holder of the Security upon which this Guarantee is endorsed, by
accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions, (b)
authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take such action as
may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the subordination
so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his or her attorney-in-fact for any and
all such purposes. Each holder of the Security upon which this Guarantee is
endorsed, by his or her acceptance thereof, hereby waives all notice of the
acceptance of the subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture
by each holder of Senior Indebtedness, whether now outstanding or hereafter
incurred, and waives reliance by each holder upon said provisions.
This Guarantee shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose with
respect to a Security until the certificate of authentication on such Security
shall have been signed by the Trustee (or the Authentication Agent).
16
<PAGE>
This Guarantee shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.
17
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC. has caused this
Guarantee to be signed in its corporate name by the facsimile signature of two
of its officers thereunto duly authorized and has caused a facsimile of its
corporate seal to be affixed hereunto or imprinted or otherwise reproduced
hereon.
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
______________________________{Seal} _______________________
{Title} {Title}
18
<PAGE>
(REVERSE OF DEBENTURE)
This Debenture is one of a duly authorized series of Debt Securities
of the Company specified in the Indenture, all issued or to be issued in one or
more series under and pursuant to an Indenture dated as of _________ __, 1996,
duly executed and delivered between the Company and The Bank of New York as
Trustee (the "Trustee"), as supplemented by the First Supplemented Indenture
dated as of ________ __, 1996, between the Company and the Trustee (the
Indenture as so supplemented, the "Indenture"), to which Indenture and all
indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a description of
the rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder
of the Trustee, the Company and the holders of the series of Debt Securities
(referred to herein as the "Debentures") of which this Debenture is a part. By
the terms of the Indenture, the Debt Securities are issuable in series that may
vary as to amount, date of maturity, rate of interest and in other respects as
provided in the Indenture. This series of Debentures is limited in aggregate
principal amount as specified in said First Supplemental Indenture.
Because of the occurrence and continuation of a Tax Event, in certain
circumstances, this Debenture may become due and payable at the principal amount
together with any interest accrued thereon (the "Redemption Price"). The
Redemption Price shall be paid prior to 12:00 noon, New York time, on the date
of such redemption or at such earlier time as the Company determines. The
Company shall have the right to redeem this Debenture at the option of the
Company, without premium or penalty, in whole or in part at any time on or after
______ __, ____ (an "Optional Redemption"), or at any time in certain
circumstances upon the occurrence of a Tax Event, at a redemption price equal to
100% of the principal amount plus any accrued but unpaid interest, to the date
of such redemption (the "Optional Redemption Price"). Any redemption pursuant
to this paragraph will be made upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days
notice, at the Optional Redemption Price. If the Debentures are only partially
redeemed by the Company pursuant to an Optional Redemption, the Debentures will
be redeemed pro rata or by lot or by any other method utilized by the Trustee;
--- ----
provided that if, at the time of redemption, the Debentures are registered as a
Global Debenture, the Depositary shall determine the principal amount of such
Debentures held by each Debentureholder to be redeemed in accordance with its
procedures.
In the event of redemption of this Debenture in part only, a new
Debenture or Debentures of this series for the unredeemed portion hereof will be
issued in the name of the holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.
19
<PAGE>
In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall have
occurred and be continuing, the principal of all of the Debentures may be
declared, and upon such declaration shall become, due and payable, in the
manner, with the effect and subject to the conditions provided in the Indenture.
The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the
Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of each series affected at the
time outstanding, as specified in the Indenture, to execute supplemental
indentures for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner
or eliminating any of the provisions of the Indenture or of any supplemental
indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the holders of the Debt
Securities; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall (i)
among other things, extend the fixed maturity of any Debt Securities of any
series, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the
time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the
redemption thereof, without the consent of the holder of each Debt Security so
affected, or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Debt Securities, the
holders of which are required to consent to any such supplemental indenture,
without the consent of the holder of each Debt Security then outstanding and
affected thereby. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series
at the time outstanding affected thereby, on behalf of all of the holders of the
Debt Securities of such series, to waive any past default in the performance of
any of the covenants contained in the Indenture, or established pursuant to the
Indenture with respect to such series, and its consequences, except a default in
the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any of the
Debt Securities of such series. Any such consent or waiver by the registered
holder of this Debenture (unless revoked as provided in the Indenture) shall be
conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all future holders and owners
of this Debenture and of any Debenture issued in exchange herefor or in place
hereof (whether by registration of transfer or otherwise), irrespective of
whether or not any notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this
Debenture.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this
Debenture or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the
Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and
premium, if any, and interest on this Debenture at the time and place and at the
rate and in the money herein prescribed.
The Company shall have the right at any time during the term of the
Debentures and from time to time to extend the interest
20
<PAGE>
payment period of the Debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarters (each, an
"Extended Interest Payment Period"), following the end of which period the
Company shall pay on the next Interest Payment Date all interest then accrued
and unpaid (together with interest thereon at the rate specified for the
Debentures to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under
applicable law); provided that no Extended Interest Payment Period may last
-------- ----
beyond the Maturity Date. Before the termination of any such Extended Interest
Payment Period, the Company may further extend such Extended Interest Payment
Period, provided that such Extended Interest Payment Period together with all
such further extensions thereof shall not exceed 20 consecutive quarters or
extend beyond the Maturity Date. At the termination of any such Extended
Interest Payment Period and upon the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest
and any additional amounts then due, the Company may commence a new Extended
Interest Payment Period.
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations
therein set forth, this Debenture is transferable by the registered holder
hereof on the Security Register of the Company, upon surrender of this Debenture
for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Trustee in the City
and State of New York accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Company or the Trustee duly executed by the
registered holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and
thereupon one or more new Debentures of authorized denominations and for the
same aggregate principal amount and series will be issued to the designated
transferee or transferees. No service charge will be made for any such
transfer, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any
tax or other governmental charge payable in relation thereto.
Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of this
Debenture, the Company, the Trustee, any paying agent and the Security registrar
may deem and treat the registered holder hereof as the absolute owner hereof
(whether or not this Debenture shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notice
of ownership or writing hereon made by anyone other than the Security registrar)
for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal hereof
and premium, if any, and interest due hereon and for all other purposes, and
neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any paying agent nor any Security
registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or the
interest on this Debenture, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in
respect hereof, or based on or in respect of the Indenture, against any
incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, past, present or future, as
such, of the Company or of
21
<PAGE>
any predecessor or successor corporation, whether by virtue of any constitution,
statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or
otherwise, all such liability being, by the acceptance hereof and as part of the
consideration for the issuance hereof, expressly waived and released.
[The Debentures of this series are issuable only in registered form
without coupons in denominations of $25 and any integral multiple thereof.]
