<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001193125-21-321628.txt : 20211105
<SEC-HEADER>0001193125-21-321628.hdr.sgml : 20211105
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20211105162119
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001193125-21-321628
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	424B5
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
FILED AS OF DATE:		20211105
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20211105

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			XCEL ENERGY INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000072903
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	ELECTRIC & OTHER SERVICES COMBINED [4931]
		IRS NUMBER:				410448030
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			MN
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		424B5
		SEC ACT:		1933 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	333-255446
		FILM NUMBER:		211384824

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		414 NICOLLET MALL
		CITY:			MINNEAPOLIS
		STATE:			MN
		ZIP:			55401
		BUSINESS PHONE:		6123305500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		414 NICOLLET MALL
		CITY:			MINNEAPOLIS
		STATE:			MN
		ZIP:			55401

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	NORTHERN STATES POWER CO /MN/
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19920703
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>424B5
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>d210547d424b5.htm
<DESCRIPTION>424B5
<TEXT>
<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>424B5</TITLE>
</HEAD>
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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="right"><B>Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5) <BR>Registration No. 333-255446 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt" ALIGN="center">


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<TR STYLE="font-size:1px; ">
<TD COLSPAN="5" VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Title of each class of</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>securities to be registered</B></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE=" BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Amount</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>to be</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>registered</B></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE=" BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><B>Amount of<BR>registration fee<SUP STYLE="font-size:85%; vertical-align:top">(1)</SUP></B></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Common Stock, $2.50 par value per share</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE=" BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">$800,000,000</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE=" BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">$74,160</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px; ">
<TD COLSPAN="5" VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px; ">
<TD COLSPAN="5" VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(1)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">Calculated in accordance with Rules 457(o) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933. This &#147;Calculation
of Registration Fee&#148; table shall be deemed to update the &#147;Calculation of Registration Fee&#148; table in Xcel Energy Inc.&#146;s Registration Statement on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-3</FONT> (Registration <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;333-255446).</FONT> </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always">
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>(To prospectus dated April&nbsp;22, 2021) </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="font-size:0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" ALIGN="center">


<IMG SRC="g210547g21p63.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Up to $800,000,000 of Common Stock </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:24pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Xcel Energy Inc. </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This prospectus
supplement and the accompanying base prospectus relate to the offer and sale from time to time of shares of our common stock (par value $2.50 per share) having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $800,000,000 through Barclays&nbsp;Capital Inc.,
BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley&nbsp;&amp; Co. LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (the &#147;sales agents&#148;). These sales, if any, will be made
pursuant to the terms of an equity distribution agreement between us and the sales agents and may be made by means of ordinary brokers&#146; transactions on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (&#147;Nasdaq&#148;) or otherwise at market prices prevailing at
the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, in block transactions, or as otherwise agreed upon by us and the sales agents. We will submit orders to only one sales agent relating to the sale of shares
of our common stock on any given day. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Each sales agent will receive from us a commission of up to 1.0% of the gross sales price for any
shares sold through it acting as our sales agent under the equity distribution agreement. The sales agents are not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of shares of our common stock under the equity distribution agreement. Subject
to the terms and conditions of the equity distribution agreement, the sales agents will use their commercially reasonable efforts to sell on our behalf any shares of common stock to be offered by us. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Under the terms of the equity distribution agreement, we also may sell shares of our common stock to one or more of the sales agents as
principals for their own account at a price agreed upon at the time of sale. If we sell shares to a sales agent as principal, we will enter into a separate terms agreement with such sales agent, and we will describe this agreement in a separate
prospectus supplement or pricing supplement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The offering of common stock pursuant to the equity distribution agreement will terminate
upon the earlier of (1)&nbsp;the sale of all the shares of our common stock subject to the equity distribution agreement and (2)&nbsp;the termination of the equity distribution agreement, pursuant to its terms, by either us or, with respect to any
sales agent, such sales agent, at any time in the respective party&#146;s sole discretion. See &#147;Plan of Distribution&#148; in this prospectus supplement for further information. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The net proceeds that we will receive will be the gross proceeds from such sales, less the commissions and any other costs we may incur in
issuing the shares. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our common stock is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol &#147;XEL.&#148; The last reported sale price of our common
stock on Nasdaq on November&nbsp;4, 2021 was $63.07 per share. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Investing in
our common stock involves risks. See &#147;<A HREF="#srom210547_3">Risk Factors</A>&#148; on page <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-5</FONT> of this prospectus supplement to read important factors you should consider before investing in our common
stock. </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;SEC&#148;) nor any state securities commission has approved or
disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt" ALIGN="center">


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<TD WIDTH="24%"></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"><B>Barclays</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>BofA Securities</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>Citigroup</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><B>J.P. Morgan</B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt" ALIGN="center">


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<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="32%"></TD></TR>

<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"><B>Morgan Stanley</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>MUFG</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><B>Wells&nbsp;Fargo&nbsp;Securities</B></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Prospectus Supplement dated November&nbsp;5, 2021 </B></P>
</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always">
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes
the specific terms of the offering. The second part, the accompanying base shelf prospectus, gives more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. The accompanying base shelf prospectus dated April&nbsp;22, 2021 is referred
to as the &#147;accompanying prospectus&#148; in this prospectus supplement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and
any free writing prospectus that we prepare or authorize contain and incorporate by reference information that you should consider when making your investment decision. We have not, and the sales agents have not, authorized anyone to provide you
with different information and, if given, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the sales agents are not, making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in
this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus
supplement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc"></A>TABLE OF CONTENTS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Prospectus Supplement </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


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<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#srom210547_1">Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#srom210547_2">Prospectus Summary</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-3</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#srom210547_3">Risk Factors</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#srom210547_4">Use of Proceeds</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-6</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#srom210547_5">Plan of Distribution</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-7</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#srom210547_6">Conflicts of Interest</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#srom210547_7">Legal Matters</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-9</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Prospectus </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


