SNYDER OIL CORP
S-3/A, 1994-04-19
CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 19, 1994
    
 
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 33-52807
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                             ---------------------
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
    
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-3
 
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                             ---------------------
                             SNYDER OIL CORPORATION
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>
                    DELAWARE                                       75-2306158
        (State or other jurisdiction of                         (I.R.S. Employer
         incorporation or organization)                      Identification Number)
</TABLE>
 
                                777 MAIN STREET
                            FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102
                                 (817) 338-4043
  (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                   Registrant's principal executive offices)
                             ---------------------
                               PETER E. LORENZEN
                             SNYDER OIL CORPORATION
                                777 MAIN STREET
                            FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102
                                 (817) 882-5905
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agent for service)
 
                                   Copies to:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>
                THOMAS W. BRIGGS                               KERRY C. L. NORTH
          KELLY, HART & HALLMAN, P.C.                        BAKER & BOTTS, L.L.P.
                201 MAIN STREET                                 2001 ROSS AVENUE
            FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102                           DALLAS, TEXAS 75201
                 (817) 332-2500                                  (214) 953-6500
</TABLE>
 
                             ---------------------
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
     If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box:    / /
 
     If any of the securities registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box:    / /
                             ---------------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              PROPOSED     PROPOSED
                                                              MAXIMUM       MAXIMUM
                                                              OFFERING     AGGREGATE      AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                        AMOUNT TO        PRICE       OFFERING     REGISTRATION
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED                 BE REGISTERED   PER UNIT(1)    PRICE(1)        FEE(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>                 <C>      <C>             <C>
     % Convertible Subordinated Notes
  Due 2001...............................   $115,000,000(3)     100%     $115,000,000    $39,656(5)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock (par value $.01 per
  share).................................         (4)            --           --             --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
   
(2) Pursuant to Rule 457, the registration fee has been calculated solely on the
     basis of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price of the   %
     Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2001 (the "Notes").
    
   
(3) Includes $15,000,000 principal amount of Notes subject to the Underwriters'
     over-allotment option.
    
   
(4) Such indeterminate number of shares as may be issuable on conversion of the
     Notes, including such additional shares as may be issuable as a result of
     adjustments to the conversion rate.
    
(5) Previously paid.
 
     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 THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SECTION 8(A), MAY
DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
     Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
     registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor
     may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement
     becomes effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or
     the solicitation of an offer to buy
     nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any State in which such
     offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
     qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
 
   
                  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 19, 1994
    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                PROSPECTUS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
{SOCO LOGO}
                                $100,000,000
                            Snyder Oil Corporation
   
                       % Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2001
    
 
   
Interest Payable March 31 and September 30                    Due March 31, 2001
    
                               ------------------
 
   
The Notes are convertible into Common Stock of Snyder Oil Corporation (the
"Company") at any time on or prior to maturity, unless previously redeemed,
 at a conversion price of $     per share, subject to adjustment in certain
   events. On April 18, 1994, the last reported sale price for the Common
                Stock on the New York Stock Exchange
                (Symbol: SNY) was $19 3/8 per share.
The Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company at
any time on or after March 31, 1997, at the redemption prices set forth herein
  plus accrued interest to the date of redemption. Upon a Change of Control
    (as defined) which constitutes a Repurchase Event (as defined), each
     holder of Notes will have the right, subject to certain conditions
     and restrictions, to require the Company to repurchase outstanding
      Notes owned by such holder at their principal amount plus accrued
       interest. The Notes are subordinated to all Senior Indebtedness
                      (as defined) of the Company.
   Application will be made to list the Notes on the New York Stock Exchange.
    
                               ------------------
 
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 AD-
           EQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
 
   
                       TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>               <C>               <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Price to        Underwriting      Proceeds to
                                                       Public(1)          Discount         Company(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Note
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from                 , 1994.
   
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at
    $                .
    
   
(3) The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days
    from the date of the initial public offering of the Notes, to purchase up to
    an additional $15,000,000 principal amount of Notes solely to cover over-
    allotments. If the option is exercised in full, the total Price to Public,
    Underwriting Discount and Proceeds to Company will be $           ,
    $                , and $                      , respectively.
    
                               ------------------
 
   
     The Notes are offered by the several Underwriters when, as and if issued by
the Company, delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters and subject to their
right to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that the Notes, in
temporary or definitive fully registered form, will be ready for delivery on or
about            , 1994. If temporary Notes are delivered, definitive Notes will
be available for exchange as soon as practicable after such date.
    
 
CS First Boston
                  PaineWebber Incorporated
                                    Petrie Parkman & Co.
                                                 Smith Barney Shearson Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
                 The date of this Prospectus is        , 1994.
    
<PAGE>   3
 
   
     IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICES OF THE NOTES OFFERED
HEREBY AND THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK AT LEVELS ABOVE THOSE
WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE
EFFECTED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, IN THE OVER-THE-COUNTER MARKET OR
OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
    
 
        (MAP OF THE UNITED STATES SHOWING THE LOCATIONS OF THE COMPANY'S
             MAJOR GAS FACILITIES, CORPORATE OFFICES, FIELD OFFICES
                        AND MAJOR PRODUCING PROPERTIES)
 
   
     FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: WITH RESPECT TO SALES OF THE NOTES BEING OFFERED
HEREBY TO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, SUCH NOTES MAY
BE SOLD ONLY TO (1) "ACCREDITED INVESTORS" WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION D
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, (2) BANKS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS,
TRUST COMPANIES, INSURANCE COMPANIES, INVESTMENT COMPANIES REGISTERED UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, PENSION AND PROFIT SHARING TRUSTS, OR
CORPORATIONS OR OTHER ENTITIES WHICH, TOGETHER WITH SUCH CORPORATION'S OR OTHER
ENTITY'S AFFILIATES WHICH ARE UNDER COMMON CONTROL, HAVE A NET WORTH ON A
CONSOLIDATED BASIS ACCORDING TO THEIR MOST RECENT REGULARLY PREPARED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (WHICH SHALL HAVE BEEN REVIEWED, BUT NOT NECESSARILY AUDITED BY
OUTSIDE ACCOUNTANTS) OF NOT LESS THAN $14,000,000 AND SUBSIDIARIES OF THE
FOREGOING, (3) ANY CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP OR ORGANIZATION (OTHER THAN A
CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP OR ORGANIZATION FORMED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF
PURCHASING THE NOTES BEING OFFERED HEREBY) WHO PURCHASES AT LEAST $5,000,000
AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF THE NOTES OFFERED HEREBY, OR (4) ANY NATURAL PERSON WHO (A)
HAS INCOME OF $65,000 AND A NET WORTH OF $250,000 OR (B) HAS A NET WORTH OF
$500,000 (IN EACH CASE, EXCLUDING HOME, HOME FURNISHINGS AND PERSONAL
AUTOMOBILES). EACH CALIFORNIA RESIDENT PURCHASING THE NOTES OFFERED HEREBY WILL
BE DEEMED TO REPRESENT BY SUCH PURCHASE THAT IT COMES WITHIN ONE OF THE
AFOREMENTIONED CATEGORIES.
    
<PAGE>   4
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information appearing elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
All information giving effect to this Offering assumes that the Underwriters'
over-allotment option is not exercised unless otherwise noted.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     Snyder Oil Corporation (the "Company") is engaged in the development and
acquisition of oil and gas properties primarily in the Rocky Mountain region of
the United States. The Company also gathers, transports, processes and markets
natural gas generally in proximity to its principal producing properties. Over
the five year period from 1988 to 1993, revenues increased from $14.7 million to
$229.9 million, net income increased from $5.1 million to $25.7 million and net
cash provided by operations increased from $8.1 million to $68.3 million. At
December 31, 1993, the Company's net proved reserves totaled 103.6 MMBOE, having
a pretax present value at constant prices of $390.4 million. Approximately 69%
of its proved reserves are natural gas.
 
     Approximately 90% of the present value of the Company's proved reserves is
concentrated in five major producing areas located in Colorado, Wyoming and
Texas. In total, the Company's properties are located in 15 states and the Gulf
of Mexico and include 5,122 gross (2,187 net) producing wells and nine gas
transportation and processing facilities. The Company operates more than 2,100
wells which account for over 90% of its developed reserves. In addition to its
domestic operations, the Company is also participating in several international
exploration and development projects through its wholly owned subsidiary, SOCO
International, Inc., and through its 36% owned affiliate, Command Petroleum
Holdings NL. At December 31, 1993, the Company held undeveloped acreage totaling
539,000 gross acres (326,000 net) domestically and 4.3 million gross acres (3.3
million net) internationally.
 
   
     The Company has pursued a balanced strategy of development drilling and
acquisitions, focusing on operating efficiency and enhanced profitability
through the concentration of assets in selected geographic areas or "hubs."
Currently, the primary emphasis of the Company's growth strategy is development
drilling in the Rockies, mainly the Wattenberg Field in the Denver-Julesburg
Basin ("DJ Basin") of Colorado where the Company drilled 323 wells in 1993. In
implementing this strategy in the Wattenberg Field over the past three years,
the Company has achieved the following: (i) drilled approximately 667 wells, 660
of which are currently producing; (ii) increased production more than five
times, from an average of 2.6 MBOE per day in 1991 to an average of 13.3 MBOE
per day in 1993; (iii) increased proved reserves nearly 50% from 37.9 MMBOE at
yearend 1991 to 55.2 MMBOE at yearend 1993; and (iv) generally reduced drilling
and completion costs by over 30% through a combination of aggressive cost
cutting, economies of scale and technological improvements. Through a major
joint venture with Union Pacific Resources Company, as well as acquisitions and
leasing, the Company has accumulated a substantial inventory of potential
drilling locations, including 1,102 locations that were classified as proved
undeveloped at December 31, 1993.
    
 
     In 1993, the Company embarked on a program to apply the experience gained
in the Wattenberg Field to two other large scale gas developments in the
Rockies. In the Washakie Basin of southern Wyoming (the "East Washakie
Project"), the Company currently operates 128 wells and holds a significant
inventory of potential drilling locations, including 98 locations that were
classified as proved undeveloped at December 31, 1993. The Company has also
initiated the development of a third hub in the Rockies through three purchase
transactions, as well as farmouts and leasing. As a result, the Company
currently holds a significant inventory of potential drilling locations in the
Piceance and Uinta Basins of Colorado and Utah (collectively, the "Western Slope
Project"), including 101 locations that were classified as proved undeveloped at
December 31, 1993.
 
     During 1994, the Company intends to continue development in the DJ Basin
and to increase activity in the East Washakie and Western Slope Projects. The
Company expects to spend $175 to $200 million for development drilling and
expansion of gas facilities in 1994, including the drilling of over 650 wells,
500 of which are planned for the Wattenberg Field and up to 90 for the East
Washakie and Western Slope Projects. As part of this program, the Company will
emphasize the improvement of well economics through the use of technological
improvements and cost saving drilling techniques, as well as the capture of
downstream margins via the Company's gas facilities. In addition to development
drilling in the Rockies, the Company intends to pursue acquisitions to
strengthen its existing asset base and secure a foothold in new geographic areas
and to continue progress in bringing its international projects to fruition.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
   
Securities Offered.........  $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of     %
                             Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2001 (the
                             "Notes").
    
 
   
Interest Payment Dates.....  March 31 and September 30, commencing September 30,
                             1994.
    
 
Conversion.................  Convertible at the option of the holder into shares
                             of Common Stock at any time prior to maturity,
                             unless previously redeemed, at a conversion price
                             of $          per share, subject to adjustment
                             under certain conditions.
 
   
Redemption at Option of
  Company..................  Redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole
                             or in part, at any time on or after March 31, 1997,
                             initially at     % of the principal amount and at
                             prices declining to 100% at maturity, in each case
                             together with accrued interest to the date of
                             redemption.
    
 
   
Repurchase at Option of
  Holders..................  Upon a Change of Control (as defined) which
                             constitutes a Repurchase Event (as defined), each
                             holder of Notes will have the right, subject to
                             certain conditions and restrictions, to require the
                             Company to repurchase outstanding Notes owned by
                             such holder at 100% of the principal amount of such
                             Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date
                             of repurchase. Before repurchasing the Notes, the
                             Company is required, with respect to any Senior
                             Indebtedness (as defined) that would prohibit the
                             repurchase of Notes in the event of a Change of
                             Control, either to repay all such Senior
                             Indebtedness in full or obtain the requisite
                             consents under such Senior Indebtedness to permit
                             the repurchase of the Notes. The inability of the
                             Company to repay such Senior Indebtedness or to
                             obtain the requisite consents under such Senior
                             Indebtedness to permit the repurchase of the Notes
                             could result in an Event of Default (as defined)
                             under the indenture (the "Indenture") with respect
                             to the Notes.
    
 
   
Ranking....................  Subordinated to all existing and future Senior
                             Indebtedness of the Company. The Indenture will not
                             restrict the incurrence of Senior Indebtedness or
                             other indebtedness by the Company or any subsidiary
                             of the Company. The Notes are effectively
                             subordinated to all existing and future liabilities
                             of the Company's subsidiaries to the extent of the
                             assets of such subsidiaries. Immediately following
                             the sale of the Notes offered hereby and
                             application of the net proceeds therefrom, the
                             Company estimates that the sum of its Senior
                             Indebtedness and the indebtedness of its
                             subsidiaries will total approximately $50 million.
    
 
   
Sinking Fund...............  None.
    
 
Use of Proceeds............  To repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding
                             under the Company's bank credit facility. The
                             Company intends to use the resulting borrowing
                             capacity under its credit facility to fund
                             development drilling, expansion of its gas
                             facilities and potential acquisitions.
 
   
Listing                      Application will be made to list the Notes on the
                             New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE").
    
NYSE Common Stock
  Symbol...................  SNY
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
                  SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION
 
     The following table presents summary financial and operating information
for each of the three years ended December 31, 1993. The following information
should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements
incorporated by reference herein.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                          ---------------------------------
                                                           1991        1992          1993
                                                          -------    --------      --------
                                                           (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                        DATA)
    <S>                                                   <C>        <C>           <C>
    FINANCIAL DATA
      Revenues..........................................  $92,501    $120,172      $229,885
      Income before accounting change and extraordinary
         item...........................................    8,811      16,875        27,608
      Net income........................................    8,811      20,638        25,664
      Net income available to common....................    8,358      15,838        16,564
      Weighted average shares outstanding...............   22,839      22,722        23,096
      Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(a).............     2.4x        4.5x          7.6x(b)
      Ratio of EBITDA to fixed charges(c)...............     5.4x       10.9x         17.2x(b)
      Net cash provided by operations...................  $37,738    $ 47,911      $ 68,293
      Capital expenditures..............................   48,385     130,375(d)    166,726
      Per share data
         Income before accounting change and
           extraordinary item...........................  $   .37    $    .53      $    .80
         Net income.....................................      .37         .70           .72
         Dividends......................................      .20         .25(e)        .22
    OPERATING DATA
      Average daily production
         Oil (Bbl)......................................    4,074       4,851         9,455
         Gas (Mcf)......................................   50,363      63,088        96,107
         BOE(f).........................................   13,525      16,365        25,472
      Average sales price
         Oil (per Bbl)..................................  $ 20.62    $  18.87      $  15.41
         Gas (per Mcf)(f)...............................     1.68        1.74          1.94
         BOE(f).........................................    13.24       12.92         13.41
      Average operating expense per BOE(g)..............     5.04        4.68          4.83
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                                                   ----------------------------
                                                                    ACTUAL       AS ADJUSTED(H)
                                                                   ---------     --------------
                                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                            <C>           <C>
    BALANCE SHEET DATA
      Working capital............................................. $   1,291        $  1,291
      Oil and gas properties and facilities, net..................   388,361         388,361
      Total assets................................................   479,536         479,536
      Senior debt.................................................   114,952          18,052
      Convertible subordinated notes..............................        --         100,000
      Stockholders' equity........................................   297,241         297,241
</TABLE>
 
- -------------
 
    (a) For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
       "earnings" consist of income before taxes, accounting change,
       extraordinary item and "fixed charges." "Fixed charges" include interest
       on indebtedness and the portion of rental expense, excluding rent on
       capitalized leases, estimated to be representative of the interest factor
       in rental expense.
   
    (b) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges and the ratio of EBITDA to fixed
       charges, pro forma for the issuance of $100 million principal amount of
       Notes offered hereby, would be 4.6x and 10.4x, respectively.
    
    (c) EBITDA is income before (i) accounting change and extraordinary item,
       (ii) taxes, (iii) depletion, depreciation and amortization and (iv)
       interest.
    (d) Includes $56.1 million incurred in connection with properties acquired
       in December 1992, $49.8 million of which was paid in February 1993.
    (e) Due to revised payment timing, five payments were made at the $.05
       quarterly rate in 1992.
    (f) Gas production is converted to oil equivalents at the rate of 6 Mcf per
       barrel except for Thomasville production which, through 1992, was
       converted based on its price equivalency to the Company's other gas.
       Average gas prices exclude Thomasville production.
    (g) Includes production and severance taxes.
    (h) Adjusted to give effect to the application of the estimated net proceeds
       of this Offering. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
                              SUMMARY RESERVE DATA
 
     The following table sets forth information on estimated proved oil and gas
reserves, future net cash flow before taxes from such reserves and the pretax
present value of such cash flow, using unescalated prices and costs and a 10%
per annum discount rate ("Pretax PW10% Value"). The prices used in the yearend
reserve estimates averaged $11.49 per barrel of oil and $2.11 per Mcf of gas
over the life of the reserves.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                                        --------------------------------------
                                                        DEVELOPED     UNDEVELOPED      TOTAL
                                                        ---------     -----------     --------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                 <C>           <C>             <C>
    Estimated proved reserves:
      Crude oil and liquids (Bbl).....................     18,032         13,898        31,930
      Natural gas (Mcf)...............................    268,349        161,740       430,089
      BOE(a)..........................................     62,757         40,855       103,612
    Future net cash flow from estimated production....  $ 474,480      $ 213,792      $688,272
    Pretax PW10% Value(b).............................  $ 297,638      $  92,771      $390,409
    -------------
</TABLE>
 
     (a) Natural gas reserves are converted to oil equivalents at the rate of 6
        Mcf per Bbl.
     (b) The after-tax present value of proved reserves totalled $340.5 million
        at December 31, 1993.
 
     The revenues generated by the Company are highly dependent upon the prices
of crude oil and gas. The volatility of energy prices makes it particularly
difficult to estimate future prices of oil and gas. Price fluctuations change
reserve values by altering the quantities of reserves that are recoverable on an
economic basis as well as the future net revenues attributable to the reserves.
Any significant decline in prices of oil or gas could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
   
     Unless otherwise indicated in this Prospectus, as used herein, the term
"Btu" means British Thermal Unit, the term "MMBtu" means million Btus, the term
"Mcf " means thousand cubic feet, the term "MMcf " means million cubic feet, the
term "Bcf " means billion cubic feet, the term "Bbl" means barrel, the term
"MBbl" means thousand barrels, the term "MMBbl" means million barrels, the term
"BOE" means barrel of oil equivalent, the term "MBOE" means thousand barrels of
oil equivalent and the term "MMBOE" means million barrels of oil equivalent. Gas
is converted into a barrel of oil equivalent based on six Mcf of gas to one Bbl
of oil, except as otherwise described herein. A "gross acre" or "gross well" is
an acre or well in which an interest is owned. "Net acres" or "net wells" are
obtained by multiplying gross acres or wells by the Company's working interest
in the applicable properties.
    
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
     The net proceeds from the sale of the Notes are estimated to be
approximately $     million ($     million if the Underwriters' over-allotment
option is exercised in full). The Company intends to use the net proceeds to
repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding under its bank credit facility.
The Company intends to use the resulting borrowing capacity under its credit
facility to fund development drilling, expansion of its gas facilities and
potential acquisitions. The Company estimates that it will expend $175 to $200
million for development drilling and expansion of gas facilities during 1994,
assuming no material changes in oil and gas prices. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
    
 
   
     On April 18, 1994 approximately $135.2 million was outstanding under the
Company's revolving bank credit facility. The rate of interest on this debt
fluctuates based on various rates, as selected by the Company. The weighted
average interest rate on bank borrowings at such date was 4.99%. The facility
expires on December 31, 1997. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
    
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
   
     The following table sets forth the Company's capitalization at December 31,
1993, and as adjusted to give effect to the issuance of the Notes offered hereby
and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                                                      --------------------------
                                                                       ACTUAL        AS ADJUSTED
                                                                      --------       -----------
                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                   <C>            <C>
Current portion of debt.............................................  $     15        $      15
                                                                      --------       -----------
                                                                      --------       -----------
Long-term debt(a)
  Senior debt.......................................................  $114,952        $  18,052
     % Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2001......................        --          100,000
                                                                      --------       -----------
          Total long-term debt......................................   114,952          118,052
Stockholders' equity
  Preferred Stock, $.01 par value; 10 million shares authorized:
     $4.00 Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock; 1,186,005
      shares issued and outstanding ($50.00 liquidation preference
      per share)....................................................        12               12
     $6.00 Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock; 1,035,000
      shares issued and outstanding ($100.00 liquidation preference
      per share)....................................................        10               10
  Common Stock, $.01 par value; 75 million shares authorized and
     23,259,658 shares issued and outstanding (b)...................       233              233
  Capital in excess of par value....................................   250,574          250,574
  Retained earnings.................................................    46,954           46,954
  Foreign currency translation......................................      (542)            (542)
                                                                      --------       -----------
          Total stockholders' equity................................   297,241          297,241
                                                                      --------       -----------
          Total capitalization......................................  $412,193        $ 415,293
                                                                      --------       -----------
                                                                      --------       -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
- -------------
 
(a) See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements incorporated by
     reference herein for a description of long-term debt.
 
   
(b) Excludes an aggregate of 15,199,568 shares of Common Stock reserved for
     issuance as of April 1, 1994 upon conversion or exercise of outstanding
     securities, consisting of (i) 11,463,558 shares reserved for issuance upon
     conversion of preferred stock, (ii) 1,736,010 shares reserved for issuance
     upon exercise of management stock options and (iii) 2,000,000 shares
     reserved for issuance upon exercise of warrants held by Union Pacific
     Resources Company. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
     Condition and Results of Operations."
    
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
                   PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS
 
   
     The Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "SNY." The
following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales
prices for the Common Stock for NYSE composite transactions, as reported by The
Wall Street Journal, and the cash dividends declared per share of Common Stock.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                HIGH     LOW      DIVIDENDS
                                                                ----     ----     ---------
    <S>                                                         <C>      <C>      <C>
    1992
      First Quarter........................................... $ 6 7/8  $ 5 7/8    $ .05
      Second Quarter..........................................   7 3/8    6 1/8      .10(a)
      Third Quarter...........................................  10 1/2    6 3/8      .05
      Fourth Quarter..........................................  10 1/8    8 5/8      .05
    1993
      First Quarter...........................................  16 1/8   10          .05
      Second Quarter..........................................  20 1/4   15          .05
      Third Quarter...........................................  23       16 5/8      .06
      Fourth Quarter..........................................  23       14 3/4      .06
    1994
      First Quarter...........................................  21 3/8   17 1/2      .06
      Second Quarter (through April 18).......................  19 3/4   17 1/2       --
    -------------
    (a) Due to revised payment timing, two payments were made at the $.05 quarterly rate in
        the second quarter of 1992.
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     On April 18, 1994, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the
NYSE was $19 3/8 per share. As of December 31, 1993, there were approximately
3,500 holders of record of the Common Stock and 23.3 million shares outstanding.
    
 
     Shares of Common Stock receive dividends if, as and when declared by the
Board of Directors. The amount of future dividends will depend on debt service
requirements, dividend requirements on preferred stock, capital expenditures and
other factors. The Company's debt agreements contain restrictions on its ability
to declare and pay dividends on the Common Stock in the future. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
                   SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     The following table presents selected financial information for each of the
five years ended December 31, 1993. The following information should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference
herein.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 AS OF OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1989         1990           1991         1992           1993
                                                      -------     --------       --------     --------       --------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>
OPERATIONS
  Revenues
    Oil and gas sales...............................  $12,479     $ 49,803       $ 65,344     $ 77,363       $124,641
    Gas processing and transportation...............   10,885       29,442         21,459       38,611         94,839
    Other...........................................    3,179        2,928          5,698        4,198         10,405
                                                      -------     --------       --------     --------       --------
                                                       26,543       82,173         92,501      120,172        229,885
                                                      -------     --------       --------     --------       --------
  Expenses
    Direct operating................................    4,930       18,088         24,882       28,057         44,901
    Cost of gas and transportation..................    9,168       24,103         14,202       30,469         84,840
    General and administrative......................    1,047        5,649          7,259        6,704          6,780
    Interest and other..............................      761        7,125          9,327        5,693          7,271
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization........    3,316       17,351         25,392       31,944         51,184
  Income before taxes, accounting change and
    extraordinary item..............................    7,321        9,857         11,439       17,305         34,909
  Provision for income taxes
    Current.........................................      400          977            230          430             --
    Deferred........................................    2,089        1,365          2,398           --          7,301
                                                      -------     --------       --------     --------       --------
                                                        2,489        2,342          2,628          430          7,301
                                                      -------     --------       --------     --------       --------
  Income before accounting change and extraordinary
    item............................................    4,832        7,515          8,811       16,875         27,608
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting for
    income taxes....................................       --           --             --        3,763             --
  Extraordinary item -- use of net operating loss
    carryforward....................................    2,089           --             --           --             --
  Extraordinary item -- early extinguishment of
    debt, net of taxes..............................       --           --             --           --         (1,944)
                                                      -------     --------       --------     --------       --------
  Net income........................................    6,921        7,515          8,811       20,638         25,664
  Dividends on preferred stock......................       --           --            453        4,800          9,100
                                                      -------     --------       --------     --------       --------
  Net income available to common....................  $ 6,921     $  7,515       $  8,358     $ 15,838       $ 16,564
                                                      -------     --------       --------     --------       --------
                                                      -------     --------       --------     --------       --------
  Weighted average shares outstanding...............   11,135       20,620         22,839       22,722         23,096
  Per share data
    Income before accounting change and
      extraordinary item............................  $   .43     $    .36       $    .37     $    .53       $    .80
    Net income......................................      .62          .36            .37          .70            .72
    Dividends.......................................      .11          .16            .20          .25(a)         .22
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(b).............    10.6x         2.6x           2.4x         4.5x           7.6x(c)
  Ratio of EBITDA to fixed charges(d)...............    15.0x         5.3x           5.4x        10.9x          17.2x(c)
CASH FLOW
  Net cash provided by operations...................  $11,129     $ 22,512       $ 37,738     $ 47,911       $ 68,293
  Capital expenditures..............................   14,216      171,767(e)      48,385      130,375(f)     166,726
BALANCE SHEET
  Working capital...................................  $ 3,499     $ 12,087       $ 17,259     $  7,619       $  1,291
  Oil and gas properties and facilities, net........   29,904      179,902        196,206      287,094        388,361
  Total assets......................................   56,669      227,198        252,241      346,737        479,536
  Senior debt.......................................    2,325       56,172         17,108       96,568        114,952
  Subordinated notes, net...........................    2,477       25,000         25,000       18,750             --
  Stockholders' equity..............................   31,149      115,187        174,696      184,393        297,241
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Due to revised payment timing, five payments were made at the $.05 quarterly
    rate in 1992.
(b) For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
    "earnings" consist of income before taxes, accounting change, extraordinary
    item and "fixed charges." "Fixed charges" include interest on indebtedness
    and the portion of rental expense, excluding rent on capitalized leases,
    estimated to be representative of the interest factor in rental expense.
   
(c) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges and the ratio of EBITDA to fixed
    charges, pro forma for the issuance of $100 million principal amount of
    Notes offered hereby, would be 4.6x and 10.4x, respectively.
    
(d) EBITDA is income before (i) accounting change and extraordinary item, (ii)
    taxes, (iii) depletion, depreciation and amortization and (iv) interest.
(e) Includes $130.7 million related to the acquisition of a publicly traded
    limited partnership managed by the Company.
(f) Includes $49.8 million paid in February 1993 for properties acquired in
    December 1992.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS(A)
 
     Comparison of 1993 results to 1992. Total revenues rose 91% in 1993 to
$229.9 million. Net income before taxes and extraordinary items more than
doubled to reach $34.9 million in 1993. The increase was led by a rapid rise in
production and assisted by an increase in gas processing and transportation
margins. Before the effect of a favorable $3.8 million income tax accounting
change in 1992 and a $1.9 million 1993 extraordinary charge on early retirement
of debt, earnings per common share were $.80 in 1993 compared to $.53 in 1992, a
51% increase.
 
     The gross margin from production operations for 1993 increased 62% to $79.7
million, which was primarily related to a 65% growth in oil and gas production.
The price received per equivalent barrel decreased by 3% to $13.41. Total
operating expenses including production taxes increased 60% during 1993 although
operating cost per BOE decreased to $4.83 from $4.99 in 1992. Expense reductions
gained from wells added in the DJ Basin, where operating costs averaged $2.76
per BOE, were partially offset by the late 1992 acquisition of Wyoming wells
from a major oil company where 1993 operating costs averaged $7.45 per BOE.
 
     For the year ended December 31, 1993, average daily production was 25,472
BOE, a 65% increase from 1992. Average daily production in the fourth quarter of
1993 climbed to 10,314 Bbls and 105.6 MMcf (27,917 BOE). The production
increases resulted primarily from acquisitions and continuing development
drilling in the DJ Basin. Domestically, $51.0 million in properties were
acquired in 1993, primarily in and around existing hubs in Colorado and Wyoming.
The acquisitions included a significant number of development locations and
should continue to add to production in 1994. In 1993, 311 wells were placed on
production in the DJ Basin, with 51 wells in various stages of drilling and
completion at yearend. Because the majority of the wells were added in the
latter part of the year, production will not be fully impacted until 1994.
Additionally, significant downtime was experienced in the fourth quarter at the
major processing plant in the DJ Basin, which increased line pressures and
hampered production. To a lesser extent, this situation continued into early
1994.
 
   
     The gross margin from gas processing, transportation and marketing
activities for 1993 increased 23% to $10.0 million from $8.1 million in 1992.
The increase was primarily attributable to a $3.0 million (49%) rise in
transportation and processing margins as a result of additional DJ Basin
production and the recent expansion of the related facilities. Gas marketing
margins for 1993 decreased by $1.1 million due to reduced margins on the
Company's Oklahoma cogeneration supply contract, which declined as a result of
an imposed limitation of the contract sales price and rising gas purchase costs.
In 1993 the net contract margin was a loss of $267,000, which was $1.8 million
less than 1992. At present gas price levels, the Company foresees continued
negative or breakeven margins for the cogeneration contract through July 1994.
At that time, a change in the pricing formula should result in improved margins.
The cogeneration margin reduction was partially offset by a $667,000 (126%) rise
in other gas marketing margins in 1993 resulting from increased third party
marketing.
    
 
     Other income was $10.4 million during 1993, compared to $4.2 million in
1992. The $6.2 million increase resulted from a $3.5 million gas contract
settlement received in April 1993, collection of a $1.7 million litigation
judgment and greater gains on the sales of securities.
 
     General and administrative expenses, net of reimbursements, for 1993
represented 3% of revenues compared to 5.6% in 1992 as expenses were held
essentially flat while revenues grew 91%. Interest and other expenses increased
28% primarily as a result of a rise in outstanding debt balances. Senior debt
was substantially reduced in April 1993 with proceeds from a preferred offering,
but increased through yearend as
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Prior to 1993, production from the Thomasville Field, which was sold at
    prices that were significantly above market, was converted to equivalent
    barrels based on its price relative to the Company's other gas production.
    Beginning in 1993, Thomasville production was converted to oil equivalents
    at the rate of 6 Mcf per barrel. In order to provide comparability between
    periods, equivalent barrel information, other than depletion rates, for 1992
    and 1991 has been restated in this section to reflect Thomasville production
    at the conversion rate of 6 Mcf per barrel. All equivalent barrel
    information presented elsewhere in this Prospectus reflects the historical
    method of conversion of Thomasville production used by the Company in the
    applicable year.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
a result of development expenditures, acquisitions, the investment in Command
Petroleum Holdings NL and the retirement of $25.0 million in subordinated debt.
 
     Depletion, depreciation and amortization during 1993 increased 60% from the
prior year. The increase was the direct result of the 65% rise in equivalent
production between years. The producing depletion rate per BOE for 1993 was
reduced to $4.75 from $4.79 in 1992. The rate was reduced by an ongoing drilling
cost reduction program, partially offset by an increase from the discontinuation
of converting Thomasville production to equivalent quantities based on relative
gas prices.
 
     The Company adopted FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes,"
effective January 1, 1992. Net income for 1992 was increased by $3.8 million for
the cumulative effect of the change in method of accounting for income taxes. In
1992 the income tax provision was reduced from the statutory rate of 34% by $5.5
million due to the elimination of deferred taxes as a result of tax basis in
excess of financial basis. In 1993 the income tax provision was reduced from the
newly enacted rate of 35% to an effective rate of approximately 20% as a result
of full realization of the excess basis benefit. The Company anticipates
deferred taxes will be provided in 1994 and beyond based on the full statutory
rate and accordingly will increase substantially.
 
     Comparison of 1992 results to 1991. Revenues rose 30% in 1992 to $120.2
million, compared to $92.5 million in 1991. Net income for 1992 was $20.6
million, a 134% increase from the $8.8 million in 1991. The increases resulted
from greater oil and gas production volumes, lower interest expense, reduced
general and administrative expenses and a $3.8 million reversal of the
cumulative effect of prior year deferred taxes with the adoption of a change in
the method of accounting for income taxes.
 
     Average daily production for 1992 rose 24% to 15,408 BOE due mostly to
development drilling in the DJ Basin of Colorado as 189 wells were placed on
production there. As a result, the gross margin from production increased 22% to
$49.3 million in 1992. The price per BOE decreased 4% during 1992.
 
     The gross margin from gas processing, transportation and marketing
activities for 1992 increased 12% to $8.1 million from $7.3 million in 1991. The
growth was primarily the result of increased marketing of third party gas in New
Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming. Gas processing and transportation margins
increased moderately as volumes were increased late in the year by expansions of
pipeline and plant facilities to take advantage of increasing DJ Basin
production. Other income for 1992 decreased 26% to $4.2 million from a reduction
in gains on sales of securities and lower interest on notes receivable.
 
     Direct operating expenses including production taxes increased only 13%
during 1992 as the operating cost per BOE decreased to $4.99 from $5.47 in 1991,
due to increased DJ Basin production where operating costs have been
significantly lower than average. General and administrative expenses, net of
reimbursements, for 1992 represented less than 6% of revenues compared to 8% in
1991, as revenues rose 30%. Interest and other expenses dropped 39% in 1992 due
to lower average outstanding senior debt after the application of proceeds from
a preferred stock offering in late 1991.
 
DEVELOPMENT, ACQUISITION AND EXPLORATION
 
     During 1993 the Company expended $93.1 million for oil and gas property
development and exploration, $51.0 million for acquisitions and $22.6 million
for gas facility expansion and other assets, for a total of $166.7 million in
property and equipment expenditures. Additionally, the Company made an $18.2
million investment in an Australian based exploration and production company.
 
     The Company has concentrated a significant portion of its development
activities in the DJ Basin. Capital expenditures for DJ Basin development
totalled $75.4 million during 1993. A total of 311 newly drilled wells were
placed on production there in 1993 and 51 were in progress at yearend.
Additionally, 42 recompletions were performed in 1993, with seven in process at
yearend. In December 1993, 16 drilling rigs were in operation in the DJ Basin.
The Company anticipates putting 500 or more wells per year on production in the
DJ Basin for the next few years. With additional leasing activity and through
drilling cost reductions that add proved undeveloped locations as they become
economic, the Company has increased the inventory of available drillsites. In
December 1993, the Company entered into a letter of intent with Union Pacific
Resources Company ("UPRC") whereby the Company will gain the right to drill
wells on UPRC's previously uncommitted acreage throughout the Wattenberg area.
This transaction significantly increased the Company's undeveloped Wattenberg
inventory. UPRC will retain a royalty and the right to participate as a 50%
working
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
interest owner in each well, and received warrants to purchase two million
shares of Company stock. Of the warrants, one million expire three years from
the date of grant, and are exercisable at $25 per share, while the other one
million expire in four years and are exercisable at $27 per share. On February
8, 1995, the exercise prices may be reduced to 120% of the average closing price
of the Company stock for the preceding 20 consecutive trading days, but not
below $21.60 per share. The expiration date of the warrants will be extended one
year if the average closing price over such 20 day trading period is less than
$16.50 per share.
 
     The Company expended $14.8 million for other development and recompletion
projects and $2.9 million for exploration during 1993. In Nebraska, 29 wells
were added to production in 1993 as an extension of a drilling program initiated
in 1992. An additional 20 wells are planned in Nebraska for 1994. In southern
Wyoming, 11 wells in the East Washakie Basin development program were
successfully drilled and completed during the last half of 1993 with three in
process at yearend. In this program, significant cost-cutting measures were
applied based on the experience gained in the DJ Basin. In central Wyoming on
the properties acquired from a major oil company in late 1992, efforts have been
focused on increasing operating efficiency with limited development drilling and
workover activity. In 1993, three successful wells were drilled in the fourth
quarter and selected development and recompletion activity is scheduled for
1994. In the Piceance Basin of western Colorado, a three well test program was
started in December of 1993 on acreage acquired there during the year, with one
well undergoing completion, the second in progress and a third scheduled for
early 1994. Current plans include a minimum of 25 wells in the basin during
1994. In South Texas, a combined operated and non-operated program was
initiated, with nine wells completed in 1993 and one well abandoned. A total of
25 additional horizontal locations have been identified and drilling should
continue with as many as 15 wells planned in 1994. In its domestic exploration
efforts, the Company initiated a seismic program in Louisiana and began drilling
early in the fourth quarter. Advanced seismic techniques are being used to
identify further prospects in Louisiana and expectations are to drill up to 20
wells in 1994.
 
     A total of $51.0 million in domestic acquisitions were completed in 1993.
In May 1993, the Company purchased an interest in 121 producing wells and over
70 drilling locations in the DJ Basin area for $3.3 million. In July, an
incremental 25% interest in the Company's Barrel Springs and Duck Lake Fields in
Wyoming was purchased for $6.1 million. The properties are 90% gas and include
44 producing wells and 46 undeveloped locations. In August, the Company acquired
interests in 225 producing wells and 272 proved undeveloped locations in the DJ
Basin for $19.7 million. The proved reserves are 70% gas with more than two-
thirds requiring future development to produce. Late in the year, two
acquisitions were completed in the Piceance and Uinta Basins of Western Colorado
for a total of $12.5 million. The majority of the value was in undeveloped
locations as only 128 wells were currently producing. Numerous other producing
and undeveloped acquisitions totalling $9.4 million were completed, mostly in or
close to the Company's principal operating areas.
 
     The Company's gas gathering and processing facilities have been undergoing
significant transformation since late 1992. In 1993, the Company expended $20.1
million to develop further its gas related assets. The Company spent $9.4
million toward the second phase of its DJ Basin gathering expansion to construct
a high pressure line to deliver gas directly to the major gas processing plant
in the area and expand its gathering network for the increased drilling
activity. An additional $2.6 million was expended to expand the Roggen Plant for
the production increases. A total of $5.6 million in additional transportation
and gathering facilities were constructed in the DJ Basin including a nine mile
16" interconnect line completed in October to relieve high line pressures, a 20"
western gathering extension and numerous other extensions and connections. A
gathering system that delivers third party gas to the Roggen Plant was purchased
for $703,000. The Company expended $1.4 million to complete construction of a
system to gather gas from its Nebraska drilling project. These projects are
intended to take advantage of the significant increase in drilling activity in
these areas.
 
     In May 1993, the Company acquired 42.8% (currently 35.7%) of the
outstanding shares of Command Petroleum Holdings NL ("Command"), a Sydney based
Australian exploration and production company listed on the Australian Stock
Exchange, for $18.2 million. Command holds interests in more than 20 exploration
permits and licenses and a 28.7% interest in a Netherlands exploration and
production company whose assets are located primarily in the North Sea. Permtex,
the Company's Russian joint venture, received central government approval in
August and the Company executed a finance and insurance protocol with the
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
Overseas Private Investment Corporation ("OPIC"), a United States government
agency. Current plans call for 25 of the existing 45 shut-in wells to be placed
on production in 1994, and that 400 development wells will be drilled over the
next ten years. Extensive seismic work began in the fourth quarter of 1993 for
400 kilometers of data in Tunisia and 500 kilometers in Mongolia.
 