[This Global Debenture is exchangeable for Debentures in definitive form only
under certain limited circumstances set forth in the Indenture. Debentures of
this series so issued are issuable only in registered form without coupons in
denominations of $25 and any integral multiple thereof.] As provided in the
Indenture and subject to certain limitations [herein and] therein set forth,
Debentures of this series [so issued] are exchangeable for a like aggregate
principal amount of Debentures of this series of a different authorized
denomination, as requested by the holder surrendering the same. All terms used
in this Debenture that are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings
assigned to them in the Indenture.
THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN THE INDENTURE
AND THE DEBENTURES WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
22
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VIII
ORIGINAL ISSUE OF DEBENTURES
SECTION 8.1 Original Issue of Debentures.
----------------------------
Debentures in the aggregate principal amount of $___________ (or up to
$__________ if the over-allotment option for Preferred Securities is exercised)
may, upon execution of this First Supplemental Indenture, be executed by the
Company and delivered to the Trustee for authentication, and the Trustee shall
thereupon authenticate and deliver said Debentures to or upon the written order
of the Company, signed by its Chairman, its President, any Managing Director or
any Vice President and its Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, without any
further action by the Company.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.1 Ratification of Indenture.
-------------------------
The Indenture, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, is in
all respects ratified and confirmed, and this First Supplemental Indenture shall
be deemed part of the Indenture in the manner and to the extent herein and
therein provided.
SECTION 9.2 Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals.
------------------------------------
The recitals herein contained are made by the Company and the Guarantor and
not by the Trustee, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the
correctness thereof. The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or
sufficiency of this First Supplemental Indenture.
SECTION 9.3 Governing Law.
-------------
This First Supplemental Indenture and each Debenture shall be deemed to be
a contract made under the internal laws of the State of New York, and for all
purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of said State without
regard to conflict of laws principles thereof.
SECTION 9.4 Separability.
------------
In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this First
Supplemental Indenture or in the Debentures shall for any reason be held to be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this First
Supplemental Indenture or of the Debentures, but this First Supplemental
Indenture and the
23
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Debentures shall be construed as if such invalid or illegal or unenforceable
provision had never been contained herein or therein.
SECTION 9.5 Counterparts.
------------
This First Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of
counterparts each of which shall be an original; but such counterparts shall
together constitute but one and the same instrument.
24
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this First Supplemental
Indenture to be duly executed, and their respective corporate seals to be
hereunto affixed and attested, on the date or dates indicated in the
acknowledgements and as of the day and year first above written.
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
By: ___________________________
Name:
Title:
[Seal]
Attest:______________________
Title:
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
By: ___________________________
Name:
Title:
Attest:______________________
Title:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
as Trustee
By: ___________________________
Name:
Title:
Attest:______________________
Title:
25
<PAGE>
B&W Draft: 10/10/96
====================================
PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
Countrywide Capital I
Dated as of ______, 1996
=====================================
<PAGE>
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE/*/
Section of Trust Indenture Section of Guarantee
Act of 1939, as amended Agreement
- -------------------------- --------------------
310(a) ................................................................. 4.1(a)
310(b) ................................................................. 4.1(c)
310(c) ........................................................... Inapplicable
311(a) ................................................................. 2.2(a)
311(b) ................................................................. 2.2(b)
311(c) ........................................................... Inapplicable
312(a) ................................................................. 2.2(a)
312(b) ................................................................. 2.2(b)
313 .................................................................... 2.3
314(a) ................................................................. 2.4
314(b) ........................................................... Inapplicable
314(c) ................................................................. 2.5
314(d) ........................................................... Inapplicable
314(f) ........................................................... Inapplicable
315(a) ................................................................. 3.1(b)
315(b) ................................................................. 2.7
315(c) ................................................................. 3.1(a)
315(d) ................................................................. 3.1(a)
316(a) ............................................................ 5.4(a), 2.6
_____________
/*/ This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Declaration and
shall not affect the interpretation of any of its terms or provisions.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
Page
----
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
SECTION 1.1 Definitions and Interpretation .................................. 2
ARTICLE II
TRUST INDENTURE ACT
SECTION 2.1 Trust Indenture Act; Application ................................ 5
SECTION 2.2 Lists of Holders of Securities .................................. 5
SECTION 2.3 Reports by the Preferred Guarantee Trustee ...................... 6
SECTION 2.4 Periodic Reports to Preferred Guarantee
Trustee ......................................................... 6
SECTION 2.5 Evidence of Compliance with Conditions
Precedent ....................................................... 6
SECTION 2.6 Events of Default; Waiver ....................................... 6
SECTION 2.7 Events of Default; Notice ....................................... 6
SECTION 2.8 Conflicting Interests ........................................... 7
ARTICLE III
POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF
PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
SECTION 3.1 Powers and Duties of the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee ......................................................... 7
SECTION 3.2 Certain Rights of Preferred Guarantee Trustee ................... 9
SECTION 3.3 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of
Preferred Securities Guarantee .................................. 12
ARTICLE IV
PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
SECTION 4.1 Preferred Guarantee Trustee; Eligibility ........................ 12
SECTION 4.2 Appointment, Removal and Resignation of
Preferred Guarantee Trustee ..................................... 13
ARTICLE V
GUARANTEE
SECTION 5.1 Guarantee ....................................................... 14
SECTION 5.2 Waiver of Notice and Demand ..................................... 14
SECTION 5.3 Obligations Not Affected ........................................ 14
SECTION 5.4 Rights of Holders ............................................... 15
SECTION 5.5 Guarantee of Payment ............................................ 16
SECTION 5.6 Subrogation ..................................................... 16
SECTION 5.7 Independent Obligations ......................................... 16
ARTICLE VI
i
<PAGE>
LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; SUBORDINATION
SECTION 6.1 Limitation of Transactions.................................... 16
SECTION 6.2 Ranking....................................................... 17
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
SECTION 7.1 Termination................................................... 17
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 8.1 Exculpation................................................... 18
SECTION 8.2 Indemnification............................................... 18
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.1 Successors and Assigns........................................ 18
SECTION 9.2 Amendments.................................................... 19
SECTION 9.3 Notices....................................................... 19
SECTION 9.4 Benefit....................................................... 20
SECTION 9.5 Governing Law................................................. 20
ii
<PAGE>
PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
This GUARANTEE AGREEMENT (the "Preferred Securities Guarantee"), dated
as of ______, 1996, is executed and delivered by Countrywide Credit Industries,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Guarantor"), and The Bank of New York, a New
York banking corporation, as trustee (the "Preferred Guarantee Trustee"), for
the benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) from time to time of the
Preferred Securities (as defined herein) of Countrywide Capital I, a Delaware
statutory business trust (the "Issuer").
