<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 15, 1996
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
-------------------
NORWEST CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
DELAWARE 41-0449260
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
NORWEST CENTER
SIXTH AND MARQUETTE
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55479-1000
612-667-1234
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
------------------------
STANLEY S. STROUP
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
NORWEST CORPORATION
NORWEST CENTER
SIXTH AND MARQUETTE
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55479-1026
612-667-8858
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
COPIES TO:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
MARY E. SCHAFFNER KRIS SHARPE
ROBERT J. KAUKOL SONIA A. SHEWCHUK
NORWEST CORPORATION FAEGRE & BENSON LLP
NORWEST CENTER 2200 NORWEST CENTER
SIXTH AND MARQUETTE 90 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55479-1026 MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402-3901
</TABLE>
------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
FROM TIME TO TIME 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, please check the following box. /X/
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / / ______
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / / ______
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. /X/
------------------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROPOSED MAXIMUM
AGGREGATE PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT BEING OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED(1) REGISTERED(2) PER UNIT OFFERING PRICE REGISTRATION FEE
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Debt Securities, Preferred Shares, Depositary
Shares, Common Stock, par value $1 2/3 per share $5,000,000,000 $5,000,000,000
(3), and Securities Warrants.................... (4) 100% (5) $1,724,150
</TABLE>
(1) Any securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as units with
other securities registered hereunder.
(2) Includes such indeterminate number of Preferred Shares as may be issued at
indeterminable prices, but with an aggregate initial offering price not to
exceed $5,000,000,000, plus such indeterminate number of Preferred Shares as
may be issued upon exercise of Securities Warrants or in exchange for, or
upon conversion of, Debt Securities or other Preferred Shares registered
hereunder for which no separate consideration will be received; such
indeterminate number of Depositary Shares as may be issued in the event the
Registrant elects to offer fractional interests in Preferred Shares
registered hereunder; and such indeterminate number of shares of Common
Stock as may be issued upon exercise of Securities Warrants or upon
conversion of Debt Securities, Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares
registered hereunder.
(3) Associated with the Common Stock are preferred share purchase rights that
will not be exercisable or evidenced separately from the Common Stock prior
to the occurrence of certain events.
(4) Or the equivalent thereof in one or more foreign currencies or composite
currencies, including European Currency Units.
(5) No separate consideration will be received for Common Stock, Preferred
Shares or Depositary Shares that are issued upon conversion of Debt
Securities, Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares.
------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT 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 THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
NORWEST CORPORATION
DEBT SECURITIES AND DEBT WARRANTS
PREFERRED SHARES AND PREFERRED SHARE WARRANTS
COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
UNITS
-----------------
Norwest Corporation (the "Corporation") intends to offer from time to time
in one or more series its unsecured debt securities, which may be senior (the
"Senior Securities") or subordinated (the "Subordinated Securities," and
together with the Senior Securities, the "Debt Securities"), warrants to
purchase the Debt Securities ("Debt Warrants"), shares of preferred stock or
preference stock (the "Preferred Shares"), interests in which may be represented
by depositary shares ("Depositary Shares"), warrants to purchase the Preferred
Shares or Depositary Shares ("Preferred Share Warrants") or warrants to purchase
Common Stock ("Common Stock Warrants," and together with the Debt Warrants and
Preferred Share Warrants, the "Securities Warrants"), with an aggregate initial
public offering price (including the exercise price of any Securities Warrants)
of up to $5,000,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in one or more foreign
currencies or composite currencies, including European Currency Units ("ECU"),
on terms to be determined at the time of sale. The Debt Securities, Preferred
Shares, Depositary Shares and Securities Warrants may be offered separately or
as a part of units consisting of one or more such securities ("Units," and
together with the Debt Securities, Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares and
Securities Warrants, the "Offered Securities"), in separate series, in amounts,
at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this
Prospectus (a "Prospectus Supplement").
The Senior Securities will rank PARI PASSU with all other unsecured Senior
Debt of the Corporation, as defined. The Subordinated Securities will be
subordinated to all existing and future Senior Debt of the Corporation.
Specific terms of the Offered Securities, including such terms as, where
applicable, (i) in the case of Debt Securities, the specific designation,
aggregate principal amount, currency, denominations, maturity, premium, rate and
time of payment of interest, terms for redemption at the option of the
Corporation or repayment at the option of the holder, terms for sinking fund
payments and the initial public offering price; (ii) in the case of Preferred
Shares, the specific title and stated value, any dividend, liquidation,
redemption, conversion, voting and other rights, and the initial public offering
price and whether interests in the Preferred Shares will be represented by
Depositary Shares; and (iii) in the case of Securities Warrants, where
applicable, the duration, offering price, exercise price and detachability, will
be set forth in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement. Units may be issued in
amounts, at prices, on terms and containing such conditions, covenants and other
provisions, and consisting of such Offered Securities, as will be set forth in a
Prospectus Supplement. The Prospectus Supplement will also contain information,
where applicable, about certain United States federal income tax considerations
relating to and any listing on a securities exchange of the Offered Securities
covered by the Prospectus Supplement.
The Offered Securities may be offered directly, through agents designated
from time to time or to or through underwriters or dealers, which may include
affiliates of the Corporation. If any agents or underwriters are involved in the
sale of any of the Offered Securities, their names, and any applicable fee,
commission, purchase price or discount arrangements with them, will be set
forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in such Prospectus
Supplement.
This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of Offered Securities
unless accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement.
---------------------
THE OFFERED SECURITIES ARE UNSECURED OBLIGATIONS OF THE CORPORATION AND ARE NOT
SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR NONBANK
SUBSIDIARY OF THE CORPORATION AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE BANK INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.
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 OR ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
-------------------
The date of this Prospectus is , 1996.
<PAGE>
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed by the Corporation with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") are incorporated in and made a part of
this Prospectus by reference: (i) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1995; (ii) Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 17, 1996,
February 20, 1996, as amended by Form 8-K/A, and February 26, 1996; (iii)
Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated December 6, 1988, as amended by
Amendment No. 1 on Form 8 dated July 21, 1989; (iv) Registration Statement on
Form 8-A dated December 21, 1990; and (v) Registration Statement on Form 8-A
dated August 8, 1991.
All documents filed by the Corporation with the Commission pursuant to
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"), subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and
prior to the termination of the offering of the Offered Securities offered
hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to
be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement
contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein or in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.
The Corporation will provide without charge to each person, including any
beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral
request of such person, a copy of any or all of the information incorporated
herein by reference (other than exhibits, unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference in such documents). Written requests for such copies
should be directed to Laurel A. Holschuh, Senior Vice President and Secretary,
Norwest Corporation, Norwest Center, Sixth and Marquette, Minneapolis, Minnesota
55479-1026. Telephone requests may be directed to (612) 667-8655.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus or a Prospectus
Supplement in connection with the offering described herein and therein, and any
information or representations not contained herein or therein must not be
relied upon as having been authorized. This Prospectus may not be used to
consummate sales of Offered Securities unless accompanied by a Prospectus
Supplement. The delivery of this Prospectus and a Prospectus Supplement relating
to particular Offered Securities shall not constitute an offer of any of the
other Offered Securities covered by this Prospectus. The delivery of this
Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement does not constitute an offer to sell or
a solicitation of an offer to buy the Offered Securities in any circumstances in
which such offer or solicitation of an offer to buy the Offered Securities is
unlawful.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Corporation is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act and in accordance therewith files reports and other information with the
Commission. Such reports, proxy and information statements and other information
filed by the Corporation can be inspected and copied at the public reference
facilities of the Commission, Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549, and at the regional offices of the Commission located at Seven World
Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048, and at Citicorp Center, 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511, and copies of
such materials can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. Reports, proxy and information statements and other information
concerning the Corporation can also be inspected at the offices of the New York
Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005, and at the offices
of the Chicago Stock Exchange at One Financial Place, 440 South LaSalle Street,
Chicago, Illinois 60605.
Additional information regarding the Corporation and the Offered Securities
offered hereby is contained in the Registration Statement and the exhibits
relating thereto in respect of the Offered Securities offered hereby, filed with
the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
2
<PAGE>
Act"). For further information pertaining to the Corporation and the Offered
Securities offered hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement and
the exhibits thereto, which may be inspected without charge at the office of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies thereof
may be obtained from the Commission at prescribed rates.
-------------------
Unless otherwise indicated, currency amounts in this Prospectus and any
Prospectus Supplement are stated in United States dollars ("$," "dollars," "U.S.
dollars," or "U.S. $").
THE CORPORATION
The Corporation is a diversified financial services company which was
organized under the laws of Delaware in 1929 and is registered under the Bank
Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHCA"). The Corporation operates
through subsidiaries engaged in banking and in a variety of related businesses.
The Corporation provides retail, commercial, and corporate banking services to
its customers through banks located in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana,
Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio,
South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The Corporation provides additional
financial services to its customers through subsidiaries engaged in various
businesses, principally mortgage banking, consumer finance, equipment leasing,
agricultural finance, commercial finance, securities brokerage and investment
banking, insurance agency services, computer and data processing services, trust
services, mortgage-backed securities servicing, and venture capital investment.
At December 31, 1995, the Corporation had consolidated total assets of $72.1
billion, total deposits of $42.0 billion, and total stockholders' equity of $5.3
billion. Based on total assets at December 31, 1995, the Corporation was the
thirteenth largest commercial banking organization in the United States.
The Corporation regularly explores opportunities for possible acquisitions
of financial institutions and related businesses. Generally, management of the
Corporation does not make a public announcement about an acquisition until a
definitive agreement has been signed. The Corporation generally provides
information concerning the aggregate asset value of its pending acquisitions in
its annual and quarterly reports filed with the Commission and incorporated
herein by reference. See "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE."
The Corporation's principal executive offices are located at Norwest Center,
Sixth and Marquette, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-1000, and its telephone number
is (612) 667-1234.
Additional information concerning the Corporation is included in the
documents incorporated by reference herein. See "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN
DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE."
CERTAIN REGULATORY MATTERS
GENERAL
As a bank holding company, the Corporation is subject to supervision and
examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the
"Federal Reserve Board"). Under the BHCA, a bank holding company generally may
not directly or indirectly acquire the ownership or control of more than 5% of
the voting securities or all or substantially all of the assets of any company,
including a bank, without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board. In
addition, a bank holding company is generally prohibited under the BHCA from
engaging in nonbanking activities, subject to certain exceptions. Various
proposals are pending before Congress that would allow affiliations between a
bank holding company and nonbank entities that are prohibited or restricted
under current law. Whether Congress will adopt any of these proposals, and if so
in what form, is not known at this time.
The Corporation's banking subsidiaries are subject to supervision and
examination by applicable federal and state banking agencies. The deposits of
the Corporation's banking subsidiaries are primarily insured by the Bank
Insurance Fund ("BIF"); deposits attributable to certain of the Corporation's
savings associations are insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund
("SAIF"). For that reason, the Corporation's banking subsidiaries are subject to
regulation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
3
<PAGE>
("FDIC"). In addition to the impact of regulation, commercial banks are affected
significantly by the actions of the Federal Reserve Board as it attempts to
control the money supply and credit availability in order to influence the
economy.
DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
Various federal and state statutes and regulations limit the amount of
dividends the subsidiary banks can pay to the Corporation without regulatory
approval. The approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the
"OCC") is required for any dividend by a national bank if the total of all
dividends declared by the bank in any calendar year would exceed the total of
its net profits, as defined by regulation, for that year combined with its
retained net profits for the preceding two years less any required transfers to
surplus or a fund for the retirement of any preferred stock. In addition, a
national bank may not pay a dividend in an amount greater than its net profits
then on hand after deducting its losses and bad debts. For this purpose, bad
debts are defined to include, generally, loans which have matured and are in
arrears with respect to interest by six months or more, other than such loans
which are well secured and in the process of collection. Under these provisions
the Corporation's national bank subsidiaries could have declared, as of December
31, 1995, aggregate dividends of at least $274.1 million, without obtaining
prior regulatory approval and without reducing the capital of the banks below
minimum regulatory levels. The Corporation also has several state bank
subsidiaries that are subject to state regulations limiting dividends; however,
the amount of dividends payable by the Corporation's state bank subsidiaries,
with or without state regulatory approval, would represent an immaterial
contribution to the Corporation's revenues.
If, in the opinion of the applicable regulatory authority, a bank under its
jurisdiction is engaged in or is about to engage in an unsafe or unsound
practice (which, depending on the financial condition of the bank, could include
the payment of dividends), such authority may require, after notice and hearing,
that such bank cease and desist from such practice. The Federal Reserve Board,
the OCC, and the FDIC have issued policy statements which provide that
FDIC-insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends
only out of current operating earnings.
HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE
The Corporation is a legal entity separate and distinct from its banking and
nonbanking subsidiaries. Accordingly, the right of the Corporation, and thus the
rights of the Corporation's creditors, to participate in any distribution of the
assets or earnings of any subsidiary other than in its capacity as a bona fide
creditor of the subsidiary is necessarily subject to the prior satisfaction of
claims of creditors of the subsidiary. The principal sources of the
Corporation's revenues are dividends and fees from its subsidiaries.
The Corporation's banking subsidiaries are subject to restrictions under
federal law which limit the transfer of funds by the subsidiary banks to the
Corporation and its nonbank subsidiaries, whether in the form of loans,
extensions of credit, investments, or asset purchases. Such transfers by any
subsidiary bank to the Corporation or any nonbank subsidiary are limited in
amount to 10% of the bank's capital and surplus and, with respect to the
Corporation and all such nonbank subsidiaries, to an aggregate of 20% of such
bank's capital and surplus. Furthermore, such loans and extensions of credit are
required to be secured in specified amounts.
The Federal Reserve Board has a policy to the effect that a bank holding
company is expected to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to
each of its subsidiary banks and to commit resources to support each such
subsidiary bank. This support may be required at times when the Corporation may
not have the resources to provide it. Any capital loans by the Corporation to
any of the subsidiary banks are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and
to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. In addition, the Crime
Control Act of 1990 provides that in the event of a bank holding company's
bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank
regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank will be assumed
by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.
A depository institution insured by the FDIC can be held liable for any loss
incurred by, or reasonably expected to be incurred by, the FDIC after August 9,
1989 in connection with (i) the default of a commonly
4
<PAGE>
controlled FDIC-insured depository institution or (ii) any assistance provided
by the FDIC to a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution in
danger of default. "Default" is defined generally as the appointment of a
conservator or receiver and "in danger of default" is defined generally as the
existence of certain conditions indicating that a "default" is likely to occur
in the absence of regulatory assistance.
Federal law (12 U.S.C. Section55) permits the OCC to order the pro rata
assessment of shareholders of a national bank whose capital stock has become
impaired, by losses or otherwise, to relieve a deficiency in such national
bank's capital stock. This statute also provides for the enforcement of any such
pro rata assessment of shareholders of such national bank to cover such
impairment of capital stock by sale, to the extent necessary, of the capital
stock of any assessed shareholder failing to pay the assessment. Similarly, the
laws of certain states provide for such assessment and sale with respect to
banks chartered by such states. The Corporation, as the sole shareholder of most
of its subsidiary banks, is subject to such provisions.
ACQUISITIONS
Effective September 29, 1995, under the provisions of the Reigle-Neal
Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the "Reigle-Neal Act"),
the Corporation's banking subsidiaries are permitted to acquire banks located in
any state in which the acquiring subsidiary bank is located (an instrastate
merger). Effective June 1, 1997, the Corporation's banking subsidiaries will be
permitted to acquire a bank located in a state other than the state in which the
acquiring subsidiary bank is located (an interstate merger) through merger,
consolidation or purchase of assets and assumption of liabilities, unless the
state in which either of the banks is located has opted out of the interstate
banking provisions of the Reigle-Neal Act. An interstate merger may occur before
June 1, 1997 if the states in which the merging banks are located have enacted a
law authorizing interstate bank mergers.
All of the Corporation's acquisitions of banking institutions and other
companies are subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board and any
applicable federal or state regulatory authorities. In addition, under the
provisions of the Reigle-Neal Act, bank mergers are subject to deposit
concentration limits of 10% nationwide and 30% in any one state, unless it is
the initial entry of the Corporation into the state.