     The Company from time to time acquires securities of publicly traded and
private oil and gas companies. In addition to its investment in Command, the
Company owns, among other investments, more than 5% of the common stock of Lomak
Petroleum, Inc. and, as the result of purchases beginning in the third quarter
of 1993, American Exploration Company. The Company is currently evaluating a
range of possible alternatives with respect to its investment in American
Exploration Company, including the possibility of actions to enhance the value
of its common stock.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     At December 31, 1993, the Company had total assets of $480 million and
working capital of $1.3 million. Total capitalization was $412 million, of which
28% was represented by senior debt and the remainder by stockholders' equity.
During 1993, the Company fully retired its $25 million of 13.5% subordinated
notes and the related cumulative participating interests. During 1993, cash
provided by operations was $68.3 million, an increase of 43% over 1992. As of
December 31, 1993, commitments for capital expenditures totalled $7.5 million,
primarily for DJ Basin drilling. The Company anticipates that it will expend
$175 to $200 million for development drilling and expansion of gas facilities in
1994. The level of these and other future expenditures is largely discretionary,
and the amount of funds devoted to any particular activity may increase or
decrease significantly, depending on available opportunities and market
conditions. The Company plans to finance its ongoing development, acquisition
and exploration expenditures using internally generated cash flow, proceeds from
property dispositions and existing credit facilities. In addition, joint
ventures or future public and private offerings of securities may be utilized.
 
     In 1992, an institutional investor agreed to contribute $7 million to a
partnership formed to monetize Section 29 tax credits to be realized from the
Company's properties, mainly in the DJ Basin. The initial $3 million was
contributed in October 1992, and at first payout in June 1993 the second
contribution of $1.5 million was received. An additional $1.5 million was
received in October 1993. This transaction should increase the Company's cash
flow and net income through 1994. A revenue increase of more than $.40 per Mcf
is realized on production generated from qualified Section 29 properties in this
partnership. The Company recognized $3.8 million of this revenue during 1993.
Discussions are in progress to expand the scope of this transaction so that the
benefits would be continued through at least 1996.
 
     In April 1993, the Company sold 4.1 million depositary shares (each
representing a one quarter interest in one share of $100 liquidation value
stock) of convertible preferred stock through an underwritten offering for
$103.5 million. A portion of the net proceeds of $99.3 million was used to
retire the entire outstanding balance under the revolving credit facility at
that time. The preferred stock pays a 6% dividend and is convertible into common
stock at $21.00 per share. At the Company's option, the preferred stock is
exchangeable into 6% convertible debentures on any dividend payment date on or
after March 31, 1994. The preferred stock is redeemable at the option of the
Company on or after March 31, 1996.
 
     Effective July 1, 1993, the Company renegotiated its bank credit facility
and increased it from $150 million to $300 million. The new facility is divided
into a $50 million short-term portion and a $250 million long-term portion that
expires on December 31, 1997. However, management's policy is to request renewal
of the facility annually. Credit availability is adjusted semiannually to
reflect changes in reserves and asset values. At December 31, 1993, the elected
borrowing base was $150 million. The majority of the borrowings currently bear
interest at LIBOR plus 1.25% with the remainder at prime. The Company also has
the option to select the CD rate plus 1.375%. Financial covenants limit debt,
require maintenance of minimum working capital and restrict certain payments,
including stock repurchases, dividends and contributions or advances to
unrestricted subsidiaries. Based on such limitations, $86.5 million would have
been available for the payment of dividends and other restricted payments as of
December 31, 1993. The Company does not currently plan to make, and is not
committed to make, any advances or contributions to unrestricted subsidiaries
that would materially affect its ability to pay dividends under this limitation.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
     The Company maintains a program to divest marginal properties and assets
that do not fit its long range plans. For 1992 and 1993, proceeds from these
sales were $3.0 million and $5.5 million, respectively. Included in the 1993
proceeds were $4.0 million of cash receipts previously accrued for late 1992
sales. The Company intends to continue to evaluate and dispose of nonstrategic
assets.
 
     The Company believes that its capital resources are more than adequate to
meet the requirements of its business. However, future cash flows are subject to
a number of variables including the level of production and oil and gas prices,
and there can be no assurance that operations and other capital resources will
provide cash in sufficient amounts to satisfy debt service requirements and to
maintain planned levels of capital expenditures or that increased capital
expenditures will not be undertaken.
 
INFLATION AND CHANGES IN PRICES
 
     While certain of its costs are affected by the general level of inflation,
factors unique to the petroleum industry result in independent price
fluctuations. Over the past five years, significant fluctuations have occurred
in oil and gas prices. Although it is particularly difficult to estimate future
prices of oil and gas, price fluctuations have had, and will continue to have, a
material effect on the Company.
 
                            BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
GENERAL
 
     Snyder Oil Corporation is engaged in the development and acquisition of oil
and gas properties primarily in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States.
The Company also gathers, transports, processes and markets natural gas
generally in proximity to its principal producing properties. Over the five year
period from 1988 to 1993, revenues increased from $14.7 million to $229.9
million, net income increased from $5.0 million to $25.7 million and net cash
provided by operations increased from $8.1 million to $68.3 million. At December
31, 1993, the Company's net proved reserves totaled 103.6 MMBOE, having a pretax
present value at constant prices of $390.4 million. Approximately 69% of its
proved reserves are natural gas.
 
     The Company is headquartered at 777 Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(telephone 817-338-4043). The Company also maintains administrative offices in
Denver and New York and has eight field offices in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, New
Mexico and Nebraska.
 
DEVELOPMENT
 
     GENERAL. Since 1990, development drilling has become the primary focus of
the Company's growth strategy. The Company believes that its existing properties
have extensive development drilling and enhancement potential, primarily in the
DJ Basin of Colorado, the Washakie Basin in southern Wyoming, the Piceance and
Uinta Basins in western Colorado and Utah and in the Giddings Field in southern
Texas. The Company designs its major drilling programs to reduce risk, create
synergies with its gas management operations and exploit the potential for
continuous cost improvement. In 1994, the Company expects to drill over 650
wells, including approximately 500 wells in the Wattenberg Field, where the size
of its operations enables it to continue to refine the application of new
drilling, completion and operating techniques, and to apply the experience
gained there to establish other large scale development projects in the Rockies.
 
     In its large scale development projects, the Company also attempts to
acquire and maintain a sizeable inventory of potential drilling locations, many
of which may not be economic at current cost and price levels, but which the
Company believes may ultimately prove attractive to develop if reservoir
assumptions are validated and well economics improve over the life of the
project through cost reductions or price increases. No assurances can be given
that such conditions will be satisfied and, accordingly, that such locations
will be drilled.
 
     Assuming no material changes in product prices and capital availability,
the Company estimates that it will expend from $150 to $200 million per year for
development drilling and gas facilities over the next three to five years. Such
expenditures totalled $64.8 million in 1992 and $112.8 million in 1993,
primarily in the Wattenberg Field.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
                                    DJ BASIN
 
     WATTENBERG FIELD. The Wattenberg Field is the Company's largest base of
operations, representing over 55% of total proved reserves. Between 1991 and
1993, the Company drilled a total of 667 wells in Wattenberg, of which 323 were
drilled during 1993. At yearend, the Company had interests in more than 1,400
producing wells, of which the Company operated over 1,100. Through a major joint
venture with UPRC, complementary acquisitions and an extensive leasing program,
the Company has accumulated up to 6,000 potential drilling locations in the
Wattenberg Field. The Company expects that over half of these sites will
ultimately prove attractive to develop. The Company expects to drill
approximately 500 wells per year in the Wattenberg Field for at least the next
several years.
 
     At yearend 1993, the net proved reserves attributed to the Wattenberg
properties were 16.9 million barrels of oil and 229.9 Bcf of gas. The reserves
were attributable to 1,437 producing wells, 51 wells in progress, 1,102 proved
undeveloped locations and approximately 387 proved behind pipe zones. The
Company expects proved reserves to be assigned to other locations as drilling
progresses.
 
     The Company acquired its first properties in Wattenberg during 1986. In
1990, it substantially increased its acreage position by acquiring rights to the
Codell and Niobrara formations underlying 32,985 net acres from Amoco Production
Company ("Amoco") for $14.4 million. Several farm-ins from Amoco in 1992,
financed primarily through a transfer of Section 29 tax credits, resulted in
earning additional Codell/Niobrara rights as well as rights to the Sussex,
J-Sand and Dakota formations in a number of locations. During 1993, a series of
purchases added nearly 9 MMBOE at a net cost of under $3.50 per barrel as well
as several pipeline and processing facilities that complement existing
facilities. See "-- Acquisition Program."
 
     In early 1994, the Company finalized an agreement with UPRC under which the
Company has the right for up to six years to drill wells on locations of its
choosing on UPRC's previously uncommitted undeveloped acreage throughout the
Wattenberg area. This transaction substantially increased the Company's
Wattenberg undeveloped acreage inventory. Many of the locations have the
potential for improved economics through completion in one or more of the
Shannon, Sussex, J-Sand or Dakota formations, as well as the Codell and
Niobrara. During the venture's initial three-year term, the Company is required
to drill a minimum of 120, 120 and 60 wells per year. After the initial period,
the Company can, at its option, extend the venture annually for up to three
additional years by drilling at least 150 wells per year. There is no limit on
the maximum number of wells that can be drilled, and wells in excess of the
required minimum in any year will reduce the number of wells required in the
following year by up to 50%. If the Company drills less than the minimum number
of wells, it is required to pay UPRC $20,000 per well for the shortfall. On each
well that is drilled on UPRC's mineral acreage under the venture, UPRC retains a
15% mineral owner royalty and has the option either to receive an additional 10%
royalty interest after pay-out or to participate in the well as a 50% working
interest owner. On leasehold acreage, UPRC does not have the right to
participate in the well but will retain a royalty interest that will result in a
total royalty burden of 25%. As compensation for committing its acreage position
to the Company, UPRC was granted warrants to purchase two million shares of the
Company's Common Stock. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations -- Development, Acquisition and
Exploration."
 
     Drilling. The Company began drilling operations in Wattenberg in early
1991. From 1991 to December 1993, the Company expended $151.1 million to drill
667 wells, of which 323 were drilled in 1993. At yearend, 609 of these wells
were producing, 51 were in various stages of drilling and completion and seven
were dry holes.
 
     The size of the Wattenberg drilling program has resulted in numerous
advantages. The Company acts as operator on all its development sites in the
Wattenberg Field and much of the acreage is held by production. As a result, the
Company has significant operational control over the timing of the development
program. The actual drilling locations and schedule are selected to minimize
costs associated with rig moves, surface facilities, location preparation and
gathering system and pipeline connections and to evaluate and quantify
incremental reserve potential across the acreage position.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
     The Company's success in continuing to reduce its costs of drilling and
operations, as well as applying new technology, will be important to the full
development of its undeveloped acreage in Wattenberg. The Company has selected
procedures for drilling and completing wells that it believes maximize
recoverable reserves and economics. The Company has also been able to reduce its
costs of drilling, completing and operating wells significantly by negotiating
favorable prices with suppliers of drilling and completion services because of
the size of its drilling program. These cost reductions often allow the Company
to earn an attractive rate of return even on lower reserve wells. The reductions
have been achieved by several methods. One of the most significant is the
formation of alliances with selected vendors who work with Company personnel to
improve coordination and reduce both parties' costs. The resultant reductions
are credited wholly or in large part to the Company while vendors' margins are
maintained or increased.
 
     In addition to cost reduction, the Company seeks to employ new technology
or to creatively apply existing technology to reduce costs or to produce
reserves that would otherwise remain unrecovered. One example is the drilling of
four or more wells from a single drilling pad in residential areas, under
reservoirs and on inaccessible acreage.
 
     The Codell formation, which is the primary objective of the drilling, is a
blanket siltstone formation that exists under much of the Wattenberg acreage at
depths of 6,700 to 7,500 feet. Codell reserves have a high degree of
predictability due to uniform deposition and gradual transition from high to low
gas/oil ratio areas. The Company generally dually completes the Niobrara chalk
formation, which lies immediately above the Codell, to enhance drilling
economics. The Codell/Niobrara wells produce most prolifically in the first six
to twelve months, after which production declines to a fraction of initial
rates. More than half of a typical well's reserves are recovered in the first
three years of production. As a result, each well contributes significantly more
production in its first year than in subsequent years. However, the declining
production of individual wells is expected to be offset by continuing
development drilling.
 
     During 1992 and 1993, the Company expanded its drilling targets to include
both deeper and shallower formations. The J sand lies approximately 400 feet
below the Codell. It is a low permeability sandstone generally found to be
productive throughout the DJ Basin with performance varying proportionately with
porosity and thickness. The Dakota formation lies approximately 150 feet below
the J sand. It is a low permeability sand occasionally naturally fractured with
less predictable commercial accumulations and varied performance results. The
Sussex formation is at average depths of 4,500 feet. The Sussex sands were
deposited as bars and exhibit variable reservoir quality with a moderate degree
of predictability.
 
     Because the Codell, Niobrara and J formations are continuous reservoirs
over a large portion of the DJ Basin, the Company believes that drilling in the
Wattenberg Field is relatively low risk. In addition, the Company has compiled a
comprehensive geologic and production database for approximately 12,000 wells
within a 4,350 square mile area between Denver and the Wyoming border and has
had considerable success in predicting variations in thickness, porosity,
gas/oil ratios and productivity. Of the 667 wells drilled between 1991 and 1993,
only seven have been dry holes. Dry holes cost an average of only $65,000 per
well. The average net cost of a completed well approximated $193,000 during 1993
with only 30 days usually elapsing between spud date and initial production.
 
     CHEYENNE. During 1993, 29 wells were placed on stream in a shallow gas
producing area on the northeast flank of the DJ Basin. This project, known as
the Cheyenne Project, began with the acquisition of five shut-in gas wells in
1990 when the Company determined that it could capitalize on new open access
rules of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") by constructing a
gathering system to transport gas to a nearby interstate pipeline. After
acquiring almost 50,000 acres of leases in the area and selling an approximate
27.5% interest to other parties on a promoted basis, the Company has drilled 54
successful wells and six dry holes in the area and constructed a gathering
system having a capacity of 10 MMcf per day to transport the gas to the
interstate pipeline. The Company currently operates 61 wells in this area that
produce from the Niobrara formation and plans to drill approximately 20
additional wells during 1994.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
                                 EAST WASHAKIE
 
     During 1993, the Company initiated a major project to apply the
cost-cutting and improved drilling and completion techniques learned in the
Wattenberg Field to develop fluvial Mesaverde sands in the eastern Washakie
Basin. An eleven well pilot project was completed in 1993 to test drilling and
completion techniques and confirm cost estimates. A second drilling program is
currently being initiated. After final evaluation of the drilling, the Company
may initiate a large scale drilling program in this area upon completion of a
required environmental impact statement. The environmental impact statement was
filed in October 1993, and clearance is currently expected in the second half of
1994. Depending on the timing of environmental clearance and continued
evaluation of drilling results, the Company expects to drill up to 60 wells in
East Washakie during 1994.
 
     Since the mid-1980's, the Company's properties in the Barrel Springs Unit
and the Blue Gap Field of southern Wyoming, together with its gas gathering and
transportation facilities there, have been one of its most significant assets.
See "-- Properties" and "-- Gas Management." The Company currently operates 128
wells in this area and holds up to 1,200 potential drilling locations, 98 of
which were classified as proved undeveloped at yearend 1993. The Company
believes that more than half of the potential locations may ultimately prove
attractive to develop. The Company currently holds interests in 95,000 gross
(76,000 net) undeveloped acres in the Washakie Basin. This includes 36,000 gross
(32,000 net) undeveloped acres added during 1993.
 
                                 WESTERN SLOPE
 
     During 1993, the Company initiated the Western Slope Project by
establishing a sizable position in the Piceance Basin on the western slope of
Colorado and in the Uinta Basin in northeastern Utah. The Company formed the
53,000 acre Hunter Mesa Unit in the southeast corner of the Piceance Basin.
Through purchases and farmouts, the Company obtained a majority interest and
acts as unit operator. Immediately adjacent to the Hunter Mesa Unit, a 100%
working interest was purchased in the 26,000 acre Divide Creek Unit for $6.2
million. The acquisition of this Unit, which has six wells producing from the
Mesaverde and Cameo Coal formations, added 17.6 Bcf of proved gas reserves as
well as an established operating base. Near yearend, the Company also purchased
interests in 122 producing wells, 29 non-producing wells and 69 proved
undeveloped locations. In total, this purchase included 55,000 net acres in
various fields in the Piceance and Uinta Basins.
 
     Through these purchases, farmouts and a leasing program, the Company
currently holds acreage with up to 1,000 potential drilling locations, of which
the Company believes 40% could ultimately prove to be attractive to develop. Of
these locations, 101 were classified as proved undeveloped at yearend 1993. The
development of the Mesaverde sands in the Piceance Basin began with the spudding
of the initial test well near the end of 1993. The development will continue
with a 10 well test program during 1994 to confirm cost estimates and improved
recovery techniques. If successful, the Company may drill up to 30 wells in 1994
and approximately 100 wells per year thereafter. The Company's ability to
continue to develop the Piceance Basin is in part dependent on arranging
gathering and transportation at a reasonable cost. The company is exploring
options for gathering and transporting future gas production, including the
possibility of constructing Company owned facilities.
 
                               OTHER DEVELOPMENT
 
     At the end of 1992, the Company acquired interests in four large producing
fields in central Wyoming from a major oil company at a cost of $56.1 million.
Two of the fields, the Hamilton Dome and Riverton Dome Fields, are operated by
the Company. During 1993, the Company evaluated opportunities in the fields and
instituted programs to enhance production in the latter part of the year. In the
Hamilton Dome Field, improvement of the water injection system and completion of
two new wells increased daily production 8% above the levels projected at the
time of the acquisition. A third well should be completed in the second quarter
of 1994. In the Riverton Dome Field, workovers and recompletions increased daily
production over 10% above the levels projected at the time of the acquisition.
Additional workovers and development drilling
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
are scheduled for both fields during 1994. The Company is attempting to work
with the major oil companies that operate the other two fields purchased, both
of which are producing slightly below acquisition projections.
 
   
     The Company operates the Adair waterflood property in Gaines County, Texas,
which it purchased in September 1991. Initial development of the Adair Unit in
1992 cost approximately $1.7 million net to the Company. Based on production
response from the initial phase of development, the Company spent an additional
$.4 million in 1993 to conduct a pilot program which reduced well spacing on a
portion of the Unit. This program increased the unit production from 150 barrels
per day to 260 barrels per day. The Company plans to spend an additional $1.1
million to implement an infill development program throughout the Unit.
    
 
     In the Giddings Field in Southeast Texas, the Company has undertaken a
horizontal drilling program to further exploit existing properties in the area.
During 1993, the Company spent $2.2 million to re-enter or drill 10 wells, of
which nine were completed and one abandoned. The Company is encouraged by the
results to date and plans to increase its expenditures in the field during 1994.
At yearend, 25 locations were classified as having proved undeveloped reserves.
 
ACQUISITION PROGRAM
 
     The Company believes that acquisitions continue to be an attractive method
of increasing its reserve base and cash flow. In its acquisition efforts, the
Company plans to focus on purchasing properties that strengthen its strategic
position and complement its large-scale gas development projects in the Rockies,
as well as provide opportunities to establish meaningful positions in new areas.
From 1983 through 1993 the Company, on behalf of itself, its affiliates and
other investors, purchased oil and gas properties and related assets with an
aggregate cost of nearly $650 million. The Company actively seeks to acquire
incremental interests in existing properties, acreage with development
potential, gas gathering, transportation and processing facilities and related
assets, particularly in proximity to existing properties. Purchases of
incremental interests or adjacent properties are generally small in size but in
aggregate represent a sizeable opportunity that is relatively easy to pursue.
 
     Due to its rate of return requirements and the high cost of pursuing
potential acquisitions, the Company generally prefers negotiated transactions to
auctions. Complex transactions involving legal, financial or operational
difficulties have frequently permitted purchase of assets at favorable prices.
Past acquisitions of corporations laid the groundwork for the Wattenberg hub,
and may in the future provide opportunities to expand in other areas.
Acquisitions of incremental interests are being given particular emphasis to
take advantage of systems and operational knowledge already in place. The
Company has extensive experience in completing numerous types of acquisitions
using varied financing sources in addition to internal cash flow.
 
     During 1993 domestic acquisitions having a total cost of $51.0 million were
completed, primarily to strengthen Wattenberg and establish two new hubs that
the Company believes have the potential to develop into large scale gas
development projects. In Wattenberg a series of purchases added nearly 9 million
BOE of proved reserves at a net cost of under $3.50 per barrel as well as
several pipeline and processing facilities that complement the Company's
existing gathering systems. In the largest of these acquisitions, the Company
paid $19.7 million and, after an exchange of interests with a third party,
acquired an approximate 80% working interest in 153 producing wells and 284
undeveloped locations having total proved reserves estimated to exceed 7 million
BOE. A portion of the value of the transaction lay in the large volume of
undedicated gas located in close proximity to the Company's gas lines.
 
     In the Washakie Basin, the Company expended over $7.8 million to acquire a
25% incremental interest in its Barrel Springs properties and interests in 44
producing wells and 7 undeveloped locations, as well as a gathering system that
expands the existing gathering infrastructure in the area. These acquisitions
added approximately 3.6 million BOE of proved reserves and, together with an
active leasing program, formed the basis for the East Washakie Project, the
Company's second operating hub in the Rockies. See "-- Development -- East
Washakie."
 
     Through three purchase transactions, as well as farmouts and leasing, the
Company established a substantial position in the Piceance and Uinta Basins
during 1993, laying the foundation of the Western Slope
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
Project, a third gas development hub in the Rockies. A $6.2 million purchase
gave the Company a 100% working interest in the 26,000 acre Divide Creek Unit in
the southeast Piceance Basin. The Company also formed the adjacent 53,000 acre
Hunter Mesa Unit and through purchases and farmouts obtained a majority working
interest position and became unit operator. Near yearend the Company also
acquired interests in 122 producing wells, 29 non-producing wells and 69 proved
undeveloped locations in various fields in the Uinta and Piceance Basins. See
"-- Development -- Western Slope."
 
     The following table summarizes acquisition activity since 1983:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    PURCHASE PRICE
                                                           ---------------------------------
  YEAR                MAJOR ASSETS ACQUIRED                COMPANY     AFFILIATES     TOTAL
  ----                ---------------------                -------     ----------     ------
                                                                       (MILLIONS)
  <S>     <C>                                              <C>         <C>            <C>
  1983    Louisiana gas pipeline                           $  3.5        $   --       $  3.5
  1984    Various producing properties                       27.8            --         27.8
  1985    Utah, Texas and Oklahoma properties                56.1            --         56.1
  1986    Colorado and Wyoming properties                    61.8          15.4         77.2
  1987    Mississippi and Colorado properties, Roggen
            gas plant, Wyoming gas facilities                71.0            --         71.0
  1988    Various producing properties                       33.8          18.5         52.3
  1989    Various producing properties                       12.3          56.9         69.2
  1990    Wattenberg properties, incremental interests      161.2 (a)        --        161.2
  1991    Waterflood properties, incremental interests        9.9            --          9.9
  1992    Wyoming properties, incremental interests          63.6            --         63.6
  1993    Colorado and Wyoming properties, incremental
            interests, acreage                               51.0            --         51.0
                                                           ------        ------       ------
               Total                                       $552.0        $ 90.8       $642.8
                                                           ------        ------       ------
                                                           ------        ------       ------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Includes the acquisition of a publicly traded limited partnership managed by
     the Company.
 
GAS MANAGEMENT
 
   
     General. The Company expanded its gas gathering and processing capacity
during 1993 with the construction of additional gathering facilities and
expansion of the Roggen plant in Wattenberg, as well as the acquisition of
additional gas facilities in Wattenberg and in Wyoming. By yearend, operated
processing capacity had increased to more than 80 MMcf per day and gathering
system capacity was increased to more than 200 MMcf per day, while marketed net
volumes reached 100 MMcf per day. The gas management unit complements the
Company's development and acquisition activities by providing additional cash
flow and enhancing returns. The segment is also increasingly profitable in its
own right. During 1993, gross margin increased by approximately 23% to $10
million. See "-- Customers and Marketing."
    
 
     Colorado Facilities. The largest concentration of gas facilities is in the
Wattenberg area. These facilities include two major gathering systems, the
Enterprise system and Energy Pipeline, the Roggen processing plant, and a number
of minor facilities. By yearend 1993, the Roggen plant capacity had reached 60
MMcf per day. During the fourth quarter of 1993, average throughput had reached
54 MMcf per day. The plant is expected to process gas from currently undeveloped
locations, new third party sources and permanently released locations on acreage
acquired from Amoco, plus additional gas from current suppliers. Gas developed
through the UPRC joint venture is not dedicated to a processing plant and will
significantly increase future volumes of gas available to be processed in the
Company's facilities.
 
     The gas produced from the majority of the new Wattenberg wells drilled on
acreage acquired from Amoco is dedicated for the life of the lease to Amoco's
Wattenberg gas processing plant. If Amoco were unable to process Company
production at its plant for any reason, including a shut-down of the plant, it
would have a short-term adverse impact on the Company. The Company has expanded
its processing facilities in Wattenberg in order to process Company and third
party gas that is not dedicated to Amoco. The Company
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
intends to continue to expand its facilities during 1994 to handle additional
gas developed through continued drilling activity. These facilities will also
enable the Company to partially mitigate the effects of significant downtime at
the Amoco plant.
 
     At the Roggen plant, gas is processed to recover gas liquids, primarily
propane and a butane/gasoline mix, from gas supplied by the Company and third
parties. The liquids are then sold separately from the residue gas. The liquids
are marketed to local and regional distributors and the residue gas is sold to
utilities, independent marketers and end users through an intrastate system and
the Colorado Interstate Gas ("CIG") pipeline. A liquids line permits the direct
sale of Roggen's liquids products through an Amoco line to the major interchange
at Conway, Kansas. In addition, Phillips Petroleum began reactivation of an old
interconnect, which should be operational by the end of the second quarter of
1994, which will connect the Roggen plant to the Phillips Powder River liquids
pipeline.
 
     The Company's Wattenberg gathering systems include over 600 miles of
pipeline that collect, compress and deliver gas from over 1,400 wells to the
Roggen plant. During 1993, the Company substantially increased the capacity of
its gathering systems through the expansion of existing facilities and the
acquisition of new facilities. The Company also completed the second phase of
the Enterprise system during 1993. Enterprise collects a portion of the
Company's gas produced from acreage acquired from Amoco and delivers it to the
Amoco Wattenberg plant. Enterprise includes 26 miles of 20" diameter trunk and
29 miles of associated lateral gathering lines connecting 20 of the Company's
existing central delivery points. As a result of the completion of the second
phase, the Enterprise system has the capacity to deliver 75 MMcf per day to the
Amoco Wattenberg plant.
 
     During 1993, the Company also expanded its gathering system by constructing
a nine mile 16" pipeline loop on the western portion of its Energy Pipeline
system, which came on line in October 1993. This expansion provides pressure
relief and additional capacity for further development in the area. In addition,
the Company acquired a pipeline that expands its gathering capacity to the north
of the Roggen plant, which may be converted to a residue line allowing for the
delivery of residue gas from the tailgate of the Roggen plant to the Williams
Natural Gas System.
 
     The Company has negotiated a transportation arrangement with CIG that, in
conjunction with the gathering fees to be charged on the Enterprise system,
allows the delivery of gas to the Amoco Wattenberg plant at a favorable rate. In
addition to reducing the Company's exposure to future escalation in gathering
costs applicable to the Company's production, Enterprise provides an enhanced
degree of operational control. Because the Enterprise system interconnects with
the Company's other Colorado facilities, the Roggen plant and other plants in
the area can serve as a backup for processing a portion of the Company's gas in
the event of any curtailment at the Amoco Wattenberg plant. While shut downs of
Amoco's plant reduce the Company's production, diversion of gas to the Roggen
plant and, to a lesser degree, two other plants in the area, enabled the Company
to produce significant volumes that would have otherwise been curtailed.
 
     Given the continued expansion of the Company's drilling program in 1994 and
beyond and the potential for third party connections, the Company is continuing
to explore opportunities to expand its Wattenberg gas facilities. Subsequent to
yearend, the decision was made to double the Company's processing capacity
through the construction of a new plant on the west side of the field. The new
plant is scheduled to be operational in late 1994.
 
     Wyoming Facilities. The Company operates two pipeline systems in Wyoming
that enhance its ability to market gas produced from its properties in the
Washakie Basin. Wyoming Gathering and Production Company ("WYGAP") gathers gas
produced from 53 operated wells in the Barrel Springs Unit. The system has a
capacity of 26 MMcf per day. Throughput averaged 10 MMcf and 14 MMcf per day
during 1992 and 1993, respectively. WYGAP delivers gas to Western Transmission
Corporation ("Westrans"), a Company-owned interstate pipeline system which
operates under FERC jurisdiction. At the beginning of 1993, the Company assumed
operations of CIG's Carbon County Blue Gap gathering system pursuant to a lease.
The Company has exercised an option to acquire the system subject to regulatory
approval. The Company also purchased Blue Gap gathering facilities formerly
owned by Williams Field Services. Both systems extend the Company's
transportation capabilities to the south.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
     The Westrans system consists of a 26-mile main pipeline, a smaller 9.2-mile
line and related gathering facilities. The system gathers and transports gas
under open access transportation service agreements on an interruptible basis.
The main line extends from the Washakie Basin area of Carbon County, Wyoming to
connections with Williams' and CIG's interstate pipelines in Sweetwater County,
Wyoming. Gas transported on Westrans also has access to California markets
through the Kern River Pipeline which was completed in February 1992 via
interconnects with CIG and Williams. Westrans is located near several other
interstate pipelines, providing the potential for additional interconnects that
offer alternative transportation routes to end markets. In addition to the gas
from WYGAP, which accounts for over 90% of its volumes, Westrans transports
volumes from other operated wells and third parties. The capacity of Westrans is
65 MMcf per day. Throughput volumes generally vary from 13 to 20 MMcf per day.
Daily throughput averaged 15 MMcf during 1992 and 1993. If the planned
acceleration of drilling in East Washakie occurs, volumes of gas on the
Company's gas pipeline in the area may be substantially increased. As the East
Washakie Project progresses, the Company expects to further expand its gathering
network in the area.
 
     Other Facilities. The Company expanded its gathering system in southern
Nebraska during 1993 to gather gas produced from newly developed Cheyenne County
properties for delivery to various markets accessible through an interstate
pipeline. The Cheyenne system includes 9.5 miles of 4" to 6" trunkline and 6
miles of 3" lateral gathering lines. During the fourth quarter of 1993,
throughput averaged 3 MMcf per day of gas from 60 producing wells. Included in
the December 1992 acquisition of Wyoming properties was a gas processing plant
in Fremont County, Wyoming. The plant has a 20 MMcf per day capacity with
current throughput of 8 MMcf per day from the 28 producing wells in the Riverton
Dome Field.
 
     In conjunction with the growing level of acquisition and development
activity in the Western Slope Project, the Company is actively exploring
alternatives to gather and transport future gas production, including the
possible construction of a Company-owned gathering and transportation line.
Traditionally, the lack of sufficient pipeline capacity has been a major
deterrent to development in the Piceance Basin.
 
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
 
     The Company's strategy internationally is to develop projects that have the
potential for a major impact in the future. The Company attempts to structure
the projects to limit its financial exposure and mitigate political risk by
minimizing financial commitments in the early phases of a project and seeking
industry partners and investors to fund the majority of the equity capital. A
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, SOCO International, Inc., is the holding
company for all the Company's international operations. During 1993, the Company
purchased from Edward T. Story, President of SOCO International, the 10% of SOCO
International held by him and canceled Mr. Story's option to purchase an
additional 20% of the company. In connection with the purchase, the Company
granted Mr. Story an option to purchase 10% of the currently outstanding shares
of SOCO International, which is financed primarily by Company loans, through
April 1998 for $600,000. The option price is subject to adjustment in certain
circumstances.
 
     Russian Joint Venture. In early 1993, the Company formed Permtex, a joint
drilling venture with Permneft, a Russian oil and gas company, to develop four
major proven oil fields located in the Volga-Urals Basin of the Perm Region of
Russia, approximately 800 miles east of Moscow. During 1993, Permtex was
registered by the Russian authorities, representing governmental approval of the
terms of the joint venture and authorization for Permtex to commence business.
In early 1994, the Company executed a finance and insurance protocol with OPIC,
an agency of the United States government that provides financing and political
risk insurance for American investment in developing countries, related to the
financing of Permtex.
 
     Permtex holds exploration and development rights to over 300,000 acres in
the Volga-Urals Basin. The contract area contains four major fields and four
minor fields as well as a number of prospects. The Company estimates that the
four major fields could ultimately produce 115 million barrels of oil. The major
fields have been delineated through 45 previously drilled wells, none of which
had been placed on production as of yearend 1993. It is anticipated that 25 of
the existing wells will be placed on production, of which four should go on
stream in the first half of 1994, and that 400 additional development wells will
be drilled over the next
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
five to ten years. The joint venture will primarily utilize Russian personnel
and equipment and Western technology under joint Russian/American management.
 
     As of March 1, 1994, the Company holds a 28.1% interest in Permtex, after
giving effect to the purchases by each of Command, the Company's Australian
affiliate, and Holland Sea Search NV ("HSSH"), a Dutch affiliate of Command, of
6.25% interests in Permtex. Recently, a major Japanese trading company has also
committed to purchase a 10 to 20% interest in Permtex, which would reduce the
Company's interest to 20.6% if the full amount is purchased.
 
     Command Petroleum Holdings NL. In May 1993, the Company purchased 42.8% of
the outstanding shares of Command for approximately $18.2 million. At the time
of the purchase, Thomas J. Edelman, President of the Company, Edward T. Story,
President of SOCO International, and two other designees were elected to
Command's eight-person board of directors. Command is an exploration and
production company based in Sydney, Australia and listed on the Australian Stock
Exchange. Following a private placement of equity securities in early 1994,
Command had working capital of $35 million and no debt. Its current market
capitalization approximates US$150 million. Command currently holds interests in
more than 20 exploration permits and production licenses primarily in the
Southwestern Pacific Rim including Australia and Papua New Guinea. Until
recently, Command held a 28.7% interest in HSSH, a publicly traded Dutch
exploration and production company whose primary asset is an interest in the
North Sea's Markham gas field. After yearend 1993, Command increased its
position in HSSH to nearly 48%. Recently, Command purchased a 6.25% interest in
Permtex, acquired an interest in an offshore Tunisian permit operated by
Marathon Oil Company and acquired an 11.4% interest in the East Shabwa Contract
Area in Yemen. Command funded the expenditures with a portion of a $16.4 million
privately placed equity offering which reduced the Company's ownership to 35.7%.
If as expected, all of Command's warrants expiring in November 1994 are
exercised, the Company's ownership would be decreased to 29.6%.
 
     The Company believes that Command's exploration expertise, experienced
technical staff and inventory of prospects complement the Company's acquisition
and development expertise and position the Company to play a larger role in
overseas development of oil and gas reserves. In addition, Command and HSSH
provide access to international capital markets which could provide additional
sources of financing for international projects.
 
     Mongolia. The Company further expanded its international efforts by
entering into a production sharing agreement with Mongol Petroleum Company, the
national oil company of Mongolia. The Company believes this agreement is the
first such contract ever awarded by Mongolia. The agreement covers 11,400 square
kilometers, or approximately 2.8 million gross acres, in the Tamstag Basin of
northeastern Mongolia. In addition, the Company received a right of first
refusal from Mongol Petroleum for the adjacent block which covers 11,130 square
kilometers. As a consequence, the Company controls over 5 million acres in this
basin which, although previously unexplored and remote from existing markets, is
highly prospective. These concessions offset the Hailar Basin of China, a
portion of which is included in the China National Petroleum Corporation's round
of invitations for bidding in 1994. During 1993, the Company initiated seismic
work to broadly define the subsurface and this work is expected to continue into
1995.
 
     Tunisia. During 1993 the Company completed its 400 kilometer seismic
acquisition program in the Fejaj Permit area of central Tunisia. The permit area
encompasses approximately 1.2 million gross acres and is predominately onshore,
with a small portion extending into the Gulf of Gabes. After the Company
integrates the newly acquired seismic work with over 1,400 kilometers of
reprocessed data and extensive geological field information, the Company will
seek industry partners for a 1995 exploratory well.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
PRODUCTION, REVENUE AND PRICE HISTORY
 
     The following table sets forth information regarding net production of
crude oil and liquids and natural gas, revenues and expenses attributable to
such production and to natural gas transportation, processing and marketing and
certain price and cost information for the five years ended December 31, 1993.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                             -----------------------------------------------------
                                              1989       1990       1991        1992        1993
                                             -------    -------    -------    --------    --------
                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PRICE AND PER BARREL
                                                                   EXPENSES)
<S>                                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
PRODUCTION
  Oil (MBbl)...............................      277      1,049      1,487       1,776       3,451
  Gas (MMcf)...............................    4,027     12,769     18,382      23,090      35,080
  MBOE(a)..................................      948      3,497      4,937       5,989       9,297
REVENUES
  Oil production...........................  $ 5,069    $24,806    $30,667    $ 33,512    $ 53,174
  Gas production(b)........................    7,410     24,997     34,677      43,851      71,467
                                             -------    -------    -------    --------    --------
          Subtotal.........................   12,479     49,803     65,344      77,363     124,641
                                             -------    -------    -------    --------    --------
  Transportation, processing and
     marketing.............................   10,885     29,442     21,459      38,611      94,839
  Interest and other.......................    3,179      2,928      5,698       4,198      10,405
                                             -------    -------    -------    --------    --------
          Total............................  $26,543    $82,173    $92,501    $120,172    $229,885
                                             -------    -------    -------    --------    --------
                                             -------    -------    -------    --------    --------
OPERATING EXPENSES
  Production...............................  $ 4,930    $18,088    $24,882    $ 28,057    $ 44,901
  Transportation, processing and
     marketing.............................    9,168     24,103     14,202      30,469      84,840
                                             -------    -------    -------    --------    --------
                                             $14,098    $42,191    $39,084    $ 58,526    $129,741
                                             -------    -------    -------    --------    --------
                                             -------    -------    -------    --------    --------
GROSS MARGIN...............................  $12,445    $39,982    $53,417    $ 61,646    $100,144
                                             -------    -------    -------    --------    --------
                                             -------    -------    -------    --------    --------
PRODUCTION DATA
  Average sales price(c)
     Oil (Bbl).............................  $ 18.30    $ 23.65    $ 20.62    $  18.87    $  15.41
     Gas (Mcf)(a)(b).......................     1.65       1.69       1.68        1.74        1.94
     BOE(a)................................    12.97      14.18      13.24       12.92       13.41
  Average operating expense/BOE............  $  5.20    $  5.17    $  5.04    $   4.68    $   4.83
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Gas production is converted to oil equivalents at the rate of 6 Mcf per
    barrel except for Thomasville production which through 1992 was converted
    based on its price equivalency to the Company's other gas. Average gas
    prices exclude Thomasville production. See "Management's Discussion and
    Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
(b) Sales of natural gas liquids are included in gas revenues. Gas revenues for
    the year ended December 31, 1989 and 1990 include nonrecurring receipts of
    $183,000 and $219,000, respectively, in settlement of contract claims, which
    have been excluded from average sales price computations.
(c) The Company estimates that its composite net wellhead prices at December 31,
    1993 were approximately $2.11 per Mcf of gas and $11.49 per barrel of oil.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
DRILLING RESULTS
 
     The following table sets forth information with respect to wells drilled
during the past three years. The information should not be considered indicative
of future performance, nor should it be assumed that there is necessarily any
correlation between the number of productive wells drilled, quantities of
reserves found or economic value. Productive wells are those that produce
commercial quantities of hydrocarbons whether or not they produce a reasonable
rate of return.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1991      1992      1993
                                                                  -----     -----     -----
    <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
    Development wells
      Productive
         Gross..................................................  143.0     241.0     382.0
         Net....................................................  117.2     207.5     316.0
      Dry
         Gross..................................................    3.0       6.0      10.0
         Net....................................................    2.8       2.7       5.5
    Exploratory wells
      Productive
         Gross..................................................    5.0        --       2.0
         Net....................................................    1.8        --       2.0
      Dry
         Gross..................................................    5.0        --       6.0
         Net....................................................    1.5        --       3.3
</TABLE>
 
     As of December 31, 1993, the Company had 61 gross (50.9 net) development
wells in progress. Between yearend and February 28, 1994, the Company spudded
118 wells. At that date 135 gross (116.7 net) wells, including wells in progress
at yearend, had been completed, two wells (1.5 net) had been abandoned and 42
gross (36.3 net) development wells were in progress.
 
