LTS Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc

DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

The Notes are being issued under a base indenture, dated as of November 21, 2017 and a fourth supplemental indenture, to be dated as of May 29, 2019, which we refer to collectively as the “indenture,” between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Set forth below is a description of the specific terms of the Notes and the indenture. This description supplements (and to the extent inconsistent with, replaces) the description of the general terms and provisions of our debt securities set forth in the accompanying base prospectus under the caption “Description of Debt Securities.” To the extent of any conflict or inconsistency between the base indenture and the fourth supplemental indenture, the fourth supplemental indenture will govern. The following description does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the base indenture included as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on November 21, 2017 and the fourth supplemental indenture to be included as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by the Company.

General

The Notes:

The indenture does not limit the amount of indebtedness that we or our subsidiaries may issue. The indenture does not contain any financial covenants and does not restrict us from paying dividends or issuing or repurchasing our other securities. Other than restrictions described under “—Covenants—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets” below, the indenture does not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of the Notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving us or in the event of a decline in our credit rating or worthiness as the result of a takeover, recapitalization, highly leveraged transaction or similar restructuring involving us that could adversely affect such holders.

We may from time to time, without the consent of the holders, create and issue additional Notes ranking equally and ratably with the Notes in all respects, so that such additional notes will constitute and form a single series with the Notes and will have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise (except the price to the public, the issue date and, if applicable, the initial interest payment date) as the Notes; provided that any such additional notes that are not fungible with the Notes for United States federal income tax purposes will have a separate CUSIP number.

Ranking

The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company, and, upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, will rank (i) senior to the outstanding shares of our common stock, (ii) senior to any of our future subordinated debt, (iii) pari passu (or equally) with all of our existing and future senior unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, including, but not limited to, the outstanding 2027 Notes, the outstanding 7.00% 2028 Notes, the outstanding 7.25% 2028 Notes, the December 2018 Notes and any 2027 Notes, 7.00% 2028 Notes, 7.25% 2028 Notes, December 2018 Notes or additional Notes that we may issue in the future, (iv) effectively subordinated to any existing or future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which we subsequently grant security), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and (v) structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries.

As of March 31, 2019, our total debt outstanding was approximately $274.2 million (excluding unamortized discount of $6.2 million and debt issuance costs of $6.8 million), including approximately $82.8 million of 2027 Notes, approximately $42.5 million of 7.00% 2028 Notes, approximately $60 million of 7.25% 2028 Notes and approximately $76.4 million of December 2018 Notes (excluding $65 thousand, $43 thousand, $0 and $6.1 million of unamortized discount, respectively and $3.1 million, $1.9 million, $1.9 million and $5 thousand of debt issuance costs, respectively). As of March 31, 2019, we also had (i) approximately $18.8 million principal amount of 2027 Notes available for issuance under the 2027 Notes Distribution Agreement and (ii) approximately $22.3 million principal amount of 7.00% 2028 Notes available for issuance under the 2028 Notes Distribution Agreement.

Of the outstanding indebtedness as of March 31, 2019, we had approximately $6.9 million aggregate principal amount of secured debt outstanding issued by our consolidated subsidiaries, excluding intercompany liabilities. Our outstanding secured indebtedness consisted of $6.9 million payable under Securities America Financial Corporation’s amended and restated loan agreement (as amended, the “SA Loan Agreement”). The amounts payable under the SA Loan Agreement are collateralized by the assets of Securities America Financial Corporation and Securities America Advisors, Inc. Of the outstanding indebtedness as of March 31, 2019, we had $5.7 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured debt outstanding issued by our consolidated subsidiaries, excluding intercompany liabilities. As of March 31, 2019, we had approximately $12.6 million of indebtedness outstanding to which the Notes would have been effectively or structurally subordinated.

Interest

Interest on the Notes will accrue at an annual rate equal to 7.75% from and including May 29, 2019 to, but excluding, the maturity date or earlier acceleration or redemption and will be payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, beginning on September 30, 2019, to the record holders at the close of business on the immediately preceding March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, as applicable (whether or not a business day).

The initial interest period for the Notes will be the period from and including May 29, 2019, to, but excluding, September 30, 2019, and subsequent interest periods will be the periods from and including an interest payment date to, but excluding, the next interest payment date or the stated maturity date, as the case maybe. The amount of interest payable for any interest period, including interest payable for any partial interest period, will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. If an interest payment date or the stated maturity date falls on a non-business day, the applicable interest or principal payment will be made on the next business day and no additional interest will accrue as a result of such delayed payment.

“Business day” means, for any place where the principal and interest on the Notes is payable, each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, which is not a day in which banking institutions in New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

Optional Redemption

The Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time and from time to time on or after June 30, 2022 at our option, upon notice not fewer than 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption to each holder of Notes to be redeemed, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount plus any unpaid interest payable thereon accrued to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption.

If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed, the particular Notes to be redeemed will be selected not more than 45 days prior to the redemption date by the trustee from the outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption, by lot, or in the trustee’s discretion, pro rata, provided that the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of any Notes will be in an authorized denomination (which will not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Notes. The trustee will promptly notify us in writing of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Notes selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.

Unless we default on the payment of the redemption price, on and after the date of redemption, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes called for redemption.