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Under the Federal Reserve Board's risk-based capital guidelines for bank
holding companies, the minimum ratio of total capital to risk-adjusted assets
(including certain off-balance sheet items, such as stand-by letters of credit)
is 8%. At least half of the total capital is to be comprised of common
stockholders' equity, minority interests and noncumulative perpetual preferred
stock ("Tier 1 capital"). The remainder ("Tier 2 capital") may consist of hybrid
capital instruments, perpetual debt, mandatory convertible debt securities, a
limited amount of subordinated debt, other preferred stock, and a limited amount
of the allowance for credit losses. The risk-based guidelines also specify that
all intangibles, including core deposit intangibles, as well as mortgage
servicing rights ("MSRs") and purchased credit card relationships ("PCCRs"), be
deducted from Tier 1 capital. The guidelines, however, grandfather identifiable
assets (other than MSRs and PCCRs) acquired on or before February 19, 1992 and
permit the inclusion of readily marketable MSRs and PCCRs in Tier 1 capital to
the extent that (i) MSRs and PCCRs do not collectively exceed 50% of Tier 1
capital and (ii) PCCRs do not exceed 25% of Tier 1 capital. For such purposes,
MSRs and PCCRs each are included in Tier 1 capital only up to the lesser of (i)
90% of their fair market value (which must be determined quarterly) and (ii)
100% of the remaining unamortized book value of such assets. The OCC has adopted
substantially similar regulations. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board's
minimum "leverage ratio" (the ratio of Tier 1 capital to quarterly average total
assets) guidelines for bank holding companies provide for a minimum leverage
ratio of 3% for bank holding companies that meet certain specified criteria,
including that they have the highest regulatory rating. All other bank holding
companies are required to maintain a leverage ratio of 3% plus an additional
cushion of 1% to 2%. The guidelines also provide that banking organizations
experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions are expected to maintain
strong capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels,
without significant reliance on intangible assets. Furthermore, the guidelines
indicate that the Federal Reserve Board will continue to consider a
5
<PAGE>
"tangible Tier 1 leverage ratio" in evaluating proposals for expansion or new
activities. The tangible Tier 1 leverage ratio is the ratio of a banking
organization's Tier 1 capital, less all intangibles, to total assets, less all
intangibles. Each of the Corporation's banking subsidiaries is also subject to
capital requirements adopted by applicable regulatory agencies which are
substantially similar to the foregoing. At December 31, 1995, the Corporation's
Tier 1 and total capital (the sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital) to risk-adjusted
assets ratios were 8.11% and 10.18%, respectively, and the Corporation's
leverage ratio was 5.65%. Neither the Corporation nor any subsidiary bank has
been advised by the appropriate federal regulatory agency of any specific
leverage ratio applicable to it.
As a result of a federal law enacted in 1991 that required each federal
banking agency to revise its risk-based capital standards to ensure that those
standards take adequate account of interest rate risk, concentration of credit
risk and the risks of nontraditional activities, each of the federal banking
agencies has revised the risk-based capital guidelines described above to take
account of concentration of credit risk and risk of nontraditional activities.
In addition, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC and the OCC recently adopted a
new rule that amends, effective September 1, 1995, the capital standards to
include explicitly a bank's exposure to declines in the economic value of its
capital due to changes in interest rates as a factor to be considered in
evaluating a bank's interest rate exposure. Such agencies have issued for
comment a joint policy statement that describes the process to be used to
measure and assess the exposure of a bank's net economic value to changes in
interest rates. These agencies have indicated that in the second step of this
regulation process they intend to issue a rule that would propose to establish
an explicit minimum capital charge for interest rate risk based on the level of
a bank's measured interest rate exposure. The agencies intend to implement the
second step after the agencies and the banking industry have had more experience
with the proposed supervisory and measurement process. The Corporation does not
believe that these recent proposals and revisions to the capital guidelines will
materially impact its operations.
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1991
In December 1991, Congress enacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA"), which substantially revised the bank
regulatory and funding provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ("FDIA")
and makes revisions to several other federal banking statutes. Among other
things, FDICIA requires federal banking regulators to take "prompt corrective
action" in respect of FDIC-insured depository institutions that do not meet
minimum capital requirements. FDICIA establishes five capital tiers: "well
capitalized," "adequately capitalized," "undercapitalized," "significantly
undercapitalized" and "critically undercapitalized." Under applicable
regulations, an FDIC-insured depository institution is defined to be well
capitalized if it maintains a leverage ratio of at least 5%, a risk-adjusted
Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6% and a risk-adjusted total capital ratio of
at least 10% and is not subject to a directive, order or written agreement to
meet and maintain specific capital levels. An insured depository institution is
defined to be adequately capitalized if it meets all of its minimum capital
requirements as described above. An insured depository institution will be
considered undercapitalized if it fails to meet any minimum required measure,
significantly undercapitalized if it has a risk-adjusted total capital ratio of
less than 6%, risk-adjusted Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 3% or a leverage
ratio of less than 3% and critically undercapitalized if it fails to maintain a
level of tangible equity equal to at least 2% of total assets. An insured
depository institution may be deemed to be in a capitalization category that is
lower than is indicated by its actual capital position if it receives an
unsatisfactory examination rating.
FDICIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital
distribution (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to
its holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be
undercapitalized. Undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to a wide
range of limitations on operations and activities, including growth limitations,
and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. The federal banking
agencies may not accept a capital plan without determining, among other things,
that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in
restoring the depository institution's capital. In addition, for a capital
restoration plan to be acceptable, the depository institution's parent holding
company must guarantee that the institution will comply with such capital
restoration plan. The aggregate liability of the parent holding company is
limited to the lesser of (i) an
6
<PAGE>
amount equal to 5% of the depository institution's total assets at the time it
became undercapitalized and (ii) the amount which is necessary (or would have
been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all capital
standards applicable with respect to such institution as of the time it fails to
comply with the plan. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable
plan, it is treated as if it were significantly undercapitalized.
Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a
number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient
voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total
assets, and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks.
Critically undercapitalized institutions are subject to the appointment of a
receiver or conservator.
FDICIA, as amended by the Reigle Community Development and Regulatory
Improvement Act of 1994 enacted on August 22, 1994, directs that each federal
banking agency prescribe standards, by regulation or guideline, for depository
institutions relating to internal controls, information systems, internal audit
systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset
growth, compensation, asset quality, earnings, stock valuation, and such other
operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate. The FDIC,
in consultation with the other federal banking agencies, has adopted a final
rule and guidelines with respect to external and internal audit procedures and
internal controls in order to implement those provisions of FDICIA intended to
facilitate the early identification of problems in financial management of
depository institutions. On July 10, 1995, the federal banking agencies
published the final rules implementing three of the safety and soundness
standards required by FDICIA, including operational and managerial standards,
asset quality and earnings standards, and compensation standards. The impact of
such standards on the Corporation has not yet been fully determined, but
management does not believe it will be material.
FDICIA also contains a variety of other provisions that may affect the
operations of the Corporation, including new reporting requirements, revised
regulatory standards for real estate lending, "truth in savings" provisions, and
the requirement that a depository institution give 90 days' notice to customers
and regulatory authorities before closing any branch.
Under other regulations promulgated under FDICIA a bank cannot accept
brokered deposits (that is, deposits obtained through a person engaged in the
business of placing deposits with insured depository institutions or with
interest rates significantly higher than prevailing market rates) unless (i) it
is "well capitalized" or (ii) it is "adequately capitalized" and receives a
waiver from the FDIC. A bank that cannot receive brokered deposits also cannot
offer "pass-through" insurance on certain employee benefit accounts, unless it
provides certain notices to affected depositors. In addition, a bank that is
"adequately capitalized" and that has not received a waiver from the FDIC may
not pay an interest rate on any deposits in excess of 75 basis points over
certain prevailing market rates. There are no such restrictions on a bank that
is "well capitalized." At December 31, 1995, all of the Corporation's banking
subsidiaries were well capitalized and therefore were not subject to these
restrictions.
FDIC INSURANCE
Each BIF member institution pays FDIC insurance premiums based on the
institution's annual assessment rate assigned to it by the FDIC. The assessment
rate is based on the institution's capitalization risk category and "supervisory
subgroup." An institution's capitalization risk category is based on the FDIC's
determination of whether the institution is well capitalized, adequately
capitalized or less than adequately capitalized. An institution's supervisory
subgroup is based on the FDIC's assessment of the financial condition of the
institution and the probability that FDIC intervention or other corrective
action will be required. Subgroup A institutions are financially sound
institutions with few minor weaknesses; Subgroup B institutions are institutions
that demonstrate weaknesses which, if not corrected, could result in significant
deterioration; and Subgroup C institutions are institutions for which there is a
substantial probability that the FDIC will suffer a loss in connection with the
institution unless effective action is taken to correct the areas of weakness.
The FDIC assessment rate ranges from zero to 27 cents per $100 of domestic
deposits, with Subgroup A institutions assessed at a rate of zero and Subgroup C
institutions assessed at a rate of
7
<PAGE>
27 cents. The FDIC may change the assessment rate schedule on a semiannual
basis. An increase in the rate assessed one or more of the Corporation's banking
subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's earnings,
depending on the amount of the increase. The FDIC is authorized to terminate a
depository institution's deposit insurance upon a finding by the FDIC that the
institution's financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution
has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or has violated any applicable rule,
regulation, order or condition enacted or imposed by the institution's
regulatory agency. The termination of deposit insurance with respect to one or
more of the Corporation's subsidiary depository institutions could have a
material adverse effect on the Corporation's earnings, depending on the
collective size of the particular institutions involved.
Deposits insured by the SAIF held by the Corporation's bank subsidiaries as
a result of savings association acquisitions by the Corporation continue to be
assessed at the applicable SAIF insurance premium rate. Current federal law
provides that the SAIF assessment rate may not be less than 0.18% from January
1, 1994 through December 31, 1997. After December 31, 1997, the SAIF assessment
rate must be a rate determined by the FDIC to be appropriate to increase the
SAIF's reserve ratio to 1.25% of insured deposits or such higher percentage as
the FDIC determines to be appropriate, but the assessment rate may not be less
than 0.15%. In order to mitigate the potential effects of a BIF/SAIF premium
disparity, Congress recently proposed legislation that would, among other
things, recapitalize the SAIF by imposing a special one-time assessment on SAIF
deposits. The proposed legislation also contemplates the consolidation or merger
of the BIF and the SAIF into one insurance fund after the SAIF is recapitalized.
Management of the Corporation does not anticipate that the impact of the
proposed legislation will be material to the Corporation; however, to provide
for such a special assessment when and if imposed, the Corporation has
established a reserve of $23.5 million based on an estimated insurance premium
rate of 66 cents per $100 of insured deposits, which reserve has been funded
primarily by the refund of BIF insurance premiums.
DEPOSITOR PREFERENCE
Under the FDIA, claims of holders of domestic deposits and certain claims of
administrative expenses and employee compensation against an FDIC-insured
depository institution have priority over other general unsecured claims against
the institution in the "liquidation or other resolution" of the institution by a
receiver.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, the net
proceeds to be received by the Corporation from the sale of the Offered
Securities offered hereby will be added to the general funds of the Corporation
and will be available for general corporate purposes, including investments in
or advances to existing or future subsidiaries, repayment of maturing
obligations and redemption of outstanding indebtedness. Pending such use, the
Corporation may temporarily invest the net proceeds or use them to reduce
short-term indebtedness.
8
<PAGE>
RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
AND TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
The following are the consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges and
to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the years in
the five-year period ended December 31, 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
---------------------------------
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
----- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges:
Excluding interest on
deposits................ 2.06x 2.52 2.39 2.01 1.70
Including interest on
deposits................ 1.57x 1.72 1.59 1.39 1.22
Ratio of Earnings to Combined
Fixed Charges and Preferred
Stock Dividends:
Excluding interest on
deposits................ 1.97x 2.39 2.23 1.88 1.64
Including interest on
deposits................ 1.53x 1.68 1.55 1.35 1.21
</TABLE>
For purposes of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, income
before income taxes plus fixed charges less capitalized interest has been
divided by fixed charges. For purposes of computing the ratios of earnings to
combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends, income before income taxes
plus fixed charges less capitalized interest has been divided by fixed charges
and pretax earnings required to cover preferred stock dividends. Fixed charges,
excluding interest on deposits, consist of interest on short-term borrowings and
long-term debt, amortization of debt expense, capitalized interest and one-third
of net rental expense (which is deemed representative of the interest factor).
Fixed charges, including interest on deposits, consist of the foregoing items
plus interest on deposits. Pretax earnings required to cover preferred stock
dividends have been computed by dividing preferred stock dividends by one minus
the Corporation's income tax rate.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following description of the terms of the Debt Securities sets forth
certain general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities to which any
Prospectus Supplement may relate. The particular terms of the Debt Securities
offered by any Prospectus Supplement and the extent, if any, to which such
general provisions may apply to the Debt Securities so offered will be described
in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Debt Securities.
The Senior Securities are to be issued under an Indenture (the "Senior
Indenture") between the Corporation and the trustee named in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement as trustee (the "Senior Trustee"). The Subordinated
Securities are to be issued under an Indenture (the "Subordinated Indenture")
between the Corporation and the trustee named in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement as trustee (the "Subordinated Trustee," and together with the Senior
Trustee, the "Trustees"). The forms of the Senior Indenture and the Subordinated
Indenture (collectively, the "Indentures") are exhibits to the Registration
Statement. The following summaries of certain provisions of the Indentures do
not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to
the provisions of the Indentures. Numerical references in parentheses below are
to sections of the Indentures. Wherever particular sections or defined terms of
the Indentures are referred to, it is intended that such sections or defined
terms shall be incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise indicated,
capitalized terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indentures.
GENERAL
The amount of Debt Securities offered by this Prospectus will be limited to
the amount set forth on the cover of this Prospectus. Each Indenture provides
that Debt Securities in an unlimited amount may be issued thereunder from time
to time in one or more series. (SECTION 301)
9
<PAGE>
The Senior Securities will be unsecured and will rank PARI PASSU with other
unsecured Senior Debt of the Corporation. The Subordinated Securities will be
unsecured and will rank PARI PASSU with other subordinated debt of the
Corporation and, together with such other subordinated debt, will be
subordinated and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of the
Senior Debt of the Corporation as described below under "Subordination."
Reference is hereby made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the
particular series of Debt Securities for the terms of such Debt Securities,
including, where applicable, (i) the designation and any limit on the aggregate
principal amount of such Debt Securities; (ii) the price (expressed as a
percentage of the aggregate principal amount thereof) at which such Debt
Securities will be issued; (iii) the date or dates on which such Debt Securities
will mature or method by which such dates can be determined; (iv) the currency
or currencies in which such Debt Securities are being sold and are denominated
and the circumstances, if any, under which any Debt Securities may be payable in
a currency other than the currency in which such Debt Securities are
denominated, and if so, the exchange rate, the exchange rate agent and, if the
Holder of any such Debt Securities may elect the currency in which payments
thereon are to be made, the manner of such election; (v) the denominations in
which any Debt Securities which are Registered Securities will be issuable, if
other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, and the
denomination or denominations in which any Debt Securities which are Bearer
Securities will be issuable, if other than the denomination of $5,000; (vi) the
rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which such Debt Securities
will bear interest, which rate may be zero in the case of certain Debt
Securities issued at an issue price representing a discount from the principal
amount payable at maturity; (vii) the date from which interest on such Debt
Securities will accrue, the dates on which such interest will be payable or
method by which such dates can be determined, the date on which payment of such
interest will commence and the circumstances, if any, in which the Corporation
may defer interest payments; (viii) the dates on which, and the price or prices
at which, such Debt Securities will, pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund
provision, or may, pursuant to any optional redemption or required repayment
provisions, be redeemed or repaid and the other terms and provisions of any such
optional redemption or required repayment; (ix) in the case of the Subordinated
Securities, any terms by which such securities may be convertible into Common
Stock (see "DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK"), Preferred Shares (see "DESCRIPTION OF
PREFERRED SHARES") or Depositary Shares (see "DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES")
of the Corporation and, in case of Subordinated Securities convertible into
Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares, the terms of such Preferred Shares or
Depositary Shares; (x) whether such Debt Securities are to be issuable as Bearer
Securities and/or Registered Securities and, if issuable as Bearer Securities,
the terms upon which any Bearer Securities may be exchanged for Registered
Securities; (xi) whether such Debt Securities are to be issued in the form of
one or more temporary or permanent Global Securities and, if so, the identity of
the depositary for such Global Security or Securities; (xii) if a temporary
global Debt Security is to be issued with respect to such series, the extent to
which, and the manner in which, any interest thereon payable on an interest
payment date prior to the issuance of a permanent Global Security or definitive
Bearer Securities will be credited to the accounts of the persons entitled
thereto on such interest payment date; (xiii) if a temporary Global Security is
to be issued with respect to such series, the terms upon which interests in such
temporary Global Security may be exchanged for interests in a permanent Global
Security or for definitive Debt Securities of the series and the terms upon
which interests in a permanent Global Security, if any, may be exchanged for
definitive Debt Securities of the series; (xiv) any additional restrictive
covenants included for the benefit of Holders of such Debt Securities; (xv) any
additional Events of Default provided with respect to such Debt Securities;
(xvi) information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; (xvii) whether
the Debt Securities will be repayable at the option of the Holder; (xviii) any
other terms of the Debt Securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the
applicable Indenture; (xix) the right of the Corporation to defease the Debt
Securities or certain covenants under the Indentures; and (xx) the terms of any
securities being offered together with or separately from the Debt Securities.
