Edgar Filing: NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

S-3ASR

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 21, 2014

Registration No. 333-

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

94-3134940

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

455 Mission Bay Boulevard South

San Francisco, California 94158

(415) 482-5300

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Howard W. Robin

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

Nektar Therapeutics

455 Mission Bay Boulevard South

San Francisco, California 94158

(415) 482-5300

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copy to:

Sam Zucker, Esq.

Eric Sibbitt, Esq.

O’Melveny & Myers LLP

2765 Sand Hill Road

Menlo Park, CA 94025

(650) 473-2600

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ¨

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. x

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. x

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE



Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered(1)	Amount to be Registered	Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit(2)	Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(2)	Amount of Registration Fee
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (5)	(3)	(3)	(3)	(3)(4)
Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (6)	(3)	(3)	(3)	(3)(4)
Debt Securities (7)	(3)	(3)	(3)	(3)(4)
Warrants	(3)	(3)	(3)	(3)(4)

(1)	Securities registered hereunder may be sold separately, together or as units with other securities registered hereunder.

(2)	With respect to debt securities, excluding accrued interest and accrued amortization of discount, if any, to the date of delivery.

(3)	As permitted pursuant to General Instruction II.E of Form S-3, this information is omitted because this registration statement registers securities pursuant to General Instruction I.D. of Form S-3 and the registrant is electing to pay the registration fee on a deferred basis.

(4)

We are registering an indeterminate aggregate principal amount and number of securities of each identified class of securities, which may be offered from time to time in unspecified numbers and at indeterminate prices, and as may be issuable upon conversion, redemption, repurchase, exchange or exercise of any securities registered hereunder, including under any applicable anti-dilution provisions. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities. In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant is deferring payment of the entire registration fee.

(5)	Shares of common stock may be issued in primary offerings, upon conversion of debt securities or preferred stock registered by this registration statement or upon exercise of warrants registered by this registration statement.

(6)	Shares of preferred stock may be issued in primary offerings, upon conversion of debt securities or another series of preferred stock or other securities registered by this registration statement or upon exercise of warrants registered by this registration statement.

(7)	Debt securities may be issued in primary offerings, upon exercise of warrants registered by this registration statement or upon conversion of another series of debt securities registered by this registration statement.

PROSPECTUS

NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

Warrants

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer and sell from time to time. In addition, selling security holders to be named in a prospectus supplement may offer and sell from time to time securities in such amounts as are set forth in such prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by any selling security holder.

Each time we sell securities, we will provide you with a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the offering and the amounts, prices and terms of the securities. The supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, together with the documents we incorporate therein by reference, before you invest in any of our securities.

We may, or the selling security holders may, from time to time offer or sell together or separately the following securities in one or more transactions:

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common stock;

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preferred stock;

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debt securities, which may be senior, subordinated or junior subordinated and convertible or non-convertible; and

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warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock or debt securities.

The shares of our common stock may be sold at fixed prices, prevailing market prices at the time of sale, prices related to the prevailing market prices, varying prices determined at the times of sale or negotiated prices. The securities may be offered by us directly to purchasers or by any selling security holder directly to purchasers, through one or more agents designated from time to time by us or to or through one or more underwriters or dealers. If any agent, dealer or underwriter is involved in the sale of any of the securities, its name and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between or among them will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. See the sections titled “About this Prospectus” and “Plan of Distribution” for more information. No securities may be sold without delivery of this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities. The last reported sale price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on January 17, 2014 was $13.06 per share. You are urged to obtain current market quotations for our common stock.

Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “NKTR.”

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risk factors incorporated in this prospectus by reference and described under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5 of this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the disclosures in this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is January 21, 2014.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


	Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS		1
ABOUT OUR COMPANY		2
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES		3
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		4
RISK FACTORS		5
USE OF PROCEEDS		6
DIVIDEND POLICY		7
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES		8
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK		10
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES		14
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS		23
LEGAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES		26
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION		30
LEGAL MATTERS		32
EXPERTS		33
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION		34
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE		34

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any applicable supplement to this prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us is accurate only as of the date on their respective covers. Additionally, any information we have incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any applicable prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any sale of securities. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

This prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement contain and incorporate by reference market data, industry statistics and other data that have been obtained or compiled from information made available by third parties. We have not independently verified such data. This prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and the information incorporated herein or therein by reference include trademarks, service marks and trade names owned by us or other companies. All trademarks, service marks and trade names included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus are the property of their respective owners.

When used in this prospectus, the terms “Nektar,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Nektar Therapeutics, a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified.

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of an “automatic shelf” registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), using a “shelf” registration process. Under this process, we, or certain of our security holders, may sell any combination of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities or warrants in one or more offerings. This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we, or a selling security holder, may offer. Each time we or, under certain circumstances, our security holders, sell any securities under this prospectus, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement that will contain more specific information about the terms of those securities. We may also add, update or change in the prospectus supplement any of the information contained in this prospectus. Before purchasing any securities, you should carefully read both this prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference” in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement.

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of drug candidates that utilize our PEGylation and advanced polymer conjugate technology platforms, which are designed to enable the development of new molecular entities that target known mechanisms of action. Our current proprietary pipeline is comprised of drug candidates across a number of therapeutic areas including oncology, pain, anti-infectives and immunology. Our research and development activities involve small molecule drugs, peptides and other biologic drug candidates. We create innovative drug candidates by using our proprietary advanced polymer conjugate technologies and expertise to modify the chemical structure of pharmacophores to create new molecular entities. Additionally, we may utilize established pharmacologic targets to engineer a new drug candidate relying on a combination of the known properties of these targets and our proprietary polymer chemistry technology and expertise. Our drug candidates are designed to improve the overall benefits and use of a drug for patients by improving the metabolism, distribution, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, half-life and/or bioavailability of drugs. Our objective is to apply our advanced polymer conjugate technology platform to create new drug candidates in multiple therapeutic areas that address large potential markets.

We were incorporated in California in 1990 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1998. We maintain our executive offices at 455 Mission Bay Boulevard South, San Francisco, California 94158, and our main telephone number is (415) 482-5300. Our website is located at www.nektar.com. Information contained on our website is not a part of, and not incorporated into, this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(in thousands)

Set forth below is information concerning our ratio of earnings to fixed charges on a consolidated basis for the periods indicated. For purposes of calculating this ratio, earnings consist of net loss from continuing operations before income taxes, fixed charges, amortization of capitalized interest and distributions from minority investments, less capitalized interest, preferred dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries and non-controlling interest in pretax income of subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, amortization of deferred financing expense, estimated interest portion of rentals and preferred dividends of consolidated subsidiaries. Our net losses were inadequate to cover fixed charges for each of the periods presented.

For the periods indicated below, we had no outstanding shares of preferred stock with required dividend payments. Therefore, the ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends are identical to the ratios presented in the table below.


