UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
EAGLE BANCORP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
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Maryland
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | | 52-2061461
(IRS Employer Identification Number) |
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7830 Old Georgetown Road, Third Floor,
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
301.986.1800
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
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Susan G. Riel, President and Chief Executive Officer
Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
7830 Old Georgetown Road, Third Floor,
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
301.986.1800 | With a copy to: Paul Saltzman, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer
Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
7830 Old Georgetown Road, Third Floor,
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
301.986.1800 | With a copy to:
Benjamin H. Weiner, Esq.
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
1700 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20006 |
(Name, address, including zip code, of agent for service)
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer☒ | Emerging growth company☐ | Accelerated filer☐ | Non-accelerated filer☐ (Do not check if a
smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act.☐
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities or accept your offer to buy any of them until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is declared effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state or jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 7, 2024
PROSPECTUS
$150,000,000
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Warrants
Debt Securities
Purchase Contracts
Units
We may offer, issue and sell, from time to time, in one or more offerings, shares of our common stock, shares of one or more classes or series of our preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants to purchase any of the foregoing equity securities, debt securities, purchase contracts, or units consisting of one or more of these securities, having a maximum aggregate offering price of $150,000,000.
We 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. This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities and the general manner in which they may be offered. The specific terms of any securities to be offered, and the specific manner in which they may be offered, will be described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “EGBN.”
You should refer to the risk factors that may be included in a prospectus supplement and in our periodic reports and other information that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and carefully consider that information before buying our securities. See “Risk Factors” on page 5.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
These securities are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.
The date of this prospectus is , 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), using a “shelf” registration process. By using a shelf registration statement, we may, from time to time, sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, in one or more offerings having an initial aggregate offering price of up to $150,000,000.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of each of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the offering and the specific terms of the securities being offered. The prospectus supplement may also add, update, or change information contained in this prospectus. Before purchasing any of our securities, you should carefully read this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus. For additional information, please refer to “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference.” If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.
The registration statement containing this prospectus, including exhibits to the registration statement, provides additional information about us and the securities offered under this prospectus. The registration statement may be read at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
We have not authorized any other person to provide you with information different from the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and we do not take any responsibility for such different or additional information. We will not make an offer to sell our securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, in any prospectus supplement or in any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front page of the document that contained the information, regardless of when this prospectus is delivered, or when any sale of securities occurs. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
In this prospectus, we refer to common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, warrants, purchase contracts and units collectively as “securities.” The terms “we,” “us” “our,” “Eagle” and the Company refer to Eagle Bancorp, Inc. and our subsidiaries; except that in the description of the securities we may offer, these terms refer solely to Eagle Bancorp, Inc. and not to any of our subsidiaries.
We may sell securities to underwriters who will sell the securities to the public on terms fixed at the time of sale. In addition, the securities may be sold by us directly or through dealers or agents designated from time to time. If we, directly or through agents, solicit offers to purchase the securities, we reserve the sole right to accept and, together with any agents, to reject, in whole or in part, any of those offers.
Any prospectus supplement will contain the names of the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, together with the terms of offering, the compensation of those underwriters and the net proceeds to us. Any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the offering may be deemed “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.
CAUTION ABOUT FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains or incorporates by reference forward looking statements. These forward looking statements represent plans, estimates, objectives, goals, guidelines, expectations, intentions, projections and statements of our beliefs concerning future events, business plans, objectives, expected operating results and the assumptions upon which those statements are based. Forward looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements and are typically identified with words such as “may,” “will,” “can,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “outlook,” “estimates,” “potential,” “assume,” “probable,” “possible,” “continue,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “strive,” “seeks,” “deem,” “projections,” “forecast,” “consider,” “indicative,” “uncertainty,” “likely,” “unlikely,”
““likelihood,” “unknown,” “attributable,” “depends,” “intends,” “generally,” “feel,” “typically,” “judgment,” “subjective” and similar words or phrases. These forward looking statements are based largely on our expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond our control. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward looking statements.
The following factors, among others, could cause our financial performance to differ materially from that expressed in such forward looking statements:
•Changes in the general economic, political, social and health conditions, including the macroeconomic and other challenges and uncertainties resulting from the effects of pandemics and natural disasters;
•The timely development of competitive new products and services and the acceptance of these products and services by new and existing customers;
•The willingness of customers to substitute competitors’ products and services for our products and services;
•Our management of liquidity risks in our operations, including, but not limited to, risks related to customer deposits, deposits in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance coverage limits, access to capital markets and securities and market values;
•The effect of acquisitions we may make, including, without limitation, the failure to achieve the expected revenue growth and/or expense savings from such acquisitions;
•Our management of risks inherent in our real estate loan portfolio, and the risk of a prolonged downturn in the real estate market, which could impair the value of, and our ability to sell, properties which stand as collateral for loans we make;
•Our decision to cease originating residential mortgages;
•The growth and profitability of noninterest or fee income being less than expected;
•Changes in the level of our nonperforming assets and charge-offs;
•Changes in consumer spending and savings habits;
•The impact of climate change or government action and societal responses to climate change;
•Difficulty recruiting or retaining successful bankers, executive officers or other key personnel;
•Changing bank regulatory conditions, policies or programs, whether arising as new legislation or regulatory initiatives, that could lead to restrictions on activities of banks generally, or our subsidiary bank in particular, more restrictive regulatory capital requirements, increased costs, including deposit insurance premiums, regulation or prohibition of certain income producing activities or changes in the secondary market for loans and other products;
•The impact of changes in financial services policies, laws and regulations, including laws, regulations and policies concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance and the application thereof by regulatory bodies;
•The effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve Board,” “Federal Reserve” or “FRB”), inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations;
•Results of examinations of us by our regulators, including the possibility that our regulators may, among other things, require us to increase our allowance for credit losses, to write-down assets, to hold more capital or to incur costs to remediate supervisory findings;
•The effects or impact of any litigation, government investigation (whether criminal or civil), regulatory proceeding, including enforcement proceedings and any possibly resulting fines, judgments, expenses or restrictions on our business activities;
•Unanticipated regulatory or judicial proceedings;
•The effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted from time-to-time by bank regulatory agencies, the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) or the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”);
•Cybersecurity breaches, threats, and cyber-fraud that cause EagleBank to sustain operational disruption, privacy breaches or financial losses;
•Technological and social media changes;
•Our management of risks inherent in the use of statistical and quantitative data and modeling;
•The strength of the United States economy, in general, and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations;
•Geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism, actions taken by the United States or other governments in response to acts or threats of terrorism and/or military conflicts, which could impact business and economic conditions in the United States and abroad; and
•The factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
If one or more of the factors affecting our forward looking information and statements proves incorrect, then our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward looking information and statements contained in this prospectus, and in the information incorporated by reference herein. You should not place undue reliance on our forward looking information and statements. We will not update the forward looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward looking statements.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT EAGLE BANCORP
We file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You can access the electronic versions of these filings on the SEC’s internet website found at http://www.sec.gov. You may also obtain free copies of the documents we have filed with the SEC (other than exhibits to such documents unless we specifically incorporate by reference an exhibit in this prospectus) by contacting Jane E. Cornett, Corporate Secretary, Eagle Bancorp, Inc., 7830 Old Georgetown Road, Third Floor, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, telephone 301.986.1800, or from our internet website at http://www.eaglebankcorp.com. Websites that are cited or referred to in this prospectus do not constitute part of, and are not incorporated by reference in, this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement.
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 relating to the securities covered by this prospectus. This prospectus is a part of the registration statement and does not contain all the information in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to a contract or other document, the reference is only a summary and you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement for a
copy of the contract or other document. You may review a copy of the registration statement through the SEC’s internet website.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus from the documents listed below that we have previously filed with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document without restating that information in this document. Any information incorporated by reference into this prospectus is considered to be part of this prospectus from the date we file that document. Any reports filed by us with the SEC after the date of this prospectus that are incorporated by reference will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede, any information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the following documents or information filed with the SEC (other than, in each case, documents, or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules):
All documents that we file with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (i) after the date of the registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement and (ii) on or after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering also will be deemed to be incorporated by reference. These additional documents will be deemed to be incorporated by reference, and to be a part of, this prospectus from the date of their filing. These documents include proxy statements and periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and, to the extent they are considered filed, Current Reports on Form 8-K. Information incorporated by reference from later filed documents supersedes information that is included in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement or is incorporated by reference from earlier documents, to the extent that they are inconsistent.
You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in this document through us, or from the SEC through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also request a copy of any of the documents referred to above, other than an exhibit to a filing unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing, at no cost, by contacting Eagle in writing or by telephone at:
Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
7830 Old Georgetown Road, Third Floor,
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(301) 986-1800
Attention: Corporate Secretary
We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from what is contained in this prospectus. This prospectus is dated May 7, 2024. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than that date.
EAGLE BANCORP, INC.
Eagle Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for EagleBank, Bethesda, Maryland, a Maryland chartered commercial bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System. We were organized in October 1997 to be the holding company for EagleBank, which commenced operations in July 1998.
EagleBank is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and operates through thirteen branch offices, located in Suburban Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. We focus on building relationships with businesses professions and individuals in our marketplace.
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “EGBN.”
Our principal executive offices are located at 7830 Old Georgetown Road, Third Floor, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, and our telephone number is 301.986.1800. Our internet address is http://www.eaglebankcorp.com. Our website does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this prospectus.
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our securities involves various risks. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully read and consider the risk factors incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as well as those contained in any applicable prospectus supplement, as the same may be updated from time to time by our future filings with the SEC under the Exchange Act. You should also refer to other information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, including our financial statements and the related noted incorporated by reference herein or therein. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us at this time or that we currently deem immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business and operations.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes may include, among other purposes, contribution to the capital of our subsidiaries, including EagleBank; the repayment of our debt, including our outstanding 5.75% subordinated notes due September 1, 2024; dividends and redemptions or repurchases of our capital stock; and investments in activities that are permitted for bank holding companies. We may temporarily invest funds that we do not immediately need for these purposes in investment securities or use them to make payments on our borrowings. The applicable prospectus supplement will provide details on the use of proceeds of any specific offering.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER
This prospectus contains summary descriptions of our common stock, preferred stock, warrants, depositary shares, debt securities, purchase contracts and units that we may offer from time to time. These summary descriptions are not meant to be complete descriptions of each security. The particular terms of any security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement and other offering material. The applicable prospectus supplement may add, update or change the terms and conditions of the securities as described in this prospectus.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
Under our Articles of Incorporation, as amended, we are authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share. As of March 31, 2024, there were 30,185,732 shares of common stock outstanding, and an aggregate of 960,048 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock.
Voting Rights. Holders of common stock are entitled to cast one vote for each share held of record. Shareholders do not have cumulative voting rights. Shareholders do not have the ability to act by written consent unless the
written consent is signed by each shareholder entitled to vote on the matter and a written waiver of any rights to dissent is signed by each shareholder entitled to notice but not entitled to vote at the meeting.
Preemptive Rights. Holders of common stock do not have preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe for additional shares, except as the board of directors may specifically authorize in connection with any offering.
Dividend Rights. Holders of the common stock have the right to receive such dividends as may be declared by the board of directors out of legally available funds, pro rata, subject to the rights of any class or series of stock having preference to the common stock.
Regulations of the Federal Reserve Board and Maryland law place limits on the amount of dividends EagleBank may pay to the Company without prior approval. Prior regulatory approval is required to pay dividends which exceed EagleBank’s net profits for the current year plus its retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years, less required transfers to surplus. Under Maryland law, dividends may only be paid out of retained earnings. State and federal bank regulatory agencies also have authority to prohibit a bank from paying dividends if such payment is deemed to be an unsafe or unsound practice, and the Federal Reserve Board has the same authority over bank holding companies.