WHEREAS, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the
"Declaration"), dated as of ______, 1996, among the trustees of the Issuer named
therein, the Guarantor, as sponsor, and the holders from time to time of
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Issuer, the Issuer is
issuing on the date hereof up to __________ preferred securities, having an
aggregate liquidation amount of up to $___________, designated the ____%
Cumulative Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the "Preferred Securities");
WHEREAS, as incentive for the Holders to purchase the Preferred
Securities, the Guarantor desires irrevocably and unconditionally to agree, to
the extent set forth in this Preferred Securities Guarantee, to pay to the
Holders of the Preferred Securities the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein)
and to make certain other payments on the terms and conditions set forth herein;
and
WHEREAS, the Guarantor is also executing and delivering a guarantee
agreement (the "Common Securities Guarantee") in substantially identical terms
to this Preferred Securities Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the
Common Securities (as defined in the Declaration), except that if an Event of
Default (as defined in the Declaration), has occurred and is continuing, the
rights of holders of the Common Securities to receive Guarantee Payments under
the Common Securities Guarantee are subordinated to the rights of Holders of
Preferred Securities to receive Guarantee Payments under this Preferred
Securities Guarantee.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase by each Holder of
Preferred Securities, which purchase the Guarantor hereby agrees shall benefit
the Guarantor, the Guarantor executes and delivers this Preferred Securities
Guarantee for the benefit of the Holders.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
SECTION 1.1 Definitions and Interpretation
------------------------------
In this Preferred Securities Guarantee, unless the context otherwise
requires:
(a) capitalized terms used in this Preferred Securities Guarantee but
not defined in the preamble above have the respective meanings
assigned to them in this Section 1.1;
(b) a term defined anywhere in this Preferred Securities Guarantee
has the same meaning throughout;
(c) all references to "the Preferred Securities Guarantee" or "this
Preferred Securities Guarantee" are to this Preferred Securities
Guarantee as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time;
(d) all references in this Preferred Securities Guarantee to Articles
and Sections are to Articles and Sections of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee, unless otherwise specified;
(e) terms defined in the Declaration as at the date of execution of
this Preferred Securities Guarantee or in the Trust Indenture
Act, as the case may be, have the same meanings when used in this
Preferred Securities Guarantee, unless otherwise defined in this
Preferred Securities Guarantee or unless the context otherwise
requires; and
(f) a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa.
"Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Preferred Guarantee
----------------------
Trustee at which the corporate trust business of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee
shall, at any particular time, be principally administered, which office at the
date of execution of this Agreement is located at 101 Barclay Street, 21 West,
New York, New York 10286.
"Covered Person" means any Holder or beneficial owner of Preferred
--------------
Securities.
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"Debentures" means the series of junior subordinated debt securities
----------
of the Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. designated the "____% Junior Subordinated
Deferrable Interest Debentures due ______, ____" held by the Institutional
Trustee (as defined in the Declaration) of the Issuer.
"Event or Default" means a default by the Guarantor on any of its
----------------
payment or other obligations under this Preferred Securities Guarantee.
"Guarantee Payments" means the following payments or distributions,
------------------
without duplication, with respect to the Preferred Securities, to the extent not
paid or made by the Issuer: (i) any accrued and unpaid Distributions (as defined
in the Declaration) that are required to be paid on such Preferred Securities to
the extent the Issuer shall have funds available therefor, (ii) the redemption
price, including all accrued and unpaid Distributions to the date of redemption
(the "Redemption Price") to the extent the Issuer has funds available therefor,
with respect to any Preferred Securities called for redemption by the Issuer,
and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination
of the Issuer (other than in connection with the distribution of Debentures to
the Holders in exchange for Preferred Securities as provided in the
Declaration), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation amount and all
accrued and unpaid Distributions on the Preferred Securities to the date of
payment, to the extent the Issuer shall have funds available therefor, and (b)
the amount of assets of the Issuer remaining available for distribution to
Holders in liquidation of the Issuer (in either case, the "Liquidation
Distribution"). If an Indenture Event of Default (as defined in the
Declaration) has occurred and is continuing, the rights of holders of the Common
Securities to receive payments under the Common Securities Guarantee are
subordinated to the rights of Holders of Preferred Securities to receive
Guarantee Payments.
"Holder" shall mean any holder, as registered on the books and records
------
of the Issuer, of any Preferred Securities; provided, however, that, in
determining whether the holders of the requisite percentage of Preferred
Securities have given any request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, "Holder"
shall not include the Guarantor or any Affiliate of the Guarantor.
"Indemnified Person" means the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, any
------------------
Affiliate of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, or any officers, directors,
shareholders, members, partners, employees, representatives, nominees,
custodians or agents of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee.
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"Majority in liquidation amount of the Securities" means, except as
------------------------------------------------
provided by the Trust Indenture Act, a vote by Holder(s) of Preferred
Securities, voting separately as a class, of more than 50% of the aggregate
liquidation amount (including the stated amount that would be paid on
redemption, liquidation or otherwise, plus accrued and unpaid Distributions to
the date upon which the voting percentages are determined) of all Preferred
Securities.
"Officers' Certificate" means, with respect to any Person, a
----------------------
certificate signed by two Authorized Officers of such Person. Any Officers'
Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant
provided for in this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall include:
(a) a statement that each officer signing the Officers' Certificate
has read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto;
(b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or
investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the Officers'
Certificate;
(c) a statement that each such officer has made such examination or
investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is necessary to enable such
officer to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant
or condition has been complied with; and
(d) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such officer,
such condition or covenant has been complied with.
"Person" means a legal person, including any individual, corporation,
------
estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, limited
liability company, trust, unincorporated association, or government or any
agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever nature.
"Preferred Guarantee Trustee" means The Bank of New York, a New York
---------------------------
banking corporation, until a Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee has been
appointed and has accepted such appointment pursuant to the terms of this
Preferred Securities Guarantee and thereafter means each such Successor
Preferred Guarantee Trustee.
"Responsible Officer" means, with respect to the Preferred Guarantee
-------------------
Trustee, any officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee, including any
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vice president, any assistant vice president, any assistant secretary, the
treasurer, any assistant treasurer or other officer of the Corporate Trust
Office of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee customarily performing functions
similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also
means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to
whom such matter is referred because of that officer's knowledge of and
familiarity with the particular subject.
"Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee" means a successor Preferred
-------------------------------------
Guarantee Trustee possessing the qualifications to act as Preferred Guarantee
Trustee under Section 4.1.
"Trust Securities" means the Common Securities and the Preferred
----------------
Securities.
ARTICLE II
TRUST INDENTURE ACT
SECTION 2.1 Trust Indenture Act; Application
--------------------------------
(a) This Preferred Securities Guarantee is subject to the provisions
of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such
provisions; and
(b) if and to the extent that any provision of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by
Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties
shall control.