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<TD WIDTH="97%"></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_1">About This Prospectus</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">i</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_2">Where You Can Find More Information</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">ii</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_3">Incorporation of Certain Documents By Reference</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">ii</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_4">Our Company</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_5">Risk Factors</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_6">Use of Proceeds</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_7">Description of Senior Debt Securities</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">2</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_8">Description of Subordinated Debt Securities</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">9</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_9">Description of Junior Subordinated Debt Securities</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">17</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_10">Description of Common Stock</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">25</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_11">Description of Preferred Stock</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">28</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_12">Description of Depositary Shares</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">29</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_13">Description of Warrants</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">29</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_14">Description of Rights</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">29</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_15">Description of Purchase Contracts</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">30</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_16">Description of Units</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">30</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_17">Book-Entry System</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">31</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_18">Plan of Distribution</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">33</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_19">Legal Opinions</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">33</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_20">Experts</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">33</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always">
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="srom210547_1"></A>SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, and the documents they incorporate by reference contain statements that are not
historical fact and constitute &#147;forward-looking statements.&#148; When we use words like &#147;anticipate,&#148; &#147;believe,&#148; &#147;could,&#148; &#147;estimate,&#148; &#147;expect,&#148; &#147;intend,&#148; &#147;may,&#148;
&#147;objective,&#148; &#147;outlook,&#148; &#147;plan,&#148; &#147;project,&#148; &#147;possible,&#148; &#147;potential,&#148; &#147;should,&#148; &#147;will,&#148; &#147;would&#148; and similar expressions, or when we discuss our strategy or
plans, we are making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our future results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking
statements. These statements are necessarily based upon various assumptions involving judgments with respect to the future and other risks, including, among others: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">uncertainty around the impacts and duration of the <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">COVID-19</FONT> pandemic;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">operational safety, including our nuclear generation facilities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">successful long-term operational planning; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">commodity risks associated with energy markets and production; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">rising energy prices and fuel costs; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">qualified employee work force and third-party contractor factors; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">ability to recover costs; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">changes in regulation and subsidiaries&#146; ability to recover costs from customers; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">reductions in our credit ratings and the cost of maintaining certain contractual relationships;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">general economic conditions, including inflation rates, monetary fluctuations, supply chain constraints and their
impact on capital expenditures and/or the ability of us and our subsidiaries to obtain financing on favorable terms; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">availability or cost of capital; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our customers&#146; and counterparties&#146; ability to pay their debts to us; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">assumptions and costs relating to funding our employee benefit plans and health care benefits;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our subsidiaries&#146; ability to make dividend payments; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">tax laws; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">effects of geopolitical events, including war and acts of terrorism; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">cyber security threats and data security breaches; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">seasonal weather patterns; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">changes in environmental laws and regulations; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">climate change and other weather; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">natural disaster and resource depletion, including compliance with any accompanying legislative and regulatory
changes; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">costs of potential regulatory penalties; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">other business or investment considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in our SEC filings or in
other publicly disseminated written documents. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">You are cautioned not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements.
These risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements are discussed in detail under &#147;Risk Factors,&#148; &#147;Business,&#148; </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-1 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
&#147;Management&#146;s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations&#148; and &#147;Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements&#148; in our <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/72903/000007290321000012/xel-20201231.htm">Annual
 Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT> for the year ended December 31, 2020</A> and in our Quarterly Reports on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-Q</FONT> for the quarterly periods ended <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/72903/000007290321000030/xel-20210331.htm">March
<U></U>&nbsp;31, 2021</A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/72903/000007290321000064/xel-20210630.htm">June<U></U>&nbsp;
30, 2021</A>, and <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/72903/000007290321000084/xel-20210930.htm">September 30, 2021</A>, and in other documents on file with the SEC and incorporated by reference in
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You may obtain copies of these documents as described in the accompanying prospectus under the caption &#147;Incorporation of Certain Documents By Reference.&#148; </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors should not be construed as exhaustive. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-2 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="srom210547_2"></A>PROSPECTUS SUMMARY </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>The following information supplements, and should be read together with, the information contained or incorporated by reference in other
parts of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This summary highlights selected information from this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. As a result, it does not contain all of the information you should
consider before investing in our common stock. You should carefully read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference, which are described under the caption &#147;Incorporation of
Certain Documents By Reference&#148; in the accompanying prospectus. In this prospectus supplement, except as otherwise indicated or as the context otherwise requires, the &#147;Company,&#148; &#147;we,&#148; &#147;us&#148; and &#147;our&#148; refer
to Xcel Energy Inc., a Minnesota corporation. </I></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>The Company </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We are a public utility holding company with four utility subsidiaries: (i)&nbsp;Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation, which
provides electric utility service to approximately 1.5&nbsp;million customers in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota and natural gas utility service to approximately 0.6&nbsp;million customers in Minnesota and North Dakota; (ii)&nbsp;Northern
States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation, which provides electric utility service to approximately 0.3&nbsp;million customers and natural gas utility service to approximately 0.1&nbsp;million customers in northwestern Wisconsin and the western
portion of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; (iii)&nbsp;Public Service Company of Colorado, a Colorado corporation, which provides electric utility service to approximately 1.5&nbsp;million customers and natural gas utility service to approximately
1.4&nbsp;million customers in Colorado; and (iv)&nbsp;Southwestern Public Service Company, a New Mexico corporation, which provides electric utility service to approximately 0.4&nbsp;million customers in Texas and New Mexico. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We were incorporated in 1909 under the laws of Minnesota. Our principal executive offices are located at 414 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55401, and our telephone number at that location is (612) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">330-5500.</FONT> Our website is <I>www.xcelenergy.com</I>. Except for documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus, no information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is to be considered as part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. </P>
</div></div>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>The Offering </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>The following summary contains basic information about this offering. Because this is only a summary, it does not contain all of the
information that may be important to you. For a more complete understanding of this offering, we encourage you to read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including &#147;Description of Common Stock,&#148; and the
documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. </I></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Issuer </P></TD>
<TD>Xcel Energy Inc. </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Common Stock Offered By This Prospectus Supplement </P></TD>
<TD>Shares of our common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $800,000,000 </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Use of Proceeds </P></TD>
<TD>We presently intend to add any net proceeds from this offering to our general funds and use those proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include repaying or refinancing short-term borrowings and making capital contributions to our
operating subsidiaries, which they may use to fund their capital expenditures or repay their short-term indebtedness. As of September&nbsp;30, 2021, we had $1.75&nbsp;billion of short-term borrowings outstanding on a consolidated basis, which
included $1.73&nbsp;billion of short-term borrowings outstanding at the Company. Until the net proceeds from this offering have been used, we may invest them temporarily in interest-bearing obligations. See &#147;Use of Proceeds&#148; in this
prospectus supplement for more information. </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Listing </P></TD>
<TD>Our common stock is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol &#147;XEL.&#148; </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Risk Factors </P></TD>
<TD>An investment in our common stock involves various risks, and prospective investors should carefully consider the matters discussed under the caption entitled &#147;Risk Factors&#148; on page <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-5</FONT><B> </B>of
this prospectus supplement. </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="38%"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Conflicts of Interest </P></TD>
<TD>Certain of the sales agents or their affiliates may be lenders under our short-term bank facilities or hold a portion of the commercial paper that we may repay using a portion of the net proceeds of this offering. In such event, it is possible
that one or more of the sales agents or their affiliates could receive at least 5% or more of the net proceeds of this offering, and in that case such sales agent would be deemed to have a conflict of interest under Rule 5121 (Public Offerings of
Securities with Conflicts of Interest) of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (&#147;FINRA&#148;). In the event of any such conflict of interest, such sales agent would be required to conduct the distribution of the shares of our
common stock in accordance with FINRA Rule 5121. See &#147;Plan of Distribution&#151;Conflicts of Interest&#148; in this prospectus supplement. </TD></TR></TABLE>
</div><br clear="All"></div>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="srom210547_3"></A>RISK FACTORS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>An investment in our common stock involves various risks. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties, as well as any
cautionary language or other information, contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the information under the caption &#147;Item 1A Risk Factors&#148; in our <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/72903/000007290321000012/xel-20201231.htm">Annual
 Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT> for the year ended December<U></U>&nbsp;31, 2020</A>, as modified by our other SEC filings filed after such annual report, before investing in our common stock. Those risks are those that
we consider to be the most significant to your decision whether to invest in our common stock. If any of the events described therein occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially harmed. As a result, the
trading price of our common stock could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment. </I></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-5 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="srom210547_4"></A>USE OF PROCEEDS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We presently intend to add any net proceeds from this offering to our general funds and use those proceeds for general corporate purposes,
which may include repaying or refinancing short-term borrowings and making capital contributions to our operating subsidiaries, which they may use to fund their capital expenditures or repay their short-term indebtedness. As of September&nbsp;30,
2021, we had $1.75&nbsp;billion of short-term borrowings outstanding on a consolidated basis, which included $1.73&nbsp;billion of short-term borrowings outstanding at the Company, with a weighted average annual interest rate of 0.5604%. Of these
short-term borrowings at the Company, $1.20&nbsp;billion was drawn under our <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">364-day</FONT> term loan that matures on February&nbsp;17, 2022 and $529&nbsp;million represented outstanding commercial paper. Until the
net proceeds from this offering have been used, we may invest them temporarily in interest-bearing obligations. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-6 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="srom210547_5"></A>PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We have entered into an equity distribution agreement with Barclays&nbsp;Capital Inc., BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc.,
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley&nbsp;&amp; Co. LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, the sales agents, under which we may issue and sell from time to time shares of our common stock having an aggregate gross
sales price of up to $800,000,000 through the sales agents. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Upon written instructions from us, the applicable sales agent will offer the
shares of our common stock, subject to the terms and conditions of the equity distribution agreement, on a daily basis or as otherwise agreed upon by us and the sales agent. We will designate the maximum amount of shares of common stock to be sold
through the applicable sales agent on a daily basis or otherwise determine such maximum amount together with the applicable sales agent. Subject to the terms and conditions of the equity distribution agreement, the sales agents will use their
commercially reasonable efforts to sell on our behalf all of the designated shares of common stock so designated or determined. We will submit orders to only one sales agent relating to the sale of shares of the common stock on any given day. We may
instruct the sales agents not to sell shares of common stock if the sales cannot be effected at or above the price designated by us in any such instruction. We or the sales agents may suspend the offering of shares of common stock being made through
the sales agents under the equity distribution agreement upon proper notice to the other party. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">For its service as sales agent in
connection with the sale of shares of our common stock that may be offered hereby, we will pay each sales agent an aggregate fee of up to 1.0% of the gross sales price for any shares sold through it acting as our sales agent under the equity
distribution agreement. The sales agents are not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of shares of our common stock under the equity distribution agreement. The remaining sales proceeds, after deducting any expenses payable by us
and any transaction fees imposed by any governmental or regulatory organization in connection with the sales, will equal our net proceeds for the sale of such shares. We have agreed to reimburse the sales agents for certain of their legal expenses
in certain circumstances. We estimate that the total expenses from this offering payable by us, excluding compensation payable to the sales agents under the equity distribution agreement, will be approximately $1,600,000. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Settlement for sales of our common stock will occur, unless the parties agree otherwise, on the second business day following the date on
which any sales were made in return for payment of the proceeds to us net of compensation paid by us to the sales agents. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">As sales agents, Barclays&nbsp;Capital Inc., BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan
Stanley&nbsp;&amp; Co. LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC will not engage in any transactions that stabilize the price of our common stock. If a sales agent or we have reason to believe that our common stock is no
longer an &#147;actively-traded security&#148; as defined under Rule 101(c)(1) of Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that party will promptly notify the other party, and sales of common stock pursuant to the equity
distribution agreement will be suspended until that or other exemptive provisions have been satisfied in the judgment of the sales agents and us. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Under the terms of the equity distribution agreement, we also may sell shares of our common stock to one or more of the sales agents as
principals for their own account at a price agreed upon at the time of sale. A sales agent may offer the shares of our common stock sold to it as principal from time to time through public or private transactions at market prices prevailing at the
time of sale, at fixed prices, at negotiated prices, at various prices determined at the time of sale or at prices related to prevailing market prices. If we sell shares to a sales agent as principal, we will enter into a separate terms agreement
with such sales agent, and we will describe this agreement in a separate prospectus supplement or pricing supplement. </P>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The shares of common stock offered hereby may be sold on Nasdaq or otherwise, at market
prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition, if agreed
by us and the applicable sales agent, some or all of the shares of common stock covered by this prospectus supplement may be sold through: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker solicits purchasers; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">purchases by a broker-dealer, as principal, and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; or
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a block trade in which a broker-dealer will attempt to sell as agent, but may position or resell a portion of the
block, as principal, in order to facilitate the transaction. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless otherwise required, we will report at least
quarterly the number of shares of common stock sold through any sales agents under the equity distribution agreement, the net proceeds to us and the compensation paid by us to such sales agents in connection with the sales of shares of our common
stock. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In connection with the sale of shares of our common stock on our behalf, the sales agents may be deemed to be
&#147;underwriters&#148; within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;), and the compensation paid to the sales agents may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed, under
the equity distribution agreement, to provide indemnification and contribution to the sales agents against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The offering of common stock pursuant to the equity distribution agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (1)&nbsp;the sale of all the
shares of our common stock subject to the equity distribution agreement and (2)&nbsp;the termination of the equity distribution agreement, pursuant to its terms, by either us or, with respect to any sales agent, such sales agent, at any time in the
respective party&#146;s sole discretion. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction (except in the United States) that would
permit a public offering of the shares of our common stock, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or any other material relating to us or the shares of our common stock, in any
jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and this prospectus
supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the shares of our common stock may not be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction except in compliance with any
applicable rules and regulations of any such country or jurisdiction. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><A NAME="srom210547_6"></A>Conflicts of Interest </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The sales agents and their affiliates have provided, and in the future may continue to provide, investment banking, commercial banking and
other financial services to the Company and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business, for which they have received and will continue to receive customary compensation. Certain of the sales agents or their affiliates may be lenders under our
short-term bank facilities or hold a portion of the commercial paper that we may repay using a portion of the net proceeds of this offering. In such event, it is possible that one or more of the sales agents or their affiliates could receive at
least 5% or more of the net proceeds of this offering, and in that case such sales agent would be deemed to have a conflict of interest under FINRA Rule 5121. In the event of any such conflict of interest, such sales agent would be required to
conduct the distribution of the shares of our common stock in accordance with FINRA Rule 5121. If FINRA Rule 5121 is applicable, such sales agent would not be permitted to confirm a sale to an account over which it exercises discretionary authority
without first receiving specific written approval from the account holder. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-8 </P>

</DIV></Center>


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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="srom210547_7"></A>LEGAL MATTERS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Legal opinions relating to the validity of the common stock being offered by this prospectus supplement will be rendered by our counsel, Amy
L. Schneider, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and certain other legal matters will be passed upon for us by Jones Day, Chicago, Illinois. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the sales agents by Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, New York, New York. Amy L.
Schneider is our Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Securities and is the beneficial owner of less than 1% of our common stock. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">S-9 </P>

</DIV></Center>


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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>PROSPECTUS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:24pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>XCEL ENERGY INC. </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>414
Nicollet Mall </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(612) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">330-5500</FONT> </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>COMMON STOCK </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>PREFERRED
STOCK </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>DEPOSITARY SHARES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>WARRANTS </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>RIGHTS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>PURCHASE CONTRACTS </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>UNITS
</B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may offer and sell from time to time, in one or more offerings, together or separately, any combination of the securities listed above and
described in this prospectus. We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and/or agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to the securities and the general manner in which they may be offered. The
specific terms of any securities to be offered, and the specific manner in which they may be offered, will be described in a supplement to this prospectus. This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus
supplement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol &#147;XEL.&#148; </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement and certain of our filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission before making any decision to invest in any of the securities described in this prospectus. </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Neither the
Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>The date of this prospectus is April&nbsp;22, 2021. </B></P>
</DIV></Center>


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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc"></A>TABLE OF CONTENTS </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>