The Federal Reserve Board has established requirements with respect to the maintenance of appropriate levels of capital by registered bank holding companies. Compliance with such standards, as presently in effect, or as they may be amended from time to time, could limit the amount of dividends that the Company may pay in the future. The Federal Reserve Board has issued guidance regarding the situations in which a bank holding company should consider eliminating, reducing, or deferring its dividends, including if the net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; the prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with capital needs and the bank holding company’s overall current and prospective financial condition; or the bank holding company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios. As a depository institution, the deposits of which are insured by the FDIC, EagleBank may not pay dividends or distribute any of its capital assets while it remains in default on any assessment due the FDIC.
Liquidation Rights. Subject to the rights of any class or series of stock having preference to the common stock, holders of the common stock have the right to share ratably in any distribution of our assets after payment of all debts and other liabilities, upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
Conversion Rights. The common stock is not convertible into, or exchangeable for, any other class of the Company’s capital stock.
Restrictions on Ownership. The Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, or BHC Act, generally would prohibit any company that is not engaged in banking activities and activities that are permissible for a bank holding company or a financial holding company from acquiring control of the Company. Control is generally defined as ownership of 25% or more of a class of voting stock or other exercise of a controlling influence. Under the BHC Act, any existing bank holding company would require the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board, before acquiring 5% or more of a class of voting stock of the Company. In addition, the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended, or CBC Act, prohibits a person or group of persons from acquiring “control” of a bank holding company unless the Federal Reserve Board has been notified and has not objected to the transaction. For purposes of the CBC Act, there is a rebuttable presumption of control if a person or group of persons acting in concert acquires 10 percent or more of a class of voting stock.
Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent for the common stock is Computershare Shareholder Services, 150 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.
Listing. The common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the trading symbol “EGBN.”
Selected Provisions of Our Articles of Incorporation and Maryland Law
Consideration of Business Combinations. Our Articles of Incorporation provide that where the board of directors evaluates any actual or proposed business combination, it shall consider the following factors: the effect of the business combination on the corporation and its subsidiaries, and their respective shareholders, employees, customers and the communities which they serve; the timing of the proposed business combination; the risk that the proposed business combination will not be consummated; the reputation, management capability and performance history of the person proposing the business combination; the current market price of the corporation’s capital stock; the relation of the price offered to the current value of the corporation in a freely negotiated transaction and in relation to the directors’ estimate of the future value of the corporation and its subsidiaries as an independent entity or entities; tax consequences of the business combination to the corporation and its shareholders; and such other factors deemed by the directors to be relevant. In such considerations, the board of directors may consider all or some of such factors as a whole and may or may not assign relative weights to any of them. The foregoing is not intended as a definitive list of factors to be considered by the board of directors in the discharge of their fiduciary responsibility to the Company and its shareholders, but rather to guide such consideration and to provide specific authority for the consideration by the board of directors of factors which are not purely economic in nature in light of the circumstances of the corporation and its subsidiaries at the time of such proposed business combination.
Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation. In general, our Articles of Incorporation may be amended upon the vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote, the standard vote required under Maryland law.
Restrictions on Business Combinations with Interested Shareholders. Section 3-602 of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), as in effect on the date hereof, imposes conditions and restrictions on certain “business combinations” (including, among other transactions, a merger, consolidation, share exchange, or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance of equity securities) between a Maryland corporation and any person who beneficially owns at least 10% of the corporation’s stock (an “interested shareholder”). Unless approved in advance by the board of directors, or otherwise exempted by the statute, such a business combination is prohibited for a period of five years after the most recent date on which the interested shareholder became an interested shareholder. After such five-year period, a business combination with an interested shareholder must be: (a) recommended by the corporation’s board of directors, and (b) approved by the affirmative vote of at least (i) 80% of the corporation’s outstanding shares entitled to vote and (ii) two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote which are not held by the interested shareholder with whom the business combination is to be effected, unless, among other things, the corporation’s common shareholders receive a “fair price” (as defined by the statute) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the interested shareholder for his or her shares. Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws do not include any provisions imposing any special approval requirements for a transaction with a major shareholder, and they do not opt out from the operation of Section 3-602.
Control Share Acquisition Statute. Under the MGCL’s control share acquisition law, as in effect on the date hereof, voting rights of shares of stock of a Maryland corporation acquired by an acquiring person at ownership levels of 10%, 33-1/3% and 50% of the outstanding shares are denied unless conferred by a special shareholder vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares held by persons other than the acquiring person and officers and directors of the corporation or, among other exceptions, such acquisition of shares is made pursuant to a merger agreement with the corporation or the corporation’s charter or Bylaws permit the acquisition of such shares prior to the acquiring person’s acquisition thereof. Unless a corporation’s charter or bylaws provide otherwise, the statute permits such corporation to redeem the acquired shares at “fair value” if the voting rights are not approved or if the acquiring person does not deliver a “control share acquisition statement” to the corporation on or before the tenth day after the control share acquisition. The acquiring person may call a shareholder’s meeting to consider authorizing voting rights for control shares subject to meeting disclosure obligations and payment of costs set out in the statute. If voting rights are approved for more than 50% of the outstanding stock, objecting shareholders may have their shares appraised and repurchased by the corporation for cash. Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws do not include any provisions restricting the voting ability of major shareholders, and do not opt out from the operation of the control share acquisition law.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
Under our Articles of Incorporation, as amended, we are authorized to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. Our board of directors may, from time to time, by action of a majority, issue shares of the authorized, undesignated preferred stock, in one or more classes or series. In connection with any such issuance, our board of directors may by resolution determine the designation, voting rights, preferences as to dividends, in liquidation or otherwise, participation, redemption, sinking fund, conversion, dividend or other special rights or powers, and the limitations, qualifications and restrictions of such shares of preferred stock.
Prior to the issuance of a new series of preferred stock, we will amend our Articles of Incorporation by filing articles supplementary, which will designate the number of shares of that series and the terms of that series. The issuance of any preferred stock could adversely affect the rights of the holders of common stock and, therefore, reduce the value of the common stock. The ability of our board of directors to issue preferred stock could discourage, delay or prevent a takeover or other corporate action. The terms of any particular series of preferred stock will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that particular series of preferred stock, including, where applicable:
•the designation, stated value and liquidation preference of such preferred stock and the number of shares offered;
•the offering price;
•the dividend rate or rates (or method of calculation), the date or dates from which dividends shall accrue, and whether such dividends shall be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends shall commence to cumulate;
•any redemption or sinking fund provisions;
•the terms and conditions, if any, on which shares of such series shall be convertible or exchangeable for shares of our stock of any other class or classes, or other series of the same class, or other security;
•the voting rights, if any, of shares of such series;
•the status as to reissuance or sale of shares of such series redeemed, purchased or otherwise reacquired, or surrendered to us on conversion or exchange;
•the conditions and restrictions, if any, on the payment of dividends or on the making of other distributions on, or the purchase, redemption or other acquisition by us or any subsidiary, of the common stock or of any other class of our shares ranking junior to the shares of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation;
•the conditions and restrictions, if any, on the creation of indebtedness of us or of any subsidiary, or on the issuance of any additional stock ranking on a parity with or prior to the shares of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation; and
•any additional dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking or retirement fund and other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions of such preferred stock.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each series of preferred stock will, upon issuance, rank senior to the common stock and on a parity in all respects with each other outstanding series of preferred stock. The rights of the holders of our preferred stock will be subordinate to those of our creditors. The description of any series of preferred stock which may be issued is qualified by reference to the provisions of the applicable articles supplementary establishing the terms of such series.
The transfer agent and registrar for the preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
We may offer fractional interests in shares of our preferred stock, rather than full shares of preferred stock. If we do, we will provide for the issuance by a depositary to the public of receipts for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest in a share of a particular series of preferred stock.
The shares of any series of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares will be deposited under a separate deposit agreement between us and a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of such amount as may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, which we refer to in this section as the depositary. We will name the depositary in the applicable prospectus supplement. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will have a fractional interest in all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock underlying the depositary share. Those rights include any dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights.
The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued under the deposit agreement. If you purchase fractional interests in shares of the related series of preferred stock, you will receive depositary receipts as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, you will not be entitled to receive the whole shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares.
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement or required by law, the form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement may be amended at any time by an agreement between us and the depositary. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement or required by law, a deposit agreement may be terminated by either the depositary or us only if:
•all outstanding depositary shares relating to the deposit agreement have been redeemed; or
•there has been a final distribution on the preferred stock of the relevant series in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and the distribution has been distributed to the holders of the related depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares.
If necessary, the prospectus supplement will provide a description of U.S. Federal income tax consequences relating to the purchase and ownership of the series of depositary shares offered by that prospectus supplement.
We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay charges of the depositary associated with the initial deposit and any redemption of the preferred stock. Holders of depositary shares will pay transfer and other taxes and governmental charges, and any other charges that are stated to be their responsibility in the deposit agreement.
The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary shares all reports and communications that it receives from us, and that we are required to furnish to the holders of the preferred stock. The description in the applicable prospectus supplement and other offering material of any depositary shares we offer will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable depositary agreement, which will be filed with the SEC if we offer depositary shares, and the terms of the underlying preferred stock.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We may issue warrants in one or more series to purchase common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, or any combination of those securities. Warrants may be issued independently or together with the underlying securities, and may be attached to or separate from the underlying securities. We may issue series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement between us and a warrant agent. This section describes the general terms and provisions of the warrants. The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the warrants offered
through that prospectus supplement and any general terms outlined in this section that will not apply to those warrants.
The following description and any description of a series of warrants in a prospectus supplement are not complete and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the terms and provisions of the warrants and any related warrant agreement, which we will file with the SEC in connection with the issuance of that series of warrants. We urge you to read any applicable warrant agreements and warrant certificates, because those documents, and not these descriptions, define your rights as a holder of warrants.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms, where applicable, of warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:
•the title of the warrants;
•the designation, amount and terms of the securities for which the warrants are exercisable and the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of such warrants;
•the designation and terms of the other securities, if any, with which the warrants are to be issued and the number of warrants issued with each such 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 securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be purchased;
•if applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the warrants;
•the date on which the right to exercise the warrants shall commence and the date on which the right shall expire;
•the maximum or minimum number of warrants which may be exercised at any time;
•whether the warrants are to be issued in registered or bearer form;
•whether the warrants are extendible and the period or periods of such extendibility;
•the identity of any warrant agent; and
•any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange, transfer and exercise of the warrants.
Before exercising their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive dividends, if any, or payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up or to exercise voting rights, if any.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following is a description of the material features, terms and provisions of debt securities that we may offer. This summary does not purport to be exhaustive and may not contain all the information that is important to you.
Therefore, you should read the applicable prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities and any other offering materials that we may provide.
We may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series. We may issue senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities under one or separate indentures, which may be supplemented or amended from time to time. Senior debt securities would be issued under one or more senior indentures and subordinated debt securities would be issued under one or more subordinated indentures, including the Subordinated Indenture, dated as of August 5, 2014, between Eagle Bancorp, Inc., as Issuer, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (the “2014 Subordinated Indenture”). Any senior debt indentures and subordinated debt indentures are referred to individually in this prospectus as the indenture, and collectively as the indentures.
The particular terms of a series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities. Any indentures will be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and may be supplemented or amended from time to time following their execution. Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will not be limited in the amount of debt securities that we may issue, and neither the senior debt securities nor the subordinated debt securities will be secured by any of our property or assets. Thus, by owning debt securities, you are one of our unsecured creditors.
We are a holding company and conduct substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries. As a result, claims of holders of debt securities will generally have a junior position to claims of creditors of our subsidiaries (including, without limitation, EagleBank). In addition, our right to participate as a stockholder in any distribution of assets of any subsidiary (and thus the ability of holders of debt securities to benefit from such distribution as our creditors) is junior to creditors of each subsidiary, including depositors of EagleBank.
Any indentures will contain the full legal text of the matters described in this section of the prospectus. Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the debt securities or any applicable indentures. This summary is therefore subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of any applicable indenture, including any definitions of terms used in such indenture. Your rights will be defined by the terms of any applicable indenture, not the summary provided herein. This summary is also subject to and qualified by reference to the description of the particular terms of a particular series of debt securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement or supplements. Wilmington Trust, National Association, acts as the Trustee, under the 2014 Subordinated Indenture. The 2014 Subordinated Indenture is, and any subordinated notes issued pursuant to that indenture will be, governed by Maryland law except the rights of the Trustee, which are governed by New York law.
