Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration Statement No. 333-256120

Calculation of Registration Fee

 

Title of Class of Securities Offered		Amount to be Registered		Maximum Offering Price Per Unit		Maximum Aggregate Offering Price		Amount of Registration Fee
3.00% Fixed to Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2031		$600,000,000		100%		$600,000,000		$65,460.00(1)

(1)	This filing fee is calculated in accordance with Rule 457(r) and relates to the Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR (File No. 333-256120) filed by the Registrant on May 14, 2021.

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus dated May 14, 2021)

 

$600,000,000

3.00% Fixed to Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2031

 

 

We are offering $600,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 3.00% fixed to floating rate subordinated notes due 2031 (the “subordinated notes”). The subordinated notes will mature on June 15, 2031 (the “maturity date”). The subordinated notes will bear interest at a fixed rate per annum of 3.00%, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2021, until June 15, 2026 or the date of earlier redemption (the “fixed rate period”). From and including June 15, 2026 to but excluding the maturity date or the date of earlier redemption (the “floating rate period”), the subordinated notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to the Benchmark rate, which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR, each as defined and subject to the provisions described under “Description of the Subordinated Notes—Principal and Interest Payments” in this prospectus supplement, plus 225 basis points, for each quarterly interest period during the floating interest rate period, payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2026. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Benchmark rate is less than zero, the Benchmark rate shall be deemed to be zero.

The subordinated notes are redeemable by us, in whole or in part, on June 15, 2026, and on every interest payment date thereafter, or in whole but not in part, upon the occurrence of a tax event, capital event or investment company event, in each case at 100% of the principal amount of the subordinated notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such subordinated notes to, but excluding, the redemption date. Any early redemption of the subordinated notes will be subject to the receipt of the approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) to the extent then required under applicable laws or regulations, including capital regulations.

There is no sinking fund for the subordinated notes. The subordinated notes will be our unsecured, subordinated obligations and will be subordinated in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness, whether secured or unsecured, including claims of depositors and general creditors. The subordinated notes will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and liabilities of our subsidiaries and will rank equally in right of payment with any unsecured, subordinated indebtedness that we incur in the future that rank equally with the subordinated notes. Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of subordinated notes to be redeemed, provided that the notice of redemption will be given within 90 days of the effective date of a tax event, capital event or investment company event. For a more detailed description of the subordinated notes, see “Description of Subordinated Notes.”

Currently, there is no public trading market for the subordinated notes. We do not intend to list the subordinated notes on any securities exchanges or to have the subordinated notes quoted on a quotation system.

The subordinated notes will not be savings accounts, deposits, or other obligations of our bank subsidiary or any nonbank subsidiary and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Federal Reserve or any other governmental agency or public or private issuer.

 

 

Investing in the subordinated notes involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-8 of this prospectus supplement and under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

		Price to Public(1)		Underwriting Discounts and Commissions(2)		Proceeds to the Company (before expenses)
Per Subordinated Note		100%		1.00%		99.00%
Total		$600,000,000		$6,000,000		$594,000,000

 

(1)	Plus accrued interest, if any, from June 7, 2021 to the date of delivery.

(2)	See “Underwriting” for more information regarding compensation to be received by the underwriters in connection with this offering.

The underwriters expect to deliver the subordinated notes through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company for the accounts of its participants, which may include Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System and Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, against payment in New York, New York on or about June 7, 2021.

 

 

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

Piper Sandler & Co.		J.P. Morgan

Co-Managers

 

Wells Fargo Securities		RBC Capital Markets		Jefferies		Wedbush Securities

The date of this prospectus supplement is June 3, 2021.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

		Page(s)
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT			S-1
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY			S-2
RISK FACTORS			S-8
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			S-16
USE OF PROCEEDS			S-18
CAPITALIZATION			S-19
DESCRIPTION OF SUBORDINATED NOTES			S-21
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM			S-31
MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS			S-35
CERTAIN ERISA CONSIDERATIONS			S-42
UNDERWRITERS			S-44
LEGAL MATTERS			S-50
EXPERTS			S-50
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			S-51
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE			S-52

PROSPECTUS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page(s)
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS			1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			2
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			4
ABOUT WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION			5
RISK FACTORS			6
USE OF PROCEEDS			7
THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER			8
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES			9
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK			22
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK			25
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES			29
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS			32
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS			34
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS			35
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			36
LEGAL MATTERS			39
EXPERTS			40

 

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which provides more general information. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus supplement, on the one hand, and the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, on the other hand, you should rely on the information contained in this prospectus supplement.

We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different than or inconsistent with the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate only as of the date of those respective documents, regardless of the time of delivery of those respective documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

Before you make a decision to invest in the subordinated notes, you should read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, in their entirety. You should also read and consider the information in the documents to which we have referred you in the sections of this prospectus supplement entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference.”

The information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is not investment, legal or tax advice. You should consult your own legal counsel, accountants and other advisers for legal, tax, business, financial and related advice before investing in the subordinated notes.

Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus supplement to “Western Alliance,” “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or similar references mean Western Alliance Bancorporation and its subsidiaries.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in the subordinated notes involves significant risks. Before you invest in the subordinated notes, in addition to the other information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties discussed in the accompanying prospectus under “Risk Factors” and under Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” or otherwise discussed, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, in Item 1A of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, and in other filings we may make from time to time with the SEC after the date of the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is a part. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us may also impair our business operations, financial results and the value of the subordinated notes.

The subordinated notes are unsecured and subordinated to our existing and future senior indebtedness.

The subordinated notes will be our unsecured, subordinated obligations and will be subordinated in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness, whether secured or unsecured, including claims of depositors and general creditors. As of March 31, 2021, the consolidated Company had total outstanding indebtedness, deposits and other liabilities of approximately $39.7 billion, which would rank senior in right of payment to the subordinated notes. At March 31, 2021, the Company had $175 million of subordinated debt which matures in 2056 and the Bank had $75 million of subordinated debt which matures in 2025 and $225 million of subordinated debt, which matures in 2030. In addition, at March 31, 2021, AmeriHome had $300 million of senior debt which matures in 2028. We may incur substantial additional indebtedness, including additional senior indebtedness and indebtedness ranking senior to or on a parity with the subordinated notes in the future.

In the event that we become insolvent, are placed in receivership or conservatorship, or are liquidated or reorganized, senior indebtedness and secured indebtedness will be entitled to be paid in full from our assets before any payment may be made with respect to the subordinated notes. Holders of the subordinated notes will participate in our remaining assets, if any, ratably with all holders of our unsecured, subordinated indebtedness that is on a parity with the subordinated notes. In any of the foregoing events, we may not have sufficient assets to pay all amounts owing on the subordinated notes and other parity indebtedness. See “Description of Subordinated Notes.”

The subordinated notes are structurally subordinated to the obligations of our subsidiaries, and the holders of those obligations will be entitled to receive payment in full of those obligations before we participate in any distribution of the assets of our subsidiaries in the event of their liquidation or insolvency.

The subordinated notes are unsecured, subordinated obligations solely of the Company and are not obligations of our subsidiaries or any of our affiliates. The Bank is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Company and its other subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries have no obligation to pay any amounts to the Company, including any dividends, to make any other distributions to the Company or to provide the Company with funds to meet any of its obligations. Our rights and the rights of our creditors, including the holders of the subordinated notes, to participate in any distribution of the assets of our subsidiaries (either as a stockholder or as a creditor), upon a liquidation, reorganization, insolvency or receivership of any such subsidiary (and the consequent right of the holders of the subordinated notes to participate in those assets after repayment of our senior indebtedness), will be subject to the claims of the creditors of such subsidiary, including depositors. As a consequence of the foregoing, the subordinated notes are structurally subordinated to the liabilities of our subsidiaries.

We are a bank holding company and, therefore, may not be able to receive dividends in amounts needed to service our debt.

Dividends are restricted under state corporate and banking regulations applicable to the Bank. Similarly, state and federal laws and regulations place certain limitations and restrictions on the ability of the Bank to extend

 

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credit or otherwise advance funds to us, regardless of any earnings or income generated by it. Accordingly, holders of the subordinated notes may have to rely solely on our assets for payments of principal and interest, and not those of our subsidiaries. Our assets could be insufficient to make such payments on a timely basis or at all.

As a bank holding company, our ability to declare and pay interest and principal on the subordinated notes is subject to the guidelines of the Federal Reserve regarding capital adequacy. Moreover, under Federal Reserve policy, a bank holding company is required to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to each of its banking subsidiaries and commit resources to their support. Such support may be required at times when a holding company may not otherwise be inclined to provide it. A bank holding company in certain circumstances could be required to guarantee the capital plan of an undercapitalized banking subsidiary in order for such a plan to be accepted by the regulators. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the bankruptcy trustee will be deemed to have assumed and is required to cure immediately any deficit under any commitment by the debtor holding company to any of the federal banking agencies to maintain the capital of an insured depository institution, and any claim for breach of such obligation will generally have priority over most other unsecured claims, including the subordinated notes.

The subordinated notes are not savings accounts or deposits of any bank, and are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency, and are not guaranteed by any of our affiliates.

The subordinated notes are unsecured, subordinated obligations solely of the Company. The subordinated notes are not savings accounts or deposits of any bank, including that of WAB, and are not insured by the FDIC or any other governmental agency. Accordingly, the subordinated notes are subject to investment risk, including, without limitation, loss of principal. The subordinated notes are not obligations of, nor are they guaranteed by, the Bank or any of the Bank’s affiliates or subsidiaries and may not be used as collateral for a loan from the Bank. There are no other arrangements that enhance the seniority of the subordinated notes in relation to the Company’s senior indebtedness.

The subordinated notes are subject to limited rights of acceleration and may only be accelerated in the event we are subject to any insolvency, receivership, conservatorship, liquidation or a similar proceeding.

Payment of principal of the subordinated notes may be accelerated by the holders of the subordinated notes only in the event of insolvency, receivership, conservatorship, liquidation or similar proceeding of the Company. Thus, you have no right to accelerate the payment of principal of the subordinated notes, if the Company fails in the performance of any of its other obligations under the subordinated notes. The Federal Reserve could require us to obtain prior regulatory approval to pay interest on the subordinated notes if our capital was determined to be insufficient by the Federal Reserve or would be deemed by the Federal Reserve insufficient upon such payment.

The limited covenants relating to the subordinated notes do not protect you. We have the ability to issue additional subordinated notes or incur additional debt under the terms of the subordinated notes or otherwise.

The covenants in the subordinated notes are limited. The subordinated notes do not limit the Company’s ability to issue additional subordinated notes or to incur additional debt, including senior indebtedness and other indebtedness of any type. Our incurrence of additional debt or liabilities may adversely affect our ability to pay our obligations on the subordinated notes, the credit ratings on the subordinated notes, and the liquidity and market values of our subordinated notes. The subordinated notes contain no restrictions on granting security interests or liens on our assets or issuing or repurchasing our other securities. As a result, the subordinated notes generally do not protect you in the event of an adverse change in the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In addition, the Company is not required to maintain any financial ratios or specific levels of capital and surplus or liquidity in connection with the subordinated notes. The subordinated notes will not contain any provision that

 

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would provide protection to their holders against a decline in credit quality resulting from a merger, takeover, recapitalization, or similar restructuring of the Company or its affiliates or significant sales of the capital stock by the holders of such stock or any other event involving the Company or its affiliates that may adversely affect the credit quality of the Company.

If an active and liquid trading market for the subordinated notes does not develop or continue, the market price of the subordinated notes may decline and you may be unable to sell your subordinated notes.

The subordinated notes are a new issue of securities for which there is currently no public market. We do not intend to list the subordinated notes on any national securities exchange or include the subordinated notes in any automated dealer quotation system. An active trading market may not develop for the subordinated notes. The subordinated notes may not be exchanged for denominations smaller than $1,000 to facilitate trading or otherwise. Although the underwriters have indicated that they intend to make a market in the subordinated notes, they may, in their discretion, discontinue market making activities at any time. Even if a trading market for the subordinated notes develops, the market may not be liquid or continue. If an active trading market does not develop or continue, you may be unable to resell your subordinated notes or may only be able to sell them at a substantial discount from your purchase price.

Our credit ratings may not reflect all risks of an investment in the subordinated notes.

Actual or anticipated changes in the credit ratings assigned to the subordinated notes, if any, may not reflect all risks related to our business, the structure and other factors on any trading market, if any, for, or trading value of, the subordinated notes. In addition, actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect any trading market, if any, for, or trading value of, the subordinated notes. Moreover, ratings do not reflect market prices or suitability of a security for a particular investor. Accordingly, you should consult your own financial and legal advisors as to the risks entailed by an investment in the subordinated notes and the suitability of investing in the subordinated notes in light of your particular circumstances. Credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities, including the subordinated notes, and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the credit rating organization in its sole discretion. In addition, credit rating agencies continually review their ratings for the companies that they follow, including us. The credit rating agencies also evaluate the financial services industry as a whole and may change their credit rating for us and our securities, including the subordinated notes, based on their overall view of our industry. If a rating on the subordinated notes, us or our other securities is lowered by a rating agency in the future, the trading price of the subordinated notes could decline significantly.

The price at which you will be able to sell your subordinated notes prior to maturity will depend on a number of factors and may be substantially less than the amount you originally invest.

We believe that the value of the subordinated notes in the secondary market, if any, will be affected by the supply and demand of the subordinated notes, their interest rate, ranking and a number of other factors. Some of these factors are interrelated in complex ways. As a result, the effect of any one factor may be offset or magnified by the effect of another factor. The following paragraphs describe certain effects we anticipate on the market value of the subordinated notes of a change in certain factors, assuming all other conditions remain constant.

We expect that the market value of the subordinated notes will be affected by changes or anticipated changes in United States interest rates, including the shape of the yield curve. In general, for example, if United States interest rates increase, the market value of the subordinated notes may decrease.

Our credit rating, financial condition and results. Actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings, financial condition or results of operations may affect the market value of the subordinated notes. See “—Our credit ratings may not reflect all risks of an investment in the subordinated notes.”

The effect of any changes in such factors could be offset, in whole or in part, by other changes. For example, an improvement in our credit rating could be offset by increases in market interest rates.

 

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We may be able to redeem the subordinated notes at any time upon the occurrence of certain events.

By their terms, the subordinated notes may be redeemed by us at any time upon the occurrence of certain events involving the capital treatment of the subordinated notes. In particular, upon our determination in good faith that an event has occurred that would constitute a “tax event,” “capital event” or “investment company event,” we may, at our option, redeem in whole, but not in part, the subordinated notes, subject to the approval of the Federal Reserve. See “Description of Subordinated Notes—Redemption.” If we redeem the subordinated notes, you may not be able to reinvest the redemption price you receive in a similar security.

Investors should not expect us to redeem the subordinated notes on the date they become redeemable or on any particular date after it becomes redeemable.

The subordinated notes have no mandatory redemption date and are not redeemable at the option of investors. By their terms, the subordinated notes may be redeemed by us at our option, either in whole or in part, on June 15, 2026 and on every interest payment date thereafter, or, in whole but not in part, upon the occurrence of certain changes relating to a tax event, capital event or investment company event, as described below under “Description of Subordinated Notes—Redemption.” Any decision we may make at any time to propose a redemption of the subordinated notes will depend upon, among other things, our evaluation of our capital position, including for capital ratio purposes, the composition of our stockholders’ equity and general market conditions at that time. In addition, our right to redeem the subordinated notes is subject to limitations established by the Federal Reserve’s guidelines applicable to bank holding companies, and under current regulatory rules and regulations we would need regulatory approval to redeem the subordinated notes. We cannot guarantee that the Federal Reserve would approve any redemption of the subordinated notes that we may propose.

The amount of interest payable on the subordinated notes will vary after June 15, 2026.

During the fixed rate period, the subordinated notes will bear interest at a rate of 3.00% per annum. Thereafter, the subordinated notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to the Benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR) plus 225 basis points, subject to the applicable provisions under “Description of Subordinated Notes—Principal and Interest Payments.” The per annum interest rate that is determined at the reference time for the floating rate interest period will apply to the entire quarterly interest period following such determination date even if the Benchmark rate increases during that period.

Floating rate notes bear additional significant risks not associated with fixed rate debt securities. These risks include fluctuation of the interest rates and the possibility that you will receive an amount of interest that is lower than expected. We have no control over a number of matters that may impact prevailing interest rates, including, without limitation, economic, financial, and political events that are important in determining the existence, magnitude, and longevity of market volatility, and other risks and their impact on the value of, or payments made on, the subordinated notes. In recent years, interest rates have been volatile, and that volatility may be expected in the future.

SOFR differs fundamentally from, and may not be a comparable substitute for, U.S. dollar LIBOR.

In June 2017, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”) convened by the Federal Reserve and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (“FRBNY”) announced SOFR as its recommended alternative to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for U.S. dollar obligations. However, because SOFR is a broad U.S. Treasury repo financing rate that represents overnight secured funding transactions, it differs fundamentally from LIBOR. For example, SOFR is a secured overnight rate, while LIBOR is an unsecured rate that represents interbank funding. In addition, because SOFR is a transaction-based rate, it is backward-looking, whereas LIBOR is forward-looking. Because of these and other differences, there is no assurance that SOFR will perform in the same way as LIBOR would have performed at any time, and there is no guarantee that it is a comparable substitute for LIBOR.

 

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Any failure of SOFR to gain market acceptance could adversely affect holders of the subordinated notes.

SOFR may fail to gain market acceptance. SOFR was developed for use in certain U.S. dollar derivatives and other financial contracts as an alternative to LIBOR in part because it is considered to be a good representation of general funding conditions in the overnight U.S. Treasury repo market. However, as a rate based on transactions secured by U.S. Treasury securities, it does not measure bank-specific credit risk and, as a result, is less likely to correlate with the unsecured short-term funding costs of banks. This may mean that market participants would not consider SOFR to be a comparable substitute or successor for all of the purposes for which LIBOR historically has been used (including, without limitation, as a representation of the unsecured short-term funding costs of banks), which may, in turn, lessen its market acceptance. Any failure of SOFR to gain market acceptance could adversely affect the yield on, value of, and market for the subordinated notes.

Investors should not rely on indicative or historical data concerning SOFR.

The interest rate during the floating rate period will be determined using Three-Month Term SOFR (unless a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date occur with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, in which case the rate of interest will be based on the next-available Benchmark Replacement, which is Compounded SOFR). In the following discussion of SOFR, when we refer to the subordinated notes, we mean the subordinated notes at any time during the floating rate period when the interest rate on the subordinated notes is or will be determined based on SOFR, including Three-Month Term SOFR.

SOFR is published by the FRBNY and is intended to be a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. FRBNY reports that SOFR includes all trades in the Broad General Collateral Rate, plus bilateral U.S. Treasury repurchase agreement (“repo”) transactions cleared through the delivery-versus-payment service offered by the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (the “FICC”), a subsidiary of DTC. SOFR is filtered by FRBNY to remove a portion of the foregoing transactions considered to be “specials.” According to FRBNY, “specials” are repos for specific-issue collateral which take place at cash-lending rates below those for general collateral repos because cash providers are willing to accept a lesser return on their cash in order to obtain a particular security.

FRBNY reports that SOFR is calculated as a volume-weighted median of transaction-level tri-party repo data collected from The Bank of New York Mellon, which currently acts as the clearing bank for the tri-party repo market, as well as General Collateral Finance Repo transaction data and data on bilateral U.S. Treasury repo transactions cleared through the FICC’s delivery-versus-payment service. FRBNY states that it obtains information from DTCC Solutions LLC, an affiliate of DTC.

FRBNY currently publishes SOFR daily on its website at https://apps.newyorkfed.org/markets/autorates/sofr. FRBNY states on its publication page for SOFR that use of SOFR is subject to important disclaimers, limitations, and indemnification obligations, including that FRBNY may alter the methods of calculation, publication schedule, rate revision practices, or availability of SOFR at any time without notice. The foregoing Internet website is an inactive textual reference only, meaning that the information contained on the website is not part of this prospectus supplement or incorporated by reference herein.

FRBNY started publishing SOFR in April 2018. FRBNY has also started publishing historical indicative SOFRs dating back to 2014, although such historical indicative data inherently involves assumptions, estimates and approximations. Investors should not rely on such historical indicative data or on any historical changes or trends in SOFR as an indicator of the future performance of SOFR. Since the initial publication of SOFR, daily changes in the rate have, on occasion, been more volatile than daily changes in comparable benchmark or market rates, and SOFR over time may bear little or no relation to the historical actual or historical indicative data. In addition, the return on and value of the subordinated notes may fluctuate more than floating rate securities that are linked to less volatile rates.