Such Prospectus Supplement will also describe any special provisions for the
payment of additional amounts with respect to the Debt Securities and certain
United States federal income tax consequences and any risk factors or other
special considerations applicable to such series of
10
<PAGE>
Debt Securities. If a Debt Security is denominated in a foreign currency, such
Debt Security may not trade on a U.S. national securities exchange unless and
until the Commission has approved appropriate rule changes pursuant to the
Securities Act to accommodate the trading of such Debt Security.
FORM, EXCHANGE, REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER
Debt Securities of a series may be issuable in definitive form solely as
Registered Securities, solely as Bearer Securities or as both Registered
Securities and Bearer Securities. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus
Supplement, Bearer Securities other than Bearer Securities in temporary or
permanent global form will have interest coupons attached. (SECTION 201) Each
Indenture also provides that Bearer Securities or Registered Securities of a
series may be issuable in permanent global form. (SECTION 203) See "Permanent
Global Securities."
Registered Securities of any series will be exchangeable for other
Registered Securities of the same series of authorized denominations and of a
like aggregate principal amount, tenor and terms. In addition, if Debt
Securities of any series are issuable as both Registered Securities and Bearer
Securities, at the option of the Holder upon request confirmed in writing, and
subject to the terms of the applicable Indenture, Bearer Securities (with all
unmatured coupons, except as provided below, and all matured coupons in default)
of such series will be exchangeable into Registered Securities of the same
series of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount,
tenor and terms. Bearer Securities surrendered in exchange for Registered
Securities between the close of business on a Regular Record Date or a Special
Record Date and the relevant date for payment of interest shall be surrendered
without the coupon relating to such date for payment of interest, and interest
will not be payable in respect of the Registered Security issued in exchange for
such Bearer Security, but will be payable only to the Holder of such coupon when
due in accordance with the terms of the applicable Indenture. Bearer Securities
will not be issued in exchange for Registered Securities. (SECTION 305) Each
Bearer Security, other than a temporary global Bearer Security, and each
interest coupon will bear the following legend: "Any United States Person who
holds this obligation will be subject to limitations under the United States
federal income tax laws including the limitations provided in Sections 165(j)
and 1287(a) of the Internal Revenue Code."
Debt Securities may be presented for exchange as provided above, and
Registered Securities may be presented for registration of transfer (duly
endorsed or accompanied by a satisfactory written instrument of transfer), at
the office of the Security Registrar or at the office of any transfer agent
designated by the Corporation for such purpose with respect to such series of
Debt Securities, without service charge and upon payment of any taxes and other
governmental charges. (SECTION 305) If the applicable Prospectus Supplement
refers to any transfer agent (in addition to the Security Registrar) initially
designated by the Corporation with respect to any series of Debt Securities, the
Corporation may at any time rescind the designation of any such transfer agent
or approve a change in the location through which any such transfer agent (or
Security Registrar) acts, except that, if Debt Securities of a series are
issuable solely as Registered Securities, the Corporation will be required to
maintain a transfer agent in each Place of Payment for such series and, if Debt
Securities of a series are issuable as Bearer Securities, the Corporation will
be required to maintain (in addition to the Security Registrar) a transfer agent
in a Place of Payment for such series located outside the United States. The
Corporation may at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to
any series of Debt Securities. (SECTION 1002)
The Corporation shall not be required (i) to issue, register the transfer of
or exchange Debt Securities of any particular series to be redeemed for a period
of 15 days preceding the first publication of the relevant notice of redemption
or, if Registered Securities are outstanding and there is no publication, the
mailing of the relevant notice of redemption, (ii) to register the transfer of
or exchange any Registered Security so selected for redemption in whole or in
part, except the unredeemed portion of any Registered Security being redeemed in
part, or (iii) to exchange any Bearer Security so selected for redemption except
that such a Bearer Security may be exchanged for a Registered Security of like
tenor and terms of that series, provided
11
<PAGE>
that such Registered Security shall be surrendered for redemption. (SECTION 305)
Additional information regarding restrictions on the issuance, exchange and
transfer of and special United States federal income tax considerations relating
to Bearer Securities will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
TEMPORARY GLOBAL SECURITIES
If so specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, all or any portion
of the Debt Securities of a series which are issuable as Bearer Securities will
initially be represented by one or more temporary Global Securities, without
interest coupons, to be deposited with a common depositary in London for Morgan
Guaranty Trust Corporation of New York, Brussels Office, as operator of the
Euroclear System ("Euroclear") and Cedel S.A. ("Cedel") for credit to designated
accounts. On and after the date determined as provided in any such temporary
Global Security and described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, but
within a reasonable time, each such temporary Global Security will be
exchangeable for definitive Bearer Securities, definitive Registered Securities
or all or a portion of a permanent global Bearer Security, or any combination
thereof, as specified in such Prospectus Supplement. No definitive Bearer
Security or permanent global Bearer Security delivered in exchange for a portion
of a temporary Global Security shall be mailed or otherwise delivered to any
location in the United States in connection with such exchange.
Additional information regarding restrictions on and special United States
federal income tax consequences relating to temporary Global Securities will be
set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
PERMANENT GLOBAL SECURITIES
If any Debt Securities of a series are issuable in permanent global form,
the applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the circumstances, if any,
under which beneficial owners of interests in any such permanent Global Security
may exchange such interests for Debt Securities of such series and of like tenor
and principal amount of any authorized form and denomination. Principal of and
any premium and interest on a permanent Global Security will be payable in the
manner described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
PAYMENTS AND PAYING AGENTS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, payments
of principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on Bearer Securities
will be payable in the currency designated in the Prospectus Supplement, subject
to any applicable laws and regulations, at such paying agencies outside the
United States as the Corporation may appoint from time to time. Unless otherwise
provided in the Prospectus Supplement, such payments may be made, at the option
of the Holder, by a check in the designated currency or by transfer to an
account in the designated currency maintained by the payee with a bank located
outside the United States. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, payment of interest on Bearer Securities on any Interest
Payment Date will be made only against surrender of the coupon relating to such
Interest Payment Date to a paying agent outside the United States. (SECTION
1001) No payment with respect to any Bearer Security will be made at any office
or paying agency maintained by the Corporation in the United States nor will any
such payment be made by transfer to an account, or by mail to an address, in the
United States. Notwithstanding the foregoing, payments of principal of and
premium, if any, and interest, if any, on Bearer Securities denominated and
payable in U.S. dollars will be made in U.S. dollars at an office or agency of,
and designated by, the Corporation located in the United States, if payment of
the full amount thereof in U.S. dollars at all paying agencies outside the
United States is illegal or effectively precluded by exchange controls or other
similar restrictions, and the Trustee receives an opinion of counsel that such
payment within the United States is legal. (SECTION 1002) As used in the
Prospectus, "United States" means the United States of America (including the
States and the District of Columbia) and its possessions.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment
of principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on a Registered
Security will be payable in the currency designated in the Prospectus
Supplement, and interest will be payable at the office of such paying agent or
paying agents as
12
<PAGE>
the Corporation may appoint from time to time, except that at the option of the
Corporation payment of any interest may be made by a check in such currency
mailed to the Holder at such Holder's registered address or by wire transfer to
an account in such currency designated by such Holder in writing not less than
ten days prior to the date of such payment. Unless otherwise indicated in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of any installment of interest on a
Registered Security will be made to the Person in whose name such Registered
Security is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for
such payments. (SECTION 307) Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, principal payable at maturity will be paid to the
registered holder upon surrender of the Registered Security at the office of a
duly appointed paying agent.
The paying agents outside the United States initially appointed by the
Corporation for a series of Debt Securities will be named in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement. The Corporation may terminate the appointment of any of
the paying agents from time to time, except that the Corporation will maintain
at least one paying agent outside the United States so long as any Bearer
Securities are outstanding where Bearer Securities may be presented for payment
and may be surrendered for exchange, provided that so long as any series of Debt
Securities is listed on The Stock Exchange of the United Kingdom and the
Republic of Ireland or the Luxembourg Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange
located outside the United States and such stock exchange shall so require, the
Corporation will maintain a paying agent in London or Luxembourg or any other
required city located outside the United States, as the case may be, for such
series of Debt Securities. (SECTION 1002)
All moneys paid by the Corporation to a paying agent for the payment of
principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any Debt Security that
remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or
interest shall have become due and payable will, at request of the Corporation,
be repaid to the Corporation, and the Holder of such Debt Security or any coupon
appertaining thereto will thereafter look only to the Corporation for payment
thereof. (SECTION 1003).
COVENANTS CONTAINED IN INDENTURES
The Senior Indenture provides that the Corporation will not, and will not
permit any Subsidiary to, sell or otherwise dispose of, or permit any Principal
Subsidiary Bank (defined as any Subsidiary Bank having total assets in excess of
10% of the total consolidated assets of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) to
issue, shares of Capital Stock (defined as outstanding shares of stock of any
class), or securities convertible into Capital Stock, of any Principal
Subsidiary Bank, or any Subsidiary owning, directly or indirectly, in whole or
in part, Capital Stock of a Principal Subsidiary Bank, with the following
exceptions: (i) sales of directors' qualifying shares; (ii) sales or other
dispositions for fair market value if, after giving effect to such disposition
and to the issuance of any shares issuable upon conversion or exchange of
securities convertible or exchangeable into Capital Stock, the Corporation would
own directly or indirectly through Subsidiaries not less than 80% of the shares
of each class of Capital Stock of such Principal Subsidiary Bank; (iii) sales or
other dispositions or issuances made in compliance with an order or direction of
a court or regulatory authority of competent jurisdiction; or (iv) sales of
Capital Stock by any Principal Subsidiary Bank to its stockholders where the
sale does not reduce the percentage of shares of the same class owned by the
Corporation. (SECTION 1005 OF THE SENIOR INDENTURE) At the date hereof, the only
Subsidiary Banks which are Principal Subsidiary Banks are Norwest Bank
Minnesota, National Association and Norwest Bank Iowa, National Association.
The Subordinated Indenture does not contain the foregoing covenant.
The Corporation is not restricted by the Indentures from incurring, assuming
or becoming liable for any type of debt or other obligations, from creating
liens on its property for any purpose or from paying dividends or making
distributions on its capital stock or purchasing or redeeming its capital stock.
The Indentures do not require the maintenance of any financial ratios or
specified levels of net worth or liquidity. In addition, the Indentures do not
contain any provision which would require the Corporation to repurchase or
redeem or otherwise modify the terms of any of its Debt Securities upon a change
in control or other events involving the Corporation which may adversely affect
the creditworthiness of the Debt Securities.
13
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS
The Corporation may not consolidate with or merge with or into, or transfer
or lease its assets substantially as an entirety to, any Person unless (i) the
successor Person is a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws
of a domestic jurisdiction and expressly assumes the Corporation's obligations
on the Debt Securities and under the applicable Indenture; and (ii) after giving
effect to the transaction no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice
or lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred
and be continuing. (SECTION 801)
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Except as to certain modifications and amendments not adverse to Holders of
Debt Securities, modifications and amendments of and waivers of compliance with
certain restrictive provisions under each Indenture may be made only with the
consent of the Holders of not less than 66 2/3% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of each series thereunder affected by such
modification, amendment or waiver; provided that no such modification or
amendment may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Debt
Security or coupon affected thereby, (i) change the Stated Maturity of the
principal or any installment of principal or any installment of interest, if
any; (ii) reduce the amount of principal or interest thereon, or any premium
payable upon redemption or repayment thereof or in the case of an Original Issue
Discount Security the amount of principal payable upon acceleration of the
Maturity thereof; (iii) change the place of payment or the currency in which
principal or interest is payable, if any; (iv) impair the right to institute
suit for the enforcement of any payment of the principal, premium, if any, and
interest, if any, or adversely affect the right of repayment, if any, at the
option of the Holder; (v) reduce the percentage in principal amount of
Outstanding Debt Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is
required for modification or amendment of the applicable Indenture or for waiver
of compliance with certain provisions of the applicable Indenture or for waiver
of certain defaults; (vi) reduce the requirements contained in the applicable
Indenture for quorum or voting; (vii) in the case of Subordinated Securities
convertible into Common Stock, impair any right to convert such Subordinated
Securities; or (viii) modify any of the above provisions. (SECTION 902)
Each Indenture contains provisions for convening meetings of the Holders of
Debt Securities of a series issued thereunder if Debt Securities of that series
are issuable in whole or in part as Bearer Securities. (SECTION 1401 OF THE
SENIOR INDENTURE, SECTION 1601 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE) A meeting may be
called at any time by the Trustee for such Debt Securities, or upon the request
of the Corporation or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of such series, in any such case upon notice given
in accordance with the Indenture with respect thereto. (SECTION 1402 OF THE
SENIOR INDENTURE, SECTION 1602 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE) Except as limited
by the proviso in the preceding paragraph, any resolution presented at a meeting
or adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present may be adopted by the
affirmative vote of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of that series; provided, however, that, except as
limited by the proviso in the preceding paragraph, any resolution with respect
to any consent or waiver which may be given by the Holders of not less than
66 2/3% in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of a series
issued under an Indenture may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting at
which a quorum is present only by the affirmative vote of the Holders of 66 2/3%
in principal amount of such Outstanding Debt Securities of that series; and
provided, further, that, except as limited by the proviso in the preceding
paragraph, any resolution with respect to any demand, consent, waiver or other
action which may be made, given or taken by the Holders of a specified
percentage, which is less than a majority, in principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of a series issued under an Indenture may be adopted
at a meeting or adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present by the
affirmative vote of the Holders of such specified percentage in principal amount
of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series. (SECTION 1404 OF THE SENIOR
INDENTURE, SECTION 1604 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE)
Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Holders of Debt
Securities of any series duly held in accordance with the applicable Indenture
with respect thereto will be binding on all Holders of Debt Securities of that
series and the related coupons issued under that Indenture. The quorum at any
meeting of
14
<PAGE>
Holders of a series of Debt Securities called to adopt a resolution, and at any
reconvened meeting, will be persons holding or representing a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of such series; provided,
however, that if any action is to be taken at such meeting with respect to a
consent or waiver which may be given by the Holders of not less than 66 2/3% in
principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of a series, the Persons
holding or representing 66 2/3% in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt
Securities of such series issued under that Indenture will constitute a quorum.
(SECTION 1404 OF THE SENIOR INDENTURE, SECTION 1604 OF THE SUBORDINATED
INDENTURE)
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, any
series of Senior Securities issued under the Senior Indenture will provide that
the following shall constitute Events of Default with respect to such series:
(i) default in payment of principal of or premium, if any, on any Senior
Security of such series when due; (ii) default for 30 days in payment of
interest, if any, on any Senior Security of such series or related coupon, if
any, when due; (iii) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment on any
Senior Security of such series when due; (iv) default in the performance of
certain covenants contained in such Indenture; (v) default in the performance of
any other covenant in such Indenture, continued for 90 days after written notice
thereof by the Trustee thereunder or the Holders of at least 25% in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Securities of such series issued under that
Indenture; and (vi) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization
of the Corporation. (SECTION 501 OF THE SENIOR INDENTURE)
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, any
series of Subordinated Securities issued under the Subordinated Indenture will
provide that the only Event of Default will be certain events of bankruptcy of
the Corporation. (SECTION 501 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE) Unless specifically
stated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement for a particular series of
Subordinated Securities, there is no right of acceleration of the payment of
principal of the Subordinated Securities upon a default in the payment of
principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, or in the performance of any
covenant or agreement in the Subordinated Securities or Subordinated Indenture.
In the event of a default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or
interest, if any, or the performance of any covenant or agreement in the
Subordinated Securities or Subordinated Indenture, the Trustee, subject to
certain limitations and conditions, may institute judicial proceedings to
enforce payment of such principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, or to
obtain the performance of such covenant or agreement or any other proper remedy.