SECTION 2.2 Lists of Holders of Securities
------------------------------
(a) The Guarantor shall provide the Preferred Guarantee Trustee with
a list, in such form as the Preferred Guarantee Trustee may reasonably require,
of the names and addresses of the Holders of the Preferred Securities ("List of
Holders") as of such date, (i) within 1 Business Day after January 1 and June 30
of each year, and (ii) at any other time within 30 days of receipt by the
Guarantor of a written request for a List of Holders as of a date no more than
14 days before such List of Holders is given to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee,
provided that the Guarantor shall not be obligated to provide such List of
- --------
Holders at any time the List of Holders does not differ from the most recent
List of Holders given to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee by the Guarantor. The
Preferred Guarantee Trustee may destroy any List of Holders previously given to
it on receipt of a new List of Holders.
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(b) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall comply with its obligations
under Sections 311(a), 311(b) and Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.3 Reports by the Preferred Guarantee Trustee
------------------------------------------
Within 60 days after May 15 of each year, the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee shall provide to the Holders of the Preferred Securities such reports as
are required by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act, if any, in the form and
in the manner provided by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act. The Preferred
Guarantee Trustee shall also comply with the requirements of Section 313 (d) of
the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.4 Periodic Reports to Preferred Guarantee Trustee
-----------------------------------------------
The Guarantor shall provide to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee such
documents, reports and information as required by Section 314 (if any) and the
compliance certificate required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act in the
form, in the manner and at the times required by Section 314 of the Trust
Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.5 Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent
------------------------------------------------
The Guarantor shall provide to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee such
evidence of compliance with any conditions precedent provided for in this
Preferred Securities Guarantee that relate to any of the matters set forth in
Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion required
to be given by an officer pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) may be given in the form
of an Officers' Certificate.
SECTION 2.6 Events of Default; Waiver
-------------------------
The Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of Preferred
Securities may, by vote or consent, on behalf of the Holders of all of the
Preferred Securities, waive any past Event of Default and its consequences.
Upon such waiver, any such Event of Default shall cease to exist, and shall be
deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Preferred Securities
Guarantee, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or
Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 2.7 Events of Default; Notice
-------------------------
(a) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall, within 90 days after the
occurrence of an Event of Default, transmit by mail, first class postage
prepaid, to the Holders of the
6
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Preferred Securities, notices of all Events of Default actually known to a
Responsible Officer of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, unless such defaults
have been cured before the giving of such notice, provided, however, that the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and
so long as a Responsible Officer of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee in good
faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the
Holders of the Preferred Securities.
(b) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not be deemed to have
knowledge of any Event of Default unless the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall
have received written notice, or a Responsible Officer of the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee charged with the administration of this Preferred Securities
Guarantee shall have obtained actual knowledge, thereof.
SECTION 2.8 Conflicting Interests
---------------------
The Indenture, the Debt Securities (as defined therein) issued or to
be issued thereunder, the Declaration, the Trust Securities issued or to be
issued thereunder and the Preferred Securities Guarantees and Common Securities
Guarantees in connection therewith shall be deemed to be specifically described
in this Preferred Securities Guarantee for the purposes of clause (i) of the
proviso contained in Section 310(b)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act.
ARTICLE III
POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF
PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
SECTION 3.1 Powers and Duties of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee
----------------------------------------------------
(a) This Preferred Securities Guarantee shall be held by the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Preferred
Securities, and the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not transfer this
Preferred Securities Guarantee to any Person except a Holder of Preferred
Securities exercising his or her rights pursuant to Section 5.4 (b) or to a
Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee on acceptance by such Successor Preferred
Guarantee Trustee of its appointment to act as Successor Preferred Guarantee
Trustee. The right, title and interest of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall
automatically vest in any Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee, and such
vesting and cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing
documents have been executed and delivered pursuant to the appointment of such
Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee.
7
<PAGE>
(b) If an Event of Default actually known to a Responsible Officer of
the Preferred Guarantee Trustee has occurred and is continuing, the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee shall enforce this Preferred Securities Guarantee for the
benefit of the Holders of the Preferred Securities.
(c) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee, before the occurrence of any
Event of Default and after the curing of all Events of Default that may have
occurred, shall undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set
forth in this Preferred Securities Guarantee, and no implied covenants shall be
read into this Preferred Securities Guarantee against the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee. In case an Event of Default has occurred (that has not been cured or
waived pursuant to Section 2.6) and is actually known to a Responsible Officer
of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall
exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Preferred Securities
Guarantee, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof, as
a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of
his or her own affairs.
(d) No provision of this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall be
construed to relieve the Preferred Guarantee Trustee from liability for its own
negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful
misconduct, except that:
(i) prior to the occurrence of any Event of Default and after the
curing or waiving of all such Events of Default that may have occurred:
(A) the duties and obligations of the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this
Preferred Securities Guarantee, and the Preferred Guarantee Trustee
shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and
obligations as are specifically set forth in this Preferred Securities
Guarantee, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into
this Preferred Securities Guarantee against the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee; and
(B) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee may conclusively
rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the
opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions
furnished to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee and conforming to the
requirements of this Preferred
8
<PAGE>
Securities Guarantee; but in the case of any such certificates or
opinions that by any provision hereof are specifically required to be
furnished to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether
or not they conform to the requirements of this Preferred Securities
Guarantee;
(ii) the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable for any
error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts upon
which such judgment was made;
(iii) the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable with
respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in
accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a Majority in
liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities relating to the time, method
and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred
upon the Preferred Guarantee Trustee under this Preferred Securities
Guarantee; and
(iv) no provision of this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall
require the Preferred Guarantee Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or
otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of
its duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall have reasonable grounds for believing
that the repayment of such funds is not reasonably assured to it under the
terms of this Preferred Securities Guarantee or indemnity, reasonably
satisfactory to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, against such risk or
liability is not reasonably assured to it.
SECTION 3.2 Certain Rights of Preferred Guarantee Trustee
---------------------------------------------
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 3.1:
(i) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee may conclusively rely, and shall
be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon, any
resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice,
request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence
of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and
to have been signed, sent or presented by the proper party or parties.
9
<PAGE>
(ii) Any direction or act of the Guarantor contemplated by this
Preferred Securities Guarantee shall be sufficiently evidenced by an
Officers' Certificate.
(iii) Whenever, in the administration of this Preferred Securities
Guarantee, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable that a
matter be proved or established before taking, suffering or omitting any
action hereunder, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee (unless other evidence is
herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its
part, request and conclusively rely upon an Officers' Certificate which,
upon receipt of such request, shall be promptly delivered by the Guarantor.
(iv) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall have no duty to see to any
recording, filing or registration of any instrument (or any rerecording,
refiling or registration thereof).