The debt securities may be denominated and payable in U.S. dollars. We may also issue debt securities, from time to time, with the principal amount, interest or other amounts payable on any relevant payment date to be determined by reference to one or more currency exchange rates, securities or baskets of securities, commodity prices, indices or any other financial, economic or other measure or instrument, including the occurrence or non- occurrence of any event or circumstance. In addition, we may issue debt securities as part of any units issued by us. All references in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement to other amounts will include premiums, if any, other cash amounts payable under the applicable indenture, and the delivery of securities or baskets of securities under the terms of the debt securities. Debt securities may bear interest at a fixed rate, which may be zero, or a floating rate.
We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our preferred stock, common stock or other securities. We will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. We may include provisions pursuant to which the number of shares of our preferred stock, common stock or other securities that holders of the series of debt securities receive would be subject to adjustment.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the debt securities and the price or prices at which we will offer the debt securities. The description will, to the extent applicable, include:
•the title and form of the debt securities;
•the ranking of the debt securities as compared to other debt;
•the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities or the series of which they are a part;
•the person or persons to whom any principal or interest on a debt security of the series will be paid;
•the date or dates on which we must repay the principal;
•the rate or rates at which the debt securities will bear interest;
•the date or dates from which interest will accrue, and the dates on which we must pay interest;
•the place or places where we must pay the principal and any premium or interest on the debt securities;
•the terms and conditions on which we may redeem any debt security, if at all;
•whether the debt securities are entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund;
•the identity of the trustee;
•the terms and conditions on which we may redeem any debt security, if at all;
•any obligation to redeem or purchase any debt securities, and the terms and conditions on which we must do so;
•the denominations in which we may issue the debt securities;
•the manner in which we will determine the amount of principal of or any premium or interest on the debt securities;
•the currency in which we will pay the principal of and any premium or interest on the debt securities;
•the principal amount of the debt securities that we will pay upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity;
•the amount that will be deemed to be the principal amount for any purpose, including the principal amount that will be due and payable upon any maturity or that will be deemed to be outstanding as of any date;
•whether the debt securities are defeasible and the terms of such defeasance; and
•the events of default applicable to the debt securities and the right of the trustee or the holders to declare the principal amount of any of the debt securities due and payable.
Some of the debt securities may be issued as original issue discount debt securities. Original issue discount securities bear no interest or bear interest at below market rates and will be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. A prospectus supplement relating to an issue of original issue discount securities will contain information relating to United States federal income tax, accounting, and other special considerations applicable to original issue discount securities.
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS
We may issue purchase contracts, including purchase contracts issued as part of a unit with one or more other securities, for the purchase or sale of our debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock. The
price of our debt securities or price per share of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares, as applicable, may be fixed at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula contained in the purchase contracts. We may issue purchase contracts in such amounts and in as many distinct series as we wish.
The applicable prospectus supplement may contain, where applicable, the following information about the purchase contracts issued under it:
•whether the purchase contracts obligate the holder to purchase or sell, or both purchase and sell, our debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares, as applicable, and the nature and amount of each of those securities, or method of determining those amounts;
•whether the purchase contracts are to be prepaid or not;
•whether the purchase contracts are to be settled by delivery, or by reference or linkage to the value, performance or level of our common stock or preferred stock;
•any acceleration, cancellation, termination or other provisions relating to the settlement of the purchase contracts;
•United States federal income tax considerations relevant to the purchase contracts; and
•whether the purchase contracts will be issued in fully registered global form.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any purchase contracts. The preceding description and any description of purchase contracts in the applicable prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the purchase contract agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such purchase contracts.
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
We may issue units comprised of one or more of the securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit also is 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 unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately at any time or at any time before a specified date.
The applicable prospectus supplement relating to the units we may offer will include specific terms relating to the offering, including, among others: the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, and whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately; any provision for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising those units; and whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form. This summary is therefore subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of any applicable unit agreement, including any definitions of terms used therein. Your rights will be defined by the terms of any applicable unit agreement, not the summary provided herein. This summary is also subject to and qualified by reference to the description of the particular terms of a particular unit described in the applicable prospectus supplement or supplements.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the securities being offered hereby, from time to time, by one or more of the following methods, or any combination thereof:
•to or through underwriters or dealers, with or without an underwriting syndicate, for them to offer and sell to the public;
•directly to one or more purchasers in negotiated purchases or in competitively bid transactions;
•through designated agents;
•directly to holders of warrants exercisable for our securities upon the exercise of warrants; or
•through a combination of any of these methods of sale.
Each time that we use this prospectus to sell our securities, we will also provide a prospectus supplement that contains the specific terms of the offering. We will set forth the terms of the offering of securities in a prospectus supplement, including:
•the name or names of any underwriters, dealers, or agents and the type and amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them;
•the public offering price of the securities and the proceeds to us and compensation, including any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to underwriters or dealers; and
•any delayed delivery arrangements.
The offer and sale of the securities described in this prospectus by us, the underwriters, or the third parties described above may be effected 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;
•in “at the market offerings,” within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange, or otherwise;
•at prices related to the prevailing market prices; or
•at negotiated prices.
Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
Unless otherwise specified in the related prospectus supplement, each series of securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than shares of our common stock, which are listed on NASDAQ. We may elect to list any series of preferred stock or other securities on an exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in the securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Therefore, we cannot give any assurances to you concerning the liquidity of any security offered by this prospectus.
If underwriters are used in the sale of any securities, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The securities may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters, or directly by underwriters. Generally, the underwriters’ obligations to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities if they purchase any of the securities.
If we use dealers in the sale of securities, we may sell securities to such dealers as principals. The dealers may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealers at the time of resale. We may solicit offers to purchase the securities directly, and we may sell the securities directly to institutional or other
investors, who may be deemed underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any resales of those securities. The terms of these sales will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we use agents in the sale of securities, unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, they will use their reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment. Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, if we sell directly, no underwriters, dealers or agents would be involved. We will not make an offer of securities in any jurisdiction that does not permit such an offer.
We may sell the securities through agents from time to time. The prospectus supplement will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of our securities and any commissions we pay to them. Generally, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
We may authorize underwriters, dealers, or agents to solicit offers by certain purchasers to purchase our securities at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus supplement will set forth any commissions or discounts we pay for solicitation of these contracts.
Agents and underwriters may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments that the agents or underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof. Agents and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.
In connection with any offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell securities in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, over-allotment, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales and penalty bids. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of securities than they are required to purchase in an offering. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases of the offered securities or any underlying securities made for the purpose of preventing or reducing a decline in the market price of the securities while an offering is in progress. Short-covering transactions involve purchases of the securities, either through exercise of the over-allotment option or in the open market after the distribution is completed, to cover short positions. Underwriters also may impose a penalty bid, by which selling concessions allowed to broker-dealers in respect of the securities sold in the offering may be reclaimed by underwriters if such securities are repurchased by underwriters in stabilizing or covering transactions. These activities by the underwriters may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the securities. As a result, the price of the securities 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 on an exchange or automated quotation system, if the securities are listed on an exchange or admitted for trading on an automated quotation system, in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise.
We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates in connection with those derivatives then the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of securities. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).
Underwriters, dealers and agents and their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us or our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of their businesses. In connection with the distribution of the securities offered under this prospectus, we may enter into swap or other hedging transactions with, or arranged by, underwriters or agents or their affiliates. These underwriters or agents or their affiliates may receive compensation, trading gain or other benefits from these transactions.
VALIDITY OF SECURITIES
Except as otherwise provided in any prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Scott Bernstein, 1st Vice President and Associate General Counsel, EagleBank and, with respect to matters of New York law, by Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Washington, DC. As of May 7, 2024, Mr. Bernstein owns less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Company.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Eagle Bancorp, Inc. as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023 have been audited by Crowe LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and incorporated in this prospectus by reference. Such consolidated financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
PROSPECTUS
$150,000,000
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Warrants
Depositary Shares
Debt Securities
Purchase Contracts
Units
, 2024
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| SEC registration fee | $ | 22,140.00 | | |
| Printing, engraving and postage expenses | (1) | |
| Legal fees and expenses | (1) | |
| Trustee fees and expenses | (1) | |
| Accounting fees and expenses | (1) | |
| Rating agency fees | (1) | |
| Miscellaneous expenses | (1) | |
Total | $ | 22,140.00 | | |
| | |
(1) These fees will be dependent on the type and dollar amount of securities offered and number of offerings and, therefore, cannot be estimated at this time. Additional information regarding estimated fees and expenses will be provided at the time information is included in a prospectus supplement in accordance with Rule 430B. |
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Article VI of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation provides that the Company shall, to the full extent permitted and in the manner prescribed by the Maryland General Corporation Law and any other applicable law, indemnify a director or officer of the Company who is or was a party to any proceeding by reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise.
The Company has entered into an indemnification agreement with each of its current directors and executive officers. These agreements require the Company to indemnify these individuals to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, subject to certain limits provided in the agreement, against liabilities that may arise by reason of their
service to the Company, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.
The Maryland General Corporation Law provides, in pertinent part, as follows:
2-418 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS.—
(a)Definitions.— (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)“Corporation” includes any domestic or foreign predecessor entity of a corporation in a merger, consolidation, or other transaction in which the predecessor’s existence ceased upon consummation of the transaction.
(3)“Director” means any person who is or was a director of a corporation and any person who, while a director of a corporation, is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, other enterprise, or employee benefit plan.
(4)“Expenses” include attorney’s fees.
(5)(i) “Official capacity” means:
1.When used with respect to a director, the office of director in the corporation; and
2.When used with respect to a person other than a director as contemplated in subsection (j), the elective or appointive office in the corporation held by the officer, or the employment or agency relationship undertaken by the employee or agent in behalf of the corporation.
(ii)“Official capacity” does not include service for any other foreign or domestic corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise, or employee benefit plan.
(6)“Party” includes a person who was, is, or is threatened to be made a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding.
(7)“Proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative.
(b)Permitted indemnification of a director.— (1) A corporation may indemnify any director made a party to any proceeding by reason of service in that capacity unless it is established that:
(i)The act or omission of the director was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding; and
1.Was committed in bad faith; or
2.Was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; or
(ii)The director actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property, or services; or
(iii)In the case of any criminal proceeding, the director had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.
(2)(i) Indemnification may be against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements, and reasonable expenses actually incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding.
(i)However, if the proceeding was one by or in the right of the corporation, indemnification may not be made in respect of any proceeding in which the director shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation.
(3)(i) The termination of any proceeding by judgment, order, or settlement does not create a presumption that the director did not meet the requisite standard of conduct set forth in this subsection.
(i)The termination of any proceeding by conviction, or a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, or an entry of an order of probation prior to judgment, creates a rebuttal presumption that the director did not meet that standard of conduct.
(4)A corporation may not indemnify a director or advance expenses under this section for a proceeding brought by that director against the corporation, except:
(i)For a proceeding brought to enforce indemnification under this section; or
(ii)If the charter or bylaws of the corporation, a resolution of the board of directors of the corporation, or an agreement approved by the board of directors of the corporation to which the corporation is a party expressly provide otherwise.
(c)No indemnification of director liable for improper personal benefit.—A director may not be indemnified under subsection (b) of this section in respect of any proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the director, whether or not involving action in the director’s official capacity, in which the director was adjudged to be liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received.
(d)Required indemnification against expenses incurred in successful defense.—Unless limited by the charter:
(1)A director who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding referred to in subsection (b) of this section shall be indemnified against reasonable expenses incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding, claim, issue, or matter in which the director has been successful.
(2)A court of appropriate jurisdiction, upon application of a director and such notice as the court shall require, may order indemnification in the following circumstances:
(i)If it determines a director is entitled to reimbursement under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the court shall order indemnification, in which case the director shall be entitled to recover the expenses of securing such reimbursement; or
(ii)If it determines that the director is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances, whether or not the director has met the standards of conduct set forth in subsection (b) of this section or has been adjudged liable under the circumstances described in subsection (c) of this section, the court may order such indemnification as the court shall deem proper. However, indemnification with respect to any proceeding by or in the right of the corporation or in which liability shall have been adjudged in the circumstances described in subsection (c) shall be limited to expenses.