(SECTION 503 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE)
The Corporation is required to file with each Trustee annually an Officers'
Certificate concerning the absence of certain defaults under the terms of the
Indentures. (SECTION 1007 OF THE SENIOR INDENTURE, SECTION 1004 OF THE
SUBORDINATED INDENTURE) Each Indenture provides that if an Event of Default
specified therein shall occur and be continuing, either the Trustee thereunder
or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt
Securities of such series issued under that Indenture may declare the principal
of all such Debt Securities (or in the case of Original Issue Discount
Securities, such portion of the principal amount thereof as may be specified in
the terms thereof) to be due and payable. (SECTION 502) In certain cases, the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of
any series may, on behalf of the Holders of all Debt Securities of any such
series and any related coupons, waive any past default or Event of Default
except a default (i) in payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or
interest, if any, on any of the Debt Securities of such series and (ii) in
respect of a covenant or provision of the Indenture which cannot be modified or
amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Debt Security of
such series or coupon affected. (SECTION 513)
Each Indenture contains a provision entitling the Trustee thereunder,
subject to the duty of such Trustee during default to act with the required
standard of care, to be indemnified by the Holders of the Debt Securities of any
series thereunder or any related coupons before proceeding to exercise any right
or power under such Indenture with respect to such series at the request of such
Holders. (SECTION 603) Each Indenture provides that no Holder of any Debt
Securities of any series thereunder or any related coupons may institute any
proceeding, judicial or otherwise, to enforce such Indenture except in the case
of failure of
15
<PAGE>
the Trustee thereunder, for 60 days, to act after it is given notice of default,
a request to enforce such Indenture by the Holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of such series and
an offer of reasonable indemnity. (SECTION 507) This provision will not prevent
any Holder of Debt Securities or any related coupons from enforcing payment of
the principal thereof and premium, if any, and interest, if any, thereon at the
respective due dates thereof. (SECTION 508) The Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of any series
issued under an Indenture may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceedings for any remedy available to the Trustee for such Debt Securities
or exercising any trust or power conferred on it with respect to the Debt
Securities of such series. However, such Trustee may refuse to follow any
direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture under which it serves or
which would be unjustly prejudicial to Holders not joining therein. (SECTION
512)
Each Indenture provides that the Trustee thereunder will give to the Holders
of Debt Securities notice of a default if not cured or waived, but, except in
the case of a default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or
interest, if any, on any Debt Securities of such series or any related coupons
or in the payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to Debt
Securities of such series or in the exchange of Capital Securities for Debt
Securities of such series, the Trustee for such Debt Securities shall be
protected in withholding such notice if it determines in good faith that the
withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Holders of such Debt
Securities. (SECTION 602)
DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE
The Corporation may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of
the Debt Securities of any series (except for certain obligations relating to
temporary Debt Securities and exchange of Debt Securities, registration of
transfer or exchange of Debt Securities of such series, replacement of stolen,
lost or mutilated Debt Securities of such series, maintenance of paying
agencies, to hold monies for payment in trust and payment of additional amounts,
if any, required in consequence of United States withholding taxes imposed on
payments to non-U.S. persons) upon the deposit with the Trustee, in trust, of
money and/or, to the extent such Debt Securities are denominated and payable in
U.S. dollars only, Eligible Instruments which through the payment of interest
and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide
money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any),
each installment of interest on, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous
payments on, the Debt Securities of such series on the Stated Maturity of such
payments in accordance with the terms of the applicable Indenture and the Debt
Securities of such series. Such a trust may be established only if, among other
things, (a) the Corporation has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel
to the effect that (i) the Corporation has received from, or there has been
published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (ii) since the date of
the applicable lndenture there has been a change in applicable federal income
tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of
Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of Debt Securities of such series will
not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result
of such deposit, defeasance and discharge, and will be subject to federal income
tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would
have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred;
and (b) the Debt Securities of such series, if then listed on any domestic or
foreign securities exchange, will not be delisted as a result of such deposit,
defeasance and discharge. (SECTION 403) In the event of any such defeasance and
discharge of Debt Securities of such series, Holders of Debt Securities of such
series would be able to look only to such trust fund for payment of principal of
and any premium and any interest on their Debt Securities until Maturity.
The Corporation may terminate certain of its obligations under each
Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of any series thereunder,
including its obligations to comply with the covenants described under the
heading "Covenants Contained in Indentures" above, with respect to such Debt
Securities, on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in such
Indentures, by depositing in trust with the Trustee money and/or, to the extent
such Debt Securities are denominated and payable in U.S. dollars only, Eligible
Instruments which, through the payment of principal and interest in accordance
with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the
principal and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such
16
<PAGE>
Debt Securities, and any mandatory sinking fund, repayment or analogous payments
thereon, on the scheduled due dates therefor. Such deposit and termination is
conditioned, among other things, upon the Corporation's delivery of an opinion
of counsel that the Holders of such Debt Securities will have no federal income
tax consequences as a result of such deposit and termination. Such termination
will not relieve the Corporation of its obligation to pay when due the principal
of or interest on such Debt Securities if such Debt Securities of such series
are not paid from the money or Eligible Instruments held by the Trustee for the
payment thereof. (SECTION 1501 OF THE SENIOR INDENTURE, SECTION 1701 OF THE
SUBORDINATED INDENTURE) The applicable Prospectus Supplement may further
describe the provisions, if any, permitting or restricting such defeasance with
respect to the Debt Securities of a particular series. In the event the
Corporation exercises its option to omit compliance with the covenant described
under "Covenants Contained in Indentures" above with respect to the Debt
Securities of any series as described above and the Debt Securities of such
series are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any Event of
Default, then the amount of money and Eligible Instruments on deposit with the
Trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the Debt Securities of such
series at the time of their Stated Maturity but may not be sufficient to pay
amounts due on the Debt Securities of such series at the time of the
acceleration resulting from such Event of Default. The Corporation shall in any
event remain liable for such payments as provided in the applicable Indenture.
SUBORDINATION
The Subordinated Securities shall be subordinate and junior in right of
payment, to the extent set forth in the Subordinated Indenture, to all Senior
Debt (as defined below) of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation
shall default in the payment of any principal, premium, if any, or interest, if
any, on any Senior Debt when the same becomes due and payable, whether at
maturity or at a date fixed for prepayment or by declaration of acceleration or
otherwise, then, unless and until such default shall have been cured or waived
or shall have ceased to exist, no direct or indirect payment (in cash, property,
securities, by set-offs or otherwise) shall be made or agreed to be made for
principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Subordinated Securities,
or in respect of any redemption, repayment, retirement, purchase or other
acquisition of any of the Subordinated Securities. (SECTION 1801 OF THE
SUBORDINATED INDENTURE) "Senior Debt" means any obligation of the Corporation to
its creditors, whether now outstanding or subsequently incurred, other than (i)
any obligation as to which it is provided that such obligation is not Senior
Debt and (ii) the Subordinated Securities. (SECTION 101 OF THE SUBORDINATED
INDENTURE) As of December 31, 1995, the Corporation had approximately $7.5
billion of Senior Debt outstanding.
In the event of (i) any insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation,
reorganization, readjustment, composition or other similar proceeding relating
to the Corporation, its creditors or its property, (ii) any proceeding for the
liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the Corporation, voluntary or
involuntary, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings,
(iii) any assignment by the Corporation for the benefit of creditors or (iv) any
other marshalling of the assets of the Corporation, all Senior Debt (including
any interest thereon accruing after the commencement of any such proceedings)
shall first be paid in full before any payment or distribution, whether in cash,
securities or other property, shall be made on account of the principal of or
interest on the Subordinated Securities. In such event, any payment or
distribution on account of the principal of or interest on the Subordinated
Securities, whether in cash, securities or other property (other than securities
of the Corporation or any other corporation provided for by a plan of
reorganization or readjustment the payment of which is subordinate, at least to
the extent provided in the subordination provisions with respect to the
Subordinated Securities, to the payment of all Senior Debt at the time
outstanding, and to any securities issued in respect thereof under any such plan
of reorganization or readjustment), which would otherwise (but for the
subordination provisions) be payable or deliverable in respect of the
Subordinated Securities shall be paid or delivered directly to the holders of
Senior Debt in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders
until all Senior Debt (including any interest thereon accruing after the
commencement of any such proceedings) shall have been paid in full. (SECTION
1801 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE)
In the event of any such proceeding, after payment in full of all sums owing
with respect to Senior Debt, the Holders of Subordinated Securities, together
with the holders of any obligations of the Corporation
17
<PAGE>
ranking on a parity with the Subordinated Securities, shall be entitled to be
repaid from the remaining assets of the Corporation the amounts at the time due
and owing on account of unpaid principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any,
on the Subordinated Securities and such other obligations before any payment or
other distribution, whether in cash, property or otherwise, shall be made on
account of any capital stock or obligations of the Corporation ranking junior to
the Subordinated Securities and such other obligations. If any payment or
distribution on account of the principal of or interest on the Subordinated
Securities of any character or any security, whether in cash, securities or
other property (other than securities of the Corporation or any other
corporation provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment the payment
of which is subordinate, at least to the extent provided in the subordination
provisions with respect to the Subordinated Securities, to the payment of all
Senior Debt at the time outstanding and to any securities issued in respect
thereof under any such plan of reorganization or readjustment) shall be received
by any Holder of any Subordinated Securities in contravention of any of the
terms of the Subordinated Indenture and before all the Senior Debt shall have
been paid in full, such payment or distribution or security shall be received in
trust for the benefit of, and shall be paid over or delivered and transferred
to, the holders of the Senior Debt at the time outstanding in accordance with
the priorities then existing among such holders for application to the payment
of all Senior Debt remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay all such
Senior Debt in full. (SECTION 1801 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE) By reason of
such subordination, in the event of the insolvency of the Corporation, holders
of Senior Debt may receive more, ratably, and holders of the Subordinated
Securities having a claim pursuant to such securities may receive less, ratably,
than the other creditors of the Corporation. Such subordination will not prevent
the occurrence of any Event of Default in respect of the Subordinated
Securities.
The Subordinated Indenture may be modified or amended as provided under
"Modification and Waiver" above, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the holders of all Senior Debt outstanding, modify
any of the provisions of the Subordinated Indenture relating to the
subordination of the Subordinated Securities and any related coupons in a manner
adverse to such holders. (SECTION 902 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE)
CONVERSION OF SUBORDINATED CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The Holders of Subordinated Securities of a specified series that are
convertible into Common Stock, Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares of the
Corporation ("Subordinated Convertible Securities") will be entitled at certain
times specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, subject to prior
redemption, repayment or repurchase, to convert any Subordinated Convertible
Securities of such series (in denominations set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement) into Common Stock, Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares,
as the case may be, at the conversion price set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, subject to adjustment as described below and in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. Except as described below, no adjustment will
be made on conversion of any Subordinated Convertible Securities for interest
accrued thereon or for dividends on any Common Stock, Preferred Shares or
Depositary Shares issued. (SECTION 1903 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE) If any
Subordinated Convertible Securities not called for redemption or submitted for
repayment are converted between a Regular Record Date for the payment of
interest and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, such Subordinated
Convertible Securities must be accompanied by funds equal to the interest
payable on such succeeding Interest Payment Date on the principal amount so
converted. (SECTION 1903 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE) The Corporation is not
required to issue fractional shares of Common Stock upon conversion of
Subordinated Convertible Securities that are convertible into Common Stock and,
in lieu thereof, will pay a cash adjustment based upon the Closing Price (as
defined in the Subordinated Indenture) of the Common Stock on the last business
day prior to the date of conversion. (SECTION 1904 OF THE SUBORDINATED
INDENTURE) In the case of Subordinated Convertible Securities called for
redemption or submitted for repayment, conversion rights will expire at the
close of business on the redemption date or repayment date, as the case may be.
(SECTION 1902 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE)
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
conversion price for Subordinated Convertible Securities that are convertible
into Common Stock is subject to adjustment under formulas set forth in the
Subordinated Indenture upon the occurrence of certain events, including the
18
<PAGE>
issuance of the Corporation's capital stock as a dividend or distribution on the
Common Stock; subdivisions and combinations of the Common Stock; the issuance to
all holders of Common Stock of certain rights or warrants entitling them to
subscribe for or purchase Common Stock within 45 days after the date fixed for
the determination of the stockholders entitled to receive such rights or
warrants, at less than the current market price (as defined in the Subordinated
Indenture); and the distribution to all holders of Common Stock of evidences of
indebtedness or assets of the Corporation (excluding certain cash dividends and
distributions described in the next paragraph) or rights or warrants (excluding
those referred to above). (SECTION 1906 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE) In the
event that the Corporation shall distribute any rights or warrants to acquire
capital stock ("Capital Stock Rights") pursuant to which separate certificates
representing such Capital Stock Rights will be distributed subsequent to the
initial distribution of such Capital Stock Rights (whether or not such
distribution shall have occurred prior to the date of the issuance of a series
of Subordinated Convertible Securities), such subsequent distribution shall be
deemed to be the distribution of such Capital Stock Rights; provided that the
Corporation may, in lieu of making any adjustment in the conversion price upon a
distribution of separate certificates representing such Capital Stock Rights,
make proper provision so that each Holder of such a Subordinated Convertible
Security who converts such Subordinated Convertible Security (or any portion
thereof) (a) before the record date for such distribution of separate
certificates shall be entitled to receive upon such conversion shares of Common
Stock issued with Capital Stock Rights and (b) after such record date and prior
to the expiration, redemption or termination of such Capital Stock Rights shall
be entitled to receive upon such conversion, in addition to the shares of Common
Stock issuable upon such conversion, the same number of such Capital Stock
Rights as would a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock that such
Subordinated Convertible Security so converted would have entitled the holder
thereof to acquire in accordance with the terms and provisions applicable to the
Capital Stock Rights if such Subordinated Convertible Security were converted
immediately prior to the record date for such distribution. Common Stock owned
by or held for the account of the Corporation or any majority owned subsidiary
shall not be deemed outstanding for the purpose of any adjustment.
No adjustment in the conversion price of Subordinated Convertible Securities
that are convertible into Common Stock will be made for regular quarterly or
other periodic or recurring cash dividends or distributions or for cash
dividends or distributions to the extent paid from retained earnings. No
adjustment in the conversion price of Subordinated Convertible Securities that
are convertible into Common Stock will be required unless such adjustment would
require a change of at least 1% in the conversion price then in effect,
provided, that any such adjustment not so made will be carried forward and taken
into account in any subsequent adjustment; and provided further that any such
adjustment not so made shall be made no later than three years after the
occurrence of the event requiring such adjustment to be made or carried forward.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the issuance of Common Stock under the
Norwest Corporation Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Cash Payment Plan shall
not require an adjustment to the conversion price of Subordinated Convertible
Securities that are convertible into Common Stock. The Corporation reserves the
right to make such reductions in the conversion price in addition to those
required in the foregoing provisions as the Corporation in its discretion shall
determine to be advisable in order that certain stock-related distributions
thereafter made by the Corporation to its stockholders shall not be taxable.
(SECTION 1906 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE) Except as stated above, the
conversion price will not be adjusted for the issuance of Common Stock or any
securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or securities
carrying the right to purchase any of the foregoing.
In the case of (i) a reclassification or change of the Common Stock, (ii) a
consolidation or merger involving the Corporation or (iii) a sale or conveyance
to another corporation of the property and assets of the Corporation as an
entirety or substantially as an entirety, in each case as a result of which
holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive stock, securities, other
property or assets (including cash) with respect to, or in exchange for, such
Common Stock, the Holders of the Subordinated Convertible Securities then
outstanding that are convertible into Common Stock will be entitled thereafter
to convert such Subordinated Convertible Securities into the kind and amount of
shares of stock and other securities or property which they would have received
upon such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, sale or
19
<PAGE>
conveyance had such Subordinated Convertible Securities been converted into
Common Stock immediately prior to such reclassification, change, consolidation,
merger, sale or conveyance. (SECTION 1907 OF THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE)
In the event of a taxable distribution to holders of Common Stock (or other
transaction) which results in any adjustment of the conversion price of
Subordinated Convertible Securities that are convertible into Common Stock, the
Holders of such Subordinated Convertible Securities may, in certain
circumstances, be deemed to have received a distribution subject to United
States income tax as a dividend; in certain other circumstances, the absence of
such an adjustment may result in a taxable dividend to the holders of Common
Stock or such Subordinated Convertible Securities.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SHARES
The following description of the terms of the Preferred Shares sets forth
certain general terms and provisions of the Preferred Shares to which any
Prospectus Supplement may relate. Certain other terms of any series of the
Preferred Shares offered by any Prospectus Supplement will be described in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to such series of the Preferred Shares. If so
indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the terms of any such series may differ
from the terms set forth below. The description of certain provisions of the
Preferred Shares set forth below and in any Prospectus Supplement does not
purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Certificate of Designations relating to each series of the
Preferred Shares.
GENERAL
Pursuant to the Corporation's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended, the Board of Directors of the Corporation has the authority, without
further stockholder action, to issue from time to time a maximum of 5,000,000
shares of preferred stock, without par value ("Preferred Stock"), and a maximum
of 4,000,000 shares of preference stock, without par value ("Preference Stock"),
including shares issued or reserved for issuance, in one or more series and with
such terms and at such times and for such consideration as the Board of
Directors of the Corporation may determine. The authority of the Board of
Directors of the Corporation includes the determination or fixing of the
following with respect to shares of any series thereof: (i) the number of shares
and designation or title thereof; (ii) rights as to dividends; (iii) whether and
upon what terms the shares are to be redeemable; (iv) the rights of the holders
upon the dissolution, or upon the distribution of assets, of the Corporation;
(v) whether and upon what terms the shares shall have a purchase, retirement or
sinking fund; (vi) whether and upon what terms the shares are to be convertible;
(vii) the voting rights, if any, which shall apply, provided that holders of
Preference Stock shall not be entitled to more than one vote per share; and
(viii) any other preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such series.