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013			Year Ended December 31,
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013			2012			2011			2010			2009			2008
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
Deficiency of earnings available to cover fixed charges	$	(113,744	)	$	(171,449	)	$	(132,960	)	$	(37,057	)	$	(102,772	)	$	(35,142	)

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

All statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement contain forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about us, our future performance, our business or the business of others on our behalf, our beliefs and our management’s assumptions. In addition, we, or others on our behalf, may make forward-looking statements in press releases or written statements, or in our communications and discussions with investors and analysts in the normal course of business through meetings, webcasts, phone calls and conference calls. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “outlook,” “could,” “will,” “target,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “should,” “may,” “assume,” or “continue,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. We have based our forward-looking statements on our management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available to our management at the time the statements are made. We caution you that actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecast by our forward-looking statements. Reference is made in particular to forward-looking statements regarding projections of earnings, revenue, milestone payments, royalties, sales or other financial items, plans and objectives of management for future operations (including, but not limited to, preclinical research and development, clinical trials and manufacturing), financial condition, liquidity and future working capital needs, future financing alternatives, proposed drug candidates, the timing for the start or end of clinical trials or submission of regulatory approval filings, future economic conditions or performance, the success of our collaboration arrangements or future payments that may come due to us under these arrangements, plans and objectives to initiate or continue clinical trials and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward looking statements after the distribution of this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

You are cautioned not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in more detail under “Risk Factors,” “Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our periodic reports and other documents on file with the SEC. You may obtain copies of these documents as described under the section titled “Where You Can Find More Information” below.

RISK FACTORS

Investment in any securities offered pursuant to this prospectus involves risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors incorporated by reference to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Report for the three months ended September 30, 2013, any subsequent Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K we file after the date of this prospectus, and all other information contained or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as updated by our subsequent filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the risk factors and other information contained in the applicable prospectus supplement before acquiring any of such securities. The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in the offered securities.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by us under this prospectus for general corporate purposes including research and development funding and working capital. When a particular series of securities is offered, the prospectus supplement relating thereto will set forth our intended use for the net proceeds we receive from the sale of the securities. Pending the application of the net proceeds, we may invest the proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing instruments or other investment-grade securities. Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the securities by any selling security holder to be named in a prospectus supplement.

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not currently anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance operations. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on a number of factors, including future earnings, capital requirements, financial conditions, future prospects, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

The indenture governing our 12% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 contains covenants that restrict our and our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, pay dividends or distributions, including dividends or distributions on our common stock.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

We may offer shares of our common stock, preferred stock and various series of debt securities and warrants to purchase securities from time to time under this prospectus, together with any applicable prospectus supplement, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of offering. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer a type or series of securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and other important terms of the securities, including, to the extent applicable:

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designation or classification;

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aggregate principal amount or aggregate offering price;

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maturity;

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original issue discount;

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rates and times of payment of interest, dividends or other payments;

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redemption, conversion, exercise, exchange, settlement or sinking fund terms;

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conversion, exchange or settlement prices or rates and any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the conversion, exchange or settlement prices or rates and in the securities or other property receivable upon conversion, exchange or settlement;

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ranking;

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restrictive covenants;

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voting or other rights; and

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important federal income tax considerations.

The prospectus supplement also may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in documents we have incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

We may sell the securities directly to or through underwriters, dealers or agents. We, and our underwriters, dealers or agents, reserve the right to accept or reject all or part of any proposed purchase of securities. If we do offer securities through underwriters or agents, we will include in the applicable prospectus supplement:

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the names of those underwriters or agents;

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applicable fees, discounts and commissions to be paid to them;

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details regarding over-allotment options, if any; and

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the net proceeds to us.

Common Stock. We may issue shares of our common stock from time to time. The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Directors are elected by a plurality vote, and the holders of common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of directors. As a consequence, minority stockholders are not able to elect directors on the basis of their votes alone. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any shares of preferred stock currently outstanding or issued in the future, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any then outstanding preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights and no right to convert their common stock into any other securities. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. We urge you to read the prospectus supplement related to the common stock being offered.

Preferred Stock. We may issue shares of our preferred stock from time to time. Our board of directors has the authority, without further vote or action by the stockholders, to designate and issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences and privileges of each series, which may be greater than the rights of the common stock. We will fix the rights, preferences and privileges, including any dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of any series, of the preferred stock of each series that we sell under this prospectus and applicable prospectus supplements in the certificate of designation relating to that series. We will incorporate by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part the form of any certificate of designation that describes the terms of the series of preferred stock that we are offering before the issuance of the related series of preferred stock. We urge you to read the prospectus supplements related to the series of preferred stock being offered, as well as the complete certificate of designation that contains the terms of the applicable series of preferred stock.

Debt Securities. We may issue debt securities from time to time, in one or more series, as either senior subordinated or junior subordinated debt, as convertible or non-convertible debt and as secured or unsecured debt. The senior debt securities will rank equally with any unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will rank equally with our other subordinated debt. Convertible debt securities will be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or our other securities at predetermined conversion rates. We may prescribe that conversion of such securities shall be mandatory or at your option. The debt securities will be issued under one or more indentures, which are contracts between us and a national banking association or other eligible party, as trustee. In this prospectus, we have summarized certain general features of the debt securities. We urge you, however, to read the applicable prospectus supplement (and any free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you) related to the series of debt securities being offered, as well as the complete indentures, any supplemental indentures and forms of debt securities containing the terms of the debt securities being offered which will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or will be incorporated by reference from reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Warrants. We may issue warrants, in one or more series, for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities from time to time. We may issue warrants independently or together with common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from those securities. The warrants will be evidenced by a warrant certificate issued under one or more warrant agreements, which are contracts between us and an agent for the holders of the warrants. In this prospectus, we have summarized certain general features of the warrants. The description in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement of any warrants we offer will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable warrant agreement and warrant certificate. We urge you to read the applicable warrant prospectus supplements, warrant agreements and warrant certificates that contain the terms of the warrants in their entirety.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following description of our capital stock is not complete and may not contain all the information you should consider before investing in our securities. This description is summarized from, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, our certificate of incorporation, as amended and currently in effect (certificate of incorporation), and our amended and restated bylaws, as currently in effect (bylaws), all of which are publicly filed with the SEC. See “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference.”

Our authorized capital stock consists of 300,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. As of December 31, 2013, there were 116,493,560 shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

Common Stock

The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Directors are elected by a plurality vote and the holders of common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of directors. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the voting shares are able to elect all of the directors. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any shares of preferred stock currently outstanding or issued in the future, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any then outstanding preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights and no right to convert their common stock into any other securities. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future. All outstanding shares of common stock are, and all shares of common stock that may be issued upon conversion of our outstanding convertible subordinated notes discussed below will be, fully paid and non-assessable.

Preferred Stock

Our board of directors has the authority, without further vote or action by the stockholders, to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix, by filing a certificate of designation pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of such series. The issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of holders of common stock and the likelihood that such holders will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control. We will incorporate by reference any certificate of designation that describes the terms of any authorized series of preferred stock before the issuance of the series of preferred stock. A prospectus supplement relating to such series will describe the terms of the preferred stock of the series, including the following, to the extent applicable:

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the title and stated value;

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the number of shares we are offering;

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the liquidation preference per share;

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the purchase price;

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the dividend rate, period and payment date and method of calculation for dividends;

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

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the procedures for any auction and remarketing;

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the provisions for any sinking fund;

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any provisions for redemption or repurchase and any restrictions on our ability to exercise those redemption and repurchase rights;

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

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whether the preferred stock will be convertible into our common stock and any conversion price, or other means of calculation, and any conversion period;

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whether the preferred stock will be exchangeable into debt securities and any exchange price, or other means of calculation, and any exchange period;

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any voting rights of the preferred stock;

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any preemptive rights;

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any restrictions on transfer, sale or other assignment;

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whether interests in the preferred stock will be represented by depositary shares;

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a discussion of any material or special U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred stock;

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

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

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

The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that the holders of preferred stock will have the right to vote separately as a class on a proposed amendment to our certificate of incorporation involving certain fundamental changes in the rights of holders of that preferred stock. This right is in addition to any voting rights that may be provided in the applicable certificate of designation. The issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power, conversion or other rights of holders of common stock and reduce the likelihood that holders of common stock will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation. Preferred stock could be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of decreasing the market price of our common stock.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Charter Documents

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Our certificate of incorporation provides for our board of directors to be divided into three classes, with staggered three-year terms. As a result, only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms. Stockholders have no cumulative voting rights. Subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of preferred stock, directors may not be removed without cause. Any vacancies on the board of directors shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, unless the board of directors otherwise determines that the vacancy shall be filled by stockholders entitled to vote for directors.