(3)A court of appropriate jurisdiction may be the same court in which the proceeding involving the director’s liability took place.
(e)Determination that indemnification is proper.— (1) Indemnification under subsection (b) of this section may not be made by the corporation unless authorized for a specific proceeding after a determination has
been made that indemnification of the director is permissible in the circumstances because the director has met the standard of conduct set forth in subsection (b) of this section.
(2)Such determination shall be made:
(i)By the board of directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors not, at the time, parties to the proceeding, or, if such a quorum cannot be obtained, then by a majority vote of a committee of the board consisting solely of two or more directors not, at the time, parties to such proceeding and who were duly designated to act in the matter by a majority vote of the full board in which the designated directors who are parties may participate;
(ii)By special legal counsel selected by the board of directors or a committee of the board by vote as set forth in subparagraph (I) of this paragraph, or, if the requisite quorum of the full board cannot be obtained therefor and the committee cannot be established, by a majority vote of the full board in which directors who are parties may participate; or
(iii)By the stockholders.
(3)Authorization of indemnification and determination as to reasonableness of expenses shall be made in the same manner as the determination that indemnification is permissible. However, if the determination that indemnification is permissible is made by special legal counsel, authorization of indemnification and determination as to reasonableness of expenses shall be made in the manner specified in paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection for selection of such counsel.
(4)Shares held by directors who are parties to the proceeding may not be voted on the subject matter under this subsection.
(f)Payment of expenses in advance of final disposition of action.— (1) Reasonable expenses incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding may be paid or reimbursed by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding upon receipt by the corporation of:
(i)A written affirmation by the director of the director’s good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation as authorized in this section has been met; and
(ii)A written undertaking by or on behalf of the director to repay the amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met.
(2)The undertaking required by paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection shall be an unlimited general obligation of the director but need not be secured and may be accepted without reference to financial ability to make the repayment.
(3)Payments under this subsection shall be made as provided by the charter, bylaws or contract or as specified in subsection (e)(2) of this section.
(g)Validity of indemnification provision.—The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided or authorized by this section may not be deemed exclusive of any other rights, by indemnification or otherwise, to which a director may be entitled under the charter, the bylaws, a resolution of stockholders of directors, an agreement or otherwise, both as to action in an official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.
(h)Reimbursement of director’s expenses incurred while appearing as witness.—This section does not limit the corporation’s power to pay or reimburse expenses incurred by a director in connection with an
appearance as a witness in a proceeding at a time when the director has not been made a named defendant or respondent in the proceeding.
(i)Director’s service to employee benefit plan.—For purposes of this section:
(1)The corporation shall be deemed to have requested a director to serve an employee benefit plan where the performance of the director’s duties to the corporation also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, the director to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan:
(2)Excise taxes assessed on a director with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law shall be deemed fines; and
(3)Action taken or omitted by the director with respect to an employee benefit plan in the performance of the director’s duties for a purpose reasonably believed by the director to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose which is not opposed to the best interests of the corporation.
(j)Officer, employee or agent.—Unless limited by the charter:
(1)An officer of the corporation shall be indemnified as and to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this section for a director and shall be entitled, to the same extent as a director, to seek indemnification pursuant to the provisions of subsection (d) of this section;
(2)A corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee, or agent of the corporation to the same extent that it may indemnify directors under this section; and
(3)A corporation, in addition, may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee, or agent who is not a director to such further extent, consistent with law, as may be provided by its charter, bylaws, general or specific action of its board of directors or contract.
(k)Insurance or similar protection.— (1) A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or who, while a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise, or employee benefit plan against any liability asserted against and incurred by such person in any such capacity or arising out of such person’s position, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify against liability under the provisions of this section.
(1)A corporation may provide similar protection, including a trust fund, letter of credit, or surety bond, not inconsistent with this section.
(2)The insurance or similar protection may be provided by a subsidiary or an affiliate of the corporation.
(l)Report of indemnification to stockholders.—Any indemnification of, or advance of expenses to, a director in accordance with this section, if arising out of a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, shall be reported in writing to the stockholders with the notice of the next stockholders’ meeting or prior to the meeting.
Item 16. Exhibits
The exhibits filed as part of this registration statement are as follows:
(a) List of Exhibits
| | | | | | | | |
| Number | | Description |
| 1.1 | | Form of Underwriting Agreement1 |
| | |
| | |
| 4.1 | | Articles Supplementary for Preferred Stock1 |
| 4.2 | | Form of Preferred Stock Certificate1 |
| 4.3 | | Form of Deposit Agreement, including form of Depositary Receipt1 |
| 4.4 | | Form of Warrant Agreement, including form of Warrant Certificate1 |
| 4.5 | | Form of Unit Agreement, including form of Unit Certificate1 |
| | |
| 4.7 | | Form of Supplemental Indenture for Senior Debt Securities, including form of Senior Debt Security1 |
| | |
| 4.9 | | Form of Supplemental Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities, including form of Subordinated Debt Security1 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| 24 | | Power of Attorney (included on signature page) |
| 25.1 |
| Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of the Trustee under the Indenture for Senior Debt Securities1 |
|
| |
|
| |
Item 17. Undertakings
Rule 415 Offering
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
1 If applicable, to be filed by an amendment to the Registration Statement, by a Current Report on Form 8-K or other permitted form type, and incorporated by reference herein.
(i)To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii)To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Filing Fee Tables” or “Calculation of Registration Fee” table, as applicable, in the effective registration statement; and
(iii)To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
(2)That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4)[Intentionally omitted.]
(5)That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
(A)Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the Registration Statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the Registration Statement; and
(B)Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a Registration Statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the Registration Statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the Registration Statement relating to the securities in the Registration Statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a Registration Statement or prospectus that is part of the Registration Statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement or prospectus that is part of the Registration Statement will, as to the purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the Registration
Statement or prospectus that was part of the Registration Statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
(1)That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:
The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this Registration Statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i)Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii)Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii)The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv)Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
Filings Incorporating Subsequent Exchange Act Documents By Reference
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Request for Acceleration of Effective Date or Filing of Registration Statement Becoming Effective Upon Filing
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission that such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Qualification of Trust Indentures under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 for Delayed Offerings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Bethesda, Maryland, on May 7, 2024.
| | | | | |
EAGLE BANCORP, INC. |
| By: | /s/ Susan G. Riel |
| Susan G. Riel, President and CEO |
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned directors and officers of the Registrant hereby severally constitute and appoint Susan G. Riel and Paul Saltzman as our true and lawful attorney and agent, to do any and all things in our names in the capacities indicated below which either of them may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Registrant to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with this registration statement on Form S-3, including specifically, but not limited to, power and authority to sign for us in our names in the capacities indicated below the registration statement and any and all amendments (including pre-effective and post-effective amendments) thereto; and we hereby approve, ratify and confirm all that said Susan G. Riel and Paul Saltzman shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name | | Position | Date |
/s/ Matthew D. Brockwell | | Director | May 6, 2024 |
Matthew D. Brockwell | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Steven Freidkin | | Director | May 6, 2024 |
Steven Freidkin | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Theresa G. LaPlaca | | Director | May 6, 2024 |
Theresa G. LaPlaca | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Leslie Ludwig | | Director | May 6, 2024 |
| Leslie Ludwig | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Eric R. Newell | | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | May 6, 2024 |
| Eric R. Newell | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Norman R. Pozez | | Executive Chairman of the Company | May 6, 2024 |
Norman R. Pozez | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Kathy A. Raffa | | Director | May 6, 2024 |
Kathy A. Raffa | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Susan G. Riel | | President, and Chief Executive Officer of the Company | May 6, 2024 |
| Susan G. Riel | | | |
| | | |
/s/ James A. Soltesz | | Director | May 6, 2024 |
James A. Soltesz | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Benjamin M. Soto | | Director | May 6, 2024 |
Benjamin M. Soto | | | |
Calculation of Filing Fee Tables
Form S-3
…………..
(Form Type)
Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Security
Type | Security
Class
Title | Fee
Calculation
or Carry
Forward
Rule | Amount
Registered(1) | Proposed
Maximum
Offering
Price Per
Unit(2) | Maximum
Aggregate
Offering
Price(1)(2) | Fee
Rate | Amount
of
Registration
Fee |
| Newly Registered Securities |
| Fees to Be Paid | Equity | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | 457(o) | - | - | - | - | - |
| Equity | Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share | 457(o) | - | - | - | - | - |
| Equity | Depository Shares (4) | 457(o) | - | - | - | - | - |
| Equity | Warrants (5) | 457(o) | - | - | - | - | - |
| Debt | Debt Securities (6) | 457(o) | - | - | - | - | - |
| Other | Purchase Contracts (7) | 457(o) | - | - | - | - | - |
| Other | Units (8) | 457(o) | - | - | - | - | - |
| Unallocated (Universal) Shelf | Unallocated (Universal) Shelf | 457(o) | - | - | $150,000,000 | 0.00014760 | $22,140.00 |
| Total Offering Amounts | | $150,000,000 | | $22,140.00 |
| Total Fees Previously Paid | | | | - |
| Total Fee Offsets | | | | - |
| Net Fee Due | | | | $22,140.00 |
(1)There is being registered hereunder an indeterminate number of shares of (a) common stock, (b) preferred stock, (c) depository shares, (d) warrants, (e) debt securities, (f) purchase contracts, and (g) units, consisting of some or all of these securities in any combination, as may be sold from time to time by the
Registrant. Any securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as units with other securities registered hereunder. There is also being registered hereunder an indeterminate number of shares of common stock, preferred stock and debt securities as shall be issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any securities that provide for such issuance. Pursuant to Rule 416(a) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement also covers an indeterminate number of securities that may become issuable as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions relating to the securities registered hereunder. In no event will the aggregate offering price of all types of securities issued by the Registrant pursuant to this registration statement exceed $150,000,000.
(2)The proposed maximum offering price per security will be determined from time to time by the Registrant in connection with the sale of the securities registered under this Registration Statement.
(3)The aggregate maximum offering price of all securities issued by the registrant to be offered by the registrant pursuant to this registration statement will not exceed $150,000,000. Calculated in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act.
(4)Each depositary share will be issued under a deposit agreement, will represent an interest in a fractional share or multiple shares of preferred stock and will be evidenced by a depositary receipt.
(5)Warrants will represent rights to purchase common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or senior or subordinated debt securities or other securities.
(6)Including such indeterminate principal amount of debt securities as may be issued from time to time at indeterminate prices or upon exercise of warrants registered hereby, as the case may be.
(7)The Purchase Contracts may require the holder thereof to purchase or sell Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Common Stock of Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
(8)Each unit will be issued under a unit agreement and will represent an interest in two or more securities registered pursuant to this registration statement, which may or may not be separable from one another. Because the units will provide a right only to purchase such securities offered hereunder, no additional registration fee is required.
Exhibit 5.1
Scott Bernstein
1st Vice President and Associate General Counsel, EagleBank
May 7, 2024
Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
7830 Old Georgetown Road, Third Floor,
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am Vice President and Associate General Counsel of EagleBank, a Maryland commercial bank, which is the principal subsidiary of Eagle Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”). I am providing this opinion in connection with the filing of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”). The Registration Statement registers (i) shares of common stock of the Company, with a par value of $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”); (ii) shares of preferred stock of the Company, with a par value of $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”); (iii) depositary shares representing fractional interests in Preferred Stock (the “Depositary Shares”); (iv) debt securities, including senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities, of the Company (the “Debt Securities”); (v) warrants to purchase Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Debt Securities (the “Warrants”); (vi) purchase contracts of the Company with respect to Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Common Stock (the “Purchase Contracts”); and (vii) units of the Company (the “Units” and, together with the Common Stock, the Preferred Stock, the Depositary Shares, the Debt Securities and the Warrants, the “Securities”).