At December 31, 1995, 2,119,681 shares of Preferred Stock and no shares of
Preference Stock were outstanding. Shares of ESOP Preferred Stock, 1995 ESOP
Preferred Stock, Tracking Preferred Stock and 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock (as
hereinafter defined) purchased, redeemed or converted by the Corporation shall
be retired and cancelled and restored to the status of authorized but unissued
shares of Preferred Stock, without designation as to series, and may thereafter
be issued.
As described under "DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES," the Corporation may,
at its option, elect to offer depositary shares ("Depositary Shares") evidenced
by depositary receipts ("Depositary Receipts"), each representing a fractional
interest (to be specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the
particular series of the Preferred Shares) in a share of the particular series
of the Preferred Shares issued and deposited with a Depositary (as defined
below).
Under interpretations adopted by the Federal Reserve Board, if the holders
of any series of the Preferred Shares become entitled to vote for the election
of directors because dividends on such series are in arrears as described under
"Voting Rights" below, such series may then be deemed a "class of voting
securities" and a holder of 25% or more of such series (or a holder of 5% or
more if it otherwise exercises a "controlling influence" over the Corporation)
may then be subject to regulation as a bank holding company
20
<PAGE>
in accordance with the BHCA. In addition, at such time as such series is deemed
a class of voting securities, any other bank holding company may be required to
obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire 5% or more of
such series, and any person other than a bank holding company may be required to
obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire 10% or more of
such series.
The Preferred Shares shall have the dividend, liquidation, redemption,
voting and conversion rights set forth below unless otherwise provided in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular series of the Preferred Shares.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular series
of the Preferred Shares offered thereby for specific terms, including (i) the
title, stated value and liquidation preference of such Preferred Shares and the
number of shares offered; (ii) the initial public offering price at which such
Preferred Shares will be issued; (iii) the dividend rate or rates (or method of
calculation), the dividend periods, the dates on which dividends shall be
payable and whether such dividends shall be cumulative or noncumulative and, if
cumulative, the dates from which dividends shall commence to cumulate; (iv) any
repurchase, redemption or sinking fund provisions; (v) any conversion
provisions; (vi) whether the Corporation has elected to offer Depositary Shares
as described under "DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES"; and (vii) any additional
dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund and other rights, preferences,
privileges, limitations and restrictions.
The Preferred Shares will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable.
Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular
series of the Preferred Shares, each series of the Preferred Shares will rank on
a parity in all respects with the outstanding shares of the Corporation's
Preferred Stock and Preference Stock described below and each other series of
the Preferred Shares and will rank senior to the Corporation's Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock described below. The Preferred Shares will have no
preemptive rights to subscribe for any additional securities which may be issued
by the Corporation. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association will be the transfer
agent and registrar for the Preferred Shares and any Depositary Shares.
DIVIDENDS
The holders of the Preferred Shares of each series will be entitled to
receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation
or a duly authorized committee thereof, out of funds legally available therefor,
cash dividends at such rates and on such dates as will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to such series. Such rates may be fixed or
variable or both. If variable, the formula used for determining the dividend
rate for each dividend period will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement.
Dividends will be payable to the holders of record as they appear on the stock
books of the Corporation on such record dates as will be fixed by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation or a duly authorized committee thereof.
Dividends on any series of the Preferred Shares may be cumulative or
noncumulative, as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. If the Board
of Directors of the Corporation fails to declare a dividend payable on a
dividend payment date on any series of the Preferred Shares for which dividends
are noncumulative ("Noncumulative Preferred Shares"), then the holders of such
series of the Preferred Shares will have no right to receive a dividend in
respect of the dividend period ending on such dividend payment date, and the
Corporation will have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for such period,
whether or not dividends on such series are declared payable on any future
dividend payment dates.
No full dividends will be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any
stock of the Corporation ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with or junior to
the Preferred Shares for any period unless full dividends on the Preferred
Shares of each series (including any accumulated dividends) have been or
contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the
payment thereof set apart for such payment. When dividends are not paid in full
upon any series of Preferred Shares and any Preferred Stock or Preference Stock
ranking on a parity as to dividends with the Preferred Shares, all dividends
declared or made upon Preferred Shares of each series and any Preferred Stock or
Preference Stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the Preferred Shares
shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared
21
<PAGE>
per share on Preferred Shares of each series and such Preferred Stock and
Preference Stock shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that
accrued dividends per share (which, in the case of Noncumulative Preferred
Shares, shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for
prior dividend periods) on shares of each series of the Preferred Shares and
such Preferred Stock and Preference Stock bear to each other. Except as provided
in the preceding sentence, no dividend (other than dividends or distributions
paid in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase
shares of, Common Stock or any other stock of the Corporation ranking junior to
the Preferred Shares as to dividends and upon liquidation) shall be declared or
paid or set aside for payment or other distribution declared or made upon the
Common Stock or any other stock of the Corporation ranking junior to or on a
parity with the Preferred Shares as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor shall
any Common Stock nor any other stock of the Corporation ranking junior to or on
a parity with the Preferred Shares as to dividends or upon liquidation be
redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys
be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any shares
of any such stock) by the Corporation (except by conversion into or exchange for
stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the Preferred Shares as to dividends
and upon liquidation) unless, in each case, the full dividends on each series of
the Preferred Shares shall have been paid or declared and set aside for payment.
No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of
any dividend payment or payments on any series of the Preferred Shares which may
be in arrears.
REDEMPTION
A series of the Preferred Shares may be redeemable, in whole or in part, at
the option of the Corporation, and may be subject to mandatory redemption
pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise, in each case upon terms, at the times
and at the redemption prices set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to
such series. Preferred Shares redeemed by the Corporation will be restored to
the status of authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock or Preference
Stock, as the case may be.
The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of the Preferred Shares which
is subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares of such
series of the Preferred Shares which shall be redeemed by the Corporation in
each year commencing after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per
share to be specified, together with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid
dividends thereon to the date of redemption. The redemption price may be payable
in cash or other property, as specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to
such series of the Preferred Shares. If the redemption price is payable only
from the net proceeds of the issuance of capital stock of the Corporation, the
terms of such series may provide that, if no such capital stock shall have been
issued or to the extent the net proceeds from any issuance are insufficient to
pay in full the aggregate redemption price then due, the applicable shares of
such series of the Preferred Shares shall automatically and mandatorily be
converted into shares of the applicable capital stock of the Corporation
pursuant to conversion provisions specified in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to such series of the Preferred Shares.
If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of any series of the Preferred
Shares are to be redeemed, the number of shares to be redeemed will be
determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation and such shares shall be
redeemed pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to the
number of such shares held by such holders (with adjustments to avoid redemption
of fractional shares).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any dividends, including any accumulation,
on Preferred Shares of any series are in arrears, no Preferred Shares of such
series shall be redeemed unless all outstanding Preferred Shares of such series
are simultaneously redeemed, and the Corporation shall not purchase or otherwise
acquire any Preferred Shares of such series; provided, however, that the
foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of Preferred Shares of
such series pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer provided such offer is made
on the same terms to all holders of such series of the Preferred Shares.
Notice of redemption shall be given by mailing the same to each record
holder of the shares to be redeemed, not less than 40 nor more than 70 days
prior to the date fixed for redemption thereof, to the respective addresses of
such holders as the same shall appear on the stock books of the Corporation.
Each
22
<PAGE>
such notice shall state (i) the redemption date; (ii) the number of shares and
series of the Preferred Shares to be redeemed; (iii) the redemption price; (iv)
the place or places where certificates for such Preferred Shares are to be
surrendered for payment of the redemption price; (v) that dividends on the
shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date; and (vi) the
date upon which the holder's conversion rights as to such shares, if any, shall
terminate. If fewer than all shares of any series of the Preferred Shares held
by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such holder shall also
specify the number of shares to be redeemed from such holder.
If notice of redemption has been given, from and after the redemption date
for the shares of the series of the Preferred Shares called for redemption
(unless default shall be made by the Corporation in providing money for the
payment of the redemption price of the shares so called for redemption),
dividends on the Preferred Shares so called for redemption shall cease to accrue
and such shares shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding, and all rights of
the holders thereof as stockholders of the Corporation (except the right to
receive the redemption price) shall cease. Upon surrender in accordance with
such notice of the certificates representing any shares so redeemed (properly
endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Board of Directors of the Corporation
shall so require and the notice shall so state), the redemption price set forth
above shall be paid out of funds provided by the Corporation. If fewer than all
of the shares represented by any such certificate are redeemed, a new
certificate shall be issued representing the unredeemed shares without cost to
the holder thereof.
In the event that a redemption described above is deemed to be a "tender
offer" within the meaning of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, the Company will
comply with all applicable provisions of the Exchange Act.
CONVERSION
The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of the Preferred Shares which
is convertible will state the terms on which shares of that series are
convertible into shares of Common Stock or a series of Preferred Stock or
Preference Stock.
RIGHTS UPON LIQUIDATION
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation, the holders of shares of each series of the
Preferred Shares and any Preferred Stock and Preference Stock ranking on a
parity with such series of Preferred Shares upon liquidation will be entitled to
receive out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to
stockholders, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of the Common
Stock or any other class or series of stock of the Corporation ranking junior to
such series of the Preferred Shares upon liquidation, liquidation distributions
in the amount set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series of
the Preferred Shares plus an amount equal to the sum of all accrued and unpaid
dividends (whether or not earned or declared) for the then current dividend
period and, if such series of the Preferred Shares is cumulative, for all
dividend periods prior thereto. Neither the sale of all or substantially all of
the property and assets of the Corporation, nor the merger or consolidation of
the Corporation into or with any other corporation nor the merger or
consolidation of any other corporation into or with the Corporation, shall be
deemed to be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up. If, upon any voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the
assets of the Corporation available for distribution to the holders of the
Preferred Shares of any series and any other shares of stock of the Corporation
ranking as to any such distribution on a parity with such series of the
Preferred Shares shall be insufficient to pay in full all amounts to which such
holders are entitled, no such distribution shall be made on account of any
shares of any other series of the Preferred Shares or other securities of the
Corporation ranking as to any such distribution on a parity with the Preferred
Shares of such series upon such dissolution, liquidation or winding up unless
proportionate distributive amounts shall be paid on account of the Preferred
Shares of such series, ratably, in proportion to the full distributive amounts
for which holders of all such parity shares are respectively entitled upon such
dissolution, liquidation or winding up. After payment of the full amount of the
liquidation distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of such series
of the Preferred Shares will have no right or claim to any of the remaining
assets of the Corporation.
23
<PAGE>
VOTING RIGHTS
Except as indicated below or in the Prospectus Supplement relating to a
particular series of the Preferred Shares, or except as expressly required by
applicable law, the holders of the Preferred Shares will not be entitled to
vote. In the event the Corporation issues shares of a series of the Preferred
Shares, unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such
series, each share will be entitled to one vote on matters on which holders of
such series are entitled to vote. However, as more fully described under
"DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES," if the Corporation elects to provide for the
issuance of Depositary Shares representing fractional interests in a share of
such series of the Preferred Shares, the holders of each such Depositary Share
will, in effect, be entitled through the Depositary to such fraction of a vote,
rather than a full vote. In the case of any series of Preferred Shares having
one vote per share on matters on which holders of such series are entitled to
vote, the voting power of such series, on matters on which holders of such
series and holders of any other series of Preferred Shares or a series of
Preferred Stock or Preference Stock are entitled to vote as a single class, will
depend on the number of shares in such series, not the aggregate stated value,
liquidation preference or initial offering price of the shares of such series of
the Preferred Shares.
Whenever dividends on any series of the Preferred Shares shall be in arrears
for such number of dividend periods which shall in the aggregate contain not
less than 540 days, the holders of shares of the Preferred Shares of such series
(voting together as a class with holders of shares of any one or more series of
Preferred Stock or Preference Stock ranking on a parity with the Preferred
Shares either as to dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up and upon which like voting rights have been conferred
and are exercisable) will be entitled to vote for the election of two additional
directors on the terms set forth below and until all past dividends accumulated
on Preferred Shares of such series shall have been paid in full. Each holder of
Preferred Shares of such series will have one vote for each share of stock held
and each other series will have such number of votes, if any, for each share of
stock held as may be granted to them. In such case, the Board of Directors will
be increased by two directors, and the holders of the Preferred Shares of such
series (together with the holders of shares of any one or more series of
Preferred Stock or Preference Stock ranking on such a parity and upon which like
voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will have the exclusive
right as members of such class, as outlined above, to elect two directors at the
next annual meeting of stockholders.
So long as any Preferred Shares of any series remain outstanding, the
Corporation will not, without the consent of the holders of the outstanding
Preferred Shares of such series and outstanding shares of all series of
Preferred Stock and Preference Stock ranking on a parity with the Preferred
Shares of such series either as to dividends or the distribution of assets upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up and upon which like voting rights have
been conferred and are then exercisable, by a vote of at least two-thirds of all
such outstanding Preferred Shares and shares of Preferred Stock and Preference
Stock voting together as a class, given in person or by proxy, either in writing
or at a meeting, (i) authorize, create or issue, or increase the authorized or
issued amount of, any class or series of stock ranking prior to the Preferred
Shares with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets on
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or (ii) amend, alter or repeal, whether
by merger, consolidation or otherwise, the provisions of the Corporation's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, or of the resolutions
contained in a Certificate of Designations for any series of the Preferred
Shares designating such series of the Preferred Shares and the preferences and
relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications,
limitations and restrictions thereof, so as to materially and adversely affect
any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the Preferred Shares or the
holders thereof; provided, however, that any increase in the amount of the
authorized Preferred Stock or Preference Stock or the creation and issuance of
other series of Preferred Stock or Preference Stock, or any increase in the
amount of authorized shares of any series of Preferred Stock or Preference
Stock, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the Preferred Shares
with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up will not be deemed to materially and
adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.
24
<PAGE>
The holders of ESOP Preferred Stock, 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock, Tracking
Preferred Stock and 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock described under "Outstanding
Preferred Stock" below have voting rights similar to those described in this
section.
OUTSTANDING PREFERRED STOCK
The Preferred Shares will rank on a parity in all respects with the
outstanding Preferred Stock and Preference Stock of the Corporation. The Common
Stock of the Corporation, including the Common Stock that may be issued upon
conversion of the Preferred Shares or in exchange for, or upon conversion of,
Subordinated Securities, will be subject to any prior rights of the Preferred
Stock and Preference Stock then outstanding. Therefore, the rights of the
outstanding Preferred Stock, described below, and any Preferred Stock or
Preference Stock that may be subsequently issued, may limit the rights of the
holders of the Preferred Shares and Common Stock of the Corporation. At December
31, 1995, the Corporation had outstanding 1,127,125 shares of 10.24% Cumulative
Preferred Stock (the "10.24% Preferred Stock"), 12,984 shares of ESOP Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock (the "ESOP Preferred Stock"), 24,572 shares of 1995
ESOP Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the "1995 ESOP Preferred Stock")
and 980,000 shares of Cumulative Tracking Preferred Stock (the "Tracking
Preferred Stock"), of which 25,000 shares are held by a subsidiary of the
Corporation. On January 2, 1996, the Corporation redeemed all outstanding shares
of the 10.24% Preferred Stock. On February 27, 1996, the Corporation issued
59,000 shares of 1996 ESOP Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the "1996
ESOP Preferred Stock"). No shares of Preference Stock are currently outstanding.
ESOP PREFERRED STOCK. The ESOP Preferred Stock has a stated value of
$1,000.00 per share. The ESOP Preferred Stock provides for cumulative quarterly
dividends at the rate of 9% per annum calculated as a percentage of stated
value. All outstanding shares of ESOP Preferred Stock are held of record by a
trustee acting on behalf of the Norwest Corporation Savings Investment Plan and
Master Savings Trust, or any successor to such plan (the "Plan"). The ESOP
Preferred Stock is subject to redemption, in whole or in part, at the option of
the Corporation at a price equal to the higher of (i) $1,000.00 per share, plus
accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption, and (ii)
the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Certificate of Designations for the
ESOP Preferred Stock) per share of ESOP Preferred Stock on the date fixed for
redemption.
The ESOP Preferred Stock is mandatorily convertible, without any further
action on the part of the Corporation or the holder thereof, into the
Corporation's Common Stock at the then applicable Conversion Price (as defined
in the Certificate of Designations for the ESOP Preferred Stock) when (i) the
ESOP Preferred Stock is released from the unallocated reserve of the Plan in
accordance with the terms thereof, or (ii) when record ownership of the shares
of ESOP Preferred Stock is transferred to any person other than a successor
trustee under the Plan. In addition, a holder of ESOP Preferred Stock is
entitled, at any time prior to the date fixed for redemption, to convert shares
of ESOP Preferred Stock held by such holder into shares of the Corporation's
Common Stock at the then applicable Conversion Price.