Events of Default

Holders of our Notes will have rights if an Event of Default occurs in respect of the Notes and is not cured, as described later in this subsection. The term “Event of Default” in respect of the Notes means any of the following:

The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the Notes of any default, except in the payment of principal or interest, if the trustee in good faith determines the withholding of notice to be in the interest of the holders of the Notes.

Each year, we will furnish to the trustee a written statement of certain of our officers certifying that to their knowledge we are in compliance with the indenture and the Notes, or else specifying any default. In addition, we will, so long as any of the Notes are outstanding, deliver to the trustee, within 30 days of becoming aware of any Event of Default, a written statement of certain of our officers specifying such Event of Default and what action we are taking or propose to take with respect thereto.

Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs

If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes may declare the entire principal amount of the Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to be due and payable immediately by a notice in writing to us and, if notice is given by the holders of the Notes, the trustee. This is called an “acceleration of maturity.” If the Event of Default occurs in relation to our filing for bankruptcy or certain other events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur, the principal amount of the Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the trustee or the holders, become immediately due and payable.

At any time after a declaration of acceleration of the Notes has been made by the trustee or the holders of the Notes and before any judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority of the outstanding principal of the Notes, by written notice to us and the trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if all Events of Default with respect to the Notes, other than the non-payment of the principal and interest, if any, of the Notes which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived.

At our election, the sole remedy with respect to an Event of Default due to our failure to comply with certain reporting requirements under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “TIA”) or under “—Covenants—Reporting” below, for the first 180 calendar days after the occurrence of such Event of Default, consists exclusively of the right to receive additional interest on the Notes at an annual rate equal to (1) 0.25% for the first 90 calendar days after such default and (2) 0.50% for calendar days 91 through 180 after such default. On the 181st day after such Event of Default, if such violation is not cured or waived, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes may declare the principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Notes to be due and payable immediately. If we choose to pay such additional interest, we must notify the trustee and the holders of the Notes by certificate of our election at any time on or before the close of business on the first business day following the Event of Default.

Before a holder of the Notes is allowed to bypass the trustee and bring a lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce such holder’s rights relating to the Notes, the following must occur:

No delay or omission in exercising any right or remedy will be treated as a waiver of that right, remedy or Event of Default.

Book-entry and other indirect holders of the Notes should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request of the trustee and how to declare or cancel an acceleration of maturity.

Waiver of Defaults

The holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes may on behalf of the holders of all Notes waive any past default with respect to the Notes other than a default in the payment of principal or interest on the Notes when such payments are due and payable (provided, however, that the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration). Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default. Subject to the first sentence of this paragraph and the limitations under “Changes Requiring Approval of Each Holder” below, the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes by written notice to the trustee also may waive compliance by us with any provision of the indenture or the Notes with respect to such Notes.

Covenants

In addition to any other covenants described in the accompanying base prospectus, as well as standard covenants relating to payment of principal and interest, maintaining an office where payments may be made or securities can be surrendered for payment, payment of taxes by us and related matters, the following covenants will apply to the Notes. To the extent of any conflict or inconsistency between the base indenture and the following covenants, the following covenants will govern.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

The indenture provides that Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. will not merge or consolidate with or into any other person, or sell, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all our property in any one transaction or series of related transactions (however, a merger or consolidation of a subsidiary into us or another subsidiary or transfer of all or substantially all of a subsidiary’s property to us or another subsidiary is permitted) unless:

Reporting

If, at any time, we are not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act to file any periodic reports with the SEC, we agree to furnish to holders of the Notes and the trustee, for the period of time during which the Notes are outstanding, our audited annual consolidated financial statements, within 90 days of our fiscal year end, and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, within 45 days of our fiscal quarter end (other than our fourth fiscal quarter). All such financial statements will be prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, as applicable.

Modification or Waiver

There are three types of changes we can make to the indenture and the Notes:

Changes Not Requiring Approval of Any Holder

There are changes that we can make to the Notes without the specific approval of the holders of any of the Notes. This type is limited to clarifications and certain other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the Notes in any material respect and include changes:

Changes Requiring Approval of Each Holder

There are changes that we can make to the Notes only with the specific approval of each holder of the Notes. The following is a list of those types of changes:

Changes Requiring Majority Approval

Any other change to the indenture and the Notes would require the following approval:

Consent from holders of the Notes to any change to the indenture or the Notes must be given in writing.

Action By Consent of Holders

The amount of Notes deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of determining the holders entitled to give their consent or take any other action described herein or required or permitted to be taken pursuant to the indenture will include all Notes authenticated and delivered under the indenture as of the date of determination, except:

We will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders of the Notes that are entitled to vote or take other action under the indenture, and the trustee will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders of the Notes that are entitled to join in the giving or making of any Notice of Default, any declaration of acceleration of maturity of the Notes, any request to institute proceedings or the reversal of such declaration. If we or the trustee set a record date for a vote or other action to be taken by the holders of the Notes, that vote or action can only be taken by persons who are holders of the Notes on the record date and, unless otherwise specified, such vote or action must take place on or prior to the 180 ^th day after the record date. We may change the record date at our option, and we will provide written notice to the trustee and to each holder of the Notes of any such change of record date.