Our certificate of incorporation also requires that any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of the stockholders and may not be

effected by a consent in writing. A special meeting of the stockholders may be called by the chairman of our board of directors, our chief executive officer, a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors or by stockholders owning 10 percent or more of the outstanding voting capital stock. The stockholders may amend, or adopt new, bylaws and amend certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation, including the provisions related to stockholder actions and the calling of special meetings of stockholders, only by the affirmative vote of the holders of 66 2/3 percent of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of the voting stock of the Company entitled to vote at an election of directors. These provisions may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control.

The classification of our board of directors and lack of cumulative voting will make it more difficult for our existing stockholders to replace our board of directors as well as for another party to obtain control of us by replacing our board of directors. Since our board of directors has the power to retain and discharge our officers, these provisions could also make it more difficult for existing stockholders or another party to effect a change in management. These and other provisions may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continued stability in the composition of our board of directors and in the policies of our board of directors and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change in control. These provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. The provisions also are intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, such provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and, as a consequence, such provisions also may inhibit increases in the market price of our shares that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts. Such provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in our management.

Our bylaws establish advance notice procedures with regard to stockholder proposals relating to the nomination of candidates for election as directors or new business to be brought before meetings of our stockholders. These procedures provide that notice of stockholder proposals must be timely given in writing to our secretary prior to the meeting at which the action is to be taken. Generally, to be timely, notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than the close of business on the sixtieth (60th) day nor earlier than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day prior to the first anniversary of the annual meeting for the preceding year. The notice must contain certain information specified in the bylaws. These provisions may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed. These provisions may also discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company. Our bylaws provide that directors are elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of the directors. The affirmative votes of the holders of at least 66 2/3 percent of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of our voting stock will be required to amend or repeal our bylaws. In addition, our board of directors also have the authority to adopt, amend or repeal our bylaws.

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

•

prior to such time, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested holder;

•

upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85 percent of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those

shares owned (a) by persons who are directors and also officers and (b) by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

•

at or subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3 percent of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.

In general, Section 203 defines “business combination” to include the following:

•

any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;

•

any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10 percent or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;

•

subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;

•

any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or

•

the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

In general, Section 203 defines “interested stockholder” as any person that is (i) the owner of 15 percent or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation or (ii) an affiliate or associate of the corporation and was the owner of 15 percent or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at any time within the preceding three year period, and the affiliates and associates of such person.

Certain Transactions

Our bylaws provide that we shall indemnify our directors and executive officers to the fullest extent not prohibited by the Delaware General Corporation Law; provided, however, that we are not required to indemnify any director or executive officer in connection with any proceeding or part thereof initiated by such person unless (i) such indemnification is expressly required to be made by law, (ii) the proceeding was authorized by our board of directors, (iii) such indemnification is provided by us in our sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in us under the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) such indemnification is required under our bylaws. Our bylaws also provide that we may indemnify our other officers, employees and other agents as set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law. We are also empowered under our bylaws to enter into indemnification contracts with any or all of our directors, officers, employees or agents to the fullest extent not prohibited by the Delaware General Corporation Law and to purchase insurance on behalf of any person whom we are required or permitted to indemnify pursuant to our bylaws. In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that a director shall not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Computershare Investor Services, LLC is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The following description, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the material features, terms and provisions of any debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus. This summary does not purport to be exhaustive and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. Therefore, you should read the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities and any other offering materials that we may provide. We may issue debt securities from time to time, in one or more series, as senior, subordinated or junior subordinated debt, as convertible or non-convertible debt and as secured or unsecured debt. To the extent that any debt securities will be subordinated to other indebtedness that we have outstanding or may incur, the terms of the subordination will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subordinated debt securities. On July 11, 2012, we issued 12% senior secured notes for an aggregate principal amount of $125 million under an indenture between us and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent. We pay interest on the notes at an interest rate of 12.0 percent per annum in cash semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 each year, beginning on January 15, 2013. All outstanding principal will be due on July 15, 2017. The indenture governing the senior secured notes contains covenants that restrict our and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness except for certain permitted indebtedness or create or incur liens except for certain permitted liens.

Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, neither senior debt securities nor subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities will be secured by any of our property or assets. While the terms we have summarized below may apply generally to any debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any debt securities that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any debt securities offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. For any debt securities that we may offer, an indenture (and any relevant supplemental indenture) will contain additional important terms and provisions and will be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus or as an exhibit to a current report on Form 8-K incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Unless the context requires otherwise, whenever we refer to the indentures, we also are referring to any supplemental indentures that specify the terms of a particular series of debt securities.

General

Debt securities may be issued in separate series. We may specify a maximum aggregate principal amount for the debt securities of any series. The prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities will set forth, to the extent applicable:

•

whether the debt securities are senior, subordinated or junior subordinated;

•

the offering price;

•

the title;

•

the principal amount being offered and, if a series, the total amount authorized and the total amount outstanding;

•

the maturity date;

•

the person who shall be entitled to receive interest, if other than the record holder on the record date;

•

the date or dates the principal will be payable;

•

any interest rate, which may be fixed or variable, the date from which interest will accrue, the interest payment dates and the regular record dates or the method of calculating the dates and rates;

•

the place where payments may be made;

•

any mandatory or optional redemption provisions or sinking fund provisions and any redemption or purchase prices associated with those provisions;

•

if issued other than in denominations of $1,000 or any multiple of $1,000, the denominations in which the debt securities shall be issuable;

•

any method for determining how any principal, premium or interest will be calculated by reference to an index or formula;

•

if other than U.S. currency, the currency or currency units in which any principal, premium or interest will be payable and whether we or a holder may elect payment to be made in a different currency;

•

the portion of the principal amount that will be payable upon acceleration of maturity, if other than the entire principal amount;

•

if the principal amount payable at stated maturity will not be determinable as of any date prior to stated maturity, the amount or method for determining the amount which will be deemed to be the principal amount;

•

whether the debt securities will be subject to the defeasance provisions described below under “Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance” or such other defeasance provisions specified in the applicable prospectus supplement for the debt securities;

•

any conversion provisions;

•

any covenant requiring us to maintain any interest coverage, fixed charge, cash-flow based, asset-based or other financial ratios;

•

whether the debt securities will be issuable in the form of a global security and the name of any depositary;

•

any subordination provisions applicable to the subordinated debt securities if different from those described below under “Subordinated Debt Securities”;

•

any paying agents, authenticating agents, security registrars or other agents for the debt securities;

•

any provisions relating to any security provided for the debt securities, including any provisions regarding the circumstances under which collateral may be released or substituted;

•

any deletions of, or changes or additions to, the events of default, acceleration provisions or covenants;

•

whether the debt securities will be deemed to be offered at an “original issue discount” as defined in paragraph (a) of Section 1273 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and, if so, the tax effects thereof;

•

any covenants restricting our ability to incur additional indebtedness, issue additional securities, create liens, pay dividends or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or the capital stock of our subsidiaries, redeem capital stock, make investments or other restricted payments, sell or otherwise dispose of assets, enter into sale-leaseback transactions, engage in transactions with stockholders or affiliates or effect a consolidation or merger;

•

any provisions relating to guaranties for the securities and any circumstances under which there may be additional obligors; and

•

any other specific terms of such debt securities.

Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be registered debt securities. Debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate that at time of issuance is below market rates. The U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities sold at a discount will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Exchange and Transfer

Debt securities may be transferred or exchanged at the office of the registrar for the securities or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us.

We will not impose a service charge for any transfer or exchange, but we may require holders to pay any tax or other governmental charges associated with any transfer or exchange.

In the event of any partial redemption of debt securities of any series, we will not be required to:

•

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

•

register the transfer of or exchange any debt security of that series selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion being redeemed in part.

Initially, we intend to appoint the trustee as the registrar for the debt securities. Any transfer agent, and any other registrar for the debt securities, will be named in the prospectus supplement. We may designate additional transfer agents or change transfer agents or change the office of the transfer agent. However, we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series.

Global Securities

The debt securities of any series may be represented, in whole or in part, by one or more global securities. See “Legal Ownership of Securities” below for more details.

Payment and Paying Agents

Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, the provisions described in this paragraph will apply to the debt securities. Payment of interest on a debt security on any interest payment date will be made to the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date. Payment on debt securities of a particular series will be payable at the office of a paying agent or paying agents designated by us. However, at our option, we may pay interest by mailing a check to the record holder. The corporate trust office will be designated as our sole paying agent.

We may also name any other paying agents in a prospectus supplement. We may designate additional paying agents, change paying agents or change the office of any paying agent. However, we will be required to maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

All monies paid by us to a paying agent for payment on any debt security which remain unclaimed for a period ending the earlier of (i) 10 business days prior to the date the money would be turned over to the applicable state and (ii) two years after such payment was due, will be repaid to us. Thereafter, the holder may look only to us for such payment.

No Protection in the Event of a Change of Control

Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement with respect to a particular series of debt securities, the debt securities will not contain any provisions that may afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control).

Covenants

Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any financial or restrictive covenants, including covenants restricting either us or any of our subsidiaries from incurring, issuing, assuming or guarantying any indebtedness secured by a lien on any of our property or capital stock or that of any subsidiary, or restricting either us or any of our subsidiaries from entering into sale and leaseback transactions.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we may not consolidate with or merge into any other person in a transaction in which we are not the surviving corporation or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:

•

the successor entity, if any, is a U.S. corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust;

•

the successor entity assumes our obligations on the debt securities and under the indentures;

•

immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no default or event of default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

•

certain other conditions are met.

Events of Default

Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the following will be events of default for any series of debt securities under the indentures:

(1)

we fail to pay principal of or any premium on any debt security of that series when due;

(2)

we fail to pay any interest on any debt security of that series for 30 days after it becomes due;

(3)

we fail to deposit any sinking fund payment when due;

(4)

we fail to perform any other covenant in the indenture and such failure continues for 90 days after we are given the notice required in the indentures; and

(5)

certain events, including our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.

Additional or different events of default applicable to a series of debt securities may be described in a prospectus supplement. An event of default of one series of debt securities is not necessarily an event of default for any other series of debt securities.

The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any default, except defaults in the payment of any principal, premium, interest or sinking fund installment or with respect to any conversion right of the debt securities of such series. However, the trustee withholding notice must consider it to be in the interest of the holders of the debt securities of such series to withhold notice.

Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement, if an event of default, other than an event of default described in clause (5) above, shall occur and be continuing, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25 percent in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding securities of that series may declare the principal amount of the debt securities of that series, or if any debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities such other amount as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, in each case together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon, to be due and payable immediately.

If an event of default described in clause (5) above shall occur, the principal amount of all the debt securities of that series, or if any debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities such other amount as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, in each case together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon, will automatically become immediately due and payable. Any payment by us on the subordinated debt securities following any such acceleration will be subject to the subordination provisions described below under “Subordinated Debt Securities.”

After acceleration the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal, or other specified amounts, have been cured or waived.

Other than the duty to act with the required care during an event of default, the trustee will not be obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers at the request of the holders unless the holders shall have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity. Generally, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee.

A holder will not have any right to institute any proceeding under the indentures, or for the appointment of a receiver or a trustee, or for any other remedy under the indentures, unless:

(1)

the holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to the debt securities of that series;

(2)

the holders of at least 25 percent in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made a written request and have offered reasonable indemnity to the trustee to institute the proceeding; and

(3)

the trustee has failed to institute the proceeding and has not received direction inconsistent with the original request from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series within 60 days after the original request.

Holders may, however, sue to enforce the payment of principal, premium or interest on any debt security on or after the due date or to enforce the right, if any, to convert any debt security (if the debt security is convertible) without following the procedures listed in (1) through (3) above.

We will furnish the trustee an annual statement by our officers as to whether or not we are in default in the performance of the conditions and covenants under an indenture and, if so, specifying all known defaults.

Modification and Waiver

Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the applicable trustee and we may make modifications and amendments to an indenture with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding securities of each series affected by the modification or amendment.

We may also make modifications and amendments to the indentures without the consent of the holders, for certain purposes, including, but not limited to:

•

providing for our successor to assume the covenants under the indenture;

•

adding covenants or events of default for the benefit of the holders;

•

making certain changes to facilitate the issuance of the securities;

•

securing the securities;

•

providing for a successor trustee or additional trustees;

•

curing any defects, ambiguities or inconsistencies, provided that such modification or amendment shall not materially and adversely affect the holders;

•

providing for guaranties of, or additional obligors on, the securities;

•

permitting or facilitating the defeasance and discharge of the securities; and

•

other changes specified in the indenture.

However, neither the trustee nor we may make any modification or amendment without the consent of the holder of each outstanding security of that series affected by the modification or amendment if such modification or amendment would:

•

change the stated maturity of any debt security;

•

reduce any principal, premium or interest on any debt security;

•

reduce the principal of an original issue discount security or any other debt security payable on acceleration of maturity;

•

change the place of payment or the currency in which any debt security is payable;

•

impair the right to enforce any payment after the stated maturity or redemption date;

•

if subordinated debt securities, modify the subordination provisions in a materially adverse manner to the holders; or

•

change the provisions in the indenture that relate to modifying or amending the indenture.

Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance

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

Each indenture contains a provision that permits us to elect either or both of the following.

•

We may elect to be discharged from all of our obligations, subject to limited exceptions, with respect to any series of debt securities then outstanding. If we make this election, the holders of the debt securities of the series will not be entitled to the benefits of the indenture, except for the rights of holders to receive payments on debt securities or the registration of transfer and exchange of debt securities and replacement of lost, stolen or mutilated debt securities.

•

We may elect to be released from our obligations under some or all of any financial or restrictive covenants applicable to the series of debt securities to which the election relates and from the consequences of an event of default resulting from a breach of those covenants.

To make either of the above elections, we must deposit in trust with the trustee sufficient funds to pay in full the principal, interest and premium on the debt securities. This amount may be made in cash and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, foreign government obligations. As a condition to either of the above elections, for debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars we must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the holders of the debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the action.

