DRYS DryShips Inc

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

For purposes of the description of the Company's capital stock below, references to "us," "we" and "our" refer only to DryShips Inc. and not any of its subsidiaries. Please see our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, copies of which are incorporated by reference as exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016.  Please also see the Statement of Designations of the Series C Convertible Preferred Shares, which was filed as an exhibit to our Report on Form 6-K filed with the SEC on June 8, 2016, the Certificate of Designation of the Series D Preferred Stock, which was filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016, and the Statement of Designations of the Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares and Series E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares, respectively, which were filed as exhibits to our Report on Form 6-K filed with the SEC on November 17, 2016.

Authorized and Outstanding Capital Stock

Under our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, our authorized capital stock consists of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 152,055,576 shares (excluding treasury stock) are issued and outstanding as of March 20, 2017 and 500,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 100,000,000 shares have been designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, 10,000,000 as Series A Participating Preferred Stock, 100,000,000 shares have been designated as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, 10,000 shares have been designated as Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, 3,500,000 shares have been designated as Series D Preferred Stock, 50,000 shares have been designated as Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, and 50,000 shares have been designated as Series E-2 Convertible Preferred Stock. As of March 20, 2017, there were 29,166 shares of Series D Preferred Stock outstanding, and no other preferred shares were issued and outstanding. All of our shares of stock are in registered form.

Description of Common Stock

Each share of our outstanding common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably all dividends, if any, declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividends. Holders of shares of our common stock do not have conversion, redemption or preemptive rights to subscribe to any of our securities. All outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of shares of our common stock are subject to the rights of the holders of any preferred shares that may be outstanding. Shares of our stock are listed on Nasdaq under the symbol "DRYS."

On February 22, 2016, a committee of our board of directors determined to affect a 1-for-25 reverse stock split of shares of our common stock. The reverse stock split occurred, and shares of our common stock began trading on a split adjusted basis on Nasdaq as of the opening of trading on March 11, 2016.

On July 29, 2016, our board of directors determined to effect a 1-for-4 reverse stock split of shares of our common stock.  The reverse stock split occurred, and shares of our common stock began trading on a split adjusted basis on Nasdaq as of the opening of trading on August 15, 2016.

On October 27, 2016, a committee of our board of directors determined to effect a 1-for-15 reverse stock split of shares of our common stock.  The reverse stock split occurred, and shares of our common stock began trading on a split adjusted basis on Nasdaq as of the opening of trading on November 1, 2016.

On December 23, 2016, we entered into a common stock purchase agreement, or the 2016 Purchase Agreement, with Kalani Investments Limited, or the Investor. The 2016 Purchase Agreement provided that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, the Investor was committed to purchase up to $200.0 million worth of shares of our common stock over the 24-month term of the purchase agreement and would receive up to an aggregate of $1.5 million of shares of our common stock as a commitment fee in consideration for entering into the 2016 Purchase Agreement. A s of January 31, 2017, we completed the sale to the Investor of the full $200.0 million worth of shares of our common stock under the 2016 Purchase Agreement, which then automatically terminated in accordance with its terms. Between the date of the 2016 Purchase Agreement, December 23, 2016, and January 30, 2017, we sold an aggregate 31,769,940 shares of our common stock to the Investor at an average price of approximately $6.30 per share.

On January 18, 2017, our board of directors determined to effect a 1-for-8 reverse stock split of shares of our common stock.  The reverse stock split occurred, and shares of our common stock began trading on a split adjusted basis on Nasdaq as of the opening of trading on January 23, 2017.

On February 17, 2017, we entered into a common stock purchase agreement, or the 2017 Purchase Agreement, with the Investor.  T he 2017 Purchase Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, the Investor is committed to purchase up to $200.0 million worth of shares of our common stock over the 24-month term of the purchase agreement and receive up to an aggregate of $1.5 million of shares of our common stock as a commitment fee in consideration for entering into the 2017 Purchase Agreement. As of March 17, 2017, we completed the sale to the Investor of the full $200.0 million worth of shares of our common stock under the 2016 Purchase Agreement, which then automatically terminated in accordance with its terms . Between the date of the 2017 Purchase Agreement, February 17, 2017, and March 16, 2017, we sold an aggregate 114,947,079 shares of our common stock to the Investor at an average price of approximately $1.74 per share.

Description of Preferred Stock

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize our board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred shares and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred shares, the terms and rights of that series, including:

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the designation of the series;

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the number of shares of the series;

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the preferences and relative, participating, option or other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such series; and

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the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series.

Our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that was outstanding until October 2011 accrued cumulative dividends on a quarterly basis at an annual rate of 6.75% of the aggregate face value. Dividends were payable in preferred stock or cash, if cash dividends have been declared on shares of our common stock. Such accrued dividends were payable in additional shares of preferred stock immediately prior to any conversion.

Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock entitled the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders. Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Designations of Rights, Preferences and Privileges of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, or by law, the holders of shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and the holders of shares of our common stock voted together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company's shareholders. Except as required by law, holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock had no special voting rights and their consent was not be required (except to the extent they are entitled to vote with holders of shares of our common stock as described above) for taking any corporate action.

The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock ranked senior to all other series of our preferred stock as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets, unless the terms of any such series provided otherwise. The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was not redeemable unless upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, or sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, in which case a one-to-one redemption takes place plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.

We entered into the secured revolving credit facility, or the Secured Revolving Credit Facility, with Sifnos Shareholders Inc., or Sifnos, an entity controlled by Mr. Economou, on October 21, 2015, and subsequently amended it on November 11, 2015, pursuant to which we were initially permitted to borrow up to $60.0 million principal amount from Sifnos, as lender.  Pursuant to the terms of the Secured Revolving Credit Facility, on December 30, 2015, we exercised our right to convert $10.0 million in aggregate principal of the Secured Revolving Credit Facility into 8,333 shares (4,000,000 shares before the 1-for-4, 1-for-15, and 1-for-8 reverse stock splits) of our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock.