 

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Changes in SOFR could adversely affect holders of the subordinated notes.

Because SOFR is published by FRBNY based on data received from other sources, we have no control over its determination, calculation, or publication. There is no assurance that SOFR will not be discontinued or fundamentally altered in a manner that is materially adverse to the interests of investors in the subordinated notes. If the manner in which SOFR is calculated is changed, that change may result in a reduction in the amount of interest that accrues on the subordinated notes during the floating rate period, which may adversely affect the trading prices of the subordinated notes. Further, if the Benchmark rate on the subordinated notes during the floating rate period on any determination date declines to zero or becomes negative, the interest rate will be deemed to equal zero. In addition, once the Benchmark rate for the subordinated notes for each interest period during the floating rate period is determined by the calculation agent on the determination date, interest on the subordinated notes shall accrue at such Benchmark rate for the applicable interest period and will not be subject to change during such interest period. There is no assurance that changes in SOFR will not have a material adverse effect on the yield on, value of, and market for the subordinated notes.

The interest rate for the subordinated notes during the floating rate period may be determined based on a rate other than Three-Month Term SOFR.

Under the terms of the subordinated notes, the interest rate on the subordinated notes for each interest period during the floating rate period will be based on Three-Month Term SOFR, a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months that will be based on SOFR. Three-Month Term SOFR does not currently exist and is currently being developed under the sponsorship of the ARRC. There is no assurance that the development of Three-Month Term SOFR, or any other forward-looking term rate based on SOFR, will be completed. Uncertainty surrounding the development of forward-looking term rates based on SOFR could have a material adverse effect on the return on, value of, and market for the subordinated notes. If, at the commencement of the floating rate period for the subordinated notes, the Relevant Governmental Body (as defined in “Description of the Subordinated Notes” below) has not selected or recommended a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR, the development of a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR that has been recommended or selected by the Relevant Governmental Body is not complete or we determine that the use of a forward-looking rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR is not administratively feasible, then the next-available Benchmark Replacement under the benchmark transition provisions will be used to determine the interest rate on the subordinated notes during the floating rate period (unless a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date occur with respect to that next-available Benchmark Replacement).

Under the terms of the subordinated notes, the calculation agent is expressly authorized to make determinations, decisions, or elections with respect to technical, administrative, or operational matters that it decides are appropriate to reflect the use of Three-Month Term SOFR as the interest rate basis for the subordinated notes, which are defined in the terms of the subordinated notes as “Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions.” For example, assuming that a form of Three-Month Term SOFR is developed, it is not currently known how or by whom rates for Three-Month Term SOFR will be published. Accordingly, the calculation agent will need to determine the manner and timing for its determination of the applicable Three-Month Term SOFR during the floating rate period. The determination and implementation of any Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions could result in adverse consequences to the amount of interest that accrues on the subordinated notes during the floating rate period, which could adversely affect the return on, value of, and market for the subordinated notes.

Any Benchmark Replacement may not be the economic equivalent of Three-Month Term SOFR.

Under the benchmark transition provisions of the subordinated notes, if the calculation agent determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, then the floating interest rate on the subordinated notes for each interest period during the floating rate period will be determined using the next-available Benchmark Replacement (which may include a

 

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related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment). However, the Benchmark Replacement may not be the economic equivalent of Three-Month Term SOFR. For example, Compounded SOFR, the first-available Benchmark Replacement, is the compounded average of the daily SOFR calculated in arrears, while Three-Month Term SOFR is intended to be a forward-looking rate with a tenor of three months. In addition, very limited market precedent exists for securities that use Compounded SOFR as the rate basis, and the method for calculating Compounded SOFR in those precedents varies. Further, the ISDA Fallback Rate, which is another Benchmark Replacement, has not yet been established and may change over time.

The implementation of Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes could adversely affect holders of the subordinated notes.

Under the benchmark transition provisions of the subordinated notes, if Three-Month Term SOFR has been discontinued or if a particular Benchmark Replacement or Benchmark Replacement Adjustment cannot be determined, then the next-available Benchmark Replacement or Benchmark Replacement Adjustment will apply. These replacement rates and adjustments may be selected or formulated by: (i) the Relevant Governmental Body (such as the ARRC); (ii) ISDA; or (iii) in certain circumstances, the calculation agent. In addition, the benchmark transition provisions expressly authorize the calculation agent to make certain changes, which are defined in the terms of the subordinated notes as “Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes,” with respect to, among other things, the determination of interest periods, and the timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest. The application of a Benchmark Replacement and Benchmark Replacement Adjustment, and any implementation of Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, could result in adverse consequences to the amount of interest that accrues on the subordinated notes during any interest period during the floating rate period, which could adversely affect the yield on, value of, and market for the subordinated notes. Further, there is no assurance that the characteristics of any Benchmark Replacement will be similar to the then-current Benchmark rate that it is replacing or that any Benchmark Replacement will produce the economic equivalent of the then-current Benchmark rate that it is replacing.

Any market for the SOFR-linked debt securities may be illiquid or unpredictable.

Since SOFR is a relatively new market index, SOFR-linked debt securities likely will have no established trading market when issued, and an established trading market may never develop or be sustained and, even if a trading market does develop, it may be illiquid. Market terms for debt securities indexed to SOFR, such as the spread over the index reflected in interest rate provisions, may evolve over time, and trading prices of the subordinated notes may be lower than those of later-issued SOFR-linked debt securities as a result. Similarly, if SOFR does not prove to be widely used in securities similar to the subordinated notes, the trading price of the subordinated notes may be lower than those of debt securities linked to such rates that are more widely used. Debt securities indexed to SOFR (as the subordinated notes will be) may not be able to be sold at all or may not be able to be sold at prices that will provide a yield comparable to similar investments that have a developed secondary market, and may consequently suffer from increased pricing volatility and market risk.

We, or an affiliate of ours, will or could have authority to make determinations and elections that could affect the return on, value of, and market for the subordinated notes.

Under the terms of the subordinated notes, we may make certain determinations, decisions, and elections with respect to the Benchmark rate on the subordinated notes during the floating rate period, including, without limitation, any determination, decision, or election required to be made by the calculation agent that the calculation agent fails to make. We will make any such determination, decision, or election in our sole discretion, and any such determination, decision, or election that we make could affect the amount of interest that accrues on the subordinated notes during any interest period in the floating rate period. If the calculation agent fails, when required, to make a determination that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred, or fails, when required, to determine the Benchmark Replacement and Benchmark Replacement Adjustment, then we will make those determinations in our sole discretion. Furthermore, we or an

 

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affiliate of ours may assume the duties of calculation agent. We will act as the initial calculation agent, and we cannot assure you that we will appoint an independent third-party calculation agent at any time. Any exercise of discretion by us under the terms of the subordinated notes, including, without limitation, any discretion exercised by us or by an affiliate acting as calculation agent, could present a conflict of interest. In making the required determinations, decisions, and elections, we or an affiliate of ours acting as calculation agent may have economic interests that are adverse to the interest of the holders of the subordinated notes, and those determinations, decisions, or elections could have a material adverse effect on the yield on, value of, and market for the subordinated notes. All determinations, decisions, or elections by us, or by us or an affiliate acting as calculation agent, under the terms of the subordinated notes will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference or deemed incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or accompanying prospectus main contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”). Statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act are generally identified through the inclusion of words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “drive,” “estimate,” “expect,” “expressed confidence,” “forecast,” “future,” “goals,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “position,” “potential,” “project,” “ seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would” or similar statements or variations of such words and other similar expressions. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Reform Act, including statements that are related to or are dependent on estimates or assumptions relating to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.

The forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events and financial performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that may cause our actual results to differ significantly from historical results and those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented include:

 

•

our ability to successfully integrate and operate AmeriHome and any potential impact on our results of operations due to the AmeriHome acquisition;

 

•

the potential adverse effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and any governmental or societal responses thereto, including legislative or regulatory changes such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, as well as the distribution and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines;

 

•

other financial market and economic conditions adversely effecting financial performance;

 

•

dependency on real estate and events that negatively impact the real estate market;

 

•

high concentration of commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans;

 

•

the inherent risk associated with accounting estimates, including the impact to the Company’s allowance, provision for credit losses, and capital levels under the current expected credit losses (CECL) accounting standard;

 

•

ability to successfully implement strategies to improve our capital ratios;

 

•

results of any tax audit findings, challenges to the Company’s tax positions, or adverse changes or interpretations of tax laws;

 

•

the geographic concentrations of the Company’s assets increase the risks related to local economic conditions;

 

•

the Company’s ability to compete in a highly competitive market;

 

•

dependence on low-cost deposits;

 

•

ability to borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank or the Federal Reserve;

 

•

exposure to environmental liabilities related to the properties to which the Company acquires title;

 

•

perpetration of fraud;

 

•

information security breaches;

 

•

reliance on third parties to provide key components of the Company’s infrastructure;

 

•

a change in the Company’s creditworthiness;

 

S-16

•

the Company’s ability to implement and improve its controls and processes to keep pace with its growth;

 

•

expansion strategies may not be successful;

 

•

risks associated with new lines of businesses or new products and services within existing lines of business;

 

•

the Company’s ability to recruit and retain qualified employees and implement adequate succession planning to mitigate the loss of key members of its senior management team;

 

•

inadequate or ineffective risk management practices and internal controls and procedures;

 

•

the Company’s ability to adapt to technological change;

 

•

exposure to natural and man-made disasters in markets that the Company operates;

 

•

risk of operating in a highly regulated industry and the Company’s ability to remain in compliance;

 

•

failure to comply with state and federal banking agency laws and regulations;

 

•

exposure of financial instruments to certain market risks may increase the volatility of earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI);

 

•

uncertainty about the future of LIBOR, changes in interest rates, and increased rate competition; and

 

•

risks related to ownership and price of the Company’s common stock..

For more information regarding risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement, in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and in Item 1A of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by federal securities laws. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement might not occur, and you should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We expect to receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $593.0 million, after underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include providing capital to support our growth and capital adequacy and the repayment, redemption or repurchase of existing indebtedness.

 

S-18

CAPITALIZATION

The following table shows our capitalization at March 31, 2021:

 

•

on an actual basis (column 1),

 

•

on a pro forma basis giving effect to the acquisition of AmeriHome as if it had occurred on March 31, 2021 (column 2), and

 

•

on a further adjusted basis also giving effect to (a) this offering of subordinated notes and (b) certain sales of MSRs and related servicing advances that were completed or are expected to be completed, subject to certain closing conditions, in the second quarter of 2021 (column 5).

The table also separately shows the effect of such MSR sales (column 3) and the effect of this offering of subordinated notes (column 4).

You should read this table in conjunction with our historical consolidated financial statements and the other financial and statistical information that are included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

For purposes of this table, we have assumed that the net proceeds of this offering will be invested in assets, including cash or securities, which carry no risk weighting for purposes of all adjusted risk-based capital ratios. The adjustments related to the AmeriHome acquisition show the impact resulting under the purchase method of accounting, under which the assets and liabilities of AmeriHome are recorded at their respective fair values as of March 31, 2021, assuming that the acquisition was completed on that date. For further information, see “Prospectus Supplement Summary—Recent Developments” beginning on page S-2 of this prospectus supplement and the Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed by us with the SEC on May 14, 2021 that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement.

The adjustments related to the sale of MSRs include the sale of MSRs related to approximately $9.9 billion in unpaid principal balance of loans that closed in May 2021 and approximately $48.3 billion in unpaid principal balance of loans expected to close in late June 2021, subject to satisfaction of certain closing conditions, and exclude the expected sale of MSRs related to $18.4 billion in unpaid principal balance of loans pursuant to a letter of intent but subject to execution of a definitive agreement. For more information regarding the sales of MSRs and related servicing advances, see “Prospectus Supplement Summary—Recent Developments” beginning on page S-2 of this prospectus supplement.

 

 

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						March 31, 2021
(unaudited) (in thousands)		Actual				As Adjusted for the AmeriHome Acquisition				MSR Sales				Subordinated Debt Offering				As Further Adjusted for MSR Sales and this Offering
Indebtedness:
Customer repurchase agreements		$	15,914			$	15,914			$	—			$	—			$	15,914
Other borrowings			5,000				3,283,599				(743,000	)			—				2,540,599
Qualifying debt			543,661				543,661				—				—				543,661
Long-term subordinated notes offered hereby			—				—				—				600,000				600,000
Total indebtedness		$	564,575			$	3,843,174			$	(743,000	)		$	600,000			$	3,700,174
Equity:
Common stock		$	10			$	10			$	—			$	—			$	10
Capital surplus			1,608,201				1,608,201				—				—				1,608,201
Treasury stock			(84,016	)			(84,016	)			—				—				(84,016	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income			19,925				19,925				—				—				19,925
Retained earnings			2,168,644				2,168,644				—				—				2,168,644
Total equity		$	3,712,764			$	3,712,764			$	—			$	—			$	3,712,764
Total capitalization		$	4,277,339			$	7,555,938			$	(743,000	)		$	600,000			$	7,412,938

 

						March 31, 2021
		Actual				As Adjusted for the AmeriHome Acquisition				MSR Sales				Subordinated Debt Offering				As Further Adjusted for MSR Sales and this Offering
Capital Ratios:
Tier 1 leverage ratio			8.8	%			5.6	%			1.3	%			-0.1	%			6.8	%
Tier 1 capital ratio			10.6	%			7.1	%			1.7	%			0.0	%			8.8	%
Total capital ratio			12.6	%			9.0	%			1.7	%			1.7	%			12.4	%
Common equity Tier 1 ratio			10.3	%			6.9	%			1.7	%			0.0	%			8.6	%

 

S-20

DESCRIPTION OF SUBORDINATED NOTES

The following summary of the subordinated notes does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the Supplemental Indenture, including the definitions therein of certain terms. Unless otherwise specified, capitalized terms used in this summary have the meanings specified in the Supplemental Indenture.

General

The subordinated notes will be issued and administered under the Indenture and a Supplemental Indenture, between the Company, as issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”). The subordinated notes will be represented by one or more global notes registered in the name of Cede & Co. as nominee of DTC, as depositary. See “Book-Entry System.”

The subordinated notes will be limited initially to an aggregate principal amount of $600,000,000. The subordinated notes will be fully paid-in upon issuance, and will be unsecured, subordinated obligations of the Company. There is no sinking fund for the subordinated notes. No recourse shall be had for the payment of principal of or interest on any subordinated note, for any claim based thereon, or otherwise in respect thereof, against any stockholder, employee, agent, officer or director, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or its successors. The subordinated notes will not contain any limitation on the amount of debt, deposits or other obligations, secured and unsecured, ranking senior or equal in priority to the indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated notes that we may incur hereafter.

The subordinated notes will not contain any provision that would provide protection to the holders of the subordinated notes against a sudden and dramatic decline in credit quality resulting from a merger, takeover, recapitalization, or similar restructuring of the Company or any other event involving the Company that may adversely affect the credit quality of the Company, nor will the subordinated notes contain any provision restricting the Company from incurring additional senior, pari passu or other debt, secured and unsecured, in the future. The Company may offer and sell additional subordinated notes, having the same terms as the subordinated notes, except for the issue date, issue price and the initial interest payment date.

The subordinated notes will be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Each beneficial owner of a global note will be required to purchase a minimum principal amount of $1,000 of subordinated notes, and integral multiples of $1,000 thereafter. Subordinated notes cannot be exchanged for subordinated notes having a denomination of less than $1,000.

DTC or its nominee will be the registered holder of all of the subordinated notes. Therefore, DTC or its nominee will be the only entity that can respond to requests for consents, waivers or amendments, and exercise other rights of holders of the subordinated notes. Consequently, a beneficial owner of subordinated notes generally must rely on the procedures of DTC and of those other parties through whom such owner’s interest in the subordinated notes is held to exercise any rights of a holder of the subordinated notes. THE COMPANY WILL TREAT DTC OR ITS NOMINEE AS THE SOLE AND ABSOLUTE OWNER OF ALL THE SUBORDINATED NOTES FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON AND PRINCIPAL OF SUCH SUBORDINATED NOTES, AND FOR ALL OTHER PURPOSES WHATSOEVER. See “Book-Entry System.”

The subordinated notes are solely obligations of the Company and are not obligations of the Bank or the Company’s or Bank’s other subsidiaries or affiliates. The subordinated notes are not savings accounts or deposits of any bank and are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency.

Principal and Interest Payments

Payment of the full principal amount of the subordinated notes will be due on June 15, 2031 (the “maturity date”).

 

S-21

From and including the date of original issuance to, but excluding June 15, 2026, or the date of earlier redemption (the “fixed rate period”), the subordinated notes will bear interest at a fixed rate per annum of 3.00%, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year (each, a “fixed rate interest payment date”), commencing on December 15, 2021. The last fixed rate interest payment date for the fixed rate period will be June 15, 2026.

From and including June 15, 2026, to but excluding the maturity date or the date of earlier redemption (the “floating rate period”) the subordinated notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to the Benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR) plus 225 basis points for each quarterly interest period during the floating rate period, payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15 of each year (each, a “floating rate interest payment date,” and, together with the fixed rate interest payment dates, the “interest payment dates”), commencing on September 15, 2026. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Benchmark rate is less than zero, the Benchmark rate shall be deemed to be zero.

The subordinated notes have no credit sensitive feature whereby the interest rate on the subordinated notes is adjusted based on the Company’s credit standing. Payment of interest on the subordinated notes may be subject to prior approval by the Federal Reserve or other applicable regulator of the Company, if the Company is undercapitalized or has been so required by the Federal Reserve or other applicable regulatory authority.

For the purpose of calculating the interest on the subordinated notes for each interest period during the floating rate period when the Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, “Three-Month Term SOFR” means Term SOFR for a tenor of three months that is published by the Term SOFR Administrator at the Reference Time for any floating rate interest period, as determined by the calculation agent after giving effect to the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions. See “Calculation Agent.”

The following definitions apply to the foregoing definition of Three-Month Term SOFR:

“Benchmark” means, initially, Three-Month Term SOFR; provided that, if the calculation agent determines on or prior to the Reference Time for any floating rate interest period that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement for such floating rate interest period and any subsequent floating rate interest periods.

“Corresponding Tenor” means (i) with respect to Term SOFR, three months, and (ii) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement, a tenor (including overnight) having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as the applicable tenor for the then-current Benchmark.

“Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “FRBNY”) at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source. The foregoing Internet website is an inactive textual reference only, meaning that the information contained on the website is not part of this prospectus supplement or incorporated by reference herein.

“Reference Time” with respect to any determination of the Benchmark means (i) if the Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, the time determined by the calculation agent after giving effect to the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions, and (ii) if the Benchmark is not Three-Month Term SOFR, the time determined by the calculation agent after giving effect to the Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.

“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve and/or the FRBNY, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve and/or the FRBNY or any successor thereto.

“SOFR” means the secured overnight financing rate published by the FRBNY, as the administrator of the Benchmark (or any successor administrator), on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s website.

 

S-22

“Term SOFR” means the forward-looking term rate for the applicable Corresponding Tenor based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.

“Term SOFR Administrator” means any entity designated by the Relevant Governmental Body as the administrator of Term SOFR (or any successor administrator).

“Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions” means any determination, decision, or election with respect to any technical, administrative, or operational matter (including with respect to the manner and timing of the publication of Three-Month Term SOFR, or changes to the definition of “interest period,” timing and frequency of determining Three-Month Term SOFR with respect to each interest period and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the calculation agent determines may be appropriate to reflect the use of Three-Month Term SOFR as the Benchmark in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the calculation agent determines that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the calculation agent determines that no market practice for the use of Three-Month Term SOFR exists, in such other manner as the calculation agent determines is reasonably necessary).

The terms “Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes,” “Benchmark Replacement Date,” “Benchmark Replacement,” “Benchmark Replacement Adjustment,” and “Benchmark Transition Event” have the meanings set forth under the heading “—Effect of Benchmark Transition Event.”

Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraphs related to the determination of interest, if the calculation agent determines on or prior to the relevant Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date (each as defined below) have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, then the provisions set forth under the heading “—Effect of Benchmark Transition Event,” which we refer to as the “benchmark transition provisions,” will thereafter apply to all determinations of the interest rate on the subordinated notes for each interest period during the floating rate period. In accordance with the benchmark transition provisions, after a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred, the interest rate on the subordinated notes for each interest period during the floating rate period will be an annual rate equal to the Benchmark Replacement (as defined below) plus 225 basis points.