In connection with the filing of the Registration Statement, I have examined such corporate records, certificates and other documents, and such questions of law, as I have considered necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.
Upon the basis of such examination, I advise you that, in my opinion:
(1)The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing under the laws of the State of Maryland.
(2)Common Stock. When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, when the terms of the issuance and sale of the Common Stock have been duly established in conformity with the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and when the Common Stock have been duly issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement, and if all the foregoing actions are taken pursuant to authority granted in resolutions duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors and so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having
Corporate Headquarters, 7830 Old Georgetown Road, 3rd Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814
Scott Bernstein
1st Vice President and Associate General Counsel, EagleBank
jurisdiction over the Company, the Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Common Stock covered by the opinion in this paragraph include any Common Stock that may be issued upon exercise or otherwise pursuant to the terms of any other Securities.
(3)Preferred Stock. When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, when the terms of the Preferred Stock and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, when appropriate articles supplementary to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation with respect to the Preferred Stock have been duly filed with the Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland (the “SDAT”), and when the Preferred Stock have been duly issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement, and if all the foregoing actions are taken pursuant to authority granted in resolutions duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors and so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, the Preferred Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Preferred Stock covered by the opinion in this paragraph include any Preferred Stock that may be represented by Depositary Shares or may be issued upon exercise or otherwise pursuant to the terms of any other Securities.
(4)Indentures. When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, the indentures (each, an “Indenture”) relating to the relevant Debt Securities have been duly authorized, executed and delivered, the terms of a particular Debt Security and of its issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Indenture relating to the Debt Security so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, and the Debt Securities have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the related Indenture and issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the basic prospectus included therein and the appropriate prospectus supplement or supplements, the Debt Securities will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.
The foregoing opinion is limited to laws of the State of Maryland and the Federal laws of the United States, and I am expressing no opinion as to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction.
Corporate Headquarters, 7830 Old Georgetown Road, 3rd Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814
Scott Bernstein
1st Vice President and Associate General Counsel, EagleBank
I have relied as to certain factual matters on information obtained from public officials, officers of the Company and other sources believed by me to be responsible, and I have assumed that the governing documents under which the Securities are to be issued will have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by all parties thereto other than the Company and that the signatures on documents examined by me are genuine.
I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to me under the heading “Validity of the Securities” in the prospectus contained therein. In giving such consent, I do not thereby admit that I am in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act.
| | |
| Very truly yours, |
|
|
| /s/ Scott Bernstein |
|
| Scott Bernstein |
1st Vice President, |
Associate General Counsel |
EagleBank |
Corporate Headquarters, 7830 Old Georgetown Road, 3rd Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814
Exhibit 5.2
| | | | | |
TELEPHONE: 1-202-956-7500
FACSIMILE: 1-202-956-7676 WWW.SULLCROM.COM | 1700 New York Avenue, N.W.
Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20006-5215 ______________________
NEW YORK • LOS ANGELES • PALO ALTO BRUSSELS • FRANKFURT • LONDON • PARIS BEIJING • HONG KONG • TOKYO MELBOURNE • SYDNEY |
May 7, 2024
Eagle Bancorp, Inc.,
7830 Old Georgetown Road, Third Floor,
Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) of (i) shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.01 (the “Common Stock”), of Eagle Bancorp, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”); (ii) shares of preferred stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Preferred Stock”); (iii) depositary shares of the Company representing Preferred Stock (the “Depositary Shares”); (iv) debt securities, including senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities, of the Company (the “Debt Securities”); (v) warrants of the Company to purchase Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Common Stock (the “Warrants”); (vi) purchase contracts of the Company with respect to Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Common Stock (the “Purchase Contracts”); and (vii) units of the Company comprised of the Securities, as defined below, (the “Units” and, together with the Common Stock, the Preferred Stock, the Depositary Shares, the Debt Securities, the Warrants and the Purchase Contracts, the “Securities”), we, as your counsel, have examined such corporate records, certificates and other documents, and such questions of law, as we have considered necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion. Upon the basis of such examination, it is our opinion that:
(1) When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, the terms of the deposit agreement under which the Depositary Shares are to be issued (the “Deposit Agreement”) have been established so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, the Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the parties thereto, the terms of the Depositary Shares and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Deposit Agreement so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, the Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares has been duly authorized and validly issued and is
delivered to the depositary, and the depositary receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares have been duly issued against deposit of the Preferred Stock in accordance with the Deposit Agreement and issued and sold for a price determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, the depositary receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares will be validly issued.
(2) When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, the terms of the warrant agreement under which the Warrants are to be issued (the “Warrant Agreement”) have been duly established and the Warrant Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the parties thereto, the terms of the Warrants and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Warrant Agreement and the Warrants have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the Warrant Agreement and issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement, and if all the foregoing actions are taken so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, the Warrants will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.
(3) When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, the terms of the governing instruments or agreements under which the Purchase Contracts are to be issued have been duly established and such governing documents have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the parties thereto, the terms of such Purchase Contracts and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the applicable governing documents and such Purchase Contracts have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the applicable governing documents and issued and sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, and if all the foregoing actions are taken so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, such Purchase Contracts will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.
(4) When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, the terms of the unit agreement under which the Units are to be issued (the “Unit Agreement”) have been duly established and the Unit Agreement has been duly executed
and delivered by the parties thereto, the terms of the Units and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Unit Agreement and the Units have been duly authorized, executed and authenticated in accordance with the Unit Agreement and issued and sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, and if all the foregoing actions are taken so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, the Units will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.
In rendering the foregoing opinion, we are not passing upon, and assume no responsibility for, any disclosure in the Registration Statement or any related prospectus or other offering material relating to the offer and sale of the Securities.
The foregoing opinion is limited to the Federal laws of the United States and the laws of the State of New York, and we are expressing no opinion as to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction.
We have relied as to certain factual matters on information obtained from public officials, officers of the Company and other sources believed by us to be responsible.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to us under the heading “Validity of Securities” in the prospectus contained therein. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act.
| | |
| Very truly yours, |
|
| /s/ Sullivan & Cromwell LLP |
|
| Sullivan & Cromwell LLP |
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Eagle Bancorp, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated February 29, 2024, relating to the consolidated financial statements and effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Eagle Bancorp, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2023, and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | /s/ Crowe LLP | |
| | Crowe LLP | |
| | | |
| Washington, D.C. | | | |
| May 7, 2024 | | | |
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A
TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
16-1486454
(I.R.S. employer identification no.)
1100 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19890-0001
(Address of principal executive offices)
Kyle Barry
Senior Vice President
Wilmington Trust Company
285 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 839-6909
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
| | | | | |
| (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter) |
| Maryland | 52-2061461 |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
7830 Old Georgetown Road, Third Floor,
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Subordinated Debt Securities
(Title of the indenture securities)
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION.
Furnish the following information as to the trustee:
(a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.
Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.
(b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR.
If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each affiliation:
Based upon an examination of the books and records of the trustee and information available to the trustee, the obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee.
ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS.
Listed below are all exhibits filed as part of this Statement of Eligibility and Qualification.
1.A copy of the Charter for Wilmington Trust, National Association.
2.The authority of Wilmington Trust, National Association to commence business was granted under the Charter for Wilmington Trust, National Association, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 above.
3.The authorization to exercise corporate trust powers was granted under the Charter for Wilmington Trust, National Association, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 above.
4.A copy of the existing By-Laws of Trustee, as now in effect, attached hereto as Exhibit 4 of this Form T-1.
5.Not applicable.
6.The consent of Wilmington Trust, National Association as required by Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, attached hereto as Exhibit 6 of this Form T-1.
7.Current Report of the Condition of Wilmington Trust, National Association, published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, attached hereto as Exhibit 7 of this Form T-1.
8.Not applicable.
9.Not applicable.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, Wilmington Trust, National Association, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of New York and State of New York on the 3rd day of May, 2024.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
By: | /s/ Iris Munoz | |
| Name: | Iris Munoz | |
| Title: | Assistant Vice President | |
EXHIBIT 1
CHARTER OF WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
For the purpose of organizing an association to perform any lawful activities of national banks, the undersigned do enter into the following articles of association:
FIRST. The title of this association shall be Wilmington Trust, National Association.
SECOND. The main office of the association shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware. The general business of the association shall be conducted at its main office and its branches.
THIRD. The board of directors of this association shall consist of not less than five nor more than twenty-five persons, unless the OCC has exempted the bank from the 25-member limit. The exact number is to be fixed and determined from time to time by resolution of a majority of the full board of directors or by resolution of a majority of the shareholders at any annual or special meeting thereof. Each director shall own common or preferred stock of the association or of a holding company owning the association, with an aggregate par, fair market or equity value $1,000. Determination of these values may be based as of either (i) the date of purchase or (ii) the date the person became a director, whichever value is greater. Any combination of common or preferred stock of the association or holding company may be used.
Any vacancy in the board of directors may be filled by action of a majority of the remaining directors between meetings of shareholders. The board of directors may not increase the number of directors between meetings of shareholders to a number which:
1)exceeds by more than two the number of directors last elected by shareholders where the number was 15 or less; or
2)exceeds by more than four the number of directors last elected by shareholders where the number was 16 or more, but in no event shall the number of directors exceed 25, unless the OCC has exempted the bank from the 25-member limit.
Directors shall be elected for terms of one year and until their successors are elected and qualified. Terms of directors, including directors selected to fill vacancies, shall expire at the next regular meeting of shareholders at which directors are elected, unless the directors resign or are removed from office. Despite the expiration of a director's term, the director shall continue to serve until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until there is a decrease in the number of directors and his or her position is eliminated.
Honorary or advisory members of the board of directors, without voting power or power of final decision in matters concerning the business of the association, may be appointed by resolution of a majority of the full board of directors, or by resolution of shareholders at any annual or special meeting. Honorary or advisory directors shall not be counted to determine the number of directors of the association or the presence of a quorum in connection with any board action, and shall not be required to own qualifying shares.
FOURTH. There shall be an annual meeting of the shareholders to elect directors and transact whatever other business may be brought before the meeting. It shall be held at the main office or any other convenient place the board of directors may designate, on the day of each year specified therefor in the bylaws, or, if that day falls on a legal holiday in the state in which the association is located, on the next
following banking day. If no election is held on the day fixed, or in the event of a legal holiday on the following banking day, an election may be held on any subsequent day within 60 days of the day fixed, to be designated by the board of directors, or, if the directors fail to fix the day, by shareholders representing two-thirds of the shares issued and outstanding. In all cases at least 10 days advance notice of the time, place and purpose of a shareholders’ meeting shall be given to the shareholders by first class mail, unless the OCC determines that an emergency circumstance exists. The sole shareholder of the bank is permitted to waive notice of the shareholders’ meeting.
In all elections of directors, the number of votes each common shareholder may cast will be determined by multiplying the number of shares such shareholder owns by the number of directors to be elected. Those votes may be cumulated and cast for a single candidate or may be distributed among two or more candidates in the manner selected by the shareholder. If, after the first ballot, subsequent ballots are necessary to elect directors, a shareholder may not vote shares that he or she has already fully cumulated and voted in favor of a successful candidate. On all other questions, each common shareholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by him or her.
Nominations for election to the board of directors may be made by the board of directors or by any stockholder of any outstanding class of capital stock of the association entitled to vote for election of directors. Nominations other than those made by or on behalf of the existing management shall be made in writing and be delivered or mailed to the president of the association not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to any meeting of shareholders called for the election of directors; provided, however, that if less than 21 days notice of the meeting is given to shareholders, such nominations shall be mailed or delivered to the president of the association not later than the close of business on the seventh day following the day on which the notice of meeting was mailed. Such notification shall contain the following information to the extent known to the notifying shareholder:
1)The name and address of each proposed nominee.
2)The principal occupation of each proposed nominee.
3)The total number of shares of capital stock of the association that will be voted for each proposed nominee.
4)The name and residence address of the notifying shareholder.
5)The number of shares of capital stock of the association owned by the notifying shareholder.
Nominations not made in accordance herewith may, in his/her discretion, be disregarded by the chairperson of the meeting, and the vote tellers may disregard all votes cast for each such nominee. No bylaw may unreasonably restrict the nomination of directors by shareholders.