“Foreign government obligations” means, with respect to debt securities of any series that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars:

•

direct obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued the currency in which such securities are denominated and for the payment of which obligations its full faith and credit is pledged, or, with respect to debt securities of any series which are denominated in euros, direct obligations of certain members of the European Union for the payment of which obligations the full faith and credit of such members is pledged, which in each case are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof; or

•

obligations of a person controlled or supervised by or acting as an agency or instrumentality of the government which unconditionally guarantees the timely payment as a full faith and credit obligation of that government, which are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof.

Notices

Notices to holders will be given by mail to the addresses of the holders in the security register.

Governing Law

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed under, the laws of the State of New York (including Sections 5-1401 and 5-1402 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York).

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

No incorporator, stockholder, employee, agent, officer, director or subsidiary of ours will have any liability for any obligations of ours or, due to the creation of any indebtedness under the debt securities, the indentures or supplemental indentures. The indentures provide that all such liability is expressly waived and released as a condition of, and as consideration for, the execution of such indentures and the issuance of the debt securities.

Regarding the Trustee

The indentures limit the right of the trustee, should it become our creditor, to obtain payment of claims or secure its claims.

The trustee is permitted to engage in certain other transactions. However, if the trustee acquires any conflicting interest, and there is a default under the debt securities of any series for which it is trustee, the trustee must eliminate the conflict or resign.

Subordinated Debt Securities

The indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated debt securities of any series is subordinated, to the extent provided in the subordinated indenture and the applicable prospectus supplement, to the prior payment in full, in cash or other payment satisfactory to the holders of senior debt, of all senior debt, including any senior debt securities.

Upon any distribution of our assets upon any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, payments on the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash or other payment satisfactory to holders of senior debt of all senior debt.

In the event of any acceleration of the subordinated debt securities because of an event of default, holders of any senior debt would be entitled to payment in full in cash or other payment satisfactory to holders of senior debt of all senior debt before the holders of subordinated debt securities are entitled to receive any payment or distribution.

We are required to promptly notify holders of senior debt or their representatives under the subordinated indenture if payment of the subordinated debt securities is accelerated because of an event of default.

Under the subordinated indenture, we may also not make payment on the subordinated debt securities if:

•

a default in the payment of senior debt occurs and is continuing beyond any grace period, which we refer to as a payment default; or

•

any other default occurs and is continuing with respect to designated senior debt that permits holders of designated senior debt to accelerate the maturity of such debt, and the trustee receives a payment blockage notice from us or some other person permitted to give the notice under the subordinated indenture, which we refer to as a non-payment default.

We may and shall resume payments on the subordinated debt securities:

•

in case of a payment default, when the default is cured or waived or ceases to exist; and

•

in case of a nonpayment default, the earlier of when the default is cured or waived or ceases to exist or 179 days after the receipt of the payment blockage notice if the maturity of the designated senior debt has not been accelerated.

No new payment blockage period may start unless 365 days have elapsed from the effectiveness of the prior payment blockage notice. No nonpayment default that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any payment blockage notice to the trustee shall be the basis for a subsequent payment blockage notice.

As a result of these subordination provisions, in the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution or reorganization, holders of senior debt may receive more ratably, and holders of the subordinated debt securities may receive less ratably, than our other creditors. The subordination provisions will not prevent the occurrence of any event of default under the subordinated indenture.

The subordination provisions will not apply to payments from money or government obligations held in trust by the trustee for the payment of principal, interest and premium, if any, on subordinated debt securities pursuant to the provisions described above under “Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance,” if the subordination provisions were not violated at the time the money or government obligations were deposited into trust.

If the trustee or any holder receives any payment that should not have been made to them in contravention of subordination provisions before all senior debt is paid in full in cash or other payment satisfactory to holders of senior debt, then such payment will be held in trust for the holders of senior debt.

Senior debt securities will constitute senior debt under the subordinated indenture.

Additional or different subordination provisions may be described in a prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities.

Definitions

“Designated senior debt” means any of our senior debt that expressly provides that it is “designated senior debt.”

“Indebtedness” means:

(1)

all of our indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities for borrowed money (including our obligations in respect of overdrafts, foreign exchange contracts, currency exchange agreements, interest rate protection agreements and any loans or advances from banks, whether or not evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments), whether or not the recourse, if any, of the lender is to the whole of our assets or to only a portion of our assets, other than any account payable or other accrued current liability or obligation incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the obtaining of materials or services;

(2)

all of our reimbursement obligations and other liabilities with respect to letters of credit, bank guarantees or bankers’ acceptances;

(3)

all of our obligations and liabilities in respect of leases required, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, to be accounted for as capitalized lease obligations on our balance sheet;

(4)

all of our obligations and other liabilities under any lease or related document, including a purchase agreement, in connection with the lease of real property which provides that we are contractually obligated to purchase or cause a third party to purchase the leased property and thereby guarantee a minimum residual value of the leased property to the lessor and our obligations under such lease or related document to purchase or to cause a third party to purchase such leased property;

(5)

all of our obligations with respect to an interest rate or other swap, cap or collar agreement or other similar instrument or agreement or foreign currency hedge, exchange, purchase or similar instrument or agreement;

(6)

all of our direct or indirect guaranties or similar agreements, and obligations or liabilities to purchase or otherwise acquire or assure a creditor against loss, in respect of indebtedness, obligations or liabilities of another person of the kind described in clauses (1) through (5);

(7)

any of our indebtedness or other obligations described in clauses (1) through (6) secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien or other encumbrance existing on property which is owned or held by us regardless of whether the indebtedness or other obligation secured thereby shall have been assumed by us; and

(8)

any and all deferrals, renewals, extensions, refundings of, amendments, modifications or supplements to any indebtedness, obligation or liability of the kind described in clauses (1) through (7).

“Senior debt” means any principal, premium, interest, including all interest accruing subsequent to the commencement of any bankruptcy or similar proceeding, rent and all fees, costs, expenses and other amounts accrued or due on or in connection with our indebtedness, including all deferrals, renewals, extensions or refundings of, or modifications or supplements to, that indebtedness. Senior debt shall not include:

•

any debt that expressly provides it shall not be senior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities or expressly provides that such indebtedness is on the same basis or “junior” to the subordinated debt securities; or

•

debt to any of our subsidiaries, a majority of the voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by us.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

This section describes the general terms of the warrants that we may offer and sell under this prospectus. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement will contain the material terms and conditions for each warrant. The accompanying prospectus supplement may add, update or change the terms and conditions of the warrants described in this prospectus. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement related to any warrants offered or sold under this prospectus, as well as the complete warrant agreements containing the terms of the warrants.

General

We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, preferred stock or common stock. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any securities and may be attached to or separate from those securities. The warrants will be issued under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all of which will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants we are offering. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not have any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants.

Debt Warrants

We may issue warrants for the purchase of our debt securities. As explained below, each debt warrant will entitle its holder to purchase debt securities at an exercise price set forth in, or to be determinable as set forth in, the related prospectus supplement. Debt warrants may be issued separately or together with debt securities.

The debt warrants are to be issued under debt warrant agreements to be entered into between us and one or more banks or trust companies, as debt warrant agent, as will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the debt warrants being offered by the prospectus supplement and this prospectus.