The holders of each share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock were entitled to vote with the holders of each share of our common stock on all matters on which shares of our common stock were entitled to vote as a single class, and the shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock had five votes per share.  The shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock were mandatorily convertible into shares of our common stock on a one to one basis within three months after the issuance thereof or any earlier date selected by us in our sole discretion. The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock had the same dividend and liquidation rights as shares of our common stock.

On March 24, 2016, we entered into an agreement to increase the maximum available amount under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility by $10.0 million to $70.0 million, and as part of the transaction we entered into a Preferred Stock Exchange Agreement to exchange the 8,333 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares (4,000,000 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares before the 1-for-4, 1-for-15 and 1-for-8 reverse stock splits) held by the lender for $8.75 million. We subsequently cancelled the Series B Preferred Shares, effective March 24, 2016.

On April 5, 2016 and September 9, 2016, the Secured Revolving Credit Facility was amended to include certain additional conversion mechanisms. Pursuant to the Secured Revolving Credit Facility, as amended, we had the option to elect, at any time prior to the maturity date of the Secured Revolving Credit Facility, to convert $8.75 million of the outstanding principal amount of loans into 29,166 shares of Series D Preferred Stock (3,500,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock before the 1-for-15 and 1-for-8 reverse stock split) of the Company. On September 13, 2016, we elected to exercise our preferred stock rights pursuant to the Secured Revolving Credit Facility and issued 29,166 shares of Series D Preferred Stock (3,500,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock before the 1-for-15 and 1-for-8 reverse stock split) to Sifnos.

Each share of Series D Preferred Stock is entitled to vote with shares of our common stock on all matters on which shares of our common stock are entitled to vote as a single class, and the shares of Series D Preferred Stock have 100,000 votes per share.  Shares of Series D Preferred Stock have the same dividend and liquidation rights as shares of our common stock on a share-for-share basis.

On June 8, 2016, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with an institutional investor for the sale of 5,000 Series C Convertible Preferred Shares, warrants to purchase an additional 5,000 Series C Convertible Preferred Shares and 310 shares of our common stock (148,998 shares of our common stock before the 1-for-4, 1-for 15 and 1-for-8 reverse stock splits). On August 10, 2016, the institutional investor exercised the warrants and we issued an additional 5,000 Series C Convertible Preferred Shares.

Our Series C Convertible Preferred Shares that were outstanding until November 2016, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, ranked senior with respect to all shares of capital stock of the Company except for the Series E-1 and E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares, with which the Series C Convertible Preferred Shares ranked on a pari passu basis. Holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Shares were entitled to dividends in the amount of 8.0% per annum, subject to an increase to 12% per annum upon the occurrence and continuance of certain triggering events. Dividends were payable monthly in shares of our common stock or cash, at our option.

The Series C Convertible Preferred Shares were initially convertible at any time at the option of the holder into shares of our common stock at a fixed conversion price of $2.75 per common share, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Series C Convertible Preferred Statement of Designations; provided, however, that if the VWAP of shares of our common stock on Nasdaq was below the fixed conversion price, subject to certain adjustments, then the holder was eligible to convert the Series C Convertible Preferred Shares at an alternate price equal to the higher of (x) 75.0% of the lowest daily volume weighted average price on any trading day during the 21 consecutive trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the conversion date and (y) $0.37.

The Series C Convertible Preferred Shares would not be converted, and shares of our common stock would not be issued in connection therewith, if, after giving effect to the conversion or issuance, the holder together with its affiliates would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. At each holder's option, the cap could be raised or lowered to any other percentage not in excess of 9.99%, except that any increase would only be effective upon 61-days' prior notice to us.

If the Company was deemed to have issued or sold shares of our common stock, options, or convertible securities for a consideration per share less than the conversion price of the Series C Convertible Preferred Shares then in effect, the conversion price would be reduced to the deemed sale price of such securities.

Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of Series C Convertible Preferred Shares were entitled to be paid out of our assets, before any amount would be paid to the holders of any other shares of our capital stock except for Series E-1 and E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares, an amount per Series C Preferred Share equal to $1,000 plus any accrued but unpaid dividends thereon and the amount per share such holder would receive if such holder converted such Series C Convertible Preferred Shares into shares of our common stock immediately prior to the date of payment.

Except as otherwise required by law (or with respect to approval of certain actions as set forth in the Series C Convertible Preferred Statement of Designations), the Series C Convertible Preferred Shares did not have voting rights.

As of November 18, 2016, all of our outstanding Series C Convertible Preferred Shares have been converted into an aggregate 177,886 shares of our common stock (1,423,091 shares of our common stock before the 1-for-8 reverse stock split) in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Designations of the Series C Convertible Preferred Shares.

On November 16, 2016, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with the Investor for the sale of 20,000 Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares; Series E-1 Preferred Warrants to purchase 30,000 Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares; Series E-2 Preferred Warrants to purchase 50,000 Series E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares; prepaid warrants to initially purchase an aggregate of 46,609 shares of our common stock (372,874 shares of our common stock before the 1-for-8 reverse stock split), with the number of shares of our common stock issuable subject to adjustment as described therein; and 12 shares of our common stock (100 shares of our common stock before the 1-for-8 reverse stock split). The gross proceeds from the sale of the securities, including all of the preferred warrants exercised in the transaction amounted to $100.0 million.

We initially issued 20,000 shares of Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares and had 30,000 additional shares of Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares available to be issued pursuant to our Statement of Designations of the Series E-1 Preferred Shares and Series E-1 Preferred Warrants (as discussed below).  The Series E-1 Preferred Convertible Preferred Shares were convertible at any time at the option of the holder into shares of our common stock at a fixed conversion price of $30.00 per common share; provided, however, that if the VWAP of the shares of our common stock on Nasdaq was below $30.00 (subject to adjustment as described herein), then the holder had the option to convert the Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares at an alternate price equal to the higher of (x) 77.5% of the lowest daily volume weighted average price on any trading day during the 14 consecutive trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the conversion date and (y) $1.50. At any time, we were able to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares on the terms described in the governing documents. An additional 30,000 Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares were subsequently issued upon exercise of our Series E-1 Preferred Warrants.