Absent manifest error, the calculation agent’s determination of the interest rate for an interest period for the subordinated notes will be binding and conclusive on you and the paying agent. The calculation agent will promptly provide its determination of any interest rate during the floating rate period to the paying agent and us.

Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months during the fixed rate period and, during the floating rate period, on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed. Dollar amounts resulting from that calculation will be rounded to the nearest cent, with one-half cent being rounded upward.

Interest on the subordinated notes, subject to certain exceptions, will accrue during the applicable interest period. When we use the term “interest period,” we mean the period from and including the immediately preceding interest payment date in respect of which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from and including the date of issuance of the subordinated notes to, but excluding, the applicable interest payment date or the maturity date or date of earlier redemption, if applicable. If a fixed rate interest payment date or the maturity date falls on a day that is not a business day, then the interest payment or the payment of principal and interest at maturity will be postponed to the next succeeding business day, but the payments made on such dates will be treated as being made on the date that the payment was first due and the holders of the Notes will not be entitled to any further interest or other payments in respect thereof. However, if a floating rate interest payment date falls on a day that is not a business day, then such floating rate interest payment date will be postponed to the next succeeding business day unless such day falls in the next succeeding calendar month, in which case such floating rate interest payment date will be accelerated to the immediately preceding business day, and, in each such case, the amounts payable on such business day will include interest accrued to, but excluding, such business day.

 

S-23

Interest on each subordinated note will be payable to the person in whose name such subordinated note is registered on the fifteenth day immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date, whether or not such day is a business day. Any interest which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any interest payment date shall cease to be payable to the holder on the relevant record date by virtue of having been such holder, and such defaulted interest may be paid by us to the person in whose name the subordinated notes are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of defaulted interest. However, interest that is paid on the maturity date will be paid to the person to whom the principal is payable. Interest will be payable by wire transfer in immediately available funds in U.S. dollars to DTC or its nominee or, at our option in the event the subordinated notes are not represented by global notes (as defined below), by check mailed to the address of the person specified for payment in the preceding sentences.

If any of the foregoing provisions concerning the calculation of the interest rate and interest payments during the floating rate period are inconsistent with any of the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions determined by the calculation agent, then the relevant Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions will apply. Furthermore, if the calculation agent determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR at any time when any of the subordinated notes are outstanding, then the foregoing provisions concerning the calculation of the interest rate and interest payments during the floating rate period will be modified in accordance with the benchmark transition provisions.

When we use the term “business day,” we mean any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York or any place of payment are authorized or required by law, regulation, or executive order to close.

Redemption

The subordinated notes are redeemable by us, in whole or in part, on June 15, 2026, and on every interest payment date thereafter. The subordinated notes are also redeemable by us, in whole but not in part, upon the occurrence of the following:

 

•

a “tax event,” which means the receipt by us of an opinion of independent tax counsel to the effect that (a) an amendment to or change (including any announced prospective amendment or change) in any law or treaty, or any regulation thereunder, of the United States or any of its political subdivisions or taxing authorities, (b) a judicial decision, administrative action, official administrative pronouncement, ruling, regulatory procedure, regulation, notice or announcement, including any notice or announcement of intent to adopt or promulgate any ruling, regulatory procedure or regulation, (c) an amendment to or change in any official position with respect to, or any interpretation of, an administrative or judicial action or a law or regulation of the United States that differs from the previously generally accepted position or interpretation, or (d) a threatened challenge asserted in writing in connection with an audit of our federal income tax returns or positions or a similar audit of any of our subsidiaries or a publicly known threatened challenge asserted in writing against any other taxpayer that has raised capital through the issuance of securities that are substantially similar to the subordinated notes, in each case, occurring or becoming publicly known on or after the date of the issuance of the subordinated notes, resulting in more than an insubstantial risk that the interest payable on the subordinated notes is not, or within 90 days of receipt of such opinion of tax counsel, will not be, deductible by us, in whole or in part, for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

•

a “capital event,” which means the receipt by us of an opinion of independent bank regulatory counsel to the effect that, as a result of (a) any amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) in, the laws or any regulations thereunder of the United States or any rules, guidelines or policies of an applicable regulatory authority for the Company or the Bank or (b) any official administrative pronouncement or judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or which pronouncement or decision is announced on or after

 

S-24

the date of original issuance of the subordinated notes, the subordinated notes do not constitute, or within 90 days of the date of such opinion will not constitute, Tier 2 capital (or its then equivalent if we were subject to such capital requirement) for purposes of capital adequacy guidelines of the Federal Reserve (or any successor regulatory authority with jurisdiction over bank holding companies), as then in effect and applicable to us; or

 

•

an “investment company event,” which means our becoming required to register as an investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Any such redemption of the subordinated notes will be at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the subordinated notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such notes to, but excluding, the date of redemption. Any redemption of the subordinated notes would require prior written approval of the Federal Reserve.

The subordinated notes are not subject to repayment at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, prior to maturity.

We will give irrevocable notice of our intention to redeem subordinated notes not more than 60 nor less than 10 days prior to the date fixed for redemption, provided that the notice of redemption will be given no earlier than 90 days prior to the effective date of a tax event, capital event or investment company event and that at the time notice of the redemption is given, the obligation to pay the additional amounts remains in effect and cannot be avoided by us taking reasonable measures available to us. From and after any redemption date, if monies for the redemption of subordinated notes will have been made available for redemption on the redemption date, the subordinated notes will cease to bear interest, if applicable, and the only right of the holders of the subordinated notes shall be to receive payment of the principal amount and, if appropriate, all unpaid interest accrued to the redemption date. Holders of the subordinated notes should not expect the subordinated notes to be redeemed prior to maturity.

Subordination

The Company’s indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated notes, including its obligations to pay principal and interest, is unsecured and subordinate and junior in right of payment to the Company’s senior indebtedness. In the event of any insolvency, receivership, conservatorship, reorganization, liquidation or similar proceedings of the Company, all such senior obligations shall be entitled to be paid in full before any payment shall be made on account of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, the subordinated notes. Senior indebtedness includes all deposits, borrowed money (secured and unsecured), obligations of the Bank arising from off-balance sheet guarantees and direct-credit substitutes, and obligations associated with derivative products such as interest rate and foreign-exchange contracts, commodity contracts and similar arrangements and obligations to the Company’s general creditors (other than in respect of trade receivables). In the event of any such proceeding, after payment in full of all sums owing with respect to such senior obligations, the holders of the subordinated notes, together with any obligations of the Company ranking equally with such subordinated notes, shall be entitled to be paid from the remaining assets of the Company the unpaid principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, such subordinated notes or such other obligations before any payment or other distribution, whether in cash, property, or otherwise, shall be made on account of any capital stock or any obligations of the Company ranking junior to such subordinated notes. Nothing herein shall impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the subordinated notes according to their terms.

Notwithstanding any other provisions contained in the subordinated notes, the Federal Reserve or any receiver or conservator of the Company appointed by the Federal Reserve, as part of any transaction or plan of reorganization or liquidation may transfer or direct the transfer of the obligations represented by the subordinated notes to any company selected by such entity which expressly assumes the obligation of the due and punctual

 

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payment of the unpaid principal, premium, if any, and interest on the subordinated notes and the due and punctual performance of all covenants and conditions contained in the subordinated notes. Any “depository institution,” as defined in Section 3(c)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, which holds a subordinated note (or beneficial interest therein) shall be deemed to have agreed by acquiring such subordinated note (or beneficial interest) to waive any rights to offset all or any portion of the indebtedness represented by such subordinated note (or interest) against any indebtedness or other obligations of such institution to the Company.

The subordinated notes are not secured or guaranteed by the Bank or any of its or the Company’s other subsidiaries or affiliates, and are not subject to any other arrangement that legally or economically enhances the seniority of the subordinated notes.

As of March 31, 2021, the consolidated Company had total outstanding indebtedness, deposits and other liabilities of approximately $39.7 billion, which would rank senior in right of payment to the subordinated notes. At March 31, 2021, the Company had $175 million of subordinated debt which matures in 2056 and the Bank had $75 million of subordinated debt which matures in 2025 and $225 million of subordinated debt, which matures in 2030. In addition, at March 31, 2021, AmeriHome had $300 million of senior debt which matures in 2028.

Effect of Benchmark Transition Event

If the calculation agent determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred on or prior to the Reference Time in respect of any interest period during the floating rate period, then the Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes relating to the subordinated notes during such interest period and all subsequent interest periods. In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the calculation agent will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time.

As used herein:

“Benchmark Replacement” means the Interpolated Benchmark with respect to the then-current Benchmark, plus the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment for such Benchmark; provided that if (i) the calculation agent cannot determine the Interpolated Benchmark as of the Benchmark Replacement Date or (ii) the then-current Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR and a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR (in which event no Interpolated Benchmark with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR shall be determined), then “Benchmark Replacement” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the calculation agent as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:

 

1)

Compounded SOFR;

 

2)

the sum of: (a) the alternate rate that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

3)

the sum of: (a) the ISDA Fallback Rate and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; and

 

4)

the sum of: (a) the alternate rate that has been selected by the calculation agent as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor, giving due consideration to any industry-accepted rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time, and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

In the event that a Benchmark Replacement is unable to be determined by us or the calculation agent under the foregoing enumerated provisions, or otherwise, the Benchmark Replacement in effect for the applicable period will be the same as the Benchmark in effect for the immediately preceding interest period.

 

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“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the calculation agent as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:

 

1)

the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero), that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement;

 

2)

if the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is equivalent to the ISDA Fallback Rate, then the ISDA Fallback Adjustment; and

 

3)

the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the calculation agent, giving due consideration to any industry-accepted spread adjustment or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then-current Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time.

“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative, or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “interest period,” timing and frequency of determining rates with respect to each interest period and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the calculation agent determines may be appropriate to reflect the adoption of such Benchmark Replacement in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the calculation agent determines that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the calculation agent determines that no market practice for use of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner as the calculation agent determines is reasonably necessary).

“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:

 

1)

in the case of clause (1) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the relevant Reference Time in respect of any determination;

 

2)

in the case of clause (2) or (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide the Benchmark; or

 

3)

in the case of clause (4) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein.

For the avoidance of doubt, if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination.

“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:

 

1)

if the Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, (a) the Relevant Governmental Body has not selected or recommended a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR, (b) the development of a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR that has been recommended or selected by the Relevant Governmental Body is not complete or (c) we determine that the use of a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR is not administratively feasible;

 

2)

a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark, permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark;

 

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3)

a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark, the central bank for the currency of the Benchmark, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark, a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the Benchmark, which states that the administrator of the Benchmark has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark; or

 

4)

a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that the Benchmark is no longer representative.

“Compounded SOFR” means the compounded average of SOFRs for the applicable Corresponding Tenor, with the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate being established by the calculation agent in accordance with:

 

1)

the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for determining compounded SOFR; provided that:

 

2)

if, and to the extent that, the calculation agent determines that Compounded SOFR cannot be determined in accordance with clause (1) above, then the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate that have been selected by the calculation agent giving due consideration to any industry-accepted market practice for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time.

For the avoidance of doubt, the calculation of Compounded SOFR shall exclude the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment and the spread specified above.

“Interpolated Benchmark” with respect to the Benchmark means the rate determined by the calculation agent for the Corresponding Tenor by interpolating on a linear basis between: (i) the Benchmark for the longest period (for which the Benchmark is available) that is shorter than the Corresponding Tenor, and (ii) the Benchmark for the shortest period (for which the Benchmark is available) that is longer than the Corresponding Tenor.

“ISDA” means the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor.

“ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time.

“ISDA Fallback Adjustment” means the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be determined upon the occurrence of an index cessation event with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor.

“ISDA Fallback Rate” means the rate that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon the occurrence of an index cessation date with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor excluding the applicable ISDA Fallback Adjustment.

“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

The terms “Reference Time,” “Relevant Governmental Body,” “SOFR” and “Term SOFR” have the meanings set forth under the heading “—Interest.”

 

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Determinations and Decisions

The calculation agent is expressly authorized to make certain determinations, decisions, and elections under the terms of the subordinated notes, including with respect to the use of Three-Month Term SOFR as the Benchmark for the floating rate period and under the benchmark transition provisions. Any determination, decision, or election that may be made by us or by the calculation agent under the terms of the subordinated notes, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate, or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance, or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection:

 

•

will be conclusive and binding on the holders of the subordinated notes and the Trustee absent manifest error;

 

•

if made by us as calculation agent, will be made in our sole discretion;

 

•

if made by a calculation agent other than us, will be made after consultation with us, and the calculation agent will not make any such determination, decision, or election to which we reasonably object; and

 

•

notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Indenture and Supplemental Indenture, shall become effective without consent from the holders of the subordinated notes or Trustee.

If the calculation agent fails to make any determination, decision, or election that it is required to make under the terms of the subordinated notes, then we will make that determination, decision, or election on the same basis as described above. The Indenture and Supplemental Indenture provides that the Trustee will have no liability relating to any delay caused by the calculation agent’s failure to timely or appropriately determine the rate of interest borne by the subordinated notes, including any liability with respect to any resulting delay or failure to pay interest when due. Furthermore, the Trustee shall have no liability or responsibility to monitor any Benchmark, relevant interest rate or any underlying index in connection with interest on the subordinated notes or the calculation thereof.

Calculation Agent

We will appoint a calculation agent for the subordinated notes prior to the commencement of the floating rate period. We will act as the initial calculation agent and we or an affiliate of ours may assume the duties of the calculation agent. If we are not the calculation agent, we shall notify the Trustee of the party that has been appointed by us as calculation agent.

The Trustee

The trustee for the holders of subordinated notes issued under the Indenture and Supplemental Indenture is U.S. Bank National Association. If an event of default with respect to the subordinated notes occurs, and is not cured, the trustee will be required to use the degree of care of a prudent person in the conduct of his or her own affairs in the exercise of its powers. Subject to the provisions of the Indenture and Supplemental Indenture, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture and Supplemental Indenture at the request of any holders of the subordinated notes, unless they have offered to the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee.

U.S. Bank National Association, in the future, may be the trustee under other indentures pursuant to which we issue debt. Pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, if a default occurs with respect to the securities of any series, the trustee will be required to eliminate any conflicting interest as defined in the Trust Indenture Act or resign as trustee with respect to the securities of that series within 90 days of such default, unless such default were cured, duly waived or otherwise eliminated.

Events of Default; Waiver

An “Event of Default” in respect of the subordinated notes will occur if the Company is subject to any receivership, conservatorship, insolvency, liquidation or similar proceeding. The Company will promptly notify,

 

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and provide copies of such notice to, the Trustee of the occurrence of any Event of Default. The Trustee will promptly send through DTC copies of any such notice to the holders of the subordinated notes.

Each subordinated note will provide that if any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the holder of such subordinated note may declare the principal of such subordinated note, together with any unpaid accrued interest thereon, to be immediately due and payable by written notice to the Company. Upon such declaration and notice such principal amount and accrued interest shall become immediately due and payable. Any Event of Default with respect to the subordinated notes may be waived by the holder.

Neither the failure to pay principal of or interest on the subordinated notes nor a failure to perform any other obligation of the Company under the Indenture and Supplemental Indenture or the subordinated notes constitutes an “Event of Default” in respect of the subordinated notes, and no right of acceleration exists in any such case.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

The Company may not consolidate with or merge into any other corporation, or convey or transfer its properties and assets as an entirety to any person or entity unless:

 

•

the Company shall be the surviving entity, or the entity (if other than the Company) formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company are sold, transferred or conveyed, shall be organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and shall expressly assume, all the obligations of the Company under the Subordinated Notes and Supplemental Indenture;

 

•

immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no event of default, default or any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or both, would be, a default or an event of default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

•

the Company has delivered to the trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or conveyance and such supplemental indenture, if any, comply with the applicable provisions of the Supplemental Indenture and that all conditions precedent therein provided relating to such transaction have been satisfied.

Further Issuances

The Company may from time to time, without the consent of the holders of the subordinated notes, create and issue further subordinated notes having the same terms and conditions as the subordinated notes, except for the issue date, the issue price and first Interest Payment Date. Additional subordinated notes having such identical terms shall be consolidated and form a single series (including the same CUSIP number) with the previously outstanding subordinated notes.

Capital Treatment

The subordinated notes are intended to qualify as “Tier 2 capital” for bank regulatory purposes. At the beginning of each of the last five years prior to maturity, the amount of subordinated notes treated as Tier 2 capital is reduced by 20%, such that in the last year preceding maturity, none of the outstanding subordinated notes will be Tier 2 capital.

Governing Law

The subordinated notes, the Underwriting Agreement, and the Indenture and Supplemental Indenture will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and, where applicable, the laws of the United States.

Listing

Currently, there is no public market for the subordinated notes. We do not intend to list the subordinated notes on any securities exchanges or to have the subordinated notes quoted on a quotation system.

 

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BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM

The subordinated notes will be represented by one or more permanent global notes (collectively, the “global notes”), which will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC, or any successor thereto, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., or Cede, as nominee of DTC. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global notes will be limited to institutions that have accounts with DTC or its nominee (each, a “participant” and collectively, the “participants”) or persons that may hold interests through participants. Investors in the global notes that are not participants may hold their interests indirectly through organizations (including Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System (“Euroclear”), and Clearstream Banking, société anonyme (“Clearstream”)) that are participants in such systems. Euroclear and Clearstream will hold interests in global notes on behalf of their participants through their respective depositaries, which in turn will hold such interests in global notes in customers’ securities accounts in the depositaries’ names on the books of DTC. Beneficial ownership of the global notes by persons that hold through participants will only be evidenced by, and transfers of such ownership interests within such participants will be effected only through, records maintained by such participants. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability to hold or transfer such ownership interests.

The Company has been advised by DTC that upon issuance of a global note or global notes and the deposit of such global note or global notes with DTC, DTC will immediately credit on its book-entry registration and transfer system the respective principal amounts of subordinated notes represented by such global note or global notes to the accounts of participants. Each owner of a beneficial interest in a global note is required to hold at all times a beneficial interest in a $1,000 principal amount or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof of such global note.

Principal and interest payments on the subordinated notes registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be made by the Trustee to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner and holder of the global note or global notes. Such payments to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be made in immediately available funds, provided that in the case of payments of principal and interest on the maturity date, the global note or global notes are presented to the Trustee in time for the Trustee to make such payments in such funds in accordance with its normal procedures. Under the terms of the Indenture and Supplemental Indenture, the Company and the Trustee will treat the persons in whose names the subordinated notes are registered as the owners of such subordinated notes for the purpose of receiving payment of principal and interest on such subordinated notes and for all other purposes. Neither the Company nor the Trustee has any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial interests in the global notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests.

DTC has advised the Company and the Trustee that upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest in respect of a global note it will immediately credit the accounts of participants with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such global note or global notes as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee, unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on that payment date. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global notes held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street names,” and will be the responsibility of such participants or indirect participants.

Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected under DTC’s procedures and will be settled in same day funds. Transfers between participants in Euroclear and Clearstream will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.

Cross-market transfers between DTC, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Euroclear or Clearstream participants, on the other, will be effected by DTC in accordance with DTC’s rules on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by its respective depositary; however, such cross-market

 

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transactions will require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in accordance with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines (Brussels time). Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in global notes in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear participants and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear or Clearstream.

As a result of the time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant purchasing an interest in global notes from a DTC participant will be credited during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be) immediately following DTC’s settlement date, and such credit of any transaction’s interests in global notes settled during such processing day will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participant on such day. Cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in global notes by or through a Euroclear or Clearstream participant to DTC participant will be received with value on DTC’s settlement date, but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day following settlement in DTC.

Although the Company expects that DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream will follow the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of interests in global notes among participants of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither the Company nor the Trustee will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

Participants and owners of beneficial interests in the global notes will not be entitled to receive subordinated notes in definitive form and will not be considered holders of the subordinated notes unless (i) DTC notifies the Company in writing that it is unwilling or unable to act as a depository or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days, (ii) the Company, at its option, notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of subordinated notes in definitive form or (iii) any event shall have happened and be continuing that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default with respect to the subordinated notes. In such circumstances, upon surrender by DTC or a successor depositary of the global notes, subordinated notes in definitive form will be issued to each person that DTC or a successor depositary identifies as the beneficial owner of the related subordinated notes. Upon such issuance, the Trustee is required to register such subordinated notes in the name or names of, and cause the same to be delivered to, such person or persons (or the nominee thereof). Such subordinated notes would be issued in fully registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Such subordinated notes may not subsequently be exchanged by a holder for subordinated notes in denominations of less than $1,000, and will contain a legend stating that each such subordinated note is issuable in a minimum denomination of $1,000 and may not be exchanged for securities of the Company with a smaller denomination.