The particular terms of each issue of debt warrants, the debt warrant agreement relating to the debt warrants and the debt warrant certificates representing debt warrants will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including, as applicable:

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the title of the debt warrants;

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the initial offering price;

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the title, aggregate principal amount and terms of the debt securities purchasable upon exercise of the debt warrants;

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the currency or currency units in which any offering price and the exercise price are payable;

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the title and terms of any related debt securities with which the debt warrants are issued and the number of the debt warrants issued with each debt security;

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any date on and after which the debt warrants and the related debt securities will be separately transferable;

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the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of each debt warrant and the price at which that principal amount of debt securities may be purchased upon exercise of each debt warrant;

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any minimum or maximum number of warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

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

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a discussion of U.S. federal income tax, accounting or other considerations applicable to the debt warrants;

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whether the debt warrants represented by the debt warrant certificates will be issued in registered or bearer form and, if registered, where they may be transferred and registered;

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any anti-dilution provisions of the debt warrants;

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any redemption or call provisions applicable to the debt warrants;

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any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price;

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any additional terms of the debt warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the debt warrants; and

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the exercise price.

Debt warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new debt warrant certificates of different denominations and, if in registered form, may be presented for registration of transfer, and debt warrants may be exercised, at the corporate trust office of the debt warrant agent or any other office indicated in the related prospectus supplement. Before the exercise of debt warrants, holders of debt warrants will not be entitled to payments of any principal, premium or interest on the debt securities purchasable upon exercise of the debt warrants or to enforce any of the covenants in the indenture.

Equity Warrants

We may issue warrants for the purchase of our equity securities, such as our preferred stock or common stock. As explained below, each equity warrant will entitle its holder to purchase equity securities at an exercise price set forth in, or to be determinable as set forth in, the related prospectus supplement. Equity warrants may be issued separately or together with equity securities.

The equity warrants are to be issued under equity warrant agreements to be entered into between us and one or more banks or trust companies, as equity warrant agent, as will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the equity warrants being offered by the prospectus supplement and this prospectus.

The particular terms of each issue of equity warrants, the equity warrant agreement relating to the equity warrants and the equity warrant certificates representing equity warrants will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including, as applicable:

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the title of the equity warrants;

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the initial offering price;

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the aggregate number of equity warrants and the aggregate number of shares of the equity security purchasable upon exercise of the equity warrants;

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the currency or currency units in which any offering price and the exercise price are payable;

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any designation and terms of the equity securities with which the equity warrants are issued and the number of equity warrants issued with each equity security;

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any date on and after which the equity warrants and the related equity security will be separately transferable;

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any minimum or maximum number of the equity warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

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

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a discussion of U.S. federal income tax, accounting or other considerations applicable to the equity warrants;

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any anti-dilution provisions of the equity warrants;

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any redemption or call provisions applicable to the equity warrants;

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any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price;

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any additional terms of the equity warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the equity warrants; and

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the exercise price.

Holders of equity warrants will not be entitled, solely by virtue of being holders, to vote, to consent, to receive dividends, to receive notice as stockholders with respect to any meeting of stockholders for the election of directors or any other matter or to exercise any rights whatsoever as a holder of the equity securities purchasable upon exercise of the equity warrants.

LEGAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES

We can issue securities in registered form to “holders” and “indirect holders” or as global securities. We refer to those persons who have securities registered in their own names in the records that we or any applicable trustee or depositary maintain for this purpose as the “holders” of those securities. These persons are the legal holders of the securities. We refer to those persons who, indirectly through others, own beneficial interests in securities that are not registered in their own names as “indirect holders” of those securities. As discussed below, indirect holders are not legal holders and investors in securities issued in book-entry form or in street name will be indirect holders.

Book-Entry Holders

We may issue securities in book-entry form only, as we will specify in the applicable prospectus supplement. This means securities may be represented by one or more global securities registered in the name of a financial institution that holds them as depositary on behalf of other financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system. These participating institutions, which are referred to as participants, in turn, hold beneficial interests in the securities on behalf of themselves or their customers.

Only the person in whose name a security is registered is recognized as the holder of that security. Securities issued in global form will be registered in the name of the depositary or its participants. Consequently, for securities issued in global form, we will recognize only the depositary as the holder of the securities, and we will make all payments on the securities to the depositary. The depositary passes along the payments it receives to its participants, which in turn pass the payments along to their customers who are the beneficial owners. The depositary and its participants do so under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers. They are not obligated to do so under the terms of the securities.

As a result, investors in a book-entry security will not own securities directly. Instead, they will own beneficial interests in a global security, through a bank, broker or other financial institution that participates in the depositary’s book-entry system or holds an interest through a participant. As long as the securities are issued in global form, investors will be indirect holders, and not holders, of the securities.

Street Name Holders

We may terminate a global security or issue securities in non-global form. In these cases, investors may choose to hold their securities in their own names or in “street name.” Securities held by an investor in street name would be registered in the name of a bank, broker or other financial institution that the investor chooses, and the investor would hold only a beneficial interest in those securities through an account he or she maintains at that institution.

For securities held in street name, we will recognize only the intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions in whose names the securities are registered as the holders of those securities and will make all payments, if any, on those securities to them. These institutions pass along the payments they receive to their customers who are the beneficial owners, but only because they agree to do so in their customer agreements or because they are legally required to do so. Investors who hold securities in street name will be indirect holders, not holders, of those securities.

Legal Holders

Our obligations, as well as the obligations of any applicable trustee and of any third parties employed by us or a trustee, run only to the legal holders of the securities. We do not have obligations to investors who hold beneficial interests in global securities, in street name or by any other indirect means. This will be the case whether an investor chooses to be an indirect holder of a security or has no choice because we are issuing the securities only in global form.

For example, once we make a payment, if any, or give a notice to the holder, we have no further responsibility for the payment or notice even if that holder is required, under agreements with depositary participants or customers or by law, to pass it along to the indirect holders but does not do so. Similarly, we may want to obtain the approval of the holders to amend an indenture, to relieve us of the consequences of a default or of our obligation to comply with a particular provision of the indenture or for other purposes. In such an event, we would seek approval only from the holders, and not the indirect holders, of the securities. Whether and how the holders contact the indirect holders is up to the holders.

Special Considerations for Indirect Holders

If you hold securities through a bank, broker or other financial institution, either in book-entry form or in street name, you should check with your own institution to find out:

•

how it handles securities payments and notices;

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whether it imposes fees or charges;

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how it would handle a request for the holders’ consent, if ever required;

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whether and how you can instruct it to send you securities registered in your own name so you can be a holder, if that is permitted in the future;

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how it would exercise rights under the securities if there were a default or other event triggering the need for holders to act to protect their interests; and

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if the securities are in book-entry form, how the depositary’s rules and procedures will affect these matters.

Global Securities

A global security is a security that represents one or any other number of individual securities held by a depositary. Generally, all securities represented by the same global securities will have the same terms.

Each security issued in book-entry form will be represented by a global security that we deposit with and register in the name of a financial institution or its nominee that we select. The financial institution that we select for this purpose is called the depositary. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, known as DTC, will be the depositary for all securities issued in book-entry form.

A global security may not be transferred to or registered in the name of anyone other than the depositary, its nominee or a successor depositary, unless special termination situations arise. We describe those situations below under “Special Situations When a Global Security Will Be Terminated.” As a result of these arrangements, the depositary, or its nominee, will be the sole registered owner and holder of all securities represented by a global security, and investors will be permitted to own only beneficial interests in a global security. Beneficial interests must be held by means of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account with the depositary or with another institution that does. Thus, an investor whose security is represented by a global security will not be a holder of the security, but only an indirect holder of a beneficial interest in the global security.