Further, 50,000 Series E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares were issued upon exercise of our Series E-2 Preferred Warrants (as described below) and our Statement of Designations of the Series E-2 Preferred Shares with respect thereto.  The Series E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares were convertible at any time at the option of the holder into shares of our common stock at a fixed conversion price of $30.00 per common share; provided, however, that if the VWAP of the shares of our common stock on Nasdaq was below $30.00 (subject to adjustment as described herein), then the holder had the option to convert the Series E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares at an alternate price equal to the higher of (x) 85.0% of the lowest daily volume weighted average price on any trading day during the 21 consecutive trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the conversion date and (y) $1.50. At any time, the Company was able to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Series E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares on the terms described in the governing documents.

The Series E-1 Preferred Warrants were exercisable into up to 30,000 Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares at any time at the option of the holder thereof at an exercise price of $1,000 per Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Share, and would expire two years after the date of issuance of such warrant.

The Series E-2 Preferred Warrants were exercisable into up to 50,000 Series E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares at any time at the option of the holder thereof at an exercise price of $1,000 per Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Share, and would expire two years after the date of issuance of such warrant.

In connection with the purchase of Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares, we also agreed to issue to the Investor additional shares of our common stock equal to 1.5% of the quotient of (x) the Aggregate Exercise Price (as defined in the Series E-1 Preferred Warrants) paid to us in connection with an exercise of the Series E-1 Preferred Warrants, divided by (y) the Alternate Conversion Price (as defined in the Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares Statement of Designations), which the Investor agreed to accept in the form of a prepaid Series F-1 Common Warrant, or the Additional F-1 Common Shares.  Initially, the Series F-1 Common Warrant was only exercisable into 1,237 shares of our common stock (9,900 shares of our common stock before the 1-for-8 reverse stock split), which together with the 12 shares of our common stock (100 shares of our common stock before the 1-for-8 reverse stock split) issued to the Investor initially, represented the 1,249 shares (10,000 shares of our common stock before the 1-for-8 reverse stock split) issuable at a deemed price of $30.00 per share in connection with the initial issuance of Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares.  Upon each exercise of the Series E-1 Preferred Warrants, the related Additional F-1 Convertible Common Shares became exercisable thereunder.  No consideration was required to be paid upon any exercise of the Series F-1 Common Warrants.

In connection with the purchase of Series E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares, we also agreed to issue to the Investor additional shares of our common stock equal to 1.5% of the quotient of (x) the Aggregate Exercise Price (as defined in the Series E-2 Preferred Warrants) paid to us in connection with an exercise of the Series E-2 Preferred Warrants, divided by (y) the Alternate Conversion Price (as defined in the Series E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares Statement of Designations), which the Investor agreed to accept in the form of a prepaid Series F-2 Common Warrant, or the Additional F-2 Common Shares.  Initially, the Series F-2 Common Warrant was not exercisable into any shares of our common stock.  Upon each exercise of the Series E-2 Preferred Warrants, the related Additional F-2 Convertible Common Shares became exercisable thereunder.

As of December 12, 2016, all of the preferred warrants to purchase 30,000 Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares, preferred warrants to purchase 50,000 Series E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares and related prepaid warrants to purchase shares of our common stock have been exercised and the Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Shares and Series E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares have been converted into an aggregate 3,991,579 shares of our common stock (31,932,629 shares of our common stock before the 1-for-8 reverse stock split) in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Designations of the Series E-1 and E-2 Convertible Preferred Shares.

Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

Our purpose, as stated in Section B of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act. Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws do not impose any limitations on the ownership rights of our shareholders.

Directors

Our directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote in an election. Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that cumulative voting shall not be used to elect directors. Our board of directors must consist of at least three members. The exact number of directors is fixed by a vote of at least 66 2/3% of the entire board. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide for a staggered board of directors whereby directors shall be divided into three classes: Class A, Class B and Class C which shall be as nearly equal in number as possible. Shareholders, acting as at a duly constituted meeting, or by unanimous written consent of all shareholders, initially designated directors as Class A, Class B or Class C. The term of our directors designated Class A directors expires at our 2017 annual meeting of shareholders. Class B directors serve for a term expiring at our 2018 annual meeting of shareholders. Directors designated as Class C directors serve for a term expiring at our 2019 annual meeting of shareholders. At annual meetings for each initial term, directors to replace those whose terms expire at such annual meetings will be elected to hold office until the third succeeding annual meeting. Each director serves his respective term of office until his successor has been elected and qualified, except in the event of his death, resignation, removal or the earlier termination of his term of office. Our board of directors has the authority to fix the amounts which shall be payable to the members of the board of directors for attendance at any meeting or for services rendered to us.

Under our Amended and Restated Bylaws, no contract or transaction between the Company and one or more of our directors or officers, or between the Company and any other corporation, partnership, association or other organization of which one or more of our directors or officers are directors or officers or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of our board of directors or a committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because his or her or their votes are counted for such purpose, if: (i) the material facts as to his or her or their relationship or interest as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to our board or directors or the applicable committee thereof and the board of directors or such committee, as applicable, in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, or, if the votes of the disinterested directors are insufficient to constitute an act of the board of directors as defined under the BCA, then by unanimous vote of the disinterested directors; (ii) the material facts as to his or her or their relationship or interest as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Company's shareholders, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the shareholders; or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair as to the Company as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by our board of directors, a committee thereof or our shareholders. Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the board of directors or of a committee thereof that authorizes the contract or transaction.

Shareholder Meetings

Under our Amended and Restated Bylaws, annual shareholders meetings will be held at a time and place selected by our board of directors. The meetings may be held in or outside of the Marshall Islands. Our board of directors may set a record date between 15 and 60 days before the date of any meeting to determine the shareholders that will be eligible to receive notice and vote at the meeting.

Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal and Payment

Under the BCA, our shareholders have the right to dissent from various corporate actions, including any merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets not made in the usual course of our business, and receive payment of the fair value of their shares. However, the right of a dissenting shareholder to receive payment of the appraised fair value of his shares is not available under the BCA for the shares of any class or series of stock, which shares or depository receipts in respect thereof, at the record date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting of the shareholders to act upon the agreement of merger or consolidation, were either (i) listed on a securities exchange or admitted for trading on an interdealer quotation system or (ii) held of record by more than 2,000 holders. In the event of any further amendment of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, a shareholder also has the right to dissent and receive payment for the shareholder's shares if the amendment alters certain rights in respect of those shares. The dissenting shareholder must follow the procedures set forth in the BCA to receive payment. In the event that we and any dissenting shareholder fail to agree on a price for the shares, the BCA procedures involve, among other things, the institution of proceedings in any appropriate court in any jurisdiction in which our shares are primarily traded on a local or national securities exchange.

Shareholders' Derivative Actions

Under the BCA, any of our shareholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the shareholder bringing the action is a holder of common stock both at the time the derivative action is commenced and at the time of the transaction to which the action relates.

Indemnification of Officers and Directors

Our Amended and Restated Bylaws include a provision that entitles any director or officer of the Company to be indemnified by the Company upon the same terms, under the same conditions and to the same extent as authorized by the BCA if he acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in and not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

We are also authorized to carry directors' and officers' insurance as a protection against any liability asserted against our directors and officers acting in their capacity as directors and officers regardless of whether the Company would have the power to indemnify such director or officer against such liability by law or under the provisions of our bylaws. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.

The indemnification provisions in our Amended and Restated Bylaws may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our shareholders. There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.

Anti-takeover Provisions of our Charter Documents

Several provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws may have anti-takeover effects. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our board of directors to maximize shareholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these anti-takeover provisions, which are summarized below, could also discourage, delay or prevent (1) the merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, that a shareholder may consider in its best interest and (2) the removal of incumbent officers and directors.

Blank Check Preferred Stock

Under the terms of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, our board of directors has authority, without any further vote or action by our shareholders, to issue up to 500,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock. As of March 20, 2017, there were 29,166 shares of Series D Preferred Stock (3,500,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock before the 1-for-15 and 1-for-8 reverse stock split) outstanding. Our board of directors may issue additional shares of preferred stock on terms calculated to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or the removal of our management.

Classified Board of Directors

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provide for a board of directors serving staggered, three-year terms. Approximately one-third of our board of directors will be elected each year. The classified board provision could discourage a third party from making a tender offer for our shares or attempting to obtain control of our Company. It could also delay shareholders who do not agree with the policies of the board of directors from removing a majority of the board of directors for two years.

Election and Removal of Directors

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors. We have also issued 29,166 shares of Series D Preferred Stock (3,500,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock before the 1-for-15 and 1-for-8 reverse stock split), of which each share carries 100,000 votes, to Sifnos, an entity controlled by our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. George Economou, which may make it more difficult or impossible for a third party to elect directors without the support of Mr. Economou.

Further, our Amended and Restated Bylaws require shareholders to give advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws also provide that our directors may be removed only for cause and only upon affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66⅔% of the outstanding voting shares of the Company. These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors.

Limited Actions by Shareholders

Under the BCA and our Amended and Restated Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken by our shareholders must be effected at an annual or special meeting of shareholders or by the unanimous written consent of our shareholders. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that, unless otherwise prescribed by law, only a majority of our board of directors, the chairman of our board of directors or the President may call special meetings of our shareholders, and the business transacted at the special meeting is limited to the purposes stated in the notice. Accordingly, a shareholder may be prevented from calling a special meeting of shareholders for shareholder consideration of a proposal over the opposition of our board of directors and shareholder consideration of a proposal may be delayed until the next annual meeting of shareholders.

Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations

Our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that shareholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring business before an annual meeting of shareholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to the corporate secretary. Generally, to be timely, a shareholder's notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 150 days nor more than 180 days prior to the one year anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting of shareholders. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a shareholder's notice. These provisions may impede shareholders' ability to bring matters before an annual meeting of shareholders or make nominations for directors at an annual meeting of shareholders.

Stockholders Rights Agreement

We entered into a Stockholders Rights Agreement with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent, as of January 18, 2008. Under this Agreement, we declared a dividend payable of one preferred share purchase right, or Right, to purchase one one-thousandth of a share of our Series A Participating Preferred Stock for each outstanding common share. The Right will separate from the common shares and become exercisable after (1) the 10th business day after a person or group acquires ownership of 15% or more of our common shares or (2) the 10th business day (or such later date as determined by the company's board of directors) after a person or group announces a tender or exchange offer which would result in that person or group holding 15% or more of our common shares, or collectively, the Distribution Date. On the Distribution Date, each holder of a Right will be entitled to purchase for $250.00, or the Exercise Price, a fraction (1/1000th) of one share of our Series A Participating Preferred Stock, which has similar economic terms as one of our common shares. Subject to certain exceptions, if a person acquires more than 15% of our common shares, referred to as an Acquiring Person, each holder of a Right (except that Acquiring Person) will be entitled to buy at the exercise price the number of our common shares stock having a market value of twice the exercise price. In addition, any time after the date an Acquiring Person obtains more than 15% of our common shares and before that Acquiring Person acquires more than 50% of our outstanding common shares, we may exchange each right owned by all other Rights holders, in whole or in part, for one of our common shares. We may also redeem the Rights at any time prior to a public announcement that a person has acquired ownership of 15% or more of the Company's common stock.

On July 9, 2009, the Stockholders Rights Agreement was amended for the sole purpose of amending and restating the definition of Acquiring Person to exempt persons acquiring our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and any of our common shares resulting from the conversion of any such preferred stock from the definition of Acquiring Person, subject to certain exceptions. On April 21, 2010, the Stockholders Rights Agreement was further amended for the sole purpose of further amending and restating the definition of Acquiring Person to exempt from the definition of Acquiring Persons any persons acting (i) as a broker, dealer, distributor or initial purchaser or underwriter of our securities or as a market-maker with respect to such securities or (ii) in connection with share lending agreements or similar agreements between us or any of our affiliates and such person or any of such person's affiliates or associates, subject to certain exceptions.

The Rights expire on the earliest of (1) February 4, 2018 or (2) the exchange or redemption of the Rights as described above. The terms of the rights and the Stockholders Rights Agreement may be amended without the consent of the Rights holders at any time on or prior to the Distribution Date. After the Distribution Date, the terms of the Rights and the Stockholders Rights Agreement may be amended to make changes, which do not adversely affect the rights of the Rights holders (other than the Acquiring Person). The Rights do not have any voting rights. The Rights have the benefit of certain customary anti-dilution protections. As of March 20, 2017, no exercise of any Right had occurred.

Description of Preferred Share Purchase Rights

Each common share includes one right, which we refer to as a Right, that entitles the holder to purchase from us a unit consisting of one-thousandth of a share of the Company's Series A Participating Preferred Stock, or the Preferred Stock, at an initial exercise price of $130.00 per unit, or the Exercise Price, subject to specified adjustments. The Rights were initially issued pursuant to a preferred share purchase rights agreement dated January 18, 2008, or the Rights Agreement, and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company is the rights agent under the assigned Rights agreement, or the Rights Agent.  Until a Right is exercised, the holder of a Right will have no rights to vote or receive dividends or any other shareholder rights.

The Rights may have anti-takeover effects. The Rights will cause substantial dilution to any person or group that attempts to acquire us without the approval of our Board. As a result, the overall effect of the Rights may be to render more difficult or discourage any attempt to acquire us. Because our Board can approve a redemption of the Rights for a permitted offer, the Rights should not interfere with a merger or other business combination approved by our Board. We have summarized the material terms and conditions of the Rights Agreement and the Rights below. For a complete description of the Rights, we encourage you to read the Rights Agreement, which we have filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Detachment of the Rights

The Rights are attached to all certificates representing our currently outstanding common stock and will attach to all common stock certificates we issue prior to the Rights distribution date that we describe below. The Rights are not exercisable until after the Rights distribution date and will expire at the close of business on the tenth anniversary date of the adoption of the rights plan, unless we redeem or exchange them earlier as we describe below. The Rights will separate from the common stock and a Rights distribution date would occur, subject to specified exceptions, on the earlier of the following two dates:

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the 10th day after public announcement that a person or group has acquired ownership of 15% or more of the Company's common stock or

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the 10th business day (or such later date as determined by the Board) after a person or group announces a tender or exchange offer which would result in that person or group holding 15% or more of the Company's common stock.

Any person or group who acquires ownership of 15% or more of the Company's common stock shall be deemed an "Acquiring Person," but shall not include the Company, or anyone excepted from such definition in the Rights Agreement.

Persons who are the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the Company's common stock on the effective date of the Rights Agreement are excluded from the definition of Acquiring Person, until such time as they acquire an additional 5% of our outstanding common stock for purposes of the Rights, and therefore until such time, their ownership cannot trigger the Rights. Specified "inadvertent" owners that would otherwise become an acquiring person, including those who would have this designation as a result of repurchases of common shares by us, will not become acquiring persons as a result of those transactions, as described in detail in the Rights Agreement.

Our Board may defer the Rights distribution date in some circumstances, and some inadvertent acquisitions will not result in a person becoming an acquiring person if the person promptly divests itself of a sufficient number of common shares.

Until the Rights distribution date:

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our common stock certificates will evidence the Rights, and the Rights will be transferable only with those certificates; and

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any new common share will be issued with Rights and new certificates will contain a notation incorporating the Rights agreement by reference.

As soon as practicable after the Rights distribution date, the Rights agent will mail certificates representing the Rights to holders of record of common shares at the close of business on that date. After the Rights distribution date, only separate Rights certificates will represent the Rights.

We will not issue Rights with any common shares we issue after the Rights distribution date, except as our Board may otherwise determine.

Flip-In Event

A "flip-in event" will occur under the Rights Agreement when a person becomes an Acquiring Person other than pursuant to certain kinds of permitted offers. An offer is permitted under the Rights Agreement if a person will become an Acquiring Person pursuant to a merger or other acquisition agreement that has been approved by our Board prior to that person becoming an Acquiring Person.

If a flip-in event occurs and we have not previously redeemed the Rights as described under the heading "Redemption of Rights" below or, if the Acquiring Person acquires less than 50% of our outstanding common stock and we do not exchange the Rights as described under the heading "Exchange of Rights" below, each Right, other than any Right that has become void, as we describe below, will become exercisable at the time it is no longer redeemable for the number of common shares, or, in some cases, cash, property or other of our securities, having a current market price equal to two times the exercise price of such Right.

When a flip-in event occurs, all Rights that then are, or in some circumstances that were, beneficially owned by or transferred to an Acquiring Person or specified related parties will become void in the circumstances the Rights Agreement specifies.

Flip-Over Event

A "flip-over event" will occur under the Rights Agreement when, at any time after a person has become an Acquiring Person:

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we are acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction, other than specified mergers that follow a permitted offer of the type we describe above; or

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50% or more of our assets or earning power is sold or transferred.

If a flip-over event occurs, each holder of a Right, other than any Right that has become void as we describe under the heading "Flip-In Event" above, will have the Right to receive the number of common shares of the acquiring company which has a current market price equal to two times the exercise price of such Right.

Anti-dilution

The number of outstanding Rights associated with our common stock is subject to adjustment for any stock split, stock dividend or subdivision, combination or reclassification of our common stock occurring prior to the Rights distribution date. With some exceptions, the Rights Agreement will not require us to adjust the Exercise Price of the Rights until cumulative adjustments amount to at least 1% of the Exercise Price. The Rights Agreement does not require us to issue fractional shares of our preferred shares that are not integral multiples of one-thousandth of a share, instead we may make a cash adjustment based on the market price of the common stock on the last trading date prior to the date of exercise.

Redemption of Rights

At any time until the date on which the occurrence of a flip-in event is first publicly announced, we may order redemption of the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a redemption price of $0.001 per Right. The redemption price is subject to adjustment for any stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction occurring before the date of redemption. At our option, we may pay that redemption price in cash or common shares. The Rights are not exercisable after a flip-in event if they are timely redeemed by us or until ten days following the first public announcement of a flip-in event. If our Board timely orders the redemption of the Rights, the Rights will terminate on the effectiveness of that action.

Exchange of Rights

We may, at our option, exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by an Acquiring Person or an affiliate or an associate of an Acquiring Person, which have become void), in whole or in part. The exchange will be at an exchange ratio of one common share per Right, subject to specified adjustments at any time after the occurrence of a flip-in event and prior to any person other than us or our existing shareholders becoming the beneficial owner of 50% or more of our outstanding common shares for the purposes of the Rights Agreement.

Amendment of Terms of Rights

During the time the Rights are redeemable, we may amend any of the provisions of the Rights Agreement, other than by decreasing the redemption price. Once the Rights cease to be redeemable, we generally may amend the provisions of the Rights agreement, other than to decrease the redemption price, only as follows:

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to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

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to make changes that do not materially adversely affect the interests of holders of Rights, excluding the interests of any Acquiring Person; or

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to shorten or lengthen any time period under the Rights Agreement, except that we cannot lengthen the time period governing redemption and we may only lengthen any time period for the purpose of protecting, enhancing or clarifying the right of and/or the benefits to the holders of Rights (other than the Acquiring Person).

Dividends

In light of a lower freight rate environment and a highly challenged financing environment, our board of directors, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008, previously suspended dividends in respect of our common shares. Beginning for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2016, our board of directors approved a dividend policy to declare and pay quarterly dividends of $2.5 million to holders of our common stock. The dividend per share to be paid by the Company will be determined based on the number of shares outstanding on the applicable record date. We may however in the future determine to set aside amounts for vessel acquisition and other liabilities that would reduce or eliminate the cash available for distribution as dividends. We may also incur other expenses or liabilities that would reduce or eliminate the cash available for distribution as dividends.

Because we are a holding company with no material assets other than the stock of our subsidiaries, our ability to pay dividends, if any, in the future, will also depend on the earnings and cash flow of our subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends to us. If there is a substantial decline in the drybulk, LPG, tanker or offshore drilling charter markets, our earnings would be negatively affected thus limiting our ability to pay dividends, if any, in the future. Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus or while a company is insolvent or would be rendered insolvent upon the payment of such dividend.

We believe that, under current U.S. law, any future dividend payments from our then current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, would constitute "qualified dividend income" and, as a consequence, non-corporate U.S. shareholders would generally be subject to the same preferential U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains with respect to such dividend payments. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits, as so calculated, will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of a U.S. stockholder's tax basis in its common shares on a dollar-for-dollar basis and thereafter as capital gain.

Our dividend policy is assessed by our board of directors from time to time. The suspension of dividends allowed us to preserve capital and use the preserved capital to capitalize on market opportunities as they may arise. Until market conditions improve, it is unlikely that we will reinstate the payment of dividends. In addition, other external factors, such as our lenders imposing restrictions on our ability to pay dividends under the terms of our loan agreements, may limit our ability to pay dividends. Further, we may not be permitted to pay dividends if we are in breach of the covenants contained in our loan agreements.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

We may offer and issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series, under one or more indentures, each dated as of a date on or prior to the issuance of the debt securities to which it relates, and pursuant to an applicable prospectus supplement. We may issue senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities pursuant to separate indentures, a senior indenture and a subordinated indenture, respectively, in each case between us and the trustee named in the indenture. These indentures will be filed either as exhibits to an amendment to this registration statement or as an exhibit to a report under the Exchange Act, that will be incorporated by reference into this registration statement or a prospectus supplement. We refer to any applicable prospectus supplement, amendment to this registration and Exchange Act reports as "subsequent filings." The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time, are each referred to individually as an "indenture" and collectively as the "indentures." Each indenture will be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.  Each indenture will contain the specific terms of any series of debt securities or provide that those terms must be set forth in or determined pursuant to, an authorizing resolution, as defined in the applicable prospectus supplement or a supplemental indenture, if any, relating to such series.

The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities. The particular terms and provisions of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement, and the extent to which the general terms and provisions described below may apply to the offered debt securities, will be described in the applicable subsequent filings .  The statements below are not complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the applicable indenture. The specific terms of any debt securities that we may offer, including any modifications of, or additions to, the general terms described below as well as any applicable material U.S. federal income tax considerations concerning the ownership of such debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement and indenture and, as applicable, supplemental indenture. Accordingly, for a complete description of the terms of a particular issue of debt securities, the general description of the debt securities set forth below should be read in conjunction with the applicable prospectus supplement and indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

General

We expect that neither indenture will limit the amount of debt securities which may be issued and that each indenture will provide that debt securities may be issued in one or more series.

The subsequent filings related to a series of offered debt securities will describe the following terms of the series:

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the designation, aggregate principal amount and authorized denominations;

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the issue price, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount;

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the maturity date;

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the interest rate per annum, if any;

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if the offered debt securities provide for interest payments, the date from which interest will accrue, the dates on which interest will be payable, the date on which payment of interest will commence and the regular record dates for interest payment dates;

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whether the debt securities will be our senior or subordinated securities;

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whether the debt securities will be our secured or unsecured obligations;

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the applicability of and terms of any guarantees;

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any period or periods during which, and the price or prices at which, we will have the option to or be required to redeem or repurchase the debt securities of the series and the other material terms and provisions applicable to such  redemption or repurchase;

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any optional or mandatory sinking fund provisions;

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any conversion or exchangeability provisions;

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if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which debt securities of the series will be issuable;

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if other than the full principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities of the series which will be payable upon acceleration or provable in bankruptcy;

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any events of default not set forth in this prospectus;

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the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which principal, premium and interest will be payable, if other than the currency of the United States of America;

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if principal, premium or interest is payable, at our election or at the election of any holder, in a currency other than that in which the debt securities of the series are stated to be payable, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, the election may be made;

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whether interest will be payable in cash or additional securities at our or the holder's option and the terms and conditions upon which the election may be made;

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if denominated in a currency or currencies other than the currency of the United States of America, the equivalent price in the currency of the United States of America for purposes of determining the voting rights of holders of those debt securities under the applicable indenture;

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if the amount of payments of principal, premium or interest may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method based on a coin or currency other than that in which the debt securities of the series are stated to be payable, the manner in which the amounts will be determined;

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any covenants or other material terms relating to the debt securities, which may not be inconsistent with the applicable indenture;

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whether the debt securities will be issued in the form of global securities or certificates in registered form;

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any listing on any securities exchange or quotation system; and

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additional provisions, if any, related to defeasance and discharge of the debt securities; and

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any other special features of the debt securities.

Unless otherwise indicated in subsequent filings with the SEC relating to the indenture, principal, premium and interest will be payable and the debt securities will be transferable at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee. Unless other arrangements are made or set forth in subsequent filings or a supplemental indenture, principal, premium and interest will be paid by checks mailed to the registered holders at their registered addresses.

Unless otherwise indicated in subsequent filings with the SEC, the debt securities will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of the debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with these debt securities.

Some or all of the debt securities may be issued as discounted debt securities, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates, to be sold at a substantial discount below the stated principal amount. United States federal income consequences and other special considerations applicable to any discounted securities will be described in subsequent filings with the SEC relating to those securities.

We refer you to the applicable subsequent filings for the particular terms and provisions of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement.

Senior Debt Securities

We may issue senior debt securities under a senior debt indenture. These senior debt securities would rank on an equal basis with all our other unsubordinated debt.

Subordinated Debt Securities

We may issue subordinated debt securities under a subordinated debt indenture. These subordinated debt securities would rank subordinate and junior in priority of payment to certain of our other indebtedness to the extent described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Covenants

Any series of offered debt securities may have covenants in addition to or differing from those included in the applicable indenture which will be described in subsequent filings prepared in connection with the offering of such securities, limiting or restricting, among other things:

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our ability to incur either secured or unsecured debt, or both;

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our ability to make certain payments, dividends, redemptions or repurchases;

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our ability to create dividend and other payment restrictions affecting our subsidiaries;

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our ability to make investments;

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mergers and consolidations by us;

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sales of assets by us;

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our ability to enter into transactions with affiliates;

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our ability to incur liens; and

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sale and leaseback transactions.

Modification of the Indentures

We expect that each indenture and the rights of the respective holders generally may be modified by us only with the consent of holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series under the respective indenture affected by the modification, taken together as a class. But we expect that no modification that:

(1) changes the amount of securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

(2) reduces the rate of or changes the interest payment time on any security or alters its redemption provisions (other than any alteration to any such section which would not materially adversely affect the legal rights of any holder under the indenture) or the price at which we are required to offer to purchase the securities;

(3) reduces the principal or changes the maturity of any security or reduces the amount of, or postpones the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation;

(4) waives a default or event of default in the payment of the principal of or interest, if any, on any security (except a rescission of acceleration of the securities of any series by the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities of that series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

(5) makes the principal of or interest, if any, on any security payable in any currency other than that stated in the security;

(6) makes any change with respect to holders' rights to receive principal and interest, the terms pursuant to which defaults can be waived, certain modifications affecting shareholders or certain currency-related issues; or

(7) waives a redemption payment with respect to any security or changes any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of any securities;

will be effective against any holder without his consent.

Additionally, certain changes under each indenture will not require the consent of any holders.  These types of changes are generally limited to clarifications of ambiguities, omissions, defects and inconsistencies in each indenture and amendments, supplements and other changes that would not adversely affect the holders of outstanding debt securities under each indenture, such as adding security, covenants, additional events of default or successor trustees.

Events of Default

We expect that each indenture will define an event of default for the debt securities of any series as being any one of the following events:

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default in any payment of interest when due which continues for 30 days;

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default in any payment of principal or premium when due;

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default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment when due;

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default in the performance of any covenant in the debt securities or the applicable indenture which continues for 60 days after we receive notice of the default;

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default under a bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness for borrowed money by us or our subsidiaries (to the extent we are directly responsible or liable therefor) having a principal amount in excess of a minimum amount set forth in the applicable subsequent filings, whether such indebtedness now exists or is hereafter created, which default shall have resulted in such indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled or cured within 30 days after we receive notice of the default; and

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events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.

An event of default of one series of debt securities will not necessarily constitute an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities.

There may be such other or different events of default as described in an applicable subsequent filing with respect to any class or series of offered debt securities.

We expect that under each indenture, in case an event of default occurs and continues for the debt securities of any series, the applicable trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding of that series may declare the principal and accrued but unpaid interest of the debt securities of that series to be due and payable. Further, any event of default for the debt securities of any series which has been cured is expected to be permitted to be waived by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding.

We expect that each indenture will require us to file annually, after debt securities are issued under that indenture, with the applicable trustee a written statement signed by two of our officers as to the absence of material defaults under the terms of that indenture. We also expect that each indenture will provide that the applicable trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any default if it considers it in the interest of the holders to do so, except notice of a default in payment of principal, premium or interest.

Subject to the duties of the trustee in case an event of default occurs and continues, we expect that each indenture will provide that the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under that indenture at the request, order or direction of holders unless the holders have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to these provisions for indemnification and the rights of the trustee, each indenture is expected to provide that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of any series then outstanding have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee as long as the exercise of that right does not conflict with any law or the indenture.

Defeasance and Discharge

The terms of each indenture are expected to provide us with the option to be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities issued thereunder upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money or U.S. government obligations, or both, which through the payment of interest and principal will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay any installment of principal, premium and interest on, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities on the stated maturity of the payments in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the indenture governing the debt securities.

We expect that this right may only be exercised if, among other things, we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that such a discharge will not be deemed, or result in, a taxable event with respect to holders. This discharge would not apply to our obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities, to maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust.

Defeasance of Certain Covenants

We expect that the terms of each indenture will provide us with the right to omit complying with specified covenants and specified events of default described in a subsequent filing upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money or U.S. government obligations, or both, which through the payment of interest and principal will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay any installment of principal, premium and interest on, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities on the stated maturity of the payments in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the indenture governing the debt securities.

We expect that to exercise this right we will also be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that the deposit and related covenant defeasance will not cause the holders of such series to recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.

A subsequent filing may further describe the provisions, if any, of any particular series of offered debt securities permitting a discharge defeasance.

Form of Debt Securities

Each debt security will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of securities. Both certificated securities in definitive form and global securities may be issued either in registered form, where our obligation runs to the holder of the security named on the face of the security, in bearer form, where our obligation runs to the bearer of the security.

Definitive securities name you or your nominee as the owner of the security, other than definitive bearer securities, which name the bearer as owner, and in order to transfer or exchange these securities or to receive payments other than interest or other interim payments, you or your nominee must physically deliver the securities to the trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent, as applicable.

Global securities name a depositary or its nominee as the owner of the debt securities represented by these global securities, other than global bearer securities, which name the bearer as owner. The depositary maintains a computerized system that will reflect each investor's beneficial ownership of the securities through an account maintained by the investor with its broker/dealer, bank, trust company or other representative, as we explain more fully below.

Global Securities

Registered Global Securities. We may issue the debt securities in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depositary or nominee. In those cases, one or more registered global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by registered global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depositary for the registered global security, the nominees of the depositary or any successors of the depositary or those nominees. If not described below, any specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any debt securities to be represented by a registered global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements:

Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depositary or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants' accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or selling agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities. So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, that depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the indenture.

Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the registered global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities under the indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for that registered global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest in that registered global security, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders of a registered global security or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.

Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the registered global security. None of us, the trustee or any other agent of us or agent of the trustee will have any responsibility or liability to owners of beneficial interests for any aspect of the records relating to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests. We expect that the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property to holders on that registered global security, will immediately credit participants' accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and will be the responsibility of those participants.

We expect that each of the indenture will provide that if the depositary for any of these securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will be required to issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depositary. In addition, the indenture are expected to allow us to decide, at any time and in our sole discretion, to not have any of the securities represented by one or more registered global securities. If we make that decision, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for all of the registered global security or securities representing those securities. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the relevant trustee or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depositary's instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global security that had been held by the depositary.

If we issue registered global securities, we expect that the Depository Trust Company, or DTC, will act as depository and the securities will be registered in the name of Cede & Co., as DTC's nominee.

Bearer Global Securities . Debt securities may also be issued in the form of one or more bearer global securities that will be deposited with a common depositary for the Euroclear System and Clearstream Banking, société anonyme or with a nominee for the depositary identified in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. The specific terms and procedures, including the specific terms of the depositary arrangement, with respect to any securities to be represented by a bearer global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities are expect to be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants to purchase our debt or equity securities or securities of third parties or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing.  Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to, or separate from, such securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. The terms of any warrants to be issued and a description of the material provisions of the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of any warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:

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the title of such warrants;

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the aggregate number of such warrants;

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

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the currency or currencies, in which the price of such warrants will be payable;

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the securities or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing, purchasable upon exercise of such warrants;

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the price at which, and the currency or currencies in which, the securities or other rights purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased;

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the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;

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if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

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if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security;

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if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;

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

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if applicable, a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations; and

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

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

We may issue purchase contracts for the purchase or sale of any of our debt or equity securities issued by us.

Each purchase contract will entitle the holder thereof to purchase or sell, and obligate us to sell or purchase, on specified dates, such securities at a specified purchase price, which may be based on a formula, all as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may, however, satisfy our obligations, if any, with respect to any purchase contract by delivering the cash value of such purchase contract or the cash value of the securities otherwise deliverable as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will also specify the methods by which the holders may purchase or sell such securities and any acceleration, cancellation or termination provisions or other provisions relating to the settlement of a purchase contract.

The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders thereof or vice versa, which payments may be deferred to the extent set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, and those payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The purchase contracts may require the holders thereof to secure their obligations in a specified manner to be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Alternatively, purchase contracts may require holders to satisfy their obligations thereunder when the purchase contracts are issued. Our obligation to settle such pre-paid purchase contracts on the relevant settlement date may constitute indebtedness. Accordingly, pre-paid purchase contracts will be issued under the indenture.

The purchase contracts will be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any principles thereof relating to conflicts of law that would result in the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction.

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

We may issue rights to purchase our equity securities. These rights may be issued independently or together with any other security offered by this prospectus and may or may not be transferable by the shareholder receiving the rights in the rights offering. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting agreement with one or more underwriters pursuant to which the underwriter will purchase any securities that remain unsubscribed for upon completion of the rights offering.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any rights will describe the terms of the offered rights, including, where applicable, the following:

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the exercise price for the rights;

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the number of rights issued to each shareholder;

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the extent to which the rights are transferable;

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any other terms of the rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the rights;

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

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the amount of rights outstanding;

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the extent to which the rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities; and

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the material terms of any standby underwriting arrangement entered into by us in connection with the rights offering.

The description in the applicable prospectus supplement of any rights we offer will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable rights certificate or rights agreement, which will be filed with the SEC if we offer rights. For more information on how you can obtain copies of any rights certificate or rights agreement if we offer rights, see "Where You Can Find Additional Information" of this prospectus. We urge you to read the applicable rights certificate, the applicable rights agreement and any applicable prospectus supplement in their entirety.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or more of our purchase contracts, warrants, debt securities, shares of preferred stock, shares of common stock or any combination of such securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe:

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the terms of the units and of the purchase contracts, warrants, debt securities, preferred stock and common stock comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be traded separately;

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

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if applicable, a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations; and

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

*	To be provided by a prospectus supplement or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 6-K that is incorporated by reference into this registration statement.