(v) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee may consult with counsel of its
selection, and the advice or opinion of such counsel with respect to legal
matters shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect
of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and
in accordance with such advice or opinion. Such counsel may be counsel to
the Guarantor or any of its Affiliates and may include any of its
employees. The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall have the right at any
time to seek instructions concerning the administration of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee from any court of competent jurisdiction.
(vi) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall be under no obligation to
exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Preferred
Securities Guarantee at the request or direction of any Holder, unless such
Holder shall have provided to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee such security
and indemnity, reasonably satisfactory to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee,
against the costs, expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses and the
expenses of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee's agents, nominees or
custodians) and liabilities that might be incurred by it in complying with
such request or direction, including such reasonable advances as may be
requested by the Preferred Guarantee Trustee; provided, however, that
nothing contained in this Section 3.2(a) (vi) shall be taken to relieve the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, of
its obligation to exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this
Preferred Securities Guarantee.
10
<PAGE>
(vii) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not be bound to make any
investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution,
certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of
indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation
into such facts or matters as it may see fit.
(viii) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee may execute any of the trusts
or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by
or through agents, nominees, custodians or attorneys, and the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence
on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it
hereunder.
(ix) Any action taken by the Preferred Guarantee Trustee or its
agents hereunder shall bind the Holders of the Preferred Securities, and
the signature of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee or its agents alone shall
be sufficient and effective to perform any such action. No third party
shall be required to inquire as to the authority of the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee to so act or as to its compliance with any of the terms and
provisions of this Preferred Securities Guarantee, both of which shall be
conclusively evidenced by the Preferred Guarantee Trustee's or its agent's
taking such action.
(x) Whenever in the administration of this Preferred Securities
Guarantee the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable to
receive instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or
taking any other action hereunder, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee (i) may
request instructions from the Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount
of the Preferred Securities, (ii) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or
right or taking such other action until such instructions are received, and
(iii) shall be protected in conclusively relying on or acting in accordance
with such instructions.
(xi) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable for any
action taken, suffered, or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and
reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or
rights or powers conferred upon it by this Preferred Securities Guarantee.
(b) No provision of this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall be
deemed to impose any duty or obligation on the
11
<PAGE>
Preferred Guarantee Trustee to perform any act or acts or exercise any right,
power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it, in any jurisdiction in
which it shall be illegal or in which the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall be
unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law to perform any such
act or acts or to exercise any such right, power, duty or obligation. No
permissive power or authority available to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall
be construed to be a duty.
SECTION 3.3 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of
-------------------------------------------
Preferred Securities Guarantee
------------------------------
The recitals contained in this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall be
taken as the statements of the Guarantor, and the Preferred Guarantee Trustee
does not assume any responsibility for their correctness. The Preferred
Guarantee Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of
this Preferred Securities Guarantee.
ARTICLE IV
PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
SECTION 4.1 Preferred Guarantee Trustee; Eligibility
----------------------------------------
(a) There shall at all times be a Preferred Guarantee Trustee which
shall:
(i) not be an Affiliate of the Guarantor; and
(ii) be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of
the United States of America or any State or Territory thereof or of the
District of Columbia, or a corporation or Person permitted by the
Securities and Exchange Commission to act as an institutional trustee under
the Trust Indenture Act, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate
trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least 50 million
U.S. dollars ($50,000,000), and subject to supervision or examination by
Federal, State, Territorial or District of Columbia authority. If such
corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to
law or to the requirements of the supervising or examining authority
referred to above, then, for the purposes of this Section 4.1(a) (ii), the
combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its
combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of
condition so published.
(b) If at any time the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall cease to be
eligible to so act under Section 4.1(a), the
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<PAGE>
Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall immediately resign in the manner and with the
effect set out in Section 4.2(c).
(c) If the Preferred Guarantee Trustee has or shall acquire any
"conflicting interest" within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust
Indenture Act, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee and Guarantor shall in all
respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture
Act.
SECTION 4.2 Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Preferred
-------------------------------------------------
Guarantee Trustee
-----------------
(a) Subject to Section 4.2(b), the Preferred Guarantee Trustee may be
appointed or removed without cause at any time by the Guarantor except during an
Event of Default.
(b) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not be removed in
accordance with Section 4.2(a) until a Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee has
been appointed and has accepted such appointment by written instrument executed
by such Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor.
(c) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee appointed to office shall hold
office until a Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed
or until its removal or resignation. The Preferred Guarantee Trustee may resign
from office (without need for prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument
in writing executed by the Preferred Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the
Guarantor, which resignation shall not take effect until a Successor Preferred
Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by an
instrument in writing executed by such Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee and
delivered to the Guarantor and the resigning Preferred Guarantee Trustee.
(d) If no Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall have been
appointed and accepted appointment as provided in this Section 4.2 within 60
days after delivery of an instrument of removal or resignation, the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee resigning or being removed may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for appointment of a Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee. Such
court may thereupon, after prescribing such notice, if any, as it may deem
proper, appoint a Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee.
(e) No Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall be liable for the acts or
omissions to act of any Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee.
(f) Upon termination of this Preferred Securities Guarantee or
removal or resignation of the Preferred Guarantee
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<PAGE>
Trustee pursuant to this Section 4.2, the Guarantor shall pay to the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee all amounts accrued to the date of such termination, removal
or resignation.
ARTICLE V
GUARANTEE
SECTION 5.1 Guarantee
---------
The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to pay in full to
the Holders the Guarantee Payments (without duplication of amounts theretofore
paid by the Issuer), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-
off or counterclaim that the Issuer may have or assert. The Guarantor's
obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the
required amounts by the Guarantor to the Holders or by causing the Issuer to pay
such amounts to the Holders.
SECTION 5.2 Waiver of Notice and Demand
---------------------------
The Guarantor hereby waives notice of acceptance of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee and of any liability to which it applies or may apply,
presentment, demand for payment, any right to require a proceeding first against
the Issuer or any other Person before proceeding against the Guarantor, protest,
notice of nonpayment, notice of dishonor, notice of redemption and all other
notices and demands.
SECTION 5.3 Obligations Not Affected
------------------------
The obligations, covenants, agreements and duties of the Guarantor
under this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall in no way be affected or
impaired by reason of the happening from time to time of any of the following:
(a) the release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the
performance or observance by the Issuer of any express or implied agreement,
covenant, term or condition relating to the Preferred Securities to be performed
or observed by the Issuer;
(b) the extension of time for the payment by the Issuer of all or any
portion of the Distributions, Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or any
other sums payable under the terms of the Preferred Securities or the extension
of time for the performance of any other obligation under, arising out of, or in
connection with, the Preferred Securities (other than an extension of time for
payment of Distributions, Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or other
sum payable that results from the extension of any interest payment period on
the
14
<PAGE>
Debentures or any extension of the maturity date of the Debentures permitted by
the Indenture);
(c) any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of
the Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy
conferred on the Holders pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Securities, or
any action on the part of the Issuer granting indulgence or extension of any
kind;
(d) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of
any collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit
of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of debt
of, or other similar proceedings affecting, the Issuer or any of the assets of
the Issuer;
(e) any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Preferred
Securities;
(f) the settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby
or hereby incurred; or
(g) any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute
a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor, it being the intent of
this Section 5.3 that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall be
absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances.