In the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the Corporation, the holders of ESOP Preferred Stock are entitled to
receive out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to
stockholders, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of the
Corporation's Common Stock, $1,000.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid
dividends. Except as required by law, the holders of ESOP Preferred Stock are
not entitled to vote, except under the limited circumstances described in
"Voting Rights" above. The ESOP Preferred Stock does not have preemptive rights
and is not subject to any sinking fund or other obligation of the Corporation to
repurchase or redeem the ESOP Preferred Stock.
1995 ESOP PREFERRED STOCK. The 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock has a stated value
of $1,000.00 per share. The 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock provides for cumulative
quarterly dividends at the rate of 10% per annum calculated as a percentage of
stated value. All outstanding shares of 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock are held of
record by a trustee acting on behalf of the Plan. The 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock
is subject to redemption, in whole or in part, at the option of the Corporation
at a price equal to the higher of (i) $1,000.00 per share,
25
<PAGE>
plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption, and
(ii) the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Certificate of Designations for
the 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock) per share of 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock on the
date fixed for redemption.
The ESOP Preferred Stock is mandatorily convertible, without any further
action on the part of the Corporation or the holder thereof, into the
Corporation's Common Stock at the then applicable Conversion Price (as defined
in the Certificate of Designations for the 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock) when (i)
the 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock is released from the unallocated reserve of the
Plan in accordance with the terms thereof, or (ii) when record ownership of the
shares of 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock is transferred to any person other than a
successor trustee under the Plan. In addition, a holder of 1995 ESOP Preferred
Stock is entitled, at any time prior to the date fixed for redemption, to
convert shares of 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock held by such holder into shares of
the Corporation's Common Stock at the then applicable Conversion Price.
In the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the Corporation, the holders of 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock are entitled to
receive out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to
stockholders, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of the
Corporation's Common Stock, $1,000.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid
dividends. Except as required by law, the holders of 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock
are not entitled to vote, except under the limited circumstances described in
"Voting Rights" above. The 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock does not have preemptive
rights and is not subject to any sinking fund or other obligation of the
Corporation to repurchase or redeem the 1995 ESOP Preferred Stock.
TRACKING PREFERRED STOCK. The Tracking Preferred Stock has a stated value
of $200.00 per share. The holders of the Tracking Preferred Stock are also
collectively the assignees of the Corporation's entire beneficial ownership
interest in Class A preferred limited liability company interests (the "Class A
Preferred Securities") of Residential Home Mortgage, L.L.C. (the "Limited
Liability Company").
The Tracking Preferred Stock provides for cumulative annual cash dividends
per share of Tracking Preferred Stock equal to the product of the Dividend Rate
(as defined in the Certificate of Designations for the Tracking Preferred Stock)
and $200.00, payable quarterly. The Dividend Rate is currently 9.3%, and will be
reset on January 1, 2000 and on January 1 of each fifth year thereafter as
described in the Certificate of Designations for the Tracking Preferred Stock.
The Tracking Preferred Stock also provides for certain additional cash
distributions that are based upon the results of operations of the Limited
Liability Company, payable on December 31, 1999 and on December 31 of each fifth
year thereafter. The terms of the Tracking Preferred Stock provide that the
amount of certain dividends distributed or distributions paid to the holders of
Tracking Preferred Stock as assignees of the Corporation's interest in the Class
A Preferred Securities of the Limited Liability Company will reduce dollar for
dollar, respectively, the dividends and distributions to which the holders of
the Tracking Preferred Stock would otherwise be entitled pursuant to the terms
of the Certificate of Designations for the Tracking Preferred Stock.
The Tracking Preferred Stock is subject to redemption, in whole or in part,
at the option of the Corporation, at a per share price equal to the greater of
(i) $200.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date
fixed for redemption, and (ii) the Fair Market Value of a Per Share Tracking
Interest in the Limited Liability Company (as defined in the Certificate of
Designations for the Tracking Preferred Stock). Subject to certain exceptions
set forth in the Certificate of Designations for the Tracking Preferred Stock,
the Tracking Preferred Stock is not subject to redemption prior to December 31,
1999. Any redemption payments received by a holder of Tracking Preferred Stock
as an assignee of the Corporation's interest in Class A Preferred Securities of
the Limited Liability Company will reduce dollar for dollar the amount of
redemption payments to which the holders of Tracking Preferred Stock would
otherwise be entitled pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designations
for the Tracking Preferred Stock.
In the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the Corporation, the holders of Tracking Preferred Stock are entitled to
receive out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to
stockholders, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of the
Corporation's
26
<PAGE>
Common Stock, a per share amount equal to the greater of (i) $200.00 per share,
plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of final distribution, and (ii)
the Fair Market Value of a Per Share Tracking Interest in the Limited Liability
Company. Any liquidation payments received by a holder of Tracking Preferred
Stock as an assignee of the Corporation's interest in Class A Preferred
Securities of the Limited Liability Company will reduce dollar for dollar the
amount to which the holders of the Tracking Preferred Stock would otherwise be
entitled pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designations for the
Tracking Preferred Stock, provided that no such reduction shall result from a
payment made prior to December 31, 1999 in connection the voluntary dissolution
of the Limited Liability Company.
Except as required by law, the holders of Tracking Preferred Stock are not
entitled to vote, except under the limited circumstances described in "Voting
Rights" above. The Tracking Preferred Stock does not have preemptive rights and
is not subject to any sinking fund or other obligation of the Corporation to
repurchase or redeem the Tracking Preferred Stock.
1996 ESOP CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK. The 1996 ESOP Preferred
Stock has a stated value of $1,000.00 per share. The 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock
provides for cumulative quarterly dividends at the rate of $85.00, $90.00 or
$95.00 per annum based on the Current Market Price (as defined in the
Certificate of Designations for the 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock) of one share of
the Corporation's Common Stock as of a fixed trading date. All outstanding
shares of 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock are held of record by a trustee acting on
behalf of the Plan. The 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock is subject to redemption, in
whole or in part, at the option of the Corporation at a price equal to the
higher of (i) $1,000.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to
the date fixed for redemption, and (ii) the Fair Market Value (as defined in the
Certificate of Designations for the 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock) per share of 1996
ESOP Preferred Stock on the date fixed for redemption.
The ESOP Preferred Stock is mandatorily convertible, without any further
action on the part of the Corporation or the holder thereof, into the
Corporation's Common Stock at the then applicable Conversion Price (as defined
in the Certificate of Designations for the 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock) when (i)
the 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock is released from the unallocated reserve of the
Plan in accordance with the terms thereof, or (ii) when record ownership of the
shares of 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock is transferred to any person other than a
successor trustee under the Plan. In addition, a holder of 1996 ESOP Preferred
Stock is entitled, at any time prior to the date fixed for redemption, to
convert shares of 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock held by such holder into shares of
the Corporation's Common Stock at the then applicable Conversion Price.
In the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the Corporation, the holders of 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock are entitled to
receive out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to
stockholders, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of the
Corporation's Common Stock, $1,000.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid
dividends. Except as required by law, the holders of 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock
are not entitled to vote, except under the limited circumstances described in
"Voting Rights" above. The 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock does not have preemptive
rights and is not subject to any sinking fund or other obligation of the
Corporation to repurchase or redeem the 1996 ESOP Preferred Stock.
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
The description set forth below and in any Prospectus Supplement of certain
provisions of the Deposit Agreement (as defined below) and of the Depositary
Shares and Depositary Receipts does not purport to be complete and is subject to
and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Deposit Agreement and
Depositary Receipts relating to each series of the Preferred Shares which will
be filed with the Commission at or prior to the time of the offering of such
series of the Preferred Shares.
GENERAL
The Corporation may, at its option, elect to offer fractional interests in
Preferred Shares, rather than full Preferred Shares. In the event such option is
exercised, the Corporation will provide for the issuance by a
27
<PAGE>
Depositary to the public of Depositary Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares,
each of which will represent a fractional interest (to be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular series of the Preferred Shares)
in a share of a particular series of the Preferred Shares as described below.
The shares of any series of the Preferred Shares underlying the Depositary
Shares will be deposited under a separate deposit agreement (the "Deposit
Agreement") between the Corporation and a bank or trust company selected by the
Corporation having its principal executive office in the United States and
having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 (the
"Depositary"). The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of Depositary
Shares will set forth the name and address of the principal executive office of
the Depositary. Subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, each owner of a
Depositary Share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fractional
interest in a Preferred Share underlying such Depositary Share, to all the
rights and preferences of the Preferred Shares underlying such Depositary Share
(including dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights).
Pending the preparation of definitive engraved Depositary Receipts, the
Depositary may, upon the written order of the Corporation, issue temporary
Depositary Receipts substantially identical to (and entitling the holders
thereof to all the rights pertaining to) the definitive Depositary Receipts but
not in definitive form. Definitive Depositary Receipts will be prepared
thereafter without unreasonable delay, and temporary Depositary Receipts will be
exchangeable for definitive Depositary Receipts at the Corporation's expense.
Upon surrender of the Depositary Receipts at the principal office of the
Depositary in Minneapolis, Minnesota (unless the related Depositary Shares have
previously been called for redemption), the owner of the Depositary Shares
evidenced thereby is entitled to delivery at such office, to or upon his order,
of the number of Preferred Shares and any money or other property represented by
such Depositary Shares. Partial Preferred Shares will not be issued. If the
Depositary Receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of Depositary
Shares in excess of the number of Depositary Shares representing the number of
whole Preferred Shares to be withdrawn, the Depositary will deliver to such
holder at the same time a new Depositary Receipt evidencing such excess number
of Depositary Shares. Holders of Preferred Shares thus withdrawn will not
thereafter be entitled to deposit such shares under the Deposit Agreement or to
receive Depositary Shares therefor. The Corporation does not expect that there
will be any public trading market for the Preferred Shares except as represented
by the Depositary Shares.
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
The Depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash
distributions received in respect of the Preferred Shares to the record holders
of Depositary Shares relating to such Preferred Shares in proportion to the
numbers of such Depositary Shares owned by such holders on the relevant record
date. The Depositary shall distribute only such amount, however, as can be
distributed without attributing to any holder of Depositary Shares a fraction of
one cent, and any balance not so distributed shall be added to and treated as
part of the next sum received by the Depositary for distribution to record
holders of Depositary Shares.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the Depositary will
distribute property received by it to the record holders of Depositary Shares
entitled thereto, unless the Depositary determines that it is not feasible to
make such distribution, in which case the Depositary may, with the approval of
the Corporation, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds from such
sale to such holders.
The Deposit Agreement will also contain provisions relating to the manner in
which any subscription or similar rights offered by the Corporation to holders
of the Preferred Shares shall be made available to holders of Depositary Shares.
REDEMPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
If a series of the Preferred Shares underlying the Depositary Shares is
subject to redemption, the Depositary Shares will be redeemed from the proceeds
received by the Depositary resulting from the
28
<PAGE>
redemption, in whole or in part, of such series of the Preferred Shares held by
the Depositary. The Depositary shall mail notice of redemption not less than 30
and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption to the record
holders of the Depositary Shares to be so redeemed at their respective addresses
appearing in the Depositary's books. The redemption price per Depositary Share
will be equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price per share
payable with respect to such series of the Preferred Shares. Whenever the
Corporation redeems Preferred Shares held by the Depositary, the Depositary will
redeem as of the same redemption date the number of Depositary Shares relating
to the Preferred Shares so redeemed. If less than all the Depositary Shares are
to be redeemed, the Depositary Shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or
pro rata as may be determined by the Depositary.
After the date fixed for redemption, the Depositary Shares so called for
redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the
holders of the Depositary Shares will cease, except the right to receive the
moneys payable upon such redemption and any money or other property to which the
holders of such Depositary Shares were entitled upon such redemption upon
surrender to the Depositary of the Depositary Receipts evidencing such
Depositary Shares.
VOTING THE PREFERRED SHARES
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the Preferred
Shares are entitled to vote, the Depositary will mail the information contained
in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the Depositary Shares
relating to such Preferred Shares. Each record holder of such Depositary Shares
on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the
Preferred Shares) will be entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise
of the voting rights pertaining to the number of shares of Preferred Shares
underlying such holder's Depositary Shares. The Depositary will endeavor,
insofar as practicable, to vote the number of Preferred Shares underlying such
Depositary Shares in accordance with such instructions, and the Corporation will
agree to take all action which may be deemed necessary by the Depositary in
order to enable the Depositary to do so. The Depositary will abstain from voting
Preferred Shares to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from
the holders of Depositary Shares relating to such Preferred Shares.
TAXATION
Owners of Depositary Shares will be treated for federal income tax purposes
as if they were owners of the Preferred Shares represented by such Depositary
Shares and, accordingly, will be entitled to take into account for federal
income tax purposes income and deductions to which they would be entitled if
they were holders of such Preferred Shares. In addition, (i) no gain or loss
will be recognized for federal income tax purposes upon the withdrawal of
Preferred Shares in exchange for Depositary Shares as provided in the Deposit
Agreement, (ii) the tax basis of each Preferred Share to an exchanging owner of
Depositary Shares will, upon such exchange, be the same as the aggregate tax
basis of the Depositary Shares exchanged therefor, and (iii) the holding period
for the Preferred Shares in the hands of an exchanging owner of Depositary
Shares who held such Depositary Shares as a capital asset at the time of the
exchange thereof for Preferred Shares will include the period during which such
person owned such Depositary Shares.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE DEPOSITARY AGREEMENT
The form of Depositary Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares and any
provision of the Deposit Agreement may at any time be amended by agreement
between the Corporation and the Depositary. However, any amendment which
materially and adversely alters the rights of the existing holders of Depositary
Shares will not be effective unless such amendment has been approved by the
record holders of at least a majority of the Depositary Shares then outstanding.
A Deposit Agreement may be terminated by the Corporation or the Depositary only
if (i) all outstanding Depositary Shares relating thereto have been redeemed or
(ii) there has been a final distribution in respect of the Preferred Shares of
the relevant series in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the Corporation and such distribution has been distributed to the holders
of the related Depositary Shares.
29
<PAGE>
CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY
The Corporation will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental
charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. The
Corporation will pay charges of the Depositary in connection with the initial
deposit of the Preferred Shares and any redemption of the Preferred Shares.
Holders of Depositary Shares will pay other transfer and other taxes and
governmental charges and such other charges as are expressly provided in the
Deposit Agreement to be for their accounts.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Depositary will forward to the holders of Depositary Shares all reports
and communications from the Corporation which are delivered to the Depositary
and which the Corporation is required to furnish to the holders of the Preferred
Shares.
Neither the Depositary nor the Corporation will be liable if it is prevented
or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its
obligations under the Deposit Agreement. The obligations of the Corporation and
the Depositary under the Deposit Agreement will be limited to performance in
good faith of their duties thereunder and they will not be obligated to
prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any Depositary Shares or
Preferred Shares unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. They may rely upon
written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons
presenting Preferred Shares for deposit, holders of Depositary Shares or other
persons believed to be competent and on documents believed to be genuine.
RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF DEPOSITARY
The Depositary may resign at any time by delivering to the Corporation
notice of its election to do so, and the Corporation may at any time remove the
Depositary, any such resignation or removal to take effect upon the appointment
of a successor Depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. Such successor
Depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of
resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal
office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at
least $50,000,000.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
GENERAL
The Board of Directors of the Corporation is authorized to issue a maximum
of 500,000,000 shares of Common Stock. As of December 31, 1995, 358,332,153
shares of Common Stock were issued, of which 352,760,457 were outstanding and
5,571,696 were held as treasury shares. Subject to any prior rights of any
Preferred Stock or Preference Stock then outstanding, holders of the Common
Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as are declared by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation out of funds legally available therefor. For
information concerning legal limitations on the ability of the Corporation's
banking subsidiaries to supply funds to the Corporation, see "CERTAIN REGULATORY
MATTERS." Subject to the rights, if any, of any Preferred Stock or Preference
Stock then outstanding, all voting rights are vested in the holders of Common
Stock, each share being entitled to one vote. Subject to any prior rights of any
such Preferred Stock or Preference Stock, in the event of liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, holders of shares of Common Stock
are entitled to receive pro rata any assets distributable to stockholders in
respect of shares held by them. Holders of shares of Common Stock do not have
any preemptive right to subscribe for any additional securities which may be
issued by the Corporation. The outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid
and nonassessable. The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is
Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association. Each share of Common Stock also
includes a right to purchase certain Preferred Stock. See "Rights Agreement"
below.
RIGHTS PLAN
The Corporation has in effect a rights plan (the "Rights Plan") pursuant to
which each share of Common Stock now outstanding has attached to it, and each
share of Common Stock issued in this offering will have attached to it, one
preferred stock purchase right (a "Right") entitling the holder thereof to
30
<PAGE>
purchase one four-hundredth of a share of the Corporation's Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock without par value ("Series A Preferred Stock") at
a price of $175.00, subject to customary antidilution adjustment. Each Right is
inseparable from, and trades automatically with, the share of Common Stock to
which it is attached. No separate Right certificates will be issued. Until
exercised, a Right by itself does not confer any rights on its holder as a
stockholder of the Corporation, including, but not limited to, the right to vote
or receive dividends. All Rights expire November 23, 1998, unless earlier
exercised by the holders thereof or redeemed or extended by the Corporation.
Subject to certain limited exceptions, the Corporation may amend or otherwise
modify the provisions of the Rights and the Rights Plan without any vote or
other action on the part of the holders of the Rights.
The Rights are exercisable only if a person or group acquires or announces
an offer to acquire 25% or more (the "Triggering Percentage") of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock. The Corporation's Board of Directors may, without any
vote or other action on the part of stockholders, reduce the Triggering
Percentage to not less than 15% at any time prior to the Rights becoming
exercisable. The Rights have certain additional rights that will be triggered
upon the occurrence of the following specified events:
(1) If a person or group acquires at least the Triggering Percentage of
Common Stock, the Rights permit the holders thereof, other than such person
or group, to acquire shares of Common Stock at 50% of such shares' market
value at the time. This feature will not apply, however, if a person or
group that owns less than the Triggering Percentage acquires at least 85% of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock pursuant to a cash tender offer for
100% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(2) After a person or group acquires at least the Triggering Percentage
of Common Stock but before such person or group acquires 50% of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Corporation's Board of Directors may
exchange each Right, other than Rights owned by such acquiror, for one share
of Common Stock or one four-hundredth of a share of Series A Preferred
Stock.
(3) In the event of certain business combinations involving the
Corporation or the sale of 50% or more of the assets or earning power of the
Corporation, the Rights permit the holders thereof to purchase the stock of
the acquiror at 50% of such shares' market value.
Each share of Series A Preferred Stock will have 400 votes, voting together
with shares of Common Stock. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be
entitled to a minimum preferential quarterly dividend payment of $1.00 per share
and will be entitled to an aggregate dividend of 400 times the dividend declared
per share of Common Stock. In the event of a merger, consolidation or other
transaction in which Common stock is exchanged, each share of Series A Preferred
Stock will be entitled to receive 400 times the amount received per share of
Common Stock. In the event of liquidation of the Corporation, the holders of the
Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to a minimum preferential liquidation
payment of $400 per share and will be entitled to an aggregate payment of 400
times the payment made per share of Common Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock
will not be redeemable. The rights of the holder of Series A Preferred Stock are
protected by customary antidilution provisions.
The Corporation's Board of Directors may redeem the Rights in whole, but not
in part, at a price of $.0025 per Right (the "Redemption Price") at any time
prior to the acquisition by a person or group of at least the Triggering
Percentage of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. The Corporation's Board of
Directors may effect the redemption at such time, upon such terms and subject to
such conditions as the Board may deem in it sole discretion necessary or
advisable. Immediately upon redemption of the Rights, all rights of the holders
thereof (including the right to exercise the Rights) will terminate except for
the right to receive the Redemption Price.
The operation of the Rights Plan may result in immediate substantial
dilution to, or otherwise materially adversely affect, any person or group that
acquires the Triggering Percentage of Common Stock or otherwise triggers a
provision of the Rights Plan. For that reason, the existence of the Rights Plan
may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a takeover of the
Corporation.
31
<PAGE>
The foregoing discussion of the Rights Plan is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the rights agreement dated November 22, 1988 between the
Corporation and Citibank, N.A., as rights agent, a copy of which agreement has
been filed as part of this Registration Statement.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS
The Corporation may issue Securities Warrants for the purchase of Debt
Securities, Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares or Common Stock. Securities
Warrants may be issued independently or together with Debt Securities, Preferred
Shares or Depositary Shares offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be
attached to or separate from such Debt Securities, Preferred Shares or
Depositary Shares. Each series of Securities Warrants will be issued under a
separate warrant agreement (a "Securities Warrant Agreement") to be entered into
between the Corporation and a bank or trust company, as Securities Warrant
Agent, all as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular
issue of offered Securities Warrants. The Securities Warrant Agent will act
solely as an agent of the Corporation in connection with the Securities Warrant
Certificates and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or
trust for or with any holders of Securities Warrant Certificates or beneficial
owners of Securities Warrants. Copies of the forms of Securities Warrant
Agreements, including the forms of Securities Warrant Certificates representing
the Securities Warrants, are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement to
which this Prospectus pertains. The following summaries of certain provisions of
the forms of Securities Warrant Agreements and Securities Warrant Certificates
do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Securities Warrant
Agreements and the Securities Warrant Certificates.
GENERAL
If Securities Warrants are offered, the applicable Prospectus Supplement
will describe the terms of such Securities Warrants, including, in the case of
Securities Warrants for the purchase of Debt Securities, the following where
applicable: (i) the offering price; (ii) the currencies in which such Securities
Warrants are being offered; (iii) the designation, aggregate principal amount,
currencies, denominations and terms of the series of Debt Securities purchasable
upon exercise of such Securities Warrants; (iv) the designation and terms of any
series of Debt Securities, Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares with which such
Securities Warrants are being offered and the number of such Securities Warrants
being offered with each such Debt Security, Preferred Share or Depositary Share;
(v) the date on and after which such Securities Warrants and the related series
of Debt Securities, Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares will be transferable
separately; (vi) the principal amount of the series of Debt Securities
purchasable upon exercise of each such Securities Warrant and the price at which
and currencies in which such principal amount of Debt Securities of such series
may be purchased upon such exercise; (vii) the date on which the right to
exercise such Securities Warrants shall commence and the date (the "Expiration
Date") on which such right shall expire; (viii) whether the Securities Warrants
will be issued in registered or bearer form; (ix) United States federal income
tax consequences; and (x) any other terms of such Securities Warrants.
In the case of Securities Warrants for the purchase of Preferred Shares,
Depositary Shares or Common Stock, the applicable Prospectus Supplement will
describe the terms of such Securities Warrants, including the following where
applicable: (i) the offering price; (ii) the aggregate number of shares
purchasable upon exercise of such Securities Warrants and, in the case of
Securities Warrants for Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares, the designation,
aggregate number and terms of the series of Preferred Shares purchasable upon
exercise of such Securities Warrants or underlying the Depositary Shares
purchasable upon exercise of such Securities Warrants; (iii) the designation and
terms of the series of Debt Securities, Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares
with which such Securities Warrants are being offered and the number of such
Securities Warrants being offered with each such Debt Security, Preferred Share
or Depositary Share; (iv) the date on and after which such Securities Warrants
and the related series of Debt Securities, Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares
will be transferable separately; (v) the number of Preferred Shares, Depositary
Shares or shares of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of each such
32
<PAGE>
Securities Warrant and the price at which such number of Preferred Shares or
Depositary Shares of such series or shares of Common Stock may be purchased upon
each exercise; (vi) the date on which the right to exercise such Securities
Warrants shall commence and the Expiration Date; (vii) United States federal
income tax consequences; and (viii) any other terms of such Securities Warrants.
Securities Warrants for the purchase of Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares or
Common Stock will be offered and exercisable for U.S. dollars only and will be
in registered form only.
Securities Warrant Certificates may be exchanged for new Securities Warrant
Certificates of different denominations, may (if in registered form) be
presented for registration of transfer and may be exercised at the corporate
trust office of the Securities Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Prior to the exercise of any Securities
Warrant to purchase Debt Securities, holders of such Securities Warrants will
not have any of the rights of Holders of the Debt Securities purchasable upon
such exercise, including the right to receive payments of principal of, premium,
if any, or interest, if any, on the Debt Securities purchasable upon such
exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture. Prior to the
exercise of any Securities Warrants to purchase Preferred Shares, Depositary
Shares or Common Stock, holders of such Securities Warrants will not have any
rights of holders of the Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares or Common Stock
purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive payments of
dividends, if any, on the Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares or Common Stock
purchasable upon such exercise or to exercise any applicable right to vote.
EXERCISE OF SECURITIES WARRANTS
Each Securities Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase such
principal amount of Debt Securities or number of Preferred Shares, Depositary
Shares or shares of Common Stock, as the case may be, at such exercise price as
shall in each case be set forth in, or calculable from, the Prospectus
Supplement relating to the offered Securities Warrants. After the close of
business on the Expiration Date (or such later date to which such Expiration
Date may be extended by the Corporation), unexercised Securities Warrants will
become void.
Securities Warrants may be exercised by delivering to the Securities Warrant
Agent payment as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement of the amount
required to purchase the Debt Securities, Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares or
Common Stock, as the case may be, purchasable upon such exercise together with
certain information set forth on the reverse side of the Securities Warrant
Certificate. Securities Warrants will be deemed to have been exercised upon
receipt of payment of the exercise price, subject to the receipt, within five
business days, of the Securities Warrant Certificate evidencing such Securities
Warrants. Upon receipt of such payment and the Securities Warrant Certificate
properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the
Securities Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, the Corporation will, as soon as practicable, issue and
deliver the Debt Securities, Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares or Common
Stock, as the case may be, purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of
the Securities Warrants represented by such Securities Warrant Certificate are
exercised, a new Securities Warrant Certificate will be issued for the remaining
amount of Securities Warrants.
AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO SECURITIES WARRANT AGREEMENTS
The Securities Warrant Agreements may be amended or supplemented without the
consent of the holders of the Securities Warrants issued thereunder to effect
changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Securities Warrants
and that do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Securities
Warrants.
COMMON STOCK WARRANT ADJUSTMENTS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
exercise price of, and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by, a Common
Stock Warrant are subject to adjustment in certain events, including (i) the
issuance of capital stock as a dividend or distribution on the Common Stock;
(ii) subdivisions and combinations of the Common Stock; (iii) the issuance to
all holders of Common Stock
33
<PAGE>
of certain rights or warrants entitling them to subscribe for or purchase Common
Stock within 45 days after the date fixed for the determination of the
stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants, at less than the
current market price (as defined in the Warrant Agreement for such series of
Common Stock Warrants); (iv) the distribution to all holders of Common Stock of
evidences of indebtedness or assets of the Corporation (excluding certain cash
dividends and distributions described below) or rights or warrants (excluding
those referred to above). In the event that the Corporation shall distribute any
rights or warrants to acquire capital stock pursuant to clause (iii) above (the
"Capital Stock Rights"), pursuant to which separate certificates representing
such Capital Stock Rights will be distributed subsequent to the initial
distribution of such Capital Stock Rights (whether or not such distribution
shall have occurred prior to the date of the issuance of a series of Common
Stock Warrants), such subsequent distribution shall be deemed to be the
distribution of such Capital Stock Rights; provided that the Corporation may, in
lieu of making any adjustment in the exercise price of and the number of shares
of Common Stock covered by a Common Stock Warrant upon a distribution of
separate certificates representing such Capital Stock Rights, make proper
provision so that each holder of such a Common Stock Warrant who exercises such
Common Stock Warrant (or any portion thereof) (a) before the record date for
such distribution of separate certificates shall be entitled to receive upon
such exercise shares of Common Stock issued with Capital Stock Rights and (b)
after such record date and prior to the expiration, redemption or termination of
such Capital Stock Rights shall be entitled to receive upon such exercise, in
addition to the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such exercise, the same
number of such Capital Stock Rights as would a holder of the number of shares of
Common Stock that such Common Stock Warrant so exercised would have entitled the
holder thereof to acquire in accordance with the terms and provisions applicable
to the Capital Stock Rights if such Common Stock Warrant was exercised
immediately prior to the record date for such distribution. Common Stock owned
by or held for the account of the Corporation or any majority owned subsidiary
shall not be deemed outstanding for the purpose of any adjustment.
No adjustment in the exercise price of and the number of shares of Common
Stock covered by a Common Stock Warrant will be made for regular quarterly or
other periodic or recurring cash dividends or distributions or for cash
dividends or distributions to the extent paid from retained earnings. No
adjustment will be required unless such adjustment would require a change of at
least 1% in the exercise price then in effect; provided that any such adjustment
not so made will be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent
adjustment; and provided further that any such adjustment not so made shall be
made no later than three years after the occurrence of the event requiring such
adjustment to be made or carried forward. Except as stated above, the exercise
price of and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by a Common Stock
Warrant will not be adjusted for the issuance of Common Stock or any securities
convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or securities carrying the
right to purchase any of the foregoing.
In the case of (i) a reclassification or change of the Common Stock, (ii) a
consolidation or merger involving the Corporation or (iii) a sale or conveyance
to another corporation of the property and assets of the Corporation as an
entirety or substantially as an entirety, in each case as a result of which
holders of the Corporation's Common Stock shall be entitled to receive stock,
securities, other property or assets (including cash) with respect to or in
exchange for such Common Stock, the holders of the Common Stock Warrants then
outstanding will be entitled thereafter to convert such Common Stock Warrants
into the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities or property
which they would have received upon such reclassification, change,
consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance had such Common Stock Warrants been
exercised immediately prior to such reclassification, change, consolidation,
merger, sale or conveyance.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Corporation may offer and sell the Offered Securities in any of three
ways: (i) through agents (including certain affiliates of the Corporation), (ii)
through underwriters or dealers (including certain affiliates of the
Corporation), or (iii) directly to one or more purchasers. The Prospectus
Supplement with respect to any of the Offered Securities will set forth the
terms of the offering of such Offered Securities, including the name or names of
any underwriters or agents, the purchase price of such Offered Securities,
34
<PAGE>
the proceeds to the Corporation from such sale, any underwriting discounts or
agency fees and other items constituting underwriters' or agents' compensation,
the initial public offering price, any discounts or concessions allowed or
reallowed or paid to dealers, and any securities exchanges on which such Offered
Securities may be listed.
The distribution of the Offered Securities may be effected from time to time
in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at
market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such
prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered
into with the Corporation, to indemnification by the Corporation against certain
civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to
contributions with respect to payments which the underwriters or agents may be
required to make in respect thereof. Underwriters and agents, and affiliates
thereof, may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services
for the Corporation and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
Each underwriter, dealer and agent participating in the distribution of any
Debt Securities that are issuable as Bearer Securities will agree that, in
connection with the original issuance of such Bearer Securities, it will not
offer, sell or deliver, directly or indirectly, Bearer Securities to a United
States person or to any person within the United States, except to the extent
permitted under United States Treasury regulations.
All Offered Securities will be new issues of securities with no established
trading market. Any underwriters to whom Offered Securities are sold by the
Corporation for public offering and sale may make a market in such Offered
Securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may
discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be
given concerning the liquidity of the trading market for any Offered Securities.
Norwest Investment Services Inc. ("NISI"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Corporation, may assist in the placement of certain Offered Securities. Any such
placement will be pursuant to the terms of an agreement (a "Brokerage
Agreement") between the Corporation and NISI, whereby NISI will be acting as
agent for certain of its existing customers. Any such placement of Offered
Securities will be made in compliance with Schedule E to the By-Laws of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Any such Brokerage Agreement
will authorize NISI to contact existing customers which are financial
institutions or sophisticated investors to inform them of the availability of
the Offered Securities and the terms on which the Offered Securities may be
purchased. NISI will forward any orders for the Offered Securities to the
Corporation for acceptance, and the Corporation will pay NISI a commission at
the same rate as the commissions paid to other agents placing Offered
Securities. As part of such arrangement, it is anticipated that the Corporation
will agree to indemnify NISI against and contribute towards certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act.
VALIDITY OF SECURITIES
The validity of the Offered Securities will be passed upon for the
Corporation by Stanley S. Stroup, Executive Vice President and General Counsel
of the Corporation. As of December 31, 1995, Mr. Stroup was the beneficial owner
of 107,753 shares of the Corporation's Common Stock and had options to acquire
247,410 additional shares. Certain tax matters will be passed upon for the
Corporation by Faegre & Benson LLP ("Faegre & Benson"), 2200 Norwest Center, 90
South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402. Faegre & Benson and certain
members of the firm are indebted to and have other banking and trust
relationships with certain affiliated banks of the Corporation. Members of
Faegre & Benson and members of their families own less than .02% of the
Corporation's Common Stock outstanding.