FIELD OPERATIONS
 
     In its capacity as operator, the Company supervises day-to-day field
activities, generally employing a combination of its personnel and contract
pumpers. The Company maintains eight district field offices and one division
office.
 
     As operator, the Company charges overhead fees to all working interest
owners according to the applicable operating agreements. As of the end of 1991,
1992 and 1993, respectively, the Company operated 1,442, 1,745 and 2,176 wells.
The Company received overhead reimbursements for operations and drilling of
$10.1 million, $12.9 million and $15.5 million during 1991, 1992 and 1993,
respectively (including reimbursements attributable to the Company's interest).
The increase in reimbursements is attributable to the increase in operated
drilling and producing wells and contractual escalations. Based on the time
allocated to operations, these reimbursements in aggregate generally have
exceeded the costs of such activities.
 
PROPERTIES
 
     The Company's reserves are concentrated in several major producing areas.
These include the Wattenberg Field in Colorado, central and southern Wyoming,
the Piceance and Uinta Basins in the Western Slope of Colorado and Utah, the
Giddings area in South Texas, the Spraberry Trend in West Texas, waterflood
units in Texas, and the Appalachian Basin in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania.
 
     At December 31, 1993, the Company had interests in 5,122 gross (2,187 net)
producing oil and gas wells located in 15 states and in the Gulf of Mexico. As
of December 31, 1993, estimated proved reserves totalled 31.9 million barrels of
oil and 430.1 Bcf of gas. In addition to its oil and gas reserves, the Company
holds interests in nine gas transportation and processing facilities. See
"-- Gas Management."
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
     Significant Properties. Although the Company's properties are widely
dispersed geographically, emphasis has been placed on establishing hubs in
certain producing basins. Interests in five producing areas accounted for
approximately 90% of Pretax PW10% Value at December 31, 1993. This concentration
of assets results in economic efficiencies in the management of assets and
permits identification of complementary acquisition candidates. Summary
information regarding the five most significant properties is set forth below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      PROVED RESERVE
                                                        QUANTITIES             PRETAX PW10% VALUE
                                                 ------------------------   ------------------------
                                                  CRUDE OIL      NATURAL        AMOUNT       PERCENT
                                                 AND LIQUIDS       GAS      --------------   -------
                                                 -----------     --------   (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                   (MBBL)         (MMCF)
    <S>                                          <C>             <C>        <C>              <C>
    DJ Basin (CO, NE)..........................     16,984        242,155      $245,617        62.9%
    East Washakie (WYO)........................      1,334         72,871        41,903        10.7
    Central Wyoming (WYO)......................      7,207         28,913        30,905         7.9
    Western Slope (CO & UT)....................        439         41,070        22,113         5.7
    Giddings Field (TX)........................        752          7,987        10,960         2.8
                                                    ------        -------      --------      -------
              Subtotal.........................     26,716        392,996       351,498        90.0
    Other......................................      5,214         37,093        38,911        10.0
                                                    ------        -------      --------      -------
              Total............................     31,930        430,089      $390,409      100.0%
                                                    ------        -------      --------      -------
                                                    ------        -------      --------      -------
</TABLE>
 
     Proved Reserves. The following table sets forth estimated yearend proved
reserves for the three years ended December 31, 1993.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                            -------------------------------
                                                             1991        1992        1993
                                                            -------     -------     -------
    <S>                                                     <C>         <C>         <C>
    Crude oil and liquids (MBbl)
      Developed...........................................    9,094      21,116      18,032
      Undeveloped.........................................   10,584      11,086      13,898
                                                            -------     -------     -------
              Total.......................................   19,678      32,202      31,930
                                                            -------     -------     -------
                                                            -------     -------     -------
    Natural gas (MMcf)
      Developed...........................................  136,229     194,621     268,349
      Undeveloped.........................................  110,940      93,037     161,740
                                                            -------     -------     -------
              Total.......................................  247,169     287,658     430,089
                                                            -------     -------     -------
                                                            -------     -------     -------
              Total MBOE (a)..............................   66,641      84,393     103,612
                                                            -------     -------     -------
                                                            -------     -------     -------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Natural gas reserves are converted to oil equivalents at the rate of 6 Mcf
    per barrel, except Thomasville gas reserves prior to 1993. See "Management's
    Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
     The following table sets forth pretax future net revenues from the
production of proved reserves and the Pretax PW10% Value of such revenues.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                                      -----------------------------------------
                                                      DEVELOPED     UNDEVELOPED(A)      TOTAL
                                                      ---------     --------------     --------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                               <C>           <C>                <C>
    1994............................................  $  81,401        $(24,109)       $ 57,292
    1995............................................     59,421           1,220          60,641
    1996............................................     47,148           8,472          55,620
    Remainder.......................................    286,510         228,209         514,719
                                                      ---------        --------        --------
              Total.................................  $ 474,480        $213,792        $688,272
                                                      ---------        --------        --------
                                                      ---------        --------        --------
    Pretax PW10% Value..............................  $ 297,638        $ 92,771        $390,409(b)
                                                      ---------        --------        --------
                                                      ---------        --------        --------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Net of estimated capital costs, including estimated costs of $68.9 million
    during 1994.
 
(b) The after tax PW10% value of proved reserves totalled $340.5 million at
    yearend 1993.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
     The quantities and values in the preceding tables are based on prices in
effect at December 31, 1993, averaging $11.49 per barrel of oil and $2.11 per
Mcf of gas. Price reductions decrease reserve values by lowering the future net
revenues attributable to the reserves and will reduce the quantities of reserves
that are recoverable on an economic basis. Price increases have the opposite
effect. Any significant decline in prices of oil or gas could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
     Proved developed reserves are proved reserves that are expected to be
recovered from existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods.
Proved undeveloped reserves are proved reserves that are expected to be
recovered from new wells drilled to known reservoirs on undrilled acreage for
which the existence and recoverability of such reserves can be estimated with
reasonable certainty, or from existing wells where a relatively major
expenditure is required to establish production.
 
     Future prices received for production and future production costs may vary,
perhaps significantly, from the prices and costs assumed for purposes of these
estimates. There can be no assurance that the proved reserves will be developed
within the periods indicated or that prices and costs will remain constant. With
respect to certain properties that historically have experienced seasonal
curtailment, the reserve estimates assume that the seasonal pattern of such
curtailment will continue in the future. There can be no assurance that actual
production will equal the estimated amounts used in the preparation of reserve
projections.
 
     The present values shown should not be construed as the current market
value of the reserves. The 10% discount factor used to calculate present value,
which is specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), is not
necessarily the most appropriate discount rate, and present value, no matter
what discount rate is used, is materially affected by assumptions as to timing
of future production, which may prove to be inaccurate. For properties operated
by the Company, expenses exclude the Company's share of overhead charges. In
addition, the calculation of estimated future net revenues does not take into
account the effect of various cash outlays, including, among other things,
general and administrative costs and interest expense.
 
     There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of
proved reserves and in projecting future rates of production and timing of
development expenditures. The data in the above tables represent estimates only.
Oil and gas reserve engineering must be recognized as a subjective process of
estimating underground accumulations of oil and gas that cannot be measured in
an exact way, and estimates of other engineers might differ materially from
those shown above. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the
quality of available data and engineering and geological interpretation and
judgment. Results of drilling, testing and production after the date of the
estimate may justify revisions. Accordingly, reserve estimates are often
materially different from the quantities of oil and gas that are ultimately
recovered.
 
     Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI"), independent petroleum
consultants, prepared estimates of or audited the Company's proved reserves
which collectively represent more than 80% of Pretax PW10% Value as of December
31, 1993. Approximately 38% of the yearend Pretax PW10% Value was estimated
internally by the Company and 62% was estimated independently by NSAI. No
estimates of the Company's reserves comparable to those included herein have
been included in reports to any federal agency other than the SEC.
 
     Producing Wells. The following table sets forth certain information at
December 31, 1993 relating to the producing wells in which the Company owned a
working interest. The Company also held royalty interests in 240 producing
wells. Wells are classified as oil or gas wells according to their predominant
production stream.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 AVERAGE
              PRINCIPAL                                        GROSS     NET     WORKING
           PRODUCT STREAM                                      WELLS    WELLS    INTEREST
           --------------                                      -----    -----    -------
        <S>                                                    <C>      <C>      <C>
        Crude oil and liquids................................  3,026    1,297      43%
        Natural gas..........................................  2,096      890      42%
                                                               -----    -----    -------
                  Total......................................  5,122    2,187      43%
                                                               -----    -----    -------
                                                               -----    -----    -------
</TABLE>
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
CUSTOMERS AND MARKETING
 
     The Company's oil and gas production is principally sold to refiners and
others having pipeline facilities near its properties. Where there is no access
to gathering systems, crude oil is trucked to storage facilities. In 1992 and
1993, Amoco accounted for approximately 27% and 12% of revenues, respectively,
as the result of the contractual dedication, which terminated at the end of
1993, of a portion of the Company's natural gas and natural gas liquids produced
from certain of its Wattenberg acreage. Historically, this arrangement provided
for average prices in excess of spot due to participation in certain fixed price
contracts, many of which are expected to expire over the next two years. The
Company exercised its option to release its natural gas and natural gas liquids
and began marketing its production beginning January 1, 1994. The Company
believes, however, that it can obtain pricing comparable to that which would
have been obtainable through Amoco. The marketing of oil and gas by the Company
can be affected by a number of factors that are beyond its control and whose
future effect cannot be accurately predicted. The Company does not believe,
however, that the loss of any of its customers would have a material adverse
effect on its operations.
 
     In addition to marketing a significant portion of its own gas, in 1992 the
Company initiated an effort to supplement its cash flow through the purchase and
resale of gas owned by third parties. Gross margins during 1992 and 1993 from
third party marketing activities was $.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively,
as average third party volumes increased from 58.7 to 89.9 MMcf per day. The
Company expects to continue increasing its role in third party gas marketing.
 
     In June 1991, the Company entered into a contract to supply gas to a
cogeneration facility through August 2004. The contract calls for the Company to
supply 10,000 MMBtu per day. This plant, which requires up to 24,500 MMBtu per
day of gas, began operations in 1989 and is located at a manufacturing facility
in Oklahoma City. The facility has firm fifteen-year sales agreements with a
utility company for electricity and with a tire manufacturer for steam. The
effect of this contract depends on market prices for gas and its choice of
alternative sources of gas (including the spot market) to meet its supply
commitments. Gross margin generated from the contract was approximately $1.5
million for both 1991 and 1992. A contractual limitation of the contract sales
price and rising gas purchase costs resulted in a net loss of $267,000 on the
contract during 1993. At present gas price levels, the Company foresees
continued negative or breakeven margins for this contract through July 1994. At
that time, a change in the pricing formula should result in improved margins.
 
   
                              DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
    
 
   
     The Notes are to be issued under an Indenture to be dated as of April 1,
1994 (the "Indenture") between the Company, as issuer, and Texas Commerce Bank
National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee"), a copy of which is filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The
terms of the Indenture are governed by certain provisions contained in the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Indenture do not purport to be complete,
and where particular provisions of the Indenture are referred to, such
provisions, including the definitions of certain capitalized terms used in this
Prospectus, are incorporated by reference as a part of such summaries, which are
qualified in their entirety by reference to the provisions of the Indenture. The
section ("Section") and article ("Article") references appearing below are to
sections and articles of the Indenture.
    
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Notes will be unsecured subordinated obligations of the Company, will
mature on March 31, 2001 and will be in the aggregate principal amount of
$100,000,000 ($115,000,000 aggregate principal amount if the Underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised in full). The Notes will bear interest from
the date of issuance at the rate per annum shown on the cover page of this
Prospectus. Interest will be payable semi-annually on March 31 and September 30
of each year, commencing September 30, 1994, to the persons in whose names such
Notes (or any predecessor Notes) are registered at the close of business on the
March 15 or September 15 preceding such Interest Payment Date (Sections 301 and
307).
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
   
     Principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Notes will be
payable, and the Notes will be convertible and may be presented for transfer and
exchange, at the office or agency maintained by the Company for such purposes,
which will initially be the office of the Trustee located at 80 Broad Street,
Fourth Floor, New York, New York 10004. However, at the option of the Company,
payment of interest on the Notes may be made by check mailed to the address of
persons entitled thereto as shown in the register of the Security Registrar. No
service charge will be made upon any registration of transfer or exchange of the
Notes, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax
or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
    
 
   
     The Indenture does not limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness,
including Senior Indebtedness, by the Company.
    
 
   
CONVERSION RIGHTS
    
 
   
     The Notes will be convertible, in whole or from time to time in part (in
denominations of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof), at the option of the
holder thereof, into Common Stock of the Company, initially at the conversion
price stated on the cover page hereof, at any time prior to maturity, unless
previously redeemed by the Company. In the case of Notes called for redemption,
conversion rights will terminate at the close of business on the fifth business
day preceding the Redemption Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
the foregoing, the Notes will not be convertible at any time when payments on
the Notes are prohibited under the subordination provisions of the Indenture as
described under "-- Subordination of Notes" (Section 1201).
    
 
   
     If the Company, by dividend or otherwise, declares or makes a distribution
on its Common Stock of the type referred to in clause (iv) or (v) below, the
holder of each Note, upon the conversion thereof subsequent to the close of
business on the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to
receive such distribution and prior to the effectiveness of the conversion price
adjustment in respect of such distribution pursuant to clause (iv) or (v) below,
will be entitled to receive for each share of Common Stock into which such Note
is converted the portion of the evidences of indebtedness, shares of capital
stock, cash and other assets so distributed applicable to one share of Common
Stock; provided, however, that the Company may, with respect to all holders so
converting, in lieu of distributing any portion of such distribution not
consisting of cash or securities of the Company, pay such holder cash in an
amount equal to the fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by
the Board of Directors (Section 1201).
    
 
   
     The conversion price will be subject to adjustment in certain events,
including: (i) dividends (and other distributions) payable in Common Stock on
any class of capital stock of the Company; (ii) the issuance to all holders of
Common Stock of rights, warrants or options entitling them to subscribe for or
purchase Common Stock at less than the current market price (as provided in the
Indenture); provided, however, that if such rights, warrants or options are only
exercisable upon the occurrence of certain triggering events, then the
conversion price will not be adjusted until such triggering events occur; (iii)
subdivisions and combinations of Common Stock; (iv) distributions to all holders
of Common Stock of evidences of indebtedness of the Company, shares of any class
of capital stock, cash or other assets (including securities, but excluding
those dividends, rights, warrants, options and distributions referred to in
clauses (i) and (ii) above and excluding dividends and distributions exclusively
paid in cash up to the greater of (x) retained earnings of the Company on the
date such distribution or dividend was declared or (y) Net Income (as defined
below) of the Company during the four full fiscal quarters preceding the date
such distribution or dividend was declared, and other than in connection with a
tender offer or other negotiated purchase made by the Company or any Subsidiary
for all or a portion of the Common Stock); provided, however, that if any
rights, warrants or options in respect of which an adjustment is provided for in
this clause (iv) are only exercisable upon the occurrence of certain triggering
events, then the conversion price will not be adjusted until such triggering
events occur; (v) distributions consisting exclusively of cash (specifically
including distributions paid in cash up to the greater of (x) retained earnings
of the Company on the date such distribution or dividend was declared or (y) Net
Income of the Company during the four full fiscal quarters preceding the date
such distribution or dividend was declared, but excluding any cash distributions
for which an adjustment has been made pursuant to a preceding clause of this
paragraph) to all holders of Common Stock in an aggregate amount that, together
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
with (A) other all-cash distributions made within the preceding 12 months not
triggering a conversion price adjustment and (B) all Excess Tender Payments (as
defined below) in respect of each tender or exchange offer by the Company or any
Subsidiary for Common Stock concluded within the preceding 12 months not
triggering a conversion price adjustment, exceeds an amount equal to 20% of the
Company's deemed market capitalization on the date fixed for the determination
of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution (calculated as set forth
in the Indenture); (vi) issuances of Common Stock to an Affiliate for a net
consideration per share less than the current market price per share (other than
issuances of Common Stock under certain management benefit plans); and (vii)
payment of an Excess Tender Payment in respect of a tender or exchange offer by
the Company or any Subsidiary for Common Stock, if the aggregate amount of such
Excess Tender Payment, together with (A) the aggregate amount of any all-cash
distributions made within the preceding 12 months not triggering a conversion
price adjustment and (B) all Excess Tender Payments in respect of each tender or
exchange offer by the Company or any Subsidiary for Common Stock concluded
within the preceding 12 months not triggering a conversion price adjustment,
exceeds an amount equal to 20% of the Company's deemed market capitalization on
the expiration of such tender offer (calculated as set forth in the Indenture)
(Section 1204). For purposes of these conversion price adjustments, the term (i)
"Excess Tender Payment" means the excess of (A) the aggregate of the cash and
value of other consideration paid by the Company with respect to the shares
acquired in the tender or exchange transaction over (B) the market value of such
acquired shares after the completion of the tender or exchange offer (calculated
as set forth in the Indenture) and (ii) "Net Income" of any Person means the net
income of such Person net of non-cash charges taken as a result of accounting
changes required to be made by the Financial Accounting Standards Board after
the date of the Indenture.
 
   
     No adjustments in the conversion price are required for any dividend or
distribution referred to above if the holders may participate in the dividend or
distribution (on a basis determined in good faith to be fair by the Board of
Directors) and receive the same consideration they would have received if they
had converted the Notes (Section 1213).
    
 
   
     No adjustment of the conversion price will be required to be made until
cumulative adjustments amount to 1% or more of the conversion price as last
adjusted. In addition to the foregoing adjustments, the Company will be
permitted to make such reductions in the conversion price as it considers to be
advisable in order that any event treated for federal income tax purposes as a
dividend of stock or stock rights will not be taxable to the recipient (Section
1204).
    
 
   
     Subject to any applicable right of the holders to receive the Change of
Control Purchase Price (as described below), in the case of certain
consolidations or mergers to which the Company is a party or the transfer or
lease of the Company's properties or assets substantially as an entirety, each
holder has the right to convert each Note only into the kind and amount of
securities, cash and other property receivable upon the consolidation, merger,
transfer or lease by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which
such Note might have been converted immediately prior to such consolidation,
merger, transfer or lease (assuming such holder of Common Stock is not a
Constituent Person and such holder failed to exercise any rights of election and
received per share the kind and amount of consideration received per share by a
plurality of non-electing shares) (Section 1211).
    
 
   
     Fractional shares of Common Stock will not be issued upon conversion, but,
in lieu thereof, the Company will pay a cash adjustment based upon the market
price of a share of Common Stock (Section 1203). Except as provided below, no
adjustment will be made upon a conversion of Notes for interest accrued thereon.
The Company's delivery to the holder of the fixed number of shares of Common
Stock into which the Note is convertible will be deemed to satisfy the Company's
obligation to pay the principal amount of the Note and all accrued interest that
has not previously been paid. If a Note is surrendered for conversion during the
period from the close of business on any Regular Record Date next preceding any
Interest Payment Date to the close of business on any Interest Payment Date,
then notwithstanding such conversion, interest payable in respect of the Note so
surrendered will be paid in cash to the person in whose name such Note is
registered at the close of business on such Regular Record Date, and (except in
the case of Notes with a Maturity Date prior to such Interest Payment Date) when
so surrendered for conversion, such Note must be accompanied by payment of a
    
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
 
amount equal to the interest thereon which the registered holder as of the close
of business on such Regular Record Date is to receive (Sections 307 and 1202).
 
   
SUBORDINATION OF NOTES
    
 
   
     The payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the
Notes is, to the extent set forth in the Indenture, subordinated in right of
payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, whether now
outstanding or incurred in the future (Section 1301). Upon any payment or
distribution of assets of the Company to creditors upon any liquidation,
dissolution, winding up, assignment for the benefit of creditors or marshalling
of assets and liabilities or any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership,
liquidation, reorganization or similar proceedings of the Company, the holders
of all Senior Indebtedness will first be entitled to receive payment in full of
all amounts due or to become due thereon before the holders of the Notes will be
entitled to receive any payment (other than any payment in the form of Permitted
Junior Securities) on account of the principal of or premium, if any, or
interest on the Notes, including payment of the Redemption Price and the Change
of Control Purchase Price of the Notes, and before the Notes may be converted
into Common Stock (Section 1302).
    
 
   
     No payment (other than any payment in the form of Permitted Junior
Securities) on account of principal of and premium, if any, or interest on the
Notes, including payment of the Redemption Price and the Change of Control
Purchase Price on the Notes, may be made, and the Notes may not be converted
into Common Stock, if a Payment Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing. In addition, no payment (other than any payment in the form of
Permitted Junior Securities) on account of principal of or premium, if any, or
interest on the Notes, including payment of the Redemption Price and the Change
of Control Purchase Price on the Notes, may be made, and the Notes may not be
converted into Common Stock, if a Non-payment Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, for the period (a "Payment Blockage Period")
commencing on receipt of notice of such event of default by the Trustee from
holders of at least a majority in principal amount of any Designated Senior
Indebtedness (or any trustee or other representative therefor) and ending on the
earlier of (i) the date such Non-payment Event of Default has been cured or
waived or has ceased to exist or any acceleration of such Designated Senior
Indebtedness has been rescinded or annulled or such Designated Senior
Indebtedness shall have been discharged and (ii) the date 176 days after such
receipt of notice. Any number of such notices may be given; provided, however,
that, during any 360-day period, the aggregate Payment Blockage Periods shall
not exceed 176 days and there shall be a period of at least 184 consecutive days
when no Payment Blockage Period is in effect. No default existing or continuing
when a Payment Blockage Period begins may be the basis for any subsequent
Payment Blockage Period unless such default has been cured for a period of at
least 90 consecutive days. In the event that, notwithstanding the restrictions
described in the preceding sentences, the Company makes any payment to the
Trustee or a holder of Notes prohibited by any such restriction, with such
Trustee or holder, as the case may be, knowing of such contravention before
receipt thereof, then such payment will be required to be paid over and
delivered forthwith to the Company to the extent necessary to pay in full all
such Senior Indebtedness (Section 1303).
    
 
   
     The subordination rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness will not be
prejudiced or impaired by any acts or failures to act by the Company or by any
such holder (Section 1308). The subordination of the Notes set forth above will
not prevent the occurrence of any Event of Default under the Indenture.
Furthermore, the subordination of the Notes as set forth above will not impair,
as between the Company, the holders of the Notes and creditors of the Company
other than holders of Senior Indebtedness, the obligations of the Company to
make payments on the Notes in accordance with their terms. In certain
circumstances, as set forth in the Indenture, the holders of Notes will be
subrogated to certain rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness upon payment
in full of all Senior Indebtedness (Section 1302).
    
 
   
     By reason of such subordination, in the event of insolvency of the Company,
the holders of Senior Indebtedness (as well as other creditors of the Company
who are holders of indebtedness that is not subordinated to the Senior
Indebtedness) may recover more, ratably, than the holders of the Notes.
    
 
   
     The Notes will also be effectively subordinated to all liabilities,
including trade payables and capitalized lease obligations, if any, of the
Company's subsidiaries. Any right of the Company to receive the assets of any of
its subsidiaries upon their liquidation or reorganization (and the consequent
right of the holders of the
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
   
Notes to participate in those assets) will be subject to the prior payment of
claims of that subsidiary's creditors (including trade creditors), except to the
extent that the Company is itself a creditor of such subsidiary, in which case
the claims of the Company would still be subject to the prior payment of claims
secured by security interests in the assets of such subsidiary and any other
indebtedness of such subsidiary senior to that held by the Company.
    
 
   
     Immediately following the sale of the Notes offered hereby and application
of the proceeds therefrom, the Company estimates that the sum of its Senior
Indebtedness and the indebtedness of its subsidiaries will total approximately
$50 million. There are no restrictions in the Indenture on the creation of
Senior Indebtedness (or any other indebtedness). The agreements under which
Senior Indebtedness may be outstanding in the future could contain provisions
which may require repayment of such respective Senior Indebtedness prior to
repayment of the Notes upon, among other things, a Change of Control. If the
Company is unable to obtain the requisite consents under its Senior Indebtedness
to enable it to repurchase the Notes or is unable to repay all Senior
Indebtedness, there would be both an Event of Default under the Notes and an
event of default under such Senior Indebtedness, as a result of which events the
Company would be prohibited by the subordination terms of the Indenture from
repurchasing Notes or making other payments in respect thereof. Furthermore, the
exercise by the holders of their right to require the Company to repurchase the
Notes could cause a default under the Designated Senior Indebtedness of the
Company, even if the Change of Control itself does not, due to the financial
effect of such repurchase on the Company. As a result, the repurchase of the
Notes could be blocked pursuant to the subordination terms of the Indenture.
Finally, the Company's ability to pay cash to the holders of Notes upon a
repurchase may be limited by the Company's then existing financial resources.
Failure of the Company to pay the Change of Control Purchase Price will create
an Event of Default with respect to the Notes, whether or not such repurchase is
permitted by the subordination terms of the Indenture. See " -- Repurchase of
Notes at the Option of the Holder Upon a Change of Control."
    
 
     "Bank Credit Facility" means the Company's existing bank credit facility
and any renewals, amendments, extensions, supplements, modifications,
refinancings or replacements thereof (Section 101).
 
     "Designated Senior Indebtedness" means (i) all Senior Indebtedness under
the Bank Credit Facility if the sum of the amounts outstanding under the Bank
Credit Facility and the amounts available for borrowing thereunder is equal to
or greater than $25,000,000 and (ii) all other Senior Indebtedness having an
outstanding principal amount equal to or greater than $25,000,000 (provided,
however, that the agreements, indentures or other instruments evidencing any
Senior Indebtedness referred to in this clause (ii) specifically state that such
Senior Indebtedness shall be classified as "Designated Senior Indebtedness" for
purposes of the Indenture) (Section 101).
 
     "Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication, (i) every
obligation of such Person for money borrowed; (ii) every obligation of such
Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, including
obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or
businesses; (iii) every obligation of such Person under conditional sale or
other title retention agreements relating to assets or property purchased by
such Person or issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property,
assets or services (but excluding trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities
arising in the ordinary course of business that are not overdue by more than 90
days or are being contested by such Person in good faith); (iv) every Capital
Lease Obligation of such Person; (v) every obligation of such Person with
respect to any Sale and Leaseback Transaction to which such Person is a party;
(vi) every obligation of such Person with respect to letters of credit, bankers
acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of such Person; (vii)
the maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of outstanding Redeemable Stock
of such Person; (viii) every obligation of such Person with respect to
performance, surety or similar bonds; (ix) every obligation of such Person under
interest rate, commodity or foreign currency swap, cap, hedge, exchange or
similar agreements; (x) every obligation of the type referred to in clauses (i)
through (ix) and clause (xi) of another Person the payment of which such Person
has Guaranteed or is otherwise responsible for or liable for, directly or
indirectly, as obligor, Guarantor or otherwise; and (xi) every amendment,
modification, renewal and extension of an obligation of the type referred to in
clauses (i) through (x) (Section 101).
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
     "Non-payment Event of Default" means any event (other than a Payment Event
of Default) the occurrence of which entitles any one or more persons to
accelerate the maturity of any Designated Senior Indebtedness (Section 101).
 
     "Payment Event of Default" means any default in the payment of principal of
or premium, if any, or interest on any Designated Senior Indebtedness when due
(whether at maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise) (Section 101).
 
   
     "Permitted Junior Securities" means subordinated debt securities of the
Company (or any successor obligor with respect to the Senior Indebtedness)
provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment that are subordinated
in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness that may be outstanding to
substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than, the Notes are
subordinated as provided in the Indenture (Section 101).
    
 
   
     "Senior Indebtedness" means all obligations of the Company for Indebtedness
(other than Indebtedness described in clause (vii) of the definition of
Indebtedness), whether now existing or hereafter incurred or assumed; provided
that, Senior Indebtedness shall not include (A) any obligation owed to a
Subsidiary or an Affiliate or Related Person of the Company, (B) any obligation
that by its terms is not superior in right of payment to the Notes, (C) any
obligation in respect of the Company's 8% Convertible Subordinated Debentures
and 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures, if and when issued, for which the
Company's existing preferred stock is exchangeable (the Notes not being senior
in right of payment to such debentures) or (D) any obligation constituting a
trade account payable (Section 101).
    
 
REDEMPTION
 
   
     The Notes will be redeemable, at the Company's option, as a whole or from
time to time in part, at any time on or after March 31, 1997, upon not less than
20 nor more than 60 days notice mailed to the registered holders thereof, at the
redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof)
set forth below if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning March 31 of the
years indicated:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                YEAR                                           REDEMPTION PRICE
                ----                                           ----------------
                <S>                                            <C>
                1997.........................................           %
                1998.........................................           %
                1999.........................................           %
                2000.........................................           %
</TABLE>
    
 
together, in each case, with accrued interest to the Redemption Date (subject to
the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest
due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date)
(Sections 203, 1101, and 1107).
 
   
     If less than all the Notes are to be redeemed, the Notes to be redeemed
shall be selected by the Trustee in such manner as the Trustee shall deem
appropriate and fair (Section 1104).
    
 
   
     The Company's existing bank credit facility prohibits the Company from
redeeming any Notes unless (i) such redemption is permitted under the restricted
payment covenant contained in such bank credit facility and (ii) at the time of
such redemption and after giving effect thereto, no default shall have occurred
under such bank credit facility.
    
   
REPURCHASE OF NOTES AT THE OPTION OF THE HOLDER UPON A CHANGE OF CONTROL
    
   
     In the event of any Change of Control (as defined below) with respect to
the Company which constitutes a Repurchase Event (as defined below), each holder
of Notes will have the right, at such holder's option, subject to the terms and
conditions of the Indenture, to require the Company to repurchase all or any
part (provided that the principal amount must be $1,000 or an integral multiple
thereof) of the holder's Notes on the date (the "Change of Control Purchase
Date") that is 60 days after the date the Company's Change of Control Notice (as
defined below) is mailed (or such later date as is required by law), at a cash
price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest to the Change
of Control Purchase Date (the "Change of
    
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
   
Control Purchase Price"). The Change of Control Purchase Price may be less than
the fair market value of the Notes on the Change of Control Purchase Date.
Promptly, but in any event within 29 days following any Change of Control, the
Company is required, with respect to any Senior Indebtedness that would prohibit
the repurchase of Notes by the Company in the event of such Change of Control,
either to repay all such Senior Indebtedness in full or obtain the requisite
consents under such Senior Indebtedness to permit the repurchase of the Notes as
provided below. The Company first is required to comply with the covenants in
the preceding sentence before it is required to repurchase Notes pursuant to a
Change of Control. The foregoing will in no way limit the occurrence of an Event
of Default, including an Event of Default arising from a default under the
covenants of the second sentence of this paragraph (Section 1401 and 1402).
    
 
   
     Within 29 days after a Change of Control which constitutes a Repurchase
Event, the Company is obligated to mail to the Trustee and to all holders of
Notes at their addresses shown in the register of the Security Registrar (and to
beneficial owners as required by applicable law) a notice (the "Change of
Control Notice") regarding the Change of Control. The Change of Control Notice
will describe: (i) the events causing the Change of Control; (ii) the Change of
Control Purchase Price; (iii) the Change of Control Purchase Date; (iv)
information regarding the conversion rights of the Notes; and (v) the procedures
for withdrawing a Change of Control Purchase Notice. The Change of Control
Notice will also state whether or not the Company has satisfied its obligations
regarding Senior Indebtedness referred to in the preceding paragraph (Section
1401).
    
 
   
     To exercise the right to have Notes repurchased following a Change of
Control, a holder must deliver a Change of Control Purchase Notice to the Paying
Agent at its office maintained for such purpose, prior to the close of business
on the Change of Control Purchase Date. The Change of Control Purchase Notice
shall state: (i) the certificate numbers of the Notes to be delivered by the
holder thereof for purchase by the Company; (ii) the portion of the principal
amount of Notes to be repurchased, which portion must be $1,000 or an integral
multiple thereof; and (iii) that such Notes are to be repurchased by the Company
pursuant to the applicable provision of the Indenture (Section 1401). A holder
of record of Notes shall be entitled to deliver a Change of Control Purchase
Notice with respect to any or all Notes held by it; provided, however, that such
holder may be required to provide evidence satisfactory to the Company that,
with respect to each beneficial holder of the Notes to be delivered to the
Company, such beneficial holder is exercising the right to require the
repurchase of all of the Notes in which it has a beneficial interest.
    
 
   
     Any Change of Control Purchase Notice may be withdrawn by the holder by a
written notice of withdrawal delivered to the Paying Agent prior to the close of
business on the Change of Control Purchase Date. The notice of withdrawal shall
state the principal amount and the certificate numbers of the Notes as to which
the withdrawal notice relates and the principal amount, if any, which remains
subject to a Change of Control Purchase Notice (Sections 1401 and 1402).
    
 
   
     Payment of the Change of Control Purchase Price for Notes for which a
Change of Control Purchase Notice has been delivered and not withdrawn is
conditioned upon delivery of such Notes (together with necessary endorsements)
to the Paying Agent at its office maintained for such purpose, at any time
(whether prior to, on, or after the Change of Control Purchase Date) after the
delivery of such Change of Control Purchase Notice. Payment of the Change of
Control Purchase Price for such Notes will be made promptly following the later
of the Change of Control Purchase Date and the time of delivery of such Notes
(Sections 1401 and 1402).
    
 
   
     "Change of Control" shall occur when: (i) all or substantially all of the
Company's assets are sold as an entirety to any person or related group of
persons; (ii) there shall be consummated any consolidation or merger of the
Company (A) in which the Company is not the continuing or surviving corporation
(other than a consolidation or merger with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company in which all shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
effectiveness thereof are changed into or exchanged for the same consideration)
or (B) pursuant to which the Common Stock would be converted into cash,
securities or other property, in each case other than a consolidation or merger
of the Company in which the holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to the
consolidation or merger have, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the
Common Stock of the continuing or surviving corporation immediately after such
consolida-
    
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
 
   
tion or merger; or (iii) any person or any persons acting together which would
constitute a "group" for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act (other
than the Company, any Subsidiary, any employee stock purchase plan, stock option
plan or other stock incentive plan or program, retirement plan or automatic
dividend reinvestment plan or any substantially similar plan of the Company or
any Subsidiary or any person holding securities of the Company for or pursuant
to the terms of any such employee benefit plan), together with any affiliates
thereof, shall Beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the
total Voting Stock of the Company (Section 1401). As noted above, one of the
events that constitutes a Change of Control is a sale of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company as an entirety to any person or related group
of persons. The Indenture will be governed by New York law, and there is no
established quantitative definition under New York law of "substantially all" of
the assets of a corporation. This uncertainty may make it more difficult for a
holder of Notes to determine whether a Change of Control has occurred in the
event that the Company were to engage in a transaction in which it sold less
than all of its assets.
    
 
   
     A Change of Control as described above shall constitute a Repurchase Event
unless (i) the closing price per share of the Common Stock on the five
consecutive Trading Days selected by the Company out of the 10 consecutive
Trading Days ending immediately after the later of the Change of Control or the
public announcement of the Change of Control (in the case of a Change of Control
under clauses (i) or (ii) of the definition of Change of Control) or ending
immediately before the Change of Control (in the case of a Change of Control
under clause (iii) of the definition of Change of Control) is at least equal to
105% of the conversion price of the Notes in effect immediately preceding the
time of such Change of Control, or (ii) all of the consideration (excluding cash
payments for fractional shares) in the transaction giving rise to such Change of
Control to the holders of Common Stock consists of shares of common stock that
are, or immediately upon issuance will be, listed on a national securities
exchange or quoted in the Nasdaq National Market, and as a result of such
transaction the Notes become convertible solely into such Common Stock and
neither Moody's Investors Service, Inc. nor Standard & Poor's, principally as a
result of the Change of Control, has downgraded the rating on the Notes by one
or more gradations below the rating of the Notes on the original issuance date
thereof within 90 days after the date of the public announcement of the Change
of Control (which period shall be extended so long as the rating of the Notes is
under publicly announced consideration for possible downgrade by any of the
rating agencies), or (iii) the consideration in the transaction giving rise to
such Change of Control to the holders of Common Stock consists of cash,
securities that are, or immediately upon issuance will be, listed on a national
securities exchange or quoted in the Nasdaq National Market, or a combination of
cash and such securities, and the aggregate fair market value of such
consideration (which, in the case of such securities, shall be equal to the
average of the daily closing prices of such securities on the five consecutive
Trading Days selected by the Company out of the 10 consecutive Trading Days
following consummation of such transaction) is at least 105% of the conversion
price of the Notes in effect on the date immediately preceding the closing date
of such transaction (Section 1401).
    
 
   
     The Company, to the extent applicable and if required by law, will comply
with the provisions of Rule 13e-4 and any successor or similar provision under
the Exchange Act which may then be applicable and will file a Schedule 13E-4 or
any successor or similar schedule required thereunder in connection with any
offer by the Company to purchase Notes at the option of holders upon a Change of
Control (Section 1405). The Change of Control purchase feature of the Notes may
in certain circumstances make more difficult or discourage a takeover of the
Company and, thus, the removal of incumbent management. The Change of Control
purchase feature, however, is not the result of management's knowledge of any
specific effort to accumulate shares of Common Stock or to obtain control of the
Company by means of a merger, tender offer, solicitation or otherwise, or part
of any plan by management to adopt a series of anti-takeover provisions.
Instead, the Change of Control purchase feature is a result of negotiations
between the Company and the Underwriters. Management has no present intention to
engage in a transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is possible
that the Company would decide to do so in future. Subject to the limitation on
mergers discussed below, the Company could, in the future, enter into certain
transactions, including certain recapitalizations, sales of assets, or the
liquidation of the Company, that would not constitute a Change of Control under
the Indenture, but that would increase the amount of Senior Indebtedness (or any
other indebtedness) outstanding at such time or substantially reduce or
eliminate the Company's assets. There are
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   36
 
   
no restrictions in the Indenture on the creation of additional Senior
Indebtedness (or any other indebtedness), and, under certain circumstances, the
incurrence of significant amounts of additional indebtedness could have an
adverse effect on the Company's ability to service its indebtedness, including
the Notes. If a Change of Control were to occur, there can be no assurance that
the Company would have sufficient funds to pay the Change of Control Purchase
Price for all Notes tendered by the holders thereof.
    
 
   
     No Note may be purchased pursuant to the Change of Control provisions if
there has occurred and is continuing an Event of Default described under
" -- Events of Default" (Section 1402).
    
 
   
     The Company's existing bank credit facility prohibits the Company from
repurchasing any Notes unless (i) such repurchase is permitted under the
restricted payment covenant contained in such bank credit facility and (ii) at
the time of such repurchase and after giving effect thereto, no default shall
have occurred under such bank credit facility. In addition, the agreements under
which Senior Indebtedness may be outstanding in the future could contain
provisions which may require repayment of such respective Senior Indebtedness
prior to repayment of the Notes upon, among other things, a Change of Control.
If the Company is unable to obtain the requisite consents under its Senior
Indebtedness to enable it to repurchase the Notes or is unable to repay all
Senior Indebtedness, there would be both an Event of Default under the Notes and
an event of default under such Senior Indebtedness, as a result of which events
the Company could be prohibited by the subordination provisions of the Indenture
from repurchasing Notes or making other payments in respect thereof.
Furthermore, the exercise by the holders of their right to require the Company
to repurchase the Notes could cause a default under the Senior Indebtedness of
the Company, even if the Change of Control itself does not, due to the financial
effect of such repurchase on the Company. As a result, the repurchase of the
Notes could be blocked pursuant to the subordination terms of the Indenture.
Finally, the Company's ability to pay cash to the holders of Notes upon a
repurchase may be limited by the Company's then existing financial resources.
Failure of the Company to pay the Change of Control Purchase Price will be a
default under the Indenture and could result in an Event of Default with respect
to the Notes, whether or not such repurchase is permitted by the subordination
provisions. See "-- Events of Default."
    
 
LIMITATION ON MERGERS
 
   
     The Company may, without the consent of the holders of the Notes,
consolidate with or merge into any other entity or convey, transfer or lease its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, provided that:
(1) the entity formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged
or the person that acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases the
properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety, must be a
corporation, partnership or trust organized and existing under the laws of the
United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (2) the successor
entity expressly assumes, by a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to
the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment
of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all Notes and the
performance of every covenant of the Indenture on the part of the Company to be
performed or observed and provides for conversion rights in accordance with the
Indenture; and (3) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event
of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would
become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing (Section 801).
Upon compliance with these provisions by a successor entity, the Company (except
in the case of a lease) would be relieved of its obligations under the Indenture
and the Notes (Section 802).
    