If the prospectus supplement for a particular security indicates that the security will be issued in global form only, then the security will be represented by a global security at all times unless and until the global security is terminated. If termination occurs, we may issue the securities through another book-entry clearing system or decide that the securities may no longer be held through any book-entry clearing system.

Special Considerations for Global Securities

The rights of an indirect holder relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to securities transfers. We do not recognize an indirect holder as a holder of securities but instead deal only with the depositary that holds the global security.

If securities are issued only in the form of a global security, an investor should be aware of the following:

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an investor cannot cause the securities to be registered in his or her name and cannot obtain non-global certificates for his or her interest in the securities, except in the special situations described below;

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an investor will be an indirect holder and must look to his or her own bank or broker for payments on the securities and protection of his or her legal rights relating to the securities, as described above;

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an investor may not be able to sell interests in the securities to some insurance companies and to other institutions that are required by law to own their securities in non-book-entry form;

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an investor may not be able to pledge his or her interest in a global security in circumstances where certificates representing the securities must be delivered to the lender or other beneficiary of the pledge in order for the pledge to be effective;

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the depositary’s policies, which may change from time to time, will govern payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to an investor’s interest in a global security;

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we and any applicable trustee have no responsibility for any aspect of the depositary’s actions or for its records of ownership interests in a global security, nor do we or any applicable trustee supervise the depositary in any way;

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the depositary may, and we understand that DTC will, require that those who purchase and sell interests in a global security within its book-entry system use immediately available funds, and your broker or bank may require you to do so as well; and

•

financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system, and through which an investor holds its interest in a global security, may also have their own policies affecting payments, notices and other matters relating to the securities.

There may be more than one financial intermediary in the chain of ownership for an investor. We do not monitor and are not responsible for the actions of any of those intermediaries.

Special Situations When a Global Security Will Be Terminated

In a few special situations described below, the global security will terminate and interests in it will be exchanged for physical certificates representing those interests. After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold securities directly or in street name will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own banks or brokers to find out how to have their interests in securities transferred to their own name, so that they will be direct holders. We have described the rights of holders and street name investors above.

Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the global security will terminate when the following special situations occur:

•

if the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling, unable or no longer qualified to continue as depositary for that global security and we do not appoint another institution to act as depositary within 90 days;

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if we notify any applicable trustee that we wish to terminate that global security; or

•

if an event of default has occurred with regard to securities represented by that global security and has not been cured or waived.

The prospectus supplement may also list additional situations for terminating a global security that would apply only to the particular series of securities covered by the applicable prospectus supplement. When a global security terminates, the depositary, and not us or any applicable trustee, is responsible for deciding the names of the institutions that will be the initial direct holders.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We and any selling security holder may offer and sell the securities covered by this prospectus from time to time, in one or more transactions, by a variety of methods, including the following:

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to or through one or more underwriters;

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in “at the market offerings,” within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, or an exchange or otherwise;

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through one or more brokers or dealers;

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through one or more agents;

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directly to one or more purchasers; or

•

through a combination of any of these methods of sale.

We may also sell directly to investors through subscription rights distributed to our stockholders on a pro rata basis. In connection with any distribution of subscription rights to stockholders, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may sell the unsubscribed shares of our common stock directly to third parties or may engage the services of one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, including standby underwriters, to sell the unsubscribed securities to third parties.

The prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the offering of the securities covered by this prospectus, including:

•

the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents and the amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them;

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any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us;

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any underwriting discounts or commissions or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters’ or agents’ compensation;

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the initial public offering price of the securities and the proceeds to us and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

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any securities exchanges or markets on which the securities may be listed.

Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement are underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.

The distribution of our securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, any of which may represent a discount from the prevailing market prices. If underwriters are used in the sale of any securities, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions. The securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or directly by underwriters. Generally, the underwriters’ obligations to purchase the securities will be subject to conditions precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities if they purchase any of the securities. We may use underwriters with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe in the prospectus supplement naming the underwriter the nature of any such relationship.

We may sell the securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. The prospectus supplement will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and any commissions we pay to them. Generally, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

We may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain purchasers to purchase the securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus supplement will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these contracts.

Agents and underwriters may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments which the agents or underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof. Agents and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

In connection with the sale of our securities, underwriters or agents may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the securities, for whom they may act as agents, in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell securities to or through dealers, and these dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profit on the resale of securities they realize may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.

Unless otherwise specified in the related prospectus supplement, all securities we offer, other than common stock, will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters may make a market in these securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We may apply to list any series of debt securities, preferred stock or warrants on an exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or the trading market for, any series of securities.

Any underwriter may engage in overallotment transactions, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Overallotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Short covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution is completed to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time.

To comply with applicable state securities laws, the securities offered by this prospectus will be sold, if necessary, in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, securities may not be sold in some states unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.

Any underwriters who are qualified market makers on The NASDAQ Global Select Market may engage in passive market making transactions in the common stock listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M, during the business day prior to the pricing of the offering, before the commencement of offers or sales of the common stock. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security. If all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded.

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by O’Melveny & Myers LLP, Menlo Park, California.

EXPERTS

Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements (and schedule) included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements (and schedule) are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). In accordance with the Exchange Act, we file reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by us are available free of charge on our web site, www.nektar.com, and may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference facilities by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC.

We maintain a website at www.nektar.com. The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement and you should not consider it a part of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement.

INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with them. Incorporation by reference allows us to disclose important information to you by referring you to those other 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. This prospectus may contain information that updates, modifies or is contrary to information in one or more previously filed documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between information contained in this prospectus and information later filed, you should rely on information contained in the document that was later filed. You should not assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this prospectus or the date of the document incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We filed a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with the SEC with respect to the securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus. This prospectus omits certain information contained in the registration statement, as permitted by the SEC. You should refer to the registration statement, including the exhibits, for further information about us and the securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus. Statements in this prospectus regarding the provisions of certain documents filed with, or incorporated by reference in, the registration statement are not necessarily complete and each statement is qualified in all respects by that reference. Copies of all or any part of the registration statement, including the documents incorporated by reference or the exhibits, may be obtained upon payment of the prescribed rates at the offices of the SEC listed above in “Where You Can Find More Information.”

We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any documents that we file in the future with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act) after the date of this prospectus and before the completion of the offering of the securities (including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Proxy Statements, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K):

•

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2013;

•

the information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 from our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed with the SEC on April 30, 2013;

•

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on May 9, 2013;

•

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2013, filed with the SEC on August 9, 2013;

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our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2013, filed with the SEC on November 7, 2013;

•

our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 12, 2013 (excluding the portions furnished under Item 7.01), February 26, 2013, June 19, 2013 (filed under Item 5.07), June 19, 2013 (filed under Item 8.01), August 8, 2013 (filed under Item 1.01), August 9, 2013, September 26, 2013 and January 14, 2014; and

•

the description of our common stock set forth in our registration statement on Form 8-A, as amended.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless specifically stated to the contrary, information furnished in reports or portions thereof under Items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K will not be incorporated by reference, or otherwise included, in this prospectus.

We are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and file periodic reports with the SEC, including annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information.