Except as provided above, beneficial owners of global notes will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of subordinated notes in definitive form and no global note will be exchangeable except for another global note of like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of DTC or its nominee. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a global note must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the subordinated notes. The Company understands that under existing industry practices, if the Company requests any action of holders of the subordinated notes or any holder of beneficial interests in a global note desires to give or take any action a holder of the subordinated notes is entitled to give or take under the terms of the subordinated notes, DTC would authorize the participants owning the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such action, and such participants would authorize the beneficial owners owning through

 

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such participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of the beneficial owners owning through them.

DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for millions of issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues, and money market instruments that its participants (“Direct Participants”) deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among Direct Participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities, through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between Direct Participants’ accounts. This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”). DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the depository system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC’s participants are on file with the SEC. More information about DTC can be found at www.dtcc.com and www.dtc.org. The information in this section concerning DTC and its book-entry system, as well as information regarding Euroclear and Clearstream, has been obtained from sources that the Bank believes to be reliable, but the Bank takes no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness. The policies and procedures of DTC, which may change periodically, will apply to payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to beneficial interests in the global note. We and the paying agent have no responsibility or liability for any aspect of DTC’s or any participants’ records relating to beneficial interests in the global note, including for payments made on the global note, and we are not responsible for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of those records.

Clearstream has advised us that it is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a bank. Clearstream holds securities for its participating organizations (“Clearstream participants”) and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between Clearstream participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of Clearstream participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Clearstream provides to its participants, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream interacts with domestic securities markets in over 30 countries through established depository and custodial relationships. As a bank, Clearstream is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Commission for the Supervision of the Financial Sector (Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier) and the Banque Centrale du Luxembourg. Clearstream participants are financial institutions recognized around the world and include underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, and may include the underwriters. Clearstream’s U.S. customers are limited to securities brokers and dealers and banks. Indirect access to Clearstream is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies, that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Clearstream participant either directly or indirectly.

Euroclear has advised us that it was created in 1968 to hold securities for its participants and to clear and settle transactions between its participants and between its participants and participants of certain other securities intermediaries through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous delivery of securities and cash. Euroclear provides various other services, including securities lending and borrowing, and interacts with domestic markets in several countries. Euroclear participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries, supranationals, custodians, investment managers, corporations, trust companies and certain other organizations, and may include the underwriters.

 

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Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to others that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear participant, either directly or indirectly.

Distributions with respect to subordinated notes held beneficially through Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts of Euroclear participants in accordance with the terms and conditions governing use of Euroclear, when received by the U.S. depositary for Euroclear. Euroclear has further advised the Bank that investors that acquire, hold and transfer interests in the subordinated notes by book-entry through accounts with Euroclear or any securities intermediary are subject to the laws and contractual provisions governing their relationship with their intermediary, as well as the laws and contractual provisions governing the relationship between such an intermediary and each other intermediary, if any, standing between themselves and the global notes.

Euroclear has advised us that under Belgian law, investors which are credited with securities on the records of Euroclear have a co-proprietary right in the fungible pool of interests in securities on deposit with Euroclear in an amount equal to the amount of interests in securities credited to their accounts. In the event of the insolvency of Euroclear, Euroclear participants would have a right under Belgian law to the return of the amount and type of interests in securities credited to their accounts with Euroclear. If Euroclear did not have a sufficient amount of interests in securities on deposit of a particular type to cover the claims of all participants credited with such interests in securities on Euroclear’s records, all participants having an amount of interests in securities of such type credited to their accounts with Euroclear would then have the right under Belgian law only to the return of their pro rata share of the amount of interests in securities actually on deposit.

Under Belgian law, Euroclear is required to pass on the benefits of ownership in any interests in securities on deposit with it (such as dividends, voting rights and other entitlements) to any person credited with such interest in securities on its records.

Clearance and Settlement

Initial settlement for the subordinated notes will be made in immediately available funds. Secondary market trading between DTC participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in immediately available funds using DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System. We make no representations as to the effect that settlement in immediately available funds will have on trading activity in those beneficial interests.

 

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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a general discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. holders and non-U.S. holders (each as defined below) with respect to the ownership and disposition of subordinated notes acquired in this offering, but it does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations. This discussion is limited to the U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to holders that acquire subordinated notes in the initial offering at their original “issue price” and hold them as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address tax consequences relevant to subsequent purchasers of the subordinated notes. This discussion is based on current provisions of the Code, the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions and administrative rulings and published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), each as in effect as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect, and any such change or interpretation could affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusions set forth herein.

This discussion is for general information only and does not purport to address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to particular holders in light of their particular circumstances and does not apply to holders subject to special rules under the U.S. federal income tax laws (including, for example, banks or other financial institutions, dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities that elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, grantor trusts, entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes or other flow-through entities (and investors therein), subchapter S corporations, retirement plans, individual retirement accounts or other tax-deferred accounts, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, holders liable for the alternative minimum tax, certain former citizens or former long-term residents of the United States, U.S. holders having a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar, holders who hold subordinated notes as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion transaction or other integrated transaction, “controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” and persons required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income with respect to the subordinated notes as a result of such income being recognized on an applicable financial statement). This discussion also does not address any considerations under U.S. federal tax laws other than those pertaining to the income tax, nor does it address any considerations under any state, local or non-U.S. tax laws. In addition, this discussion does not address the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the subordinated notes arising under the unearned income Medicare contribution tax pursuant to the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Prospective investors should consult with their own tax advisors as to the particular tax consequences to them of the ownership and disposition of the subordinated notes, including with respect to the applicability and effect of any U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. income tax laws or any tax treaty, and any changes (or proposed changes) in tax laws or interpretations thereof.

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds subordinated notes, the tax treatment of a person treated as a partner in such partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Persons that for U.S. federal income tax purposes are treated as partners in any partnership holding subordinated notes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of subordinated notes.

THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF ALL TAX CONSEQUENCES RELATING TO THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE SUBORDINATED NOTES. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE SUBORDINATED NOTES, INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF ANY U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. INCOME TAX LAWS OR ANY TAX TREATY.

The terms of the subordinated notes provide for payments by us prior to their scheduled payment dates under certain circumstances (see “Description of Subordinated Notes—Redemption”). The possibility of such payments

 

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may implicate special rules under Treasury Regulations governing “contingent payment debt instruments.” According to those Treasury Regulations, the possibility that such payments of accelerated amounts will be made will not affect the amount of income a holder recognizes in advance of the payment of such accelerated amounts if there is only a remote chance as of the date the subordinated notes are issued that such payments will be made. We intend to take the position that the likelihood that such payments will be made is remote within the meaning of the applicable Treasury Regulations. Our position that these contingencies are remote is binding on a holder unless such holder discloses its contrary position to the IRS in the manner required by applicable Treasury Regulations. Our position is not, however, binding on the IRS, and if the IRS were to challenge this position successfully, a holder might be required to, among other things, accrue interest income based on a projected payment schedule and comparable yield, which may be in excess of stated interest, and treat as ordinary income rather than capital gain any income realized on the taxable disposition of a subordinated note. In the event a contingency described above occurs, it could affect the amount, timing and character of the income or loss recognized by a holder. Prospective holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if the subordinated notes were treated as contingent payment debt instruments. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the subordinated notes will not be considered contingent payment debt instruments.

U.S. Holders

For purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of a subordinated note that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

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an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

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a corporation (or any other entity or arrangement treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia;

 

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an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

 

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a trust (a) if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) that was in existence on August 20, 1996 and has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Payments of Stated Interest

It is anticipated, and this discussion assumes, that the issue price of the subordinated notes will be equal to the stated principal amount or, if the issue price is less than the stated principal amount, the difference will be a de minimis amount (as set forth in the applicable Treasury Regulations). Accordingly, stated interest on a subordinated note generally will be taxable to a U.S. holder as described below under “—Qualified Stated Interest.”

If, however, the issue price of a subordinated note is less than the stated redemption amount at maturity and the difference is more than a de minimis amount (as set forth in the applicable Treasury Regulations), then a U.S. holder generally will be required to include the difference in income as original issue discount as it accrues in accordance with a constant yield method. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors as to the consequences to them if the subordinated notes are issued with original issue discount.

Variable Rate Debt Instruments

The subordinated notes will initially bear interest at a fixed annual rate. From and including June 15, 2026 to, but excluding, the maturity date or the date of earlier redemption, the subordinated notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to the Benchmark rate, which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR, plus 225 basis points. Under applicable Treasury Regulations, a debt instrument will qualify as a “variable rate debt

 

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instrument” if (a) its issue price does not exceed the total noncontingent principal payments due under the debt instrument by more than a specified de minimis amount, (b) the debt instrument provides for stated interest, paid or compounded at least annually, at current value of (i) one or more “qualifying floating rates,” (ii) a single fixed rate and one or more qualified floating rates, (iii) a “single objective rate,” or (iv) a single fixed rate and a single objective rate that is a “qualified inverse floating rate,” and (c) except as described in (a) above, does not provide for any principal payments that are contingent. A “qualified floating rate” is any variable rate where variations in the value of such rate can reasonably be expected to measure contemporaneous variations in the cost of newly borrowed funds in the currency in which the debt instrument is denominated. Under the foregoing definition, the subordinated notes are expected to be treated as variable rate debt instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the discussion below is based on this assumption.

Qualified Stated Interest

The tax treatment of interest paid on the subordinated notes depends on whether such interest constitutes “qualified stated interest,” referred to herein as “QSI.” Interest is QSI if it is unconditionally payable or will be constructively received, in cash or property, at least annually at a single fixed rate or at a single “qualified floating rate” or “objective rate” (each as defined in the applicable Treasury regulations) that qualifies under the variable rate debt instrument rules. The amount of qualified stated interest on variable rate debt instruments providing for interest other than at a single qualified floating rate or single objective rate, such as the subordinated notes, is determined pursuant to special rules discussed further under “Determination of Interest Accruals on the Subordinated Notes” below. Interest that is QSI will generally be includible in a U.S. holder’s income as ordinary interest income at the time such interest payments are accrued or received, depending on the U.S. holder’s regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Interest that is not QSI is generally includible in a U.S. holder’s income under the rules governing OID, regardless of such U.S. holder’s method of accounting.

Determination of Interest Accruals on the Subordinated Notes. Under applicable Treasury Regulations, in order to determine the amount of QSI in respect of the subordinated notes, an equivalent fixed rate debt instrument must be constructed. The equivalent fixed rate debt instrument is a hypothetical instrument that has terms that are identical to those of the subordinated notes, except that the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument provides for fixed rate substitutes in lieu of the actual rates on the subordinated notes. The equivalent fixed rate debt instrument is constructed in the following fashion: (i) first, the initial fixed rate is replaced with a qualified floating rate such that the fair market value of the subordinated notes as of the subordinated notes’ issue date would be approximately the same as the fair market value of an otherwise identical debt instrument that provides for the replacement qualified floating rate rather than the fixed rate, and (ii) second, each floating rate (including the floating rate determined under (i) above) is converted into a fixed rate substitute (which, in each case, generally will be the value of each floating rate as of the issue date of the subordinated notes).

Once the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument has been constructed pursuant to the foregoing rules, the amount of QSI, if any, is determined for the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument by applying the general QSI rules to the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument, and a U.S. holder of the subordinated notes will account for such QSI as if the U.S. holder held the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument.

For each accrual period, appropriate adjustments will be made to the amount of QSI assumed to have been accrued or paid with respect to the “equivalent” fixed rate debt instrument in the event that such amounts differ from the actual amount of interest accrued or paid on the subordinated notes during the accrual period.

Based upon current market conditions and the manner in which the interest rates on the subordinated notes are determined, we expect that the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument (as determined in the manner described above) would be treated as having a single fixed interest rate throughout the term of the subordinated notes for purposes of calculating QSI. Accordingly, solely for purposes of determining QSI, as of the issue date of the subordinated notes, we expect that the subordinated notes will be presumed to remain outstanding until maturity,

 

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all interest on the subordinated notes will be treated as QSI and the subordinated notes will not be treated as having been issued with any OID.

Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Taxable Disposition of the Subordinated Notes

A U.S. holder generally will recognize gain or loss upon the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a subordinated note equal to the difference, if any, between (a) the sum of the cash and the fair market value of any property received on such disposition (other than amounts properly attributable to accrued but unpaid interest, which amounts will be treated as interest income as described above under “—Payments of Stated Interest”) and (b) such U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the subordinated note. A U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in a subordinated note generally will be equal to the amount that such U.S. holder paid for the subordinated note. Any gain or loss recognized on a sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a subordinated note generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss, if, at the time of such disposition, the U.S. holder will have held the subordinated note for a period of more than one year. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain noncorporate U.S. holders (including certain individuals) generally are subject to preferential tax rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Information reporting generally will apply to payments of interest on the subordinated notes and to the proceeds of a sale or other taxable disposition of a subordinated note paid to a U.S. holder unless the U.S. holder is an exempt recipient. U.S. federal backup withholding (currently, at a rate of 24% for payments made before January 1, 2026) generally will apply to such payments if the U.S. holder fails to provide the applicable withholding agent with a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-9 providing such U.S. holder’s correct taxpayer identification number and certifying that such U.S. holder is not subject to backup withholding, or to otherwise establish an exemption.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished timely to the IRS.

Non-U.S. Holders

For purposes of this discussion, the term “non-U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of a subordinated note that is neither a U.S. holder nor a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Payments of Stated Interest

Subject to the discussion below under “—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding,” payments of interest on the subordinated notes to a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax under the “portfolio interest exemption,” provided that:

 

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such interest is not effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (or, in the case of an income tax treaty resident, is not attributable to a permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder in the United States);

 

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the non-U.S. holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote within the meaning of the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations;

 

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the non-U.S. holder is not a “controlled foreign corporation” with respect to which we are a “related person” within the meaning of the Code; and

 

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either (a) the beneficial owner of the subordinated notes provides the applicable withholding agent with a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable,

 

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certifying, under penalties of perjury, that it is not a “U.S. person” (as defined in the Code) and providing its name and address or (b) a financial institution that holds the subordinated notes on behalf of the beneficial owner certifies to the applicable withholding agent, under penalties of perjury, that it has received such properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from the beneficial owner and provides the applicable withholding agent with a copy thereof.

If a non-U.S. holder cannot satisfy the requirements of the “portfolio interest exemption” described above, payments of interest made to the non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30%, or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty, unless such interest is effectively connected with such non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder in the United States) and such non-U.S. holder provides the applicable withholding agent with a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable IRS form). In order to claim an exemption from or reduction of withholding under an applicable income tax treaty, a non-U.S. holder generally must furnish to the applicable withholding agent a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable (or other applicable IRS form). Non-U.S. holders eligible for an exemption from or reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax under an applicable income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim with the IRS. Non-U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under an applicable income tax treaty and the requirements for claiming any such benefits.

Interest paid to a non-U.S. holder that is effectively connected with such non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder in the United States) generally will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax, provided that the non-U.S. holder complies with applicable certification and other requirements. Instead, such interest generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis and at the regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if such non-U.S. holder were a U.S. person. A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) of its “effectively connected earnings and profits” for the taxable year, subject to certain adjustments.

Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Taxable Disposition of the Subordinated Notes

Subject to the discussion below under “—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding,” except with respect to accrued and unpaid interest (which will be treated as described above under “—Non-U.S. Holders—Payments of Stated Interest”), a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain realized upon the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a subordinated note unless:

 

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such gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder in the United States); or

 

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the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met.

Gain described in the first bullet point above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if such non-U.S. holder were a U.S. person. A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) of its “effectively connected earnings and profits” for the taxable year, subject to certain adjustments.

 

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Gain described in the second bullet point above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty), but may be offset by U.S. source capital losses, if any, of the non-U.S. holder.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Generally, we must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. holder the amount of interest paid to such non-U.S. holder and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to such payments. These reporting requirements apply regardless of whether withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty. This information may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which a non-U.S. holder resides or is established pursuant to the provisions of a specific treaty or agreement with those tax authorities.

U.S. backup withholding tax (currently, at a rate of 24% for payments made before January 1, 2026) is imposed on certain payments to persons that fail to furnish the information required under the U.S. information reporting rules. Interest paid to a non-U.S. holder generally will be exempt from backup withholding if the non-U.S. holder provides the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or otherwise establishes an exemption.

Under Treasury Regulations, the payment of proceeds from the disposition of a subordinated note by a non-U.S. holder effected at a U.S. office of a broker generally will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding, unless the non-U.S. holder provides a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable (or other applicable IRS Form W-8), certifying such non-U.S. holder’s non-U.S. status or by otherwise establishing an exemption. The payment of proceeds from the disposition of subordinated notes by a non-U.S. holder effected at a non-U.S. office of a U.S. broker or a non-U.S. broker with certain specified U.S. connections generally will be subject to information reporting (but not backup withholding) unless such non-U.S. holder provides a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable (or other applicable IRS Form W-8), certifying such non-U.S. holder’s non-U.S. status or by otherwise establishing an exemption. Backup withholding will apply if the disposition is subject to information reporting and the broker has actual knowledge that the non-U.S. holder is a U.S. person.

BACKUP WITHHOLDING IS NOT AN ADDITIONAL TAX. ANY AMOUNTS WITHHELD UNDER THE BACKUP WITHHOLDING RULES WILL BE ALLOWED AS A REFUND OR A CREDIT AGAINST A NON-U.S. HOLDER’S U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LIABILITY, IF ANY, PROVIDED THAT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION IS FURNISHED TIMELY TO THE IRS. NON-U.S. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THESE RULES TO THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

Under Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code and the Treasury regulations and administrative guidance thereunder (collectively, “FATCA”), a 30% withholding tax generally may be imposed on (1) interest on a debt obligation and (2) gross proceeds from the disposition of a debt obligation paid to certain non-U.S. entities (whether such non-U.S. entity is the beneficial owner of the obligation or an intermediary) that fail to comply with certain certification, withholding, and information reporting requirements (which may include entering into an agreement with the IRS) or otherwise satisfying the requirements of an applicable FATCA intergovernmental agreement.

Under the applicable Treasury regulations and administrative guidance, withholding under FATCA generally applies to payments of interest on the subordinated notes. While withholding under FATCA would have applied also to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of a subordinated note on or after January 1, 2019, proposed Treasury regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury regulations until final regulations are issued.

 

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Purchasers of the subordinated notes are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of FATCA based on their particular circumstances.

THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX DISCUSSION SET FORTH ABOVE AS TO BOTH U.S. HOLDERS AND NON-U.S. HOLDERS IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE DEPENDING UPON A PURCHASER’S PARTICULAR SITUATION. PURCHASERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATION, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER OTHER FEDERAL TAX LAWS (SUCH AS ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS) AND THE LAWS OF ANY FOREIGN, STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTIONS OR THE CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER ANY TAX TREATY.

 

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CERTAIN ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), is a broad statutory framework that governs most U.S. retirement and other U.S. employee benefit plans. ERISA and the rules and regulations of the Department of Labor (the “DOL”) under ERISA contain provisions that should be considered by fiduciaries of an employee benefit plan subject to the provisions of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (the “Plan”). Under ERISA and the Code, any person who exercises any discretionary authority or control over the administration of the Plan or the management or disposition of the assets of the Plan, or who renders investment advice for a fee or other compensation to the Plan, is generally considered to be a fiduciary of the Plan. A fiduciary of the Plan should consider the fiduciary standards of ERISA in the context of the Plan’s particular circumstances before authorizing an investment in the subordinated notes. Among other factors, the fiduciary should consider whether the investment would be consistent with the fiduciary’s obligations under applicable laws, including common law, ERISA and the Code and the applicable regulations and guidance issued thereunder; whether it would satisfy the prudence and diversification requirements of ERISA; whether it would be consistent with the documents and instruments governing the Plan, including the Plan’s investment policy statement; whether it would be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of the Plan; and whether the investment would involve a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or the Code.