<TD WIDTH="95%"></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><B>Page</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_1">ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">i</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_2">WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">ii</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_3">INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">ii</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_4">OUR COMPANY</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_5">RISK FACTORS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_6">USE OF PROCEEDS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">1</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_7">DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">2</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_8">DESCRIPTION OF SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">9</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_9">DESCRIPTION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">17</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_10">DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">25</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_11">DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">28</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_12">DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">29</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_13">DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">29</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_14">DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">29</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_15">DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">30</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_16">DESCRIPTION OF UNITS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">30</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_17">BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">31</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_18">PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">33</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_19">LEGAL OPINIONS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">33</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><A HREF="#toc210547_20">EXPERTS</A></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right">33</TD>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_1"></A>ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This document is called a &#147;prospectus&#148; and it provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we
sell securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the terms of the securities being offered. That prospectus supplement may include a discussion of any risk factors or other special
considerations that apply to those securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change the information in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and in the prospectus supplement,
you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the caption &#147;Where You Can Find More
Information.&#148; We may also prepare free writing prospectuses that describe particular securities. Any free writing prospectus should also be read in connection with this prospectus and with the prospectus supplement referred to therein. For
purposes of this prospectus, any reference to an applicable prospectus supplement may also refer to a free writing prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;SEC&#148;) using a
shelf registration process. By using this process, we may, from time to time, sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. We may offer any of the following securities: senior debt securities,
subordinated debt securities, or junior subordinated debt securities, each of which may be convertible into our common stock, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, rights, purchase contracts and units. As permitted by SEC
rules, this prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement and the accompanying exhibits and schedules we filed with the SEC. You should read the registration statement and the related exhibits and
schedules for more information about us and our securities. The registration statement and the related exhibits and schedules can be read at the SEC&#146;s website at <I>www.sec.gov</I>. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The distribution of this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement and the offering of the securities in certain jurisdictions may
be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement come should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. This prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement do not
constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offering or solicitation is not qualified to do so or
to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any
free writing prospectus that we prepare or authorize contain and incorporate by reference information that you should consider when making your investment decision. No one is authorized to provide you with information different from that which is
contained, or deemed to be contained, in this prospectus and applicable prospectus supplement. We are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this
prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless otherwise specified or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus to &#147;Xcel Energy,&#148;
&#147;we,&#148; &#147;us,&#148; &#147;our,&#148; and &#147;the Company,&#148; or similar terms, refer to Xcel Energy Inc. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">i </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_2"></A>WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our website address is <I>www.xcelenergy.com</I>. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with
the SEC. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at <I>www.sec.gov</I>. Information on, or accessible through, the
SEC&#146;s website or our website is not part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference herein. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_3"></A>INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The SEC allows us to &#147;incorporate by reference&#148; the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important
information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &#147;Exchange Act&#148;), from the date of the prospectus
until we sell all of the securities (other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules). </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">Our <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/72903/000007290321000012/xel-20201231.htm">Annual
 Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT> for the year ended December<U></U>&nbsp;31, 2020.</A> </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">Our Current Reports on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> filed on <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/72903/000007290321000003/xel-20210104.htm">January
<U></U>&nbsp;4, 2021,</A> <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/72903/000007290321000008/xel-20210208.htm">February<U></U>&nbsp;
8, 2021,</A> <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/72903/000119312521047726/d286690d8k.htm">February<U></U>&nbsp;
18, 2021,</A> and <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/72903/000007290321000014/xel-20210331.htm">April<U></U>&nbsp;1, 2021. </A> </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">The description of our common stock contained in our <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/72903/000095013702001231/c68060ex99-01.htm">Form
 <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> filed with the SEC on March<U></U>&nbsp;
13, 2002</A>, as updated by the description of our common stock contained in <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/72903/000007290320000011/descriptionofsecuritie.htm">Exhibit 4.01</A> to our Annual Report on Form <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT> for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2019, including any subsequently filed amendments and reports updating such description. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will provide, without charge, to each person, including any beneficial owner of our securities to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon
written or oral request, a copy of any or all documents referred to above that have been incorporated by reference into this prospectus, excluding exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into those
documents. You may request these documents from: </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Attn: Corporate Secretary </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Xcel Energy Inc. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">414 Nicollet
Mall </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(612) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">330-5500</FONT> </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">ii </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_4"></A>OUR COMPANY </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We are a public utility holding company with four utility subsidiaries: (i)&nbsp;Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation, which
provides electric utility service to approximately 1.5&nbsp;million customers in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota and natural gas utility service to approximately 0.6&nbsp;million customers in Minnesota and North Dakota; (ii)&nbsp;Northern
States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation, which provides electric utility service to approximately 0.3&nbsp;million customers and natural gas utility service to approximately 0.1&nbsp;million customers in northwestern Wisconsin and the western
portion of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; (iii)&nbsp;Public Service Company of Colorado, a Colorado corporation, which provides electric utility service to approximately 1.5&nbsp;million customers and natural gas utility service to approximately
1.4&nbsp;million customers in Colorado; and (iv)&nbsp;Southwestern Public Service Company, a New Mexico corporation, which provides electric utility service to approximately 0.4&nbsp;million customers in Texas and New Mexico. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We were incorporated in 1909 under the laws of Minnesota. Our principal executive offices are located at 414 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55401, and our telephone number at that location is (612) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">330-5500.</FONT> </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_5">
</A>RISK FACTORS </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Investing in our securities involves certain risks. You are urged to carefully read and consider the risk factors
relating to an investment in our securities described in our annual, quarterly and current reports filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Before making an investment decision, you should
carefully consider these risks, as well as any other information that we include or incorporate by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement applicable to each type or series of securities we offer may
contain a discussion of additional risks applicable to an investment in our securities and the particular type of securities we are offering under that prospectus supplement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_6"></A>USE OF PROCEEDS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we intend to add the net proceeds from the sale of the securities described in this
prospectus to our general funds and use those proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include the funding of our operating units and subsidiaries, the repayment of indebtedness, working capital, capital expenditures and acquisitions. The
specific allocation of the proceeds of a particular series of the securities will be described in the prospectus supplement. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">1 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_7"></A>DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The description below contains summaries of selected provisions of the indenture, including supplemental indentures, under which the senior
debt securities (referred to herein as &#147;senior debt securities&#148;) may be issued. These summaries are not complete. The indenture and the form of the supplemental indenture applicable to the senior debt securities have been filed as exhibits
to the registration statement. You should read them for provisions that may be important to you. In the summaries below, we have included references to section numbers of the indenture so that you can easily locate these provisions. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We are not required to issue future issues of senior indebtedness under the senior indenture described in this prospectus. We are free to use
other indentures or documentation, containing provisions different from those described in this prospectus, in connection with future issues of other senior indebtedness not under this registration statement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The senior debt securities will be represented either by global senior debt securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company
(&#147;DTC&#148;), as depository (the &#147;Depository&#148;), or its nominee, or by securities in certificated form issued to the registered owners, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. See the information under the heading
&#147;Book-Entry System&#148; in this prospectus. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>General </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The senior debt securities will be issued in one or more new series under an indenture dated as of December&nbsp;1, 2000 between us and Wells
Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the &#147;Senior Debt Trustee&#148;). This indenture, as previously supplemented by supplemental indentures and as may be supplemented by a new supplemental indenture for additional series of debt
securities, is referred to in this prospectus as the &#147;Senior Indenture.&#148; As of December&nbsp;31, 2020, there were ten series of senior debt securities in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $4.8&nbsp;billion outstanding under
the Senior Indenture. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The holders of the outstanding senior debt securities do not, and, unless the supplemental indenture that describes
a particular series of senior debt securities provides otherwise with respect to that series, the holders of any senior debt securities offered by this prospectus will not, have the right to require us to repurchase the senior debt securities if we
become involved in a highly leveraged or change in control transaction. The Senior Indenture does not have any provision that is designed specifically in response to highly leveraged or change in control transactions. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The senior debt securities will be our unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. The senior debt securities will rank on a parity in right of
payment with all of our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and will rank senior to any of our subordinated indebtedness. As of December&nbsp;31, 2020, we had no junior subordinated debt outstanding and our aggregate
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness was approximately $4.8&nbsp;billion. The senior debt securities will be subordinated to any of our secured indebtedness, as to the assets securing such indebtedness. As of December&nbsp;31, 2020, we had no
secured indebtedness. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition, the senior debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of
our subsidiaries. We are a holding company and conduct business through our various subsidiaries. As a result, our cash flow and consequent ability to meet our debt obligations primarily depend on the earnings of our subsidiaries, and on dividends
and other payments from our subsidiaries. Under certain circumstances, contractual and legal restrictions, as well as the financial condition and operating requirements of our subsidiaries, could limit our ability to obtain cash from our
subsidiaries for the purpose of meeting debt service obligations, including the payment of principal and interest on the senior debt securities. Any rights to receive assets of any subsidiary upon its liquidation or reorganization and the consequent
right of the holders of the senior debt securities to participate in those assets will be subject to the claims of that subsidiary&#146;s creditors, including trade creditors, except to the extent that we are recognized as a creditor of that
subsidiary, in which </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">2 </P>

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case our claims would still be subordinate to any security interests in the assets of that subsidiary. As of December&nbsp;31, 2020, our subsidiaries had approximately $16.3 billion of
indebtedness and other liabilities outstanding. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The amount of securities that we may issue under the Senior Indenture is not limited. We
are not required to issue all senior debt securities of one series at the same time and, unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may reopen a series for issuances of additional senior debt securities of that series
without the consent of the holders of the senior debt securities of that series. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may also sell hybrid or novel securities now existing
or developed in the future that combine certain features of the senior debt securities and other securities described in this prospectus. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">When we offer to sell a particular series of senior debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of that series in a prospectus
supplement relating to that series, including the following terms: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
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<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the title, aggregate principal amount and offering price of that series of senior debt securities;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
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<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the interest rate or rates, or method of calculation of such rate or rates, on that series, and the date from
which the interest will accrue; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the dates on which interest will be payable; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the record dates for payments of interest; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the date on which the senior debt securities of that series will mature; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any redemption terms; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which the
senior debt securities of that series may be repaid, in whole or in part, at the option of the holder thereof; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any changes to events of default or covenants; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">other specific terms applicable to the senior debt securities of that series. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any special U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to senior debt securities sold at an original issue discount and any special
U.S. federal income tax or other considerations applicable to any senior debt securities which are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of senior debt securities.
</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the senior debt securities will be denominated in U.S. dollars in
minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Registration, Transfer and Exchange </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Senior debt securities of any series may be exchanged for other senior debt securities of the same series of any authorized denominations and
of a like aggregate principal amount, series and stated maturity and having the same terms and original issue date or dates. (Section 2.6 of the Senior Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, senior debt securities may be presented for registration of transfer
(duly endorsed or accompanied by a duly executed written instrument of transfer), at the office of the Senior Debt Trustee maintained for that purpose with respect to any series of senior debt securities and referred to in the applicable prospectus
supplement, without service charge and upon payment of any taxes and other governmental charges as described in the Senior Indenture. Any transfer or exchange will be effected if the senior debt securities are duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a
written instrument or instruments of transfer in a form satisfactory to the Company and the Senior Debt Trustee and duly executed by the holder of the senior debt security as described in the Senior Indenture. (Section 2.6 of the Senior Indenture).
</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Senior Debt Trustee will not be required to exchange or register a transfer of any senior debt securities of a series selected,
called or being called for redemption except, in the case of any senior debt security to be </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">3 </P>

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redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be so redeemed. (Section 2.6 of the Senior Indenture). See the information under the heading &#147;Book-Entry System&#148; in this prospectus. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Payment and Paying Agents </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Principal,
interest and premium, if any, on senior debt securities issued in the form of global senior debt securities will be paid in the manner described below under the heading &#147;Book-Entry System.&#148; Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable
prospectus supplement, interest on senior debt securities that are in the form of certificated senior debt securities will be paid by check mailed to the holder at that person&#146;s address as it appears in the register for the senior debt
securities maintained by the Senior Debt Trustee; however, a holder of $10,000,000 or more senior debt securities having the same interest payment dates will be entitled to receive payments of interest by wire transfer to a bank within the
continental United States if appropriate wire transfer instructions have been received by the Senior Debt Trustee on or prior to the applicable record date. (Section 2.12 of the Senior Indenture). Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable
prospectus supplement, the principal, interest at maturity and premium, if any, on senior debt securities in the form of certificated senior debt securities will be payable in immediately available funds at the office of the Senior Debt Trustee.
(Section 2.12 of the Senior Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">All monies paid by us to a paying agent for the payment of principal, interest or premium, if
any, on any senior debt security which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after that principal, interest or premium has become due and payable will be repaid to us and the holder of that senior debt security will thereafter look only to us for
payment of that principal, interest or premium. (Section 4.4 of the Senior Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Events of Default and Remedies </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The following constitute events of default under the Senior Indenture: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">default in the payment of principal and premium, if any, on any security issued under the Senior Indenture when
due and payable and continuance of that default for 5 days; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">default in the payment of interest on any security issued under the Senior Indenture when due and continuance of
that default for 30 days; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">default in the performance or breach of our other covenants or warranties in the securities or in the Senior
Indenture and the continuation of that default or breach for 90 days after written notice to us as provided in the Senior Indenture; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of our company. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Section 7.1 of the Senior Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Acceleration of Maturity</I></B>. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, either the Senior Debt Trustee or the holders of a
majority in principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities may declare the principal amount of all senior debt securities to be due and payable immediately. At any time after an acceleration of the securities has been declared, but
before a judgment or decree of the immediate payment of the principal amount of the securities has been obtained, if we pay or deposit with the Senior Debt Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and the principal and
any premium which has become due otherwise than by acceleration and all defaults have been cured or waived, then that payment or deposit will cause an automatic rescission and annulment of the acceleration of the securities. (Section 7.1 of the
Senior Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Indemnification of Senior Debt Trustee</I></B>. The Senior Debt Trustee generally will be under no obligation to
exercise any of its rights or powers under the Senior Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders unless such holders have offered reasonable security or indemnity to the Senior Debt Trustee. (Section 8.2 of the Senior Indenture).
</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Right to Direct Proceedings</I></B>. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities generally will
have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">4 </P>

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available to the Senior Debt Trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Senior Debt Trustee, relating to the securities. However, the Senior Debt Trustee may refuse to follow
any direction that conflicts with law or the Senior Indenture or would expose the Senior Debt Trustee to personal liability or be unduly prejudicial to holders not joining in such proceeding. (Section 7.7 of the Senior Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Limitation on Rights to Institute Proceedings</I></B><I>. </I>No holder of the senior debt securities of a series will have any right to
pursue a remedy under the Senior Indenture, unless: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the holder has previously given the Senior Debt Trustee written notice of a continuing event of default on the
series; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities affected by such event of
default have made written request, and the holder or holders have offered indemnity satisfactory to the Senior Debt Trustee to pursue the remedy; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the Senior Debt Trustee has failed to comply with the request within 60 days after the request and offer.
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Section 7.4 of the Senior Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>No Impairment of Right to Receive Payment</I></B><I>. </I>Notwithstanding any other provision of the Senior Indenture, the holder of any
senior debt security will have the absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest on that senior debt security when due, and to institute suit for enforcement of that payment. This right may not
be impaired without the consent of the holder. (Section 7.4 of the Senior Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Notice of Default</I></B><I>. </I>The Senior
Debt Trustee is required to give the holders notice of the occurrence of a default within 90 days of the default, unless the default is cured or waived. Except in the case of a payment default on the senior debt securities, or a default in the
payment of any sinking or purchase fund installments, the Senior Debt Trustee may withhold the notice if its board of directors or trustees, executive committee, or a trust committee of directors or trustees or responsible officers determines in
good faith that it is in the interest of holders to do so. (Section 7.8 of the Senior Indenture). We are required to deliver to the Senior Debt Trustee each year a certificate as to whether or not we are in compliance with the conditions and
covenants under the Senior Indenture. (Section 5.5 of the Senior Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Modification </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we and the Senior Debt Trustee may modify and amend the Senior Indenture
from time to time. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will not need the consent of the holders for the following types of amendments: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">curing any ambiguity, or curing, correcting or supplementing any defective or inconsistent provision or supplying
an omission arising under the Senior Indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">changing or eliminating any of the provisions of the Senior Indenture, provided that any such change or
elimination is to become effective only when: </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">there is no outstanding security created prior to the execution of the supplemental indenture that is entitled to
receive the benefit of this provision; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">this change or elimination is applicable only to securities issued after the date this change or elimination
becomes effective; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">establishing the form of the securities or establishing or reflecting any terms of any security as provided in
the Senior Indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">5 </P>