Defeasance

The following defeasance provisions will be applicable to the Notes. “Defeasance” means that, by irrevocably depositing with the trustee an amount of cash denominated in U.S. dollars and/or U.S. government obligations sufficient to pay all principal and interest, if any, on the Notes when due and satisfying any additional conditions noted below, we will be deemed to have been discharged from our obligations under the Notes. In the event of a “covenant defeasance,” upon depositing such funds and satisfying similar conditions discussed below, we would be released from certain covenants under the indenture relating to the Notes. The consequences to the holders of the Notes would be that, while they would no longer benefit from certain covenants under the indenture, and while the Notes could not be accelerated for any reason, the holders of the Notes nonetheless would be guaranteed to receive the principal and interest owed to them.

Legal Defeasance

The indenture provides that we may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Notes (subject to certain exceptions) if we take the following actions below:

Covenant Defeasance

Under the indenture, we have the option to take the actions described below and be released from some of the restrictive covenants under the indenture under which the Notes are issued. This is called “covenant defeasance.” In that event, holders of the Notes would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants but would gain the protection of having money and government securities set aside in trust to repay the Notes. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, the following must occur:

In the event that the trustee is unable to apply the funds held in trust to the payment of obligations under the Notes by reason of a court order or governmental injunction or prohibition, then those of our obligations discharged under the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance will be revived and reinstated as though no deposit of funds had occurred, until such time as the trustee is permitted to apply all funds held in trust in accordance with the procedure described in the indenture. However, if we make any payment of principal or interest on the Notes to the holders because of the reinstatement of our obligations, we will have the right to receive such payments from the trust in the place of the holders of such Notes after payment in full to such holders.

Listing

We intend to apply to list the Notes on the NYSE American. If the application is approved, we expect trading in the Notes on the NYSE American to begin within 30 days of the date of the original issue date, under the symbol “LTSH.” The Notes are expected to trade “flat,” meaning that purchasers will not pay and sellers will not receive any accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes that is not included in the trading price.

Governing Law

The Indenture and the Notes will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Global Notes; Book-Entry Issuance

The Notes will be issued in the form of one or more global certificates, or “Global Notes,” registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, or “DTC.” DTC has informed us that its nominee will be Cede & Co. Accordingly, we expect Cede & Co. to be the initial registered holder of the Notes. No person that acquires a beneficial interest in the Notes will be entitled to receive a certificate representing that person’s interest in the Notes except as described herein. Unless and until definitive securities are issued under the limited circumstances described below, all references to actions by holders of the Notes will refer to actions taken by DTC upon instructions from its participants, and all references to payments and notices to holders will refer to payments and notices to DTC or Cede & Co., as the registered holder of these securities.

DTC has informed us that it is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for over 3.5 million issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues, and money market instruments from over 100 countries that DTC’s participants, or “Direct Participants,” deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among Direct Participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between Direct Participants’ accounts. This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, or “DTCC.”

DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly, or “Indirect Participants.” DTC has an S&P rating of AA+. The DTC Rules applicable to its participants are on file with the SEC. More information about DTC can be found at www.dtcc.com .

Purchases of the Notes under the DTC system must be made by or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Notes on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each Note, or the “Beneficial Owner,” is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants’ records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase. Beneficial Owners are, however, expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the Notes are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of Direct and Indirect Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the Notes, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the Notes is discontinued.

To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Notes deposited by Direct Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of the Notes with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other DTC nominee do not effect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Notes; DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts the Notes are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Direct and Indirect Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

Redemption notices will be sent to DTC. If less than all of the Notes are being redeemed, DTC’s practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant in the Notes to be redeemed.

Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (nor any other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to the Notes unless authorized by a Direct Participant in accordance with DTC’s Procedures. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to us as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts the Notes are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).

Redemption proceeds, distributions and interest payments on the Notes will be made to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit Direct Participants’ accounts upon DTC’s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from us or the applicable trustee or depositary on the payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with the Notes held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC nor its nominee, the applicable trustee or depositary, or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, distributions and interest payments to Cede & Co. (or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC) is the responsibility of us or the applicable trustee or depositary. Disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants will be the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners will be the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.

The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.

None of the Company, the trustee, any depositary, or any agent of any of them will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of DTC’s or any participant’s records relating to, or for payments made on account of, beneficial interests in a Global Note, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests.

Termination of a Global Note

If a Global Note is terminated for any reason, interest on it will be exchanged for certificates in non-book-entry form as certificated securities. After such exchange, the choice of whether to hold the certificated Notes directly or in street name will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own banks or brokers to find out how to have their interests in a Global Note transferred on termination to their own names, so that they will be holders of the Notes. See “—Form, Exchange and Transfer of Certificated Registered Securities” below.

Payment and Paying Agents

We will pay interest to the person listed in the trustee’s records as the owner of the Notes at the close of business on the record date for the applicable interest payment date, even if that person no longer owns the Note on the interest payment date. Because we pay all the interest for an interest period to the holders on the record date, holders buying and selling the Notes must work out between themselves the appropriate purchase price. The most common manner is to adjust the sales price of the Notes to prorate interest fairly between buyer and seller based on their respective ownership periods within the particular interest period.