35
<PAGE>
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Norwest Corporation and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1995, incorporated by reference herein,
have been incorporated herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP, independent certified public accountants, incorporated by reference herein,
and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
36
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The following is an estimate, subject to future contingencies, of the
expenses to be incurred by the Registrant in connection with the issuance and
distribution of the securities being registered:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Registration Fee............................. $1,724,150
*Legal Fees and Expenses...................... 75,000
*Trustee Fees and Expenses.................... 20,000
*Accounting Fees and Expenses................. 50,000
*Blue Sky and Legal Investment Fees and
Expenses..................................... 20,000
*Printing and Engraving Fees.................. 60,000
*Rating Agency Fees........................... 125,000
*Listing Fees................................. 50,000
*Miscellaneous................................ 850
----------
Total..................................... $2,125,000
----------
----------
<FN>
- ---------
* Estimated pursuant to instruction to Item 511 of Regulation S-K.
</TABLE>
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes
indemnification of directors and officers of a Delaware corporation under
certain circumstances against expenses, judgments and the like in connection
with litigation. Article Fourteenth of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
of the Registrant provides for broad indemnification of directors and officers
of the Registrant. The Registrant also maintains insurance coverage relating to
certain liabilities of directors and officers.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
The following Exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
1(a) Form of Underwriting Agreement for Debt Securities.(1)
1(b) Form of Underwriting Agreement for Preferred Shares.(1)
1(c) Form of Distribution Agreement.(1)
4(a) Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3(b) to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 28, 1993
and Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 3, 1995
(File No. 1-2979)).
4(b) Certificate of Designations of Powers, Preferences, and Rights relating to the
Registrant's ESOP Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 1994 (File No. 1-2979)).
4(c) Rights Agreement, dated as of November 22, 1988, between Norwest Corporation and
Citibank, N.A., including as Exhibit A the form of Certificate of Designation of
Powers, Preferences and Rights setting forth the terms of the Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock, without par value (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 1 to the Registrant's Form 8-A filed on December 6, 1988 (File No.
1-2979)) and Certificates of Adjustment pursuant to Section 12 of the Rights
Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Form 8
dated July 21, 1989 and to Exhibit 4 to the Registrant's Form 8-A/A dated June
28, 1993 (File No. 1-2979)).
4(d) By-Laws, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1991 (File No. 1-2979)).
</TABLE>
II-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
4(e) Certificate of Designations of Powers, Preferences, and Rights relating to the
Registrant's 1996 ESOP Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
February 26, 1996 (File No. 1-2979)).
4(f) Form of Senior Indenture.(1)
4(g) Form of Subordinated Indenture.(1)
4(h) Forms of Registered Medium-Term Notes.(1)
4(i) Form of Senior Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the
Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 1989 (File No.
1-2979)).
4(j) Form of Subordinated Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the
Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 1989 (File No.
1-2979)).
4(k) Form of Certificate of Designations of Powers, Preferences and Rights of
Preferred Shares.(1)
4(l) Form of Preferred Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(d)
to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No.
33-38806).
4(m) Form of Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate.(1)
4(n) Form of Deposit Agreement, including form of Depositary Receipt.(1)
4(o) Form of Debt Warrant Agreement, including form of Debt Warrant Certificate.(1)
4(p) Form of Preferred Shares Warrant Agreement, including form of Preferred Shares
Warrant Certificate.(1)
4(q) Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement, including form of Common Stock Warrant
Certificate.(1)
4(r) Form of Common Stock Certificate.(1)
4(s) Certificate of Designations of Powers, Preferences and Rights relating to the
Registrant's Cumulative Tracking Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 9, 1995
(File No. 1-2979)).
4(t) Certificate of Designations of Powers, Preferences and Rights relating to the
Registrant's 1995 ESOP Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 1995 (File No. 1-2979)).
The Registrant and certain of its consolidated subsidiaries have outstanding
certain long-term debt. None of such debt exceeds 10% of the total assets of
Norwest Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. Copies of instruments
with respect to long-term debt will be furnished to the Commission upon request.
5 Opinion of General Counsel of the Registrant.
12 Computations of ratio of earnings to fixed charges and ratio of earnings to
combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends (incorporated by reference
to Exhibits 12(a) and 12(b) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1995 (File No. 1-2979)).
23(a) Consent of General Counsel of the Registrant (included as part of Exhibit 5).
23(b) Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
24 Powers of Attorney.
<FN>
- ---------
(1) Incorporated by reference to the same numbered Exhibit to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 33-64540.
</TABLE>
II-2
<PAGE>
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the
maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
Registration Fee" table in the effective Registration Statement; and
(iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement
or any material change to such information in the Registration
Statement;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) 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 the Registrant
pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that
are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for
the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under
subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act ("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, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Minneapolis and the State of Minnesota, on the 15th
day of March, 1996.
NORWEST CORPORATION
By /s/ RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH
--------------------------------------
Richard M. Kovacevich
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed on the 15th day of March, 1996, by the
following persons in the capacities indicated:
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
/s/ RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH
- ------------------------------------------- PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Richard M. Kovacevich (PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER)
/s/ JOHN T. THORNTON
- ------------------------------------------- EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL
John T. Thornton OFFICER (PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER)
/s/ MICHAEL A. GRAF
- ------------------------------------------- SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CONTROLLER
Michael A. Graf (PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER)
</TABLE>
DAVID A. CHRISTENSEN
GERALD J. FORD
PIERSON M. GRIEVE
CHARLES M. HARPER
WILLIAM A. HODDER
LLOYD P. JOHNSON
REATHA CLARK KING
RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH
RICHARD S. LEVITT A majority of the
RICHARD D. MCCORMICK Board of Directors*
CYNTHIA H. MILLIGAN
BENJAMIN F. MONTOYA
IAN M. ROLLAND
MICHAEL W. WRIGHT
- ---------
* Charles D. White, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this document
on behalf of each of the above-named directors pursuant to powers of attorney
duly executed by such persons.
/s/ CHARLES D. WHITE
----------------------------------------
Charles D. White, ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
II-4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT FORM OF
NUMBER DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION FILING
- -------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
<C> <S> <C>
1(a) Form of Underwriting Agreement for Debt Securities.(1)
1(b) Form of Underwriting Agreement for Preferred Shares.(1)
1(c) Form of Distribution Agreement.(1)
4(a) Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3(b) to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 28, 1993 and
Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 3, 1995 (File
No. 1-2979)).
4(b) Certificate of Designations of Powers, Preferences, and Rights relating to the
Registrant's ESOP Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1994
(File No. 1-2979)).
4(c) Rights Agreement, dated as of November 22, 1988, between Norwest Corporation and
Citibank, N.A., including as Exhibit A the form of Certificate of Designation of
Powers, Preferences and Rights setting forth the terms of the Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock, without par value (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 1 to the Registrant's Form 8-A filed on December 6, 1988 (File No. 1-2979))
and Certificates of Adjustment pursuant to Section 12 of the Rights Agreement
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Form 8 dated July 21,
1989 and to Exhibit 4 to the Registrant's Form 8-A/A dated June 28, 1993 (File No.
1-2979)).
4(d) By-Laws, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1991 (File No. 1-2979)).
4(e) Certificate of Designations of Powers, Preferences, and Rights relating to the
Registrant's 1996 ESOP Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
February 26, 1996 (File No. 1-2979)).
4(f) Form of Senior Indenture.(1)
4(g) Form of Subordinated Indenture.(1)
4(h) Forms of Registered Medium-Term Notes.(1)
4(i) Form of Senior Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the Registrant's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 1989 (File No. 1-2979)).
4(j) Form of Subordinated Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the
Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 1989 (File No. 1-2979)).
4(k) Form of Certificate of Designations of Powers, Preferences and Rights of Preferred
Shares.(1)
4(l) Form of Preferred Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(d) to
the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 33-38806).
4(m) Form of Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate.(1)
4(n) Form of Deposit Agreement, including form of Depositary Receipt.(1)
4(o) Form of Debt Warrant Agreement, including form of Debt Warrant Certificate.(1)
4(p) Form of Preferred Shares Warrant Agreement, including form of Preferred Shares
Warrant Certificate.(1)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT FORM OF
NUMBER DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION FILING
- -------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
<C> <S> <C>
4(q) Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement, including form of Common Stock Warrant
Certificate.(1)
4(r) Form of Common Stock Certificate.(1)
4(s) Certificate of Designations of Powers, Preferences and Rights relating to the
Registrant's Cumulative Tracking Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 9, 1995
(File No. 1-2979)).
4(t) Certificate of Designations of Powers, Preferences and Rights relating to the
Registrant's 1995 ESOP Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 1995 (File No. 1-2979)).
The Registrant and certain of its consolidated subsidiaries have outstanding
certain long-term debt. None of such debt exceeds 10% of the total assets of
Norwest Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. Copies of instruments with
respect to long-term debt will be furnished to the Commission upon request.
5 Opinion of General Counsel of the Registrant....................................... Electronic
Transmission
12 Computations of ratio of earnings to fixed charges and ratio of earnings to
combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends (incorporated by reference to
Exhibits 12(a) and 12(b) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1995 (File No. 1-2979)).
23(a) Consent of General Counsel of the Registrant (included as part of Exhibit 5).
23(b) Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP................................................... Electronic
Transmission
24 Powers of Attorney................................................................. Electronic
Transmission
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1) Incorporated by reference to the same numbered Exhibit to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 33-64540.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Exhibit 5
March 12, 1996
Norwest Corporation
Norwest Center
Sixth and Marquette
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-1000
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Norwest
Corporation (the "Corporation") and, as such, I have acted as counsel for the
Corporation in the preparation of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the
"Registration Statement") to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "Securities Act")
in connection with the proposed offer and sale of the following securities (the
"Securities") of the Corporation having an aggregate initial offering price of
up to $5,000,000,000: (i) unsubordinated debt securities in the forms filed as
Exhibits 4(h) and 4(i) to the Registration Statement, with appropriate
insertions, (the "Senior Debt Securities"), (ii) subordinated debt securities in
the form filed as Exhibit 4(j) to the Registration Statement, with appropriate
insertions, (the "Subordinated Debt Securities," and together with the Senior
Debt Securities, the "Debt Securities"), (iii) preferred stock and preference
stock, no par value, (the "Preferred Stock") of the Corporation, interests in
which may be evidenced by appropriately prepared depositary shares (the
"Depositary Shares"), (iv) common stock, par value $1 2/3 per share, (the
"Common Stock") of the Corporation issuable upon conversion of Debt Securities,
Preferred Stock, or Depositary Shares, or upon exercise of warrants, and
(v) appropriately prepared warrants to purchase Debt Securities, Preferred
Stock, or Common Stock (collectively, the "Warrants"). The Securities may be
offered separately or as part of units with other Securities, in separate
series, in amounts, at prices, and on terms to be set forth in the prospectus
and one or more supplements to the prospectus (collectively, the "Prospectus")
constituting a part of the Registration Statement, and in the Registration
Statement.
The Senior Debt Securities are to be issued under one or more
indentures in the form filed as Exhibit 4(f) to the Registration Statement, with
appropriate insertions, (the "Senior Indenture") to be entered into by the
Corporation and a trustee or trustees to be named by the
<PAGE>
Norwest Corporation
March 12, 1996
Page 2
Corporation. The Subordinated Debt Securities are to be issued under one or
more indentures in the form filed as Exhibit 4(g) to the Registration
Statement, with appropriate insertions, (the "Subordinated Indenture") to be
entered into by the Corporation and a trustee or trustees to be named by the
Corporation. Each series of Preferred Stock is to be issued under the
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, (the "Certificate of
Incorporation") of the Corporation and a certificate of designations (a
"Certificate of Designations") to be approved by the Board of Directors of
the Corporation or a committee thereof and filed with the Secretary of State
of the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Secretary of State") in accordance
with Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
The Depositary Shares are to be issued under a deposit agreement in the form
filed as Exhibit 4(n) to the Registration Statement, with appropriate
insertions, (the "Deposit Agreement") to be entered into by the Corporation,
a depositary to be named by the Corporation, and the holders from time to
time of depositary receipts evidencing Depositary Shares. The Common Stock
is to be issued under the Certificate of Incorporation. The Warrants are to
be issued under warrant agreements in the forms filed as Exhibits 4(o) to
4(q) to the Registration Statement, with appropriate insertions, (the
"Warrant Agreements") to be entered into by the Corporation and warrant
agents to be named by the Corporation.
Certain terms of the Securities to be issued by the Corporation from
time to time will be approved by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or a
committee thereof or certain authorized officers of the Corporation as part of
the corporate action taken and to be taken (the "Corporate Proceedings") in
connection with issuance of the Securities. I have examined or am otherwise
familiar with the Certificate of Incorporation, the By-Laws of the Corporation,
as amended, the Registration Statement, such of the Corporate Proceedings as
have occurred as of the date hereof, and such other documents, records, and
instruments as I have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this
opinion.
Based on the foregoing, I am of the opinion that: (i) upon the
execution and delivery by the Corporation of the Senior Indenture or the
Subordinated Indenture, as the case may be, and the execution and delivery of
the Deposit Agreement, and the applicable Warrant Agreement, the completion of
all required Corporate Proceedings, and the execution, issuance, and delivery,
and the authentication by a duly appointed trustee, of the Senior Debt
Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities, the Depositary Shares, and the
Warrants, respectively, pursuant to such agreements, such Senior Indenture or
Subordinated Indenture, Deposit Agreement, or Warrant Agreement, as the case may
be, will become valid and binding instruments, and any Debt Securities issuable
thereunder will be legal, valid, and binding obligations of the Corporation, and
any Preferred Stock (assuming completion of the actions referred to in clause
(ii) below) or Common Stock (assuming completion of the actions referred to in
clause (iii) below) issuable thereunder will be duly and validly authorized and
issued, fully paid, and nonassessable; (ii) upon the authorization, execution,
acknowledgment, delivery, and filing with, and recording by, the Delaware
Secretary of State of the applicable Certificate of
<PAGE>
Norwest Corporation
March 12, 1996
Page 3
Designations, the completion of all required Corporate Proceedings and the
execution, issuance, and delivery of the Preferred Stock pursuant to such
Certificate of Designations, the Preferred Stock will be duly and validly
authorized and issued, fully paid, and nonassessable; and (iii) upon the
authorization of issuance of the Common Stock, the completion of all required
Corporate Proceedings, and the execution, issuance, and delivery of the
Common Stock, the Common Stock will be duly and validly authorized and
issued, fully paid, and nonassessable; except in each case as enforcement of
provisions of such instruments and agreements may be limited by bankruptcy or
other laws of general application affecting the enforcement of creditors'
rights and by general equity principles. The foregoing opinion assumes that
(i) the consideration designated in the applicable Corporate Proceedings for
any Preferred Stock or Common Stock shall have been received by the
Corporation in accordance with applicable law; (ii) the Senior Indenture, the
Subordinated Indenture, the Deposit Agreement, and any Warrant Agreement
shall have been duly authorized, executed, and delivered by all parties
thereto other than the Corporation; (iii) the Registration Statement shall
have become effective under the Securities Act; and (iv) the applicable
Senior Indenture or Subordinated Indenture shall have become duly qualified
under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to being named in the Prospectus included therein
under the caption "Validity of Securities" with respect to the matters stated
therein.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Stanley S. Stroup
Stanley S. Stroup
<PAGE>
Exhibit 23(b)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
The Board of Directors
Norwest Corporation:
We consent to the use of our report dated January 17, 1996 incorporated herein
by reference and to the reference to our firm under the heading "EXPERTS" in the
registration statement. Our report refers to the Corporation's adoption of
Financial Accounting Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights, an amendment of
FASB Statement No. 65."
March 15, 1996
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ David A. Christensen
--------------------------------
<PAGE>
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ Gerald J. Ford
--------------------------------
<PAGE>
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ Pierson M. Grieve
----------------------------
<PAGE>
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ Charles M. Harper
----------------------------
<PAGE>
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ William A. Hodder
---------------------------
<PAGE>
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ Lloyd P. Johnson
--------------------------
<PAGE>
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ Reatha Clark King
----------------------------
<PAGE>
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ Richard M. Kovacevich
-------------------------------
<PAGE>
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ Richard S. Levitt
----------------------------
<PAGE>
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ Richard D. McCormick
-----------------------------
<PAGE>
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ Cynthia H. Milligan
----------------------------
<PAGE>
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ Benjamin F. Montoya
----------------------------
<PAGE>
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ Ian M. Rolland
--------------------------
<PAGE>
NORWEST CORPORATION
Power of Attorney
of Director and/or Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or
officer of NORWEST CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby make,
constitute, and appoint RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH, JOHN T. THORNTON, CHARLES D.
WHITE, STANLEY S. STROUP, AND LAUREL A. HOLSCHUH, and each or any of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for
the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place, and stead, to sign and
affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation
to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other
applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
thereto, and all registration statements for the same offering that are to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. in connection with the registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, of debt and equity securities, and
other securities related thereto, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$5,000,000,000, proposed to be sold by said Corporation, and file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance
and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney
this 26th day of February, 1996.
/s/ Michael W. Wright
---------------------------