There shall be no obligation of the Holders to give notice to, or
obtain consent of, the Guarantor with respect to the happening of any of the
foregoing.
SECTION 5.4 Rights of Holders
-----------------
(a) The Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred
Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting of
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee in
respect of this Preferred Securities Guarantee or exercising any trust or power
conferred upon the Preferred Guarantee Trustee under this Preferred Securities
Guarantee.
(b) If the Preferred Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce this
Preferred Securities Guarantee, any Holder of Preferred Securities may, after
such Holder's written request to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee to pursue its
remedies under this Preferred Securities Guarantee and any failure by the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee to do so, institute a legal proceeding directly
against the Guarantor to enforce the Preferred Guarantee
15
<PAGE>
Trustee's rights under this Preferred Securities Guarantee, without first
instituting a legal proceeding against the Issuer, the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee or any other Person. The Guarantor waives any right or remedy to
require that any such action be brought first against the Issuer or any other
Person before so proceeding directly against the Guarantor.
SECTION 5.5 Guarantee of Payment
--------------------
This Preferred Securities Guarantee creates a guarantee of payment and
not of collection.
SECTION 5.6 Subrogation
-----------
The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all (if any) rights of the
Holders of Preferred Securities against the Issuer in respect of any amounts
paid to such Holders by the Guarantor under this Preferred Securities Guarantee;
provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not (except to the extent required
by mandatory provisions of law) be entitled to enforce or exercise any right
that it may acquire by way of subrogation or any indemnity, reimbursement or
other agreement, in all cases as a result of payment under this Preferred
Securities Guarantee, if, after giving effect to any such payment, any amounts
are due and unpaid under this Preferred Securities Guarantee. If any amount
shall be paid to the Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence, the
Guarantor agrees to hold such amount in trust for the Holders and to pay over
such amount to the Holders.
SECTION 5.7 Independent Obligations
-----------------------
The Guarantor acknowledges that its obligations hereunder are
independent of the obligations of the Issuer with respect to the Preferred
Securities and that the Guarantor shall be liable as principal and as debtor
hereunder to make Guarantee Payments pursuant to the terms of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee notwithstanding the occurrence of any event referred to in
subsections (a) through (g), inclusive, of Section 5.3 hereof.
ARTICLE VI
LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; SUBORDINATION
SECTION 6.1 Limitation of Transactions
--------------------------
So long as any Preferred Securities remain outstanding, if (i) the
Guarantor shall be in default with respect to its Guarantee Payments or other
obligations hereunder, or (ii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an
Event of Default or an event of default under the Declaration, then (a) the
Guarantor shall not, and shall cause the Debenture Issuer to not, declare
16
<PAGE>
or pay any dividend on, make any distributions with respect to, or redeem,
purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its
capital stock (other than (i) purchases or acquisitions of shares of the
Company's or the Guarantor's capital stock in connection with the satisfaction
by the Debenture Issuer or the Guarantor, respectively, of their obligations
under any employee benefit plans, (ii) as a result of a reclassification of the
Debenture Issuer's or the Guarantor's capital stock or the exchange or
conversion of one class or series of the Debenture Issuer's or the Guarantor's
capital stock for another class or series of the Debenture Issuer's or the
Guarantor's capital stock, or in any such case, any rights to acquire any such
stock, in such cases where a pre-existing right to acquire such stock exists,
(iii) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of the Debenture Issuer's
or the Guarantor's capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange
provisions of such capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged or
(iv) dividends or distributions made on the Debenture Issuer's or the
Guarantor's capital stock or rights to acquire such stock with the Debenture
Issuer's or the Guarantor's capital stock or rights to acquire such stock) or
make any guarantee payments with respect to the foregoing and (b) the Guarantor
shall not, and shall cause the Debenture Issuer to not, make any payment of
interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any
debt securities (including guarantees) issued by the Guarantor or the Debenture
Issuer which rank pari passu with or junior to the Debentures.
SECTION 6.2 Ranking
-------
This Preferred Securities Guarantee will constitute an unsecured
obligation of the Guarantor and will rank (i) subordinate and junior in right of
payment to all other liabilities of the Guarantor, (ii) pari passu with the most
senior preferred or preference stock now or hereafter issued by the Guarantor
and with any guarantee now or hereafter entered into by the Guarantor in respect
of any preferred or preference stock of any Affiliate of the Guarantor, and
(iii) senior to the Guarantor's common stock.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
SECTION 7.1 Termination
-----------
This Preferred Securities Guarantee shall terminate upon (i) full
payment of the Redemption Price of all Preferred Securities, (ii) upon the
distribution of the Debentures to the Holders of all of the Preferred Securities
or (iii) upon full payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the
Declaration
17
<PAGE>
upon liquidation of the Issuer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Preferred
Securities Guarantee will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the
case may be, if at any time any Holder of Preferred Securities must restore
payment of any sums paid under the Preferred Securities or under this Preferred
Securities Guarantee.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 8.1 Exculpation
-----------
(a) No Indemnified Person shall be liable, responsible or accountable
in damages or otherwise to the Guarantor or any Covered Person for any loss,
damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted
by such Indemnified Person in good faith in accordance with this Preferred
Securities Guarantee and in a manner that such Indemnified Person reasonably
believed to be within the scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified
Person by this Preferred Securities Guarantee or by law, except that an
Indemnified Person shall be liable for any such loss, damage or claim incurred
by reason of such Indemnified Person's negligence or willful misconduct with
respect to such acts or omissions.
(b) An Indemnified Person shall be fully protected in relying in good
faith upon the records of the Trust or the Guarantor and upon such information,
opinions, reports or statements presented to the Trust or the Guarantor by any
Person as to matters the Indemnified Person reasonably believes are within such
other Person's professional or expert competence and who has been selected with
reasonable care by or on behalf of the Trust or the Guarantor, including
information, opinions, reports or statements as to the value and amount of the
assets, liabilities, profits, losses, or any other facts pertinent to the
existence and amount of assets from which Distributions to Holders of Preferred
Securities might properly be paid.
SECTION 8.2 Indemnification
---------------
The Guarantor agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person for, and to
hold each Indemnified Person harmless against, any and all loss, liability,
damage, claim or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part,
arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the
trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses (including
reasonable legal fees and expenses) of defending itself against, or
investigating, any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or
performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. The obligation to
indemnify as set forth in this Section 8.2
18
<PAGE>
shall survive the termination of this Preferred Securities Guarantee.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.1 Successors and Assigns
----------------------
All guarantees and agreements contained in this Preferred Securities
Guarantee shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and
representatives of the Guarantor and shall inure to the benefit of the Holders
of the Preferred Securities then outstanding.