Payments on Global Notes

We will make payments on the Notes so long as they are represented by Global Notes in accordance with the applicable policies of the depositary in effect from time to time. Under those policies, we will make payments directly to the depositary, or its nominee, and not to any indirect holders who own beneficial interest in the Global Notes. An indirect holder’s right to those payments will be governed by the rules and practices of the depositary and its participants.

Payments on Certificated Securities

In the event the Notes become represented by certificates, we will make payments on the Notes as follows. We will pay interest that is due on an interest payment date by check mailed on the interest payment date to the holder of the Note at his or her address shown on the trustee’s records as of the close of business on the record date. We will make all payments of principal by check at the office of the trustee in the contiguous United States and/or at other offices that may be specified in the indenture or a notice to holders against surrender of the Note.

Payment When Offices Are Closed

If any payment is due on the Notes on a day that is not a business day, we will make the payment on the next day that is a business day. Payments made on the next business day in this situation will be treated under the indenture as if they were made on the original due date. Such payment will not result in a default under the Notes or the indenture, and no interest will accrue on the payment amount from the original due date to the next day that is a business day.

Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how they will receive payments on the Notes.

Form, Exchange and Transfer of Certificated Registered Securities

Notes in physical, certificated form will be issued and delivered to each person that DTC identifies as a beneficial owner of the related Notes only if:

Holders may exchange their certificated securities for Notes of smaller denominations or combined into fewer Notes of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed and as long as the denomination is equal to or greater than $25.

Holders may exchange or transfer their certificated securities at the office of the trustee. We have appointed the trustee to act as our agent for registering the Notes in the name of holders transferring Notes. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts.

Holders will not be required to pay a service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of their certificated securities, but they may be required to pay any tax or other governmental charge associated with the registration of transfer or exchange. The transfer or exchange will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with the holder’s proof of legal ownership.

If we redeem any of the Notes, we may block the transfer or exchange of those Notes selected for redemption during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to determine or fix the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers or exchanges of any certificated Notes selected for redemption, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any Note that will be partially redeemed.

About the Trustee

U.S. Bank National Association is the trustee under the indenture and will be the principal paying agent and registrar for the Notes. The trustee may resign or be removed with respect to the Notes provided that a successor trustee is appointed to act with respect to the Notes.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

General

The following describes the material rights of our capital stock, provisions of our articles of incorporation, as amended, referred to as our “articles of incorporation,” and our amended and restated bylaws, referred to as our “bylaws,” and certain provisions of applicable Florida law. The following is only a summary, does not purport to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of our articles of incorporation, bylaws, any articles of amendment to our articles of incorporation, and such applicable provisions of Florida law. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Please see the section titled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Information We Incorporate by Reference.”

Authorized and Issued Capital Stock

Our articles of incorporation provide that the total number of shares of all capital stock which we have the authority to issue is 1,050,000,000 shares, par value $0.0001 per share, consisting of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Our board of directors has designated 17,290,000 shares of preferred stock as Series A Preferred Stock. Our board of directors may designate any unissued shares of capital stock by setting or changing in any one or more respects the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of such shares of stock.

As of April 12, 2017, 195,715,645 shares of our common stock and 15,844,916 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding.

Common Stock

Each outstanding share of common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of legally available assets, payable in cash, in property or in shares of our common stock. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of all debts and other liabilities and any amounts due to the holders of preferred stock. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights. Holders of our common stock may not cumulate their votes in the election of our directors. No redemption or sinking fund provisions apply to our common stock. All of our outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.

Preferred Stock

Our articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors, without shareholder approval, to designate and issue up to 50,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights and preferences, granted to or imposed upon each such series of preferred stock, including, but not limited to, voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preference, sinking fund terms, rights and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of a series. Any such series of preferred stock that we may issue in the future could have rights that adversely affect the relative voting power of the holders of common stock and reduce the likelihood that such holders will receive dividend payments or payments upon liquidation. Any such future issuance could have the effect of decreasing the market price of the common stock. The issuance of preferred stock or even the ability to issue preferred stock could also have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change of control or other corporate action.

The preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of our outstanding series of preferred stock are, and of each additional series of preferred stock, when and if issued in the future will be, fixed by the articles of amendment to our articles of incorporation. All shares of preferred stock offered hereby will, when issued, be fully paid and non-assessable and, unless otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement relating to the series of preferred stock being offered, will not have any preemptive or similar rights. We will set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to the class or series of preferred stock being offered the specific terms of each series of our preferred stock, including the price at which the preferred stock may be purchased, the number of shares of preferred stock offered, and the terms, if any, on which the preferred stock may be convertible into common stock or exchangeable for other securities.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Florida Law and Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

We have elected not be governed by the Anti-Takeover sections of the Florida Business Corporation Act. Because of this election, we will not be subject to the provisions of Florida law which provide that certain transactions between a company and an “interested shareholder” or any affiliate of the “interested shareholder” be approved by two-thirds of the company’s outstanding shares. An “interested shareholder” as defined in Section 607.0901 of the Florida Business Corporation Act is any person who is the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the outstanding shares of the company who is entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. Also, because of our election not to be governed by the Florida Anti-Takeover sections, we will not have the alleged assistance against unfriendly take-over attempts purportedly provided by that statute.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, certain provisions of our articles of incorporation and our bylaws may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a future takeover or change in control of our company unless such takeover or change in control is approved by our board of directors. A shareholder might consider an attempt to effect such a takeover or a change in control to be in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the then market price for the shares.