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<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">evidencing our successor corporation and the assumption by our successor of our covenants in the Senior Indenture
and in the securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">granting to or conferring upon the Senior Debt Trustee any additional rights, remedies, powers or authority for
the benefit of the holders of the securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">permitting the Senior Debt Trustee to comply with any duties imposed upon it by law; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
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<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">specifying further the duties and responsibilities of the Senior Debt Trustee, any authenticating agent and any
paying agent and defining further the relationships among the Senior Debt Trustee, authenticating agent and paying agent; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
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<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">adding to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of the securities or surrendering a right given to us in
the Senior Indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
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<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">adding security for the securities; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">making any other change that is not prejudicial to the Senior Debt Trustee or the holders of the securities.
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Section 12.1 of the Senior Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will need the consent of the holders of each outstanding security affected by a proposed amendment if the amendment would cause any of the
following to occur: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a change in the maturity date, reduction of the interest rate, or extension of the time of payment of interest,
of any security; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
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<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a reduction in the principal amount of any security or the premium payable on any security;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a change in the currency of any payment of principal, premium or interest on any security; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a change in date on which any security may be redeemed or repaid at the option of the holder;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">an impairment of the right of a holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment relating to any
security; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a reduction in the percentage of outstanding securities necessary to consent to the modification or amendment of
the Senior Indenture; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a modification of these requirements or a reduction to less than a majority of the percentage of outstanding
securities necessary to waive events of default. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Section 12.2 of the Senior Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Amendments other than those described in the above two paragraphs will require the approval of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding securities. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Conversion Rights </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any supplemental indenture establishing a series of senior debt securities may provide for conversion rights. We will describe in the
applicable prospectus supplement the particular terms and conditions, if any, on which senior debt securities may be convertible into other securities. These terms will include the conversion rate, the conversion period, provisions as to whether
conversion will be mandatory or at our option or the option of the holder, events requiring an adjustment of the conversion rate and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">6 </P>

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redemption of the debt securities. If we issue convertible debt securities, we will need to supplement the indenture to add applicable provisions regarding conversion. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Defeasance and Discharge </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may be
discharged from all obligations relating to the senior debt securities and the Senior Indenture (except for specified obligations such as obligations to register the transfer or exchange of securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated securities
and maintain paying agencies) if we irrevocably deposit with the Senior Debt Trustee, in trust for the benefit of holders of securities, money or U.S. government obligations (or any combination thereof) sufficient to make all payments of principal,
premium and interest on the securities on the dates those payments are due. To discharge these obligations, we must deliver to the Senior Debt Trustee an opinion of counsel that the holders of the securities will not recognize income, gain or loss
for federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or discharge of the Senior Indenture. Upon any discharge of our obligations as described above, we will be deemed to have paid and discharged our entire indebtedness represented by the
senior debt securities and our obligations under the senior debt securities. (Section 4.1 of the Senior Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Consolidation, Merger and Sale of
Assets; No Financial Covenants </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will not consolidate with or merge into any other corporation or sell, or otherwise dispose all or
substantially all of our assets unless the successor or transferee corporation assumes by supplemental indenture our obligations to pay the principal, interest and premium on all the securities and our obligation to perform every covenant of the
Senior Indenture that we are to perform or observe, and we or the successor or transferee corporation, as applicable, are not immediately following such consolidation or merger, or sale, or disposition in default in the performance of any such
covenant. Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, the successor or transferee corporation will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise all of our rights and
powers under the Senior Indenture with the same effect as if the successor corporation had been named as us in the Senior Indenture and we will be released from all obligations under the Senior Indenture. Regardless of whether a sale or transfer of
assets might otherwise be considered a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, the Senior Indenture also specifically permits any sale, transfer or conveyance of our <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-utility</FONT> subsidiaries if,
following such sale or transfer, the securities are rated by Standard&nbsp;&amp; Poor&#146;s Ratings Group and Moody&#146;s Investors Service, Inc. at least as high as the ratings accorded the securities immediately prior to the sale, transfer or
disposition. (Sections 11.1 and 11.2 of the Senior Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Senior Indenture does not contain any financial or other similar
restrictive covenants. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Resignation or Removal of Senior Debt Trustee </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Senior Debt Trustee may resign at any time by notifying us in writing and specifying the day that the resignation is to take effect. The
resignation will not take effect, however, until the later of the appointment of a successor trustee and the day the resignation is to take effect. (Section 8.10 of the Senior Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities may remove the Senior Debt Trustee at any time. In addition, so
long as no event of default or event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default has occurred and is continuing, we may remove the Senior Debt Trustee upon notice to the holder of each security
outstanding and written notice to the Senior Debt Trustee. (Section 8.10 of the Senior Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Governing Law </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Senior Indenture and the senior debt securities will be governed by, and will be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
Minnesota. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">7 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Concerning the Senior Debt Trustee </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Wells Fargo Bank, National Association is the Senior Debt Trustee. We maintain banking relationships with the Senior Debt Trustee in the
ordinary course of business. The Senior Debt Trustee also acts as trustee for our junior subordinated debt securities and certain debt securities of our subsidiaries. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">8 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_8"></A>DESCRIPTION OF SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may issue subordinated debt securities (other than the junior subordinated debt securities (as defined below under &#147;Description of
Junior Subordinated Debt Securities&#148; in this prospectus)), in one or more series, under one or more subordinated indentures. The description below contains summaries of selected provisions of the indenture under which the subordinated debt
securities may be issued. These summaries are not complete. The form of subordinated indenture and the form of the supplemental indenture applicable to the subordinated debt securities have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement. You
should read them for provisions that may be important to you. In the summaries below, we have included references to section numbers of the subordinated indenture so that you can easily locate these provisions. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We are not required to issue future issues of subordinated indebtedness under the subordinated indenture described in this prospectus. We are
free to use other indentures or documentation, containing provisions different from those described in this prospectus, in connection with future issues of other subordinated indebtedness not under this registration statement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated debt securities will be represented either by global subordinated debt securities registered in the name of the Depository or
its nominee, or by securities in certificated form issued to the registered owners, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. See the information under the heading &#147;Book-Entry System&#148; in this prospectus. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>General </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated debt securities
will be issued in one or more new series under a subordinated indenture to be entered into between us and a trustee to be named therein, as trustee (the &#147;Subordinated Trustee&#148;). This subordinated indenture, as it may be supplemented by a
supplemental indenture for each series of subordinated debt securities, is referred to in this prospectus as the &#147;Subordinated Indenture.&#148; As of December&nbsp;31, 2020, we have no subordinated debt securities outstanding under the
Subordinated Indenture. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The subordinated debt securities will be our unsecured obligations and will rank senior to any of our junior
subordinated indebtedness and will rank junior in right of payment to our Senior Indebtedness, as described under the caption &#147;&#151; Subordination&#148;. As of December&nbsp;31, 2020, our outstanding Senior Indebtedness (as defined below) was
approximately $4.8&nbsp;billion. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition, the subordinated debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all existing and
future liabilities of our subsidiaries, including trade creditors, debtholders, secured creditors, taxing authorities, guarantee holders and any preferred shareholders. We are a holding company and conduct business through our various subsidiaries.
As a result, our cash flow and consequent ability to meet our debt obligations primarily depend on the earnings of our subsidiaries, and on dividends and other payments from our subsidiaries. Under certain circumstances, contractual and legal
restrictions, as well as the financial condition and operating requirements of our subsidiaries, could limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries for the purpose of meeting debt service obligations, including the payment of principal and
interest on the subordinated debt securities. Any rights to receive assets of any subsidiary upon its liquidation or reorganization and the consequent right of the holders of the subordinated debt securities to participate in those assets will be
subject to the claims of that subsidiary&#146;s creditors, including trade creditors, except to the extent that we are recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary, in which case our claims would still be subordinate to any security interests in the
assets of that subsidiary. As of December&nbsp;31, 2020, our subsidiaries had approximately $16.3 billion of indebtedness and other liabilities outstanding. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless the supplemental indenture that describes a particular series of subordinated debt securities provides otherwise with respect to that
series, the holders of any subordinated debt securities offered by this prospectus will not have the right to require us to repurchase the subordinated debt securities if we become involved in a highly leveraged or change in control transaction. The
Subordinated Indenture does not have any provision that is designed specifically in response to highly leveraged or change in control transactions. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">9 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The amount of subordinated debt securities that we may issue under the Subordinated
Indenture is not limited. We are not required to issue all subordinated debt securities of one series at the same time and, unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may reopen a series for issuances of additional
subordinated debt securities of that series without the consent of the holders of the subordinated debt securities of that series. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may
also sell hybrid or novel securities now existing or developed in the future that combine certain features of the subordinated debt securities and other securities described in this prospectus. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">When we offer to sell a particular series of subordinated debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of that series in a prospectus
supplement relating to that series, including the following terms: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
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<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the title, aggregate principal amount and offering price of that series of subordinated debt securities;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the interest rate or rates, or method of calculation of such rate or rates, on that series, and the date from
which the interest will accrue; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the dates on which interest will be payable; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any rights that would allow us to defer or extend an interest payment date; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the record dates for payments of interest; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the date on which the subordinated debt securities of that series will mature; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any redemption terms; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which the
subordinated debt securities of that series may be repaid, in whole or in part, at the option of the holder thereof; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any changes to events of default or covenants; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any changes to subordination provisions; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">other specific terms applicable to the subordinated debt securities of that series. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any special U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to subordinated debt securities sold at an original issue discount and any
special U.S. federal income tax or other considerations applicable to any subordinated debt securities which are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of subordinated
debt securities. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the subordinated debt securities will be
denominated in U.S. dollars in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Subordination </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Each series of subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the Subordinated
Indenture, to all Senior Indebtedness (as defined below). If: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">we make a payment or distribution of any of our assets to creditors upon our dissolution, <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">winding-up,</FONT> liquidation or reorganization, whether in bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a default in the payment of principal or interest on any Senior Indebtedness has occurred and is continuing; or
</P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">10 </P>

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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness has been accelerated because of a default on that Senior Indebtedness,
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">then the holders of Senior Indebtedness generally will have the right to receive payment, in the case of the first instance above, of
all amounts due or to become due upon that Senior Indebtedness, and, in the case of the second and third instances, of all amounts due on that Senior Indebtedness, or we will make provision for those payments, before the holders of any subordinated
debt securities have the right to receive any payments of principal or interest on their securities. (Sections 14.1 and 14.9 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, &#147;Senior Indebtedness&#148; includes the senior debt securities and
means, with respect to any series of subordinated debt securities, the principal, premium, interest and any other payment in respect of any of the following, whether outstanding on the date of execution of the Subordinated Indenture or thereafter
incurred, other than obligations expressly on a parity with the subordinated debt securities or junior to the subordinated debt securities: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">all of our current and future indebtedness for borrowed or purchase money whether or not evidenced by bonds,
debentures, notes or other similar written instruments; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our obligations under synthetic leases, finance leases and capitalized leases; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our obligations for reimbursement under letters of credit, banker&#146;s acceptances, security purchase
facilities or similar facilities issued for our account; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any of our other indebtedness or obligations with respect to derivative contracts, including commodity contracts,
interest rate, commodity and currency swap agreements, forward contracts and other similar agreements or arrangements designed to protect against fluctuations in commodity prices, currency exchange or interest rates; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">all indebtedness of others of the kinds described in the preceding categories which we have assumed or
guaranteed. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Senior Indebtedness will not include trade accounts payable, accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary
course of business, indebtedness to our subsidiaries or any indebtedness which is by its terms junior to or on parity with the subordinated debt securities, including the junior subordinated indebtedness issued under the Junior Subordinated
Indenture. (Section 1.3 of the Subordinated Indenture.) </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Senior Indebtedness will be entitled to the benefits of the subordination
provisions in the Subordinated Indenture irrespective of the amendment, modification or waiver of any term of the Senior Indebtedness. We may not amend the Subordinated Indenture to change the subordination of any outstanding subordinated debt
securities without the consent of each holder of subordinated debt securities that such amendment would adversely affect. (Sections 12.2 and 14.7 of the Subordinated Indenture.) </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Indenture does not limit the amount of subordinated debt securities that we may issue. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Registration, Transfer and Exchange </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Subordinated debt securities of any series may be exchanged for other subordinated debt securities of the same series of any authorized
denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, series and stated maturity and having the same terms and original issue date or dates. (Section 2.6 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, subordinated debt securities may be presented for registration of
transfer (duly endorsed or accompanied by a duly executed written instrument of transfer), at the office of the Subordinated Debt Trustee maintained for that purpose with respect to any series of subordinated debt securities and referred to in the
applicable prospectus supplement, without service charge and </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">11 </P>

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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
upon payment of any taxes and other governmental charges as described in the Subordinated Indenture. Any transfer or exchange will be effected if the subordinated debt securities are duly
endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in a form satisfactory to the Company and the Subordinated Debt Trustee and duly executed by the holder of the subordinated debt security as described in the Subordinated
Indenture. (Section 2.6 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Debt Trustee will not be required to exchange or register a
transfer of any subordinated debt securities of a series selected, called or being called for redemption except, in the case of any subordinated debt security to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be so redeemed. (Section 2.6 of the
Subordinated Indenture). See the information under the heading &#147;Book-Entry System&#148; in this prospectus. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Payment and Paying Agents </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Principal, interest and premium, if any, on subordinated debt securities issued in the form of global subordinated debt securities will be paid
in the manner described below under the heading &#147;Book-Entry System.&#148; Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, interest on subordinated debt securities that are in the form of certificated subordinated debt
securities will be paid by check mailed to the holder at that person&#146;s address as it appears in the register for the subordinated debt securities maintained by the Subordinated Debt Trustee; however, a holder of $10,000,000 or more subordinated
debt securities having the same interest payment dates will be entitled to receive payments of interest by wire transfer to a bank within the continental United States if appropriate wire transfer instructions have been received by the Subordinated
Debt Trustee on or prior to the applicable record date. (Section 2.12 of the Subordinated Indenture). Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the principal, interest at maturity and premium, if any, on subordinated debt
securities in the form of certificated subordinated debt securities will be payable in immediately available funds at the office of the Subordinated Debt Trustee. (Section 2.12 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">All monies paid by us to a paying agent for the payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on any subordinated debt security which
remain unclaimed at the end of two years after that principal, interest or premium has become due and payable will be repaid to us and the holder of that subordinated debt security will thereafter look only to us for payment of that principal,
interest or premium. (Section 4.4 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Events of Default and Remedies </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless we provide otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the following will constitute events of default under the Subordinated Indenture with
respect to the subordinated debt securities of any series: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">default in the payment of principal and premium, if any, on any security of such series when due and payable and
continuance of that default for 5 days; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">default in the payment of interest on any security of such series when due and continuance of that default for 30
days (subject, if applicable, to the right to optionally defer interest payments); </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">default in the performance or breach of our other covenants or warranties in the securities of such series or in
the Subordinated Indenture (other than a covenant or agreement that has been expressly included in the Subordinated Indenture for the benefit of one or more series of subordinated debt securities other than such series) and the continuation of that
default or breach for 90 days after written notice to us as provided in the Subordinated Indenture; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of our company. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Section 7.1 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Acceleration of Maturity</I></B>. If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to a series of subordinated debt
securities, either the Subordinated Debt Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">12 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
amount of the outstanding securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. At any time after an acceleration of a
series of securities has been declared, but before a judgment or decree of the immediate payment of the principal amount of those securities has been obtained, if: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the securities of that series rescind in writing the
acceleration; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">we pay or deposit with the Subordinated Debt Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest
with respect to that series of securities and the principal and any premium which has become due with respect to that series of securities otherwise than by acceleration and all defaults with respect to that series of securities have been cured or
waived, then that holders&#146; rescission and the payment or deposit will cause an automatic rescission and annulment of the acceleration of the securities of that series. (Section 7.1 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Indemnification of Subordinated Debt Trustee</I></B>. The Subordinated Debt Trustee generally will be under no obligation to exercise
any of its rights or powers under the Subordinated Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders unless such holders have offered reasonable security or indemnity to the Subordinated Debt Trustee. (Section 8.2 of the Subordinated
Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Right to Direct Proceedings</I></B>. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities of a
series generally will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Subordinated Debt Trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Subordinated Debt Trustee,
relating to the securities of that series. Notwithstanding, the Subordinated Debt Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Subordinated Indenture or would expose the Subordinated Debt Trustee to personal liability or
be unduly prejudicial to holders not joining in such proceeding. (Section 7.7 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Limitation on Rights
to Institute Proceedings</I></B>. No holder of the subordinated debt securities of a series will have any right to pursue a remedy under the Subordinated Indenture, unless: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the holder has previously given the Subordinated Debt Trustee written notice of a continuing event of default on
the series; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities of all series affected by
such event of default, considered as one class, have made written request, and the holder or holders have offered indemnity satisfactory to the Subordinated Debt Trustee to pursue the remedy; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the Subordinated Debt Trustee has failed to comply with the request within 60 days after the request and offer.
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Section 7.4 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>No Impairment of Right to Receive Payment</I></B>. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Subordinated Indenture, the holder of any
subordinated debt security will have the absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest on that subordinated debt security when due and payable, and to institute suit for enforcement of that
payment. This right may not be impaired without the consent of the holder. (Section 7.4 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Notice of
Default</I></B>. The Subordinated Debt Trustee is required to give the holders of a series of securities notice of the occurrence of a default within 90 days of the default with respect to that series, unless the default is cured or waived. Except
in the case of a payment default on the subordinated debt securities, or a default in the payment of any sinking or purchase fund installments, the Subordinated Debt Trustee may withhold the notice if its board of directors or trustees, executive
committee, or a trust committee of directors or trustees or responsible officers determines in good faith that it is in the interest of holders of the series of affected securities to do so. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">13 </P>

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<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always">
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
(Section 7.8 of the Subordinated Indenture). We are required to deliver to the Subordinated Debt Trustee each year a certificate as to whether or not we are in compliance with the conditions and
covenants under the Subordinated Indenture. (Section 5.5 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Conversion Rights </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">A series of subordinated debt securities may provide for conversion rights. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the
particular terms and conditions, if any, on which subordinated debt securities may be convertible into other securities. These terms will include the conversion rate, the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be mandatory or at
our option or the option of the holder, events requiring an adjustment of the conversion rate and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of the debt securities. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Defeasance and Discharge </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may be
discharged from all obligations relating to the subordinated debt securities and the Subordinated Indenture (except for specified obligations such as obligations to register the transfer or exchange of securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated
securities and maintain paying agencies) if we irrevocably deposit with the Subordinated Debt Trustee, in trust for the benefit of holders of securities, money or U.S. government obligations (or any combination thereof) sufficient to make all
payments of principal, premium and interest on the securities on the dates those payments are due. To discharge these obligations, we must deliver to the Subordinated Debt Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that we have received from, or
there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or similar pronouncement by the Internal Revenue Service or that there has been a change in law, in either case to the effect that the holders of the securities will not recognize
income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or discharge of the Subordinated Indenture, and holders will be subject to tax in the same manner, in the same amounts and same time as would have been the case
absent such defeasance. Upon any discharge of our obligations as described above, we will be deemed to have paid and discharged our entire indebtedness represented by the subordinated debt securities and our obligations under the subordinated debt
securities. (Section 4.1 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Modification </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we and the Subordinated Debt Trustee may modify and amend the
Subordinated Indenture from time to time. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will not need the consent of the holders for the following types of amendments: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">curing any ambiguity, or curing, correcting or supplementing any defective or inconsistent provision or supplying
an omission arising under the Subordinated Indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">changing or eliminating any of the provisions of the Subordinated Indenture, provided that any such change or
elimination is to become effective only when: </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">there is no outstanding security created prior to the execution of the supplemental indenture that is entitled to
receive the benefit of this provision; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">this change or elimination is applicable only to securities issued after the date this change or elimination
becomes effective; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">establishing the form of the securities or establishing or reflecting any terms of any security as provided in
the Subordinated Indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">evidencing our successor corporation and the assumption by our successor of our covenants in the Subordinated
Indenture and in the securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">granting to or conferring upon the Subordinated Debt Trustee any additional rights, remedies, powers or authority
for the benefit of the holders of the securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">14 </P>

</DIV></Center>


<p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always">
<HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">permitting the Subordinated Debt Trustee to comply with any duties imposed upon it by law; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">specifying further the duties and responsibilities of the Subordinated Debt Trustee, any authenticating agent and
any paying agent and defining further the relationships among the Subordinated Debt Trustee, authenticating agent and paying agent; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">adding to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of the securities, surrendering a right given to us in the
Subordinated Indenture or adding any event of default with respect to one or more series of securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">facilitating defeasance and discharge of any series of the securities, provided that such action shall not
adversely affect the interest of any holder; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">adding security for the securities; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">making any other change that is not prejudicial to the Subordinated Debt Trustee or the holders of the
securities. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Section 12.1 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will need the consent of the holders of each outstanding security affected by a proposed amendment if the amendment would cause any of the
following to occur: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a change in the maturity date, reduction of the interest rate, or extension of the time of payment of interest,
of any security; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a reduction in the principal amount of any security or the premium payable on any security;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a change in the currency of any payment of principal, premium or interest on any security; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a change in date on which any security may be redeemed or repaid at the option of the holder;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">an impairment of the right of a holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment relating to any
security; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a reduction in the percentage of outstanding securities necessary to consent to the modification or amendment of
the Subordinated Indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a modification of these requirements or a reduction to less than a majority of the percentage of outstanding
securities necessary to waive events of default; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a modification of the subordination provisions in a manner adverse to such holders. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Section 12.2 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Amendments other than those described in the above two paragraphs will require the approval of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding securities of all series, provided that if there are securities of more than one series outstanding and if a proposed amendment would directly affect the rights of holders of securities of one or more, but less than all, of such series,
then the approval of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities of all series so directly affected, considered as one class, will be required. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets; No Financial Covenants </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will not consolidate with or merge into any other corporation or sell, or otherwise dispose all or substantially all of our assets unless
the successor or transferee corporation assumes by supplemental indenture our obligations to pay the principal, interest and premium on all the securities and our obligation to perform every covenant of the Subordinated Indenture that we are to
perform or observe, and we or the successor or transferee corporation, as applicable, are not immediately following such consolidation or merger, or sale, or disposition in default in the performance of any such covenant. Upon any consolidation or
merger, or any sale, </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">15 </P>

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transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, the successor or transferee corporation will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise all of our rights and
powers under the Subordinated Indenture with the same effect as if the successor corporation had been named as us in the Subordinated Indenture and we will be released from all obligations under the Subordinated Indenture. Regardless of whether a
sale or transfer of assets might otherwise be considered a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, the Subordinated Indenture also specifically permits any sale, transfer or conveyance of our
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-utility</FONT> subsidiaries if, following such sale or transfer, the securities are rated by Standard&nbsp;&amp; Poor&#146;s Ratings Group and Moody&#146;s Investors Service, Inc. at least as high as the ratings
accorded the securities immediately prior to the sale, transfer or disposition. (Sections 11.1 and 11.2 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Indenture does not contain any financial or other similar restrictive covenants. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Resignation or Removal of Subordinated Debt Trustee </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Debt Trustee may resign with respect to securities of any series at any time by notifying us in writing and specifying the day
that the resignation is to take effect. The resignation will not take effect, however, until the later of the appointment of a successor trustee and the day the resignation is to take effect. (Section 8.10 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities of any series may remove the Subordinated Debt Trustee as trustee
of that series of securities at any time. In addition, so long as no event of default or event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default has occurred and is continuing with respect to securities of
any series, we may remove the Subordinated Debt Trustee with respect to securities of that series upon notice to the holder of each security of that series outstanding and written notice to the Subordinated Debt Trustee. (Section 8.10 of the
Subordinated Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Governing Law </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Indenture and the subordinated debt securities will be governed by, and will be construed in accordance with, the laws of the
State of Minnesota. (Section 15.4 of the Subordinated Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>The Subordinated Debt Trustee </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Subordinated Indenture requires that the Subordinated Trustee be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United
States or any State thereof or of the District of Columbia (or a corporation or other person permitted to act as trustee by the Commission), subject to supervision or examination by such bodies and authorized under such laws to exercise corporate
trust powers and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $150,000,000. If at any time the Subordinated Trustee shall cease to be eligible to serve as trustee under the Subordinated Indenture, the Subordinated Trustee shall resign
immediately and a new trustee will be appointed as provided in the Subordinated Indenture. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">16 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_9"></A>DESCRIPTION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The description below contains summaries of selected provisions of the indenture, including supplemental indentures, under which the junior
subordinated debt securities may be issued (referred to herein as &#147;junior subordinated indenture&#148;). These summaries are not complete. The junior subordinated indenture and the form of the supplemental indenture applicable to the junior
subordinated debt securities have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement. You should read them for provisions that may be important to you. In the summaries below, we have included references to section numbers of the junior
subordinated indenture so that you can easily locate these provisions. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We are not required to issue future issues of junior subordinated
indebtedness under the junior subordinated indenture described in this prospectus. We are free to use other indentures or documentation, containing provisions different from those described in this prospectus, in connection with future issues of
other junior subordinated indebtedness not under this registration statement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The junior subordinated debt securities will be represented
either by global junior subordinated debt securities registered in the name of the Depository or its nominee, or by securities in certificated form issued to the registered owners, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. See the
information under the heading &#147;Book-Entry System&#148; in this prospectus. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>General </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The junior subordinated debt securities will be issued in one or more new series under an indenture dated as of January&nbsp;1, 2008 between us
and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the &#147;Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee&#148;). This junior subordinated indenture, as it may be supplemented by a supplemental indenture for each series of junior subordinated debt
securities, is referred to in this prospectus as the &#147;Junior Subordinated Indenture.&#148; As of December&nbsp;31, 2020, we have no junior subordinated debt outstanding under the Junior Subordinated Indenture. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The junior subordinated debt securities will be our unsecured obligations and will rank on a parity in right of payment with all of our future
junior subordinated indebtedness and junior in right of payment to our Senior Ranking Indebtedness, as described under the caption &#147;&#151;Subordination&#148;. As of December&nbsp;31, 2020, our outstanding Senior Ranking Indebtedness (as defined
below) was approximately $4.8&nbsp;billion. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition, the junior subordinated debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all
existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries, including trade creditors, debtholders, secured creditors, taxing authorities, guarantee holders and any preferred shareholders. We are a holding company and conduct business through our various
subsidiaries. As a result, our cash flow and consequent ability to meet our debt obligations primarily depend on the earnings of our subsidiaries, and on dividends and other payments from our subsidiaries. Under certain circumstances, contractual
and legal restrictions, as well as the financial condition and operating requirements of our subsidiaries, could limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries for the purpose of meeting debt service obligations, including the payment of
principal and interest on the junior subordinated debt securities. Any rights to receive assets of any subsidiary upon its liquidation or reorganization and the consequent right of the holders of the junior subordinated debt securities to
participate in those assets will be subject to the claims of that subsidiary&#146;s creditors, including trade creditors, except to the extent that we are recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary, in which case our claims would still be
subordinate to any security interests in the assets of that subsidiary. As of December&nbsp;31, 2020, our subsidiaries had approximately $16.3 billion of indebtedness and other liabilities outstanding. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless the supplemental indenture that describes a particular series of junior subordinated debt securities provides otherwise with respect to
that series, the holders of any junior subordinated debt securities offered by this prospectus will not have the right to require us to repurchase the junior subordinated debt securities if we </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">17 </P>

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become involved in a highly leveraged or change in control transaction. The Junior Subordinated Indenture does not have any provision that is designed specifically in response to highly leveraged
or change in control transactions. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The amount of junior subordinated debt securities that we may issue under the Junior Subordinated
Indenture is not limited. We are not required to issue all junior subordinated debt securities of one series at the same time and, unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may reopen a series for issuances of
additional junior subordinated debt securities of that series without the consent of the holders of the junior subordinated debt securities of that series. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may also sell hybrid or novel securities now existing or developed in the future that combine certain features of the junior subordinated
debt securities and other securities described in this prospectus. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">When we offer to sell a particular series of junior subordinated debt
securities, we will describe the specific terms of that series in a prospectus supplement relating to that series, including the following terms: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
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<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the title, aggregate principal amount and offering price of that series of junior subordinated debt securities;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the interest rate or rates, or method of calculation of such rate or rates, on that series, and the date from
which the interest will accrue; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the dates on which interest will be payable; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any rights that would allow us to defer or extend an interest payment date; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the record dates for payments of interest; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
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<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the date on which the junior subordinated debt securities of that series will mature; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any redemption terms; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>

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<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which the
junior subordinated debt securities of that series may be repaid, in whole or in part, at the option of the holder thereof; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any changes to events of default or covenants; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any changes to subordination provisions; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">other specific terms applicable to the junior subordinated debt securities of that series. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any special U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to junior subordinated debt securities sold at an original issue discount and
any special U.S. federal income tax or other considerations applicable to any junior subordinated debt securities which are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of
junior subordinated debt securities. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the junior subordinated debt
securities will be denominated in U.S. dollars in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Subordination </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Each series of junior subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the Junior
Subordinated Indenture, to all Senior Ranking Indebtedness (as defined below). If: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">we make a payment or distribution of any of our assets to creditors upon our dissolution, <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">winding-up,</FONT> liquidation or reorganization, whether in bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a default in the payment of principal or interest on any Senior Ranking Indebtedness has occurred and is
continuing; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">18 </P>

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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the maturity of any Senior Ranking Indebtedness has been accelerated because of a default on that Senior Ranking
Indebtedness, </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">then the holders of Senior Ranking Indebtedness generally will have the right to receive payment, in the case of the
first instance above, of all amounts due or to become due upon that Senior Ranking Indebtedness, and, in the case of the second and third instances, of all amounts due on that Senior Ranking Indebtedness, or we will make provision for those
payments, before the holders of any junior subordinated debt securities have the right to receive any payments of principal or interest on their securities. (Sections 14.1 and 14.9 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#147;Senior Ranking Indebtedness&#148; means, with respect to any series of junior subordinated debt securities, the principal, premium,
interest and any other payment in respect of any of the following, whether outstanding on the date of execution of the Junior Subordinated Indenture or thereafter incurred, other than obligations expressly on a parity with or junior to the junior
subordinated debt securities: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">all of our current and future indebtedness for borrowed or purchase money whether or not evidenced by bonds,
debentures, notes or other similar written instruments, including indebtedness issued under our Senior Indenture or Subordinated Indenture described above; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our obligations under synthetic leases, finance leases and capitalized leases; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">our obligations for reimbursement under letters of credit, banker&#146;s acceptances, security purchase
facilities or similar facilities issued for our account; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any of our other indebtedness or obligations with respect to derivative contracts, including commodity contracts,
interest rate, commodity and currency swap agreements, forward contracts and other similar agreements or arrangements designed to protect against fluctuations in commodity prices, currency exchange or interest rates; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">all indebtedness of others of the kinds described in the preceding categories which we have assumed or
guaranteed. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Senior Ranking Indebtedness will not include trade accounts payable, accrued liabilities arising in the
ordinary course of business, indebtedness to our subsidiaries or any indebtedness which is by its terms junior to or on parity with the junior subordinated debt securities. (Section 1.3 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture.) </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Senior Ranking Indebtedness will be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions in the Junior Subordinated Indenture irrespective
of the amendment, modification or waiver of any term of the Senior Ranking Indebtedness. We may not amend the Junior Subordinated Indenture to change the subordination of any outstanding junior subordinated debt securities without the consent of
each holder of junior subordinated debt securities that such amendment would adversely affect. (Sections 12.2 and 14.7 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture.) </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Junior Subordinated Indenture does not limit the amount of junior subordinated debt securities that we may issue. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Registration, Transfer and Exchange </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Junior subordinated debt securities of any series may be exchanged for other junior subordinated debt securities of the same series of any
authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, series and stated maturity and having the same terms and original issue date or dates. (Section 2.6 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, junior subordinated debt securities may be presented for registration of
transfer (duly endorsed or accompanied by a duly executed written </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">19 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
instrument of transfer), at the office of the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee maintained for that purpose with respect to any series of junior subordinated debt securities and referred to in the
applicable prospectus supplement, without service charge and upon payment of any taxes and other governmental charges as described in the Junior Subordinated Indenture. Any transfer or exchange will be effected if the junior subordinated debt
securities are duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in a form satisfactory to the Company and the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee and duly executed by the holder of the junior subordinated debt
security as described in the Junior Subordinated Indenture. (Section 2.6 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Junior Subordinated
Debt Trustee will not be required to exchange or register a transfer of any junior subordinated debt securities of a series selected, called or being called for redemption except, in the case of any junior subordinated debt security to be redeemed
in part, the portion thereof not to be so redeemed. (Section 2.6 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). See the information under the heading &#147;Book-Entry System&#148; in this prospectus. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Payment and Paying Agents </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Principal,
interest and premium, if any, on junior subordinated debt securities issued in the form of global junior subordinated debt securities will be paid in the manner described below under the heading &#147;Book-Entry System.&#148; Unless we indicate
otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, interest on junior subordinated debt securities that are in the form of certificated junior subordinated debt securities will be paid by check mailed to the holder at that person&#146;s address as
it appears in the register for the junior subordinated debt securities maintained by the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee; however, a holder of $10,000,000 or more junior subordinated debt securities having the same interest payment dates will be
entitled to receive payments of interest by wire transfer to a bank within the continental United States if appropriate wire transfer instructions have been received by the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee on or prior to the applicable record date.
(Section 2.12 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the principal, interest at maturity and premium, if any, on junior subordinated debt securities in the form of certificated
junior subordinated debt securities will be payable in immediately available funds at the office of the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee. (Section 2.12 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">All monies paid by us to a paying agent for the payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on any junior subordinated debt security
which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after that principal, interest or premium has become due and payable will be repaid to us and the holder of that junior subordinated debt security will thereafter look only to us for payment of that
principal, interest or premium. (Section 4.4 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Events of Default and Remedies </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless we provide otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the following will constitute events of default under the Junior Subordinated Indenture
with respect to the junior subordinated debt securities of any series: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">default in the payment of principal and premium, if any, on any security of such series when due and payable and
continuance of that default for 5 days; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">default in the payment of interest on any security of such series when due and continuance of that default for 30
days (subject, if applicable, to the right to optionally defer interest payments); </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">default in the performance or breach of our other covenants or warranties in the securities of such series or in
the Junior Subordinated Indenture (other than a covenant or agreement that has been expressly included in the Junior Subordinated Indenture for the benefit of one or more series of junior subordinated debt securities other than such series) and the
continuation of that default or breach for 90 days after written notice to us as provided in the Junior Subordinated Indenture; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">20 </P>

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<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
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<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of our company. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Section 7.1 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Acceleration of Maturity</I></B>. If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to a series of junior subordinated debt
securities, either the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all securities of that series to be due and payable
immediately. At any time after an acceleration of a series of securities has been declared, but before a judgment or decree of the immediate payment of the principal amount of those securities has been obtained, if: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the securities of that series rescind in writing the
acceleration; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">we pay or deposit with the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of
interest with respect to that series of securities and the principal and any premium which has become due with respect to that series of securities otherwise than by acceleration and all defaults with respect to that series of securities have been
cured or waived, </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">then that holders&#146; rescission and the payment or deposit will cause an automatic rescission and annulment of the
acceleration of the securities of that series. (Section 7.1 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Indemnification of Junior
Subordinated Debt Trustee</I></B>. The Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee generally will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Junior Subordinated Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders unless
such holders have offered reasonable security or indemnity to the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee. (Section 8.2 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Right to Direct Proceedings</I></B>. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities of a series generally
will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee, relating
to the securities of that series. Notwithstanding, the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Junior Subordinated Indenture or would expose the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee to personal
liability or be unduly prejudicial to holders not joining in such proceeding. (Section 7.7 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Limitation on Rights to Institute Proceedings</I></B>. No holder of the junior subordinated debt securities of a series will have any
right to pursue a remedy under the Junior Subordinated Indenture, unless: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the holder has previously given the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee written notice of a continuing event of
default on the series; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities of all series affected by
such event of default, considered as one class, have made written request, and the holder or holders have offered indemnity satisfactory to the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee to pursue the remedy; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee has failed to comply with the request within 60 days after the request and
offer. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Section 7.4 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>No Impairment of Right to Receive Payment</I></B>. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Junior Subordinated Indenture, the holder
of any junior subordinated debt security will have the absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest on that junior subordinated debt security when due and payable, and to institute suit for
enforcement of that payment. This right may not be impaired without the consent of the holder. (Section 7.4 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">21 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Notice of Default</I></B>. The Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee is required to give
the holders of a series of securities notice of the occurrence of a default within 90 days of the default with respect to that series, unless the default is cured or waived. Except in the case of a payment default on the junior subordinated debt
securities, or a default in the payment of any sinking or purchase fund installments, the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee may withhold the notice if its board of directors or trustees, executive committee, or a trust committee of directors or
trustees or responsible officers determines in good faith that it is in the interest of holders of the series of affected securities to do so. (Section 7.8 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). We are required to deliver to the Junior Subordinated
Debt Trustee each year a certificate as to whether or not we are in compliance with the conditions and covenants under the Junior Subordinated Indenture. (Section 5.5 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Conversion Rights </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any supplemental
indenture establishing a series of junior subordinated debt securities may provide for conversion rights. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the particular terms and conditions, if any, on which junior subordinated debt
securities may be convertible into other securities. These terms will include the conversion rate, the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be mandatory or at our option or the option of the holder, events requiring an
adjustment of the conversion rate and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of the debt securities. If we issue convertible debt securities, we will need to supplement the indenture to add applicable provisions regarding
conversion. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Defeasance and Discharge </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may be discharged from all obligations relating to the junior subordinated debt securities and the Junior Subordinated Indenture (except for
specified obligations such as obligations to register the transfer or exchange of securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated securities and maintain paying agencies) if we irrevocably deposit with the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee, in trust
for the benefit of holders of securities, money or U.S. government obligations (or any combination thereof) sufficient to make all payments of principal, premium and interest on the securities on the dates those payments are due. To discharge these
obligations, we must deliver to the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that we have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or similar pronouncement by the Internal
Revenue Service or that there has been a change in law, in either case to the effect that the holders of the securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or discharge of the Junior
Subordinated Indenture, and holders will be subject to tax in the same manner, in the same amounts and same time as would have been the case absent such defeasance. Upon any discharge of our obligations as described above, we will be deemed to have
paid and discharged our entire indebtedness represented by the junior subordinated debt securities and our obligations under the junior subordinated debt securities. (Section 4.1 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Modification </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless we indicate
otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we and the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee may modify and amend the Junior Subordinated Indenture from time to time. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will not need the consent of the holders for the following types of amendments: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">curing any ambiguity, or curing, correcting or supplementing any defective or inconsistent provision or supplying
an omission arising under the Junior Subordinated Indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">changing or eliminating any of the provisions of the Junior Subordinated Indenture, provided that any such change
or elimination is to become effective only when: </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">there is no outstanding security created prior to the execution of the supplemental indenture that is entitled to
receive the benefit of this provision; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">22 </P>

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<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">

<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">this change or elimination is applicable only to securities issued after the date this change or elimination
becomes effective; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">establishing the form of the securities or establishing or reflecting any terms of any security as provided in
the Junior Subordinated Indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">evidencing our successor corporation and the assumption by our successor of our covenants in the Junior
Subordinated Indenture and in the securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">granting to or conferring upon the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee any additional rights, remedies, powers or
authority for the benefit of the holders of the securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">permitting the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee to comply with any duties imposed upon it by law;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">specifying further the duties and responsibilities of the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee, any authenticating
agent and any paying agent and defining further the relationships among the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee, authenticating agent and paying agent; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">adding to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of the securities, surrendering a right given to us in the
Junior Subordinated Indenture or adding any event of default with respect to one or more series of securities; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">facilitating defeasance and discharge of any series of the securities, provided that such action shall not
adversely affect the interest of any holder; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">adding security for the securities; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">making any other change that is not prejudicial to the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee or the holders of the
securities. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Section 12.1 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will need the consent of the holders of each outstanding security affected by a proposed amendment if the amendment would cause any of the
following to occur: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a change in the maturity date, reduction of the interest rate, or extension of the time of payment of interest,
of any security; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a reduction in the principal amount of any security or the premium payable on any security;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a change in the currency of any payment of principal, premium or interest on any security; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a change in date on which any security may be redeemed or repaid at the option of the holder;
</P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">an impairment of the right of a holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment relating to any
security; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a reduction in the percentage of outstanding securities necessary to consent to the modification or amendment of
the Junior Subordinated Indenture; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a modification of these requirements or a reduction to less than a majority of the percentage of outstanding
securities necessary to waive events of default; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a modification of the subordination provisions in a manner adverse to such holders. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Section 12.2 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Amendments other than those described in the above two paragraphs will require the approval of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding securities of all series, provided that if there are securities of more than one series outstanding and if a proposed amendment would directly affect the rights of holders of securities of one or more, but less than all, of such series,
then the approval of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities of all series so directly affected, considered as one class, will be required. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">23 </P>

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<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets; No Financial Covenants </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will not consolidate with or merge into any other corporation or sell, or otherwise dispose all or substantially all of our assets unless
the successor or transferee corporation assumes by supplemental indenture our obligations to pay the principal, interest and premium on all the securities and our obligation to perform every covenant of the Junior Subordinated Indenture that we are
to perform or observe, and we or the successor or transferee corporation, as applicable, are not immediately following such consolidation or merger, or sale, or disposition in default in the performance of any such covenant. Upon any consolidation
or merger, or any sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, the successor or transferee corporation will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise all of our rights and powers under the Junior
Subordinated Indenture with the same effect as if the successor corporation had been named as us in the Junior Subordinated Indenture and we will be released from all obligations under the Junior Subordinated Indenture. Regardless of whether a sale
or transfer of assets might otherwise be considered a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, the Junior Subordinated Indenture also specifically permits any sale, transfer or conveyance of our
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-utility</FONT> subsidiaries if, following such sale or transfer, the securities are rated by Standard&nbsp;&amp; Poor&#146;s Ratings Group and Moody&#146;s Investors Service, Inc. at least as high as the ratings
accorded the securities immediately prior to the sale, transfer or disposition. (Sections 11.1 and 11.2 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Junior Subordinated Indenture does not contain any financial or other similar restrictive covenants. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Resignation or Removal of Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee may resign with respect to securities of any series at any time by notifying us in writing and specifying
the day that the resignation is to take effect. The resignation will not take effect, however, until the later of the appointment of a successor trustee and the day the resignation is to take effect. (Section 8.10 of the Junior Subordinated
Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities of any series may remove the Junior Subordinated
Debt Trustee as trustee of that series of securities at any time. In addition, so long as no event of default or event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default has occurred and is continuing with
respect to securities of any series, we may remove the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee with respect to securities of that series upon notice to the holder of each security of that series outstanding and written notice to the Junior Subordinated
Debt Trustee. (Section 8.10 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Governing Law </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Junior Subordinated Indenture and the junior subordinated debt securities will be governed by, and will be construed in accordance with,
the laws of the State of Minnesota. (Section 15.4 of the Junior Subordinated Indenture). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Concerning the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Wells Fargo Bank, National Association is the Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee. We maintain banking relationships with the Junior Subordinated
Debt Trustee in the ordinary course of business. The Junior Subordinated Debt Trustee also acts as trustee for our senior debt securities and certain debt securities of our subsidiaries. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">24 </P>

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<Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_10"></A>DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The following summary description sets forth some of the general terms and provisions of the common stock. This summary is not complete. For a
more detailed description of the common stock, you should refer to the provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (&#147;Articles&#148;) and Bylaws, as amended (&#147;Bylaws&#148;). The Articles and the Bylaws have been filed
as exhibits to the registration statement. You should read them for provisions that may be important to you. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>General </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our capital stock consists of two classes: common stock, par value $2.50 per share (1,000,000,000 shares currently authorized of which
537,648,833 shares were outstanding as of February&nbsp;11, 2021); and preferred stock, par value $100.00 per share (7,000,000 shares authorized, of which no shares were outstanding as of February&nbsp;11, 2021). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Dividend Rights </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Before we can pay any
dividends on our common stock, the holders of our preferred stock, if any, are entitled to receive dividends at the respective rates provided for in the terms of the shares of any outstanding series. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Because we are a holding company and conduct all of our operations through our subsidiaries, our cash flow and ability to pay dividends is
dependent on the earnings and cash flows of our subsidiaries and the distribution or other payment of those earnings to us in the form of dividends, or in the form of repayments of loans or advances to us. Some of our subsidiaries may have
restrictions on their ability to pay dividends including covenants under their borrowing arrangements and mortgage indentures, and possibly also restrictions imposed by their regulators and by statute. See &#147;Management&#146;s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations &#151; Common Stock Dividends&#148; and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our most recent Annual Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT> for a discussion of
factors affecting our payment of dividends including limitations imposed by statute. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Voting Rights </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders. Cumulative
voting in the election of directors is not permitted. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Preferred Stock </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our board of directors is authorized, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to establish out of our authorized capital stock up to 7,000,000
shares of preferred stock, which may be issued in one or more classes or series, having such dividend rights and times of payment, redemption prices, liquidation prices or preferences as to assets in voluntary liquidation, and other relative rights
and preferences as our board of directors shall determine. As of February&nbsp;11, 2021, no shares of preferred stock were outstanding. The terms of any preferred stock issued by the Company could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change
in control without further action by our shareholders. The issuance of shares of preferred stock with voting and conversion rights may adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our common stock. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Change of Control </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our Bylaws and the
Minnesota Business Corporation Act, as amended (the &#147;MBCA&#148;), contain provisions that could discourage, delay, prevent or make more difficult a change of control of our company. including, but not limited to, those summarized below. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>Bylaw Provisions</I></B><I>. </I>Under our Bylaws, our shareholders must provide us advance notice of the introduction by them of
director nominations or other business at annual meetings of our shareholders. For a shareholder to properly bring a proposal before an annual meeting, the shareholder must comply with the requirements under the federal proxy rules and deliver a
written notice to our Corporate Secretary, or mail and be received at our principal executive office, not less than 90 days before the first anniversary date of the preceding year&#146;s annual meeting. If,
</P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">25 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">
however, the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or 60 days after such anniversary date, the notice must be so delivered or so mailed and received not less than 90 days before
the annual meeting or, if later, within ten days after the first public announcement of the date of the annual meeting. The required notice from a shareholder must contain a description of the nominee or the other business being introduced, the
reasons for introducing such business, the name and address of each shareholder supporting the nomination or proposal and such other information as required under our Bylaws and the federal proxy rules. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">A shareholder, or a group of up to 20 shareholders, owning 3% or more of the Company&#146;s outstanding common stock continuously for at least
three years can nominate and include in the Company&#146;s proxy materials director-nominees constituting up to two individuals or 20% of the board (whichever is greater), provided that the shareholder(s) and the director-nominee(s) satisfy the
requirements specified in the Bylaws. To be timely, the proposal must be delivered to our Corporate Secretary, or mailed and received at our principal executive office, not less than 120 days and not more than 150 days prior to the first anniversary
of the date that the Company distributed its proxy statement to shareholders for the previous year&#146;s annual meeting of shareholders. If, however, the date of the annual meeting of shareholders is more than 30 days before or after such
anniversary date, the Notice of Proxy Access Nomination shall be timely if so delivered or so mailed and received not less than 90 days before the annual meeting or, if later, within ten days after the first public announcement of the date of the
annual meeting. The required notice from such a shareholder must contain such information as required under our Bylaws and the federal proxy rules. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Except to the extent otherwise required by law, the adjournment of an annual meeting of shareholders will not commence a new time period for
the giving of a shareholder&#146;s notice as required above. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I>MBCA</I></B><I>. </I>Section&nbsp;302A.433 of the MBCA provides that
special meetings of the Company&#146;s shareholders may be called by our chairman, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, two or more directors, or shareholders holding 10% or more of the voting power of all shares entitled to vote,
except that a special meeting called by shareholders for the purpose of considering any action to directly or indirectly facilitate or effect a business combination, including any action to change or otherwise affect the composition of our board of
directors for that purpose, must be called by 25% or more of the voting power of all shares entitled to vote. Section&nbsp;302A.441 of the MBCA also provides that action may be taken by shareholders without a meeting only by unanimous written
consent. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Section&nbsp;302A.671 of the MBCA applies to potential acquirers of 20% or more of our voting shares. Section&nbsp;302A.671
provides in substance that shares acquired by such acquirer will not have any voting rights unless the voting rights are either: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">approved by (i)&nbsp;a majority of the voting power of all of our shares entitled to vote including all shares
held by the acquirer and (ii)&nbsp;a majority of the voting power of all of our shares entitled to vote excluding all interested shares; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">acquired in a transaction that (i)&nbsp;is pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer for all of our voting
shares, (ii)&nbsp;results in the acquirer becoming the owner of at least a majority of our outstanding voting shares, and (iii)&nbsp;has been approved by a committee of disinterested directors. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In general, shares acquired in the absence of such approval are denied voting rights and are redeemable at their then fair market value by the
Company within 30 days after the acquiring person has failed to give a timely information statement to the Company or the date the shareholders voted not to grant voting rights to the acquiring person&#146;s shares. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Section&nbsp;302A.673 of the MBCA generally prohibits public Minnesota corporations, including us, from engaging in any business combination
with a person or entity owning, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of our voting shares for a period of four years after the date of the transaction in which such person or entity became a 10% shareholder unless the business combination or the
acquisition resulting in 10% ownership was approved by a committee of disinterested directors prior to the date such person or entity became a 10% shareholder. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">26 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Section&nbsp;302A.675 of the MBCA provides in substance that a person or entity making a
takeover offer for us is prohibited from acquiring any additional shares of our company within two years following the last purchase of shares pursuant to the offer with respect to that class unless (i)&nbsp;the acquisition is approved by a
committee of disinterested directors before the purchase of any shares by the offeror pursuant to the offer or (ii)&nbsp;our shareholders are afforded, at the time of the acquisition, a reasonable opportunity to dispose of their shares to the
offeror upon substantially equivalent terms as those provided in the earlier takeover offer. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Liquidation Rights </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If we were to liquidate, subject to the terms of any outstanding series of preferred stock, the holders of our common stock are entitled to
receive pro rata our assets legally available for distribution to shareholders. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Preemptive and Subscription Rights </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">No holder of our capital stock has the preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any additional shares of our capital stock. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Concerning the Transfer Agent </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our common
stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. EQ Shareowner Services is the Transfer Agent and Registrar for the common stock. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">27 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_11"></A>DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our board of directors is authorized, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to establish out of our authorized capital stock up to 7,000,000
shares of preferred stock, which may be issued in one or more classes or series, having such dividend rights and times of payment, redemption prices, liquidation prices or preferences, and the other rights and preferences as our board of directors
shall determine at the time of issuance. As of February&nbsp;11, 2021, no shares of preferred stock were outstanding. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The issuance of our
preferred stock, while potentially providing us with flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or delay or deter a third party
from attempting to acquire, a majority of our outstanding voting stock. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the
preferred stock of each series will be fixed by resolution of the board of directors. To the extent appropriate, we will include in a prospectus supplement the terms relating to any series of preferred stock being offered thereby. These terms will
include some or all of the following, as applicable: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the title of the series and the number of shares in the series; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the price at which the preferred stock will be offered; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the dividend rate or rates or method of calculating the rates, the dates on which and the place or places where
the dividends will be payable, whether the dividends will be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends on the preferred stock being offered will cumulate; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the voting rights, if any, of the holders of shares of the preferred stock being offered; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the provisions for a sinking fund, if any, and the provisions for redemption, if applicable, of the preferred
stock being offered; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the liquidation preference per share; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which the preferred stock being offered will be convertible into
our common stock, including the conversion price, or the manner of calculating the conversion price, and the conversion period; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any date of maturity of the preferred stock; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any listing of the preferred stock being offered on any securities exchange; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">whether interests in the shares of the series will be represented by depositary shares; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred stock being
offered; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">the relative ranking and preferences of the preferred stock being offered as to dividend rights and rights upon
liquidation, dissolution, or the winding up of our affairs; </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any limitations on the issuance of any class or series of preferred stock ranking senior or equal to the series
of preferred stock being offered as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of our affairs; and </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">any or all other preferences and relative, participating, operational or other special rights or qualifications,
limitations or restrictions of the series. </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The MBCA provides that the holders of preferred stock have the right to vote
separately as a class on any proposal involving changes in the rights or preferences of holders of such preferred stock. This right is in addition to any voting rights that may be provided for in the applicable resolution creating such preferred
stock. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">28 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_12"></A>DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may offer depositary shares (either separately or together with other securities) representing fractional interests in our preferred stock
of any series. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the depositary shares to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the depositary shares to which any prospectus supplement may
relate and the extent, if any, to which the general terms and provisions may apply to the depositary shares so offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. To the extent that any particular terms of the depositary shares,
deposit agreements and depositary receipts described in a prospectus supplement differ from any of the terms described below, then the terms described below will be deemed to have been superseded by that prospectus supplement. We encourage you to
read the applicable deposit agreement and depositary receipts for additional information before you decide whether to purchase any of our depositary shares. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In connection with the issuance of any depositary shares, we will enter into a deposit agreement with a bank or trust company, as depositary,
which will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. Depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the related deposit agreement. Immediately following our issuance of the security related to the depositary
shares, we will deposit the shares of our preferred stock with the relevant depositary and will cause the depositary to issue, on our behalf, the related depositary receipts. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary
receipt will be entitled, in proportion to the fractional interest in the share of preferred stock represented by the related depositary share, to all the rights, preferences and privileges of, and will be subject to all of the limitations and
restrictions on, the preferred stock represented by the depositary receipt (including, if applicable, dividend, voting, conversion, exchange, redemption, sinking fund, subscription and liquidation rights). To the extent appropriate, the applicable
prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the depositary shares offered thereby. The terms of any offered depositary shares will be described in a supplement to this prospectus. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_13"></A>DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, or any combination thereof, with or
without the payment of separate consideration therefor (including by means of a dividend or similar distribution to holders of our outstanding securities). We may issue warrants independently or together with any other securities offered by a
prospectus supplement. Warrants may be attached to or separate from such securities and may or may not be transferable. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement we will enter into with a warrant agent specified in
the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants of a particular series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial
owners of warrants. In connection with any warrants, we may enter into a standby underwriting agreement with one or more underwriters pursuant to which the underwriters will agree to purchase any securities underlying such warrants that remain
unpurchased upon the expiration of such warrants. To the extent appropriate, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the warrants offered thereby. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_14"></A>DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may issue subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock or preferred stock. These subscription rights may be issued
independently or together with any other security offered hereby and may or may not be transferable by the shareholder receiving the subscription rights in such offering. In connection with any offering of subscription rights, we may enter into a
standby arrangement with one or more underwriters or other investors pursuant to which the underwriters or other investors may be required to purchase any securities remaining unsubscribed for after such offering. To the extent appropriate, the
applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the rights offered thereby. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">29 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_15"></A>DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may issue purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and for us to sell to holders, a specific or
varying number of debt securities, shares of our common stock or preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, rights or other property or any combination of the above, 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 debt securities, shares of our common stock or preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, rights or other property. The price of such debt securities,
shares of our common stock or preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, rights or other property may be fixed at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula described in the purchase
contracts. We may issue purchase contracts separately or as a part of units each consisting of a purchase contract and one or more of our other securities described in this prospectus or debt obligations of third parties, such as U.S. Treasury
securities, securing the holder&#146;s obligations under the purchase contract. The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to holders or vice versa and the payments may be unsecured or
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">pre-funded</FONT> on some basis. The purchase contracts may require holders to secure the holder&#146;s obligations in a specified manner that we will file with the SEC in connection with a public offering relating
to the purchase contracts. To the extent appropriate, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the purchase contracts offered thereby. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_16"></A>DESCRIPTION OF UNITS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may issue units comprising one or more securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Units may also include debt obligations
of third parties, such as U.S. Treasury securities. Each unit may be issued so that the holder of the unit also is the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the unit may have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included
security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately at any time or at any time before a specified date. To the extent appropriate, the applicable
prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the units offered thereby. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">30 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_17"></A>BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each series of securities offered by this prospectus will be issued as
fully-registered global securities representing all or part of that series of securities. This means that we will not issue certificates for that series of securities to the holders. Instead, a global security representing that series of securities
will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC or its successor, as the depository. The global securities will be registered at the request of DTC in the name of Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co., DTC&#146;s nominee, or such other name as may be requested by an
authorized representative of DTC. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">DTC will keep an electronic record of its participants (for example, your broker) whose clients have
purchased securities represented by a global security. Unless a global security is exchanged in whole or in part for a certificated security, a global security may not be transferred, except that DTC, its nominees and successors may transfer a
global security as a whole to one another. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Beneficial interests in global securities will be shown on, and transfers of interests will be
made only through, records maintained by DTC and its participants. The laws of some jurisdictions require that some purchasers take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial
interests in a global security. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We will make payments of principal, interest, if any, and premium, if any, to DTC or its nominee. We, the
applicable trustee and any paying agent will treat DTC or its nominee as the owner of the global security for all purposes, including any notices and voting. Accordingly, neither we nor any trustee nor any paying agent will have any direct
responsibility or liability to pay amounts due on a global security to owners of beneficial interests in a global security. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">DTC is a
limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a &#147;banking organization&#148; within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a &#147;clearing corporation&#148; within the meaning
of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a &#147;clearing agency&#148; registered pursuant to the provisions of Section&nbsp;17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its participants, (&#147;direct participants&#148;) 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&#146; accounts.
This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct participants include both U.S. and <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT> securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and
certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust&nbsp;&amp; Clearing Corporation (&#147;DTCC&#148;). 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 <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-U.S.</FONT>
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 (&#147;indirect participant&#148;). Direct participants
and indirect participants are referred to collectively as &#147;participants.&#148; The DTC Rules applicable to its participants are on file with the SEC. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Purchases of global securities under the DTC system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the
securities on DTC&#146;s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each security (&#147;beneficial owner&#148;) is in turn to be recorded on the direct and indirect participants&#146; 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 global securities 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 global securities, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the global securities is discontinued. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">31 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">To facilitate subsequent transfers, all securities deposited by direct participants with DTC
are registered in the name of Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co. or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co. or such other nominee do
not effect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the securities. DTC&#146;s records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts such securities are credited, which may
or may not be the beneficial owners. The direct and indirect participants remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">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. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If a particular series of securities is redeemable at our option or at the option of the holder, redemption notices will be sent to DTC. If
less than all of the securities of a series are being redeemed, DTC&#146;s practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each direct participant in such series to be redeemed. Redemption proceeds, distributions, and dividend payments
on global securities will be made to Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co. or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. Upon DTC&#146;s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from us, any trustee or any paying
agent, DTC&#146;s practice is to credit direct participants&#146; accounts in accordance with the holdings information shown on DTC&#146;s records on the payment date. Payments by participants to beneficial owners of securities will be governed by
standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in &#147;street name.&#148; Payments will be the responsibility of such participant and not of DTC nor its
nominee, any trustee, any paying agent or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements. Payment of redemption proceeds, distributions, and dividend payments to Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co. or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized
representative of DTC is the responsibility of us, the applicable trustee or the applicable paying agent, 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. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Neither DTC nor Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co. or any other DTC nominee will
consent or vote with respect to global securities unless authorized by a direct participant in accordance with DTC&#146;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&nbsp;&amp; Co.&#146;s consenting or voting rights to those direct participants to whose accounts the securities are credited on the record date as identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Global securities will be exchangeable for corresponding certificated securities registered in the name of persons other than DTC or its
nominee if (1)&nbsp;DTC (a) notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for any of the global securities or (b)&nbsp;at any time ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (2)&nbsp;an event of default
occurs and is continuing with respect to the applicable series of securities or (3)&nbsp;we execute and deliver to the applicable trustee an order that the global securities will be so exchangeable. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC&#146;s book-entry system has been obtained from DTC, and we and any underwriters,
dealers or agents are not responsible for the accuracy of the information or for the performance by DTC of its obligations under the rules and procedures governing its operations or otherwise. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any underwriters, dealers or agents of any securities may be direct participants of DTC. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">32 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_18"></A>PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We may sell the offered securities (a)&nbsp;through agents; (b)&nbsp;through underwriters or dealers; (c)&nbsp;directly to one or more
purchasers; or (d)&nbsp;through a combination of any of these methods of sale. We will identify the specific plan of distribution, including any underwriters, dealers, agents or direct purchasers and their compensation in a prospectus supplement.
</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_19"></A>LEGAL OPINIONS </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, legal opinions relating to the validity of the securities being offered by
this prospectus will be rendered by our counsel, Amy L. Schneider, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, certain other legal matters will be passed upon for us by Jones Day, Chicago, Illinois.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable supplement, certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters, dealers or agents named in the prospectus supplement by Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, New York, New York. Amy L. Schneider is our
Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Securities and is the beneficial owner of less than 1% of our common stock. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="toc210547_20">
</A>EXPERTS </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The consolidated financial statements, and the related financial statement schedules, incorporated in this prospectus by
reference from Xcel Energy Inc.&#146;s Annual Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K,</FONT> and the effectiveness of the Company&#146;s internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte&nbsp;&amp; Touche LLP, an
independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of
such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">33 </P>

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 <P STYLE="line-height:2.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:2.00pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="font-size:14pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:60pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Up to
$800,000,000 of Common Stock </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:14pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" ALIGN="center">


<IMG SRC="g210547g21p63.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
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<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="font-size:60pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>Barclays</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>BofA&nbsp;Securities</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>Citigroup</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>J.P. Morgan</B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt" ALIGN="center">


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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>Morgan&nbsp;Stanley</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>MUFG</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>Wells&nbsp;Fargo&nbsp;Securities</B></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:60pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>November&nbsp;5, 2021 </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:96pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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end
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