In determining whether an investment in the subordinated notes (or making such investment available under a participant-directed Plan) is prudent for ERISA purposes, a fiduciary of the Plan should consider all relevant facts and circumstances including, without limitation, possible limitations on the redemption of the subordinated notes, whether the investment provides sufficient liquidity in light of the foreseeable needs of the Plan (or the participant account in a participant-directed Plan), and whether the investment is reasonably designed, as part of the Plan’s portfolio, to further the Plan’s purposes, taking into consideration the risk of loss and the opportunity for gain (or other return) associated with the investment. It should be noted that it is the obligation of the appropriate fiduciary for each Plan to consider whether an investment in subordinated notes by the Plan (or making such notes available for investment under a participant-directed Plan), when judged in light of the overall portfolio of the Plan, will meet the prudence, diversification and other applicable requirements of ERISA and the Code.

Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit a Plan, as well as an individual retirement account or any other plan that is subject to Section 4975 of the Code, from engaging in certain transactions involving “plan assets” with persons who are “parties in interest” under ERISA or “disqualified persons” under the Code with respect to the Plan, unless an exemption is available. A violation of these prohibited transaction rules may result in excise tax or other liabilities under ERISA or the Code for those persons, unless exemptive relief is available under an applicable statutory, regulatory or administrative exemption. In addition, the fiduciary of the Plan that violates these prohibited transaction rules may be subject to penalties and liabilities under ERISA and the Code. Employee benefit plans that are governmental plans (as defined in Section 3(32) of ERISA), church plans (as defined in Section 3(33) of ERISA) that have not made an election under Section 410(d) of the Code and non-U.S. plans (as described in Section 4(b)(4) of ERISA) (“Non-ERISA Arrangements”) are not subject to the requirements of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code but may be subject to similar provisions under applicable federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws that regulate their investments (“Similar Laws”).

The acquisition and/or holding of subordinated notes by the Plan or any entity whose underlying assets include “plan assets” by reason of any Plan’s investment in the entity with respect to which we, the underwriters or certain of our affiliates is or becomes a party in interest or disqualified person may result in a prohibited transaction under ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code, unless the subordinated notes are acquired and/or held pursuant to an applicable exemption. The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a number of prohibited transaction class exemptions, or “PTCEs,” that may provide exemptive relief if required for direct or indirect prohibited transactions that may arise from the purchase and/or holding of subordinated notes. These exemptions include, without limitation, PTCE 84-14 (for certain transactions determined by independent “qualified professional asset managers”), PTCE 90-1 (for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate

 

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accounts), PTCE 91-38 (for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds), PTCE 95-60 (for transactions involving certain insurance company general accounts), and PTCE 96-23 (for transactions managed by “in-house asset managers”). In addition, ERISA Section 408(b)(17) and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code provide relief from the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code, provided that neither the issuer of the subordinated notes nor any of its affiliates have or exercise any discretionary authority or control or render any investment advice with respect to the assets of any Plan involved in the transaction, and provided further that the Plan pays no more and receives no less than “adequate consideration” in connection with the transaction. There can be no assurance that all of the conditions of any such exemptions will be satisfied. In this circumstance, the Plan and fiduciaries of the Plan proposing to invest in the subordinated notes should consult with their counsel to determine whether an investment in the subordinated notes would result in a transaction that is prohibited by ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or, with respect to Non-ERISA Arrangements, Similar Laws.

Because of the foregoing, the subordinated notes should not be purchased or held by any Plan, Non-ERISA Arrangement or person investing “plan assets” of any Plan, if the purchase and holding will constitute a nonexempt prohibited transaction under ERISA and the Code or similar violation of any applicable Similar Law.

Accordingly, by acceptance of a subordinated note, each purchaser and subsequent transferee will be deemed to have represented and warranted that either (i) no portion of the assets used by such purchaser or transferee to acquire or hold the subordinated notes constitutes assets of any Plan or Non-ERISA Arrangement or (ii) the acquisition and holding of the subordinated notes by such purchaser or transferee will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or similar violation under any applicable Similar Laws.

THE FOREGOING SUMMARY REGARDING CERTAIN ASPECTS OF ERISA, AND THE CODE IS BASED ON ERISA, THE CODE, JUDICIAL DECISIONS AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND IRS REGULATIONS AND RULINGS THAT ARE IN EXISTENCE ON THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE ALL-INCLUSIVE AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY OF THESE RULES AND THE PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED UPON PERSONS INVOLVED IN NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS, IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT THAT FIDUCIARIES, OR OTHER PERSONS CONSIDERING PURCHASING THE SUBORDINATED NOTES (AND HOLDING THE SUBORDINATED NOTES) ON BEHALF OF, OR WITH THE ASSETS OF, ANY PLAN OR NON-ERISA ARRANGEMENT, CONSULT WITH THEIR COUNSEL REGARDING THE POTENTIAL APPLICABILITY OF ERISA, SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE AND ANY SIMILAR LAWS TO SUCH INVESTMENT AND WHETHER AN EXEMPTION WOULD BE APPLICABLE TO THE PURCHASE AND HOLDING OF THE SUBORDINATED NOTES.

Purchasers of the subordinated notes, and subsequent transferees, have the exclusive responsibility for ensuring that their purchase and holding of the subordinated notes comply with the fiduciary responsibility rules of ERISA and do not violate ERISA, the Code or applicable Similar Laws.

 

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UNDERWRITERS

We and the underwriters named below, for whom Piper Sandler & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are acting as representatives, have entered into an underwriting agreement dated as of the date of this prospectus supplement. Subject to certain conditions, the underwriters have severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to them, severally, the respective principal amount of the subordinated notes set forth opposite their names below:

 

Initial Purchasers		Principal Amount
Piper Sandler & Co.		$	420,000,000
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC		$	120,000,000
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC		$	15,000,000
RBC Capital Markets, LLC		$	15,000,000
Jefferies LLC		$	15,000,000
Wedbush Securities Inc.		$	15,000,000
Total		$	600,000,000

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the subordinated notes is subject to, among other things, the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and certain other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the subordinated notes if any are taken. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.

The underwriters initially propose to offer the subordinated notes directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and may offer the subordinated notes to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of 0.50% of the principal amount per subordinated note. Any underwriter may allow, and any such dealers may reallow, a concession to certain other dealers not to exceed 0.25% of the principal amount per subordinated note. After the initial offering of the subordinated notes, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the underwriters.

We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

During the period beginning on the date of this prospectus supplement and continuing to and including the date 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, we have agreed not to offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale or otherwise dispose of any securities that are substantially similar to the subordinated notes, without the prior written consent of the underwriters.

The following table shows the price to public, underwriting discount that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering and the proceeds, before expenses, to the Company.

 

		Per Subordinated Note				Total
Price to Public(1)			100	%		$	600,000,000
Underwriting Discount(2)			1.00	%		$	6,000,000
Proceeds, before expenses, to Western Alliance Bancorporation			99.00	%		$	594,000,000

 

(1)	Plus accrued interest, if any, from June 7, 2021 to the date of delivery.

(2)	We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain legal expenses in connection with this offering. Such reimbursement is deemed underwriter compensation by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).

 

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We estimate that our total expenses relating to the offering, not including the underwriting discount, will be approximately $1.0 million.

The subordinated notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. The subordinated notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or included in any quotation system. We have been advised by the underwriters that the underwriters intend to make a market in the subordinated notes, but they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market, if any, for the subordinated notes.

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell subordinated notes. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of subordinated notes than they are required to purchase in the offering. The underwriters must close out any short position by purchasing subordinated notes in the open market. A short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the subordinated notes in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the subordinated notes while the offering is in progress.

The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased subordinated notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

These activities by the underwriters, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the subordinated notes. As a result, the price of the subordinated notes may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued by the underwriters at any time. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions.

Conflicts of Interest; Other Relationships

Some of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory, commercial banking and investment banking services for us and our affiliates in the ordinary course of business, for which they received or will receive customary fees and commissions.

In addition, in the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and instruments of ours or our affiliates. If any of the underwriters or their affiliates has a lending relationship with us, certain of those underwriters or their affiliates routinely hedge and certain other of those underwriters or their affiliates may hedge, their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, these underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the subordinated notes offered hereby. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the subordinated notes offered hereby. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

S-45

Selling Restrictions

Canada

The subordinated notes may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal, that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the notes must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contain a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (“NI 33-105”), the Underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering. Upon receipt of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, each Canadian investor hereby confirms that it has expressly requested that all documents evidencing or relating in any way to the sale of the securities described herein (including for greater certainty any purchase confirmation or any notice) be drawn up in the English language only.

European Economic Area

The subordinated notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area (“EEA”). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the “Insurance Distribution Directive”), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”). Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the subordinated notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the subordinated notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPS Regulation. This prospectus has been prepared on the basis that any offer of notes in any Member State of the EEA will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of notes. This prospectus is not a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation.

United Kingdom

The subordinated notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (“UK”). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by

 

S-46

virtue of the EUWA (the “UK Prospectus Regulation”). Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation. This prospectus has been prepared on the basis that any offer of subordinated notes in the UK will be made pursuant to an exemption under the UK Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of notes. This prospectus is not a prospectus for the purposes of the UK Prospectus Regulation.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is for distribution only to persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments and who qualify as investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the “Financial Promotion Order”), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (“high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.”) of the Financial Promotion Order, or (iii) are outside the UK (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). This prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.

In the UK, the subordinated notes may not be offered other than by an underwriter that:

 

(a)

has only communicated or caused to be communicated, and will only communicate or cause to be communicated, an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of the notes in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to us; and

 

(b)

has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the subordinated notes in, from or otherwise involving the UK.

Japan

The subordinated notes have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan (Act No. 25 of 1948 as amended, the “FIEA”). Each underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, any subordinated notes, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (as defined under Item 5, Paragraph 1, Article 6 of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (Act No. 228 of 1949, as amended)), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, a resident of Japan, except in each case pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the FIEA and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

Hong Kong

Each underwriter has represented and agreed that (a) it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell in Hong Kong any subordinated notes by means of any document other than (i) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (“SFO”) and any rules made thereunder or (ii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies (Winding up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (the “C(WUMP)O”), or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the C(WUMP)O and (b) it has not issued or had in its possession for the purposes of issue, and will not issue or have in its possession for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, any advertisement, invitation or document relating to the subordinated notes, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with

 

S-47

respect to the subordinated notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the SFO and any rules made thereunder.

Singapore

This prospectus supplement has not been and will not be registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”). Accordingly, each underwriter has represented, warranted and agreed that (a) it has not circulated or distributed and will not circulate or distribute this prospectus supplement and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the subordinated notes, (b) it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell any subordinated notes, whether directly or indirectly, and (c) has not made and will not make any subordinated notes to be the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, in each of the cases of (a) to (c), to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of SFA, (ii) to a relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the subordinated notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:

(a)    a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or

(b)    a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, securities (as defined in section 2(1) of the SFA) or securities–based derivatives contracts (as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the subordinated notes pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:

(1)    to an institutional investor or to a relevant person, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA;

(2)    where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;

(3)    where the transfer is by operation of law;

(4)    as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or

(5)    as specified in Regulation 37A of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Securities and Securities-based Derivatives Contracts) Regulations 2018.

Singapore Securities and Futures Act Product Classification—Solely for the purposes of our obligations pursuant to sections 309B(1) of the SFA and the Securities and Futures (Capital Markets Products) Regulations 2018 of Singapore (the “CMP Regulations 2018”), we have determined, and hereby notify all persons (including all relevant persons (as defined in Section 309A(1) of the SFA)) that the subordinated notes are “prescribed capital markets products” (as defined in the CMP Regulations 2018) and Excluded Investment Products (as defined in Monetary Authority of Singapore (the “MAS”) Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS Notice FAA-N16: Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).

Switzerland

The subordinated notes may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of, and has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards

 

S-48

for issue prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Swiss Exchange Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the subordinated notes or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

 

S-49

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the subordinated notes offered hereby and certain other legal matters will be passed upon for the Company by Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP.

EXPERTS

Our consolidated financial statements appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, have been audited by RSM US LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report included therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC appearing in our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on May 14, 2021, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

S-50

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to the securities covered by this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the securities offered by this prospectus, reference is made to the registration statement, including the exhibits to the registration statement and the documents incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Because our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WAL”, those materials can also be inspected and copied at the offices of that organization.

Whenever a document is summarized in this prospectus supplement, that summary is qualified in its entirety by the actual document. You should refer to the exhibits that form a part of the registration statement for a copy of any such document.

Our filings, including the registration statement and the documents referred to below under “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference,” are available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the SEC’s Internet website at http://www.sec.gov.

Our SEC file number is 001-32550. Our SEC filings are also available at no cost on our website at https://investors.westernalliancebancorporation.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such documents with the SEC.

You can also obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference from us, without charge (other than exhibits, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference), by requesting them in writing or by telephone at:

Western Alliance Bancorporation

One E. Washington Street, Suite 1400

Phoenix, Arizona 85004

(602) 389-3500

Attn: Dale M. Gibbons, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer

THE INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE IS NOT A PROSPECTUS

AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN, NOR IS IT A PART OF,

ANY PROSPECTUS OR THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.

 

S-51

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus supplement. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus supplement, except for any information that is superseded by other information that is included in or incorporated by reference into this document.

This prospectus supplement incorporates by reference the documents listed below that we have previously filed with the SEC. These documents contain important information about us:

 

•

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021 (including information incorporated by reference in the Form 10-K from our definitive proxy statement for the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on April 30, 2021);

 

•

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on April 30, 2021; and

 

•

our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 19, 2021, February 9, 2021, February 16, 2021, March 4, 2021, April 7, 2021 (as amended on May 14, 2021), April 27, 2021, and June 3, 2021 (except, with respect to each of the foregoing, for portions of such reports which were deemed furnished and not filed).

We incorporate by reference any additional documents that we may file with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than those furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K or other information “furnished” to the SEC), from the date of the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement is part until the termination of the offering of the subordinated notes. These documents may include annual, quarterly and current reports, as well as proxy statements. Any material that we later file with the SEC will automatically update and replace the information previously filed with the SEC. These documents are available to you without charge. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

 

S-52

PROSPECTUS

WESTERN ALLIANCE

BANCORPORATION

Debt Securities

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Depositary Shares

Purchase Contracts

Units

Warrants

 

 

By this prospectus, we or one or more selling securityholders to be identified in the future may offer the securities listed above in one or more offerings from time to time.

When we or any selling securityholder offers securities, we or they will provide you with a prospectus supplement describing the specific terms of the securities, including the price. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you decide to invest. This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement that further describes the securities being delivered to you.

We or any selling securityholder may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis.

Our common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WAL.” We have not yet determined whether any of the securities that may be offered by this prospectus will be listed on any exchange, or included in any inter-dealer quotation system or over-the-counter market. If we decide to seek the listing or inclusion of any such securities upon issuance, the prospectus supplement relating to those securities will disclose the exchange, quotation system or market on or in which the securities will be listed or included.

 

 

Investing in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference, and in any of our subsequently filed quarterly and current reports that are incorporated herein by reference. We may include specific risk factors in an applicable prospectus supplement under the heading “Risk Factors.”

The offered securities are not deposits or obligations of a bank or savings associations and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is May 14, 2021.

No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus and any prospectus supplement together are an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby and thereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained herein and in any accompanying prospectus supplement is current only as of its date.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS			1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			2
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			4
ABOUT WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION			5
RISK FACTORS			6
USE OF PROCEEDS			7
THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER			8
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES			9
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK			22
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK			25
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES			29
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS			32
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS			34
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS			35
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			36
LEGAL MATTERS			39
EXPERTS			40

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration statement, we or a selling securityholder may sell, either separately or together, common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, purchase contracts, units and warrants.

Each time we or a selling securityholder sells securities, we or they will provide a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the terms of the securities being offered. The prospectus supplement may include a discussion of any risk factors or other special considerations that apply to those securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change the information in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus (including the information incorporated by reference herein) and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the applicable prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

We are only responsible for the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, in any accompanying prospectus supplement and in any related free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or in any such free writing prospectus is accurate as of any date other than their respective dates. In the case of information contained in documents we file with the SEC and incorporate by reference in this prospectus, you should assume that such information is accurate only as of the respective dates of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

References in this prospectus to “Western Alliance,” “we,” “us” and “our” are to Western Alliance Bancorporation. In this prospectus, we sometimes refer to the debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depository shares, purchase contracts, units, and warrants collectively as “offered securities.”

 

1

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), relating to the securities covered by this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the securities offered by this prospectus, reference is made to the registration statement, including the exhibits to the registration statement and the documents incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Because our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WAL”, those materials can also be inspected and copied at the offices of that organization.

Whenever a document is summarized in this prospectus, that summary is qualified in its entirety by the actual document. You should refer to the exhibits that form a part of the registration statement for a copy of any such document.

Our filings, including the registration statement and the documents referred to below under “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference,” are available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the SEC’s Internet website at http://www.sec.gov. Our SEC file number is 001-32550. Our SEC filings are also available at no cost on our website at https://investors.westernalliancebancorporation.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such documents with the SEC.

You can also obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference from us, without charge (other than exhibits, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference), by requesting them in writing or by telephone at:

Western Alliance Bancorporation

One E. Washington Street, Suite 1400

Phoenix, Arizona 85004

(602) 389-3500

Attn: Dale M. Gibbons, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer

THE INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE IS NOT A PROSPECTUS

AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN, NOR IS IT A PART OF,

THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.

 

2

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, except for any information that is superseded by other information that is included in or incorporated by reference into this document.

This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below that we have previously filed with the SEC. These documents contain important information about us:

 

•

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021 (including information incorporated by reference in the Form 10-K from our definitive proxy statement for the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed on April 30, 2021);

 

•

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on April 30, 2021;

 

•

our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 19, 2021, February  9, 2021, February  16, 2021, March  4, 2021, April 7, 2021 (as amended on May  14, 2021), and April 27, 2021 (except, with respect to each of the foregoing, for portions of such reports which were deemed furnished and not filed); and

 

•

the description of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on June 3, 2014, as updated by Exhibit 4.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2020.

We incorporate by reference any additional documents that we may file with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than those furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K or other information “furnished” to the SEC), from the date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is part until the termination of the offering of the offered securities. These documents may include annual, quarterly and current reports, as well as proxy statements. Any material that we later file with the SEC will automatically update and replace the information previously filed with the SEC. These documents are available to you without charge. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

For purposes of this prospectus, any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated herein by reference modifies or supersedes such statement in such document.

 

3

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this prospectus and the information included or incorporated by reference in it are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”). Statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act are generally identified through the inclusion of words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “drive,” “estimate,” “expect,” “expressed confidence,” “forecast,” “future,” “goals,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “position,” “potential,” “project,” “ seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would” or similar statements or variations of such words and other similar expressions. All statements other than historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Reform Act, including statements that are related to or are dependent on estimates or assumptions relating to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events (including statements regarding the effects of our acquisition of AmeriHome) or trends and similar expressions that are not historical facts.

These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events and financial performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that may cause our actual results to differ significantly from historical results and those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those described in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and any report subsequently filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by federal securities laws. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this prospectus might not occur, and you should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

 

4

ABOUT WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION

We are a bank holding company incorporated in Delaware and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. We provide a full spectrum of deposit, lending, treasury management, international banking and online banking products and services through our wholly owned banking subsidiary, Western Alliance Bank (“WAB”).

WAB operates the following full-service banking divisions: Alliance Bank of Arizona, Bank of Nevada, Bridge Bank, First Independent Bank and Torrey Pines Bank. The Company also provides an array of specialized financial services to business customers across the country. In addition, the Company has two non-bank subsidiaries: Las Vegas Sunset Properties, which is intended to hold and manage certain Other Real Estate Owned properties, and CS Insurance Company, a captive insurance company formed and licensed under the laws of the State of Arizona and established as part of the Company’s overall enterprise risk management strategy.

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “WAL.” Our principal executive offices are located at One E. Washington Street, Suite 1400, Phoenix, Arizona 85004. Our telephone number is (602) 389-3500. Our website is www.westernalliancebancorp.com. References to our website and those of our subsidiaries are not intended to be active links and the information on such websites is not, and you must not consider the information to be, a part of this prospectus.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Completion of AmeriHome Acquisition

On April 7, 2021, we completed our previously announced acquisition of Aris Mortgage Holding Company, LLC, the parent company of AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC (“AmeriHome”), pursuant to which, Aris merged with and into an indirect subsidiary of WAB. Based on AmeriHome’s closing transaction book value and a $275 million cash premium, total consideration was approximately $1.22 billion. As a result of the acquisition, AmeriHome is now a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company and will continue to operate as AmeriHome Mortgage, a Western Alliance Bank company. AmeriHome is a leading national business to business mortgage acquirer and servicer.

AmeriHome Results of Operations

We filed a Current Report on Form 8-K/A with the SEC on May 14, 2021 (the “Amended Report”), amending our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 7, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein. The Amended Report contains:

 

•

the audited consolidated financial statements of AmeriHome as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the notes related thereto;

 

•

the unaudited pro forma combined income statements of the Company and AmeriHome for the year ended December 31, 2020, giving effect to the acquisition of AmeriHome as if it had occurred on January 1, 2020;

 

•

the unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet of the Company and AmeriHome as of December 31, 2020, giving effect to the acquisition as if it had occurred on December 31, 2020; and

 

•

certain information with respect to the results of operations of AmeriHome for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

5

RISK FACTORS

We have included discussions of cautionary factors describing risks relating to our business and an investment in our securities in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2021, as well as the risks, uncertainties and additional information set forth in the other documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. For a description of these reports and documents, and information about where you can find them, see “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.” Additional risks related to our securities may also be described in a prospectus supplement. Before purchasing our securities, you should carefully consider the risk factors we describe in any prospectus supplement or in any report incorporated by reference into this prospectus or such prospectus supplement. Although we discuss key risks in those risk factor descriptions, additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business. Our subsequent filings with the SEC may contain amended and updated discussions of significant risks. We cannot predict future risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financial performance.

 

6

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of offered securities for general corporate purposes, including:

 

•

refinancing, reduction or repayment of debt;

 

•

redeeming outstanding securities;

 

•

funding investments in, or extensions of credit to, our banking subsidiary, mortgage subsidiary and our other subsidiaries as regulatory capital;

 

•

financing of possible acquisitions;

 

•

expansion of the business;

 

•

investments at the holding company level; and

 

•

working capital.

The prospectus supplement with respect to an offering of offered securities may identify different or additional uses for the proceeds of that offering. Except as otherwise stated in an applicable prospectus supplement, pending the application of the net proceeds, we expect to temporarily invest the proceeds from the sale of offered securities in short-term obligations. We will not receive proceeds from sales of securities by selling securityholders except as otherwise stated in an applicable prospectus supplement.

 

7

THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

The descriptions of the securities contained in this prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplements, summarize certain material terms and provisions of the various types of securities that we may offer. The particular material terms of the securities offered by a prospectus supplement will be described in that prospectus supplement. If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the terms of the offered securities may differ from the terms summarized below. The prospectus supplement will also contain information, where applicable, about material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the offered securities, and the securities exchange, if any, on which the offered securities will be listed. The descriptions herein and in the applicable prospectus supplement do not contain all of the information that you may find useful or that may be important to you. You should refer to the provisions of the actual documents whose terms are summarized herein and in the applicable prospectus supplement, because those documents, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the relevant securities. For more information, please review the forms of these documents, which are or will be filed with the SEC and will be available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” above.

We may offer and sell from time to time, in one or more offerings, the following:

 

•

debt securities;

 

•

common stock;

 

•

preferred stock;

 

•

depositary shares;

 

•

purchase contracts;

 

•

units; and/or

 

•

warrants exercisable for debt securities, common stock or preferred stock.

 

8

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

General

We may issue senior debt securities and/or subordinated debt securities, which in each case will be unsecured, direct, general obligations of Western Alliance.

The senior debt securities will rank equally with all our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in priority of payment to our senior debt securities, as described below under “Ranking–Subordination of Subordinated Debt Securities” and in the prospectus supplement applicable to any subordinated debt securities that we may offer. For purposes of the descriptions in this section, we may refer to the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities collectively as the “debt securities.” The debt securities will be effectively subordinated to the creditors and preferred equity holders of our subsidiaries.

We will issue senior debt securities under a senior debt indenture and subordinated debt securities under a separate subordinated debt indenture. Provisions relating to the issuance of debt securities may also be set forth in a supplemental indenture to either of the indentures. For purposes of the descriptions in this section, we may refer to the senior debt indenture and the subordinated debt indenture and any related supplemental indentures, as “an indenture” or, collectively, as “the indentures.” The indentures will be qualified under and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”).

Each indenture will be between us and a trustee that meets the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act. We expect that each indenture will provide that there may be more than one trustee under that indenture, each with respect to one or more series of debt securities. Any trustee under an indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of debt securities and, in that event, we may appoint a successor trustee. Except as otherwise provided in the indenture or supplemental indenture, any action permitted to be taken by a trustee may be taken by that trustee only with respect to the one or more series of debt securities for which it is trustee under the applicable indenture.

The descriptions in this section relating to the debt securities and the indentures are summaries of their provisions. The summaries are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the actual indentures and debt securities and the further descriptions in the applicable prospectus supplement. A form of the senior debt indenture and a form of the subordinated debt indenture under which we may issue our senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities, respectively, and the forms of the debt securities, have been filed with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement that includes this prospectus and will be available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” above. Whenever we refer in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement to particular sections or defined terms of an indenture, those sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in the prospectus supplement, as applicable. You should refer to the provisions of the indentures for provisions that may be important to you.

The terms and conditions described in this section are terms and conditions that apply generally to the debt securities. The particular terms of any series of debt securities will be summarized in the applicable prospectus supplement. Those terms may differ from the terms summarized below.

Except as set forth in the applicable indenture or in a supplemental indenture and described in an applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures do not limit the amount of debt securities we may issue under the indentures. We are not required to issue all of the debt securities of one series at the same time and, unless otherwise provided in the applicable indenture or supplemental indenture and described in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may, from time to time, reopen any series and issue additional debt securities under that series without the consent of the holders of the outstanding debt securities of that series. Additional notes issued in this manner will have the same terms and conditions as the outstanding debt securities of that series, except for their original issue date and issue price, and will be consolidated with, and form a single series with, the previously outstanding debt securities of that series.

 

9

Terms of Debt Securities to be Included in the Prospectus Supplement

The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that we may offer will set forth the price or prices at which the debt securities will be offered, and will contain the specific terms of the debt securities of that series. These terms may include, without limitation, the following:

 

•

the title of the debt securities and whether they are senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities;

 

•

the amount of debt securities issued and any limit on the amount that may be issued;

 

•

the price(s) (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) at which the debt securities will be issued;

 

•

if other than the principal amount of those debt securities, the portion of the principal amount payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of those debt securities;

 

•

the maturity date or dates, or the method for determining the maturity date or dates, on which the principal of the debt securities will be payable and any rights of extension;

 

•

the rate or rates, which may be fixed or variable, or the method of determining the rate or rates at which the debt securities will bear interest, if any;

 

•

the date or dates from which any interest will accrue and the date or dates on which any interest will be payable, the regular related record dates and whether we may elect to extend or defer such interest payment dates;

 

•

the place or places where payments will be payable, where the debt securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices or demands to or upon us may be served;

 

•

the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the other terms and conditions upon which the debt securities may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our option, if we are to have such an option;

 

•

our obligation, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a holder of the debt securities, and the period or periods within which, or the date and dates on which, the price or prices at which and the other terms and conditions upon which the debt securities will be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to that obligation;

 

•

the currency or currencies in which the debt securities may be purchased, are denominated and are payable, which may be a foreign currency or units of two or more foreign currencies or a composite currency or currencies, and the related terms and conditions, including whether we or the holders of any such debt securities may elect to receive payments in respect of such debt securities in a currency or currency unit other than that in which such debt securities are stated to be payable;

 

•

whether the amount of payments of principal of and premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the debt securities may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method, which index, formula or method may, but need not be, based on a currency, currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies or with reference to changes in prices of particular securities or commodities, and the manner in which the amounts are to be determined;

 

•

any additions to, modifications of or deletions from the terms of the debt securities with respect to events of default, amendments, merger, consolidation and sale or covenants set forth in the applicable indenture;

 

•

whether the debt securities will be issued in certificated or book-entry form;

 

•

whether the debt securities will be in registered or bearer form or both and, if in registered form, their denominations, if other than $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, and, if in bearer form, their denominations, if other than $5,000, and the related terms and conditions;

 

10

•

if the debt securities will be issuable only in global form, the depository or its nominee with respect to the debt securities and the circumstances under which the global security may be registered for transfer or exchange in the name of a person other than the depository or its nominee;

 

•

the applicability, if any, of the defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions of the indenture and any additional or different terms on which the series of debt securities may be defeased;

 

•

whether and the extent to which the debt securities will be guaranteed, any guarantors and the form of any guarantee;

 

•

whether the debt securities can be converted into or exchanged for our other securities, and the related terms and conditions;

 

•

in the case of subordinated debt securities, provisions relating to any modification of the subordination provisions described elsewhere in this prospectus;

 

•

whether the debt securities will be sold as part of units consisting of debt securities and other securities;

 

•

if the debt securities are to be issued upon the exercise of warrants, the time, manner and place for the debt securities to be authenticated and delivered;

 

•

any trustee, depositary, authenticating agent, paying agent, transfer agent, registrar or other agent with respect to the debt securities; and

 

•

any other terms of the debt securities.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.

We may offer and sell our debt securities at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount. These debt securities may be original issue discount securities, which means that less than the entire principal amount of the original issue discount securities will be payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity. Special federal income tax, accounting and other considerations applicable to original issue discount securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may issue debt securities with a fixed interest rate or a floating interest rate. Any material federal income tax considerations applicable to any discounted debt securities or to debt securities issued at par that are treated as having been issued at a discount for federal income tax purposes will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Except as set forth in the applicable indenture or in a supplemental indenture, the debt securities will not contain any provisions that would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or that would afford holders of debt securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us. The debt securities may contain provisions that would afford debt security holders protection in the event of a change of control. You should refer to the applicable prospectus supplement for information with respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or covenants that are described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk or similar protection.

For purposes of the descriptions in this section:

 

•

“subsidiary” means a corporation or a partnership or a limited liability company a majority of the outstanding voting stock or partnership or membership interests, as the case may be, of which is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by us or by one or more of our other subsidiaries. For the purposes of this definition, “voting stock” means stock having voting power for the election of directors, or trustees, as the case may be, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has voting power by reason of any contingency; and

 

11

•

“significant subsidiary” means any of our subsidiaries that is a “significant subsidiary,” within the meaning of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act.

Ranking

Senior Debt Securities

Payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on debt securities we issue under the senior debt indenture will rank equally with all of our unsecured and unsubordinated debt.

Subordination of Subordinated Debt Securities

To the extent provided in the subordinated debt indenture and any supplemental indenture, and as described in the prospectus supplement describing the applicable series of subordinated debt securities, the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on any subordinated debt securities, including amounts payable on any redemption or repurchase, will be subordinated in right of payment and junior to senior debt, which is defined below. If there is a distribution to our creditors in a liquidation or dissolution of us, or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating to us, the holders of senior debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due on the senior debt (or provision shall be made for such payment in cash) before any payments may be made on the subordinated debt securities. Because of this subordination, our general creditors may recover more, ratably, than holders of subordinated debt securities in the event of a distribution of assets upon insolvency.

The supplemental indenture will set forth the terms and conditions under which, if any, we will not be permitted to pay principal, premium, if any, or interest on the related subordinated debt securities upon the occurrence of an event of default or other circumstances arising under or with respect to senior debt.

The indentures will place no limitation on the amount of senior debt that we may incur. We expect to incur from time to time additional indebtedness constituting senior debt, which may include indebtedness that is senior to the subordinated debt securities but subordinate to our other obligations.

“Senior debt” means the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest, including interest accruing after the commencement of any bankruptcy proceeding relating to us, on, or substantially similar payments we will make in respect of the following categories of debt, whether that debt is outstanding at the date of execution of the applicable indenture or thereafter incurred, created or assumed:

 

•

our other indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, or bonds or other securities issued under the provisions of any indenture, fiscal agency agreement, note purchase agreement or other agreement, including the senior debt securities that may be offered by means of this prospectus and one or more prospectus supplements;

 

•

our indebtedness for money borrowed or represented by purchase-money obligations, as defined below;

 

•

our obligations as lessee under leases of property either made as part of a sale and leaseback transaction to which we are a party or otherwise;

 

•

indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of others in respect of which we are liable contingently or otherwise to pay or advance money or property or as guarantor, endorser or otherwise or which we have agreed to purchase or otherwise acquire and indebtedness of partnerships and joint ventures which is included in our consolidated financial statements;

 

•

reimbursement and other obligations relating to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances and similar obligations;

 

•

obligations under various hedging arrangements and agreements, including interest rate and currency hedging agreements;

 

12

•

all our obligations issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services, but excluding trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business; and

 

•

deferrals, renewals or extensions of any of the indebtedness or obligations described above.

However, “senior debt” excludes:

 

•

any indebtedness, obligation or liability referred to above as to which, in the instrument creating or evidencing that indebtedness, obligation or liability, it is expressly provided that the indebtedness, obligation or liability is not senior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities or ranks equally with the subordinated debt securities;

 

•

any indebtedness, obligation or liability which is subordinated to our indebtedness to substantially the same extent as or to a greater extent than the subordinated debt securities are subordinated; and

 

•

unless expressly provided in the terms thereof, any of our other indebtedness to its subsidiaries.

As used above, the term “purchase money obligations” means indebtedness, obligations or guarantees evidenced by a note, debenture, bond or other instrument, whether or not secured by a lien or other security interest, and any deferred obligation for the payment of the purchase price of property but excluding indebtedness or obligations for which recourse is limited to the property purchased, issued or assumed as all or a part of the consideration for the acquisition of property or services, whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, but does not include any trade accounts payable. There will not be any restrictions in the subordinated indenture relating to subordinated debt securities upon the creation of additional senior debt.

The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, applicable to the subordination of the subordinated debt securities of a particular series. The applicable prospectus supplement or the information incorporated by reference in the applicable prospectus supplement or in this prospectus will describe as of a recent date the approximate amount of our senior debt outstanding as to which the subordinated debt securities of that series will be subordinated.

Structural Subordination

Because we are a holding company, our cash flows and consequent ability to service our obligations, including our debt securities, are dependent on distributions and other payments of earnings and other funds by our subsidiaries to us. The payment of dividends and other distributions by our subsidiaries is contingent on their earnings and is subject to the requirements of federal banking regulations and other restrictions. In addition, the debt securities will be structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries, since our right to receive any assets of its subsidiaries upon their liquidation or reorganization, and the consequent right of the holders of the debt securities to participate in those assets, will be effectively subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary’s creditors. If we are recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary, our claims would still be subordinate to any security interest in the assets of that subsidiary and any indebtedness of that subsidiary senior to that held by us. Claims from creditors (other than us), on subsidiaries may include long-term and medium-term debt and substantial obligations related to deposit liabilities, federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings. Any capital loans that we make to our non-banking subsidiaries would be subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to other indebtedness of WAB or our non-banking subsidiaries.

Conversion or Exchange of Debt Securities

The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be converted into or exchanged for our other securities. These terms will include whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, or is at our option or at the option of the holder. We will also describe in the applicable prospectus supplement how we will calculate the number of securities that holders of debt securities would receive if they were to convert or exchange their debt securities, the conversion price and other terms related to conversion and any anti-dilution protections.

 

13

Redemption of Securities

We may redeem the debt securities at any time, in whole or in part, at the prescribed redemption price, at the times and on the terms described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

From and after notice has been given as provided in the indentures, if we have made available funds for the redemption of any debt securities called for redemption on the applicable redemption date, the debt securities will cease to bear interest on the date fixed for the redemption specified in the notice, and the only right of the holders of the debt securities will be to receive payment of the redemption price.

Notice of any optional redemption by us of any debt securities is required to be given to holders at their addresses, as shown in the security register. The notice of redemption will be required to specify, among other items, the redemption price and the principal amount of the debt securities held by the holder to be redeemed.

If we elect to redeem debt securities, we will be required to notify the trustee of the aggregate principal amount of debt securities to be redeemed and the redemption date. If fewer than all the debt securities are to be redeemed, the trustee is required to select the debt securities to be redeemed equally, by lot or in a manner it deems fair and appropriate.

Denomination, Interest, Registration and Transfer

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue the debt securities (i) in denominations of $1,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 if the debt securities are in registered form, and (ii) in denominations of $5,000 if the debt securities are in bearer form.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will pay the principal of, and applicable premium, if any, and interest on any series of debt securities at the corporate trust office of the trustee, the address of which will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. At our option, we may pay interest by check mailed to the address of the person entitled to the interest payment as it appears in the register for the applicable debt securities or by wire transfer of funds to that person at an account maintained within the United States.

Any defaulted interest, which means interest not punctually paid or duly provided for on any interest payment date with respect to a debt security, will immediately cease to be payable to the registered holder on the applicable regular record date by virtue of his having been the registered holder on such date. We may pay defaulted interest either to the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of the defaulted interest to be fixed by the trustee, notice of which is to be given to the holder of the debt security not less than ten days before the special record date, or at any time in any other lawful manner, all as more completely described in the applicable indenture or supplemental indenture.

Subject to limitations imposed upon debt securities issued in book-entry form, the holder may exchange debt securities of any series for other debt securities of the same series and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor of different authorized denominations upon surrender of the debt securities at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee. In addition, subject to limitations imposed upon debt securities issued in book-entry form, the holder may surrender debt securities of any series for registration of transfer or exchange at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee. Every debt security surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange must be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer. No service charge will be imposed for any registration of transfer or exchange of any debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of any debt securities. If the applicable prospectus supplement refers to any transfer agent, in addition to the applicable trustee, initially designated by us with respect to any series of debt securities, we may at any time rescind the designation of that transfer agent or approve a change in the location through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for that series. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to any series of debt securities.

 

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If we redeem the debt securities of any series, neither we nor any trustee will be required to:

 

•

issue, register the transfer of, or exchange debt securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection of debt securities of that series to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption;

 

•

register the transfer of, or exchange any debt security, or portion of any debt security, called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any debt security being redeemed in part; or

 

•

issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any debt security that has been surrendered for repayment at the option of the holder, except the portion, if any, of the debt security not to be repaid.

Global Securities

We may issue the debt securities of a series in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities to be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depository or with a nominee for a depository identified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to that series. We may issue global securities in either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form. The specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to a series of debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series.

Our obligations with respect to the debt securities, as well as the obligations of the applicable trustee, run only to persons who are registered holders of debt securities. For example, once we make payment to the registered holder, we have no further responsibility for that payment even if the recipient is legally required to pass the payment along to an individual investor but fails to do so. As an indirect holder, an investor’s rights relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to transfers of debt securities.

An investor should be aware that when debt securities are issued in the form of global securities:

 

•

the investor cannot have debt securities registered in his or her own name;

 

•

the investor cannot receive physical certificates for his or her debt securities;

 

•

the investor must look to his or her bank or brokerage firm for payments on the debt securities and protection of his or her legal rights relating to the debt securities;

 

•

the investor may not be able to sell interests in the debt securities to some insurance or other institutions that are required by law to hold the physical certificates of debt that they own;

 

•

the depositary’s policies will govern payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to the investor’s interest in the global security; and

 

•

the depositary will usually require that interests in a global security be purchased or sold within its system using same-day funds.

The applicable prospectus supplement for a series of debt securities will list the special situations, if any, in which a global security will terminate and interests in the global security will be exchanged for physical certificates representing debt securities. After that exchange, the investor may choose whether to hold debt securities directly or indirectly through an account at the investor’s bank or brokerage firm. In that event, investors must consult their banks or brokers to find out how to have their interests in debt securities transferred to their own names so that they may become direct holders. When a global security terminates, the depositary, and not us or one of the trustees, is responsible for deciding the names of the institutions that will be the initial direct holders.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

We will not be permitted to consolidate with or merge into any other entity, or sell, lease, transfer or convey all or substantially all of our properties and assets, either in one transaction or a series of transactions, to any other

 

15

entity and no other entity will consolidate with or merge into us, or sell, lease, transfer or convey all or substantially all of its properties and assets to us unless:

 

(1)

either:

 

•

we are the continuing entity; or

 

•

the successor entity, if other than us, formed by or resulting from any consolidation or merger, or which has received the transfer of our assets, expressly assumes payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on all of the outstanding debt securities and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions contained in the indentures; and

 

(2)

immediately after giving effect to the transaction and treating any indebtedness that becomes our obligation or the obligation of any of our subsidiaries as a result of that transaction as having been incurred by us or our subsidiary at the time of the transaction, no event of default under the indentures or supplemental indentures, and no event which, after notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become an event of default, will have occurred and be continuing; provided, that the conditions described in (1) and (2) above will not apply to the direct or indirect transfer of the stock, assets or liabilities of any of our subsidiaries to another of our direct or indirect subsidiaries.

Except as provided in this prospectus or as may otherwise be provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indenture and the terms of the debt securities will not contain any event risks or similar covenants that are intended to afford protection to holders of any debt securities in the event of a merger, a highly leveraged transaction or other significant corporate event involving us or our subsidiaries, whether or not resulting in a change of control, which may adversely affect holders of the debt securities.

Additional Covenants and/or Modifications to the Covenant Described Above

Any additional covenants and/or modifications to the covenants described above with respect to any series of debt securities, including any covenants relating to limitations on incurrence of indebtedness or other financial covenants, will be set forth in the applicable indenture or supplemental indenture and described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to that series of debt securities.

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement indicates otherwise, the subordinated debt indenture does not contain any other provision which restricts us from, among other things:

 

•

incurring or becoming liable on any secured or unsecured senior indebtedness or general obligations; or

 

•

paying dividends or making other distributions on our capital stock; or

 

•

purchasing or redeeming our capital stock; or

 

•

creating any liens on our property for any purpose.

Events of Default, Waiver and Notice

Events of Default

The events of default with respect to any series of debt securities issued under it, subject to any modifications or deletions provided in any supplemental indenture with respect to any specific series of debt securities, include the following events:

 

•

failure to pay any installment of interest or any additional amounts payable on any debt security of the series for 30 days;

 

•

failure to pay principal of, or premium, if any, on, any debt security of the series when due, whether at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or acceleration of maturity or otherwise;

 

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•

default in making any sinking fund payment (if any) when due, for any debt security of the series;

 

•

default in the performance or breach of any of our other covenants or warranties contained in the applicable indenture, other than a covenant added to the indenture solely for the benefit of any other series of debt securities issued under that indenture, continued for 90 days after written notice as provided in the applicable indenture;

 

•

specific events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or court appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of us or any significant subsidiary or either of our property; and

 

•

any other event of default provided with respect to a particular series of debt securities.

If an event of default under any indenture with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every case other than in the case of specific events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or court appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of us or any significant subsidiary or either of our property, in which case acceleration will be automatic, the applicable trustee or the holders of not less than 25% of the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series will have the right to declare the principal amount, or, if the debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities or indexed securities, the portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series, of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately by written notice to us, and to the applicable trustee if given by the holders. At any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made with respect to debt securities of a series, or of all debt securities then outstanding under any indenture, as the case may be, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the applicable trustee, however, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture, as the case may be, may annul the declaration of acceleration and waive any default in respect of those debt securities if:

 

•

we have deposited with the applicable trustee all required payments due otherwise than by acceleration of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities of that series, or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture, as the case may be, plus specified fees, expenses, disbursements and advances of the applicable trustee; and

 

•

all events of default, other than the non-payment of all or a specified portion of the accelerated principal, with respect to debt securities of that series, or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture, as the case may be, have been cured or waived as provided in the applicable indenture.

Waiver

Each indenture also will provide that the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series, or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture, as the case may be, may waive any past default with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default:

 

•

in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any debt security of that series; or

 

•

in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the applicable indenture that, by the terms of that indenture, cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each affected holder of an outstanding debt security.

Notice

Each trustee will be required to give notice to the holders of the applicable debt securities within 90 days of a default under the applicable indenture unless the default has been cured or waived; but the trustee may withhold notice of any default, except a default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities or in the payment of any sinking fund installment in respect of the debt securities, if specified responsible officers of the trustee consider the withholding to be in the interest of the holders.

 

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The holders of debt securities of any series may not institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indentures or for any remedy under the indentures, except in the case of failure of the applicable trustee, for 60 days, to act after the trustee has received a written request to institute proceedings in respect of an event of default from the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, as well as an offer of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee, and provided that no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the trustee during such 60-day period by the holders of a majority of the outstanding debt securities of that series. However, any holder of debt securities is not prohibited from instituting suit for the enforcement of payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities at their respective due dates.

Subject to the trustee’s duties in case of default, no trustee will be under any obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under an indenture at the request or direction of any holders of any series of debt securities then outstanding under that indenture, unless the holders offer to the trustee reasonable security or indemnity. Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the trustee, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series, or of all debt securities then outstanding under an indenture, as the case may be, will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the applicable trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred upon the trustee. A trustee may refuse, however, to follow any direction that is in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture that may involve the trustee in personal liability or may be unduly prejudicial to the holders of debt securities of that series not joining in the direction.

Within 180 days after the end of each fiscal year, we will be required to deliver to each trustee a certificate, signed by one of several specified officers, stating whether or not that officer has knowledge of any default under the applicable indenture and, if so, specifying each default and the nature and status of the default.

Modification of the Indentures

Except as otherwise specifically provided in the applicable indenture, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities issued under that indenture that are affected by the modification or amendment, we may enter into supplemental indentures with the trustee for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of such indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the holders under debt securities issued under such indenture. However, no modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each debt security affected by the modification or amendment:

 

•

except as described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such debt security:

 

•

extend the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest or any additional amounts, or the premium, if any, on, any debt security;

 

•

reduce the principal amount of, or the rate or amount of interest on, or change the manner of calculating the rate, or any premium payable on redemption of, any debt security, or reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount security that would be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of its maturity or would be provable in bankruptcy, or adversely affect any right of repayment of the holder of any debt security;

 

•

extend the time of payment of interest on any debt security or any additional amounts;

 

•

change any of the conversion, exchange or redemption provisions of any debt security;

 

•

change the place of payment, or the coin or currency for payment, of principal, or premium, if any, including any amount in respect of original issue discount or interest on any debt security;

 

•

impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any debt security or for the conversion or exchange of any debt security in accordance with its terms;

 

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•

release any guarantors from their guarantees of the debt securities, or, except as contemplated in any supplemental indenture, make any change in a guarantee of a debt security that would adversely affect the interests of the holders of those debt securities; and

 

•

in the case of subordinated debt securities, modify the ranking or priority of the securities;

 

•

reduce the percentage of outstanding debt securities of any series necessary to modify or amend the applicable indenture, to waive compliance with specific provisions of or certain defaults and consequences under the applicable indenture, or to reduce the quorum or voting requirements set forth in the applicable indenture; or

 

•

modify any of the provisions relating to the waiver of specific past defaults or specific covenants, except to increase the required percentage to effect that action or to provide that specific other provisions may not be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of that debt security.

The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the modification or amendment will have the right to waive compliance by us with specific covenants in the indenture.

We and the respective trustee may modify and amend an indenture without the consent of any holder of debt securities for any of the following purposes:

 

•

to evidence the succession of another person to us as obligor under the indenture or to evidence the addition or release of any guarantor in accordance with the indenture or any supplemental indenture;

 

•

to add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us in the indenture;

 

•

to add events of default for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities;

 

•

to add or change any provisions of the indenture to facilitate the issuance of, or to liberalize specific terms of, debt securities in bearer form, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in uncertificated form, provided that the action will not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the debt securities of any series in any material respect;

 

•

to change or eliminate any provisions of an indenture, if the change or elimination becomes effective only when there are no debt securities outstanding of any series created prior to the change or elimination that are entitled to the benefit of the changed or eliminated provision;

 

•

to secure or provide for the guarantee of the debt securities;

 

•

to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series and any related coupons;

 

•

to provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee or facilitate the administration of the trusts under an indenture by more than one trustee;

 

•

to cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistency in an indenture provided that the cure or correction does not adversely affect the holders of the debt securities;

 

•

to supplement any of the provisions of an indenture to the extent necessary to permit or facilitate defeasance and discharge of any series of debt securities, provided that the supplement does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the debt securities of any series in any material respect;

 

•

to make provisions with respect to the conversion or exchange terms and conditions applicable to the debt securities of any series;

 

•

to add to, delete from or revise the conditions, limitations or restrictions on issue, authentication and delivery of debt securities;

 

•

to conform any provision in an indenture to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act; or

 

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•

to make any change that does not adversely affect the legal rights under an indenture of any holder of debt securities of any series issued under that indenture.

In determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt securities of a series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under the indenture or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of holders of debt securities:

 

•

the principal amount of an original issue discount security that is deemed to be outstanding will be the amount of the principal of that original issue discount security that would be due and payable as of the date of the determination upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of that original issue discount security;

 

•

the principal amount of any debt security denominated in a foreign currency that is deemed outstanding will be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined on the issue date for that debt security, of the principal amount, or, in the case of an original issue discount security, the U.S. dollar equivalent on the issue date of that debt security of the amount determined as provided in the immediately preceding bullet point;

 

•

the principal amount of an indexed security that is deemed outstanding will be the principal face amount of the indexed security at original issuance, unless otherwise provided with respect to the indexed security under the applicable indenture; and

 

•

debt securities owned by us or any other obligor upon the debt securities or any of our affiliates or of any other obligor are to be disregarded.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Discharge

We may be permitted under the applicable indenture to discharge specific obligations to holders of any series of debt securities (1) that have not already been delivered to the applicable trustee for cancellation and (2) that either have become due and payable or will, within one year, become due and payable or scheduled for redemption, by irrevocably depositing with the applicable trustee, in trust, money or funds certified to be sufficient to pay when due, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, the principal of, and premium, if any, on and interest on the debt securities.

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

If the provisions of the applicable indenture relating to defeasance and covenant defeasance are made applicable to the debt securities of or within any series, we may elect either:

 

•

defeasance, which means we elect to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to the debt securities, except for the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of the debt securities, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, to maintain an office or agency in respect of the debt securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust; or

 

•

covenant defeasance, which means we elect to be released from our obligations with respect to the debt securities under specified sections of the applicable indenture relating to covenants, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement and any omission to comply with its obligations will not constitute an event of default with respect to the debt securities;

in either case upon the irrevocable deposit by us with the applicable trustee, in trust, of an amount, in currency or currencies or government obligations, or both, sufficient without reinvestment to make scheduled payments of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities, when due, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments.

 

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A trust will only be permitted to be established if, among other things:

 

•

we have delivered to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel, as specified in the applicable indenture, to the effect that the holders of the debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the 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 the defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred, and the opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance, will be required to refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law occurring after the date of the indenture;

 

•

no event of default or any event which after notice or lapse of time or both would be an event of default has occurred;

 

•

the defeasance or covenant defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, the applicable indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which we are a party or by which we are bound;

 

•

certain other provisions set forth in the applicable indenture are met; and

 

•

we will have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance or covenant defeasance have been complied with

In general, if we elect covenant defeasance with respect to any debt securities and payments on those debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of an event of default, the amount of money and/or government obligations on deposit with the applicable trustee would be sufficient to pay amounts due on those debt securities at the time of their stated maturity, but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on those debt securities at the time of the acceleration resulting from the event of default. In that case, we would remain liable to make payment of the amounts due on the debt securities at the time of acceleration.

The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, permitting defeasance or covenant defeasance, including any modifications to the provisions described above, with respect to the debt securities of or within a particular series

Regarding the Trustees

We will designate the trustee under the senior and subordinated debt indentures in the applicable prospectus supplement. From time to time, we may enter into banking or other relationships with any of such trustees or their affiliates.

There may be more than one trustee under each indenture, each with respect to one or more series of debt securities. Any trustee may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of debt securities, and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to such series.

If two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of debt securities, each trustee will be a trustee of a trust under the indenture separate from the trust administered by any other such trustee. Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus, any action to be taken by the trustee may be taken by each such trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the one or more series of debt securities for which it is trustee under the indenture.

Governing Law

The senior debt securities, the subordinated debt securities and the related indentures will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

The following description is a general summary of the terms of our common stock. The description below does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. The description herein does not contain all of the information that you may find useful or that may be important to you. You should refer to the provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws, and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL” or “Delaware Law”) because they, and not the summary, define the rights of holders of shares of our common stock.

General

Our certificate of incorporation provides the authority to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. Each share of our common stock has the same relative rights and is identical in all respects to each other share of our common stock. Our common stock is non-withdrawable capital, is not of an insurable type and is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental entity. On March 31, 2021, there were 105,771,103 shares of common stock issued and we had outstanding stock options granted to directors, officers and other employees for 19,775 shares of our common stock. Also on March 31, 2021, we had no issued and outstanding warrants to purchase shares of our common stock.

Voting Rights

Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on each matter properly submitted to stockholders for their vote, including the election of directors. Holders of our common stock do not have the right to cumulate their votes for the election of directors, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares of common stock voting for the election of directors can elect 100% of the directors standing for election at any meeting if they choose to do so. In that event, the holders of the remaining shares voting for the election of directors will not be able to elect any person or persons to our board of directors at that meeting. Generally, in matters other than the election of directors and business combinations and other extraordinary transactions, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present and entitled to vote on the subject matter constitutes the act of the stockholders. A nominee to our board of directors will be elected, in uncontested elections (as defined in our bylaws), if the votes cast for such nominee’s election exceed the votes cast against such nominee’s election. In all director elections other than uncontested elections, the vote standard will continue to be a plurality of votes cast, and stockholders shall not be permitted to vote against any nominee for director.

Liquidation Rights

The holders of our common stock and the holders of any class or series of stock entitled to participate with the holders of our common stock as to the distribution of assets in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of us, whether voluntary or involuntary, will become entitled to participate equally in the distribution of any of our assets remaining after we have paid, or provided for the payment of, all of our debts and liabilities and after we have paid, or set aside for payment, to the holders of any class of stock having preference over the common stock in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the full preferential amounts, if any, to which they are entitled.

Dividends

The holders of our common stock and any class or series of stock entitled to participate with the holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends declared by our board of directors out of any assets legally available for distribution. The board may declare dividends out of surplus, or if no surplus exists, out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year, only if the amount of capital is greater than or equal to the aggregate amount of the capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets. The terms and conditions of other

 

22

securities we issue may restrict our ability to pay dividends to holders of our common stock. In addition, as a holding company, our main source of funds to pay dividends is distributions from our subsidiaries and, therefore, our ability to pay distributions is affected by the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends. The ability of our bank subsidiary, and our ability, to pay dividends in the future is, and could in the future be further, influenced by bank regulatory requirements and capital guidelines.

Miscellaneous

The holders of our common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights for any shares that may be issued. Our common stock is not subject to additional calls or assessments, and all shares of our common stock currently outstanding are fully paid and non-assessable.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and Delaware Law

Some provisions of Delaware Law and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could make it more difficult to (1) acquire us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise or (2) remove our incumbent officers and directors. These provisions, summarized below, are intended to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. These provisions also serve to discourage hostile takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids.

Undesignated Preferred Stock

Our board of directors has the ability to authorize undesignated preferred stock, which allows the board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any unsolicited attempt to change control of our company. This ability may have the effect of deferring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of our company.

Special Stockholders’ Meetings and Advanced Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by our board of directors, the chairman of the board, or by our chief executive officer or president. In addition, our bylaws require advance notice procedures for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of the stockholders, including the nomination of directors. Stockholders at an annual meeting may only consider the proposals specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the board, or by a stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting who (1) is entitled to vote at the meeting, (2) has delivered a timely written notice in proper form to our secretary of the stockholder’s intention to bring such business before the meeting, (3) attends (or has a qualified representative attend) the stockholder meeting and (4) has otherwise complied with the provisions of our bylaws and applicable law. These provisions could have the effect of delaying any stockholder actions until the next stockholder meeting, even if they are favored by the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting stock.

No Action by Written Consent

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws do not permit stockholders to act by written consent in lieu of a meeting.

Election and Removal of Directors

Our certificate of incorporation provides for the annual election of directors. Once elected, directors may be removed by the holders of a majority of shares then entitled to vote in an election of directors. In addition, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that any vacancies on the board of directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors.

 

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Amendment of Certain Provisions of our Organizational Documents

Any amendment to our certificate of incorporation must be approved by our board of directors and a majority of the outstanding shares of each class of shares entitled to vote thereon at a duly called annual or special meeting; provided, that in addition to any vote of any class of shares required by law or the certificate of incorporation, the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, is required to amend certain of the provisions contained in the certificate of incorporation regarding stockholder actions, classification of directors, removal of directors, filling of director vacancies, bylaw amendments, limitation of liability of directors, the exclusive forum for certain litigation, and amendments to the certificate of incorporation. Our bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present or by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of the voting power of all of the shares of capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote in any election of directors, voting as a single class.

Business Combinations

We have not opted out of Section 203 of the DGCL, an anti-takeover law, and are therefore subject to its provisions. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination, such as a merger, with a person or group owning 15% or more of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock, referred to as an “interested stockholder” under Section 203, for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless (with certain exceptions) the business combination or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder is approved in a prescribed manner.

These and other provisions of Delaware Law and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could have the effect of discouraging others from attempting hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control and, as a consequence, they may also inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of our common stock that often result from actual or rumored hostile takeover attempts. Such provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in our management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish transactions which shareholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.

NYSE Listing

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WAL.”

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A., PO Box 505000, Louisville, Kentucky 40233.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

The following description is a general summary of the terms of the preferred stock which we may issue. The description below and in any prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our certificate of incorporation, and the applicable certificate of designation to our certificate of incorporation, determining the terms of the related series of preferred stock and our bylaws, each of which we will make available upon request. The descriptions herein and in the applicable prospectus supplement do not contain all of the information that you may find useful or that may be important to you. You should refer to the provisions of our certificate of incorporation, the applicable certificate of designation and our bylaws because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of shares of our preferred stock.

General

We are authorized to issue 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. As of May 13, 2021, no shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding. Our certificate of incorporation, subject to limitations prescribed in such certificate and subject to limitations prescribed by Delaware law, authorizes the board of directors, from time to time by resolution and without further stockholder action, to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock, in one or more series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and other rights of the shares and to fix the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof. As a result of its broad discretion with respect to the creation and issuance of preferred stock without stockholder approval, the board of directors could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common stock and, by issuing shares of preferred stock with certain voting, conversion and/or redemption rights, could discourage any attempt to obtain control of us.

Terms of the Preferred Stock That We May Offer and Sell to You

You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to the class or series of preferred stock for the specific terms of that class or series, including:

 

•

the title and stated value of the preferred stock;

 

•

the number of shares of preferred stock, their liquidation preference per share and their purchase price;

 

•

the dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment date(s) or method(s) of calculating the payment date(s) applicable to the preferred stock;

 

•

whether dividends will be cumulative or non-cumulative and, if cumulative, the date from which dividends on the preferred stock will accumulate;

 

•

the procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any, for the preferred stock;

 

•

the provisions for a sinking fund, if any, for the preferred stock;

 

•

the provisions for redemption, if applicable, of the preferred stock;

 

•

any listing of the preferred stock on any securities exchange or market;

 

•

the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which the preferred stock will be convertible into or exchangeable for other securities or rights, or a combination of the foregoing, including the name of the issuer of the securities or rights, conversion or exchange price, or the manner of calculating the conversion or exchange price, and the conversion or exchange date(s) or period(s) and whether we will have the option to convert such preferred stock into cash;

 

•

voting rights, if any, of the preferred stock;

 

•

whether interests in the preferred stock will be represented by depositary shares and, if so, the terms of those shares;

 

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•

a discussion of any material and/or special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred stock;

 

•

the relative ranking and preferences of the preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs;

 

•

any limitations on the issuance of any class or series of preferred stock ranking senior to or equally with the series of preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs; and

 

•

any other specific terms, preferences, rights, limitations or restrictions of the preferred stock.

Ranking

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will, with respect to distribution rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, rank:

 

•

senior to all classes or series of our common stock and to all equity securities the terms of which specifically provide that the equity securities rank junior to the preferred stock;

 

•

equally with our Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B and all equity securities issued by us other than those referred to in the first and last bullet points of this subheading; and

 

•

junior to all equity securities issued by us the terms of which specifically provide that the equity securities rank senior to the preferred stock.

For purposes of this subheading, the term “equity securities” does not include convertible debt securities.

Distributions

Holders of the preferred stock of each series will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our board of directors, out of our assets legally available for payment to stockholders, cash distributions, or distributions in kind or in other property if expressly permitted and described in the applicable prospectus supplement, at the rates and on the dates as we will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will pay each distribution to holders of record as they appear on our stock transfer books on the record dates determined by our board of directors.

Distributions on any class or series of preferred stock, if cumulative, will be cumulative from and after the date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. If our board of directors fails to declare a distribution payable on a distribution payment date on any class or series of preferred stock for which distributions are non-cumulative, then the holders of that class or series of preferred stock will have no right to receive a distribution in respect of the distribution period ending on that distribution payment date, and we will have no obligation to pay the distribution accumulated for that period, whether or not distributions on that series are declared payable on any future distribution payment date.

If any shares of the preferred stock of any class or series are outstanding, no full dividends will be declared or paid or set apart for payment on our preferred stock of any other class or series ranking, as to dividends, equally with or junior to the preferred stock of the class or series for any period unless all required dividends are paid. The phrase “all required dividends are paid” when used in this prospectus with respect to class or series of preferred stock means that:

 

•

if the class or series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends on the preferred stock of the class or series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment is set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period; or

 

26

•

if the class or series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, full dividends on the preferred stock of the class or series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment is set apart for the payment for the then current dividend period.

When dividends are not paid in full, or a sum sufficient for the full payment is not so set apart, upon the shares of preferred stock of any class or series and the shares of any other class or series of preferred stock ranking equally as to dividends with the preferred stock of the class or series, all dividends declared upon shares of preferred stock of the class or series and any other class or series of preferred stock ranking equally as to dividends with the preferred stock will be declared equally so that the amount of dividends declared per share on the preferred stock of the class or series and the other class or series of preferred stock will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued and unpaid dividends per share on the shares of preferred stock of the class or series, which will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if the preferred stock does not have cumulative dividend, and the other class or series of preferred stock bear to each other. No interest, sum of money in lieu of interest, will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on preferred stock of the class or series which may be in arrears.

Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless all required dividends are paid, no dividends, other than in common stock or other stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of the class or series as to dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of us, will be declared or paid or set aside for payment or other distribution will be declared or made upon the common stock or any of our other stock ranking junior or equally with the preferred stock of the class or series as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor will any common stock or any of our other capital stock ranking junior to or equally with preferred stock of the class or series as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of us be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration, or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any shares of any stock, by us except by conversion into or exchange for our other stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of the class or series as to dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of us.

Any dividend payment made on shares of a class or series of preferred stock will first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with respect to shares of the class or series which remains payable.

Redemption

If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at our option, in whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the redemption prices set forth in such prospectus supplement.

Liquidation Preference

Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, then, before any distribution or payment will be made to the holders of any common stock or any other class or series of shares of our capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the holders of each series or class of preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally available for distribution to stockholders liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid distributions. If, upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding shares of preferred stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or series of shares of our capital stock ranking equally with the preferred stock in the distribution of assets, then the holders of the preferred stock and all other classes or series of shares of capital stock will share ratably in any distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.

If liquidating distributions will have been made in full to all holders of preferred stock, our remaining assets will be distributed among the holders of any other classes or series of shares of capital stock ranking junior to the

 

27

preferred stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, according to their respective rights and preferences and in each case according to their respective number of shares.

For those purposes, the consolidation or merger of us with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or business, will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

Voting Rights

Holders of preferred stock will not have any voting rights, except as set forth below or as otherwise from time to time required by law, or as otherwise provided in the certificate of designation or the resolutions establishing such series and as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, holders of outstanding shares of a series of preferred stock may be entitled to vote as a separate class on a proposed amendment to the terms of that series of preferred stock or our certificate of incorporation, if the amendment would:

 

(1)

increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of that series of preferred stock;

 

(2)

increase or decrease the par value of the shares of that series of preferred stock; or

 

(3)

alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the shares of such class so as to affect them adversely, in which case the approval of the proposed amendment would require the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of that series of preferred stock.

Conversion Rights

The terms and conditions, if any, upon which any class or series of preferred stock are convertible into or exchangeable for our other securities or rights or those of other issuers, including, without limitation, common stock, debt securities or preferred stock, or any combination of the foregoing, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the preferred stock. The terms will include the name of the issuer of the other securities or rights and the number or principal amount of the securities or rights into which the shares of preferred stock are convertible or exchangeable, the conversion or exchange price or rate or the manner of calculating the price, the conversion or exchange date(s) or period(s), provisions as to whether conversion or exchange will be at the option of the holders of the preferred stock or at our or other issuer’s option, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion or exchange price or rate and provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of the redemption of the series of preferred stock.

 

28

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

The following description, together with the applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes certain terms and provisions of the depositary shares that we may offer under this prospectus and the related deposit agreements and depositary receipts. The following summary relates to terms and conditions applicable to these types of securities generally. The particular terms of any series of depositary shares will be those set forth in the applicable deposit agreement and summarized in the applicable prospectus supplement. If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the terms of any series may differ from the terms summarized below.

Specific deposit agreements and depositary receipts will contain additional important terms and provisions and will be incorporated by reference into the registration statement which includes this prospectus before we issue any depositary shares. The descriptions herein and in the applicable prospectus supplement do not restate those agreements and receipts in their entirety and do not contain all of the information that you may find useful or that may be important to you. You should refer to the provisions of the applicable deposit agreement and deposit certificate because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the depositary shares. For more information, please review the forms of these documents, which will be filed with the SEC will be available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” above.

General

We may elect to offer fractional shares of preferred stock rather than full shares of preferred stock. If so, we will issue “depositary receipts” for these “depositary shares.” Each depositary share will represent a fraction of a share of a particular series of preferred stock. Each holder of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the fraction of preferred stock represented by that depositary share, to the rights and preferences of the preferred stock, including dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights, if any. We will enter into a deposit agreement with a depositary, which will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

In order to issue depositary shares, we will issue preferred stock and immediately deposit these shares with the depositary. The depositary will then issue and deliver depositary receipts to the persons who purchase depositary shares. Each whole depositary share issued by the depositary may represent a fraction of a share held by the depositary. The depositary will issue depositary receipts in a form that reflects whole depositary shares, and each depositary receipt may evidence any number of whole depositary shares.

Pending the preparation of definitive engraved depositary receipts, a depositary may, upon our written order, issue temporary depositary receipts, which will temporarily entitle the holders to all the rights pertaining to the definitive depositary receipts. We will bear the costs and expenses of promptly preparing definitive depositary receipts and of exchanging the temporary depositary receipts for definitive depositary receipts.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The depositary will distribute all cash and non-cash dividends and distributions it receives with respect to the underlying preferred stock to the record holders of depositary shares in proportion to the number of depositary shares they hold. In the case of non-cash distributions, the depositary may determine that it is not feasible to make the distribution. If so, the depositary may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders. The amounts distributed by the depositary will be reduced by any amount required to be withheld by us or the depositary on account of taxes.

Redemption of Depositary Shares

If we redeem the series of preferred stock that underlies the depositary shares, the depositary will redeem the depositary shares from the proceeds it receives from the redemption of the preferred stock it holds. The depositary will redeem the number of depositary shares that represent the amount of underlying preferred stock

 

29

that we have redeemed. The redemption price for depositary shares will be in proportion to the redemption price per share that we paid for the underlying preferred stock. If we redeem less than all of the depositary shares, the depositary will select which depositary shares to redeem by lot, or some substantially equivalent method.

After a redemption date is fixed, the depositary shares to be redeemed no longer will be considered outstanding. The rights of the holders of the depositary shares will cease, except for the rights to receive money or other property upon redemption. In order to redeem their depositary shares, holders will surrender their depositary receipts to the depositary.

Voting the Preferred Stock

We will notify the depositary about any meeting at which the holders of preferred stock are entitled to vote, and the depositary will mail the information to the record holders of depositary shares related to that preferred stock. Each record holder of depositary shares on the record date will be entitled to instruct the depositary on how to vote the shares of preferred stock represented by that holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will vote the preferred stock represented by the depositary shares in accordance with these instructions, provided the depositary receives these instructions sufficiently in advance of the meeting. If the depositary does not receive instructions from the holders of the depositary shares, the depositary will abstain from voting the preferred stock that underlies those depositary shares.

Withdrawal of Preferred Stock

When a holder surrenders depositary receipts at the corporate trust office of the depositary, and pays any necessary taxes, charges or other fees, the holder will be entitled to receive the number of whole shares of the related series of preferred stock, and any money or other property, if any, represented by the holder’s depositary shares. Once a holder exchanges depositary shares for whole shares of preferred stock, that holder cannot “re-deposit” these shares of preferred stock with the depositary, or exchange them for depositary shares. If a holder delivers depositary receipts that represent a number of depositary shares that exceeds the number of whole shares of related preferred stock the holder seeks to withdraw, the depositary will issue a new depositary receipt to the holder that evidences the excess number of depositary shares.

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

We and the depositary can agree, at any time, to amend the form of depositary receipt and any provisions of the depositary receipt and any provisions of the deposit agreement. However, if an amendment has a material adverse effect on the rights of the holders of related depositary shares, the holders of at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding must first approve the amendment. Every holder of a depositary receipt at the time an amendment becomes effective will be bound by the amended deposit agreement. However, subject to any conditions in the deposit agreement or applicable law, no amendment can impair the right of any holder of a depositary share to receive shares of the related preferred stock, or any money or other property represented by the depositary shares, when they surrender their depositary receipts.

We can terminate the deposit agreement at any time, as long as the depositary mails notice of termination to the record holders of depositary shares then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the date fixed for termination. Upon termination, the depositary shall deliver to each holder of depositary receipts, upon surrender of the depositary receipts held by such holder, such number of whole or fractional shares of preferred stock as are represented by the depositary shares evidenced by such depositary receipts, together with any other property held by the depositary with respect to such depositary receipt.

Charges of Depositary

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and the government charges that relate solely to the depositary arrangements. We will also pay the charges of each depositary, including charges in connection with the initial

 

30

deposit of the related series of preferred stock, the initial issuance of the depositary shares, and all withdrawals of shares of the related series of preferred stock. However, holders of depositary receipts will pay the fees and expenses of the depositary for any duties requested by such holders to be performed which are outside of those expressly provided for in the deposit agreement.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

The depositary may resign at any time by delivering written notice of its decision to us. We may remove the depositary at any time. Any resignation or removal will take effect when we appoint a successor depositary. We must appoint the successor depositary within a specified time after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal. The successor depositary shall be a bank or trust company that has its principal office in the United States and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.

Miscellaneous

We will be required to furnish certain information to the holders of the preferred stock underlying any depositary shares. The depositary, as the holder of the underlying preferred stock, will forward any report or information it receives from us to the holders of depositary shares.

Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if its ability to perform its obligations under the deposit agreement is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control. Both we and the depositary will be obligated to use our best judgment and to act in good faith in performing our respective duties under the deposit agreement. We and the depositary will be liable only for gross negligence and willful misconduct in performing our respective duties under the deposit agreement. Neither we nor the depositary will be obligated to appear in, prosecute or defend any legal proceeding with respect to any depositary receipts, depositary shares or preferred stock unless we or the depositary receive what we, in our sole discretion, determine to be a satisfactory indemnity from one or more holders of the depositary shares. We and the depositary will evaluate any proposed indemnity in order to determine whether the financial protection afforded by the indemnity is sufficient to reduce each party’s risk to a satisfactory and customary level. We and the depositary may rely on the advice of legal counsel or accountants of the choice of each. We and the depositary may also rely on information provided by persons we and they believe, in good faith, to be competent, and on documents we and they believe, in good faith, to be genuine.

The applicable prospectus supplement will identify the depositary’s corporate trust office. Unless the prospectus supplement indicates otherwise, the depositary will act as transfer agent and registrar for depositary receipts, and if we redeem shares of preferred stock, the depositary will act as redemption agent for the corresponding depositary receipts.

Title

We, each depositary and any agent of ours or the applicable depositary may treat the registered owner of any depositary share as the absolute owner of the depositary shares for all purposes, including making payment, regardless of whether any payment in respect of the depositary share is overdue and regardless of any notice to the contrary.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

General

We may issue warrants to purchase our debt securities, common stock or preferred stock or units of two or more of these types of securities, which are collectively referred to in this prospectus as “underlying warrant securities.” We may issue warrants independently or together with any underlying warrant securities and such warrants may be attached to or separate from those underlying warrant securities. We will issue the warrants under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, as more fully described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants.

The applicable prospectus supplement will contain a description of the following terms:

 

•

the title of the warrants;

 

•

the designation, amount and terms of the underlying warrant securities for which the warrants are exercisable;

 

•

the designation and terms of the underlying warrant securities, if any, and the number of warrants issued with each underlying warrant security;

 

•

the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;

 

•

the aggregate number of warrants;

 

•

any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of securities receivable upon exercise of the warrants or the exercise price of the warrants;

 

•

the price or prices at which the underlying warrant securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be purchased;

 

•

if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the underlying warrant securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants will be separately transferable;

 

•

if applicable, a discussion of the material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the exercise of the warrants;

 

•

the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence, and the date on which the right will expire;

 

•

the currency or currencies (including composite currencies), and/or the securities (if any), in which the exercise price of the warrants may be payable; and, if the exercise price is payable in whole or in part with securities, the basis for determining the amount or number of such securities to be provided as such payment;

 

•

the maximum or minimum number of warrants which may be exercised at any time;

 

•

information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; and

 

•

any other terms, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exercise and exchange of the warrants.

Exercise of Warrants

Each warrant will entitle its holder to purchase, for cash and/or securities (as will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement), the amount or number of debt securities, shares of preferred stock, or shares of common stock, at the exercise price, as will in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the applicable

 

32

prospectus supplement. Holders may exercise warrants at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.

Holders of warrants may exercise their respective warrants in the manner set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such warrants. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the underlying warrant securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants. If a holder exercises less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate, the warrant agent will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining warrants.

Prior to the exercise of any warrants to purchase debt securities or other securities, including shares of preferred stock or common stock, holders of the warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities or other securities, including shares of preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise, including:

 

•

in the case of warrants for the purchase of debt securities, the right to receive payments of principal of, or any premium or interest on, the debt securities purchasable upon exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture; or

 

•

in the case of warrants for the purchase of shares of preferred stock or shares of common stock, the right to vote or to receive any payments of dividends on the shares of preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise.

The descriptions of the warrant agreements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of certain material provisions of the applicable warrant agreements. These descriptions do not restate those agreements in their entirety and do not contain all of the information that you may find useful or that may be important to you. You should refer to the provisions of the applicable warrant agreement and warrant certificate relating to the warrants because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the warrants or any warrant units. For more information, please review the forms of these documents, which will be filed with the SEC and will be available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” above.

 

33

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

As may be specified in a prospectus supplement, we may issue purchase contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and obligating us to sell to the holders, a number of debt securities, shares of our common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares or warrants, at a future date or dates. The price per purchase contract security may be fixed at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the purchase contracts. Under the purchase contracts, we may be required to make periodic payments to the holders of the units or vice versa. These payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis to be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under the contracts in a specified manner and, in specified circumstances, we may deliver newly issued prepaid purchase contracts, or prepaid securities, when we transfer to a holder any collateral securing the holder’s obligations under the original purchase contract.

The purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of units consisting of a purchase contract and one or more other securities, which may include our debt securities, depositary shares, preferred securities, common stock, warrants or debt obligations or government securities, and which may secure the holder’s obligations to purchase the purchase contract security under the purchase contract.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any purchase contracts we are offering will specify the material terms of the purchase contracts, whether they will be issued separately or as part of units, and any applicable pledge or depository arrangements.

The descriptions of the purchase contracts and any applicable underlying security or pledge or depository arrangements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of certain material provisions of the applicable agreements. These descriptions do not restate those agreements in their entirety and do not contain all of the information that you may find useful or that may be important to you. You should refer to the provisions of the applicable agreements because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the purchase contracts. We will make copies of the relevant agreements available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” above.

 

34

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit may also include debt obligations of third parties, such as U.S. Treasury securities. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The prospectus supplement will describe:

 

•

the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be held or transferred separately;

 

•

a description of the terms of any unit agreement governing the units;

 

•

a description of the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units; and

 

•

whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form.

The descriptions of the units and any applicable underlying security or pledge or depository arrangements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of the material provisions of the applicable agreements. These descriptions do not restate those agreements in their entirety and do not contain all of the information that you may find useful or that may be important to you. You should refer to the provisions of the applicable agreements because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the units. We will make copies of the relevant agreements available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” above.

 

35

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We or the selling securityholders may sell the offered securities:

 

•

directly to purchasers;

 

•

through agents;

 

•

through dealers;

 

•

through underwriters;

 

•

directly to our stockholders; or

 

•

through a combination of any of these methods of sale.

The prospectus supplement relating to a series of the offered securities will set forth its offering terms, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, the purchase price of the offered securities and the proceeds to us and/or selling securityholders from the sale, any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation, any initial public offering price and any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers or agents and any securities exchanges on which the offered securities may be listed.

We or a selling securityholder may use one or more underwriters in the sale of the offered securities, in which case the offered securities will be acquired by the underwriter or underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions either:

 

•

at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;

 

•

at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

 

•

at prices related to the prevailing market prices; or

 

•

at negotiated prices.

We or a selling securityholder may directly solicit offers to purchase offered securities. Agents designated by us or a selling securityholder from time to time may also solicit offers to purchase offered securities. Any agent designated by us or a selling securityholder, who may be deemed to be an “underwriter” as that term is defined in the Securities Act, involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by us or a selling securityholder to such agent will be set forth in the prospectus supplement.

If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the offered securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we or the selling securityholder will sell the offered securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer, who may be deemed to be an “underwriter” as that term is defined in the Securities Act, may then resell the offered securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale.

If an underwriter is, or underwriters are, used in the sale, we or a selling securityholder will execute an underwriting agreement with the underwriters at the time of sale to the underwriters. The names of the underwriters will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, which will be used by the underwriter to make resales of the offered securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered to the public. In connection with the sale of offered securities, the underwriter may be deemed to have received compensation from us or the selling securityholder in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of offered securities for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters may also sell offered securities to or through dealers, and the dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents.

 

36

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we or a selling securityholder will authorize underwriters, dealers or other persons to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase offered securities from us or a selling securityholder at the public offering price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date or dates. Institutions with which these contracts may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others. The obligations of any purchasers under any delayed delivery contract will not be subject to any conditions except that:

 

•

the purchase of the offered securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which the purchaser is subject; and

 

•

if the offered securities are also being sold to underwriters, we or a selling securityholder will have sold to the underwriters the offered securities not sold for delayed delivery.

The underwriters, dealers and other persons will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such purchase contracts. The prospectus supplement relating to the purchase contracts will set forth the price to be paid for offered securities pursuant to the purchase contracts, the commission payable for solicitation of the contracts and the date or dates in the future for delivery of offered securities pursuant to the purchase contracts.

Offered securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us or a selling securityholder. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us or a selling securityholder and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with their remarketing of offered securities.

Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of underwriters to purchase the offered securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent, and such underwriters will be obligated to purchase all such securities, if any are purchased. In connection with the offering of securities, we may grant to the underwriters an option to purchase additional securities to cover over-allotments at the initial public offering price, with an additional underwriting commission, as may be set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement. If we grant any over-allotment option, the terms of such over-allotment option will be set forth in the prospectus supplement for such securities.

Underwriters, dealers, remarketing firms and agents may be entitled, under agreements that may be entered into with us or a selling securityholder, to indemnification by us or a selling securityholder against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments which they may be required to make in respect thereof and may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us or the selling securityholder in the ordinary course of business.

Any underwriter may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Short-covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution is completed to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time.

The anticipated date of delivery of offered securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to each offer.

 

37

Sales by Selling Securityholders

Selling securityholders may use this prospectus in connection with the resale of securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will identify the selling securityholders and the terms of the securities. Selling securityholders may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities they resell and any profits on the sales may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. The selling securityholders will receive all the proceeds from the sale of securities. We will not receive any proceeds from sales by selling securityholders.

 

38

LEGAL MATTERS

In connection with particular offerings of the securities in the future, and if stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of those securities and certain U.S. federal income tax matters may be passed upon for us by Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP (Washington, DC), and for the underwriters or agents by counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

39

EXPERTS

Our consolidated financial statements appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, have been audited by RSM US LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report included therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC appearing in our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on May 14, 2021, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

40

 

 

$600,000,000

3.00% Fixed to Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2031

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

 

Piper Sandler & Co.		J.P. Morgan

 

 

 

Wells Fargo Securities		RBC Capital Markets		Jefferies		Wedbush Securities

 

 

June 3, 2021