These provisions include:

Special Meetings of Shareholders

Our bylaws provide that, except as otherwise required by law, special meetings of our shareholders can be called only by the chairman of our board of directors or president, our board of directors, or one or more shareholders holding shares having at least 10% of the combined voting power of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote at a meeting. Except as provided above, shareholders will not be permitted to call a special meeting or to require our board of directors to call a special meeting.

Undesignated Preferred Stock

Our articles of incorporation confer on our board of directors the power to authorize the issuance of up to 50,000,000 shares of undesignated or “blank check” preferred stock, which will make it possible for our board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could deter hostile takeovers or delay or prevent changes in the control or the management of our company.

Shareholder Action by Written Consent

Our bylaws provide that any action which our shareholders may take at a shareholders’ meeting can be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting.

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

The following description of the depositary shares, representing fractions of our preferred shares, sets forth certain general terms that may apply to the depositary shares that we may offer under this prospectus. The specific terms of the depositary shares and the related deposit agreement and depositary receipts will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to those depositary shares. If we offer depositary shares, we will file forms of the applicable deposit agreement and the depositary receipts as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or as exhibits to one or more reports that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein. The specific terms of the depositary shares and the related deposit agreement and depositary receipts as described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supplement and, if applicable, modify or replace the general terms described in this prospectus.

General

We may offer fractional preferred shares, rather than full preferred shares. If we elect to do so, we will issue depositary receipts for depositary shares, each of which will represent an interest of a share of a particular series of preferred shares, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will deposit with a depositary (the “preferred stock depositary”) preferred shares of each series represented by depositary shares and enter into a deposit agreement with the preferred stock depositary and holders from time to time of the depositary receipts issued by the preferred stock depositary, which evidence the depositary shares. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary receipt will be entitled, in proportion to such holder’s fractional interest in the preferred shares, to all the rights and preferences of the series of the preferred shares represented by the depositary shares (including dividend, voting, conversion, redemption and liquidation rights). The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be issued to those persons purchasing the fractional preferred shares in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The preferred stock depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions, if any, received in respect of the preferred shares underlying the depositary shares to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion to the number of the depositary receipts owned by the holders. The relevant record date for depositary shares will be the same date as the record date for the underlying preferred shares.

In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the preferred stock depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion to the respective numbers of depositary receipts owned by such holders. If the preferred stock depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such distribution, the preferred stock depositary may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders of depositary receipts.

If we offer to the holders of a series of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares any rights, preferences or privileges to subscribe for or purchase any securities, or any other rights, preferences or privileges, the preferred stock depositary will make such rights, preferences or privileges available to the record holders of depositary shares either by the issue of warrants representing such rights, preferences or privileges or by such other method as approved by the preferred stock depositary and us. If the preferred stock depositary determines that such action is not lawful or feasible or if it is instructed by a holder that such holder does not want to exercise such rights, preferences or privileges, it may (with our approval in any case when the preferred stock depositary has determined that it is not feasible to make such rights, preferences or privileges available) sell such rights, preferences or privileges and distribute the net proceeds from such sale to the holders of depositary shares entitled to such proceeds.

Withdrawal

Preferred shares represented by depositary shares may be withdrawn from the depositary arrangement upon surrender of depositary receipts at the principal office of the preferred stock depositary and upon payment of the taxes, charges and fees provided for in the deposit agreement. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, the holder of depositary receipts will receive the appropriate number of preferred shares and any money or property represented by such depositary shares. Only whole preferred shares may be withdrawn; therefore, if a holder holds a number of depositary shares representing any fraction of a preferred share in excess of the whole number of preferred shares to be withdrawn, the preferred stock depositary will deliver along with the withdrawn preferred shares a new depositary receipt evidencing such fractional share. Except as described in the deposit agreement, holders of withdrawn preferred shares will not be entitled to redeposit such preferred shares or to receive depositary shares for such preferred shares.

Redemption

If we redeem preferred shares held by the preferred stock depositary, the preferred stock depositary will concurrently redeem the number of depositary shares representing the preferred shares so redeemed (provided that we have paid the applicable redemption price for the preferred shares to be redeemed plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends to the date fixed for redemption). The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the corresponding proportion of the redemption price payable with respect to the preferred shares. If fewer than all the outstanding depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or pro rata (as nearly as may be practicable without creating fractional depositary shares), pursuant to the preferred stock depositary’s customary practices, or as otherwise determined by us.

Voting

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preferred shares are entitled to vote, the preferred stock depositary will mail the information contained in the notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary receipts. Each record holder of the depositary receipts on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the preferred shares) will be entitled to instruct the preferred stock depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of preferred shares represented by the holder’s depositary shares. The preferred stock depositary will vote the amount of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares in accordance with the holder’s instructions, and we will agree to take all reasonable action necessary to enable the preferred stock depositary to vote such shares. The preferred stock depositary will abstain from voting the amount of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares for which it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares.