A director may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the board of directors, its chairperson, or to the association, which resignation shall be effective when the notice is delivered unless the notice specifies a later effective date.
A director may be removed by shareholders at a meeting called to remove the director, when notice of the meeting stating that the purpose or one of the purposes is to remove the director is provided, if there is a failure to fulfill one of the affirmative requirements for qualification, or for cause; provided, however, that a director may not be removed if the number of votes sufficient to elect the director under cumulative voting is voted against the director's removal.
FIFTH. The authorized amount of capital stock of this association shall be ten thousand shares of common stock of the par value of one hundred dollars ($100) each; but said capital stock may be increased or decreased from time to time, according to the provisions of the laws of the United States.
No holder of shares of the capital stock of any class of the association shall have any preemptive or preferential right of subscription to any shares of any class of stock of the association, whether now or hereafter authorized, or to any obligations convertible into stock of the association, issued, or sold, nor any right of subscription to any thereof other than such, if any, as the board of directors, in its discretion, may from time to time determine and at such price as the board of directors may from time to time fix. Preemptive rights also must be approved by a vote of holders of two-thirds of the bank’s outstanding voting shares. Unless otherwise specified in these articles of association or required by law, (1) all matters requiring shareholder action, including amendments to the articles of association, must be approved by shareholders owning a majority voting interest in the outstanding voting stock, and (2) each shareholder shall be entitled to one vote per share.
Unless otherwise specified in these articles of association or required by law, all shares of voting stock shall be voted together as a class, on any matters requiring shareholder approval. If a proposed amendment would affect two or more classes or series in the same or a substantially similar way, all the classes or series so affected must vote together as a single voting group on the proposed amendment.
Shares of one class or series may be issued as a dividend for shares of the same class or series on a pro rata basis and without consideration. Shares of one class or series may be issued as share dividends for a different class or series of stock if approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the class or series to be issued, unless there are no outstanding shares of the class or series to be issued. Unless otherwise provided by the board of directors, the record date for determining shareholders entitled to a share dividend shall be the date authorized by the board of directors for the share dividend.
Unless otherwise provided in the bylaws, the record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting is the close of business on the day before the first notice is mailed or otherwise sent to the shareholders, provided that in no event may a record date be more than 70 days before the meeting.
If a shareholder is entitled to fractional shares pursuant to a stock dividend, consolidation or merger, reverse stock split or otherwise, the association may: (a) issue fractional shares; (b) in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares, issue script or warrants entitling the holder to receive a full share upon surrendering enough script or warrants to equal a full share; (c) if there is an established and active market in the association's stock, make reasonable arrangements to provide the shareholder with an opportunity to realize a fair price through sale of the fraction, or purchase of the additional fraction required for a full share; (d) remit the cash equivalent of the fraction to the shareholder; or (e) sell full shares representing all the fractions at public auction or to the highest bidder after having solicited and received sealed bids from at least three licensed stock brokers; and distribute the proceeds pro rata to shareholders who otherwise would be entitled to the fractional shares. The holder of a fractional share is entitled to exercise the rights for shareholder, including the right to vote, to receive dividends, and to participate in the assets of the association upon liquidation, in proportion to the fractional interest. The holder of script or warrants is not entitled to any of these rights unless the script or warrants explicitly provide for such rights. The script or warrants may be subject to such additional conditions as: (1) that the script or warrants will become void if not exchanged for full shares before a specified date; and (2) that the shares for which the script or warrants are exchangeable may be sold at the option of the association and the proceeds paid to scriptholders.
The association, at any time and from time to time, may authorize and issue debt obligations, whether or not subordinated, without the approval of the shareholders. Obligations classified as debt, whether or not subordinated, which may be issued by the association without the approval of shareholders, do not carry voting rights on any issue, including an increase or decrease in the aggregate number of the
securities, or the exchange or reclassification of all or part of securities into securities of another class or series.
SIXTH. The board of directors shall appoint one of its members president of this association, and one of its members chairperson of the board and shall have the power to appoint one or more vice presidents, a secretary who shall keep minutes of the directors' and shareholders' meetings and be responsible for authenticating the records of the association, and such other officers and employees as may be required to transact the business of this association.
A duly appointed officer may appoint one or more officers or assistant officers if authorized by the board of directors in accordance with the bylaws.
The board of directors shall have the power to:
1)Define the duties of the officers, employees, and agents of the association.
2)Delegate the performance of its duties, but not the responsibility for its duties, to the officers, employees, and agents of the association.
3)Fix the compensation and enter into employment contracts with its officers and employees upon reasonable terms and conditions consistent with applicable law.
4)Dismiss officers and employees.
5)Require bonds from officers and employees and to fix the penalty thereof.
6)Ratify written policies authorized by the association's management or committees of the board.
7)Regulate the manner in which any increase or decrease of the capital of the association shall be made, provided that nothing herein shall restrict the power of shareholders to increase or decrease the capital of the association in accordance with law, and nothing shall raise or lower from two-thirds the percentage required for shareholder approval to increase or reduce the capital.
8)Manage and administer the business and affairs of the association.
9)Adopt initial bylaws, not inconsistent with law or the articles of association, for managing the business and regulating the affairs of the association.
10)Amend or repeal bylaws, except to the extent that the articles of association reserve this power in whole or in part to shareholders.
11)Make contracts.
12)Generally perform all acts that are legal for a board of directors to perform.
SEVENTH. The board of directors shall have the power to change the location of the main office to any other place within the limits of Wilmington, Delaware, without the approval of the shareholders, or with a vote of shareholders owning two-thirds of the stock of such association for a relocation outside such limits and upon receipt of a certificate of approval from the Comptroller of the Currency, to any other location within or outside the limits of Wilmington Delaware, but not more than 30 miles beyond such limits. The board of directors shall have the power to establish or change the location of any branch or branches of the association to any other location permitted under applicable law, without approval of shareholders, subject to approval by the Comptroller of the Currency.
EIGHTH. The corporate existence of this association shall continue until termination according to the laws of the United States.
NINTH. The board of directors of this association, or any one or more shareholders owning, in the aggregate, not less than 50 percent of the stock of this association, may call a special meeting of shareholders at any time. Unless otherwise provided by the bylaws or the laws of the United States, a notice
of the time, place, and purpose of every annual and special meeting of the shareholders shall be given at least 10 days prior to the meeting by first-class mail, unless the OCC determines that an emergency circumstance exists. If the association is a wholly-owned subsidiary, the sole shareholder may waive notice of the shareholders’ meeting. Unless otherwise provided by the bylaws or these articles, any action requiring approval of shareholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting.
TENTH. For purposes of this Article Tenth, the term “institution-affiliated party” shall mean any institution-affiliated party of the association as such term is defined in 12 U.S.C. 1813(u).
Any institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) may be indemnified or reimbursed by the association for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed actions or proceedings and appeals therein, whether civil, criminal, governmental, administrative or investigative, in accordance with and to the fullest extent permitted by law, as such law now or hereafter exists; provided, however, that when an administrative proceeding or action instituted by a federal banking agency results in a final order or settlement pursuant to which such person: (i) is assessed a civil money penalty, (ii) is removed from office or prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the association, or (iii) is required to cease and desist from or to take any affirmative action described in 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) with respect to the association, then the association shall require the repayment of all legal fees and expenses advanced pursuant to the next succeeding paragraph and may not indemnify such institution-affiliated parties (or their heirs, executors or administrators) for expenses, including expenses for legal fees, penalties or other payments incurred. The association shall provide indemnification in connection with an action or proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) only if such action or proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the board of directors.
Expenses incurred by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in connection with any action or proceeding under 12 U.S.C. 164 or 1818 may be paid by the association in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon (a) a determination by the board of directors acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding that the institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) has a reasonable basis for prevailing on the merits, (b) a determination that the indemnified individual (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) will have the financial capacity to reimburse the bank in the event he or she does not prevail, (c) a determination that the payment of expenses and fees by the association will not adversely affect the safety and soundness of the association, and (d) receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) to repay such advancement in the event of a final order or settlement pursuant to which such person: (i) is assessed a civil money penalty, (ii) is removed from office or prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the association, or (iii) is required to cease and desist from or to take any affirmative action described in 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) with respect to the association. In all other instances, expenses incurred by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in connection with any action or proceeding as to which indemnification may be given under these articles of association may be paid by the association in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon (a) receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such institution-affiliated party (or by or on behalf of his or her heirs, executors or administrators) to repay such advancement in the event that such institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) is ultimately found not to be entitled to indemnification as authorized by these articles of association and (b) approval by the board of directors acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding or, if such a quorum is not obtainable, then approval by stockholders. To the extent permitted by law, the board of directors or, if applicable, the stockholders, shall not be required to find that the institution-affiliated party has met the
applicable standard of conduct provided by law for indemnification in connection with such action or proceeding.
In the event that a majority of the members of the board of directors are named as respondents in an administrative proceeding or civil action and request indemnification, the remaining members of the board may authorize independent legal counsel to review the indemnification request and provide the remaining members of the board with a written opinion of counsel as to whether the conditions delineated in the first four paragraphs of this Article Tenth have been met. If independent legal counsel opines that said conditions have been met, the remaining members of the board of directors may rely on such opinion in authorizing the requested indemnification.
In the event that all of the members of the board of directors are named as respondents in an administrative proceeding or civil action and request indemnification, the board shall authorize independent legal counsel to review the indemnification request and provide the board with a written opinion of counsel as to whether the conditions delineated in the first four paragraphs of this Article Tenth have been met. If legal counsel opines that said conditions have been met, the board of directors may rely on such opinion in authorizing the requested indemnification.
To the extent permitted under applicable law, the rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these articles of association (a) shall be available with respect to events occurring prior to the adoption of these articles of association, (b) shall continue to exist after any restrictive amendment of these articles of association with respect to events occurring prior to such amendment, (c) may be interpreted on the basis of applicable law in effect at the time of the occurrence of the event or events giving rise to the action or proceeding, or on the basis of applicable law in effect at the time such rights are claimed, and (d) are in the nature of contract rights which may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction as if the association and the institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) for whom such rights are sought were parties to a separate written agreement.
The rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these articles of association shall not, to the extent permitted under applicable law, be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any such institution affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) may now or hereafter be otherwise entitled whether contained in these articles of association, the bylaws, a resolution of stockholders, a resolution of the board of directors, or an agreement providing such indemnification, the creation of such other rights being hereby expressly authorized. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these articles of association shall not be deemed exclusive of any rights, pursuant to statute or otherwise, of any such institution-affiliated party (or of his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in any such action or proceeding to have assessed or allowed in his or her favor, against the association or otherwise, his or her costs and expenses incurred therein or in connection therewith or any part thereof.
If this Article Tenth or any part hereof shall be held unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remainder of this Article Tenth shall remain fully enforceable.
The association may, upon affirmative vote of a majority of its board of directors, purchase insurance to indemnify its institution-affiliated parties to the extent that such indemnification is allowed in these articles of association; provided, however, that no such insurance shall include coverage to pay or reimburse any institution-affiliated party for the cost of any judgment or civil money penalty assessed against such person in an administrative proceeding or civil action commenced by any federal banking agency. Such insurance may, but need not, be for the benefit of all institution-affiliated parties.
ELEVENTH. These articles of association may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the shareholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of this association, unless the vote of the holders of a greater amount of stock is required by law, and in that case by the vote of the holders of such greater amount. The association's board of directors may propose one or more amendments to the articles of association for submission to the shareholders.
EXHIBIT 4
BY-LAWS OF WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
(Effective as of September 12, 2023)
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
ARTICLE I
Meetings of Shareholders
Section 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of shareholders shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated by the chair of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president, the chief operating officer, the secretary, or the Board of Directors for the purpose of the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, except such date shall not be a legal holiday in Delaware. Notice of the meeting shall be mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least 10 days and no more than 60 days prior to the date thereof, addressed to each shareholder at his or her address appearing on the books of the association. If, for any cause, an election of directors is not made on that date, an election may be held on any subsequent day within 60 days of the date fixed, to be designated by the Board of Directors, or, if the directors fail to fix the date, by shareholders representing two-thirds of the shares. In these circumstances, at least 10 days’ notice must be given by first class mail to shareholders.