 
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
 
   
     Modifications and amendments of the Indenture, with certain exceptions, may
be made by the Company and the Trustee, only with the consent of the holders of
not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time
outstanding, and holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Notes at the time outstanding may waive compliance by the Company
with certain provisions of the Indenture; provided, however, that no such
modification, amendment or waiver may, without the consent of the holder of each
outstanding Note affected thereby, (i) change the Stated Maturity of the
principal of or the due date of any installment of interest on any Note, (ii)
reduce the principal amount of, or the rate of interest on, or any premium
payable upon redemption of, any Note, (iii) change the currency of payment of
principal
    
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   37
 
   
of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any Note, (iv) impair the right to
institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Note
on or after the Stated Maturity, or the Redemption Date in case of the
redemption of any Note, (v) adversely affect the right of a holder to convert
Notes, (vi) modify the provisions of the Indenture with respect to the
subordination of the Notes in a manner adverse to the holders, (vii) reduce the
above-stated percentage of outstanding Notes necessary to modify or amend the
Indenture, or (viii) reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of
outstanding Notes necessary for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of
the Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults (Sections 902 and 1009).
    
 
   
     The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
Notes may waive any past default under the Indenture except, among other things,
a default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any
Note, including the Redemption Price, or a default with respect to right of
holders to convert the Notes (Section 513).
    
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
   
     The following will be Events of Default under the Indenture: (i) failure to
pay principal of, premium, if any, or Redemption Price when due on any Note,
whether or not such payment is prohibited by the subordination provisions of the
indenture; (ii) failure to pay any interest on any Note 30 days after payment is
due, whether or not such payment is prohibited by the subordination provisions
of the Indenture; (iii) failure to perform any other covenant of the Company in
the Indenture, and such failure continues for 60 days after written notice by
the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
outstanding Notes as provided in the Indenture; (iv) default under any mortgage,
indenture or instrument under which there may be issued, or by which there may
be secured or evidenced, any indebtedness of the Company in excess of an
aggregate of $10,000,000 either for borrowed money or representing any Senior
Indebtedness (other than indebtedness which is nonrecourse to the Company beyond
the property securing such indebtedness) resulting in the acceleration of such
indebtedness prior to its express maturity (provided however, that the Event of
Default under this clause (iv) shall be automatically deemed remedied and cured
if the default under such accelerated indebtedness is remedied or cured by the
Company or waived by the holder of such indebtedness); and (v) certain events of
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company (Section 501).
    
 
   
     Notwithstanding the 60-day period and notice requirement referred to in
clause (iii) above, with respect to a default under the Change of Control
provisions, (1) the 60-day period referred to in clause (iii) above will be
deemed to have begun as of the date the Change of Control Notice is required to
be sent in the event the Change of Control Notice indicates (or would, if sent,
indicate) that the Company has not complied with its obligation to either repay
or obtain the requisite consents under any Senior Indebtedness that would
prohibit the repurchase of the Notes, and either (a) the holders duly elect to
have at least 25% in principal amount of outstanding Notes repurchased or (b)
the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes or the
Trustee thereafter gives the Notice of Default to the Company and, if
applicable, the Trustee, and (2) if the breach or default is a result of a
default in the payment when due of the Change of Control Purchase Price on the
Change of Control Purchase Date, such default shall arise on the Change of
Control Purchase Date, provided that either the holders of at least 25% in
principal amount of the Notes or the Trustee thereafter gives the Notice of
Default to the Company and, if applicable, the Trustee (Section 501).
    
 
   
     Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee
will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders, unless such holders
shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity (Sections 601 and 603).
Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee, the holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes will have
the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for
any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred
on the Trustee (Section 512).
    
 
   
     If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, other than an event
of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company, either the Trustee
or the holders of at least 25% of the principal amount of the outstanding Notes
may accelerate the maturity of all Notes upon the earlier of (1) five business
days after notice of such acceleration is received by the Company (and the
Trustee if given by holders) and (2) a
    
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   38
 
   
payment default under or acceleration of any Senior Indebtedness or such other
earlier time as the final maturity date for such Senior Indebtedness occurs. If
an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing which is an event of
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company, the maturity of all
Notes shall immediately accelerate without any act on the part of the Trustee or
any holder. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing as a result of
an acceleration of indebtedness of the type described in clause (iv) above, a
declaration of acceleration under the Indenture shall automatically be annulled
if the holders of the accelerated indebtedness described in clause (iv) above
have rescinded their declaration of acceleration within 90 days thereof and no
other Event of Default has occurred during such 90-day period which has not been
cured or waived. After acceleration upon the Event of Default, but before a
judgment or decree based on acceleration, the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of outstanding Notes may, under certain circumstances, rescind
and annul such acceleration if, among other things, all Events of Default, other
than the non-payment of accelerated principal, have been cured or waived as
provided in the Indenture (Section 502). For information as to waiver of
defaults, see " -- Modification and Waiver."
    
 
   
     No holder of any Note will have any right to institute any proceeding with
respect to the Indenture or for any remedy thereunder, unless such holder shall
have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of
Default, the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes shall have made written request, and offered reasonable
indemnity, to the Trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee, the Trustee
shall not have received from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding Notes a direction inconsistent with such request and
the Trustee shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days after
such notice (Section 507). However, such limitations do not apply to a suit
instituted by a holder of a Note for the enforcement of payment of the principal
of or premium, if any, or interest on such Note or the Redemption Price on or
after the respective due dates expressed in such Note or of the right to convert
such Note in accordance with the Indenture (Section 508).
    
 
     The Company will be required annually to furnish to the Trustee a statement
as to any default in its performance of certain of its obligations under the
Indenture (Section 1004).
 
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE
   
     The Company may terminate substantially all obligations under the Indenture
at any time by delivering all outstanding Notes to the Trustee for cancellation
and paying any other sums payable under the Indenture (Article IV).
    
      The Indenture also provides that the Company may elect:
   
          (a) to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with
     respect to the Notes and that the provisions of the Indenture (including
     the provisions described under " -- Subordination of Notes") will no longer
     be in effect with respect to the Notes (except for the obligations to
     register the transfer or exchange of the Notes, to replace temporary or
     mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes, to maintain an office or agency
     in respect of Notes and to hold monies for payment in trust)
     ("Defeasance"); or
    
 
   
          (b) to be released from its obligations with respect to the Notes
     under certain restrictive covenants of the Indenture, and that the event of
     the type described under the clause (iv) under " -- Events of Default" will
     not be deemed to be an Event of Default under the indenture and that the
     provisions described under " -- Subordination of Notes" will not apply
     ("Covenant Defeasance").
    
 
   
     Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will take effect only upon the
deposit with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee), in trust for such
purpose, of money or U.S. Government Obligations that, through the payment of
principal and interest in accordance with their terms, will provide money, in an
amount sufficient to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on
the Notes on the dates such payments are due, which may include one or more
Redemption Dates designated by the Company (other than in connection with a
Change of Control occurring after such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance), in
accordance with the terms of the Notes (Article XV).
    
 
   
     Such a trust may be established with respect to the Notes only if, among
other things: (i) such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result
(whether immediately or with notice or lapse of time or
    
                                        37
<PAGE>   39
 
   
both) in an Event of Default under the Indenture; (ii) such deposit will not be
prohibited by the provisions of any agreement or instrument to which the Company
is a party or is bound; (iii) such deposit will not cause the Trustee to have
any conflicting interest with respect to other securities of the Company; (iv)
the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect
that the holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for
federal income tax purpose as a result of such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance
and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same
manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Defeasance or
Covenant Defeasance had not occurred; and (v) the Company has delivered an
Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each to the effect that all
conditions precedent relating to such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance have
been satisfied. Such Opinion of Counsel, in the case of Defeasance, must refer
to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in
applicable federal income tax law occurring after the issue date (Article XV).
    
 
   
     If the Company omits to comply with its remaining obligations under the
Indenture after Covenant Defeasance in respect of the Notes issued thereunder
and the Notes are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of an Event
of Default, the amount of money or U.S. Government Obligations on deposit with
the Trustee may be insufficient to pay amounts due on the Notes at the time any
acceleration of the maturity thereof resulting from such Event of Default.
However, the Company will remain liable in respect of such payments (Article
XV).
    
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
   
     The Indenture and the Notes will be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York.
    
 
THE TRUSTEE
 
   
     Texas Commerce Bank National Association is the Trustee under the
Indenture. In the ordinary course of business the Company maintains other
commercial relationships with the Trustee and its affiliates. If the Trustee
shall acquire any conflicting interest (as defined in Section 301(b) of the
Trust Indenture Act) after a default under the Indenture, the Trustee either
shall eliminate such conflicting interest or resign as Trustee.
    
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
 
     The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 75,000,000 shares of
common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), of which 23,259,658
were issued and outstanding at December 31, 1993, and 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"), of which
2,221,005 were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 1993.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     All shares of Common Stock have equal rights to participate in dividends
and, in the event of liquidation, assets available for distribution to
stockholders, subject to any preference established with respect to Preferred
Stock. Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share held
on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, and voting rights for the
election of directors are noncumulative. Shares of Common Stock carry no
conversion, preemptive or subscription rights, and are not subject to
redemption. All outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and any shares of Common
Stock issued upon conversion of convertible securities will be, validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable. The Company pays dividends on Common Stock when,
as and if declared by the Board of Directors. Dividends may be declared in the
discretion of the Board of Directors from funds legally available therefor,
subject to restrictions under agreements related to Company indebtedness.
 
     The transfer agent for the Common Stock is Society National Bank, 3200
Renaissance Tower, 1201 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas 75270.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   40
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The Preferred Stock is issuable in one or more series or classes, any or
all of which may have such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers,
and such designations, preferences and related, participating, optional or other
special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as are
set forth in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, or in the
resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such stock adopted by the
Board, which is expressly authorized to set such terms for any such issue.
 
     In November 1991, the Company issued 1,200,000 shares of $4.00 Exchangeable
Convertible Preferred Stock, of which 1,186,005 shares were outstanding on
December 31, 1993. Holders of such Preferred Stock are entitled to receive,
when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally
available therefor, cash dividends at an annual rate of $4.00 per share, payable
quarterly in arrears. Upon liquidation, such holders are entitled to receive a
preference of $50.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the payment
date. Each share of such Preferred Stock is convertible into 5.51 shares of
Common Stock at any time prior to redemption (subject to adjustment), equivalent
to a conversion price of $9.07 for each share of Common Stock. The Company has
the right to exchange the shares of such Preferred Stock for the Company's 8%
Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2006 on any dividend payment date and,
subject to certain restrictions, the right to redeem such Preferred Stock
beginning January 1, 1995.
 
     In April 1993, the Company issued 1,035,000 shares (represented by
4,140,000 depositary shares) of $6.00 Exchangeable Convertible Preferred Stock,
all of which were outstanding on December 31, 1993. Holders of such Preferred
Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of
Directors out of funds legally available therefor, cash dividends at an annual
rate of $6.00 per share ($1.50 per depositary share), payable quarterly in
arrears. Upon liquidation, such holders are entitled to receive a preference of
$100.00 per share ($25.00 per depositary share), plus accrued and unpaid
dividends to the payment date. Each share of such Preferred Stock is convertible
into 4.762 shares of Common Stock at any time prior to redemption (subject to
adjustment), equivalent to a conversion price of $21.00 for each share of Common
Stock. The Company has the right to exchange the shares of such Preferred Stock
for the Company's 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2008 on any
dividend date payment on or after March 31, 1994 and the right to redeem such
Preferred Stock beginning March 31, 1996.
 
     The existing series of Preferred Stock rank prior to the Common Stock, and
on a parity with each other, as to dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution
or winding up.
 
FACTORS AFFECTING ACQUISITIONS OF CONTROL
 
     The Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, provides that the
Board of Directors, in its discretion, may establish one or more class or series
of Preferred Stock having such number of shares, designations, relative voting
rights, dividend rates, liquidation and other rights, preferences and
limitations as may be fixed by the Board of Directors without any further
stockholder approval. Such rights, preferences, privileges and limitations could
have the effect of impeding or discouraging the acquisition of control of the
Company.
 
     The Company is a Delaware corporation and is subject to Section 203 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"). In general, Section 203 prevents
an "interested stockholder" (defined generally as a person owning 15% or more of
a corporation's outstanding voting stock) from engaging in a "business
combination" (as defined) with a Delaware corporation for three years following
the date such person became an interested stockholder unless (i) before such
person became an interested stockholder, the board of directors of the
corporation approved the transaction in which the interested stockholder became
an interested stockholder or approved the business combination; (ii) upon
consummation of the transaction that resulted in the interested stockholder's
becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least
85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the
transaction commenced (excluding stock held by directors who are also officers
of the corporation and by employee stock plans that do not provide employees
with the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the
plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer); or (iii) following the
transaction in which such person became an interested stockholder, the business
combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   41
authorized at a meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of the holders
of two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation not owned by
the interested stockholder. Under Section 203, the restrictions described above
also do not apply to certain business combinations proposed by an interested
stockholder following the announcement or notification of one of certain
extraordinary transactions involving the corporation and a person who had not
been an interested stockholder during the previous three years or who became an
interested stockholder with the approval of a majority of the corporation's
directors, if such extraordinary transaction is approved or not opposed by a
majority of the directors who were directors prior to any person's becoming an
interested stockholder during the previous three years or who were recommended
for election or elected to succeed such directors by a majority of such
directors.
 
DIRECTORS' LIABILITY
 
     The Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, also provides for
the elimination of directors' liability for monetary damages for a breach of
certain fiduciary duties and for the indemnification of directors, officers,
employees or agents as permitted by the DGCL. These provisions cannot be amended
without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority in interest
of the outstanding shares entitled to vote.
 
     The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with all directors
and executive officers and may, in the future, enter into such agreements with
employees and agents. Such indemnification agreements provide generally that
such persons will be indemnified, to the extent permitted by applicable law, for
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts
paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such persons in
connection with any proceeding (including, to the extent permitted by law, any
derivative action) to which such persons are, or are threatened to be made, a
party by reason of their status in such positions. Such indemnification
agreements do not change the basic legal standards for indemnity under
applicable law or as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.
 
   
                                  UNDERWRITING
    
 
   
     Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement
(the "Underwriting Agreement") between the Company and CS First Boston
Corporation, PaineWebber Incorporated, Petrie Parkman & Co., Inc. and Smith
Barney Shearson Inc., as underwriters (the "Underwriters"), the Company has
agreed to sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters has
severally agreed to purchase, the principal amount of Notes set forth opposite
its name below.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               PRINCIPAL
                                  UNDERWRITER                                   AMOUNT
                                  -----------                                ------------
    <S>                                                                      <C>
    CS First Boston Corporation............................................  $
    PaineWebber Incorporated...............................................
    Petrie Parkman & Co., Inc..............................................
    Smith Barney Shearson Inc..............................................
                                                                             ------------
              Total........................................................  $100,000,000
                                                                             ------------
                                                                             ------------
</TABLE>
 
   
     The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the
Underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the
Underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the Notes offered hereby, if
any are purchased.
    
 
   
     The Company has been advised by the Underwriters that they propose to offer
the Notes to the public initially at the public offering price set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus and to certain dealers at such price less a
concession not in excess of      % of the principal amount of the Notes; that
the Underwriters and such dealers may allow a discount not in excess of      %
of such principal amount on sales to certain other dealers; and that after the
initial public offering, the public offering price, concession and discount may
be changed.
    
 
   
     The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option, exercisable within
30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an additional
$15,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the public
    
                                       40           
<PAGE>   42
 
   
offering price less the underwriting discount, in each case as set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus. The Underwriters may only exercise such option to
cover over-allotments, if any, in the sale of the initial $100,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of Notes offered hereby.
    
 
   
     The Company and each of John C. Snyder, Thomas J. Edelman and John A.
Fanning, the Chairman, President and Executive Vice President, respectively, of
the Company, have agreed that, for a period of 90 days after the date of this
Prospectus, they will not, without the prior written consent of CS First Boston
Corporation, directly or indirectly, sell, agree to sell, contract to sell, or
otherwise dispose of any shares of the Company's Common Stock or Preferred Stock
or any other security convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, other
than, in the case of the Company, upon conversion of convertible securities
outstanding on the date hereof or pursuant to employee benefit plans (including,
but not limited to, stock option plans).
    
 
     The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
or to contribute to payments the Underwriters may be required to make in respect
thereof.
 
     Each of the Underwriters has provided during the past 12 months and may
provide in the future investment banking services to the Company for which they
have received or may receive customary fees.
 
   
     Application will be made to list the Notes on the NYSE.
    
 
                                 LEGAL OPINIONS
 
   
     The validity of the Notes and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of
the Notes will be passed upon by Peter E. Lorenzen, Vice President -- General
Counsel of the Company. Mr. Lorenzen owns 7,000 shares of Common Stock and holds
options to purchase 67,800 shares of Common Stock. Certain legal matters in
connection with this Offering will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Baker
& Botts, L.L.P., Dallas, Texas.
    
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The audited financial statements and schedules incorporated in this
Prospectus by reference have been audited by Arthur Andersen & Co., independent
public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
     The information appearing in this Prospectus and incorporated herein by
reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1993 regarding proved reserves and related future net revenues and
the present value thereof is derived, as and to the extent described herein and
therein, from reserve reports and reserve report audits prepared by NSAI,
independent oil and gas consultants, and, to such extent, are included and
incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the authority of such firm as
experts with respect to the matters contained in such reports and audits.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act, and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Such reports,
proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Judiciary Plaza, Room 1024, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; at Suite 1400, Northwestern Atrium
Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and at 7 World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material may also be obtained
by mail at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the SEC,
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition,
the Common Stock is traded on the NYSE, and such reports, proxy statements and
other information may be inspected at the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   43
 
   
     The Company has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-3
(together with any amendments thereto, the "Registration Statement") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the Notes offered by this
Prospectus. This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in
the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto. For further information
with respect to the Company and the Notes, reference is made to the Registration
Statement and the exhibits thereto. Copies of the Registration Statement are
available from the SEC in the manner provided above. Statements contained in
this Prospectus concerning the provisions of documents filed with the
Registration Statement as exhibits are necessarily summaries of such documents,
and each such statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of
the applicable document filed with the SEC.
    
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The following document heretofore filed by the Company with the SEC
pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act is incorporated herein by reference:
 
     The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1993.

   
     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the termination of the offering of the Notes shall be deemed to be incorporated
by reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of
filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed,
except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
    
 
     ANY PERSON RECEIVING A COPY OF THIS PROSPECTUS MAY OBTAIN WITHOUT CHARGE,
UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST, A COPY OF ANY OF THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY A
REFERENCE HEREIN, EXCEPT FOR THE EXHIBITS TO SUCH DOCUMENTS (UNLESS SUCH
EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO SUCH DOCUMENTS).
REQUESTS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO SNYDER OIL CORPORATION, 1625 BROADWAY, SUITE
2200, DENVER, COLORADO 80202, ATTENTION: INVESTOR RELATIONS, (303) 592-8638.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   44
                                   APPENDIX



(GRAPHIC IMAGE OMITTED ON PAGE 2 OF THE PROSPECTUS IS DESCRIBED AS: MAP OF THE
UNITED STATES SHOWING THE LOCATIONS OF THE COMPANY'S MAJOR GAS FACILITIES,
CORPORATE OFFICES, FIELD OFFICES AND MAJOR PRODUCING PROPERTIES) 
<PAGE>   45
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
  NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR ANY UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER
TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE
SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY, OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO
BUY THE SECURITIES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS, IN ANY JURISDICTION OR TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH
JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE
INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR
THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE SUCH DATE.
                             ---------------------
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PAGE
                                        ----
<S>                                     <C>
Prospectus Summary......................    3
Use of Proceeds.........................    7
Capitalization..........................    7
Price Range of Common Stock and
  Dividends.............................    8
Selected Historical Financial
  Information...........................    9
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
  Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations............................   10
Business and Properties.................   14
Description of Notes....................   27
Description of Capital Stock............   38
Underwriting............................   40
Legal Opinions..........................   41
Experts.................................   41
Available Information...................   41
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
  Reference.............................   42
</TABLE>
    
                                 {SOCO LOGO}

                             Snyder Oil Corporation
 
                                  $100,000,000
 
   
                             % Convertible Subordinated
    
                                 Notes Due 2001
   
                          ---------------------------
                                   PROSPECTUS
                          ---------------------------
    
                                CS First Boston
 
                            PaineWebber Incorporated
 
                              Petrie Parkman & Co.
 
                           Smith Barney Shearson Inc.
 
   
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
    
<PAGE>   46
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
     All capitalized terms used and not defined in Part II of this Registration
Statement shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Prospectus which forms
a part of this Registration Statement.
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     Except for the Registration Fee and the NASD Filing Fee, the following
itemized table sets forth estimates of those expenses payable by the Company in
connection with the offer and sale or exchange of the securities offered hereby:
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                          <C>
    Registration Fee.........................................................    $39,656
    NASD Filing Fee..........................................................     12,000
    Printing and Engraving Expenses..........................................       *
    Legal Fees and Expenses..................................................       *
    Blue Sky Fees and Expenses...............................................       *
    Accountants' Fees and Expenses...........................................       *
    Engineers' Fees and Expenses.............................................       *
    Rating Agency Fees.......................................................       *
    Miscellaneous Fees and Expenses..........................................       *
                                                                                 -------
              Total..........................................................    $  *
                                                                                 -------
                                                                                 -------
    ---------------
    * To be supplied by amendment
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     The Registrant is incorporated in Delaware. Under Section 145 of the DGCL,
a Delaware corporation has the power, under specified circumstances, to
indemnify its directors, officers, employees and agents in connection with
actions, suits or proceedings brought against them by a third party or in the
right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that they were or are such
directors, officers, employees or agents, against expenses and liabilities
incurred in any such action, suit or proceeding so long as they acted in good
faith and in a manner that they reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to,
the best interests of such corporation, and with respect to any criminal action,
that they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. With
respect to suits by or in the right of such corporation, however,
indemnification is generally limited to attorneys' fees and other expenses and
is not available if such person is adjudged to be liable to such corporation
unless the court determines that indemnification is appropriate. A Delaware
corporation also has the power to purchase and maintain insurance for such
persons. Article Ninth of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant
provides for mandatory indemnification of directors and officers to the fullest
extent permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL. Reference is made to the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.
 
     Reference is also made to the indemnification provisions of Section 7 of
the Underwriting Agreement, the form of which has been filed as Exhibit 1.1
hereto, under which the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify the Registrant,
its directors and officers and certain other persons against liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, with respect to
information furnished in writing to the Registrant for use in this Registration
Statement.
 
     The Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its
officers and directors and may in the future enter into such indemnification
agreements with its directors, officers, employees and agents. Such
indemnification agreements are intended to provide a contractual right to
indemnification, to the extent permitted by law, for costs, expenses (including
attorneys' fees and disbursements), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person to be indemnified
in connection with any proceeding (including, to the extent permitted by law,
any derivative action) to which they are, or are
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   47
 
threatened to be made, a party by reason of their status or decisions or actions
in such positions. Such indemnification agreements do not change the basic legal
standards for indemnification set forth in DGCL or the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Registrant. Such provisions are intended to be in
furtherance, and not in limitation of, the general right to indemnification
provided in the certificate of incorporation and Bylaws of the Registrant.
 
     Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL provides that a certificate of incorporation
may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a
director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach
of fiduciary duty as a director provided that such provision may not eliminate
or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director's duty
of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions
not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation
of law, (iii) under Section 174 (relating to liability for unauthorized
acquisitions or redemptions of, or dividends on, capital stock) of the DGCL or
(iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit. Article Tenth of the Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation contains
such a provision.
 
     The above discussion of the Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation and
Sections 102(b)(7) and 145 of the DGCL is not intended to be exhaustive and is
qualified in its entirety by such Certificate of Incorporation and statutes.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                  <C>
        1.1          -- Form of Underwriting Agreement.***
        4.1.1        -- Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant -- incorporated by
                        reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement
                        on Form S-4 (Registration No. 33-33455).
        4.1.2        -- Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of
                        Registrant filed February 9, 1990 -- incorporated by reference from
                        Exhibit 3.1.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4
                        (Registration No. 33-33455).
        4.1.3        -- Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of
                        Registrant filed May 22, 1991 -- incorporated by reference from
                        Exhibit 3.1.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1
                        (Registration No. 33-43106).
        4.1.4        -- Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of
                        Registrant filed May 24, 1993 -- incorporated by reference from
                        Exhibit 3.1.5 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
                        June 30, 1993 (File No. 1-10509).
        4.1.5        -- Certificate of Designations, Powers, Preferences and Rights of the
                        Registrant's $4.00 Convertible Exchangeable Preferred
                        Stock -- incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1.3 to the
                        Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
                        31, 1991 (File No. 1-10509).
        4.1.6        -- Certificate of Designations of the Registrant's $6.00 Convertible
                        Exchangeable Preferred Stock -- incorporated by reference from
                        Exhibit 3.1.4 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
                        June 30, 1993 (File No. 1-10509).
        4.2          -- By-Laws of Registrant -- incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2
                        to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration
                        No. 33-33455).
        4.3          -- Form of Indenture.*
        4.4          -- Form of Note (included in Exhibit 4.3).
        5.1          -- Opinion of Peter E. Lorenzen, Vice President and General Counsel of
                        the Registrant, as to legality of the securities registered hereby.**
       12.1          -- Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.*
       23.1          -- [Intentionally left blank.]
       23.2          -- Consent of Arthur Andersen & Co.***
       23.3          -- Consent of Netherland, Sewell, & Associates, Inc.***
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   48
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                  <C>
       23.4          -- Consent of Peter E. Lorenzen, Esq., Vice President and General
                        Counsel, to the use of his opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 (set forth in
                        his opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).
       24.1          -- Powers of attorney (set forth on the signature page hereof).
       25.1          -- Statement of Eligibility of Trustee on Form T-1.***
       99.1          -- Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. dated February 10,
                        1994 relating to certain of the Registrant's property
                        interests -- incorporated by reference from Exhibit 28.1 to the
                        Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
                        31, 1993 (File No. 1-10509).
       99.2          -- Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. dated February 11,
                        1994 relating to their audit of reserve estimates -- incorporated by
                        reference from Exhibit 28.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form
                        10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 (File No. 1-10509).
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
  * Filed herewith
 
 ** To be filed by amendment
 
*** Previously filed
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     (a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
          (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
     of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part
     of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in
     a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
     (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
     Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
          (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act of 1933, each posteffective amendment that contains a form of
     prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
     the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
     time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (b) The undersigned Registrant hereby further 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 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (c) 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 SEC such indemnification
is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling persons 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.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   49
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Amendment to
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Fort Worth, State of Texas, on April 19, 1994.
    
                                 
                                SNYDER OIL CORPORATION
 
                                By       /s/  PETER E. LORENZEN   
                                      Peter E. Lorenzen, Vice President
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
to Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                                TITLE                     DATE
                  ---------                                -----                     ---- 
<S>                                            <C>                             <C>
                     *                         Director and Chairman            April 19, 1994
               John C. Snyder                    (Principal Executive Officer
                                                 of Registrant)

                     *                         Director and President           April 19, 1994
              Thomas J. Edelman                  (Principal Financial Officer
                                                 of Registrant)

                     *                         Director and Executive Vice      April 19, 1994
               John A. Fanning                   President

                     *                         Director                         April 19, 1994
              Roger W. Brittain

                     *                         Director                         April 19, 1994
                John A. Hill

                     *                         Director                         April 19, 1994
             B. J. Kellenberger

                     *                         Director                         April 19, 1994
              John H. Lichtblau

                     *                         Director                         April 19, 1994
             James E. McCormick

                     *                         Director                         April 19, 1994
             Alfred M. Micallef

                     *                         Vice President and Controller    April 19, 1994
              James H. Shonsey                   (Principal Accounting
                                                 Officer)

*By     /s/  PETER E. LORENZEN
             Peter E. Lorenzen,
              Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   50
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     SEQUENTIALLY
  EXHIBIT                                                                              NUMBERED
  NUMBER                                  DESCRIPTION                                    PAGE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>                                                                       <C>
     1.1   -- Form of Underwriting Agreement.***
     4.1.1 -- Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant -- incorporated by reference
              from Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4
              (Registration No. 33-33455).
     4.1.2 -- Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant
              filed February 9, 1990 -- incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1.1
              to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration
              No. 33-33455).
     4.1.3 -- Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant
              filed May 22, 1991 -- incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1.2 to
              the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
              33-43106).
     4.1.4 -- Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant
              filed May 24, 1993 -- incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1.5 to
              the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993 (File
              No. 1-10509).
     4.1.5 -- Certificate of Designations, Powers, Preferences and Rights of the
              Registrant's $4.00 Convertible Exchangeable Preferred
              Stock -- incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1.3 to the
              Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
              1991 (File No. 1-10509).
     4.1.6 -- Certificate of Designations of the Registrant's $6.00 Convertible
              Exchangeable Preferred Stock -- incorporated by reference from Exhibit
              3.1.4 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993
              (File No. 1-10509).
     4.2   -- By-Laws of Registrant -- incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to
              the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No.
              33-33455).
     4.3   -- Form of Indenture.*
     4.4   -- Form of Note (included in Exhibit 4.3).
     5.1   -- Opinion of Peter E. Lorenzen, Vice President and General Counsel of the
              Registrant, as to legality of the securities registered hereby.**
   12.1    -- Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.*
   23.1    -- [Intentionally left blank.]
   23.2    -- Consent of Arthur Andersen & Co.***
   23.3    -- Consent of Netherland, Sewell, & Associates, Inc.***
   23.4    -- Consent of Peter E. Lorenzen, Esq., Vice President and General Counsel,
              to the use of his opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 (set forth in his
              opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).
   24.1    -- Powers of attorney (set forth on the signature page hereof).
   25.1    -- Statement of Eligibility of Trustee on Form T-1.***
   99.1    -- Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. dated February 10, 1994
              relating to certain of the Registrant's property
              interests -- incorporated by reference from Exhibit 28.1 to the
              Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
              1993 (File No. 1-10509).
   99.2    -- Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. dated February 11, 1994
              relating to their audit of reserve estimates -- incorporated by
              reference from Exhibit 28.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form
              10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 (File No. 1-10509).
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
  * Filed herewith
 
 ** To be filed by amendment
 
*** Previously filed

<PAGE>   1

                                                                  Draft of
                                                                  April 19, 1994

================================================================================
================================================================================






                            SNYDER OIL CORPORATION,
                                     ISSUER


                                      AND


                   TEXAS COMMERCE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
                                    TRUSTEE


                                   __________


                                   INDENTURE


                           DATED AS OF APRIL 1, 1994


                                   __________


                                 $100,000,000*


                 ____% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2001





================================================================================
================================================================================


*  Subject to increase to up to $115,000,000 as provided herein.
<PAGE>   2
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            PAGE
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
ARTICLE I   DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS                                                         
            OF GENERAL APPLICATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1
         SECTION 101.         Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1
         SECTION 102.         Compliance Certificates and Opinions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
         SECTION 103.         Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
         SECTION 104.         Acts of Holders; Record Date  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
         SECTION 105.         Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
         SECTION 106.         Notice to Holders; Waiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
         SECTION 107.         Conflict with Trust Indenture Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
         SECTION 108.         Interest Limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
         SECTION 109.         Effect of Headings and Table of Contents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
         SECTION 110.         Successors and Assigns  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
         SECTION 111.         Severability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
         SECTION 112.         Benefits of Indenture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
         SECTION 113.         Governing Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
         SECTION 114.         Legal Holidays  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
         SECTION 115.         Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers and Directors of the Company           
                              Exempt from Individual Liability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
                                                                                                          
ARTICLE II   FORMS OF SECURITIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
         SECTION 201.         Forms Generally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
         SECTION 202.         Form of Face of Security  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
         SECTION 203.         Form of Reverse of Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
         SECTION 204.         Global Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
         SECTION 205.         Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
         SECTION 206.         Form of Election to Convert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
         SECTION 207.         Form of Assignment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
         SECTION 208.         Form of Option of Holder to Elect to Require Purchase . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
                                                                                                              
ARTICLE III   THE SECURITIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
         SECTION 301.         Title and Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
         SECTION 302.         Denominations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
         SECTION 303.         Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
         SECTION 304.         Temporary Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32
         SECTION 305.         Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32
</TABLE>





                                      -i-
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
         SECTION 306.         Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
         SECTION 307.         Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36
         SECTION 308.         Persons Deemed Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37
         SECTION 309.         Cancellation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37
         SECTION 310.         Computation of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
         SECTION 311.         CUSIP Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
                                                                                                      
ARTICLE IV   SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
         SECTION 401.         Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
         SECTION 402.         Application of Trust Money  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39
                                                                                                      
ARTICLE V   REMEDIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
         SECTION 501.         Events of Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
         SECTION 502.         Acceleration of Maturity Date; Rescission and Annulment . . . . . . . . . . . . .  42
         SECTION 503.         Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee . . . . . . . . .  43
         SECTION 504.         Trustee May File Proofs of Claim  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
         SECTION 505.         Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities . . . . . . . . . . .  44
         SECTION 506.         Application of Money Collected  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
         SECTION 507.         Limitation on Suits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
         SECTION 508.         Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and 
                              Interest and to Convert   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
         SECTION 509.         Restoration of Rights and Remedies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46
         SECTION 510.         Rights and Remedies Cumulative  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46
         SECTION 511.         Delay or Omission Not Waiver  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46
         SECTION 512.         Control by Holders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46
         SECTION 513.         Waiver of Past Default  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47
         SECTION 514.         Undertaking for Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47
         SECTION 515.         Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47
                                                                                                                
ARTICLE VI   THE TRUSTEE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48
         SECTION 601.         Certain Duties and Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48
         SECTION 602.         Notice of Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48
         SECTION 603.         Certain Rights of Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48
         SECTION 604.         Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49
         SECTION 605.         May Hold Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49
         SECTION 606.         Money Held in Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49
                                                                                                                
</TABLE>




                                      -ii-
<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                              <C>
       SECTION 607.         Compensation and Reimbursement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  50
       SECTION 608.         Disqualification; Conflicting Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51
       SECTION 609.         Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51
       SECTION 610.         Resignation and Removal, Appointment of Successor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51
       SECTION 611.         Acceptance of Appointment by Successor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53
       SECTION 612.         Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53
       SECTION 613.         Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53
       SECTION 614.         Appointment of Authenticating Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53

ARTICLE VII   HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS
                      BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  55
       SECTION 701.         Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  55
       SECTION 702.         Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56
       SECTION 703.         Reports by Trustee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56
       SECTION 704.         Reports by Company  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56

ARTICLE VIII   CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  57
       SECTION 801.         Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  57
       SECTION 802.         Successor Substituted for Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  58

ARTICLE IX   SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  58
       SECTION 901.         Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  58
       SECTION 902.         Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  59
       SECTION 903.         Execution Supplemental Indentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60
       SECTION 904.         Effect of Supplemental Indentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60
       SECTION 905.         Conformity with Trust Indenture Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60
       SECTION 906.         Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60

ARTICLE X   COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61
       SECTION 1001.        Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61
       SECTION 1002.        Maintenance of Office or Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61
       SECTION 1003.        Money for Security Payments to Be Held in Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61
</TABLE>





                                     -iii-
<PAGE>   5
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                              <C>
       SECTION 1004.        Statements of Officers of Company as to Default; Notice of Default  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  63
       SECTION 1005.        Existence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  63
       SECTION 1006.        Maintenance of Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  63
       SECTION 1007.        Payment of Taxes and Other Claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  64
       SECTION 1008.        Further Instruments and Acts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  64
       SECTION 1009.        Waiver of Certain Covenants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  64

ARTICLE XI   REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  64
       SECTION 1101.        Right Of Redemption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  64
       SECTION 1102.        Applicability of Article  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  65
       SECTION 1103.        Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  65
       SECTION 1104.        Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  65
       SECTION 1105.        Notice of Redemption  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  65
       SECTION 1106.        Deposit of Redemption Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  66
       SECTION 1107.        Securities Payable on Redemption Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  66
       SECTION 1108.        Securities Redeemed in Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  67

ARTICLE XII   CONVERSION OF SECURITIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  67
       SECTION 1201.        Conversion Privilege and Conversion Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  67
       SECTION 1202.        Exercise of Conversion Privilege  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  68
       SECTION 1203.        Fractions of Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  69
       SECTION 1204.        Adjustment of Conversion Price  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  70
       SECTION 1205.        Notice of Adjustments of Conversion Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  77
       SECTION 1206.        Notice of Certain Corporate Action  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  77
       SECTION 1207.        Company to Reserve Common Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  79
       SECTION 1208.        Taxes on Conversions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  79
       SECTION 1209.        Covenant as to Common Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  79
       SECTION 1210.        Cancellation of Converted Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  79
       SECTION 1211.        Provisions in Case of Consolidations, Merger or Sale of Assets; Special Distributions . . . . . . .  79
       SECTION 1212.        Trustee Adjustment Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  80
       SECTION 1213.        When No Adjustment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  81

ARTICLE XIII   SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  81
       SECTION 1301.        Securities Subordinate to Senior Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  81
       SECTION 1302.        Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  81
       SECTION 1303.        No Payment When Designated Senior Indebtedness in Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  82
       SECTION 1304.        Payment Permitted if No Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  83
</TABLE>





                                      -iv-
<PAGE>   6
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                             <C>
       SECTION 1305.        Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  83
       SECTION 1306.        Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  84
       SECTION 1307.        Trustee to Effectuate Subordination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  84
       SECTION 1308.        No Waiver of Subordination Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  85
       SECTION 1309.        Notice to Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  85
       SECTION 1310.        Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  86
       SECTION 1311.        Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  86
       SECTION 1312.        Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness; Preservation of Trustee's Rights  . . . . . . .  86
       SECTION 1313.        Article Applicable to Paying Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  87

ARTICLE XIV   RIGHT TO REQUIRE REPURCHASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  87
       SECTION 1401.        Repurchase of Securities at Option of the Holder upon Change of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  87
       SECTION 1402.        Effect of Change of Control Purchase Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  91
       SECTION 1403.        Deposit of Change of Control Purchase Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  92
       SECTION 1404.        Securities Purchased in Part  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  92
       SECTION 1405.        Covenant to Comply with Securities Laws Upon Purchase of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  92

ARTICLE XV   DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  93
       SECTION 1501.        Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  93
       SECTION 1502.        Defeasance and Discharge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  93
       SECTION 1503.        Covenant Defeasance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  93
       SECTION 1504.        Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  94
       SECTION 1505.        Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous
                              Provisions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  96
       SECTION 1506.        Reinstatement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  97

</TABLE>




                                      -v-
<PAGE>   7
                             CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TRUST INDENTURE
  ACT SECTION                                                                        INDENTURE SECTION
      <S>                                                                                  <C>
      # 310(a)(1)         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        609
           (a)(2)         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        609
           (a)(3)         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        N.A.
           (a)(4)         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        N.A.
           (b)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        608, 610
      # 311(a)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        613
           (b)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        613
      # 312(a)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        701, 702
           (b)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        702
           (c)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        702
      # 313(a)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        703
           (b)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        703
           (c)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        703
           (d)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        703
      # 314(a)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        704
           (a)(4)         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1004
           (b)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        N.A.
           (c)(1)         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        102
           (c)(2)         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        102
           (c)(3)         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        N.A.
           (d)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        N.A.
           (e)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        102
      # 315(a)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        601
           (b)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        602
           (c)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        601
           (d)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        601
           (e)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        514
      # 316(a)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        101
            (a)(1)(A)     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        512
            (a)(1)(B)     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        513
           (a)(2)         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        N.A.
           (b)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        508
           (c)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        104
      # 317(a)(1)         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        503
           (a)(2)         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        504
           (b)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1003
      # 318(a)            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        107
</TABLE>

N.A. means not applicable.
NOTE:     This Cross-Reference Table shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to
be a part of the Indenture.





                                      -vi-
<PAGE>   8
                 INDENTURE, dated as of April 1, 1994, between Snyder Oil
Corporation, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Delaware (herein called the "Company"), having its principal offices
at 777 Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, and Texas Commerce Bank National
Association, a national banking association duly organized and existing under
the laws of the United States of America, as Trustee (herein called the
"Trustee").

                            RECITALS OF THE COMPANY:

                 The Company has duly authorized the creation of an issue of
its ______% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2001 (hereinafter referred to as
the "Securities"), and to provide therefor, the Company has duly authorized the
execution and delivery of this Indenture.

                 All things necessary to make the Securities, when executed by
the Company and authenticated and delivered hereunder, the valid obligations of
the Company, and to make this Indenture a valid and binding agreement of the
Company have been done.