Liquidation Preference

If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up, the holders of depositary receipts will be entitled to the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each preferred share represented by the depositary shares, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Upon any change in par value or liquidation preference, split-up, combination or any other reclassification of the series of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation affecting us or to which we are a party, the preferred stock depositary may in its discretion, with our approval (not to be unreasonably withheld) and instructions, and in such manner as the preferred stock depositary may deem equitable, treat any securities which are received by the preferred stock depositary in exchange for or upon conversion or in respect of such preferred shares as new deposited securities received in exchange for or upon conversion or in respect of such preferred shares and may make such adjustments in the fraction of an interest represented by one depositary share in one such preferred share as may be necessary to fully reflect the effects of such change.

With our approval, the preferred stock depositary may execute and deliver additional depositary receipts, or may call for the surrender of all outstanding depositary receipts to be exchanged for new depositary receipts specifically describing such new deposited securities.

Amendment and Termination

We may amend the form of depositary receipt and any provision of the deposit agreement at any time by agreement between us and the preferred stock depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary receipts or that would be materially and adversely inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the related preferred shares will not be effective unless the holders of at least two-thirds of the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts then outstanding approve the amendment. No amendment will impair the right, subject to the exceptions set forth in the deposit agreement, of any holder of depositary receipts to surrender any depositary receipt with instructions to deliver to the holder the related preferred shares and all money and other property, if any, represented by the depositary receipt, except in order to comply with law. Every holder of an outstanding depositary receipt at the time any such amendment becomes effective will be deemed, by continuing to hold the receipt, to consent and agree to the amendment and to be bound by the deposit agreement as amended.

We may terminate the deposit agreement upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice to the preferred stock depositary if a majority of each series of preferred shares affected by the termination consents to the termination. Upon termination, the preferred stock depositary will deliver or make available to each holder of depositary receipts, upon surrender of the depositary receipts held by the holder, the number of whole and/or fractional preferred shares represented by the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts together with any other property held by the preferred stock depositary with respect to the depositary receipt.

In addition, the deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:

Charges of Preferred Stock Depositary

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the deposit agreement. In addition, we will pay the fees and charges of the preferred stock depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred shares, the initial issuance of the depositary shares, any redemption of the preferred shares and all withdrawals of preferred shares by owners of depositary shares. All other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges will be at the expense of the holders of depositary receipts. Holders of depositary receipts will also pay the charges and expenses of the preferred stock depositary for any duties requested by the holders to be performed which are outside of those expressly provided for in the deposit agreement. If those charges, expenses and taxes have not been paid, the preferred stock depositary may refuse to transfer depositary shares or withdraw any preferred shares, withhold dividends and distributions and sell the preferred shares or other property represented by the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts.

Resignation and Removal of Preferred Stock Depositary

The preferred stock depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to resign, and we may at any time remove the preferred stock depositary. Any such resignation or removal will take effect upon our appointment of a successor preferred stock depositary. We must appoint a successor preferred stock depositary within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal, and any preferred stock depositary must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.

Miscellaneous

The preferred stock depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts any reports and communications that the preferred stock depositary receives from us relating to the preferred shares. In addition, the preferred stock depositary will make such reports and communications available for inspection by holders of depositary receipts at the principal office of the preferred stock depositary, and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable.

We will not be liable, nor will the preferred stock depositary be liable, if we are prevented from or delayed, by law or any circumstances beyond our control, in performing our obligations under the deposit agreement. Our obligations and the obligations of the preferred stock depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to performing our duties in good faith and without negligence (only in the case of any action or inaction in the voting of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares), gross negligence or willful misconduct. We will not be obligated, nor will the preferred stock depositary be obligated, to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary receipts, depositary shares or preferred shares represented by depositary shares unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We may rely, and the preferred stock depositary may rely, on written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed in good faith to be competent to give such information, and on documents reasonably believed to be genuine and signed or presented by a proper party.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The following describes the material terms and provisions of the debt securities to which any applicable prospectus supplement may relate. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the series in a supplement to this prospectus. We will also indicate in the supplement to what extent the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities. In this description of the debt securities, the words “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer only to Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. and not to any subsidiary.

We may issue debt securities either separately, or together with, or upon the conversion or exercise of or in exchange for, other securities described in this prospectus. Debt securities may be our senior, senior subordinated or subordinated obligations and, unless otherwise specified in a supplement to this prospectus, the debt securities will be our direct, unsecured obligations. Because we are a holding company, our right, and accordingly, the right of our creditors and shareholders, including the holders of the securities offered by this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, to participate in any distribution of assets of any of our subsidiaries upon its liquidation, reorganization or similar proceeding is subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary, except to the extent that our claims as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized.

The debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and a trustee that we will select, and the form of the indenture, referred to as the indenture, has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms part. The following description summarizes the material provisions of the indenture and the debt securities and does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full text of the indenture, including the definitions of specified terms used in the indenture and the debt securities. Wherever we refer to particular articles, sections or defined terms of the indenture, it is intended that those articles, sections or defined terms will be incorporated herein by reference, and the statement in connection with which reference is made is qualified in its entirety by the article, section or defined term in the indenture.