Section 2. Special Meetings. The chair of the Board of Directors, the president, the chief executive officer, the secretary, or the Board of Directors may call a special meeting of the shareholders. A special meeting shall be called to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of shareholders upon the written request of shareholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at the meeting. Every such special meeting, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be called by mailing, postage prepaid, not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting, to each shareholder at the address appearing on the books of the association a notice stating the purpose of the meeting.
The Board of Directors may fix a record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice and to vote at any meeting, in reasonable proximity to the date of giving notice to the shareholders of such meeting. The record date for determining shareholders entitled to demand a special meeting is the date the first shareholder signs a demand for the meeting describing the purpose or purposes for which it is to be held.
Section 3. Adjournment. If an annual or special shareholders' meeting is adjourned to a different date, time, or place, notice need not be given of the new date, time or place, if the new date, time or place is announced at the meeting before adjournment, unless any additional items of business are to be considered, or the association becomes aware of an intervening event materially affecting any matter to be voted on more than 10 days prior to the date to which the meeting is adjourned. If a new record date for the adjourned meeting is fixed, however, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given to persons who are shareholders as of the new record date. If, however, the meeting to elect the directors is adjourned before the election takes place, at least ten days’ notice of the new election must be given to the shareholders by first-class mail.
Section 4. Nominations of Directors. Nominations for election to the Board of Directors may be made by the Board of Directors or by any shareholder of any outstanding class of capital stock of the association entitled to vote for the election of directors. Nominations, other than those made by or on behalf of the existing management of the association, shall be made in writing and shall be delivered or mailed to the president of the association, not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to any meeting of shareholders called for the election of directors; provided, however, that if less than 21 days' notice of the meeting is given to shareholders, such nomination shall be mailed or delivered to the president of the association not later than the close of business on the seventh day following the day on which the notice of meeting was mailed. Such notification shall contain the following information to the extent known to the notifying shareholder:
(1)The name and address of each proposed nominee;
(2)The principal occupation of each proposed nominee;
(3)The total number of shares of capital stock of the association that will be voted for each proposed nominee;
(4)The name and residence of the notifying shareholder; and
(5)The number of shares of capital stock of the association owned by the notifying shareholder
Nominations not made in accordance herewith may, in his/her discretion, be disregarded by the chair of the meeting, and upon his/her instructions, all votes cast for each such nominee may be disregarded.
Section 5. Proxies. Shareholders may vote at any meeting of the shareholders by proxies duly authorized in writing, but no officer or employee of this association shall act as proxy. A director or an attorney of the association may act as proxy for shareholders voting if they are not also employed as an officer of the association. Proxies shall be valid only for one meeting, to be specified therein, and any adjournments of such meeting. Proxies shall be dated and filed with the records of the meeting. Proxies with facsimile signatures may be used and unexecuted proxies may be counted upon receipt of a written confirmation from the shareholder. Proxies meeting the above requirements submitted at any time during a meeting shall be accepted.
Section 6. Quorum. A majority of the outstanding capital stock, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of shareholders, unless otherwise provided by law, but less than a quorum may adjourn any meeting, from time to time, and the meeting may be held, as adjourned, without further notice. A majority of the votes cast shall decide every question or matter submitted to the shareholders at any meeting, unless otherwise provided by law or by the articles of association. If a meeting for the election of directors is not held on the fixed date, at least 10 days’ notice must be given by first-class mail to the shareholders.
ARTICLE II
Directors
Section 1. Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have the power to manage and administer the business and affairs of the association. Except as expressly limited by law, all corporate powers of the association shall be vested in and may be exercised by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Number. The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than five nor more than twenty-five members, unless the OCC has exempted the association from the 25-member limit. The exact number within such minimum and maximum limits is to be fixed and determined from time to time by resolution of a majority of the full Board of Directors or by resolution of a majority of the shareholders at any meeting thereof. The Board of Directors may not increase the number of directors between meetings of shareholders to a number which: (a) exceeds by more than 2 the number of directors last elected by shareholders where the number was 15 or less; or (b) exceeds by more than 4 the number of directors last elected by shareholders where the number was 16 or more, but in no event shall the number of directors exceed 25, unless the OCC has exempted the association from the 25-member limit.
Section 3. Qualifications. Each director must be a citizen of the United States and must own in his or her own right either shares of the capital stock of the association or a company that controls the association that has not less than an aggregate par value of $1,000, an aggregate shareholders’ equity of $1,000, or an aggregate fair market value of $1,000. The value of the common or preferred stock held by a director is valued as of the date purchased or the date on which the individual became a director, whichever is greater.
Section 4. Organization Meeting. After each annual meeting of shareholders at which directors shall have been elected, the Board of Directors shall meet as soon as practicable for the purpose of organization and the transaction of other business. Such first regular meeting shall be held at any place as may be designated by the chair, the president or the Board of Directors for such first regular meeting or, in default of such designation, where the immediately preceding meeting of shareholders was held.
Section 5. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held on such dates and at such places as may be designated from time to time by the chair. No notice of regular meetings shall be necessary.
Section 6. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the chair, the chief executive officer, the president or by a majority of the then- acting directors by vote at a meeting or in writing, or by a majority of the members of the executive committee, if one is constituted, by vote at a meeting or in writing. A special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held on such date and at any place as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. In the absence of such designation, such meeting shall be held at such place as may be designated in the call. Each member of the Board of Directors shall be given notice stating the date, time and place, by letter, electronic delivery or in person, of each special
meeting not less than one day before the meeting. Such notice need not specify the purpose for which the meeting is called, unless required by the Articles of Association or the bylaws.
Section 7. Quorum. A majority of the entire Board then in office shall constitute a quorum at any meeting, except when otherwise provided by law or these Bylaws, but a lesser number may adjourn any meeting, from time to time, and the meeting may be held, as adjourned, without further notice. If the number of directors present at the meeting is reduced below the number that would constitute a quorum, no business may be transacted, except selecting directors to fill vacancies in conformance with Article II, Section 11. If a quorum is present, the board of directors may take action through the vote of a majority of the directors who are in attendance. No director may vote by proxy.
Section 8. Attendance by Electronic, Telephonic or Similar Means. Any one or more members of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may participate in a regular or special meeting of such board or committee by, or conduct the meeting through the use of, conference telephone or other communications equipment by which all directors or committee members participating may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting. Participation in a meeting by these means constitutes presence in person at a meeting.
Section 9. Procedures. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at every meeting of the Board of Directors may be determined by the person presiding at the meeting.
Section 10. Removal of Directors. Any director may be removed for cause at any meeting of shareholders, notice of which shall have referred to the proposed action, by vote of the shareholders. Any director may be removed without cause at any meeting of shareholders, notice of which shall have referred to the proposed action, by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the association entitled to vote. Any director may be removed for cause at any meeting of the directors, notice of which shall have referred to the proposed action, by vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.
Section 11. Vacancies. When any vacancy occurs among the directors, a majority of the remaining members of the Board of Directors may appoint a director to fill such vacancy until the next election at any regular meeting of the Board of Directors, or at a special meeting called for that purpose at which a quorum is present, or if the directors remaining in office constitute fewer than a quorum of the Board of Directors, by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the directors remaining in office, or by shareholders at a special meeting called for that purpose in conformance with Section 2 of Article I. A vacancy that will occur at a specific later date (by reason of a resignation effective at a later date) may be filled before the vacancy occurs but the new director may not take office until the vacancy occurs.
Section 12. Consent of Directors without a Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if the action is taken by all members of the Board. The action may be evidenced by one or more written consents signed by each director before or after such action, describing the action taken, and included in the minutes or filed with the corporate records. A director’s consent to action taken without a meeting may be in electronic form and delivered by electronic means.
Section 13. Ratification. The board of directors may ratify and make binding on the association any action or inaction by the association or its officers to the extent that the Board of Directors or the shareholders could have originally authorized the matter and as permitted by law. Moreover, any action or inaction questioned in any shareholders’ derivative proceeding or any other proceeding on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of a director, officer or shareholder, non-disclosure, miscomputation, the application of improper principles or practices of accounting or otherwise, may be ratified, before or after judgment, by the Board of Directors or by the shareholders, and if so ratified, shall have the same force and effect as if the questioned action or inaction had been originally duly authorized, and such ratification shall be binding upon the shareholders and shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned action or inaction.
ARTICLE III
Committees
Section 1. Executive Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Committee, which shall have and may exercise, during the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, all the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business, properties and affairs of the association except as prohibited by law, the Articles of Association or these Bylaws. All acts done and powers conferred by the Executive Committee shall be deemed to be and may be certified as being, done or conferred under authority of the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Trust Audit Committee. Unless delegated pursuant to Section 5 of this Article III, there shall be a Trust Audit Committee composed of not less than 2 directors, appointed by the Board of Directors, which shall, at least once during each calendar year make suitable audits of the association’s fiduciary activities or cause suitable audits to be made by auditors responsible only to the Board, and at such time shall ascertain whether fiduciary powers have been administered according to law, Part 9 of the Regulations of the Comptroller of the Currency, and sound fiduciary principles. Such committee: (1) must not include any officers of the association or an affiliate who participate significantly in the administration of the association’s fiduciary activities; and (2) must consist of a majority of members who are not also members of any committee to which the Board of Directors has delegated power to manage and control the fiduciary activities of the bank.
Section 3. Examining Committee. Unless delegated pursuant to Section 5 of this Article III, there shall be an examining committee composed of not less than 2 directors, exclusive of any active officers, appointed by the board of directors annually or more often. The duty of that committee shall be to examine at least once during each calendar year and within 15 months of the last examination the affairs of the association or cause suitable examinations to be made by auditors responsible only to the board of directors and to report the result of such examination in writing to the board of directors at the next regular meeting thereafter. Such
report shall state whether the association is in a sound condition, and whether adequate internal controls and procedures are being maintained and shall recommend to the board of directors such changes in the manner of conducting the affairs of the association as shall be deemed advisable.
Section 4. Other Committees. The Board of Directors may from time to time by resolution adopted by affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors, appoint other committees of the Board of Directors which shall have such powers and duties as the Board of Directors may properly determine. No such other committee of the Board of Directors shall be composed of fewer than three (3) directors. The Board of Directors may also appoint one or more directors as alternative members of a committee. All acts done and powers conferred by the Board of Directors on committees of the Board of Directors shall be deemed to be and may be certified as being, done or conferred under that authority of the Board of Directors.
Section 5. Delegation of Responsibility and Authority. The responsibility, authority and constitution of any committee under this Article III may, if authorized by law, be given over to a duly constituted committee of the association’s parent corporation by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IV
Officers and Employees
Section 1 Officers. The Board of Directors shall annually, at the Annual Reorganization Meeting of the Board of Directors following the annual meeting of shareholders, appoint or elect a chair of the Board, a chief executive officer, a president, one or more vice presidents however denominated, a corporate secretary, a treasurer, a chief auditor, and such other officers as it may determine. At the Annual Reorganization Meeting, the Board of Directors shall also elect or reelect all of the officers of the association to hold office until the next Annual Reorganization Meeting. In the interim between Annual Reorganization Meetings, the officers of the association may be elected as follows and shall hold office until the next Annual Reorganization Meeting unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors or such authorized officer(s): The head of the Human Resources Department of M&T Bank or his or her designee or designees, may appoint officers up to and including the rank of senior executive vice president, including (without limitation as to title or number) one or more executive vice presidents, senior vice presidents, vice presidents, assistant vice presidents, assistant secretaries, assistant treasurers and assistant auditors, and any other officer positions as they deem necessary and appropriate, except the chair of the board, chief executive officer, president, any “Executive Officer” of the association for the purposes of Regulation O (codified at 12 C.F.R. §215.2(e)(1)), and any “Senior Executive Officer” within the meaning of 12 C.F.R. §5.51(c)(4) may only be appointed by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Chair of the Board. The Board of Directors shall appoint one of its members to be the chair of the Board to serve at its pleasure. Such person shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The chair of the Board shall supervise the carrying out of the policies adopted or approved by the Board of Directors; shall have general executive powers, as well as the specific powers conferred by these Bylaws; and shall also have and may exercise such further powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred upon or assigned by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. President. The Board of Directors shall appoint one of its members to be the president of the association. The president shall be a member of the Board of Directors. In the absence of the chair, the president shall preside at any meeting of the Board of Directors. The president shall have general executive powers and shall have and may exercise any and all other powers and duties pertaining by law, regulation, or practice to the office of president, or imposed by these Bylaws. The president shall also have and may exercise such further powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred or assigned by the Board of Directors.
Section 4. Vice President. The Board of Directors may appoint one or more vice presidents. Each vice president shall have such powers and duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors. One vice president shall be designated by the Board of Directors, in the absence of the president, to perform all the duties of the president.
Section 5. Secretary. The Board of Directors shall appoint a secretary or other designated officer who shall be secretary of the Board of Directors and of the association and who shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings. The secretary shall attend to the giving of all notices required by these Bylaws; shall be custodian of the corporate seal, records, documents and papers of the association; shall provide for the keeping of proper records of all transactions of the association; shall have and may exercise any and all other powers and duties pertaining by law, regulation or practice, or imposed by these bylaws; and shall also perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time, by the Board of Directors.
Section 6. Other Officers. The Board of Directors may appoint one or more assistant vice presidents, one or more trust officers, one or more officers, one or more assistant secretaries, one or more assistant treasurers, one or more managers and assistant managers of branches and such other officers and attorneys in fact as from time to time may appear to the Board of Directors to be required or desirable to transact the business of the association. Such officers shall respectively exercise such powers and perform such duties as pertain to their several offices, or as may be conferred upon or assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the chair of the Board, or the president. The Board of Directors may authorize an officer to appoint one or more officers or assistant officers.
Section 7. Resignation. An officer may resign at any time by delivering notice to the association. A resignation is effective when the notice is given unless the notice specifies a later effective date.
ARTICLE V
Stock and Stock Certificates
Section 1. Transfers. Shares of stock shall be transferable on the books of the association, and a transfer book shall be kept in which all transfers of stock shall be recorded. Every person becoming a shareholder by such transfer shall in proportion to such shareholder's shares, succeed to all rights of the prior holder of such shares. The Board of Directors may impose conditions upon the transfer of the stock reasonably calculated to simplify the work of the association with respect
to stock transfers, voting at shareholder meetings and related matters and to protect it against fraudulent transfers.
Section 2. Stock Certificates. Certificates of stock shall bear the signature of the president (which may be engraved, printed or impressed) and shall be signed manually, by facsimile process, or electronic means by the secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer, or any other officer appointed by the Board of Directors for that purpose, to be known as an authorized officer, and the seal of the association shall be engraved thereon. Each certificate shall recite on its face that the stock represented thereby is transferable only upon the books of the association properly endorsed and otherwise comply with the requirements of 12
U.S.C. 52 and 12 C.F.R. §7.2016(b).
Section 3. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In case any certificate representing shares shall be lost, stolen or destroyed, the Board of Directors, in its discretion, or any officer or officers thereunder duly authorized by the Board of Directors, may authorize the issue of a substitute certificate or substitute shares in uncertificated form in the place of the certificate so lost, stolen or destroyed.
Section 4. Fixing of Record Date. The Board of Directors may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other proper purpose. Such date, in any case, shall be the close of business on the day before the first notice is mailed or otherwise sent to the shareholders, provided that in no event may a record date be more than 10 days before the meeting.
ARTICLE VII
Corporate Seal
Section 1. Seal. The seal of the association shall be in such form as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. The president, the treasurer, the secretary or any assistant treasurer or assistant secretary, or other officer thereunto designated by the Board of Directors shall have authority to affix the corporate seal to any document requiring such seal and to attest the same. The seal on any corporate obligation for the payment of money may be facsimile.
ARTICLE VIII
Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the association shall be the calendar year.
Section 2. Execution of Instruments. All agreements, indentures, mortgages, deeds, conveyances, transfers, certificates, declarations, receipts, discharges, releases, satisfactions, settlements, petitions, schedules, accounts, affidavits, bonds, undertakings, proxies and other instruments or documents may be signed, executed, acknowledged, verified, delivered or accepted on behalf of the association by any officer elected or appointed pursuant to Article IV of these Bylaws. Any such instruments may also be executed, acknowledged, verified, delivered or
accepted on behalf of the association in such other manner and by such other officers as the Board of Directors may from time to time direct. The provisions of this Section 2 are supplementary to any other provision of these Bylaws.
Section 3. Records. The Articles of Association, the Bylaws and the proceedings of all meetings of the shareholders, the Board of Directors, and standing committees of the Board of Directors shall be recorded in appropriate minute books provided for that purpose. The minutes of each meeting shall be signed by the secretary, treasurer or other officer appointed to act as secretary of the meeting.
Section 4. Corporate Governance Procedures. To the extent not inconsistent with federal banking statutes and regulations, or safe and sound banking practices, the association may follow the Delaware General Corporation Law, Del. Code Ann. tit. 8 (1991, as amended 1994, and as amended thereafter) with respect to matters of corporate governance procedures.
Section 5. Indemnification. For purposes of this Section 5 of Article VIII, the term “institution-affiliated party” shall mean any institution-affiliated party of the association as such term is defined in 12 U.S.C. 1813(u).
Any institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) may be indemnified or reimbursed by the association for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed actions or proceedings and appeals therein, whether civil, criminal, governmental, administrative or investigative, in accordance with and to the fullest extent permitted by law, as such law now or hereafter exists; provided, however, that when an administrative proceeding or action instituted by a federal banking agency results in a final order or settlement pursuant to which such person: (i) is assessed a civil money penalty, (ii) is removed from office or prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the association, or (iii) is required to cease and desist from or to take any affirmative action described in 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) with respect to the association, then the association shall require the repayment of all legal fees and expenses advanced pursuant to the next succeeding paragraph and may not indemnify such institution-affiliated parties (or their heirs, executors or administrators) for expenses, including expenses for legal fees, penalties or other payments incurred. The association shall provide indemnification in connection with an action or proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) only if such action or proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors.
Expenses incurred by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in connection with any action or proceeding under 12 U.S.C. 164 or 1818 may be paid by the association in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon (a) a determination by the Board of Directors acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding that the institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) has a reasonable basis for prevailing on the merits, (b) a determination that the indemnified individual (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) will have the financial capacity to reimburse the association in the event he or she does not prevail, (c) a determination that the payment of expenses and fees by the association will not adversely affect
the safety and soundness of the association, and (d) receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) to repay such advancement in the event of a final order or settlement pursuant to which such person: (i) is assessed a civil money penalty, (ii) is removed from office or prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the association, or (iii) is required to cease and desist from or to take any affirmative action described in 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) with respect to the association. In all other instances, expenses incurred by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in connection with any action or proceeding as to which indemnification may be given under the Articles of Association may be paid by the association in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon (a) receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such institution-affiliated party (or by or on behalf of his or her heirs, executors or administrators) to repay such advancement in the event that such institution- affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) is ultimately found not to be entitled to indemnification as authorized by these Bylaws and (b) approval by the Board of Directors acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding or, if such a quorum is not obtainable, then approval by shareholders. To the extent permitted by law, the Board of Directors or, if applicable, the shareholders, shall not be required to find that the institution-affiliated party has met the applicable standard of conduct provided by law for indemnification in connection with such action or proceeding.
In the event that a majority of the members of the Board of Directors are named as respondents in an administrative proceeding or civil action and request indemnification, the remaining members of the Board may authorize independent legal counsel to review the indemnification request and provide the remaining members of the Board with a written opinion of counsel as to whether the conditions delineated in the first four paragraphs of this Section 5 of Article VIII have been met. If independent legal counsel opines that said conditions have been met, the remaining members of the Board of Directors may rely on such opinion in authorizing the requested indemnification.
In the event that all of the members of the Board of Directors are named as respondents in an administrative proceeding or civil action and request indemnification, the Board shall authorize independent legal counsel to review the indemnification request and provide the Board with a written opinion of counsel as to whether the conditions delineated in the first four paragraphs of this Section 5 of Article VIII have been met. If legal counsel opines that said conditions have been met, the Board of Directors may rely on such opinion in authorizing the requested indemnification.
To the extent permitted under applicable law, the rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in the Articles of Association (a) shall be available with respect to events occurring prior to the adoption of these Bylaws, (b) shall continue to exist after any restrictive amendment of these Bylaws with respect to events occurring prior to such amendment, (c) may be interpreted on the basis of applicable law in effect at the time of the occurrence of the event or events giving rise to the action or proceeding, or on the basis of applicable law in effect at the time such rights are claimed, and (d) are in the nature of contract rights which may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction as if the association and the institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) for whom such rights are sought were parties to a separate written agreement. The rights of indemnification and to the
advancement of expenses provided in these Bylaws shall not, to the extent permitted under applicable law, be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any such institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) may now or hereafter be otherwise entitled whether contained in the association’s Articles of Association, these Bylaws, a resolution of shareholders, a resolution of the Board of Directors, or an agreement providing such indemnification, the creation of such other rights being hereby expressly authorized. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these Bylaws shall not be deemed exclusive of any rights, pursuant to statute or otherwise, of any such institution-affiliated party (or of his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in any such action or proceeding to have assessed or allowed in his or her favor, against the association or otherwise, his or her costs and expenses incurred therein or in connection therewith or any part thereof.
If this Section 5 of Article VIII or any part hereof shall be held unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remainder of this Section 5 of Article VIII shall remain fully enforceable.
The association may, upon affirmative vote of a majority of its Board of Directors, purchase insurance to indemnify its institution-affiliated parties to the extent that such indemnification is allowed in these Bylaws; provided, however, that no such insurance shall include coverage for a final order assessing civil money penalties against such persons by a bank regulatory agency. Such insurance may, but need not, be for the benefit of all institution- affiliated parties.
ARTICLE IX
Inspection and Amendments
Section 1. Inspection. A copy of the bylaws of the association, with all amendments, shall at all times be kept in a convenient place at the main office of the association, and shall be open for inspection to all shareholders during banking hours.
Section 2. Amendments. The Board of Directors shall have the power, at any regular or special meeting thereof, to amend, alter or repeal the bylaws of the association, or to make and adopt new bylaws. These Bylaws may be amended, altered or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by the shareholders of the association to the extent and as permitted in the Articles of Association or applicable law.
EXHIBIT 6
Section 321(b) Consent
Pursuant to Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, Wilmington Trust, National Association hereby consents that reports of examinations by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon requests therefor.
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| | | WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION | |
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| Dated: | May 3, 2024 | | By: | /s/ Iris Munoz | |
| | | | Name: | Iris Munoz | |
| | | | Title: | Assistant Vice President | |
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EXHIBIT 7
R E P O R T O F C O N D I T I O N
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
As of the close of business on December 31, 2023
| | | | | |
| ASSETS | Thousands of Dollars |
| Cash and balances due from depository institutions: | 537,816 | |
| Securities: | 5,633 | |
| Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreement to resell: | 0 | |
| Loans and leases held for sale: | 0 | |
| Loans and leases net of unearned income, allowance: | 44,955 | |
| Premises and fixed asset | 31,969 | |
| Other real estate owned: | 210 | |
| Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies: | 0 | |
| Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures: | 0 | |
| Intangible assets: | 0 | |
| Other assets: | 62,185 | |
| Total Assets: | 682,768 | |
| |
| |
| LIABILITIES | Thousands of Dollars |
| Deposits | 6,021 | |
| Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase | 0 | |
| Other borrowed money: | 0 | |
| Other Liabilities: | 94,313 | |
| Total Liabilities | 100,334 | |
| |
| |
| EQUITY CAPITAL | Thousands of Dollars |
| Common Stock | 1,000 | |
| Surplus | 345,403 | |
| Retained Earnings | 236,374 | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | (343) | |
| Total Equity Capital | 582,434 | |
| |
| |
| Total Liabilities and Equity Capital | 682,768 | |
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