We will provide without charge to each person to whom this prospectus is delivered, including any beneficial owner of the securities, upon written or oral request, a copy of any and all of the documents that have been incorporated by reference in this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus (without exhibits, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference but not delivered with this prospectus). Requests should be directed to:

Nektar Therapeutics

455 Mission Bay Boulevard South

San Francisco, California 94158

(415) 482-5300

Attention: Secretary

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14.

Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The expenses relating to the registration of the securities will be borne by the registrant. Such expenses are estimated to be as follows:


	Amount to be paid*
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee	$	*	*
Accounting Fees and Expenses	$	*
Legal Fees and Expenses	$	*
Printing Expenses	$	*
Transfer Agent and Trustee Fees and Expenses	$	*
Stock Exchange Listing Fee	$	*	**
Rating Agency Fees	$	*
Miscellaneous Expenses	$	*
Total	$	*

*	Since an indeterminate amount of securities is covered by this registration statement, the expenses in connection with any issuance and distribution of the securities are not currently determinable.

**	Deferred in accordance with Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r) of the Securities Act.

***	The listing fee is based upon the principal amount of securities listed and is therefore not currently determinable.

Item 15.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Subsection (a) of Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or who is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, the person had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.

Subsection (b) of Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

Section 145 further provides that to the extent a director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of

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Section 145, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith; that indemnification provided by Section 145 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the indemnified party may be entitled; and that the indemnification provided by Section 145 shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of such person’s heirs, executors and administrators. Section 145 also empowers the corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liabilities under Section 145.

We provide liability insurance for our directors and officers which provides for coverage against loss from claims made against directors and officers in their capacity as such, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL provides that a corporation’s certificate of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Under our amended and restated bylaws, we shall indemnify our directors and executive officers to the full extent not prohibited by the DGCL; provided, however, that we are not required to indemnify any director or executive officer in connection with any proceeding or part thereof initiated by such person unless (i) such indemnification is expressly required to be made by law, (ii) the proceeding was authorized by our board of directors, (iii) such indemnification is provided by us in our sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in us under the DGCL, or (iv) such indemnification is required under our bylaws.

Our certificate of incorporation, as amended, provides that a director shall not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. The provision does not affect a director’s responsibilities under any other laws, such as the federal securities laws or state or federal environmental laws.

We have entered into agreements with our directors and executive officers that require us to indemnify such persons against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred (including expenses of a derivative action) in connection with any proceeding, whether actual or threatened, to which any such person may be made a party by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of us or any of our affiliated enterprises, provided such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of us and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The indemnification agreements also set forth certain procedures that will apply in the event of a claim for indemnification thereunder.

Item 16.

Exhibits.

See Exhibit Index on page II-7 of this registration statement.

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Item 17.

Undertakings.

(a)	The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1)

To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i)

To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

(ii)

To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii)

To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

(2)

That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3)

To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4)

That, for the purposes of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(i)

Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii)

Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any

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statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

(5)

That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:

The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i)

Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii)

Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii)

The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv)

Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(b)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c)

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to Item 15, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(d)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Francisco, State of California, on this 21st day of January, 2014.


Nektar Therapeutics


By:		/s/ Howard W. Robin
		Howard W. Robin
		Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officers and directors of Nektar Therapeutics, a Delaware corporation, do hereby constitute and appoint Howard W. Robin and John Nicholson, and each of them individually, the lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution or re-substitution, with full power and authority to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either one of them, determine may be necessary or advisable or required to enable said corporation to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules or regulations or requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this registration statement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing power and authority, the powers granted include the power and authority to sign the names of the undersigned officers and directors in the capacities indicated below to this registration statement, to any and all amendments, both pre-effective and post-effective, and supplements to this registration statement and to any and all instruments or documents filed as part of or in conjunction with this registration statement or amendments or supplements thereto, and each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either one of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney may be signed in several counterparts.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the date indicated.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Signature	Title	Date

/s/ Howard W. Robin Howard W. Robin	Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (Principal Executive Officer)	January 21, 2014

/s/ John Nicholson John Nicholson	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)	January 21, 2014

/s/ Jillian B. Thomsen Jillian B. Thomsen	Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)	January 21, 2014

/s/ Robert B. Chess Robert B. Chess	Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors	January 21, 2014

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/s/ R. Scott Greer R. Scott Greer	Director	January 21, 2014

/s/ Joseph J. Krivulka Joseph J. Krivulka	Director	January 21, 2014

/s/ Christopher A. Kuebler Christopher A. Kuebler	Director	January 21, 2014

/s/ Lutz Lingnau Lutz Lingnau	Director	January 21, 2014

/s/ Susan Wang Susan Wang	Director	January 21, 2014

/s/ Roy A. Whitfield Roy A. Whitfield	Director	January 21, 2014

/s/ Dennis L. Winger Dennis L. Winger	Director	January 21, 2014

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EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit Number		Description of Documents

1.1 (8)		Form of Underwriting Agreement (for Common Stock)

1.2 (8)		Form of Underwriting Agreement (for Preferred Stock)

1.3 (8)		Form of Underwriting Agreement (for Warrants)

2.1 (1)		Asset Purchase Agreement, dated October 20, 2008, by and between Nektar Therapeutics, a Delaware corporation, AeroGen, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Nektar Therapeutics, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Novartis Pharma AG, a Swiss corporation.+

3.1 (2)		Certificate of Incorporation of Inhale Therapeutic Systems (Delaware), Inc.

3.2 (3)		Certificate of Amendment of the Amended Certificate of Incorporation of Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc.

3.3 (4)		Certificate of Ownership and Merger of Nektar Therapeutics

3.4 (5)		Certificate of Ownership and Merger of Nektar Therapeutics AL, Corporation with and into Nektar Therapeutics

3.5 (6)		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Nektar Therapeutics

4.1		Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5

4.2 (4)		Specimen Common Stock Certificate

4.3 (7)		Indenture dated July 11, 2012 by and between Nektar Therapeutics and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, including the form of 12.0% Senior Secured Note due 2017

4.4 (8)		Specimen Preferred Stock Certificate

4.5 (8)		Form of Indenture between Registrant and a Trustee to be named relating to Senior Debt Securities (including form of Senior Debt Securities)

4.6 (8)		Form of Indenture between Registrant and a Trustee to be named relating to Subordinated Debt Securities (including form of Subordinated Debt Securities)

4.7 (8)		Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate

4.8 (8)		Form of Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate

4.9 (8)		Form of Debt Securities Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate

5.1 (9)		Opinion of O’Melveny & Myers LLP

12.1 (9)		Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

23.1 (9)		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

23.2 (9)		Consent of O’Melveny & Myers LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 filed herewith)

24.1 (9)		Power of Attorney (included on the signature page herewith)

25.1 (10)		Statement of Eligibility of Trustee on Form T-1 under the Senior Debt Indenture

25.2 (10)		Statement of Eligibility of Trustee on Form T-1 under the Subordinated Debt Indenture

+	Confidential treatment with respect to specific portions of this Exhibit has been requested, and such portions are omitted and have been filed separately with the SEC.

(1)	Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

(2)	Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.

(3)	Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.

(4)	Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 23, 2003.

(5)	Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 3, 2010.

(6)	Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 11, 2011.

(7)	Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibit in Nektar Therapeutics’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 11, 2012.

(8)	To be filed by amendment or incorporated by reference in connection with the offering of any securities, as appropriate.

(9)	Filed herewith.

(10)	To be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K or pursuant to Rule 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act and incorporated herein by reference.