General

We can issue an unlimited amount of debt securities under the indenture that may be in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by or pursuant to a resolution of our board of directors and set forth in an officer’s certificate or a supplemental indenture. The particular terms of each series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series (including any pricing supplement or term sheet), including the following terms, if applicable:

We may issue debt securities that provide for an amount less than their stated principal amount to be due and payable upon maturity or a declaration of acceleration of their maturity following an event of default pursuant to the terms of the indenture. We will provide you with information on the federal income tax considerations and other special considerations applicable to any of these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

If we denominate the purchase price of any of the debt securities in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, or if the principal of and any premium and interest on any series of debt securities is payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, we will provide you with information on the restrictions, elections, general tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to that issue of debt securities and such foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Redemption and Repayment

The debt securities may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption on terms and conditions described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Subject to such terms, we may opt at any time to partially or entirely redeem the debt securities. If there are any provisions regarding redemption or repayment applicable to the debt securities that we offer, we will describe them in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We or our affiliates may purchase debt securities from investors who are willing to sell from time to time, either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Debt securities that we or they purchase may be held, resold or canceled at our or their discretion.

Transfer and Exchange

Each debt security will be represented by either one or more global securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, or the depositary, or a nominee of the depositary (we will refer to any such debt security as a “global debt security”), or a certificate issued in definitive registered form (we will refer to any debt security represented by a certificate as a “certificated debt security”), as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except as set forth below, global debt securities will not be issuable in certificated form.

Certificated Debt Securities . You may transfer or exchange certificated debt securities at any office we maintain for this purpose in accordance with the terms of the indenture. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of certificated debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with a transfer or exchange.

You may effect the transfer of certificated debt securities and the right to receive the principal of, premium and interest on certificated debt securities only by surrendering the certificate representing those certificated debt securities and either reissuance by us or the trustee of the certificate to the new holder or the issuance by us or the trustee of a new certificate to the new holder.

Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System . Each global debt security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the depositary, and registered in the name of the depositary or a nominee of the depositary. Beneficial interests in global debt securities will not be issuable in certificated form unless (i) the depositary has notified us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for such global debt security or has ceased to be qualified to act as such as required by the indenture and we fail to appoint a successor depositary within 90 days of such event, (ii) we execute and deliver to the trustee an officer’s certificate to the effect that such global debt security shall be so exchangeable, or (iii) any other circumstances shall exist, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, as may be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless and until a global debt security is exchanged for certificated debt securities under the limited circumstances described in the previous sentence, a global debt security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary to its nominee or by the nominee to the depositary, or by the depositary or its nominee to a successor depositary or to a nominee of the successor depositary.

Certain Covenants

Reports

We will deliver to the trustee, within 15 days after we are required to file same with the SEC, copies of our annual reports and the information, documents and other reports that we are required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act or pursuant to Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “TIA”).

Additional Covenants

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement any additional covenants applicable to any issue of debt securities.

No Protection In the Event of a Change of Control

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions which may afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control) which could adversely affect holders of debt securities.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

Except as otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement, we may not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its assets to any person (a “successor person”) unless:

Notwithstanding the above, any of our subsidiaries may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its properties to us.

Events of Default

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following events will be events of default under the indenture with respect to debt securities of any series:

No event of default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities. The occurrence of certain events of default or an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of default under certain indebtedness of ours or our subsidiaries outstanding from time to time.

If an event of default with respect to any series of debt securities at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing (other than an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization), then the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by a notice in writing to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders), declare to be due and payable immediately the principal of (or, if the debt securities of that series are discount securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all debt securities of that series. In the case of an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal amount (or such specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding debt securities will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of outstanding debt securities.

At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of any series has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, by written notice to us and the trustee, may rescind and annul such acceleration and its consequences if all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal and interest, if any, with respect to debt securities of that series, have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture. We refer you to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are discount securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such discount securities upon the occurrence of an event of default.

The indenture provides that the trustee will be under no obligation to perform any duty or exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture unless the trustee receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any cost, liability or expense which might be incurred by it in performing such duty or exercising such right of power. Subject to certain rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series.

No holder of any debt security of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:

These limitations do not apply, however, to a suit instituted for payment or redemption on debt securities of any series on or after the due dates expressed in the debt securities.

The indenture requires us, within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year, to furnish to the trustee a statement as to compliance with the indenture from our principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer. If a default or event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to the debt securities of any series and if it is actually known to a responsible officer of the trustee, the trustee shall mail to each holder of the debt securities of that series notice of a default or event of default within 60 days after it occurs or, if later, after a responsible officer of the trustee has knowledge of such default or event of default. The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any series of any default or event of default (except in payment on any debt securities of that series) with respect to debt securities of that series if the trustee determines in good faith that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of those debt securities.

Modification and Waiver

We and the trustee may modify and amend or supplement the indenture or the debt securities of one or more series without the consent of any holder of any debt security:

We may also modify and amend the indenture with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the modifications or amendments. We may not make any modification or amendment without the consent of the holders of each affected debt security then outstanding if that amendment will:

Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, by written notice to the trustee, waive our compliance with provisions of the indenture or the debt securities with respect to such series. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all the debt securities of such series, waive any past default under the indenture with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of, or any interest on, any debt security of that series; provided, however, that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from the acceleration.

Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances

Satisfaction and Discharge . We may be discharged from our obligations on the debt securities of any series that have matured or will mature or be redeemed within one year if we irrevocably deposit with the trustee enough cash to pay all principal, interest and any premium due to the stated maturity date or redemption date of the debt securities.