SECTION 9.2 Amendments
----------
Except with respect to any changes that do not adversely affect the
rights of Holders (in which case no consent of Holders will be required), this
Preferred Securities Guarantee may only be amended with the prior approval of
the Holders of at least a Majority in liquidation amount of the Securities. The
provisions of Section 12.2 of the Declaration with respect to meetings of
Holders of the Securities apply to the giving of such approval.
SECTION 9.3 Notices
-------
All notices provided for in this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall
be in writing, duly signed by the party giving such notice, and shall be
delivered, telecopied or mailed by first class mail, as follows:
(a) If given to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, at the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee's mailing address set forth below (or such other address as
the Preferred Guarantee Trustee may give notice of to the Holders of the
Preferred Securities):
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street, 21 West
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Corporate Trust Trustee Administration
Telecopy:
(b) If given to the Guarantor, at the Guarantor's mailing address set
forth below (or such other address as the Guarantor may give notice of to the
Holders of the Preferred Securities):
Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc.
155 North Lake Avenue
19
<PAGE>
Pasadena, California 91101
Attention:
Telecopy:
(c) If given to any Holder of Preferred Securities, at the address
set forth on the books and records of the Issuer.
All such notices shall be deemed to have been given when received in
person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail,
postage prepaid except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery or
cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given,
such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date
of such refusal or inability to deliver.
SECTION 9.4 Benefit
-------
This Preferred Securities Guarantee is solely for the benefit of the
Holders of the Preferred Securities and, subject to Section 3.1(a), is not
separately transferable from the Preferred Securities.
SECTION 9.5 Governing Law
-------------
THIS PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND
INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT
REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
20
<PAGE>
THIS PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE is executed as of the day and year
first above written.
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES,
INC., as Guarantor
By:_______________________________
Name:
Title:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as Preferred Guarantee
Trustee
By:_______________________________
Name:
Title:
21
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 12.1
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMPUTATION OF THE RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
The following table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed charges of
Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. for the six months ended August 31, 1996 and
1995 and for the five fiscal years ended February 29(28), 1996 computed by
dividing net fixed charges (interest expense on all debt plus the interest
element (one-third) of operating leases) into earnings (income before income
taxes and fixed charges).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
AUGUST 31, FISCAL YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 29(28),
----------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Earnings $123,121 $ 85,128 $195,720 $ 88,407 $179,460 $140,073 $ 60,196
Income tax expense 78,717 56,752 130,480 58,938 119,640 93,382 40,131
Interest charges 153,309 135,417 281,573 205,464 219,898 128,612 69,760
Interest portion of rental
expense 3,675 3,342 6,803 7,379 6,372 4,350 2,814
-------- --------- --------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings available to cover
fixed charges $358,822 $280,639 $614,576 $360,188 $525,370 $366,417 $172,901
======== ========= ========= ======== ========= ========= =========
Fixed charges
Interest charges $153,309 $135,417 $281,573 $205,464 $219,898 $128,612 $ 69,760
Interest portion of rental
expense 3,675 3,342 6,803 7,379 6,372 4,350 2,814
-------- --------- --------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
Total fixed charges $156,984 $138,759 $288,376 $212,843 $226,270 $132,962 $ 72,574
======== ========= ========= ======== ========= ========= =========
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges 2.29 2.02 2.13 1.69 2.32 2.76 2.38
======== ========= ========= ======== ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
We have issued our report dated April 23, 1996, accompanying the consolidated
financial statements and schedules of Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. and
Subsidiaries appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
February 29, 1996, which is incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement. We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement of the aforementioned report and to the use of our name as it appears
under the caption "Experts."
GRANT THORNTON LLP
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Los Angeles, California
October 15, 1996
<PAGE>
CONFORMED COPY
================================================================================
FORM T-1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(b)(2) |__|
----------------------
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
New York 13-5160382
(State of incorporation (I.R.S. employer
if not a U.S. national bank) identification no.)
48 Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
----------------------
COUNTRYWIDE CAPITAL I
(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
Delaware Applied For
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization) identification no.)
c/o Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc.
155 North Lake Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
----------------------
Preferred Securities
(Title of the indenture securities)
================================================================================
<PAGE>
1. General information. Furnish the following information as to the Trustee:
(a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it
is subject.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Superintendent of Banks of the State of 2 Rector Street, New York,
New York N.Y. 10006, and Albany, N.Y.
12203
Federal Reserve Bank of New York 33 Liberty Plaza, New York,
N.Y. 10045
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Washington, D.C. 20429
New York Clearing House Association New York, New York
(b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
Yes.
2. Affiliations with Obligor.
If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
affiliation.
None. (See Note on page 3.)
16. List of Exhibits.
Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are
incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-
29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the "Act") and Rule 24 of the
Commission's Rules of Practice.
1. A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York
(formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which contains the
authority to commence business and a grant of powers to exercise
corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1
filed with Registration Statement No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to
Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-21672 and Exhibit 1
to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637.)
4. A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1
filed with Registration Statement No. 33-31019.)
-2-
<PAGE>
6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.
(Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-
44051.)
7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published
pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining
authority.
NOTE
Inasmuch as this Form T-1 is filed prior to the ascertainment by the
Trustee of all facts on which to base a responsive answer to Item 2, the answer
to said Item is based on incomplete information.
Item 2 may, however, be considered as correct unless amended by an
amendment to this Form T-1.
-3-
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New York,
a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York,
has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and State
of New York, on the 11th day of October, 1996.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
By: /s/ PAUL J. SCHMALZEL
----------------------------
Name: PAUL J. SCHMALZEL
Title: ASSISTANT TREASURER
-4-
<PAGE>
Exhibit 7
Consolidated Report of Condition of
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
of 48 Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286
And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business March 31, 1996,
published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this
District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.
Dollar Amounts
ASSETS in Thousands
Cash and balances due from depos-
itory institutions:
Noninterest-bearing balances and
currency and coin................... $ 2,461,550
Interest-bearing balances............. 835,563
Securities:
Held-to-maturity securities........... 802,064
Available-for-sale securities......... 2,051,263
Federal funds sold in domestic of-
fices of the bank:
Federal funds sold.................... 3,885,475
Loans and lease financing
receivables:
Loans and leases, net of unearned
income ...................27,820,159
LESS: Allowance for loan and
lease losses ................509,817
LESS: Allocated transfer risk
reserve........................1,000
Loans and leases, net of unearned
income, allowance, and reserve 27,309,342
Assets held in trading accounts......... 837,118
Premises and fixed assets (including
capitalized leases)................... 614,567
Other real estate owned................. 51,631
Investments in unconsolidated
subsidiaries and associated
companies............................. 225,158
Customers' liability to this bank on
acceptances outstanding............... 800,375
Intangible assets....................... 436,668
Other assets............................ 1,247,908
-----------
Total assets............................ $41,558,682
===========
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
In domestic offices................... $18,851,327
Noninterest-bearing .........7,102,645
Interest-bearing ...........11,748,682
In foreign offices, Edge and
Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs...... 10,965,604
Noninterest-bearing ............37,855
Interest-bearing .........10,927,749
Federal funds purchased and secu-
rities sold under agreements to re-
purchase in domestic offices of
the bank and of its Edge and
Agreement subsidiaries, and in
IBFs:
Federal funds purchased............... 1,224,886
Securities sold under agreements
to repurchase....................... 29,728
Demand notes issued to the U.S.
Treasury.............................. 118,870
Trading liabilities..................... 673,944
Other borrowed money:
With original maturity of one year
or less............................. 2,713,248
With original maturity of more than
one year............................ 20,780
Bank's liability on acceptances exe-
cuted and outstanding................. 803,292
Subordinated notes and debentures....... 1,022,860
Other liabilities....................... 1,590,564
-----------
Total liabilities....................... 38,015,103
-----------
EQUITY CAPITAL
Common stock............................ 942,284
Surplus................................. 525,666
Undivided profits and capital
reserves.............................. 2,078,197
Net unrealized holding gains
(losses) on available-for-sale
securities............................ 3,197
Cumulative foreign currency transla-
tion adjustments...................... ( 5,765)
-----------
Total equity capital.................... 3,543,579
-----------
Total liabilities and equity
capital ........................... $41,558,682
===========
I, Robert E. Keilman, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the above-
named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in
conformance with the instructions issued by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Robert E. Keilman
We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and is true and
correct.
J. Carter Bacot .
Thomas A. Renyi Directors
Alan R. Griffith .................
<PAGE>
CONFORMED COPY
================================================================================
FORM T-1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(b)(2) |__|
----------------------
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
New York 13-5160382
(State of incorporation (I.R.S. employer
if not a U.S. national bank) identification no.)
48 Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
----------------------
COUNTRYWIDE CREDIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-2641992
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization) identification no.)
155 North Lake Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
----------------------
Guarantees of Preferred Securities of Countrywide Capital I
(Title of the indenture securities)
================================================================================
<PAGE>
1. General information. Furnish the following information as to the Trustee:
(a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which
it is subject.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Superintendent of Banks of the State of 2 Rector Street, New York,
New York N.Y. 10006, and Albany, N.Y.
12203
Federal Reserve Bank of New York 33 Liberty Plaza, New York,
N.Y. 10045
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Washington, D.C. 20429
New York Clearing House Association New York, New York
(b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
Yes.
2. Affiliations with Obligor.
If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
affiliation.
None. (See Note on page 3.)
16. List of Exhibits.
Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are
incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-
29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the "Act") and Rule 24 of the
Commission's Rules of Practice.
1. A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York
(formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which contains the
authority to commence business and a grant of powers to exercise
corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1
filed with Registration Statement No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to
Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-21672 and Exhibit 1
to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637.)
4. A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1
filed with Registration Statement No. 33-31019.)
-2-
<PAGE>
6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.
(Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-
44051.)
7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published
pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining
authority.
NOTE
Inasmuch as this Form T-1 is filed prior to the ascertainment by the
Trustee of all facts on which to base a responsive answer to Item 2, the answer
to said Item is based on incomplete information.
Item 2 may, however, be considered as correct unless amended by an
amendment to this Form T-1.
-3-
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New York,
a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York,
has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and State
of New York, on the 11th day of October, 1996.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
By: /s/VIVIAN GEORGES
---------------------------
Name: VIVIAN GEORGES
Title: ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
-4-
<PAGE>
Exhibit 7
Consolidated Report of Condition of
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
of 48 Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286
And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business March 31, 1996,
published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this
District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.
Dollar Amounts
ASSETS in Thousands
Cash and balances due from depos-
itory institutions:
Noninterest-bearing balances and
currency and coin................... $ 2,461,550
Interest-bearing balances............. 835,563
Securities:
Held-to-maturity securities........... 802,064
Available-for-sale securities......... 2,051,263
Federal funds sold in domestic of-
fices of the bank:
Federal funds sold.................... 3,885,475
Loans and lease financing
receivables:
Loans and leases, net of unearned
income ...................27,820,159
LESS: Allowance for loan and
lease losses ................509,817
LESS: Allocated transfer risk
reserve........................1,000
Loans and leases, net of unearned
income, allowance, and reserve 27,309,342
Assets held in trading accounts......... 837,118
Premises and fixed assets (including
capitalized leases)................... 614,567
Other real estate owned................. 51,631
Investments in unconsolidated
subsidiaries and associated
companies............................. 225,158
Customers' liability to this bank on
acceptances outstanding............... 800,375
Intangible assets....................... 436,668
Other assets............................ 1,247,908
-----------
Total assets............................ $41,558,682
===========
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
In domestic offices................... $18,851,327
Noninterest-bearing .........7,102,645
Interest-bearing ...........11,748,682
In foreign offices, Edge and
Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs...... 10,965,604
Noninterest-bearing ............37,855
Interest-bearing ...........10,927,749
Federal funds purchased and secu-
rities sold under agreements to re-
purchase in domestic offices of
the bank and of its Edge and
Agreement subsidiaries, and in
IBFs:
Federal funds purchased............... 1,224,886
Securities sold under agreements
to repurchase....................... 29,728
Demand notes issued to the U.S.
Treasury.............................. 118,870
Trading liabilities..................... 673,944
Other borrowed money:
With original maturity of one year
or less............................. 2,713,248
With original maturity of more than
one year............................ 20,780
Bank's liability on acceptances exe-
cuted and outstanding................. 803,292
Subordinated notes and debentures....... 1,022,860
Other liabilities....................... 1,590,564
-----------
Total liabilities....................... 38,015,103
-----------
EQUITY CAPITAL
Common stock............................ 942,284
Surplus................................. 525,666
Undivided profits and capital
reserves.............................. 2,078,197
Net unrealized holding gains
(losses) on available-for-sale
securities............................ 3,197
Cumulative foreign currency transla-
tion adjustments...................... ( 5,765)
-----------
Total equity capital.................... 3,543,579
-----------
Total liabilities and equity
capital ........................... $41,558,682
===========
I, Robert E. Keilman, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the above-
named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in
conformance with the instructions issued by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Robert E. Keilman
We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and is true and
correct.
J. Carter Bacot .
Thomas A. Renyi Directors
Alan R. Griffith ..............