                   NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

                 For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of
the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed,
for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities, as
follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                        DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS
                             OF GENERAL APPLICATION

                 SECTION 101.  Definitions.  For all purposes of this
Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context
otherwise requires:

                 (a)      the terms defined in this Article have the meanings
         assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the
         singular;

                 (b)      all other terms used herein which are defined in the
         Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the
         meanings assigned to them therein;

                 (c)      all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein
         have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally
         accepted accounting principles;





<PAGE>   9
                 (d)      the words "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" and
         other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and
         not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision of this
         Indenture; and

                 (e)      the words "Article" and "Section" refer to an Article
         and Section, respectively, of this Indenture.

                 "Act" has the meaning specified in Section 104.

                 "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect
common control with such specified Person.  For the purposes of this
definition, the term "control," when used with respect to any specified Person,
means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly
or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract
or otherwise (and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings
correlative to the foregoing).

                 "Agent" means NationsBank of Texas, N.A., when acting in its
capacity as agent under the Bank Credit Facility and any other Person acting as
agent, trustee or other fiduciary under the Bank Credit Facility, when acting
in such capacity.

                 "Authenticating Agent" means any Person appointed pursuant to
Section 614 to authenticate Securities on behalf of the Trustee.

                 "Bank Credit Facility" means the Fourth Restated Credit
Agreement dated July 1, 1993 among the Company, the lenders named therein and
the Agent, as heretofore amended and as the same may be further amended,
restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, and any
Refinancings thereof that may be effected, whether or not with the same lenders
or the same Agent and whether or not the principal amount outstanding
thereunder shall be thereby increased.

                 "Bankruptcy Law" has the meaning specified in Section 501.

                 "Beneficial Owner" means, with respect to any shares of
Capital Stock, every Person who, for purposes of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange
Act as in effect on the date of this Indenture, is the beneficial owner of such
shares of Capital Stock (and the terms "Beneficially Owned" and "Beneficially
Owns" have meanings correlative to the foregoing).

                 "Board of Directors" means the board of directors of the
Company or any duly authorized committee of that board.

                 "Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly
adopted by the





                                      -2-
<PAGE>   10
Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such
certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

                 "Business Day" means, when used with respect to any Place of
Payment or other location, each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
which is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment or
other location, as the case may be, are authorized or obligated by law or
executive order to close.

                 "Capital Lease Obligation" means an obligation of the Company
or any Subsidiary to pay rent or other amounts under a lease of (or another
arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property thereof that
is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease or a
liability on the face of a balance sheet thereof in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.  For purposes of this Indenture, the amount of
such obligation shall be the capitalized amount thereof and the stated maturity
thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due
under such lease (or other arrangement) prior to the first date upon which such
lease (or other arrangement) may be terminated by the lessee (or obligor)
without payment of a penalty.

                 "Capital Securities" of any Person means all Capital Stock of
such Person, all options, warrants and other rights to subscribe for or acquire
Capital Stock of such Person and all Convertible Securities of such Person.

                 "Capital Stock" of any Person means any and all shares,
interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of
corporate stock or other equity of such Person.

                 "Change of Control" has the meaning specified in Section
1401(a).

                 "Change of Control Notice" has the meaning specified in
Section 1401(b).

                 "Change of Control Purchase Date" has the meaning specified 
in Section 1401(a).

                 "Change of Control Purchase Notice" has the meaning specified 
in Section 1401(c).

                 "Change of Control Purchase Price" has the meaning specified 
in Section 1401(a).

                 "Closing Price" per share of Common Stock on any Trading Day
means, if the Common Stock is admitted to trading on the New York Stock
Exchange, the last reported sales price regular way or, in case no such
reported sale takes place on such





                                      -3-
<PAGE>   11
Trading Day, the average of the reported closing bid and asked prices regular
way, in either case on such Exchange or, if the Common Stock is not admitted to
trading on the New York Stock Exchange, on the principal national securities
exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if not
listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, on the
Nasdaq National Market or, if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to
trading on any national securities exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq National
Market, the average of the closing bid and asked prices in the over-the-counter
market as furnished by any New York Stock Exchange member firm that is selected
from time to time by the Company for that purpose and is reasonably acceptable
to the Trustee.

                 "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as
from time to time constituted and created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any
time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and
performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, the
body performing such duties at such time.

                 "Common Stock" of any Person means each class of the Capital
Stock of such Person that is not Preferred Stock of such Person.  However,
subject to the provisions of Section 1211, shares issuable on conversion of
Securities shall include only shares of the class designated as Common Stock of
the Company at the date of this Indenture or shares of any class or classes
resulting from any reclassification or reclassifications thereof and which have
no preference in respect of dividends or of amounts payable in the event of any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company
and which are not subject to redemption by the Company; provided, however, that
if at any time there shall be more than one such resulting class, the shares
then so issuable of each such class shall be substantially in the proportion
which the total number of shares then so issuable of such class resulting from
all such reclassifications bears to the total number of shares of all such
classes resulting from all such reclassifications.

                 "Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first
paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Person shall have become such
pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter
"Company" shall mean such successor Person.

                 "Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request
or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its
President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer,
its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.

                 "Convertible Securities" of any Person means any and all
securities not constituting Capital Stock of such Person that are convertible
into or exchangeable for Capital Stock of such Person.





                                      -4-
<PAGE>   12
                 "Corporate Trust Office" means the principal office of the
Trustee in the City of Dallas, Texas, at which at any particular time its
corporate trust business shall be administered, which, as of the date of this
Indenture, is located at ______________, ________________, Attention: Corporate
Trust Department.

                 "corporation" means a corporation, association, company,
joint-stock company or business trust.

                 "Covenant Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section
1503.

                 "Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 307.

                 "Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 1502.

                 "Definitive Security" means a Security other than a Global
Security or a temporary Security.

                 "Depositary" means the Person designated as Depositary by the
Company in Section 301 until a successor Depositary shall have become such
pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter
"Depositary" shall mean or include each Person who is then a Depositary
hereunder.

                 "Designated Senior Indebtedness" means (i) all Senior
Indebtedness under the Bank Credit Facility if the sum of the aggregate
principal amount outstanding under the Bank Credit Facility and the aggregate
amount available for borrowing thereunder is equal to or greater than
$25,000,000 and (ii) all other Senior Indebtedness having an outstanding
principal amount equal to or greater than $25,000,000; provided, however, that
the agreements, indentures or other instruments evidencing any Senior
Indebtedness referred to in clause (ii) above specifically state that such
Senior Indebtedness shall be classified as "Designated Senior Indebtedness" for
purposes of this Indenture.

                 "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 501.

                 "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended from time to time, and any statutory successor thereto.

                 "Exchange Debentures" means the Company's 8% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures due 2006 and its 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures
due 2008 issuable in exchange for the Preferred Stock of the Company that is
outstanding on the date of this Indenture.

                 "Global Security" means a Security evidencing all or part of
the Securities registered in the name of the Depositary in accordance with
Section 303.





                                      -5-
<PAGE>   13
                 "Guaranty" by any Person means any Obligation, contingent or
otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person
(the "primary obligor") in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and
including, but not limited to, every Obligation of such Person (i) to purchase
or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such
Indebtedness or to purchase (or advance or supply funds for the purchase of)
any security for the payment of such Indebtedness, (ii) to purchase property,
securities or services for the purpose of assuring the holder of such
Indebtedness of the payment of such Indebtedness or (iii) to maintain working
capital, equity capital or other financial statement condition or liquidity of
the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such
Indebtedness (and the terms "Guaranteed," "Guaranteeing" and "Guarantor" shall
have meanings correlative to the foregoing); provided, however, that the
Guaranty by any Person shall not include endorsements by such Person for
collection or deposit, in either case in the ordinary course of business.

                 "Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered
in the Security Register.

                 "Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication, (i)
every obligation of such Person for money borrowed; (ii) every obligation of
such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments,
including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property,
assets or businesses; (iii) every obligation of such Person under conditional
sale or other title retention agreements relating to assets or property
purchased by such Person or issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of
property, assets or services (but excluding trade accounts payable or accrued
liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business that are not overdue by
more than 90 days or are being contested by such Person in good faith); (iv)
every Capital Lease Obligation of such Person; (v) every obligation of such
Person with respect to any Sale and Leaseback Transaction to which such Person
is a party; (vi) every obligation of such Person with respect to letters of
credit, bankers acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of
such Person; (vii) the maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of
outstanding Redeemable Stock of such Person; (viii) every obligation of such
Person with respect to performance, surety or similar bonds; (ix) every
obligation of such Person under interest rate swap, cap, hedge, exchange or
similar agreements, under foreign currency swap, hedge, exchange or similar
agreements or under commodity swap, hedge, exchange or similar agreements; (x)
every obligation of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (ix) and clause
(xi) of another Person the payment of which such Person has Guaranteed or is
otherwise responsible for or liable for, directly or indirectly, as obligor,
Guarantor or otherwise; and (xi) every amendment, modification, renewal and
extension of an obligation of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (x).

                 "Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed and
as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more
indentures supplemental





                                      -6-
<PAGE>   14
hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including,
for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and
govern this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, respectively.

                 "Interest Payment Date" means the stated due date of an
installment of interest on the Securities.

                 "Junior Subordinated Payment" means any payment or
distribution which may be payable or deliverable in respect of the Securities
by reason of the payment of any Indebtedness of the Company that is subordinate
in right of payment to the payment of the Securities.

                 "Maturity Date" means, when used with respect to any Security,
the date on which the principal of such Security becomes due and payable as
therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of
acceleration, call for redemption on a Redemption Date or otherwise.

                 "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service.

                 "Net Income" of any Person means the net income of such Person
net of non-cash charges taken as a result of accounting changes required to be
made by the Financial Accounting Standards Board after the date this Indenture.

                 "Non-Payment Event of Default" means any event, circumstance,
condition or state of facts (other than a Payment Event of Default) the
occurrence or existence of which permits one or more holders of Designated
Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee or other representative of the holders
thereof) to declare such Designated Senior Indebtedness immediately due and
payable prior to the date on which such indebtedness would otherwise become due
and payable.

                 "Obligation" of any Person means any obligation of such Person
to pay principal of or premium, if any, or interest (including interest
accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for
reorganization relating to the Company, whether or not a claim for such
post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding) on any Indebtedness or
any penalties, reimbursement or indemnification amounts, fees, expenses or
other amounts in respect thereof.

                 "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the
Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer,
an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the
Company, and delivered to the Trustee.





                                      -7-
<PAGE>   15
                 "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of legal counsel,
who may be an employee of or counsel for the Company, and who shall be
reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

                 "Outstanding" means, when used with respect to Securities, as
of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and
delivered under this Indenture, except:

                 (i)      Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or
         delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

                 (ii)     Securities as to which money for the payment or
         redemption which in the necessary amount has been theretofore
         deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the
         Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company
         (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of
         such Securities; provided, however, that, if such Securities are to be
         redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to
         this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has
         been made; and

                 (iii)    Securities which have been replaced or paid pursuant
         to Section 306 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities
         have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture,
         other than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have
         been presented to the Trustee evidence satisfactory to it that such
         Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such
         Securities are valid obligations of the Company;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Securities owned
by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the
Company or of any such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be
Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected
in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice,
consent or waiver, only Securities which the Trustee knows to be so owned shall
be so disregarded.  Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith
may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction
of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Securities
and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the
Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of any such other obligor.

                 "Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to
pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on any Securities on
behalf of the Company.





                                      -8-
<PAGE>   16
                 "Payment Blockage Period" has the meaning specified in Section
1303.

                 "Payment Event of Default" means any default in the payment of
principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any Designated Senior
Indebtedness beyond any applicable grace period with respect thereto.

                 "Permitted Junior Securities" means subordinated debt
securities of the Company (or any successor obligor with respect to the Senior
Indebtedness) provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment that are
subordinated in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness that may be
outstanding to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than,
the Securities are subordinated as provided in this Indenture.

                 "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or
political subdivision thereof.

                 "Place of Payment" means, when used with respect to the
Securities, the place or places where (subject to the provisions of Section
1002), the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities are
payable as specified and as contemplated by Section 301.

                 "Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every
previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that
evidenced by such particular Security.  For purposes of this definition, any
Security authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in
lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to
evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.

                 "Preferred Stock" of any Person means every share of each
class (however designated) of the Capital Stock of such Person that ranks
prior, as to the payment of dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon
any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, to any
other share of such or any other class of the Capital Stock of such Person.

                 "Proceeding" means (subject to the last paragraph of Section
1302) (i) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership,
liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceeding in connection
therewith, relative to the Company or to its creditors, as such, or to its
assets, (ii) any liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the Company,
whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or
bankruptcy, or (iii) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other
marshalling of assets and liabilities of the Company.





                                      -9-
<PAGE>   17
                 "Rating Agencies" means (a) S&P, (b) Moody's or (c) if S&P or
Moody's, or both, shall not make a rating of the Securities publicly available,
such nationally recognized securities rating agency or agencies, as the case
may be, as are selected by the Company, which shall be substituted for S&P or
Moody's, or both, as the case may be.

                 "Rating Category" means (a) with respect to S&P, any of the
following categories: BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D (or equivalent successor
categories); (b) with respect to Moody's, any of the following categories: Ba,
B, Caa, Ca, C and D (or equivalent successor categories); and (c) with respect
to any other Rating Agency, the equivalent of any such category of S&P or
Moody's used by such Rating Agency.  In determining whether the rating of the
Securities has decreased by one or more gradations, gradations within Rating
Categories (+ and - for S&P; 1, 2 and 3 for Moody's; or the equivalent
gradations for any other Rating Agency) shall be taken into account (e.g., with
respect to S&P, a decline in a rating from BB+ to BB, as well as from BB- to
B+, will constitute a decrease of one gradation).

                 "Rating Decline" means that, principally as a result of a
Change of Control and on, or within 90 days after, the date of the public
announcement of such Change of Control (which period shall be extended so long
as the rating of the Securities is under publicly announced consideration for
possible downgrade by any Rating Agency), any Rating Agency has lowered the
rating of the Securities below what such rating was as of the date the
Securities were originally issued by one or more gradation (including
gradations within or between Rating Categories).

                 "Redeemable Stock" of a Person means every Capital Security of
such Person that by its terms or otherwise is or may be  (whether at the option
of the holder or otherwise) required to be redeemed or otherwise purchased by
such Person at any time prior to the Stated Maturity of the Securities.

                 "Redemption Date" means, when used with respect to any
Security to be redeemed, the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to
this Indenture.

                 "Redemption Price" means, when used with respect to any
Security to be redeemed, the price at which such security may be redeemed
pursuant to this Indenture, including, if applicable, any accrued interest on
such Security due upon such redemption pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.

                 "Refinance" means, with respect to any specified Indebtedness,
to incur additional Indebtedness and use the proceeds thereof to redeem,
repurchase, retire for value, refinance or refund such specified Indebtedness
(and the terms "Refinancing" and "Refinanced" shall have meanings correlative
to the foregoing).





                                      -10-
<PAGE>   18
                 "Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on the
Securities on any Interest Payment Date means the March 15 or September 15
(whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such
Interest Payment Date.

                 "Related Person" of any Person (the "Referent Person") means,
at any time, (a) if the Referent Person is the Company or any Subsidiary, every
Person (other than the Company and any Wholly Owned Subsidiary) that at such
time (i) is, or is controlled by, an Affiliate of the Company or (ii) is, or is
controlled by, a Person that Beneficially Owns 5% or more of the outstanding
Common Stock of the Company or any Subsidiary or 5% or more of the outstanding
Voting Stock of the Company or any Subsidiary; and (b) in all other cases,
every Person that at such time (i) is, or is controlled by, an Affiliate of the
Referent Person or (ii) is, or is controlled by, a Person that Beneficially
Owns 5% or more of the outstanding Common Stock of the Referent Person or any
subsidiary thereof or 5% or more of the outstanding Voting Stock of the
Referent Person or any subsidiary thereof.  For purposes of this definition,
the term "controlled" shall have the meaning specified in the definition of
"Affiliate."

                 "Repurchase Event" has the meaning specified in Section
1401(a).

                 "S & P" means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, a division of
McGraw-Hill.

                 "Sale and Leaseback Transaction" means any arrangement with
any bank, insurance company or other lender or investor (other than the Company
or a Subsidiary), or to which such lender or investor is a party, providing for
the leasing by the Company or any Subsidiary of any property or asset that has
been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or any Subsidiary to such
lender or investor or to any Person (other than the Company or a Subsidiary) to
whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the
security of such properly or asset.

                 "Securities" has the meaning specified in the first recital of
this Indenture and, more particularly, means any Securities authenticated and
delivered under this Indenture.

                 "Securities Payment" means any payment or distribution of any
kind or character, whether by way of set-off or otherwise and whether in cash,
property or securities (including any Junior Subordinated Payment) on account
of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities or on account
of any purchase, repurchase, redemption or other acquisition of Securities by
the Company.

                 "Security Register" has the meaning specified in Section 305.

                 "Security Registrar" has the meaning specified in Section 305.





                                      -11-
<PAGE>   19
                 "Senior Indebtedness" means (i) all Obligations of the Company
under the Bank Credit Facility; and (ii) all Obligations of the Company for
Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness described in clause (vii) of the
definition of Indebtedness), whether now existing or hereafter incurred or
assumed; provided, however, that the Obligations referred to in clause (ii)
shall not include (a) any Obligation owed to a Subsidiary or an Affiliate or
Related Person of the Company, (b) any Obligation that by the terms of the
instrument creating or evidencing the same is not superior in right of payment
to the Securities, (c) any Obligation in respect of the Exchange Debentures, if
and when issued in exchange for the Preferred Stock of the Company outstanding
on the date of this Indenture, or (d) any Obligation constituting a trade
account payable.

                 "Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted
Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307(a).

                 "Stated Maturity" means, when used with respect to any
Security, the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the
principal of such Security is due and payable.

                 "Subsidiary" of any Person means a corporation more than 50%
of the outstanding Voting Stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by
such Person, one or more subsidiaries of such Person or such Person and one or
more subsidiaries of such Person.

                 "Subsidiary" of the Company means a corporation more than 50%
of the outstanding Voting Stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by
the Company, one or more Subsidiaries or the Company and one or more
Subsidiaries.

                 "Trading Day" means each day on which the securities exchange
or automated interdealer quotation system, which is used to determine the
Closing Price is open for trading or quotation.

                 "Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first
paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Trustee shall have assumed all of
the duties and obligations of this Indenture pursuant to the applicable
provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean such
successor Trustee.

                 "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as
in force at the date as of which this Indenture was executed, except as
provided in Section 905; provided, however, that in the event the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, to the extent required by any
such amendment, the term "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as so amended.

                 "U.S. Government Obligations" has the meaning specified in
Section 1504.





                                      -12-
<PAGE>   20
                 "Vice President" means, when used with respect to the Company
or the Trustee, any vice president, whether designated by a number or a word or
words added before or after the title "vice president."

                 "Voting Stock" of any Person means every share of any class
(however designated) of the Capital Stock of such Person that ordinarily has
voting power for the election of directors (or similar governing body) of such
Person, whether at all times or only as long as no share of any senior class of
Capital Stock has such voting power, whether by reason of the occurrence of any
contingency or otherwise.

                 "Wholly Owned Subsidiary" of the Company means a Subsidiary
all of the outstanding Capital Stock of which (other than directors' qualifying
shares) is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, one or more Wholly
Owned Subsidiaries or the Company and one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.

                 SECTION 102.  Compliance Certificates and Opinions.  Upon any
application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under
any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee such
certificates and opinions as may be required under the Trust Indenture Act.
Each such certificate or opinion shall be in the form of an Officers'
Certificate, if to be given by an officer of the Company, or an Opinion of
Counsel, if to be given by counsel, and shall comply with the requirements of
the Trust Indenture Act and any other requirements set forth in this Indenture.

                 Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a
condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (except for certificates
provided for in Section 1004) shall include:

                          (a)     a statement that each individual signing such
         certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the
         definitions herein relating thereto;

                          (b)     a brief statement as to the nature and scope
         of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or
         opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

                          (c)     a statement that, in the opinion of each such
         individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is
         necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether
         or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

                          (d)     a statement as to whether, in the opinion of
         each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied
         with.





                                      -13-
<PAGE>   21
                 SECTION 103.  Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.  In any
case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an
opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be
certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they
be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may
certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other
such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an
opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

                 Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be
based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon an opinion of counsel,
unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know,
that the opinion with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or
opinion is based are erroneous.  Any opinion of counsel may be based, insofar
as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate of, or representations by,
an officer or officers of the Company, stating that the information with
respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless
such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the
certificate or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.

                 SECTION 104.  Acts of Holders; Record Date.

                          (a)     Any request, demand, authorization,
         direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this
         Indenture to be given or taken by Holders may be embodied in and
         evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor
         signed by such Holders in person or by agent duly appointed in
         writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such
         action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are
         delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required,
         to the Company.  Any such instrument or instruments (and the action
         embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are hereinafter sometimes
         referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing such instrument or
         instruments.  Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a
         writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose
         of this Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of
         the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this
         Section.

                          (b)     The fact and date of the execution by any
         Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the
         affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a
         notary public or other officer authorized by law to take
         acknowledgements of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such
         instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof.
         Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than
         his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also
         constitute sufficient proof of his authority.  The fact and date of
         the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of
         the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner
         which the Trustee deems sufficient.





                                      -14-
<PAGE>   22
                          (c)     The ownership of Securities shall be proved 
         by the Security Register.

                          (d)     Any request, demand, authorization,
         direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any
         Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Security and the
         Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer
         thereof or in exchange therefor in respect of anything done, omitted
         or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Company in reliance
         thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such
         Security.  Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder
         to give or take any action hereunder with regard to any particular
         Security (or his duly appointed agents) may do so with regard to all
         or any part of the principal amount of such Security.

                          (e)     The Company may, in the circumstances
         permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, set any day as the record date
         for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities
         entitled to give or take any request, demand, authorization,
         direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act provided or permitted
         by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders of Securities.  With
         regard to any record date set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders
         of Outstanding Securities on such record date (or their duly appointed
         agents), and only such Persons, shall be entitled to give or take the
         relevant action, whether or not such Persons remain Holders after such
         record date.

                 SECTION 105.  Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.  Any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of
Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made
upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,

                          (a)     the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company
         shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given,
         furnished or filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate
         Trust Department or

                          (b)     the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder
         shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise
         herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first class
         postage prepaid, to the Company, addressed to it at the address of its
         principal office specified in the first paragraph of this Indenture or
         at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by
         the Company.

                 SECTION 106.  Notice to Holders; Waiver.  Where this Indenture
provides for notice to Holders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently
given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed,
first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected by such event, at his
address as it appears in the





                                      -15-
<PAGE>   23
Security Register, not later than the latest date (if any) and not earlier than
the earliest date (if any), prescribed for the giving of such notice.  In any
case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such
notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall
affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders.


                 Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such
notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice,
either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of
such notice.  Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but
such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action
taken in reliance upon such waiver.

                 In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or
by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by
mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee
shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

                 SECTION 107.  Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.  If any
provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust
Indenture Act that is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this
Indenture, the latter provision shall control.  If any provision of this
Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act that
may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply
to this Indenture as so modified or excluded, as the case may be.

                 SECTION 108.  Interest Limitation.  If notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 615 hereof any usury law now or at any time hereafter in
force shall be applicable to the Indenture, the Securities or any other
document or instrument related hereto or thereto, it is the intention of the
Company and the Trustee to conform strictly to any such usury laws and any
subsequent revisions or repeals thereof.  In furtherance thereof, the Company
and the Trustee stipulate and agree that none of the terms and provisions
contained in this Indenture, the Securities or any other document or instrument
related hereto or thereto shall ever be construed to give rise to a contract or
obligation to pay interest in excess of the maximum amount permitted to be
contracted for, taken, reserved, charged, collected or received under any
applicable law.

                 SECTION 109.  Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.  The
Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

                 SECTION 110.  Successors and Assigns.  All covenants and
agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its respective
successors and assigns.

                 SECTION 111.  Severability.  In case any provision in this
Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the
validity, legality and





                                      -16-
<PAGE>   24
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.

                 SECTION 112.  Benefits of Indenture.  Nothing in this
Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person,
other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder, the holders of
Senior Indebtedness of the Company and the Holders of Securities, any benefit
or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

                 SECTION 113.  Governing Law.  THIS INDENTURE AND THE
SECURITIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF
THE STATE OF NEW YORK AS APPLIED TO CONTRACTS MADE AND PERFORMED WITHIN THE
STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THAT WOULD
REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION, AND THE
APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.  THE COMPANY HEREBY
CONSENTS TO AND ACCEPTS, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, FOR ITSELF AND FOR ITS
PROPERTIES, THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS OF
COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK IN ANY DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENT OR
INSTRUMENT RELATED HERETO OR THERETO AND HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT
MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN
ANY SUCH COURT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF
VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS.  THE COMPANY FURTHER
IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ANY FINAL JUDGMENT RENDERED BY ANY SUCH COURT
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS OR
INSTRUMENTS RELATED HERETO OR THERETO FROM WHICH NO APPEAL HAS BEEN TAKEN OR IS
AVAILABLE.  THE COMPANY DESIGNATES AND APPOINTS CT CORPORATION SYSTEM (OR ANY
SUCCESSOR THERETO OR REPLACEMENT THEREFOR REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE
TRUSTEE THAT IS DESIGNATED BY THE COMPANY FROM TIME TO TIME BY MEANS OF AN
OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE SETTING FORTH THE NAME AND
ADDRESS OF SUCH SUCCESSOR OR REPLACEMENT) AS ITS AGENT TO RECEIVE ON ITS BEHALF
SERVICE OF ALL PROCESS IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH
COURT, SUCH SERVICE BEING HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE COMPANY TO BE VALID AND
EFFECTIVE IN EVERY RESPECT.  THE COMPANY FURTHER IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE
SERVICE OF PROCESS OF ANY SUCH COURT BY THE MAILING OF COPIES THEREOF BY
FIRST-CLASS MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, TO THE COMPANY AT THE





                                      -17-
<PAGE>   25
LOCATION SPECIFIED AS ITS ADDRESS FOR NOTICE IN OR PURSUANT TO THIS INDENTURE.
NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PERSON TO SERVE PROCESS
IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW.

                 SECTION 114.  Legal Holidays.  In any case where any Interest
Payment Date, Redemption Date, Maturity Date or Stated Maturity of any Security
or the last date on which a Holder has the right to convert his Securities
shall not be a Business Day, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this
Indenture or of the Securities) payment of interest on or principal of or
premium, if any, on or conversion of the Securities need not he made on such
date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force
and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, Maturity Date, Redemption
Date or Stated Maturity or on such last day for conversion; provided, however,
that no interest shall accrue for the period from and after such Interest
Payment Date, Redemption Date, Maturity Date or Stated Maturity, as the case
may be, if such payment is made or duly provided for on the next succeeding
Business Day.

                 SECTION 115.  Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers and
Directors of the Company Exempt from Individual Liability.  No recourse under
or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of this Indenture or any
indenture supplemental hereto or of any Security, or for any claim based
thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, shall be had against any incorporator,
stockholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or future, of the
Company or of any successor Person, either directly or through the Company or
any successor Person, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of
law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise, it being
expressly understood that this Indenture and the obligations issued hereunder
are solely corporate obligations, and that no such personal liability whatever
shall attach to, or is or shall be incurred by, the incorporators,
stockholders, officers or directors, as such, of the Company or of any
successor Person, or any of them, because of the creation of the indebtedness
hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations, covenants or
agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities or implied
therefrom; and that any and all such personal liability of every name and
nature, either at common law or in equity or by constitution or statute, of,
and any and all such rights and claims against, every such incorporator,
stockholder, officer or director, as such, because of the creation of the
indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations,
covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities
or implied therefrom, is hereby expressly waived and released as a condition
of, and as a consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and the issue
of such Securities.





                                      -18-
<PAGE>   26
                                   ARTICLE II

                              FORMS OF SECURITIES

                 SECTION 201.  Forms Generally.  The Securities and the
Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in substantially the forms
set forth in this Article, with such appropriate insertions, omissions,
substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this
Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification
and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply
with the rules of any securities exchange or as may, consistently herewith, be
determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their
execution thereof.

                 The Definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or
engraved or produced by any combination of these methods on steel engraved
borders or may be produced in any other manner permitted by the rules of any
securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed, all as determined by
the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution
thereof.

                 SECTION 202.  Form of Face of Security.

THIS SECURITY IS ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION
1275 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED.  FURTHER INFORMATION CAN
BE OBTAINED FROM SNYDER OIL CORPORATION, 1625 BROADWAY, SUITE 2200, DENVER,
COLORADO 80202, ATTENTION: INVESTOR RELATIONS (303) 592-8638.

                 (If a Security is a Global Security, insert the legend
required by Section 204 of the Indenture) (In addition, if applicable, insert
the following legend    UNLESS THIS SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW
YORK) TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR
PAYMENT, AND ANY SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR
SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY
TRUST COMPANY AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR
OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE
THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.)

                             SNYDER OIL CORPORATION

                 _____% Convertible Subordinated Note Due 2001

No. ______________________             $________________________________________

                 SNYDER OIL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (herein called
the "Company," which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture
hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to
__________________________              _______________________________________




                                      -19-
<PAGE>   27
_____________________________, or registered assigns, the principal sum of
_____________ (_________ Dollars) on March 31, 2001, and to pay interest
thereon from __________ ____, 1994 or from the most recent Interest Payment
Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually on
March 31 and September 30 of each year, commencing September 30, 1994, until
the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment, at the rate per
annum of _____% from the date of issuance of this Security until maturity or
earlier redemption.  The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly
provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture,
be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor
Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date
for such interest, which shall be the March 15 or September 15 (whether or not
a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date.
Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith
cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be
paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor
Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for
the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice
whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities not less than 10 days prior to
such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not
inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the
Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such
exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

                 (If the Security is a Definitive Security, insert the
following   Payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on,
and the Change of Control Purchase Price, if any, and Redemption Price with
respect to, this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company
maintained in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York and at any other
office or agency maintained by the Company for such purpose, in such coin or
currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal
tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the
option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the
address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the
Security Register.)

                 (If the Security is a Global Security, insert the following
Payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and any such interest on, and
the Change of Control Purchase Price, if any, and Redemption Price with respect
to, this Security will be made by transfer of immediately available funds to a
bank account in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York designated by
the Holder in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the
time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.)

                 The Indenture provides that no Holder of any Security shall
have the right to enforce any remedy under the Indenture except in the case of
the refusal or neglect of the Trustee to act after receipt of notice of default
and the request by the Holders of 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Securities then outstanding and the offer to the Trustee of such reasonable
indemnity as it may require; provided, however, that the foregoing limitations
do not prevent the Holder of any such Security from enforcing the right to
receive payment of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on such
Security on or after the respective due dates therefor or to demand conversion
of its Securities or require the purchase of its Securities by the Company upon
the occurrence of a Change in Control in accordance with the Indenture.

                 Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this
Security set forth herein, which further provisions shall for all purposes have
the same effect as if set forth at this place.

                 Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been
executed by the Trustee referred to below by manual signature, this Security
shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose.





                                      -20-
<PAGE>   28
                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to 
be duly executed.

Dated:

                                           SNYDER OIL CORPORATION


 
                                           By__________________________________




                 SECTION 203.  Form of Reverse of Security.

                 This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of Securities
of the Company designated as its _____% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2001
(hereinafter referred to as the "Securities"), limited in aggregate principal
amount to $100,000,000 (plus up to $15,000,000 to cover over-allotments) issued
and to be issued under an Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1994 (herein called
the "Indenture"), between the Company and Texas Commerce Bank National
Association, as Trustee (hereinafter referred to as the "Trustee," which term
includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all
indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the
respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of
the Company, the Trustee, the holders of Senior Indebtedness, and the Holders
of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to
be, authenticated and delivered.

                 Subject to and upon compliance with the provisions of the
Indenture, the Holder of this Security is entitled, at his option, at any time
on or before the close of business on March 31, 2001, or in case this Security
or a portion hereof is called for redemption, then in respect of this Security
or such portion hereof until and including, but (unless the Company defaults in
making the payment due upon redemption) not after, the close of business on the
fifth Business Day preceding the Redemption Date, to convert this Security (or
any portion of the principal amount hereof equal to $1,000 or an integral
multiple thereof) at the principal amount hereof, or of such portion, into
fully paid and nonassessable shares (calculated as to each conversion to the
nearest 1/100 of the share) of Common Stock of the Company at a conversion
price equal to $_____ aggregate principal amount of Securities for each share
of Common Stock (or at the current adjusted conversion price, if an adjustment
has been made as provided in the Indenture) by surrender of this Security, duly
endorsed or assigned to the Company or in blank, to the Company at the office
or agency maintained by the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of
New York or at any other office or agency maintained by the Company for such
purpose, accompanied by written notice to the Company stating that the Holder
hereof elects to convert this Security, or if less than the entire principal
amount hereof is to be converted, the portion hereof to be converted, and, in
case such surrender shall be made during the period from the close of business
on any Regular Record Date next preceding any Interest Payment Date to the
opening of business on such Interest Payment Date (unless this Security or the
portion thereof being converted has a Maturity Date prior to such Interest
Payment Date), also accompanied by payment in New York Clearing House or other
funds acceptable to the Company of an amount equal to the interest payable on
such Interest Payment Date, on the principal amount of this Security then being
converted.  Subject to the aforesaid requirement for payment by the Holder and,
in the case of a conversion after the Regular Record Date next preceding any
Interest Payment Date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, to the right
of the Holder of this Security (or any Predecessor Security) of record at such
Regular Record Date to





                                      -21-
<PAGE>   29
receive an installment of interest (with certain exceptions provided in the
Indenture), no payment or adjustment is to be made on conversion for interest
accrued hereon or for dividends on the Common Stock issued on conversion.  The
Company's delivery to the Holder of the fixed number of shares of Common Stock
of the Company (and any cash in lieu of a fractional share of such Common
Stock) into which the Security is convertible shall be deemed to satisfy the
Company's obligation to pay the principal amount of the Security and all
accrued interest and original issue discount that has not previously been paid.
The Common Stock of the Company so delivered shall be treated as issued first
in payment of accrued interest and original issue discount and then in payment
of principal.  Thus, accrued interest and original issue discount shall be
treated as paid rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited.  No fractions
of shares or scrip representing fractions of shares will be issued on
conversion, but instead of any fractional interest the Company shall pay a cash
adjustment as provided in the Indenture.  The conversion price is subject to
adjustment as provided in the Indenture.  In addition, the Indenture provides
that in case of certain consolidations or mergers to which the Company is a
party or the transfer or lease of its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety, the Indenture shall be amended, without the consent of any Holders of
Securities, so that this Security, if then outstanding, will be convertible
thereafter, during the period this Security shall be convertible as specified
above, only into the kind and amount of securities, cash and other property
receivable upon the consolidation, merger, transfer or lease by a holder of the
number of shares of Common Stock into which this Security might have been
converted immediately prior to such consolidation, merger or transfer (assuming
such holder of Common Stock failed to exercise any rights of election and
received per share the kind and amount of consideration received per share by a
plurality of nonelecting shares).

                 The Securities are subject to redemption upon not less than 20
nor more than 60 days' notice by mail, at any time on or after March 31, 1997,
as a whole or from time to time in part, at the election of the Company, at the
Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth
below, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning March 31 of the years
indicated:

                                                                      REDEMPTION
         YEAR                                                             PRICE

         1997       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         1998       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         1999       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         2000       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         2001       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


together in the case of any such redemption with accrued interest to the
Redemption Date, but interest installments whose stated due date is on or prior
to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or
one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the
relevant Regular Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided
in the Indenture.

                 In the event of redemption or conversion of this Security in
part only, a new Security or Securities for the unredeemed or unconverted
portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the
cancellation hereof.

                 The indebtedness evidenced by this Security is, to the extent
provided in the Indenture, subordinate and subject in right of payment to the
prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Security is issued
subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto. Each Holder of
this Security, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such
provisions, (b) authorizes and





                                      -22-
<PAGE>   30
directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or
appropriate to effectuate the subordination so provided and (c) appoints the
Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

                 In the event there shall occur any Change of Control
constituting a Repurchase Event with respect to the Company, each Holder of
Securities shall have the right, at such Holder's option but subject to the
limitations, conditions and subordination set forth in the Indenture, to
require the Company to purchase on the Change of Control Purchase Date all or
any part of such Holder's Securities at a Change of Control Purchase Price
equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued interest
to the Change of Control Purchase Date, all as provided in the Indenture.

                 If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the
principal of all the Securities may become due and payable in the manner and
with the effect provided in the Indenture.

                 The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein
provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and
obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities
under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent
of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities at
the time outstanding. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the
Holders of specified percentages in aggregate principal amount of the
Securities at the time outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all the
Securities, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the
Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences.
Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive
and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and
of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange
herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is
made upon this Security.

                 No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this
Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the
Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and
premium, if any, and interest on this Security at the times, place, and rate,
and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed or to convert this Security into
Common Stock of the Company as provided in the Indenture.

                 (If the Security is a Definitive Security, insert the
following   As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations
therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security
Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the
office or agency  maintained by the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, the
City of New York or at any other office or agency maintained by the Company for
such purpose, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar, duly
executed by the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and
thereupon one or more new Securities, of authorized denominations and for the
same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or
transferees.)

                 (If the Security is a Global Security, insert the following
This Global Security or portion hereof may not be exchanged for Definitive
Securities except in the limited circumstances provided in the Indenture.)

                 The Securities are issuable only in registered form without
coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.  As
provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth,
Securities are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities
of a different authorized denomination, as requested by a Holder surrendering
the same.





                                      -23-
<PAGE>   31
                 No service charge shall be made for any such registration of
transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient
to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

                 Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of
transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee
may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner
hereof for all purposes, whether or not any amount due in respect of this
Security be overdue, and none of the Company, the Trustee or any such agent
shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

                 If notwithstanding the provisions of the Indenture any usury
law now or at any time hereafter in force shall be applicable to this Security,
the Indenture or any other document or instrument related hereto or thereto, it
is the intention of the Company and each Holder of this Security to conform
strictly to any such usury laws and any subsequent revisions or repeals
thereof.  In furtherance thereof, the Company and each Holder stipulate and
agree that none of the terms and provisions contained in this Security, the
Indenture or any other document or instrument related hereto or thereto shall
ever be construed to give rise to a contract or obligation to pay interest in
excess of the maximum amount permitted to be contracted for, taken, reserved,
charged, collected or received under any applicable law, and the provisions of
this paragraph shall control in the event of any conflict between such
provisions and any other provisions contained in this Security, the Indenture
or any other document or instrument related hereto or thereto.  Accordingly, if
the transactions contemplated by this Security, the Indenture or any other
document or instrument relating hereto or thereto would be usurious under any
applicable law, then, in such event, it is expressly agreed as follows: (i) the
aggregate of all consideration which constitutes interest under applicable law
that is contracted for, taken, reserved, charged, collected or received under
this Security, the Indenture or any such other document or instrument shall
under no circumstances exceed the maximum amount allowed by applicable law, and
the excess, if any, shall be credited to the principal amount of this Security
(or, if the principal amount of this Security shall have been paid or deemed to
be paid in full, shall be refunded to the Company); and (ii) in the event that
the maturity of this Security is accelerated or in the event of any redemption
of this Security by the Company, purchase of this Security by the Company at
the option of any Holder upon the occurrence of a Change of Control that
constitutes a Repurchase Event, or conversion of this Security at the option of
any Holder into Common Stock or in the event that any Holder or any other
person on behalf of any Holder shall otherwise take, reserve, charge, collect
or receive monies or other consideration which constitute interest under
applicable law and which would in any manner increase such consideration beyond
the amount of the stated interest accrued on this Security for the period from
the date of issue of this Security to the date of such increase, then such
consideration that constitutes interest under applicable law may never exceed
the maximum amount allowed by applicable law, and the excess interest, if any,
in respect of this Security, the Indenture or any such other document or
instrument shall be cancelled automatically as of the date of such
acceleration, redemption, purchase, exchange or increase and, if theretofore
paid or deemed to be paid, shall be credited to the principal amount of this
Security (or, if the principal amount of this Security shall have been paid or
deemed to be paid in full, shall be refunded to the Company), in each case to
the extent permitted by applicable law.  All calculations made to compute the
rate of interest that is contracted for, taken, reserved, charged, collected or
received under this Security, the Indenture or any other document or instrument
related hereto or thereto for the purpose of determining whether such rate
exceeds the maximum amount allowed by applicable law shall be made, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law, by amortizing, prorating,
allocating and spreading during the period of the full stated term of this
Security all interest at any time contracted for, taken, reserved, charged,
collected or received by any Holder or any other person on behalf of any Holder
under this Security, the Indenture or any other document or instrument so that
the amount or rate of interest for any and all periods of time during the term
of this Security does not exceed the maximum amount or rate of interest allowed
to be contracted for, taken, reserved, charged, collected or received by
applicable law during





                                      -24-
<PAGE>   32
the relevant period of time.  Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, if at any
time applicable law shall be changed so as to permit a higher amount or rate of
interest to be contracted for, taken, reserved, charged, collected or received
than that permitted prior to such change, then unless prohibited by law,
references in this Security to "applicable law," when used in the context of
determining the maximum amount or rate of interest allowed to be contracted
for, taken, reserved, charged, collected or received, shall be deemed to refer
to such applicable law as so amended to permit the highest amount or rate of
interest.

                 No recourse for the payment of the principal of, premium, if
any, or interest on this Security, or for any claim based hereon or otherwise
in respect hereof, and no recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or
agreement of the Company in the Indenture or any indenture supplemental thereto
or in any Security, or because of the creation of any indebtedness represented
thereby, shall be had against any incorporator, stockholder, officer or
director, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or of any successor
Person, either directly or through the Company, whether by virtue of any
constitution, statute or rule of law or by the enforcement of any assessment or
penalty or otherwise, all such liability being, by the issue hereof, expressly
waived and released.

                 The Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York as applied to
contracts made and performed within the State of New York, without regard to
any principles of conflicts of laws that may require the application of the
laws of any other jurisdiction, and the applicable Federal laws of the United
States of America.

                 All terms used in this Security which are defined in the
Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

                 SECTION 204.  Global Securities.

                 Every Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder
shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE
HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A
NOMINEE THEREOF.  THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED TO, OR REGISTERED OR
EXCHANGED FOR SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF, ANY PERSON OTHER THAN THE
DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF AND NO SUCH TRANSFER MAY BE REGISTERED, EXCEPT
IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.  EVERY SECURITY
AUTHENTICATED AND DELIVERED UPON REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER OF, OR IN EXCHANGE
FOR OR IN LIEU OF, THIS SECURITY SHALL BE A GLOBAL SECURITY SUBJECT TO THE
FOREGOING, EXCEPT IN SUCH LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.

                 If Securities are issuable in whole or in part in the form of
one or more Global Securities, as specified and as contemplated by Section 301,
then, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 302, any Global Security shall
represent such of the Outstanding Securities as shall be specified therein and
may provide that it shall represent the aggregate amount of Outstanding
Securities from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of
Outstanding Securities represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or
increased, as the case may be, to reflect exchanges.  Any endorsement of a
Global Security to reflect the amount, or any reduction or increase in the
amount, of Outstanding Securities represented thereby shall be made in such
manner and upon instructions given by such Person or Persons as shall





                                      -25-
<PAGE>   33
be specified therein or in a Company Order.  Subject to the provisions of
Sections 303, 304 and 305, the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any Global
Security in the manner and upon instructions given by the Person or Persons
specified therein or in the applicable Company Order.  Any instructions by the
Company with respect to endorsement or delivery or redelivery of a Global
Security shall be in a Company Order (which need not comply with Section 102
and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel).

                 The provisions of the last sentence of Section 303(a) shall
apply to any Security represented by a Global Security if such Security was
never issued and sold by the Company and the Company delivers to the Trustee
the Global Security together with a Company Order (which need not comply with
Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) with regard
to the reduction or increase, as the case may be, in the principal amount of
Securities represented thereby, together with the written statement
contemplated by the last sentence of Section 303(a).

                 SECTION 205.  Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.

                         CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

                 This is one of the Securities referred to in the 
within-mentioned Indenture.

Dated:

                                       TEXAS COMMERCE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
                                               as Trustee
                                   

                                        By______________________________________
                                                  Authorized Signatory





                                      -26-
<PAGE>   34
                 SECTION 206.  Form of Election to Convert.

                               CONVERSION NOTICE

                 The undersigned owner of this Security does hereby irrevocably
exercise its option to convert this Security, or the portion hereof (which is
$1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) below designated, into shares of Common
Stock of Snyder Oil Corporation in accordance with the terms of the Indenture
referred to in this Security, and directs that the shares issuable and
deliverable upon conversion, together with any check in payment for any
fractional shares and any Securities representing any unconverted principal
amount hereof, be issued and delivered to the registered Holder hereof unless a
different name has been indicated below.  If shares are to be issued in the
name of a person other than the undersigned, the undersigned will pay all
transfer taxes payable with respect thereto.  Any amount required to be paid by
the undersigned on account of interest accompanies this Security.

Portion of Security to be
converted ($1,000 or an
integral multiple thereof):
$____________________________      
                                   
                                   
Date:________________________       Signature*:________________________________


                                    If shares of Common Stock are to be issued
                                    and registered otherwise than to the
                                    registered Holder named above, please print
                                    or type name and address, including zip
                                    code, and social security or other taxpayer
                                    identification number.
                                    ___________________________________________
                                    ___________________________________________
                                    ___________________________________________




Signature Guarantee:



_______________________________
Member firm of the New York
  Exchange or commercial bank or
  trust company having an office in
  the United States


*Your signature must be guaranteed by a commercial bank or trust company or by
a member or members' organization of the New York Stock Exchange or American
Stock Exchange.





                                      -27-
<PAGE>   35
                      SECTION 207.  Form of Assignment.

                                  ASSIGNMENT

              The undersigned owner of this Security does hereby
                    assign and transfer this Security to:

                          __________________________
                          __________________________

                     (Insert assignee's Social Security or
                     other taxpayer identification number)


                          __________________________
                          __________________________
                          __________________________

                           (Print or type assignee's
                          name, address and zip code)

                            and irrevocably appoint

                          __________________________
                          __________________________

as agent to transfer this Security on the books of the Company.  The agent may
substitute another to act for him.



Date:________________               Signature*:_______________________________
                                              (Sign exactly as your name  
                                              appears on the other side of
                                              this Security)              
                                                
Signature Guarantee:                            


__________________________________
Member firm of the New York Stock
  Exchange or commercial bank or
  trust company having an office in
  the United States

*Your signature must be guaranteed by a commercial bank or trust company or by
a member or members' organization of the New York Stock Exchange or American
Stock Exchange.





                                      -28-
<PAGE>   36
                 SECTION 208.  Form of Option of Holder to Elect to Require
Purchase.

                          ELECTION TO REQUIRE PURCHASE

                 If you wish to elect to have this Security purchased by the
Company pursuant to Section 1402 of the Indenture, check the box: / / 

                 If you wish to elect to have only part of this Security
purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 1402 of the Indenture, state the
amount:


$________________________



Date:______________________________________       Signature:____________________
                                                  (Sign exactly as your name 
                                                  appears on the other side of 
                                                  this Security)

Signature Guarantee*:

___________________________________________
Member firm of the New York Stock
  Exchange or commercial bank or
  trust company having an office in
  the United States

*Your signature must be guaranteed by a commercial bank or trust company or by
a member or members' organization of the New York Stock Exchange or American
Stock Exchange.


                                  ARTICLE III

                                 THE SECURITIES

                 SECTION 301.  Title and Terms.  The aggregate principal amount
of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is
limited to $100,000,000 (and such additional principal amount of Securities, if
any, as shall be determined pursuant to the next succeeding paragraph), except
for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or
in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities pursuant to Sections 304, 305,
306, 906, 1108, 1202 or 1404.

                 Upon receipt by the Trustee of an Officers' Certificate
stating that the Underwriters (as defined below) have elected to purchase from
the Company a specified aggregate principal amount of additional Securities
(which are referred to in said Underwriting Agreement as the "Optional
Securities") not to exceed a total of $15,000,000 for all such elections in
accordance with this paragraph pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, dated
April ____, 1994, between the Company and CS First





                                      -29-
<PAGE>   37
Boston Corporation, PaineWebber Incorporated, Petrie Parkman & Co., Inc. and
Smith Barney Shearson Inc. (the "Underwriters"), the Trustee shall authenticate
and make available for delivery such specified aggregate principal amount of
such additional Securities to or upon a Company Order, and such specified
aggregate principal amount of such additional Securities shall be considered
part of the original aggregate principal amount of the Securities.

                 The Securities shall be known and designated as the "_____%
Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2001" of the Company.  Their Stated Maturity
shall be March 31, 2001, and they shall bear interest at the rate per annum of
___% from the date of issuance thereof until maturity or earlier redemption,
payable semiannually on March 31 and September 30 of each year, commencing
September 30, 1994.

                 The principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the
Securities (other than Global Securities) shall be payable at the office or
agency maintained by the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New
York and at any other office or agency maintained by the Company for such
purpose; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of
interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled
thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.

                 Payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and any
interest on any Global Security, will be made by transfer of immediately
available funds to a bank account in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New
York designated by the Holder in such coin or currency of the United States of
America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and
private debts.

                 The Securities shall be redeemable as provided in Article XI.

The Securities shall be convertible as provided in Article XII.

                 The Securities shall be subordinated in right of payment to
Senior Indebtedness, to the extent provided in Article XIII.

                 The Securities shall be subject to repurchase by the Company,
at the option of the Holders, to the extent provided in Article XIV.

                 The initial Depositary for the Securities is The Depository
Trust Company.

                 SECTION 302.  Denominations.  The Securities shall be issuable
only in registered form without coupons and only in denominations of $1,000 and
any integral multiple thereof.

                 SECTION 303.  Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.





                                      -30-
<PAGE>   38
                          (a)     The Securities shall be executed on behalf of
         the Company by the Chairman of the Board, the President or one of its
         Vice Presidents, under its corporate seal reproduced thereon attested
         by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries.  The signature
         of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile.

                          Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures
         of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company
         shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any
         of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication
         and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the
         date of such Securities.

                          At any time and from time to time after the execution
         and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities
         executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together
         with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such
         Securities; and the Trustee in accordance with such Company Order
         shall authenticate and deliver such Securities as in this Indenture
         provided and not otherwise.

                          Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding
         paragraph, if all Securities are not to be originally issued at one
         time, it shall not be necessary to deliver the Company Order otherwise
         required pursuant to such preceding paragraph at or prior to the time
         of authentication of each such Security if the Company Order is
         delivered at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of
         the first Security to be issued.

                          Each Security shall be dated the date of its 
         authentication.

                          No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under
         this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there
         appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially
         in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by manual
         signature, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive
         evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly
         authenticated and delivered hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,
         if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder
         but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall
         deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in
         Section 309, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be
         deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and
         shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

                          (b)     The Company shall execute and the Trustee
         shall authenticate and deliver one or more Global Securities that (i)
         shall represent an aggregate amount equal to the aggregate principal
         amount of the initially issued





                                      -31-
<PAGE>   39
         Securities (including the additional Securities that may be issued
         from time to time in accordance with the second paragraph of Section
         301), (ii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or the
         nominee of the Depositary, (iii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to
         the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary's instruction and (iv)
         shall bear a legend substantially in the form required in Section 204.

                          (c)      The Depositary must, at all times while it
         serves as such Depositary, be a clearing agency registered under the
         Exchange Act, and any other applicable statute or regulation.

                 SECTION 304.  Temporary Securities.  Pending the preparation
of Definitive Securities, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the
Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, temporary
Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or
otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor
of the Definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such
appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the
officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their
execution of such Securities.

                 If temporary Securities are issued, the Company will cause
Definitive Securities to be prepared without unreasonable delay.  After the
preparation of Definitive Securities, the temporary Securities shall be
exchangeable for Definitive Securities upon surrender of the temporary
Securities, at any office or agency of the Company designated pursuant to
Section 1002, without charge to the Holder.  Upon surrender for cancellation of
any one or more temporary Securities, the Company stall execute and the Trustee
shall authenticate and make available for delivery in exchange therefor a like
principal amount of Definitive Securities of authorized denominations.  Until
so exchanged the temporary Securities shall in all respects be entitled to the
same benefits under this Indenture as Definitive Securities.

                 SECTION 305.  Registration, Registration of Transfer and
Exchange.

                          (a)     The Company shall cause to be kept at the
         Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee a register (the register
         maintained in such office and in any other office or agency designated
         pursuant to Section 1002 being hereinafter sometimes collectively
         referred to as the "Security Register") in which, subject to such
         reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide
         for the registration of Securities and of transfer of Securities.  The
         Trustee is hereby appointed the initial registrar (hereinafter
         referred to as the "Security Registrar") for the purpose of
         registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided.
         The Company may at any time replace such Security Registrar, change
         such office or agency or act as its own Security Registrar.





                                      -32-
<PAGE>   40
         The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any
         change of the Security Registrar or of the location of such office or
         agency.

                          Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any
         Security at an office or agency of the Company designated pursuant to
         Section 1002 for such purpose, the Company shall execute, and the
         Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, in the
         name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new
         Securities of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate
         principal amount.

                          Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section,
         unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the
         individual Securities represented thereby, a Global Security
         representing all or a portion of the Securities may not be transferred
         except as a whole by the Depositary to a nominee of such Depositary or
         by a nominee of such Depositary to such Depositary or another nominee
         of such Depositary or by such Depositary or any such nominee to a
         successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary.

                          At the option of the Holder, Securities may be
         exchanged for other Securities of any authorized denominations and of
         a like aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to
         be exchanged at such office or agency.  Whenever any Securities are so
         surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee
         shall authenticate and make available for delivery, the Securities
         which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

                          (b)     If at any time the Depositary notifies the
         Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary or if
         at any time the Depositary shall no longer be eligible under Section
         303(c), the Company shall appoint a successor Depositary.  If a
         successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days
         after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such
         ineligibility, the Company will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt
         of a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of individual
         Securities, will authenticate and make available for delivery,
         individual Securities in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
         principal amount of the Global Security or Securities representing the
         Securities in exchange for such Global Security or Securities.

                          The Company may at any time and in its sole
         discretion determine that individual Securities issued in the form of
         one or more Global Securities shall no longer be represented by such
         Global Security or Securities.  In such event the Company will
         execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order for the
         authentication and delivery of individual Securities, will
         authenticate and make available for delivery, individual Securities in
         an





                                      -33-
<PAGE>   41
         aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global
         Security or securities representing the Securities in exchange for
         such Global Security or Securities.

                          The Depositary may surrender a Global Security in
         exchange in whole or in part for individual Securities on such terms
         as are acceptable to the Company and such Depositary. Thereupon, the
         Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make
         available for delivery, without service charge,

                                  (i)      to each Person specified by such
                 Depositary a new individual Security or Securities of any
                 authorized denomination as requested by such Person in
                 aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for such
                 Person's beneficial interest in the Global Security; and

                                  (ii)     to such Depositary a new Global
                 Security in a denomination equal to the difference, if any,
                 between the principal amount of the surrendered Global
                 Security and the aggregate principal amount of individual
                 Securities delivered to Holders thereof.

                                  Upon the exchange of a Global Security for
                 individual Securities in an aggregate principal amount equal
                 to the principal amount of such Global Security, such Global
                 Security shall be cancelled by the Trustee.  Individual
                 Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security pursuant
                 to this Section shall be registered in such names and in such
                 authorized denominations as the Depositary for such Global
                 Security, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect
                 participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee.  The
                 Trustee shall make available for delivery such individual
                 Securities to the Persons in whose names such Securities are
                 so registered.

                          (c)     All Securities issued upon any registration
         of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations
         of the Company evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same
         benefits under this Indenture, as the securities surrendered upon such
         registration of transfer or exchange.

                          Every Security presented or surrendered for
         registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the
         Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a
         written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and
         the Security Registrar duly executed, by the Holder thereof or his
         attorney duly authorized in writing.

                          No service charge shall be made for any registration
         of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require
         payment of a sum





                                      -34-
<PAGE>   42
         sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be
         imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of
         Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 906, 1108,
         1202 or 1404 not involving any transfer.

                          The Company shall not be required

                                  (i)      to issue, register the transfer of
                 or exchange any Security, during a period beginning at the
                 opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a
                 notice of redemption of Securities selected for redemption
                 under Section 1104 and ending at the close of business on the
                 day of such mailing, or

                                  (ii)     to register the transfer of or
                 exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or
                 in part, except the unredeemable portion of any Security being
                 redeemed in part.

                 SECTION 306.  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen
Securities.  If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the
Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for
delivery in exchange therefor a new Security, of like tenor and principal
amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

                 If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (a)
evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any
Security and (b) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save
each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of
notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a
bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its request the Trustee
shall authenticate and make available for delivery, in lieu of any such
destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of like tenor and principal
amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

                 In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security
has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion
may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.

                 Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the
Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other
expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

                 Every new Security issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of
any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional
contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or
stolen Security shall





                                      -35-
<PAGE>   43
be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits
of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities
duly issued hereunder.

                 The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall
preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to
the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

                 SECTION 307.  Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.
Interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly
provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose
name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the
close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest.

                 Any interest on any Security which is payable, but is not
punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (hereinafter
referred to as "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the
Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date, notwithstanding the fact that such
Holder was a Holder on such Regular Record Date, and such Defaulted Interest
may be paid by the Company, at its election, as provided in clause (a) or (b)
below:

                          (a)     The Company may elect to make payment of any
         Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities (or
         their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close
         of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted
         Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner.  The Company
         shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted
         Interest proposed to be paid on each Security and the date of the
         proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with
         the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed
         to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make
         arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the
         date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in
         trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted
         Interest as provided in this clause (a).  Thereupon the Trustee shall
         fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest,
         which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior
         to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after
         the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment.  The
         Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date
         and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice
         of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special
         Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to
         each Holder at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not
         less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date.  Notice of the
         proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record
         Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest





                                      -36-
<PAGE>   44
         shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities (or their
         respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of
         business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable
         pursuant to the following Clause (b).

                          (b)      The Company may make payment of any
         Defaulted Interest in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with
         the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities
         may then be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such
         exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the
         proposed payment pursuant to this clause (b), such manner of payment
         shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

                 Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section and
Section 305, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of
transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the
rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by
such other Security.

                 In the case of any Security which is converted after any
Regular Record Date and on or prior to the next succeeding Interest Payment
Date (other than any Security whose Maturity Date is prior to such Interest
Payment Date), interest whose stated due date is on such Interest Payment Date
shall be payable on such Interest Payment Date notwithstanding such conversion,
and such interest (whether or not punctually paid or duly provided for) shall
be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor
Securities) is registered at the close of business on such Regular Record Date.
Except as otherwise expressly provided in the immediately preceding sentence,
in the case of any Security which is converted, interest whose stated due date
is after the date of conversion of such Security shall not be payable.

                 SECTION 308.  Persons Deemed Owners.  Prior to due presentment
of a Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any
agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such
Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of
receiving payment of principal of and premium, if any, and (subject to Sections
305 and 307) interest on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever,
whether or not any payment due in respect of such Security be overdue, and none
of the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be
affected by notice to the contrary.

                 SECTION 309.  Cancellation.  All Securities surrendered for
payment, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange or conversion shall,
if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the
Trustee and shall be promptly cancelled by it.  The Company may at any time
deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated
and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner
whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee (or any





                                      -37-
<PAGE>   45
other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for cancellation any Securities
previously authenticated hereunder which the Company has not issued and sold,
and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee.  No
Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities
cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this
Indenture. All cancelled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of as
directed by a Company Order; or, if no such Company Order is given within 60
days after notice by the Trustee to the Company of cancellation of such
Securities, then the Trustee may destroy such cancelled Security and, in such
case, the Trustee shall thereafter deliver to the Company a certificate with
respect to such destruction.

                 SECTION 310.  Computation of Interest.  Interest on the
Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of
twelve 30-day months.

                 SECTION 311.  CUSIP Numbers.  The Company in issuing the
Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the
Trustee shall use "CUSIP" numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to
Holders; provided, however, that any such notice may state that no
representation is made as to the correctness of such "CUSIP" numbers either as
printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and
that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on
the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in
or omission of such "CUSIP" numbers.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                           SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

                 SECTION 401.  Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.  This
Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect (except as
to any surviving rights of conversion, registration of transfer or exchange of
Securities herein expressly provided for) and the Trustee, on demand of and at
the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when

                          (a)     either

                                  (i)      all Securities theretofore
                 authenticated and delivered (other than (A) Securities which
                 have been mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen and which have
                 been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 and (B)
                 Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been
                 deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the
                 Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged
                 from such





                                      -38-
<PAGE>   46
                          trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been 
                          delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

                                 (ii)    all such Securities not theretofore 
                          delivered to the Trustee for cancellation

                                         (A)     have become due and payable, or

                                         (B)     will become due and payable 
                          at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

                                        (C)      are to be called for redemption
                          within one year under arrangements satisfactory to
                          the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by
                          the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the
                          Company,

and the Company, in the case of clause (A), (B) or (C) above, has deposited or
caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose
an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness in respect of
Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for
principal of and premium, if any, and interest on such Securities to the date
of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable)
or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;

                          (b)     the Company has paid or caused to be paid 
         all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and

                          (c)     the Company has delivered to the Trustee an
         Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all
         conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction
         and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

                 Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this
Indenture, the obligations of the Company in Sections 305, 306, 607, 608, 702,
1001, 1002 and 1003 and in Article XII shall survive until the Securities are
no longer outstanding.

                 SECTION 402.  Application of Trust Money.  Subject to the
provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money deposited with the
Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in
accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the
payment to the Persons entitled thereto, either directly or through any Paying
Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may
determine, of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the
Securities for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee.
All moneys deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 (and held





                                      -39-
<PAGE>   47
by it or any Paying Agent) for the payment of Securities subsequently converted
shall be returned to the Company upon Company Request.


                                   ARTICLE V

                                    REMEDIES

                 SECTION 501.  Events of Default.  The term "Event of Default,"
wherever used herein, means any one of the following events (whatever the
reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be occasioned by the
provisions of Article XIII or be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by
operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order or any court or
any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

                          (a)     default in the payment of the principal of or
         premium, if any, on, or the Redemption Price of, any Security when the
         same becomes due and payable at its Maturity Date, whether or not such
         payment is prohibited by Article XIII; or

                          (b)     default in the payment of any interest upon
         any Security when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such
         default for a period of 30 days, whether or not such payment is
         prohibited by Article XIII; or

                          (c)     default in the performance, or breach, of any
         covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a
         covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is
         elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with), and continuance of
         such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been
         given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee
         or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in
         principal amount of the Outstanding Securities a written notice
         specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and
         stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or

                          (d)     a default under any mortgage, indenture or
         instrument under which there may be issued, or by which there may be
         secured or evidenced, any indebtedness of the Company in excess of
         $10,000,000 either for borrowed money or representing any Senior
         Indebtedness (other than indebtedness which is nonrecourse to the
         Company beyond the property securing such indebtedness), resulting in
         the acceleration of such indebtedness prior to its express maturity;
         provided, however, that if such default under such mortgage, indenture
         or instrument shall be remedied or cured by the Company or waived by
         the holders of such indebtedness, then the Event of Default hereunder
         by reason thereof shall be deemed likewise to have been thereupon





                                      -40-
<PAGE>   48
         remedied, cured or waived without further action upon the part of
         either the Trustee or any of the Holders of the Securities; and
         provided, further, that the Trustee (subject to Sections 601 and 602)
         shall not have any rights, duties, liabilities or responsibilities
         with respect to such default unless and until the Trustee shall have
         received written notice thereof at the Corporate Trust Office from the
         Company, the trustee under any such mortgage, indenture or instrument,
         the holder or holders of any such indebtedness or the agent of any
         such holder or holders or the Holder or Holders of any Outstanding
         Securities; or

                          (e)     a decree or order by a court having
         jurisdiction in the premises shall have been entered adjudging the
         Company as bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a
         petition seeking reorganization of the Company under any Bankruptcy
         Law, and such decree or order shall have continued undischarged and
         unstayed for a period of 60 days; or a decree or order of a court
         having jurisdiction in the premises for the appointment of a receiver
         or liquidator or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency of
         the Company or of its property, or for the winding up or liquidation
         of its affairs, shall have been entered, and such decree or order
         shall have remained in force undischarged and unstayed for a period of
         60 days; or

                          (f)     the Company shall institute proceedings to be
         adjudicated a voluntary bankrupt, or shall consent to the filing of a
         bankruptcy proceeding against it, or shall file a petition or answer
         or consent seeking reorganization under any Bankruptcy Law, or shall
         consent to the filing of any such petition, or shall consent to the
         appointment of a receiver or liquidator or trustee or assignee in
         bankruptcy or insolvency of it or of its property, or shall make an
         assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall admit in writing its
         inability to pay its debts generally as they become due.

                 Notwithstanding the 60-day period and notice requirement
contained in Section 501(c) above, with respect to a default under Article XIV:
(i) the 60-day period referred to in Section 501(c) shall be deemed to have
begun as of the date the Change of Control Notice is required to be sent in the
event the Change of Control Notice indicates (or would, if sent, indicate) that
the Company has not timely complied with the covenant in the second sentence of
Section 1401(a), and either (a) the Holders duly elect to have at least 25% in
principal amount of Outstanding Securities repurchased in accordance with the
requirements of Article XIV, or (b) the Holders of at least 25% in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities or the Trustee thereafter gives the Notice
of Default to the Company, and if applicable, the Trustee, referred to in
Section 501(c); and (ii) if the breach or default is a result of a default in
the payment when due of the Change of Control Purchase Price on the Change of
Control Purchase Date, such default shall arise on the Change of Control
Purchase Date, provided that either (a) the Holders duly elect to have at least
25% in principal amount of Outstanding Securities





                                      -41-
<PAGE>   49
repurchased in accordance with the requirements of Article XIV, or (b) the
Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities or
the Trustee thereafter gives the Notice of Default to the Company, and if
applicable, the Trustee, referred to in Section 501(c).

                 "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, United States Code, or any
similar Federal or state law for the relief of debtors.

                 SECTION 502.  Acceleration of Maturity Date; Rescission and
Annulment.  If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in
Section 501(e) or 501(f)) occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case
the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities may declare the principal of all the Securities to be
due and payable, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if
given by Holders), and upon the earlier of (a) the fifth Business Day after
receipt by the Company (and the Trustee if given by Holders) of any such
written notice and (b) a default in the payment of principal, or an
acceleration of Indebtedness under any Senior Indebtedness or upon any earlier
time as such principal under any Senior Indebtedness shall become immediately
due and payable, such principal shall become immediately due and payable.  If
an Event of Default specified in Section 501(e) or 501(f) occurs, all unpaid
principal and accrued interest on the Securities then outstanding shall become
and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the
part of the Trustee or any Holder.

                 In the event of a declaration of acceleration under this
Indenture because an Event of Default set forth in Section 501(d) has occurred
and is continuing, such declaration of acceleration under this Indenture shall
be automatically annulled if the holders of the accelerated indebtedness
described in Section 501(d) have rescinded their declaration of acceleration in
respect of such indebtedness within 90 days thereof and no other Event of
Default has occurred during such 90-day period which has not been cured or
waived.

                 At any time after such a declaration of acceleration has been
made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been
obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article V provided, the Holders
of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, by written
notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration
and its consequences if the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a
sum sufficient to pay:

                          (a)     all overdue interest on all Securities,

                          (b)     the principal of and premium, if any, on any
         Securities which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of
         acceleration and interest thereon at the rate borne by the Securities,





                                      -42-
<PAGE>   50
                          (c)     to the extent that payment of such interest
         is lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate borne by the
         Securities, and

                          (d)     all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee
         hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and
         advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and

                          (e)     all Events of Default, other than the
         non-payment of the principal of Securities which have become due
         solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived
         as provided in Section 513.

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right
consequent thereon.

                 SECTION 503.  Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for
Enforcement by Trustee.  The Company covenants that if

                          (a)     default is made in the payment of any
         interest on any Security when such interest becomes due and payable
         and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or

                          (b)     default is made in the payment of the
         principal of or premium, if any, on any Security at the Maturity Date
         thereof, including the payment of the Redemption Price on any
         Redemption Date,

the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the
Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such
Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, and, to the extent
that payment of such interest shall be lawful, interest on any overdue
principal (and premium, if any) and on any overdue interest, at the rate borne
by the Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be
sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee,
its agents and counsel.

                 If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such
demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust in
addition to the remedies specified in Section 502, may institute a judicial
proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such
proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the
Company or any other obligor upon the Securities and collect the moneys
adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the
property of the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities, wherever
situated.





                                      -43-
<PAGE>   51
                 If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee,
in addition to the remedies specified in Section 502, may in its discretion
proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders by such
appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effective to
protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of
any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any
power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

                 SECTION 504.  Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.  In case of
any judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the
Securities, their property or their creditors, the Trustee shall be entitled
and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and
all actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in order to have claims of
the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding.  In particular, the
Trustee shall be authorized to collect and receive any moneys or other property
payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any
custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other
similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each
Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee
shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to
the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any
other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607.

                 Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the
Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder
any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, or composition affecting
the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee
to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

                 SECTION 505.  Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of
Securities.  All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the
Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession
of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating
thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in
its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment
shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation,
expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be
for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which
such judgment has been recovered.

                 SECTION 506.  Application of Money Collected.  Subject to
Article  XIII, any money collected  by the Trustee pursuant to this Article V
shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the
Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal,
premium, if any, or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the
notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender
thereof if fully paid:





                                      -44-
<PAGE>   52
                 FIRST:  To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under
         Section 607;

                 SECOND:  To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for
         principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities in
         respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been
         collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind,
         according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for
         principal, premium, if any, and interest, respectively; and

                 THIRD:  The balance, if any, to the Company.

                 SECTION 507.  Limitation on Suits.  No Holder of any Security
shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with
respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or
for any other remedy hereunder, unless

                          (a)     such Holder has previously given written 
         notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default;

                          (b)     the Holders of not less than 25% in principal
         amount of the outstanding Securities shall have made written request
         to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of
         Defaults in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

                          (c)     such Holder or Holders have offered to the
         Trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and
         liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

                          (d)     the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of
         such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute
         any such proceeding; and

                          (e)     no direction inconsistent with such written
         request has been given to the Trustee during such 60- day period by
         the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
         Securities; it being understood and intended that no one or more
         Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or
         by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or
         prejudice the rights of any other Holders, or to obtain or to seek to
         obtain priority or preference over any other Holders or to enforce any
         right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and
         for the equal and ratable benefit of all the Holders.

                 SECTION 508.  Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive
Principal, Premium and Interest and to Convert.  Notwithstanding any other
provision in this





                                      -45-
<PAGE>   53
Indenture but subject to the provisions of Article XIII, the Holder of any
Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive
payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and (subject to Sections 305
and 307) interest on such Security on the respective Stated Maturities of such
payments as expressed in such Security (and in the case of redemption, the
Redemption Price on the applicable Redemption Date) and to convert such
Security in accordance with Article XII and to institute suit for the
enforcement of any such payment and right to convert, and such rights shall not
be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

                 SECTION 509.  Restoration of Rights and Remedies.  If the
Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or
remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or
abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to
such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such
proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored
severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter
all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though
no such proceeding had been instituted.

                 SECTION 510.  Rights and Remedies Cumulative.  Except as
otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section 306, no
right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the
Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every
right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in
addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter
existing at law or in equity or otherwise.  The assertion or employment of any
right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent
assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

                 SECTION 511.  Delay or Omission Not Waiver.  No delay or
omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Security to exercise any right
or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or
remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence
therein.  Every right and remedy given by this Article V or by law to the
Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as
may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

                 SECTION 512.  Control by Holders.  The Holders of a majority
in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities shall have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the
Trustee; provided, however, that

                          (a)     such direction shall not be in conflict with 
         any rule of law or with this Indenture, and





                                      -46-
<PAGE>   54
                          (b)     the Trustee may take any other action deemed
         proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

                 SECTION 513.  Waiver of Past Default.  The Holders of not less
than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities may on behalf
of the Holders of all the Securities waive any past default hereunder and its
consequences, except a default

                          (a)     in the payment of the principal of or
         premium, if any or interest on any Security as specified in clauses
         (a) and (b) of Section 501,

                          (b)     in respect of a covenant or provision hereof
         which under Article IX cannot he modified or amended without the
         consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected or

                          (c)     in respect of the right of a Holder of any
         Security to convert such Security in accordance with Article XII.

                 Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and
any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for
every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any
subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

                 SECTION 514.  Undertaking for Costs.  In any suit for the
enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against
the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, a court
may require any party litigant in such suit to file an undertaking to pay the
costs of such suit, and may assess costs against any such party litigant, in
the manner and to the extent provided in the Trust Indenture Act; provided that
neither this Section nor the Trust Indenture Act shall be deemed to authorize
any court to require such undertaking or to make such an assessment in any suit
instituted by the Company or in connection with any suit for the enforcement of
the right to convert any Security in accordance with the terms hereof.

                 SECTION 515.  Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.  The Company
covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any
time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the
benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at
any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance
of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so)
hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants
that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein
granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such
power as though no such law had been enacted.





                                      -47-
<PAGE>   55
                                   ARTICLE VI

                                  THE TRUSTEE

                 SECTION 601.  Certain Duties and Responsibilities.  The duties
and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture
Act.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall
require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any
financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in
the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable
grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity
against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

                 Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision
of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or
affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this
Section.

                 SECTION 602.  Notice of Default.  If a default occurs
hereunder with respect to Securities, the Trustee shall give the Holders of the
Securities notice of such default as and to the extent provided by the Trust
Indenture Act; provided, however, that in the case of any default of the
character specified in Section 501(c), no such notice to Holders shall be given
until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof.  For the purpose of this
Section, the term "default" means any event which is, or after notice or lapse
of time or both would become, an Event of Default.

                 SECTION 603.  Certain Rights of Trustee.  Subject to the
provisions of Section 601:

                          (a)     the Trustee may rely and shall be protected
         in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate,
         statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
         consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness
         or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have
         been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

                          (b)     any request, direction, order or demand of
         the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a
         Company Request or Company Order, and any resolution of the Board of
         Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;

                          (c)     whenever in the administration of this
         Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved
         or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action
         hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically
         prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an
         Officers' Certificate;





                                      -48-
<PAGE>   56
                          (d)     the Trustee may consult with counsel and the
         written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full
         and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action
         taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in
         reliance thereon;

                          (e)     the Trustee shall be under no obligation to
         exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at
         the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this
         Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee
         security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities
         which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or
         direction which shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;

                          (f)     the Trustee shall not be bound to make any
         investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution,
         certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
         direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of
         indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its
         discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such
         facts or matters as it may see fit; provided, however, that the
         Trustee shall not thereby be deemed to be required to act or be held
         to any higher duty of care than existed prior to such inquiry; and

                          (g)     the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or
         powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by
         or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be
         responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent
         or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.

                 SECTION 604.  Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of
Securities.  The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the
Trustee's certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of
the Company, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever
for their correctness.  The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity
or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities.  The Trustee shall not
be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the
proceeds thereof.

                 SECTION 605.  May Hold Securities.  The Trustee, any
Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar or any other
agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the
owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 608 and 613, may
otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were
not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such
other agent.

                 SECTION 606.  Money Held in Trust.  Money held by the Trustee
in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent
required





                                      -49-
<PAGE>   57
by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money
received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed in writing with the
Company.

                 SECTION 607.  Compensation and Reimbursement. The Company
agrees:

                          (a)     to pay to the Trustee from time to time such
         reasonable compensation as the Company and the Trustee shall from time
         to time agree upon in writing for all services rendered by it
         hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of
         law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);

                          (b)     except as otherwise expressly provided
         herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable
         expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee
         in accordance with the Trustee's performance of this Indenture
         (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and
         disbursements of its non-employee agents and counsel), except any such
         expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its
         negligence or willful misconduct; and

                          (c)     to indemnify each of the Trustee or any
         predecessor Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any and all
         loss, damage, claims, liability or expense incurred without negligence
         or willful misconduct on its part, arising out of or in connection
         with the acceptance or administration of this trust, including the
         costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability
         in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or
         duties hereunder, except those attributable to its negligence or
         willful misconduct.  This obligation shall survive the maturity of the
         Securities.

                 The Trustee shall have a claim prior to the Securities as to
all property and funds properly held by it hereunder for any amount owing it or
any predecessor Trustee pursuant to this Section 607, except with respect to
funds held in trust for the benefit of the Holders of particular Securities.

                 When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in
connection with an Event of Default specified in Section 501(e) or Section
501(f), the expenses (including the reasonable charges and expenses of its
counsel) and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute
expenses of administration under any applicable Federal or state bankruptcy,
insolvency or other similar law.

                 The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination 
of this Indenture.





                                      -50-
<PAGE>   58
                 SECTION 608.  Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.  If the
Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the
Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or
resign, to the extant and in the manner provided by, and subject to the
provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture.

                 SECTION 609.  Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.  There
shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall (a) be a corporation
organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America,
any State thereof or the District of Columbia, (b) authorized under such laws
to exercise corporate trust powers, (c) have a combined capital and surplus of
at least $50,000,000 (or, in the case of the initial Trustee hereunder, have a
combined capital and surplus meeting the requirements of the Trust Indenture
Act and be a wholly owned subsidiary of a Person that would otherwise meet the
eligibility requirements of this Section), and (iv) be subject to supervision
or examination by Federal or state authority.  If such corporation publishes
reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements
of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this
Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed
to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report
of condition so published.  If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be
eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign
immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this
Article VI.  The Trustee shall comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 310(b).

                 SECTION 610.  Resignation and Removal, Appointment of
Successor.

                          (a)     No resignation or removal of the Trustee and
         no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall
         become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor
         Trustee under Section 611.

                          (b)     The Trustee may resign at any time by giving
         written notice thereof to the Company.  If an instrument of acceptance
         by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 shall not have been
         delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such
         notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of
         competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

                          (c)     The Trustee may be removed at any time by Act
         of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
         Securities, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.

                          (d)     If at any time:





                                      -51-
<PAGE>   59
                                  (i)      the Trustee shall fail to comply
                 with Section 608 after written request therefor by the Company
                 or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security
                 for at least six months, or

                                  (ii)      the Trustee shall cease to be
                 eligible under Section 609 and shall fail to resign after
                 written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder,
                 or

                                  (iii)    the Trustee shall become incapable
                 of acting or shall be judged a bankrupt or insolvent or a
                 receiver of the Trustee or of its properly shall be appointed
                 or any public officer shall take charge or control of the
                 Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of
                 rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,

then, in any such case, (A) the Company may remove the Trustee with respect to
all Securities, or (ii) subject to Section 514, any Holder who has been a bona
fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and
all other similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for
the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

                          (e)     If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or
         become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office
         of Trustee for any cause, the Company shall promptly appoint a
         successor Trustee.  If, within one year after such resignation,
         removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a
         successor Trustee shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a
         majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities delivered
         to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so
         appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in
         accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611, become the
         successor Trustee and supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the
         Company.  If no successor Trustee shall have been so appointed by the
         Company or the Holders and accepted appointment in the manner
         hereinafter provided, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a
         Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all
         others similarly situated, petition any court of competent
         jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

                          (f)     The Company shall give notice of each
         resignation and each removal of the Trustee and each appointment of a
         successor Trustee by mailing written notice of such event by
         first-class mail, postage prepaid, to all Holders as their names and
         addresses appear in the Security Register.  Each notice shall include
         the name of the successor Trustee and the address of its Corporate
         Trust Office.





                                      -52-
<PAGE>   60
                 SECTION 611.  Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.  Every
successor Trustee appointed hereunder shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to
the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such
appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee
shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act,
deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and
duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on request of the Company or the successor
Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges pursuant to
Section 607, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor
Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall
duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and
money hold by such retiring Trustee hereunder.  Upon request of any such
successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more
fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all
such rights, powers and trusts.

                 No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at
the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and
eligible under this Article VI.

                 SECTION 612.  Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession
to Business.  Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted
or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any
merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or
any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust
business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder,
provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this
Article VI, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on
the part of any of the parties hereto.  In case any Securities shall have been
authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor
by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt
such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same
effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities.

                 SECTION 613.  Preferential Collection of Claims Against
Company.  If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company
(or any other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims
against the Company (or any such other obligor).

                 SECTION 614.  Appointment of Authenticating Agent.  The
Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents acceptable to the Company
which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate
Securities issued upon original issue and upon exchange, registration of
transfer, partial conversion or partial redemption or pursuant to Section 306,
and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this
Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if





                                      -53-
<PAGE>   61
authenticated by the Trustee hereunder.  Wherever reference is made in this
Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or
the Trustee's certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to
include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an
Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of
the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent.

                 Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company
and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the
laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of
Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a
combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to
supervision or examination by Federal or State authority.  If such
Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant
to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then
for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such
Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as
set forth in its most recent report of condition so published.  If at any time
an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately
in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.

                 Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be
merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation
resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such
Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or
substantially all of the corporate agency or corporate trust business of such
Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent, provided
such corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the
execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee,
the Company or such Authenticating Agent.

                 An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving
written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company.  The Trustee may at
any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written
notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company.  Upon receiving
such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time
such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating
Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall mail written notice of
such appointment by first- class mail, postage prepaid, to all Holders of
Securities, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register.  Any
successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder
shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor
hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent.
No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the
provisions of this Section.





                                      -54-
<PAGE>   62
                 The Company agrees to pay each Authenticating Agent, as
appointed from time to time, such reasonable fees as may be agreed to in
writing with the Company, for services rendered under this Section 614.

                 If an appointment is made pursuant to this Section, the
Securities may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee's certificates
of authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication in the following
form:

                 This is one of the Securities described in the within
mentioned Indenture.

Dated:
                                  TEXAS COMMERCE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
                                           as Trustee


                                  By:___________________________________________
                                               As Authenticating Agent


                                  By:___________________________________________
                                                Authorized Signatory


                                  ARTICLE VII

                           HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS
                             BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

                 SECTION 701.  Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses
of Holders.

                 The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the
Trustee:

                          (a)     semi-annually, not more than 10 days after
         each Regular Record Date, a list, in such form as the Trustee may
         reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of
         such Regular Record Date, and

                          (b)     at such other times as the Trustee may
         request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of
         any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not
         more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished;

excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its
capacity as Security Registrar or Paying Agent.





                                      -55-
<PAGE>   63
                 SECTION 702.  Preservation of Information; Communications to
Holders.

                          (a)     The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a
         form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders
         contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided
         in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the
         Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar or Paying Agent.  The
         Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section
         701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

                          (b)     The rights of Holders to communicate with
         other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or
         under the Securities, and the corresponding rights and privileges of
         the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act.

                          (c)     Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and
         holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither
         the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of any of them shall be held
         accountable by reason of the disclosure of any such information as to
         the names and addresses of the Holders in accordance with Section
         702(b), regardless of the source from which such information was
         derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held accountable by reason
         of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under Section
         702(b).

                 SECTION 703.  Reports by Trustee. The Trustee shall transmit
to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this
Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times
and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.

                 A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such
transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon
which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and the Company.

                 SECTION 704.  Reports by Company.

                 The Company shall:

                          (a)     file with the Trustee, within 15 days after
         the Company is required to file the same with the Commission, copies
         of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other
         reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the
         Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe)
         which the Company may be required to file with the Commission pursuant
         to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; or, if the Company
         is not required to file information, documents or reports





                                      -56-
<PAGE>   64
         pursuant to either of said Sections, then it shall file with the
         Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations
         prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the
         supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports which
         may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act in respect
         of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange
         as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations;

                          (b)     file with the Trustee and the Commission, in
         accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by
         the Commission, such additional information, documents and reports
         with respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and
         covenants of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by
         such rules and regulations, including, in the case of annual reports,
         if required by such rules and regulations, certificates or opinions of
         independent public accountants, conforming to the requirements of
         Section 102 of this Indenture; and

                          (c)     transmit by mail to all Holders, as their
         names and addresses appear in the Security Register, within 30 days
         after the filing thereof with the Trustee, such summaries of any
         information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Company
         pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section as may be required
         by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the
         Commission.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

              CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

                 SECTION 801.  Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain
Terms.  The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person
or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety to any Person, unless:

                          (a)     the Person formed by such consolidation or
         into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by
         conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of
         the Company substantially as an entirety shall be a corporation,
         partnership or trust organized and validly existing under the laws of
         the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of
         Columbia and shall have expressly assumed, by an indenture
         supplemental hereto, executed and delivered by the successor Person to
         the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual
         payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all
         the Securities and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture
         on the part of the Company to





                                      -57-
<PAGE>   65
         be performed or observed by it and shall have provided for conversion
         rights in accordance with Article XII;

                          (b)     immediately after giving effect to such
         transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or
         lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have
         occurred and be continuing; and

                          (c)     the Company shall have delivered to the
         Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each
         stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease
         and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such
         transaction, such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and
         that all conditions precedent provided for herein relating to such
         transaction have been complied with.

                 SECTION 802.  Successor Substituted for Company.  Upon any
consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other
Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the
Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section 801, the
successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is
merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to,
and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company
under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been
named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the
predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under
this Indenture and the Securities.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                            SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

                 SECTION 901.  Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of
Holders.  Without the consent of any Holders, the Company and the Trustee, at
any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures
supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the
following purposes:

                          (a)     to evidence the succession of another Person
         to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the
         covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities in accordance
         with Article VIII; or

                          (b)     to add to the covenants of the Company for
         the benefit of the Holders, or to surrender any right or power herein
         conferred upon the Company; or

                          (c)     to secure the Securities; or





                                      -58-
<PAGE>   66
                          (d)     to make provision with respect to the
         conversion rights of Holders pursuant to the requirements of Section
         1211; or

                          (e)     to evidence and provide for the acceptance of
         appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the
         Securities; or

                          (f)     to cure any ambiguity, to correct or
         supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any
         other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect
         to matters or questions arising under this Indenture which shall not
         be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture; provided,
         however, that such action pursuant to this clause (f) shall not
         adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any material respect.

                 SECTION 902.  Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.
Subject to Section 508, with the consent of the Holders of not less than a
majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, by Act of said
Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company and the Trustee
may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose
of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the
provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the
Holders under this Indenture.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such
supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each
Outstanding Security affected thereby:

                          (a)     change the Stated Maturity of the principal
         of, or the stated due date of any installment of interest on, any
         Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of
         interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof,
         or change the coin or currency in which any Security or any premium or
         the interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit
         for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated
         Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the
         Redemption Date), or adversely affect the right of a Holder to convert
         any Security as provided in Article XII, or modify the provisions of
         this Indenture with respect to the subordination of the Securities in
         a manner adverse to the Holders, or

                          (b)     reduce the percentage in principal amount of
         the Outstanding Securities, the consent of whose Holders is required
         for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders
         is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of
         this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences)
         provided for in this Indenture, or

                          (c)     modify any of the provisions of this Section
         or Section 513 or Section 1009, except to increase any such percentage
         or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot
         be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each
         Outstanding Security affected thereby.





                                      -59-
<PAGE>   67
                 It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this
Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture,
but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

                 After a supplemental indenture under this Section becomes
effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders affected thereby a notice
briefly describing the supplemental indenture.  Any failure of the Company to
mail such notice, or defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or
affect the validity of such supplemental indenture.

                 SECTION 903.  Execution Supplemental Indentures.  In
executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental
indenture permitted by this Article IX or the modifications thereby of the
trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and
(subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion
of Counsel of the Company stating that the execution of such supplemental
indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.  The Trustee may, but
shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which
affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or
otherwise.

                 SECTION 904.  Effect of Supplemental Indentures.  Upon the
execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article IX, this Indenture
shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture
shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of
Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder
shall be bound thereby.

                 SECTION 905.  Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.  Every
supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the
requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

                 SECTION 906.  Reference in Securities to Supplemental
Indentures.  Securities authenticated and delivered after the execution of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article IX may, and shall if required
by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any
matter provided for in such supplemental indenture.  If the Company shall so
determine, new Securities so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the
Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and
executed by the Company, and authenticated and made available for delivery by
the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities.





                                      -60-
<PAGE>   68
                                   ARTICLE X

                                   COVENANTS

                 SECTION 1001.  Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.
The Company covenants and agrees that it will duly and punctually pay the
principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities and the
Redemption Price and Change of Control Purchase Price as and when due, in
accordance with the terms of the Securities and this Indenture.

                 The Company shall pay interest on overdue amounts at the rate
set forth in the Securities, and it shall pay interest on overdue interest at
the same rate compounded semiannually (to the extent that the payment of such
interest shall be lawful), which interest on overdue interest shall accrue from
the date such amounts became overdue.

                 SECTION 1002.  Maintenance of Office or Agency.  The Company
will maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York an office or
agency where Securities may be presented or surrendered for payment, where
Securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, where
Securities may be surrendered for conversion and where notices and demands to
or upon the Company in respect of the Securities and this Indenture may be
served.  The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the
location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency.  If at any
time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or
shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations,
surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust
Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent
to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

                 The Company may also from time to time designate one or more
other offices or agencies (in or outside the Borough of Manhattan, the City of
New York) where the Securities may be presented or surrendered for any or all
such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided,
however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the
Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of
Manhattan, the City of New York for such purposes.  The Company will give
prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and
of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

                 SECTION 1003.  Money for Security Payments to Be Held in
Trust.  If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent, it will,
on or before each due date of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest
on any of the Securities, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the
Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal, premium, if
any, or interest so becoming due until such





                                      -61-
<PAGE>   69
sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided
and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

                 Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents, it
will, on or prior to each due date of the principal of and premium, if any, or
interest on any Securities, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay
the principal, premium, if any, or interest so becoming due, such sum to be
held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal,
premium, if any, or interest, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the
Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

                 The Company will cause each Paying Agent other than the
Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such
Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this
Section, that such Paying Agent will:

                          (a)     hold all sums held by it for the payment of
         the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on Securities in
         trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums
         shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein
         provided;

                          (b)     give the Trustee notice of any default by the
         Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities) in the making of
         any payment of principal and premium, if any, or interest; and

                          (c)     at any time during the continuance of any
         such default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay
         to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent.

                 The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or
by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held
in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the
Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the
Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the
Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with
respect to such money.

                 Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or
then held by the Company in trust for the payment of the principal of and
premium, if any, or interest on any Security and remaining unclaimed for two
years after such principal, premium, if any, or interest has become due and
payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by
the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such
Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the
Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying
Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as





                                      -62-
<PAGE>   70
trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or
such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the
expense of the Company cause to be published once, in a newspaper customarily
published on each Business Day and of general circulation in the Borough of
Manhattan, the City of New York, notice that such money remains unclaimed and
that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from
the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then
remaining will be repaid to the Company.

                 SECTION 1004.  Statements of Officers of Company as to
Default; Notice of Default.

                          (a)     The Company will deliver to the Trustee,
         within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company
         ending after the date hereof, a certificate, signed by the principal
         executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting
         officer, stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signers
         thereof the Company is in default (without regard to periods of grace
         or requirements of notice) in the performance and observance of any of
         the terms, provisions and conditions hereof, and if the Company shall
         be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status
         thereof of which they may have knowledge.

                          (b)     The Company shall file with the Trustee
         written notice of the occurrence of any default or Event of Default
         within five Business Days of its becoming aware of any such default or
         Event of Default.

                 SECTION 1005.  Existence.  The Company will do or cause to be
done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its
existence, material rights (charter and statutory) and material franchises;
provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such
right or franchise if its Board of Directors shall determine that the
preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of
the Company; and provided further that a transaction that complies with Article
VIII shall not be deemed a breach of this Section 1005.

                 SECTION 1006.  Maintenance of Properties.  The Company will
cause all material properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or
the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition,
repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will
cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and
improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company, may be necessary
so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and
advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this
Section shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the operation or
maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the
judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its





                                      -63-
<PAGE>   71
business or the business of any Subsidiary and could not reasonably be expected
to have a material adverse effect on the business and operations of the
Company.

                 SECTION 1007.  Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.  The Company
shall pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall
become delinquent, (a) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges
(including withholding taxes and any penalties, interest and additions to
taxes) levied or imposed upon the Company or any Subsidiary or upon the income,
profits or property of the Company or any Subsidiary and (b) all material
lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law
become a lien upon the property of the Company or any Subsidiary, unless the
failure to pay or discharge any such tax, assessment, charge or claim would not
have a material adverse effect on the business and operations of the Company
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; provided, however, that the Company
shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any
such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity
is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which
adequate reserves in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
have been made.

                 SECTION 1008.  Further Instruments and Acts.  Upon request of
the Trustee, the Company will execute and deliver such further instruments and
perform such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out
more effectively the purposes of this Indenture.

                 SECTION 1009.  Waiver of Certain Covenants. The Company may
omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition
set forth in this Article X (other than Sections 1001 through 1004, inclusive),
if before the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority (or
such greater amount as may be specified in any such term, provision or
condition) in principal amount of the outstanding Securities shall, by Act of
such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive
compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall
extend to or affect such term, provision or condition, except to the extent so
expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the
obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such
term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.


                                   ARTICLE XI

                            REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

                 SECTION 1101.  Right Of Redemption.  The Securities may be
redeemed at the election of the Company, as a whole or from time to time in
part, at any time on or after March 31, 1997, at the Redemption Prices
specified in the form of Security hereinbefore set forth, together with accrued
interest to the Redemption Date.





                                      -64-
<PAGE>   72
                 SECTION 1102.  Applicability of Article.  Redemption of
Securities at the election of the Company, as permitted by any provision of the
Securities or this Indenture, shall be made in accordance with such provision
and this Article XI.

                 SECTION 1103.  Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee. The
election of the Company to redeem any Securities pursuant to Section 1101 shall
be evidenced by a Board Resolution.  In case of any redemption at the election
of the Company of less than all the Securities, the Company shall, at least 35
days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter period
shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption
Date and of the principal amount of Securities to be redeemed.

                 SECTION 1104.  Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be
Redeemed.  If less than all the Securities are to be redeemed, the particular
Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the
Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities not previously
called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem appropriate and
fair and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal
to $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of
Securities.

                 If any Security selected for partial redemption is converted
in part before termination of the conversion right with respect to the portion
of the Security so selected, the converted portion of such Security shall be
deemed (so far as may be) to be the portion selected for redemption.
Securities which have been converted during a selection of Securities to be
redeemed shall be treated by the Trustee as Outstanding for the purpose of such
selection.

                 The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and each
Security Registrar in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in
the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal
amount thereof to be redeemed.

                 For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context
otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities
shall relate, in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in
part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been
or is to be redeemed.

                 SECTION 1105.  Notice of Redemption.  Notice of redemption
shall be  mailed not less than 20 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption
Date to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed at his address appearing in
the Security Register.

                 All notices of redemption shall state:

                          (a)     the Redemption Date,





                                      -65-
<PAGE>   73
                          (b)     the Redemption Price,

                          (c)     if less than all the Outstanding Securities
         are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial
         redemption, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be
         redeemed,

                          (d)     that on the Redemption Date the Redemption
         Price will become due and payable upon each such Security to be
         redeemed and that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after
         that date,

                          (e)     the conversion price, and any adjustments
         thereto, the date on which the right to convert the principal of the
         Securities to be redeemed will terminate and the place or places where
         such Securities may be surrendered for conversion,

                          (f)     the place or places where such Securities are
         to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price, and

                          (g)     the CUSIP number of the Securities to be 
         redeemed.

                 Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the
election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's
request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

                 SECTION 1106.  Deposit of Redemption Price.  At least one
Business Day prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying
Agent, the Company shall segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section
1003) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (unless
the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all
the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date other than any Securities
called for redemption on that date which have been converted prior to the date
of such deposit.

                 If any Security called for redemption is converted, any money
deposited with the Trustee or with any Paying Agent or so segregated and held
in trust for the redemption of such Security shall (subject to any right of the
Holder of such Security or any Predecessor Security to receive interest as
provided in the last paragraph of Section 307) be paid to the Company upon
Company Request or, if then held by the Company, shall be discharged from such
trust.

                 SECTION 1107.  Securities Payable on Redemption Date.  Notice
of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed
shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price
therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall
default in the





                                      -66-
<PAGE>   74
payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such Securities shall
cease to bear interest.  Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in
accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the
Redemption Price, together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date;
provided, however, that installments of interest whose stated due date is on or
prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such
Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the
close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the
provisions of Section 307.

                 If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid
upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal of and premium, if any, on
such Security shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the
rate borne by the Security.

                 SECTION 1108.  Securities Redeemed in Part.  Any Security
which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at an office or
agency of the Company designated for that purpose pursuant to Section 1002
(with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a
written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the
Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in
writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and
make available for delivery to the Holder of such Security, without service
charge, a new Security or Securities of any authorized denomination as
requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in
exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so
surrendered; provided, however, that if a Global Security is so surrendered,
the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make
available for delivery to the Depositary for such Global Security, without
service charge, a new Global Security in a denomination equal to and in
exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Global Security so
surrendered.


                                  ARTICLE XII

                            CONVERSION OF SECURITIES

                 SECTION 1201.  Conversion Privilege and Conversion Price.
Subject to and upon compliance with the provisions of this Article, at the
option of the Holder thereof, any Security or any portion of the principal
amount thereof which is $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 may be
converted into fully paid and nonassessable shares of the Common Stock of the
Company, at the conversion price, determined as hereinafter provided, in effect
at the time of conversion.  Such conversion right shall expire at the close of
business on March 31, 2001.  In case a Security or portion thereof is called
for redemption, such conversion right in respect of the Security or portion so
called shall expire at the close of business on the fifth Business Day





                                      -67-
<PAGE>   75
preceding the Redemption Date, unless the Company defaults in making the
payment due upon redemption.

                 The price at which shares of Common Stock shall be delivered
upon conversion (hereinafter referred to as the "conversion price") shall be
initially $_____ per share of Common Stock.  The conversion price shall be
adjusted in certain instances as provided in Section 1204.

                 In case the Company shall, by dividend or otherwise, declare
or make a distribution on its Common Stock referred to in paragraph (d) or (e)
of Section 1204, the Holder of each Security, upon the conversion thereof
pursuant to this Article subsequent to the close of business on the date fixed
for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution and
prior to the effectiveness of the conversion price adjustment in respect of
such distribution pursuant to paragraph (d) or (e) of Section 1204, shall be
entitled to receive for each share of Common Stock into which such Security is
converted, the portion of the evidences of indebtedness, shares of capital
stock, cash or assets so distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock;
provided, however, that, at the election of the Company (whose election shall
be evidenced by a Board Resolution filed with the Trustee) with respect to all
Holders so converting, the Company may, in lieu of delivering to such Holder
any portion of such distribution not consisting of cash or securities of the
Company, pay such Holder an amount equal to the fair market value thereof (as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall
be evidenced by a Board Resolution filed with the Trustee).  If any conversion
of a Security entitled to the benefits described in the immediately preceding
sentence occurs prior to the payment date for a distribution to holders of
Common Stock which the Holder of the Security so converted is entitled to
receive in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, the Company may
elect (such election to be evidenced by a Board Resolution filed with the
Trustee) to distribute to such Holder a due bill for the evidences of
indebtedness, shares of capital stock, cash or assets to which such Holder is
so entitled, provided that such due bill (i) meets any applicable requirements
of the principal national securities exchange or other market on which the
Common Stock is then traded and (ii) requires payment or delivery of such
evidences of indebtedness, shares of capital stock, cash or assets no later
than the date of payment or delivery thereof to holders of Common Stock
receiving such distribution.

                 SECTION 1202.  Exercise of Conversion Privilege.  In order to
exercise the conversion privilege, the Holder of any Security to be converted
shall surrender such Security, duly endorsed or assigned to the Company or in
blank, at any office or agency maintained by the Company pursuant to Section
1002, accompanied by written notice to the Company substantially in the form
set forth in Section 206 at such office or agency that the Holder elects to
convert such Security or, if less than the entire principal amount thereof is
to be converted, the portion thereof to be converted.  Securities surrendered
for conversion during the period from the close of business on





                                      -68-
<PAGE>   76
any Regular Record Date next preceding any Interest Payment Date to the opening
of business on such Interest Payment Date shall (except for Securities whose
Maturity Date is prior to such Interest Payment Date) be accompanied by payment
in New York Clearing House funds or other funds acceptable to the Company of an
amount equal to the interest payable on such Interest Payment Date on the
principal amount of Securities being surrendered for conversion.  Except as
provided in the preceding sentence and subject to the last paragraph of Section
307, no payment or adjustment shall be made upon any conversion on account of
any interest accrued on the Securities surrendered for conversion or on account
of any dividends on the Common Stock issued upon conversion.

                 Securities shall be deemed to have been converted immediately
prior to the close of business on the day of surrender of such Securities for
conversion in accordance with the foregoing provisions, and at such time the
rights of the Holders of such Securities as Holders shall cease, and the Person
or Persons entitled to receive the Common Stock issuable upon conversion shall
be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Common
Stock at such time.  As promptly as practicable on or after the conversion
date, the Company shall issue and shall deliver at such office or agency a
certificate or certificates for the number of full shares of Common Stock
issuable upon conversion, together with payment in lieu of any fraction of a
share, as provided in Section 1203.

                 In the case of any Security which is converted in part only,
as promptly as practicable on or after the conversion date the Company shall
execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery to
the Holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new Security or
Securities, of authorized denominations in aggregate principal amount equal to
the unconverted portion of the principal amount of such Security.

                 The Company's delivery to the Holder of the fixed number of
shares of the Common Stock of the Company (and any cash in lieu of any
fractional share of Common Stock) into which the Security is convertible shall
be deemed to satisfy the Company's obligation to pay the principal amount of
the Security and all accrued interest and original issue discount that has not
previously been paid.  The Common Stock of the Company so delivered shall be
treated as issued first in payment of accrued interest and original issue
discount and then in payment of principal.  Thus, accrued interest and original
issue discount shall be treated paid rather than cancelled, extinguished or
forfeited.

                 SECTION 1203.  Fractions of Shares.  No fractional shares of
Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of Securities.  If more than one
Security shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same Holder,
the number of full shares which shall be issuable upon conversion thereof shall
be computed on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities
(or specified portions thereof) so





                                      -69-
<PAGE>   77
surrendered.  Instead of any fractional share of Common Stock which would
otherwise be issuable upon conversion of any Security or Securities (or
specified portions thereof), the Company shall pay a cash adjustment (rounded
to the nearest cent) in respect of such fraction in an amount equal to the same
fraction of the Closing Price per share of the Common Stock on the day of
conversion (or, if such day is not a Trading Day, on the Trading Day
immediately preceding such day).

                 SECTION 1204.  Adjustment of Conversion Price.

                          (a)     In case the Company shall pay or make a
         dividend or other distribution on its Common Stock exclusively in
         Common Stock or shall pay or make a dividend or other distribution on
         any other class of capital stock of the Company which dividend or
         distribution includes Common Stock, the conversion price in effect at
         the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for the
         determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or
         other distribution shall be reduced by multiplying such conversion
         price by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of
         shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the
         date fixed for such determination and the denominator shall be the sum
         of such number of shares and the total number of shares constituting
         such dividend or other distribution, such reduction to become
         effective immediately after the opening of business on the day
         following the date fixed for such determination.  For the purposes of
         this paragraph (a), the number of shares of Common Stock at any time
         outstanding shall not include shares held in the treasury of the
         Company but shall include shares issuable in respect of scrip
         certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares of Common Stock.
         The Company shall not pay any dividend or make any distribution on
         shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company.

                          (b)     Subject to the last sentence of paragraph (h)
         of this Section, in case the Company shall pay or make a dividend or
         other distribution on its Common Stock consisting exclusively of, or
         shall otherwise issue to all holders of its Common Stock, rights,
         warrants or options entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or
         purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share less than the
         current market price per share (determined as provided in paragraph
         (i) of this Section) of the Common Stock on the date fixed for the
         determination of stockholders entitled to receive such rights,
         warrants or options, the conversion price in effect at the opening of
         business on the day following the date fixed for such determination
         shall be reduced by multiplying such conversion price by a fraction of
         which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock
         outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for such
         determination plus the number of shares of Common Stock which the
         aggregate of the offering price of the total number of shares of
         Common Stock so offered for subscription or purchase would purchase at
         such current





                                      -70-
<PAGE>   78
         market price and the denominator shall be the number of shares of
         Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed
         for such determination plus the number of shares of Common Stock so
         offered for subscription or purchase, such reduction to become
         effective immediately after the opening of business on the day
         following the date fixed for such determination.  For the purposes of
         this paragraph (b), the number of shares of Common Stock at any time
         outstanding shall not include shares held in the treasury of the
         Company but shall include shares issuable in respect of scrip
         certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares of Common Stock.
         The Company shall not issue any rights, options or warrants in respect
         of shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company.

                          (c)     In case outstanding shares of Common Stock
         shall be subdivided into a greater number of shares of Common Stock,
         the conversion price in effect at the opening of business on the day
         following the day upon which such subdivision becomes effective shall
         be proportionately reduced, and, conversely, in case outstanding
         shares of Common Stock shall be combined into a smaller number of
         shares of Common Stock, the conversion price in effect at the opening
         of business on the day following the day upon which such combination
         becomes effective shall be proportionately increased, such reduction
         or increase, as the case may be, to become affective immediately after
         the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such
         subdivision or combination becomes effective.

                          (d)     Subject to the last sentence of this
         paragraph (d) and to the last sentence of paragraph (h) of this
         Section, in case the Company shall, by dividend or otherwise,
         distribute to all holders of its Common Stock evidences of its
         indebtedness, shares of any class of capital stock, cash or other
         assets (including Securities, but excluding (w) any rights, options or
         warrants referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section, (x) any
         dividend or distribution paid exclusively in cash up to the greater of
         (i) retained earnings of the Company on the date such distribution or
         dividend was declared and (ii) Net Income of the Company during the
         four full fiscal quarters preceding the date such distribution or
         dividend was declared, (y) any dividend or distribution referred to in
         paragraph (a) of this Section and (z) other than in connection with a
         tender offer or other negotiated purchase made by the Company or any
         Subsidiary for all or any portion of the Company's Common Stock), the
         conversion price shall be reduced so that the same shall equal the
         price determined by multiplying the conversion price in effect
         immediately prior to the effectiveness of the conversion price
         reduction contemplated by this paragraph (d) by a fraction of which
         the numerator shall be the current market price per share (determined
         as provided in paragraph (i) of this Section) of the Common Stock on
         the date fixed for such effectiveness less the fair market value (as
         determined in good faith by the Board of Directors, whose
         determination shall be conclusive and





                                      -71-
<PAGE>   79
         described in a Board Resolution filed with the Trustee), on the date
         of such effectiveness, of the portion of the evidences of
         indebtedness, shares of capital stock, cash and other assets so
         distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock (collectively, the
         "Market Value of the Distribution") and the denominator shall be such
         current market price per share of the Common Stock, such reduction to
         become effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the
         day following the later of (i) the date fixed for the payment of such
         distribution and (ii) the date 20 days after notice relating to such
         distribution is required to be given pursuant to Section 1206(a) (such
         later date of (i) and (ii) being referred to as the "Reference Date").
         If the Board of Directors determines the fair market value of any
         distribution for purposes of this paragraph (d) by reference to the
         actual or when issued trading market for any securities comprising
         such distribution, it must in doing so consider the prices in such
         market over the same period used in computing the current market price
         per share pursuant to paragraph (i) of this Section.  For purposes of
         this paragraph (d), any dividend or distribution that includes shares
         of Common Stock, rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or
         purchase shares of Common Stock or other securities convertible into
         or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock shall be deemed instead to
         be (A) a dividend or distribution of the evidences of indebtedness,
         cash, assets or shares of capital stock other than such shares of
         Common Stock, such rights, options or warrants or such other
         convertible or exchangeable securities (making any conversion price
         reduction required by and in accordance with this paragraph (d))
         immediately followed by (B) in the case of such shares of Common Stock
         or such right, options or warrants, a dividend or distribution thereof
         making any further conversion price reduction required by paragraph
         (a) or (b) of this Section, except (1) the Reference Date of such
         dividend or distribution as defined in this paragraph (d) shall be
         substituted as "the date fixed for the determination of stockholders
         entitled to receive such dividend or other distribution" and "the date
         fixed for such determination" within the meaning of paragraphs (a) and
         (b) of this Section and (2) any shares of Common Stock included in
         such dividend or distribution shall not be deemed "outstanding at the
         close of business on the date fixed for such determination" within the
         meaning of paragraph (a) of this Section) or (c) in the case of such
         other convertible or exchangeable securities, a dividend or
         distribution of such number of shares of Common Stock as would then be
         issuable upon the conversion or exchange thereof, whether or not the
         conversion or exchange of such securities is subject to any conditions
         (making any further conversion price reduction required by paragraph
         (a) of this Section, except (i) the Reference Date of such dividend or
         distribution as defined in this paragraph (a) shall be substituted as
         "the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to
         receive such dividend or other distribution" and "the date fixed for
         such determination", and (ii) the shares deemed to constitute such
         dividend or distribution shall not be deemed "outstanding at the close
         of business on the date fixed for such determination," each within the
         meaning of





                                      -72-
<PAGE>   80
         paragraph (a) of this Section).  In the event that, with respect to
         any distribution to which this paragraph (d) of Section 1204 would
         otherwise apply, the Market Value of the Distribution is greater than
         the current market price per share, then the adjustment provided by
         this paragraph (d) of Section 1204 shall not be made and in lieu
         thereof the provisions of Section 1211 shall apply to such
         distribution.

                          (e)     In case the Company shall, by dividend or
         otherwise, at any time distribute to all holders of its Common Stock
         cash (specifically including any distributions of cash up to the
         greater of (x) retained earnings of the Company on the date such
         distribution or dividend was declared and (y) Net Income of the
         Company during the four full fiscal quarters preceding the date such
         distribution or dividend was declared but excluding any cash that is
         distributed as part of a distribution requiring a purchase price
         adjustment pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section) in an aggregate
         amount that, together with (i) the aggregate amount of any other
         distributions to all holders of its Common Stock made exclusively in
         cash within the 12 months preceding the date of payment of such
         distribution and in respect of which no conversion price adjustment
         pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section or this paragraph (e) has
         been made and (ii) the portion of the aggregate of any cash plus the
         fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors, whose
         determination shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution) of
         consideration payable in respect of any tender offer or other
         negotiated purchase by the Company or a Subsidiary for all or any
         portion of the Company's Common Stock concluded within the 12 months
         preceding the date of payment of such distribution and in respect of
         which no conversion price adjustment pursuant to paragraph (g) of this
         Section has been made that is in excess of an amount equal to the
         product of (x) the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to
         which the aggregate tender offer or negotiated purchase consideration
         is payable times (y) the average of the daily Closing Prices per share
         of Common Stock on the five consecutive Trading Days selected by the
         Company out of the 10 consecutive Trading Days next succeeding the
         date of payment of the negotiated purchase consideration or expiration
         of the tender offer, as the case may be, exceeds 20% of the product of
         the current market price per share (determined as provided in
         paragraph (i) of this Section) of the Common Stock on the date fixed
         for stockholders entitled to receive such distribution times the
         number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such date (excluding
         shares held in the Treasury of the Company), the conversion price
         shall be reduced so that the same shall equal the price determined by
         multiplying such conversion price in effect immediately prior to the
         conversion price reduction contemplated by this paragraph (e) by a
         fraction of which the numerator shall be the current market price per
         share (determined as provided in paragraph (i) of this Section) of the
         Common Stock on the date of such distribution less the amount of cash
         so distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock and the
         denominator shall be such current





                                      -73-
<PAGE>   81
         market price per share (determined as provided in paragraph (i) of
         this Section) of the Common Stock on the date of such distribution,
         such reduction to become effective immediately prior to the opening of
         business on the day following the date fixed for the payment of such
         distribution.

                          (f)     In case the Company shall issue to an
         Affiliate shares of its Common Stock at a net price per share less
         than the current market price per share (determined as provided in
         paragraph (i) of this Section) on the date the Company fixes the
         offering price of such additional shares, the conversion price shall
         be reduced immediately thereafter so that it shall equal the price
         determined by multiplying such conversion price in effect immediately
         prior thereto by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number
         of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
         issuance of such additional shares plus the number of shares of Common
         Stock which the aggregate offering price of the total number of shares
         of Common Stock so offered would purchase at the current market price
         and the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock that
         would be outstanding immediately after the issuance of such additional
         shares.  Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever such an
         issuance is made.  For the purposes of this paragraph (f), the number
         of shares of Common Stock at any time outstanding shall not include
         shares held in the Treasury of the Company but shall include shares
         issuable in respect of scrip certificates issued in lieu of fractions
         of shares of Common Stock.  This paragraph (f) shall not apply to
         Common Stock issued to any Affiliate under bona fide benefit plans in
         which only directors, officers and employees of the Company and its
         Subsidiaries are eligible to participate adopted by the Board of
         Directors and approved by the holders of Common Stock when required by
         law.

                          (g)     In case a tender offer or other negotiated
         purchase (the "Current Purchase") made by the Company or any
         Subsidiary for all or any portion of the Company's Common Stock shall
         be consummated, if the aggregate of any cash plus the fair market
         value (as determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination
         shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution) of consideration payable in
         respect of such tender offer or other negotiated purchase is in excess
         of an amount equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of
         Common Stock with respect to which the aggregate tender offer or
         negotiated purchase consideration is payable, (ii) the average of the
         daily Closing Prices per share of Common Stock on the five consecutive
         Trading Days selected by the Company out of the 10 consecutive Trading
         Days next succeeding the date of payment of the negotiated purchase
         consideration or expiration of the tender offer, as the case may be
         (the "Reference Price"), and the amount of such excess, together with
         (A) the portion of the aggregate of the cash, plus the fair market
         value (as determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination
         shall be evidenced by in a Board Resolution) of consideration payable
         in respect of any tender offer or other negotiated purchase





                                      -74-
<PAGE>   82
         (the "Prior Purchase") by the Company or a Subsidiary for all or any
         portion of the Company's Common Stock concluded within the 12 months
         preceding the expiration of a tender offer or the consummation of any
         negotiated purchase, as the case may be, that is the subject of the
         Current Purchase (the "Current Purchase Expiration Time") and in
         respect of which no conversion price adjustment pursuant to this
         paragraph (g) has been made, that is in excess of an amount equal to
         the product of (1) the number of shares of Common Stock with respect
         to which the aggregate consideration for the Prior Purchase was
         payable and (2) the average of the daily Closing Prices per share of
         Common Stock on the five consecutive Trading Days selected by the
         Company out of the 10 consecutive Trading Days next succeeding the
         date of payment of the negotiated purchase consideration or expiration
         of the tender offer, as the case may be, with respect to the
         negotiated purchase or tender offer that was the subject of the Prior
         Purchase, and (iii) the aggregate amount of any distributions to all
         holders of the Company's Common Stock made exclusively in cash
         (specifically including distributions of cash out of retained earnings
         of the Company or Net Income of the Company during the four full
         fiscal quarters preceding the date such distribution or dividend was
         declared) within the 12 months preceding the expiration of the tender
         offer and as to which no adjustment pursuant to paragraph (d) or
         paragraph (e) of this Section has been made, exceeds 20% of the
         product of the Reference Price times the number of shares of Common
         Stock outstanding (including any tendered shares but excluding any
         shares held in the Treasury of the Company) on the Current Purchase
         Expiration Time, the conversion price shall be reduced so that the
         same shall equal the price determined by multiplying such conversion
         price in effect immediately prior to the Current Purchase Expiration
         Time by a fraction of which the numerator shall be (A) the product of
         the Reference Price times the number of shares of Common Stock
         outstanding (including any tendered shares but excluding any shares
         held in the Treasury of the Company) on the Current Purchase
         Expiration Time minus (B) the fair market value (determined as
         aforesaid) of the aggregate consideration payable to stockholders
         based on the acceptance (up to any maximum specified in the terms of
         the tender offer or other negotiated purchase) of all shares validly
         tendered and not withdrawn or purchased in any negotiated purchase as
         of the Current Purchase Expiration Time (the shares deemed so accepted
         or purchased, up to any such maximum, being referred to as the
         "Purchased Shares") and the denominator shall be the product of (1)
         such Reference Price times (2) such number of outstanding shares
         (excluding any shares held in the Treasury of the Company) on the
         Current Purchase Expiration Time less the number of Purchased Shares,
         such reduction to become effective immediately prior to the opening of
         business on the day following the Current Purchase Expiration Time.

                          (h)     The reclassification of Common Stock into
         securities other than Common Stock (other than any reclassification
         upon a consolidation or





                                      -75-
<PAGE>   83
         merger to which Section 1211 applies) shall be deemed to involve (i) a
         distribution of such securities other than Common Stock to all holders
         of Common Stock (and the effective date of such reclassification shall
         be deemed to be "the Reference Date" within the meaning of paragraph
         (d) of this Section), and (ii) a subdivision or combination, as the
         case may be, of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
         immediately prior to such reclassification into the number of shares
         of Common Stock outstanding immediately thereafter (and the effective
         date of such reclassification shall be deemed to be "the day upon
         which such subdivision becomes effective," or "the day upon which such
         combination becomes effective", as the case may be, and "the day upon
         which such subdivision or combination becomes effective" within the
         meaning of paragraph (c) of this Section).  Rights, warrants or
         options issued or distributed by the Company to all holders of its
         Common Stock entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or
         purchase shares of Common Stock or preferred stock, which rights,
         warrants or options (A) are deemed to be transferred with such shares
         of Common Stock, (B) are not exercisable and (C) are also issued or
         distributed in respect of future issuances of Common Stock, in each
         case in clauses (A) through (C) until the occurrence of a specified
         event or events ("Trigger Events"), shall for purposes of this Section
         1204 not be deemed issued or distributed until the occurrence of the
         earliest Trigger Event.

                          (i)     For the purpose of any computation under
         paragraph (b), (d), (e), (f) or (g) of this Section, the "current
         market price" per share of Common Stock on any date shall be deemed to
         be the average of the daily Closing Prices for the 5 consecutive
         Trading Days selected by the Company commencing not more than 10
         Trading Days before, and ending not later than, the date in question.

                          (j)     The Company may, but shall not be required
         to, make such reductions in the conversion price, in addition to those
         required by paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) of this
         Section, as it considers to be advisable in order that any event
         treated for Federal income tax purposes as a dividend of stock or
         stock rights shall not be taxable to the recipients.

                          (k)     No adjustment in the conversion price shall
         be required unless such adjustment would require an increase or
         decrease of at least 1% in the conversion price; provided, however,
         that any adjustments which by reason of this paragraph (k) are not
         required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in
         any subsequent adjustment.  All calculations under this Article XIII
         shall be made to the nearest cent or to the nearest one-hundredth of a
         share of Common Stock, as the case may be.

                          (l)     Anything herein to the contrary
         notwithstanding, in the event the Company shall declare any dividend
         or distribution requiring an





                                      -76-
<PAGE>   84
         adjustment in the conversion price hereunder and shall, thereafter and
         before the payment of such dividend or distribution to stockholders,
         legally abandon its plan to pay such dividend or distribution, the
         conversion price then in effect hereunder, if changed to reflect such
         dividend or distribution, shall upon the legal abandonment of such
         plan be changed to the conversion price which would have been in
         effect at the time of such abandonment (after giving effect to all
         other adjustments not so legally abandoned pursuant to the provisions
         of this Article XII) had such dividend or distribution never been
         declared.

                          (m)     Notwithstanding any other provision of this
         Section 1204, no adjustment to the conversion price shall reduce the
         conversion price below the then par value per share of the Common
         Stock, and any such purported adjustment shall instead reduce the
         conversion price to such par value.  The Company hereby covenants not
         to take any action (i) to increase the par value per share of the
         Common Stock or (ii) that would or does result in any adjustment in
         the conversion price that, if made without giving effect to the
         previous sentence, would cause the conversion price to be less than
         the then par value per share of the Common Stock of the Company.

                          (n)     Anything herein to the contrary
         notwithstanding, no single event shall require or result in an
         adjustment in the conversion price pursuant to more than one of the
         foregoing paragraphs of this Section 1204.

                 SECTION 1205.  Notice of Adjustments of Conversion Price.
Whenever the conversion price is adjusted by the Company as herein provided:

                          (a)     the Company shall compute the adjusted
         conversion price in accordance with Section 1204 and shall prepare a
         certificate signed by the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer of the
         Company setting forth the adjusted conversion price and showing in
         reasonable detail the facts upon which such adjustment is based, and
         such certificate shall forthwith be filed (with a copy to the Trustee)
         at each office or agency maintained for the purpose of conversion of
         Securities pursuant to Section 1002; and

                          (b)     a notice stating that the conversion price
         has been adjusted and setting forth the adjusted conversion price
         shall forthwith be required, and as soon as practicable after it is
         required, such notice shall be mailed by the Company to all Holders at
         their last addresses as they shall appear in the Security Register.

                 SECTION 1206.  Notice of Certain Corporate Action.  In case:

                          (a)     the Company shall declare a dividend (or any
         other distribution) on its Common Stock payable (i) otherwise than
         exclusively in cash





                                      -77-
<PAGE>   85
         out of retained earnings of the Company or Net Income of the Company
         during the four full fiscal quarters preceding the date such
         distribution or dividend was declared or (ii) exclusively in cash out
         of retained earnings of the Company or Net Income of the Company
         during the four full fiscal quarters preceding the date such
         distribution or dividend was declared in an amount that would require
         a conversion price adjustment pursuant to paragraph (e) of Section
         1204; or

                          (b)     the Company shall authorize the granting to
         all holders of its Common Stock of rights, warrants or options to
         subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or
         of any other rights (excluding employee stock options or other rights
         under employee benefit plans); or

                          (c)     of any reclassification of the Common Stock
         of the Company (other than a subdivision or combination of its
         outstanding shares of Common Stock), or of any consolidation or merger
         to which the Company is a party and for which approval of any
         stockholders of the Company is required, or of the sale, transfer or
         lease of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or

                          (d)     of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, 
         liquidation or winding up of the Company; or

                          (e)     the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company
         shall commence a tender offer for all or a portion of the Company's
         outstanding shares of Common Stock (or shall amend any such tender
         offer),

then the Company shall cause to be filed at each office or agency maintained
for the purpose of conversion of Securities pursuant to Section 1002, and shall
cause to be mailed to all Holders at their last addresses as they shall appear
in the Security Register, at least 20 days (or 10 days in any case specified in
clause (a), (b) or (e) above) prior to the applicable record, effective or
expiration date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a
record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution or
granting of rights, warrants or options, or, if a record is not to be taken,
the date as of which the holders of Common Stock of record to be entitled to
such dividend, distribution, rights, options or warrants are to be determined,
or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale,
transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up is expected to become
effective, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of Common Stock
of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of Common Stock for
securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification,
consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up,
or (z) the date on which such tender offer commenced, the date on which such
tender offer is scheduled to expire unless extended, the consideration offered
and the other material terms thereof (or the material terms of any amendment
thereto).





                                      -78-
<PAGE>   86
                 SECTION 1207.  Company to Reserve Common Stock.  The Company
shall at all times reserve and keep available, free from preemptive rights, out
of its authorized but unissued Common Stock, for the purpose of effecting the
conversion of Securities, the full number of shares of Common Stock then
issuable upon the conversion of all outstanding Securities.

                 SECTION 1208.  Taxes on Conversions.  The Company will pay any
and all taxes that may be payable in respect of the issue or delivery of shares
of Common Stock on conversion of Securities pursuant hereto.  The Company shall
not, however, be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any
transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of Common Stock in a name
other than that of the Holder of the Security or Securities to be converted,
and no such issue or delivery shall be made unless and until the Person
requesting such issue has paid to the Company the amount of any such tax, or
has established to the satisfaction of the Company that such tax has been paid.

                 SECTION 1209.  Covenant as to Common Stock.  The Company
covenants that all shares of Common Stock which may be issued upon conversion
of Securities will upon issue be fully paid and nonassessable, free of
preemptive or any similar rights, and, except as provided in Section 1208, the
Company will pay all taxes, liens and charges with respect to the issue
thereof.

                 The Company will endeavor promptly to comply with all Federal
and state securities laws regulating the offer and delivery of shares of Common
Stock upon conversion of Securities, if any, and will list or cause to have
quoted such shares of Common Stock on each national securities exchange or in
the over-the-counter market or such other market on which the Common Stock is
then listed or quoted.

                 SECTION 1210.  Cancellation of Converted Securities.  All
Securities delivered for conversion shall be delivered to the Trustee to be
cancelled by or at the direction of the Trustee, which shall dispose of the
same as provided in Section 309.

                 SECTION 1211.  Provisions in Case of Consolidations, Merger or
Sale of Assets; Special Distributions.  Subject to any applicable right of the
Holders to have their Securities purchased pursuant to the provisions of
Section 1401, in case of any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of
the Company into, any other Person, any merger of another Person into the
Company (other than a merger which does not result in any reclassification,
conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding shares of Common Stock of
the Company) or any transfer or lease of the Company's properties or assets
substantially as an entirety, the Person formed by such consolidation or
resulting from such merger or which acquires such properties or assets, as the
case may be, shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture
providing that the Holder of each Security then outstanding shall have the
right thereafter, during the period such Security shall be convertible as
specified in Section 1201, to convert such





                                      -79-
<PAGE>   87
Security only into the kind and amount of securities, cash and other property
receivable, if any, upon such consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or lease by
a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company into which such
Security might have been converted immediately prior to such consolidation,
merger, sale, transfer or lease, assuming such holder of Common Stock of the
Company (a) is not a Person with which the Company consolidated or into which
the Company merged or which merged into the Company or to which such sale,
transfer or lease was made, as the case may be (a "Constituent Person"), or an
Affiliate of a Constituent Person and (b) failed to exercise his rights of
election, if any, as to the kind or amount of securities, cash and other
property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or lease
(provided that if the kind or amount of securities, cash and other property
receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or lease is not the
same for each share of Common Stock of the Company held immediately prior to
such consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or lease by other than a Constituent
Person or an Affiliate thereof and in respect of which such rights of election
shall not have been exercised ("non-electing share"), then for the purpose of
this Section the kind and amount of securities, cash and other property
receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or lease by each
non-electing share shall be deemed to be the kind and amount so receivable per
share by a plurality of the non-electing shares).  Such supplemental indenture
shall provide for adjustments which, for events subsequent to the effective
date of such supplemental indenture, shall be as nearly equivalent as may be
practicable to the adjustments provided for in this Article.  The above
provisions of this Section shall similarly apply to successive consolidations,
mergers, sales, transfers or leases.

                 If the Company makes a distribution to all holders of its
Common Stock that, but for the provisions of the last sentence of paragraph (d)
of Section 1204, would otherwise result in an adjustment in the conversion
price pursuant to the provisions of Section 1204, then, from and after the
record date for determining the holders of Common Stock entitled to receive the
distribution, a Holder of a Security that converts such Security in accordance
with the provisions of this Indenture shall upon conversion be entitled to
receive, in addition to the shares of Common Stock into which the Security is
convertible, the kind and amount of evidences of indebtedness, shares of
capital stock, cash or assets comprising the distribution that such Holder
would have received if such Holder had converted the Security immediately prior
to the record date for determining the holders of Common Stock entitled to
receive the distribution.

                 SECTION 1212.  Trustee Adjustment Disclaimer.  The Trustee has
no duty to determine when an adjustment under this Article XII should be made,
how it should be made or what it should be. The Trustee has no duty to
determine whether a supplemental indenture under Section 1211 need be entered
into or whether any provisions of any supplemental indenture are correct.  The
Trustee shall not be accountable for and makes no representation as to the
validity or value of any securities or assets issued upon conversion of
Securities.





                                      -80-
<PAGE>   88
                 SECTION 1213.  When No Adjustment Required.

                          (a)     Except as expressly set forth in Section
         1204, no adjustment in the conversion price shall be made because the
         Company issues, in exchange for cash, property or services, shares of
         Common Stock, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for
         shares of Common Stock, or securities (including warrants, rights and
         options) carrying the right to subscribe for or purchase shares of
         Common Stock or such convertible or exchangeable securities.

                          (b)     Notwithstanding anything herein to the
         contrary, no adjustment in the conversion price shall be made pursuant
         to Section 1204 in respect of any dividend or distribution if the
         Holders may participate therein (on a basis to be determined in good
         faith by the Board of Directors) and receive the same consideration
         they would have received if they had converted the Securities
         immediately prior to the record date with respect to such dividend or
         distribution (a "Non-Adjustment Distribution").  All Non-Adjustment
         Distributions shall be ignored for purposes of any computation under
         paragraph (e) or (g) of Section 1204.

                                  ARTICLE XIII

                          SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES

                 SECTION 1301.  Securities Subordinate to Senior Indebtedness.
The Company covenants and agrees, and each Holder of a Security, by his
acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that, to the extent and in
the manner hereinafter set forth in this Article (subject to the provisions of
Articles IV and XV), the Indebtedness represented by the Securities and the
payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on each and all
of the Securities are hereby expressly made subordinate and subject in right of
payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness.

                 SECTION 1302.  Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc.
In the event of any Proceeding, the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be
entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or
in respect of all Senior Indebtedness, or provision shall be made for such
payment in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to
the holders of Senior Indebtedness, before the Holders of the Securities are
entitled to receive any Securities Payment (other than a Securities Payment in
the form of Permitted Junior Securities), and to that end the holders of Senior
Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive, for application to the payment
thereof, any Securities Payment (other than any Securities Payment in the form
of Permitted Junior Securities), which may be payable or deliverable in any
such Proceeding.





                                      -81-
<PAGE>   89
                 In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of
this Section, the Trustee or the Holder of any Security shall have received any
Securities Payment (other than any Securities Payment in the form of Permitted
Junior Securities), before all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full or payment
thereof is provided for in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner
satisfactory to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, and if the Trustee or such
Holder, as the case may be, shall, at or prior to the time of such Securities
Payment have actual knowledge of such fact, then and in each such event, such
Securities Payment shall be paid over or delivered forthwith to the trustee in
bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee, custodian, assignee, agent or other
Person making payment or distribution of assets of the Company for application
to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid, to the extent
necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness in full, after giving effect to any
concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of Senior
Indebtedness.

                 The consolidation of the Company with, or the merger of the
Company into, another Person or the liquidation or dissolution of the Company
following the conveyance or transfer of all or substantially all of its
properties and assets as an entirety to another Person upon the terms and
conditions set forth in Article VIII shall not be deemed a Proceeding for the
purposes of this Section if the Person formed by such consolidation or into
which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or
transfer such properties and assets as an entirety, as the case may be, shall,
as a part of such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer, comply with
the conditions set forth in Article VIII.

                 SECTION 1303.  No Payment When Designated Senior Indebtedness
in Default.  In the event that any Payment Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing, no Securities Payment (other than a Securities Payment in
the form of Permitted Junior Securities) shall be made unless and until such
Payment Event of Default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased
to exist or all amounts then due and payable in respect of Designated Senior
Indebtedness shall have been paid in full, or provision shall have been made
for such payment in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner
satisfactory to the holders of Designated Senior Indebtedness.

                 In the event that any Non-Payment Event of Default shall have
occurred with respect to any Designated Senior Indebtedness and be continuing,
then, upon the receipt by the Trustee and the Company of written notice of such
Non-Payment Event of Default from the trustee or representative for, or holders
of, at least a majority in principal amount of such Designated Senior
Indebtedness, no Securities Payment (other than a Securities Payment in the
form of Permitted Junior Securities) shall be made during the period (the
"Payment Blockage Period") commencing on the date of receipt of such written
notice and ending on the earlier of (a) the date on which such Non-Payment
Event of Default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist
or any acceleration of the Designated Senior Indebtedness to which such
Non-Payment Event of Default relates shall have been rescinded or annulled or
such Designated





                                      -82-
<PAGE>   90
Senior Indebtedness shall have been discharged and (b) the 176th day after the
date of such receipt of such written notice.  During any 360-day period the
aggregate of all Payment Blockage Periods shall not exceed 176 days and there
shall be a period of at least 184 consecutive days in each 360-day period when
no Payment Blockage Period is in effect.  For all purposes of this paragraph,
no Non-Payment Event of Default that existed or was continuing on the date of
commencement of any Payment Blockage Period shall be, or be made, the basis for
the commencement of a subsequent Payment Blockage Period by a trustee or
representative for, or holders of, Designated Senior Indebtedness unless such
Payment Event of Default or Non-Payment Event of Default shall have been cured
for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days.

                 In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company
shall make any Securities Payment to the Trustee or the Holder of any Security
prohibited by the foregoing provisions of this Section, and if such fact shall,
at or prior to the time of such Securities Payment, have been made known to the
Trustee or, such Holder, as the case may be, then and in such event such
Securities Payment shall be paid over and delivered forthwith to the Company.

                 The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any
Securities Payment with respect to which Section 1302 would be applicable.

                 SECTION 1304.  Payment Permitted if No Default.  Nothing
contained in this Article or elsewhere in this Indenture or in any of the
Securities shall prevent (a) the Company, at any time except during the
pendency of any Proceeding referred to in Section 1302 or under the conditions
described in Section 1303, from making Securities Payments or (b) the
application by the Trustee of any money deposited with it hereunder to
Securities Payments or the retention of such Securities Payment by the Holders,
if, at the time of such application by the Trustee, it did not have knowledge
that such Securities Payment would have been prohibited by the provisions of
this Article.

                 SECTION 1305.  Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior
Indebtedness.  Subject to the payment in full of all amounts due or to become
due on or in respect of Senior Indebtedness, or the provision for such payment
in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the
holders of Senior Indebtedness, the Holders of the Securities shall be
subrogated to the extent of the payments or distributions made to the holders
of such Senior Indebtedness pursuant to the provisions of this Article to the
rights of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness to receive payments and
distributions of cash, property and securities applicable to the Senior
Indebtedness until the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the
Securities shall be paid in full.  For purposes of such subrogation, no
payments or distributions to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness of any
cash, property or securities to which the Holders of the Securities or the
Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of this Article, and no
payments over pursuant to the provisions of this Article to the





                                      -83-
<PAGE>   91
holders of Senior Indebtedness by Holders of the Securities or the Trustee,
shall, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior
Indebtedness and the Holders of the Securities, be deemed to be a payment or
distribution by the Company to or on account of the Senior Indebtedness.

                 SECTION 1306.  Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights.
The provisions of this Article are and are intended solely for the purpose of
defining the relative rights of the Holders of the Securities on the one hand
and the holders of Senior Indebtedness on the other hand.  Nothing contained in
this Article or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Securities is intended to
or shall (a) impair, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of
Senior Indebtedness and the Holders of the Securities, the obligation of the
Company, which is absolute and unconditional (and which, subject to the rights
under this Article of the holders of Senior Indebtedness, is intended to rank
equally with all other general obligations of the Company), to pay to the
Holders of the Securities the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on
the Securities as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance
with their terms; or (b) affect the relative rights against the Company of the
Holders of the Securities and creditors of the Company other than the holders
of Senior Indebtedness; or (c) prevent the Trustee or the Holder of any
Security from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law
upon default under this Indenture, subject to the rights, if any, under this
Article of the holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive cash, property and
securities otherwise payable or deliverable to the Trustee or such Holder.

                 SECTION 1307.  Trustee to Effectuate Subordination.  Each
Holder of a Security by his acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the
Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to
effectuate, as between the Holders of the Securities and the holders of Senior
Indebtedness, the subordination provided in this Article and appoints the
Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes, including, in the
event of any dissolution, winding up or liquidation or reorganization under any
applicable bankruptcy law of the Company (whether in bankruptcy, insolvency or
receivership proceedings or otherwise), the timely filing of a claim for the
unpaid balance of such Holder's Securities in the form required in such
proceedings and the causing of such claim to be approved.  If the Trustee does
not file a claim or proof of debt in the form required in such proceedings
prior to 10 days before the expiration of the time to file such claims of
proofs, then the holders of Senior Indebtedness, jointly, or their
representative shall have the right to file an appropriate claim for and on
behalf of the Holders.  Nothing contained herein shall be construed to
authorize the Trustee or the holders of Senior Indebtedness to authorize or
consent to or to accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities
or the rights of any Holder or to authorize the Trustee or the holders of
Senior Indebtedness to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such
proceeding.





                                      -84-
<PAGE>   92
                 SECTION 1308.  No Waiver of Subordination Provisions.  No
right of any present or future holder of any Senior Indebtedness to enforce
subordination as herein provided shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or
impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company or by any act
or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance
by the Company with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Indenture,
regardless of any knowledge thereof any such holder may have or be otherwise
charged with.

                 Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing
paragraph, the holders of Senior Indebtedness may, at any time and from time to
time, without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the Holders of the
Securities, without incurring responsibility to the Holders of the Securities
and without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in this Article
or the obligations hereunder of the Holders of the Securities to the holders of
Senior Indebtedness, do any one or more of the following: (a) change the
manner, place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment of, or renew or
alter, Senior Indebtedness, or otherwise amend or supplement in any manner
Senior Indebtedness or any instrument evidencing the same or any agreement
under which Senior Indebtedness is outstanding; (b) sell, exchange, release or
otherwise deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing
Senior Indebtedness; (c) release any Person liable in any manner for the
collection of Senior Indebtedness and settle or compromise Senior Indebtedness
(which, to the extent so settled and compromised, shall be deemed to have been
paid in full for all purposes hereof); (d) apply any amounts received to any
liability of the Company owing to holders of Senior Indebtedness; and (e)
exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Company and any
other Person.

                 SECTION 1309.  Notice to Trustee.  The Company shall give
prompt written notice to the Trustee of any default or event of default with
respect to any Senior Indebtedness or of any fact known to the Company which
would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of the
Securities.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article or any other
provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of
the existence of any facts which would prohibit the making of any payment to or
by the Trustee in respect of the Securities, unless and until the Trustee shall
have received written notice thereof from the Company or a holder of Senior
Indebtedness or from any trustee therefor; and, prior to the receipt of any
such written notice, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 601,
shall be entitled in all respects to assume that no such facts exist; provided,
however, that if the Trustee shall not have received the notice provided for in
this Section at least five Business Days prior to the date upon which by the
terms hereof any money may become payable for any purpose (including, without
limitation, the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on
any Security), then, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding,
the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such money and to
apply the same to the purpose for





                                      -85-
<PAGE>   93
which such money was received and shall not be affected by any notice to the
contrary which may be received by it within five Business Days prior to such
date.

                 Subject to the provisions of Section 601, the Trustee shall be
entitled to rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a Person
representing himself to be a holder of Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee
therefor) to establish that such notice has been given by a holder of Senior
Indebtedness (or a trustee therefor).  In the event that the Trustee determines
in good faith that further evidence is required with respect to the right of
any Person as a holder of Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or
distribution pursuant to this Article, the Trustee may request such Person to
furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount
of Senior Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is
entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts
pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article, and if such evidence
is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending
judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment.

                 SECTION 1310.  Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of
Liquidating Agent.  Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company
referred to in this Article, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section
601, and the Holders of the Securities shall be entitled to rely upon any order
or decree entered by any court of competent jurisdiction in which any
Proceeding is pending, or a certificate of the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver,
liquidating trustee, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors, agent or
other Person making such payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or
to the Holders of Securities, for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons
entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of the
Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof
or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all
other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article.

                 SECTION 1311.  Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior
Indebtedness.  The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the
holders of Senior Indebtedness.

                 SECTION 1312.  Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior
Indebtedness; Preservation of Trustee's Rights.  The Trustee in its individual
capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article with
respect to any Senior Indebtedness which may at any time be held by it, to the
same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness, and nothing in this
Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.

                 Nothing in this Article shall apply to claims of, or payments
to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 607.





                                      -86-
<PAGE>   94
                 SECTION 1313.  Article Applicable to Paying Agents.  In case
at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have been appointed
by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term "Trustee" as used in this
Article shall in such case (unless the context otherwise requires) be construed
as extending to and including such Paying Agent within its meaning as fully for
all intents and purposes as if such Paying Agent were named in this Article in
addition to or in place of the Trustee; provided, however, that Section 1312
shall not apply to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company if it or such
Affiliate acts as Paying Agent.

                                  ARTICLE XIV

                          RIGHT TO REQUIRE REPURCHASE

                 SECTION 1401.  Repurchase of Securities at Option of the 
Holder upon Change of Control.

                          (a)     If at any time there shall have occurred a
         Change of Control (as defined below) with respect to the Company which
         constitutes a Repurchase Event (as defined below), each Holder shall
         have the right, at such Holder's option, subject to the terms and
         conditions of this Indenture, to require the Company to repurchase all
         or a portion of such Holder's Securities (in denominations of $1,000
         or integral multiples thereof), at a purchase price equal to 100% of
         the principal amount of such Securities, together with accrued
         interest to the Change of Control Purchase Date (the "Change of
         Control Purchase Price"), on the date (the "Change of Control Purchase
         Date") that is 60 days after the date on which the Company's Change of
         Control Notice (as defined below) is mailed (or such later date as is
         required by law), subject to substantial satisfaction by or on behalf
         of the Holder of the requirements set forth in Section 1401(c).
         Promptly, but in any event within 29 days following any such Change of
         Control constituting a Repurchase Event, the Company hereby covenants,
         with respect to any Senior Indebtedness that would prohibit the
         repurchase of Securities by the Company in the event of such Change of
         Control, to either (i) repay all such Senior Indebtedness in full; or
         (ii) obtain the requisite consents under any agreement or instrument
         pursuant to which such Senior Indebtedness is issued to permit the
         repurchase of the Securities as provided below.  The Company shall
         first comply with the covenants in the preceding sentence before it
         shall be required to repurchase Securities pursuant to this Article
         XIV.  The foregoing shall in no way limit the occurrence of an Event
         of Default, including an Event of Default arising from a default under
         the covenants of the second sentence of this Section 1401(a), and the
         right to declare all the principal of the Securities to be immediately
         due and payable in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.





                                      -87-
<PAGE>   95
                          A "Change of Control" shall occur when: (i) all or
         substantially all of the Company's assets are sold as an entirety to
         any person or related group of persons; (ii) there shall be
         consummated any consolidation or merger of the Company (A) in which
         the Company is not the continuing or surviving corporation (other than
         a consolidation or merger with a wholly owned subsidiary of the
         Company in which all shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately
         prior to the effectiveness thereof are changed into or exchanged for
         the same consideration) or (B) pursuant to which the Common Stock
         would be converted into cash, securities or other property, in each
         case, other than a consolidation or merger of the Company in which the
         holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to the consolidation or
         merger have, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the Common
         Stock of the continuing or surviving corporation immediately after
         such consolidation or merger; or (iii) any person or any persons
         acting together which would constitute a "group" for purposes of
         Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act (other than the Company, any
         Subsidiary, any employee stock purchase plan, stock option plan or
         other stock incentive plan or program, retirement plan or automatic
         dividend reinvestment plan or any substantially similar plan of the
         Company or any Subsidiary or any person holding securities of the
         Company for or pursuant to the terms of any such employee benefit
         plan), together with any affiliates thereof, shall Beneficially Own,
         directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the total Voting Stock of the
         Company.

                          Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
         Section 1401(a), a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have
         occurred by virtue of the purchase by one or more underwriters of
         Capital Stock of the Company pursuant to a firm commitment
         underwriting in connection with a public offering of such Capital
         Stock; provided, however, that upon the expiration of 20 Business Days
         following the acquisition by such underwriters of Capital Stock of the
         Company pursuant to such a firm commitment underwriting, such
         underwriters shall not Beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, at
         least 50% of the total Voting Stock of the Company.

                          A Change of Control as described above shall
         constitute a "Repurchase Event" unless (i) the closing price per share
         of the Common Stock on the five consecutive Trading Days selected by
         the Company out of the 10 consecutive Trading Days ending immediately
         after the later of the Change of Control or the public announcement of
         the Change of Control (in the case of a Change of Control under
         clauses (i) or (ii) of the definition of Change of Control) or ending
         immediately before the Change of Control (in the case of a Change of
         Control under clause (iii) of the definition of Change of Control) is
         at least equal to 105% of the conversion price of the Securities in
         effect immediately preceding the time of such Change of Control, or
         (ii) all of the consideration (excluding cash payments for fractional
         shares) in the transaction





                                      -88-
<PAGE>   96

         giving rise to such Change of Control to the holders of Common Stock
         consists of shares of Common Stock that are, or immediately upon
         issuance will be, listed on a national securities exchange or quoted
         in the Nasdaq National Market, and as a result of such transaction the
         Securities become convertible solely into such Common Stock and there
         has not been a Rating Decline, or (iii) the consideration in the
         transaction giving rise to such Change of Control to the holders of
         Common Stock consists of cash, securities that are, or immediately
         upon issuance will be, listed on a national securities exchange or
         quoted in the Nasdaq National Market, or a combination of cash and
         such securities, and the aggregate fair market value of such
         consideration (which, in the case of such securities, shall be equal
         to the average of the daily Closing Prices of such securities on the
         five consecutive Trading Days selected by the Company out of the 10
         consecutive Trading Days following consummation of such transaction)
         is at least 105% of the conversion price of the Securities in effect
         on the date immediately preceding the closing date of such
         transaction.

                          (b)     Within 29 days after the occurrence of a
         Change of Control which constitutes a Repurchase Event, the Company
         covenants that it shall mail a written notice (the "Change of Control
         Notice") of Change of Control by first- class mail to the Trustee and
         to each Holder (and to beneficial owners as required by applicable
         law) and shall cause a copy of such notice to be published in a daily
         newspaper of national circulation.  The notice shall state:

                                  (i)      the events causing a Change of
                 Control (setting forth a brief description of such event) and
                 the date of such Change of Control;

                                  (ii)     the date by which the Change of
                 Control Purchase Notice pursuant to this Section 1401 must be
                 given;

                                  (iii)    the Change of Control Purchase Date;

                                  (iv)     the Change of Control Purchase Price;

                                  (v)      the name and address of the Paying
                 Agent and the conversion agent;

                                  (vi)     the conversion price and any
                 adjustments thereto and the place or places where Securities
                 may be surrendered for conversion;

                                  (vii)    that Securities as to which a Change
                 of Control Purchase Notice has been given may be converted
                 into Common Stock





                                      -89-
<PAGE>   97
                 only if the Change of Control Purchase Notice has been 
                 withdrawn in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;

                                  (viii)   the procedures the Holder must
                 follow to exercise rights under this Section 1401 and a brief
                 description of such rights; and

                                  (ix)     the procedures for withdrawing a
                 Change of Control Purchase Notice.

                          The Change of Control Notice shall also state whether
         or not the Company has satisfied its obligations with respect to any
         Senior Indebtedness that would prohibit the repurchase of Securities
         by the Company in the event of a Change of Control pursuant to Section
         1401(a).  If the Company is unable to satisfy such obligations, the
         Change of Control Notice shall also state that the Company is or will
         be in default under Section 501(c) of the Indenture, that receipt by
         the Company of one or more Change of Control Purchase Notices by
         Holders of at least 25% of the outstanding Securities will constitute
         a Notice of Default thereunder, and that the failure of the Company to
         cure such default within 60 days (or the then applicable time period)
         will be an Event of Default allowing the Trustee or the Holders of not
         less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities to
         declare the principal of all the Securities to be due and payable
         immediately.

                          (c)     A Holder may exercise its rights specified in
         Section 1401(a) upon delivery of a written notice of purchase (a
         "Change of Control Purchase Notice") to the Paying Agent at any time
         prior to the close of business on the Change of Control Purchase Date,
         stating:

                                  (i)      the certificate number or numbers of
                 the Security or Securities which the Holder will deliver to be
                 purchased;

                                  (ii)     the portion of the principal amount
                 of the Security or Securities which the Holder will deliver to
                 be repurchased, which portion must be $1,000 or an integral
                 multiple thereof; and

                                  (iii)    that such Security or Securities
                 shall be repurchased pursuant to the terms and conditions
                 specified in this Article XIV.

                          The delivery of such Security or Securities to the
         Paying Agent prior to, on or after the Change of Control Purchase Date
         (together with all necessary endorsements) at the offices of the
         Paying Agent shall be a condition to the receipt by the Holder of the
         Change of Control Purchase Price therefor, and the Change of Control
         Purchase Price shall be paid pursuant to this Section





                                      -90-
<PAGE>   98
         1401 only if the Security or Securities so delivered to the Paying
         Agent shall conform in all respects to the description thereof set
         forth in the related Change of Control Purchase Notice.

                          The Company shall repurchase from the Holder thereof,
         pursuant to this Section 1401, a portion of a Security if such portion
         is $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000.

                          Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any
         Holder delivering to the Paying Agent the Change of Control Purchase
         Notice contemplated by this Section 1401(c) shall have the right to
         withdraw such Change of Control Purchase Notice at any time prior to
         the close of business on the Change of Control Purchase Date by
         delivery of a written notice of withdrawal to the Paying Agent in
         accordance with Section 1402.

                 SECTION 1402.  Effect of Change of Control Purchase Notice.
Upon receipt by the Company of the Change of Control Purchase Notice specified
in Section 1401, the Holder of the Security in respect of which such notice was
given shall (unless such notice is withdrawn as specified in the following
paragraph) thereafter be entitled to receive solely the Change of Control
Purchase Price with respect to such Security.  Such price shall be paid to such
Holder (provided the conditions in Section 1401 have been satisfied) promptly
following the later of (x) the Change of Control Purchase Date with respect to
such Security and (y) the time of delivery of such Security to the Paying Agent
by the Holder thereof in the manner required by Section 1401(c).  Securities in
respect of which a Change of Control Purchase Notice has been given by the
Holder thereof may not be converted into shares of Common Stock on or after the
date of the delivery of such Change of Control Purchase Notice unless such
notice has first been validly withdrawn as specified in the following
paragraph.

                 A Change of Control Purchase Notice may be withdrawn by means
of a written notice of withdrawal delivered to the office of the Paying Agent
at any time prior to the close of business on the Change of Control Purchase
Date specifying:

                          (i)     the certificate number or numbers of the
                 Security or Securities in respect of which such notice of
                 withdrawal is being submitted;

                          (ii)    the portion of the principal amount of the
                 Security or Securities with respect to which such notice of
                 withdrawal is being submitted, which portion must be $1,000 or
                 an integral multiple thereof, and

                          (iii)   the portion of the principal amount, if any,
                 of such Security or Securities which remains subject to the
                 original Change of





                                      -91-
<PAGE>   99
                 Control Purchase Notice and which has been or will be 
                 delivered for purchase by the Company, which portion must be 
                 $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof.                  
         
                 In addition to the requirement that the Company must first
comply with the covenants set forth in Section 1401, there shall be no
repurchase of any Securities pursuant to Section 1401 if there has occurred
(prior to, on or after the giving, by the Holders of such Securities, of the
required Change of Control Purchase Notice) and is continuing an Event of
Default.  The foregoing shall in no way limit the occurrence of an Event of
Default, including an Event of Default arising from a default under the
covenants in this Article XIV and the right to declare the principal of the
Securities to be immediately due and payable in accordance with the provisions
of this Indenture.

                 SECTION 1403.  Deposit of Change of Control Purchase Price.
At least one Business Day prior to the Change of Control Purchase Date, the
Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent (or, if the
Company or a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of either of them is acting as the
Paying Agent, shall segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an
amount of money sufficient to pay the aggregate Change of Control Purchase
Price of all the Securities or portions thereof which are to be purchased as of
the Change of Control Purchase Date.

                 SECTION 1404.  Securities Purchased in Part.  Any Security
which is to be purchased only in part shall be surrendered at the office of the
Paying Agent (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement
by, or written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and
the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or such Holder's attorney duly
authorized in writing) and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall
authenticate and make available for delivery to the Holder of such Security,
without service charge, a new Security or Securities, of any authorized
denomination requested by such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to,
and in exchange for, the portion of the principal amount of the Security so
surrendered which is not purchased.

                 SECTION 1405.  Covenant to Comply with Securities Laws Upon
Purchase of Securities.  In connection with any purchase of Securities under
Section 1401 hereof, the Company shall, to the extent then applicable and
required by law: (a) comply with Rule 13e-4 (which term, as used herein,
includes any successor provision thereto) under the Exchange Act; (b) file the
related Schedule 13E-4 (or any successor or similar schedule, form or report)
under the Exchange Act; and (c) otherwise comply with all Federal and state
securities laws so as to permit the rights and obligations under Section 1401
to be exercised in the time and in the manner specified in Section 1401.





                                      -92-
<PAGE>   100
                                   ARTICLE XV

                       DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

                 SECTION 1501.  Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or
Covenant Defeasance.  The Company may at its option by Board Resolution, at any
time, elect to have the provisions of either Section 1502 or Section 1503 apply
to the Outstanding Securities upon compliance with the conditions set forth
below in this Article XV.

                 SECTION 1502.  Defeasance and Discharge.  Upon the Company's
election to have this Section 1502 apply to the Outstanding Securities, the
Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with
respect to the Outstanding Securities (including the provisions of Article XIII
hereof) on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter
referred to as a "Defeasance").  For this purpose, such Defeasance means that
the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness
represented by the Outstanding Securities and to have satisfied all its other
obligations under such Securities and this Indenture insofar as such Securities
are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute
proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following which
shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (a) the
rights of Holders of Outstanding Securities to receive, solely from the trust
fund described in Section 1504 and as more fully set forth in such Section,
payments in respect of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on
such Securities when such payments are due, (b) the Company's obligations with
respect to such Securities under Sections 305, 306, 607, 608, 702, 1002 and
1003, (c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee
hereunder, (d) the Company's obligations under Article XII and (e) this Article
XV.

                 Subject to compliance with this Article XV, the Company may
exercise its option under this Section 1502 notwithstanding the prior exercise
of its option under Section 1503.

                 SECTION 1503.  Covenant Defeasance.  Upon the Company's
election to have this Section 1503 apply to the Outstanding Securities, the
Company (a) shall be released from its obligations under Section 1007, Section
1008, and the provisions of Article XIII hereof, and (b) the occurrence of an
event specified in Section 501(d) shall not constitute an Event of Default, and
such Sections and Article shall no longer apply with respect to or for the
benefit of the Company, the Securities, the Holders of Securities and the
holders of Senior Indebtedness on and after the date the conditions set forth
below are satisfied (hereinafter referred to as a "Covenant Defeasance").  For
this purpose, such Covenant Defeasance means that the Company may omit to
comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or
limitation set forth in any such Sections or Article, whether directly or
indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such Sections or
Article or by reason of any





                                      -93-
<PAGE>   101
reference in any such Sections or Article to any other provision herein or in
any other document, but the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities
shall be unaffected thereby.

                 SECTION 1504.  Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant
Defeasance.  The following shall be the conditions to the application of either
Section 1502 or Section 1503 to the Outstanding Securities:

                          (a)     The Company shall irrevocably have deposited
         or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee
         satisfying the requirements of Section 609 who shall agree to comply
         with the provisions of this Article XV applicable to it) as trust
         funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments,
         specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the
         benefit of the Holders of such Securities, (i) money in an amount, or
         (ii) U.S.  Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment
         of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their
         terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any
         payment, money in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof, sufficient,
         in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public
         accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to
         the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the
         Trustee or other qualifying trustee to pay and discharge, the
         principal of and premium, if any, on and each installment of interest
         on the Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or the
         stated due date of such installment of interest in accordance with the
         terms of this Indenture and of such Securities.  For this purpose,
         "U.S. Government Obligations" means securities that are (x) direct
         obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which
         its full faith and credit is pledged or (y) obligations of a Person
         controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality
         of the United States of America the payment of which is
         unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by
         the United States of America, which, in either case, are not callable
         or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also
         include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section
         3(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) as custodian with
         respect to any such U.S. Government obligation or a specific payment
         of principal of or interest on any such U.S. Government Obligation
         held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such
         depository receipt; provided, however, that (except as required by
         law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the
         amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any
         amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government
         Obligation or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the
         U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

                          (b)     In the case of an election under Section
         1502, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of
         Counsel stating that





                                      -94-
<PAGE>   102
         (x) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the
         Internal Revenue service a ruling or (y) since the date of this
         Indenture there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax
         law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion
         shall confirm that, the Holders of the Outstanding Securities 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, in the same manner and at
         the same times as would have been the case if such Defeasance had not
         occurred.

                          (c)     In the case of an election under Section
         1503, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of
         Counsel to the effect that the Holders of the Outstanding Securities
         will not recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a
         result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal
         income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same
         times as would have been the case if such deposit and Covenant
         Defeasance had not occurred.

                          (d)     In the case of an election under Section 1502
         or 1503, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
         Certificate to the effect that the Securities, if then listed on any
         securities exchange, will not be delisted as a result of such deposit.

                          (e)     At the time of such Defeasance or Covenant
         Defeasance: (i) no default in the payment of all or a portion of
         principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any Senior
         Indebtedness shall have occurred and be continuing, and no event of
         default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness shall have occurred
         and be continuing and shall have resulted in such Senior Indebtedness
         becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which
         it would otherwise have become due and payable and (ii) (A) no other
         event of default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness shall have
         occurred and be continuing permitting the holders of such Senior
         Indebtedness (or a trustee on behalf of the holders thereof) to
         declare such Senior Indebtedness due and payable prior to the date on
         which it would otherwise have become due and payable, (B) no judicial
         proceeding shall be pending with respect to any such event of default
         and (C) the Company and the Trustee shall not have received a notice
         with respect to any such event of default from any holder of Senior
         Indebtedness (or their representative or representatives), or, in the
         case of either clause (A) or clause (B) above, each such default or
         event of default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased
         to exist.

                          (f)     No Event of Default or event which with
         notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default
         shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or,
         insofar as Sections 501(e) and (f) are





                                      -95-
<PAGE>   103
         concerned, at any time during the period ending on the 90th day after
         the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition
         shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period).

                          (g)     Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall
         not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest as defined in
         Section 608 and for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act with respect
         to any securities of the Company.

                          (h)     Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall
         not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under,
         any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or
         by which it is bound.

                          (i)     The Company shall have delivered to the
         Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each
         stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to either
         the Defeasance under Section 1502 or the Covenant Defeasance under
         Section 1503 (as the case may be) have been complied with.

                          (j)     Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall
         not result in the trust arising from such deposit to constitute,
         unless it is qualified as, a regulated investment company under the
         Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

                 The subordination provisions of Article XIII shall no longer
apply to the Securities upon such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

                 SECTION 1505.  Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations
to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.  Subject to the provisions
of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and U.S. Government
Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or
other qualifying trustee collectively, for purposes of this Section 1505, the
"Trustee") pursuant to Section 1504 shall be held in trust and applied by the
Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this
Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent
(including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may
determine, to the Holders of the Securities, of all sums due and to become due
thereon, in respect of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the
Securities, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to
the extent required by law.  Money so held in trust, to the extent allocated
for the payment of Securities, shall not be subject to the provisions of
Article XIII.

                 The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any
tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government
Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 1504 or the principal and interest
received in respect





                                      -96-
<PAGE>   104
thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the
account of the Holders of the Outstanding Securities.

                 Anything in this Article XV to the contrary notwithstanding,
the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company
Request any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in
Section 1504 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of
independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof
delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount hereof which would then
be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Defeasance or Covenant
Defeasance.

                 The provisions for subordination of the Securities set forth
in Article XIII are hereby expressly made subject to the provisions for
Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance in this Article XV and, anything herein to
the contrary notwithstanding, upon the effectiveness of such Defeasance or
Covenant Defeasance, such Securities shall thereupon cease to be so
subordinated.

                 SECTION 1506.  Reinstatement.  If the Trustee or Paying Agent
is unable to apply any money in accordance with Section 1502 or 1503 by reason
of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining,
restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Company's
obligations under this Indenture and the Securities shall be revived and
reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article XV until
such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money
in accordance with Section 1502 or 1503; provided, however, that if the Company
makes any payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any
Security following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be
subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Securities to receive such
payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.





                                      -97-
<PAGE>   105
                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.


                                              SNYDER OIL CORPORATION



                                              By:______________________________
                                              Name:____________________________
                                              Title:___________________________





                                              TEXAS COMMERCE BANK NATIONAL
                                                ASSOCIATION,
                                                  as Trustee



                                              By:______________________________
                                                 Authorized Signatory





                                      -98-

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 12.1
 
                             SNYDER OIL CORPORATION
 
               COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               PRO
                                                                                              FORMA
                                                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       AS
                                  -------------------------------------------------------    ADJUSTED
                                   1989        1990        1991        1992        1993      1993(A)
                                  -------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                               <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Income before taxes,
  extraordinary item, and
  and accounting change.........  $ 7,321    $  9,857    $ 11,439    $ 17,305    $ 34,909    $ 31,440
Interest expense................      761       6,273       8,452       4,997       5,315       3,034
Pro forma Notes interest........        0           0           0           0           0       5,750
                                  -------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Earnings before fixed charges...    8,082      16,130      19,891      22,302      40,224      40,224
                                  -------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                  -------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Fixed Charges:
Interest expense................      761       6,273       8,452       4,997       5,315       3,034
Pro forma Notes interest........        0           0           0           0           0       5,750
                                  -------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                  $   761    $  6,273    $  8,452    $  4,997    $  5,315    $  8,784
                                  -------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                  -------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Ratio of earnings
  to fixed charges..............    10.62        2.57        2.35        4.46        7.57        4.58
                                  -------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                  -------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(a) Presented pro forma for the Convertible Subordinated Notes, based on
    $100,000,000 at the average yield of 5.75%.
    


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