Legal Defeasance . The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, we may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities of any series (subject to certain exceptions). We will be so discharged upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than U.S. dollars, government obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency, that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants or investment bank to pay and discharge each installment of principal and interest, if any, on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities. This discharge may occur only if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling or, since the date of execution of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred.

Defeasance of Certain Covenants . The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, upon compliance with certain conditions:

The conditions include:

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities, including any claim or controversy arising out of or relating to the indenture or the securities, will be governed by the laws of the State of New York (without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof other than Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law).

Regarding the Trustee

We will identify the trustee with respect to any series of debt securities in the prospectus supplement relating to the applicable debt securities. You should note that if the trustee becomes a creditor of ours, the indenture and the TIA limit the rights of the trustee to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim, as security or otherwise. The trustee and its affiliates may engage in, and will be permitted to continue to engage in, other transactions with us and our affiliates. If, however, the trustee acquires any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of the TIA, it must eliminate such conflict or resign.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of any series may direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee, in the exercise of its rights and powers, must use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to that provision, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any of the holders of the debt securities, unless they have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity or security.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

The following describes the terms of warrants that we may offer from time to time in one or more series. The specific terms of a series of warrants will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to that series of warrants along with any general provisions applicable to that series of warrants. The following description of the warrants and any description of the warrants in a prospectus supplement may not be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the underlying warrant agreement, which we will file with the SEC at or prior to the time of the sale of the warrants. You should refer to, and read this summary together with, the warrant agreement and the applicable prospectus supplement to review the terms of a particular series of warrants. You can obtain copies of any form of warrant agreement or other agreement pursuant to which the warrants are issued by following the directions described under the caption “Where You Can Find More Information.”

We may issue warrants for the purchase of debt securities, common stock or preferred stock or any combination thereof. We may issue warrants independently or together with any other securities offered by any prospectus supplement, and warrants may be attached to or separate from the other offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into by us with a warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the series of warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of the warrants. In addition, each series of warrants issued, if any, will be evidenced by a warrant certificate(s) issued under the applicable warrant agreement. Forms of warrant certificates and warrant agreements containing the terms of the warrants being offered will be incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part from reports we file with the SEC. Further terms of the warrants and the applicable warrant agreements will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms relating to a series of warrants. If warrants for the purchase of debt securities are offered, the prospectus supplement will describe the following terms, to the extent applicable:

Warrants for the purchase of debt securities will be in registered form only.

If warrants for the purchase of shares of common stock or preferred stock are offered, the prospectus supplement will describe the following terms, to the extent applicable:

Warrants for the purchase of shares of common stock or preferred stock will be in registered form only.

A holder of warrant certificates may exchange them for new certificates of different denominations, present them for registration of transfer and exercise them at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the respective underlying securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants.

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

The following description summarizes only the general features of the rights that we may offer from time to time under this prospectus. The specific terms of a series of rights will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to that series of rights along with any general provisions applicable to that series of rights. We may issue rights to our shareholders to purchase shares of our common stock and/or any of the other securities offered hereby. Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as rights agent. The following description of the rights and any description of the rights in a prospectus supplement may not be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the underlying rights agreement, which we will file with the SEC at or prior to the time of the sale of the rights. You should refer to, and read this summary together with, the rights agreement and the applicable prospectus supplement to review the terms of a particular series of rights. You can obtain copies of any form of rights agreement or other agreement pursuant to which the rights are issued by following the directions described under the caption “Where You Can Find More Information.” The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any rights will describe the terms of the offered rights, including, where applicable, the following:

Holders may exercise rights as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights. If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than existing shareholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby underwriting arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

The following description summarizes the general features of the purchase contracts that we may offer from time to time under this prospectus. The specific terms of particular purchase contracts will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to that particular series of purchase contracts along with any general provisions applicable to such purchase contracts. The following description of the purchase contracts and any description of the purchase contracts in a prospectus supplement may not be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the actual form of purchase contract, which we will file with the SEC at or prior to the time of the sale of the purchase contracts. You should refer to, and read this summary together with the applicable purchase contract and the applicable prospectus supplement to review the terms of a particular series of purchase contracts. You can obtain copies of any form of purchase contract by following the directions described under the caption “Where You Can Find More Information.”

We may issue purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and for us to sell to holders, a specific or variable number of our securities at a future date or dates. Alternatively, the purchase contracts may obligate us to purchase from holders, and obligate holders to sell to us, a specific or varying number of our securities.

If we offer any purchase contracts, the material terms of that series of purchase contracts will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, the following:

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

We may issue units comprising two or more securities described in this prospectus in any combination. For example, we might issue units consisting of a combination of debt securities and warrants to purchase common stock. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the units that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. The particular terms of the units and the extent, if any, to which the general terms and provisions may apply to the units so offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit also is the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, each unit will entitle the holder thereof to the rights and obligations of a holder of each security included in such unit. Units will be issued pursuant to the terms of a unit agreement, which 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. A copy of the forms of the unit agreement and the unit certificate relating to any particular issue of units will be filed with the SEC each time we offer units, and you should read those documents for provisions that may be important to you. For more information on how you can obtain copies of the forms of the unit agreement and the related unit certificate, see “Where You Can Find More Information.”

The prospectus supplement relating to any particular issuance of units will describe the terms of those units, including, to the extent applicable, the following: