• C Subject to completion, dated August 17, 2015
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PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
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Capital One Financial Corporation
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.= Depositary Shares Each Representing a 1/40th
Interest in a Share of Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative
Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F
E We are offering of our depositary shares each representing a 1/40* ownership interest in a share of our fixed rate non-
c cumulative perpetual preferred stock. Series F (the "Preferred Stock"). with a liquidation preference of S25 per depositary share (equivalent to
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c 51.000 per share of Preferred Stock). As a holder of depositary shares. you will be entitled to all proportional rights and preferences of the
Preferred Stock (including dividend. voting. redemption and liquidation rights). You must exercise any such rights through the depositary.
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• C We will pay dividends on the Preferred Stock, when. as. and if declared to the extent that we have lawfully available funds to pay
O.= dividends. Dividends will accrue and be payable from the date of issuance at a rate of % per annum, payable quarterly in arrears. on
E
March I. June I. September I and December I of each year. beginning on December 1. 2015. Upon payment of any dividends on the
Preferred Stock. holders of depositary shares are expected to receive a proportionate payment.
Dividends on the Preferred Stock will not be cumulative. If for any reason our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the
Board of Directors does not declare a dividend on the Preferred Stock for any dividend period. such dividend will not accrue or be payable.
= and we will have no obligation to pay dividends for such dividend period, whether or not dividends on the Preferred Stock am declared for
r, any future dividend period. Dividends on the Preferred Stock will not be declared, paid or set aside for payment to the extent such act would
cause us to fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including applicable capital adequacy guidelines.
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Co We may redeem the Preferred Stock at our option. subject to regulatory approval. (I) in whole or in part, from time to time, on any
0 Co dividend payment date on or after December 1.2020 at a redemption price equal to 51.000 per share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends.
0.= or (2) in whole but not in part. at any time within 90 days following a regulatory capital treatment event (as defined herein). at a redemption
ra ••. price equal to 51.(X) per share. plus any declared and unpaid dividends. If we redeem the Preferred Stock, the depositary is expected to
C redeem a proportionate number of depositary shares.
= Application will be made to list the depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange (the - NYSE- ) under the symbol "C'OFTRE-
O. CD Trading of the depositary shares is expected to commence within a 30-day period after the original issue date of the depositary shares. Our
E common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "COE."
.0 The Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights. except as set forth under "Description of Preferred Stock—Voting Rights"
_ beginning on page 5-20.
0) Per Depositary
Share Total
'C Public offering price
C
o= Underwriting discounts and commissionsm
o Proceeds, before expenses. to usto
• =
E (1) Reflects depositary shares sold to institutional investors. for which the underwriters received an underwriting discount of
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o c S per depositary share, and depositary shares sold to retail investors• for which the underwriters received an
6 d underwriting discount of S per depositary share.
= (2) Assumes no exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option described below.
Co, 03
CO co We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional depositary shares within 30 days after the date of this
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prospectus supplement at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. solely to cover over-allotments. if any.
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en a, Investing in our depositary shares involves risks. Before buying any depositary shares representing an interest in
o •
a 413 our Preferred Stock, you should read this prospectus supplement, the related prospectus and all information
a. 0,..= incorporated by reference herein, including the discussion of material risks of investing in our depositary shares
=
=E representing an interest in our Preferred Stock in the "Risk Factors- section beginning on page S-I0 of this prospectus
= CD supplement. Neither the depositary shares nor the Preferred Stock are investment grade rated by certain rating
C la agencies and therefore remain subject to the risks associated with non-investment grade securities.
4t3 E = Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved
o. o of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
es
en fa representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
E (13 .2
Neither the depositary shares nor the Preferred Stock are a deposit, savings account or other obligation of a bank and neither
= CD are insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") or any other governmental agency or
= instrumentality.
—
0
The underwriters expect to deliver the depositary shares in book-entry form only through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company
is and its participants. including Euroclear System and Clearstream Banking. S.A. on or about . 2015.
=
• mm
OE ,
Am y Joint Book-Running Managers
o o.C. BofA Merrill Lynch J.P. Morgan Morgan Stanley UBS Investment Bank Wells Fargo Securities
=
41, The date of this Prospectus Supplement is , 2015
EFTA01090509
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About This Prospectus Supplement S-I
Forward-Looking Statements S-I
Summary of the Offering S-4
Risk Factors S-10
Use of Proceeds S-15
Description of Preferred Stock S-16
Description of Depositary Shares S-23
Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement S-25
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences S-28
Certain ERISA Considerations S-34
Underwriting S-36
Validity of the Preferred Stock 5.40
Experts S-40
Where You Can Find More Information S-40
You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters 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, and the underwriters are not, making an
offer to sell the depositary shares in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should
assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement (including any related free writing
prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf, if any), the accompanying prospectus and the documents
incorporated by reference herein and therein, is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
S-i
EFTA01090510
About This Prospectus Supplement
We provide information to you about the depositary shares and the Preferred Stock in two separate
documents: (I) this prospectus supplement (including any related free writing prospectus prepared by us or on
our behalf, if any), which describes the specific terms of the depositary shares and the Preferred Stock and also
adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by
reference in that prospectus and (2) the accompanying prospectus, which provides general information about
securities we may offer from time to time, including securities other than the depositary shares and the Preferred
Stock. If information in this prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, if any, is inconsistent
with the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on this prospectus supplement and any related free writing
prospectus, if any.
It is important for you to read and consider all of the information contained in this prospectus supplement
and any related free writing prospectus, if any, and the accompanying prospectus in making your investment
decision. You also should read and consider the information in the documents we have referred you to in the
section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page S-40 of this prospectus supplement
and page 3 of the accompanying prospectus.
We include cross•references in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to captions in
these materials where you can find additional related discussions. The table of contents in this prospectus
supplement provides the pages on which these captions are located.
Unless the context requires otherwise, references to "Capital One," "issuer," "we," "our," or "us" in this
prospectus supplement refer to Capital One Financial Corporation. a Delaware corporation.
Forward-Looking Statements
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference
herein and therein contain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including
statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act•), and Section 2IE of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act•). Fonvard-looking statements include, among other things,
information relating to our strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; projections, revenues,
income, returns, expenses, capital measures, accruals for claims in litigation and for other claims against us;
earnings per share or other financial measures for us; future financial and operating results; our plans, objectives,
expectations and intentions; and the assumptions that underlie these matters. Forward-looking statements also
include statements using words such as "expect," "anticipate," "hope," "intend," "plan," "believe," "estimate,"
"will" or similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current plans, estimates
and projections, and you should not unduly rely on them. To the extent that any of the information in this
prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and
therein is forward-looking, it is intended to fit within the safe harbor for forward-looking information provided
by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Numerous factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in such forward-
looking statements, including, among other things:
general economic and business conditions in the U.S., the U.K., Canada or our local markets, including
conditions affecting employment levels, interest rates, collateral values, consumer income and
confidence, spending and savings that may affect consumer bankruptcies, defaults, charge-offs and
deposit activity;
S-1
EFTA01090511
• an increase or decrease in credit losses (including increases due to a worsening of general economic
conditions in the credit environment);
• financial, legal, regulatory,, tax or accounting changes or actions, including the impact of the Dodd-
Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") and the regulations
promulgated thereunder and regulations governing bank capital and liquidity standards, including
Basel-related initiatives and potential changes to financial accounting and reporting standards;
• developments, changes or actions relating to any litigation matter involving us;
• the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth;
• increases or decreases in interest rates;
• our ability to access the capital markets at attractive rates and terms to capitalize and fund our
operations and future growth;
• the success of our marketing efforts in attracting and retaining customers;
• increases or decreases in our aggregate loan balances or the number of customers and the growth rate
and composition thereof, including increases or decreases resulting from factors such as shifting
product mix, amount of actual marketing expenses we incur and attrition of loan balances;
• the level of future repurchase or indemnification requests we may receive, the actual future
performance of mortgage loans relating to such requests, the success rates of claimants against us, any
developments in litigation and the actual recoveries we may make on any collateral relating to claims
against us:
• the amount and rate of deposit growth;
• changes in the reputation of, or expectations regarding, the financial services industry or us with
respect to practices, products or financial condition;
• any significant disruption in our operations or technology platform;
• our ability to maintain a compliance and technology infrastructure suitable for the nature of ow
business;
• our ability to develop digital technology that addresses the needs of our customers;
• our ability to control costs;
• the amount of, and rate of growth in, our expenses as ow business develops or changes or as it expands
into new market areas;
• our ability to execute on our strategic and operational plans;
• any significant disruption of, or loss of public confidence in, the United States mail service affecting
our response rates and consumer payments:
• any significant disruption of, or loss of public confidence in, the internet affecting the ability of ow
customers to access their accounts and conduct banking transactions;
• our ability to recruit and retain talented and experienced personnel to assist in the development,
management and operation of new products and services;
• changes in the labor and employment markets;
• fraud or misconduct by our customers, employees or business partners;
• competition from providers of products and services that compete with our businesses: and
• other risk factors listed from time to time in reports that we file with the SEC.
S-2
EFTA01090512
You should carefully consider the factors referred to above in evaluating these forward-looking statements.
When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risks, uncertainties and
other cautionary statements made in this prospectus supplement. the accompanying prospectus and in the
documents incorporated by reference. See the factors set forth under the "Risk Factors" section beginning on
page 5-10 of this prospectus supplement and in any other documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
by reference herein, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31. 2014, as such
discussion may be amended or updated in other reports filed by us with the SEC. for additional information that
you should consider carefully in evaluating these forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve risks,
uncertainties and assumptions, including the risk factors referred to above. Our future performance and
actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Many of the
factors that will determine these results and values are beyond our ability to control or predict. Any
forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf speak only as of the date that they are made or as
of the date indicated, and we undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise.
S-3
EFTA01090513
Summary of the Offering
The following summary highlights selected informationfrom this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus about the depositary shares, the Preferred Stock and this offering. This description is
not complete and does not contain all of the infonnation that you should consider before investing in the
depositary shares. You should read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the
documents we incorporate by reference, carefully to understandfully the terms of the depositary shares and the
Preferred Stock as well as other considerations that are important to you in making a decision about whether to
invest in the depositary shares. You should pay special attention to the "Risk Factors" section beginning on page
S-10 of this prospectus supplement and the "Risk Factors" section in our Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor the
year ended December 31. 2014, as such discussion may be amended or updated in other reportsfried by us with
the SEC, to determine whether an investment in the depositary shares is appropriate for you. This prospectus
supplement includesforward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. For a more complete
understanding of the depositary shares and the Preferred Stock, you should read the section entitled
"Description ofPreferred Stock" beginning on page S-16 and the section entitled "Description ofDepositary
Shares" beginning on page S-23 of this prospectus supplement as well as the section entitled "Description of
Preferred Stock" beginning on page 17 of the accompanying prospectus. To the extent the information in this
prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the information in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on
the following infonnation.
Issuer Capital One Financial Corporation
Securities Offered depositary shares ( depositary shares if the
underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full), each
representing a 1/40th ownership interest in a share of Fixed Rate Non-
Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock. Series F. $0.01 par value (the
"Preferred Stock"), with a liquidation preference of $25 per
depositary share (equivalent to $1.000 per share of Preferred Stock)
of Capital One. Each holder of a depositary share will be entitled,
through the depositary, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a
share of Preferred Stock represented by such depositary share, to all
the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock represented thereby
(including with respect to dividends, voting, redemption and
liquidation rights).
We reserve the right to re-open this series of preferred stock and issue
additional shares of the Preferred Stock either through public or
private sales at any time and from time to time. The additional shares
would form a single series with the Preferred Stock.
Over-allotment Option We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an
additional depositary shares within 30 days after the date of
this prospectus supplement at the public offering price, less
underwriting discounts and commissions, solely to cover over-
allotments, if any.
Dividends We will pay dividends on the Preferred Stock, when, as. and if
declared by ow Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of
the Board of Directors. Dividends will accrue and be payable from
the date of issuance at a rate of % per annum, payable quarterly. in
arrears. See also "—Dividend Payment Dates" on page S-7. Upon the
S-4
EFTA01090514
payment of any dividends on the Preferred Stock, holders of
depositary shares will receive a related proportionate payment.
Dividends on the Preferred Stock will not be cumulative. If our Board
of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors
does not declare a dividend on the Preferred Stock in respect of a
dividend period, then no dividend shall be deemed to have accrued
for such dividend period, be payable on the applicable dividend
payment date, or be cumulative, and we will have no obligation to
pay any dividend for that dividend period, whether or not our Board
of Directors or a duly authorized committee of our Board of Directors
declares a dividend on the Preferred Stock for any future dividend
period.
Capital One's ability to pay dividends on the Preferred Stock depends
on the ability of Capital One Bank (USA), National Association
("COBNA") and Capital One, National Association ("CONK') to pay
dividends to Capital One. The ability of Capital One, COBNA and
CONA to pay dividends in the future is subject to bank regulatory
requirements and capital guidelines and policies established by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal
Reserve").
While the Preferred Stock is outstanding, unless, in each case, the full
dividends for the preceding dividend period on all outstanding shares
of Preferred Stock have been declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside:
• no dividend will be declared or paid or set aside for payment and
no distribution will be declared or made or set aside for payment
on any junior stock, other than:
• a dividend payable solely in junior stock, or
• any dividend in connection with the implementation of a
shareholders' rights plan, or the redemption or repurchase of
any rights under any such plan;
• no shares of junior stock shall be repurchased, redeemed or
otherwise acquired for consideration by us, directly or indirectly
(nor shall any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking
fund for the redemption of any such securities by us) other than:
• as a result of a reclassification of junior stock for or into
other junior stock;
• the exchange or conversion of one share of junior stock for or
into another share of junior stock;
• through the use of the proceeds of a substantially
contemporaneous sale of other shares of junior stock;
• purchases. redemptions or other acquisitions of shares of the
junior stock in connection with any employment contract.
S-5
EFTA01090515
benefit plan or other similar arrangement with or for the
benefit of employees, officers, directors or consultants;
• purchases of shares of junior stock pursuant to a contractually
binding requirement to buy junior stock existing prior to the
preceding dividend period, including under a contractually
binding stock repurchase plan;
• the purchase of fractional interests in shares of junior stock
pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such
stock or the security being converted or exchanged;
• purchases or other acquisitions by any of our broker-dealer
subsidiaries solely for the purpose of market making;
• stabilization or customer facilitation transactions in junior
stock in the ordinary course of business;
• purchases by any of our broker-dealer subsidiaries of our
capital stock for resale pursuant to an offering by us of such
capital stock underwritten by such broker-dealer subsidiary:
or
• the acquisition by us or any of our subsidiaries of record
ownership in junior stock for the beneficial ownership of any
other persons (other than for the beneficial ownership by us
or any of our subsidiaries), including as trustees or
custodians; and
• no shares of parity stock, if any, shall be repurchased, redeemed
or otherwise acquired for consideration by us, directly or
indirectly (nor shall any monies be paid to or made available for
a sinking fund for the redemption of any such securities by
during a dividend period, other than:
• pursuant to pro rata offers to purchase all. or a pro rant
portion, of the Preferred Stock and such parity stock, if any:
• as a result of a reclassification of parity stock for or into other
parity stock;
• the exchange or conversion of parity stock for or into other
parity stock or junior stock;
• through the use of the proceeds of a substantially
contemporaneous sale of other shares of parity stock;
purchases of shares of parity stock pursuant to a contractually
binding requirement to buy parity stock existing prior to the
preceding dividend period, including under a contractually
binding stock repurchase plan;
• the purchase of fractional interests in shares of parity stock
pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such
stock or the security being converted or exchanged;
• purchases or other acquisitions by any of our broker-dealer
subsidiaries solely for the purpose of market making.
S-6
EFTA01090516
stabilization or customer facilitation transactions in parity
stock in the ordinary course of business;
purchases by any of our broker-dealer subsidiaries of our
capital stock for resale pursuant to an offering by us of such
capital stock underwritten by such broker-dealer subsidiary:
or
• the acquisition by us or any of our subsidiaries of record
ownership in parity stock for the beneficial ownership of any
other persons (other than for the beneficial ownership by us
or any of our subsidiaries), including as trustees or
custodians.
While the Preferred Stock is outstanding, unless the full dividends for
the preceding dividend period on all outstanding shares of Preferred
Stock have been declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient
for the payment thereof has been set aside, no dividend will be
declared or paid or set aside for payment and no distribution will be
declared or made or set aside for payment on any securities that rank
equally with the Preferred Stock. When dividends are not paid in full
upon the shares of Preferred Stock and parity stock, if any, all
dividends declared upon shares of Preferred Stock and parity stock, if
any, will be declared on a proportional basis so that the amount of
dividends declared per share will bear to each other the same ratio
that accrued dividends for the then-current dividend period per share
on Preferred Stock, and accrued dividends, including any
accumulations, if any, on parity stock, if any. bear to each other.
Dividends on the Preferred Stock will not be declared, paid or set
aside for payment to the extent such act would cause us to fail to
comply with applicable laws and regulations, including applicable
capital adequacy guidelines. See "Description of Preferred Stock—
Dividends" beginning on page S-16.
Dividend Payment Dates Dividends on the Preferred Stock will be payable when, as, and if
declared by ow Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of
our Board of Directors, quarterly on March 1, June 1, September I
and December I of each year, beginning on December I. 2015 (each a
"dividend payment date"). If any date on which dividends would
otherwise be payable is not a business day, then the dividend payment
date will be the next business day without any adjustment to the
amount of dividends paid.
Redemption The Preferred Stock is perpetual and has no maturity date. We may
redeem the Preferred Stock at our option, (i) in whole or in part. from
time to time, on any dividend payment date on or after December I.
2020 at a redemption price equal to $1.000 per share (equivalent to
$25 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends, or
(ii) in whole but not in part. at any time within 90 days following a
regulatory capital treatment event (as defined herein), at a redemption
price equal to $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary
S-7
EFTA01090517
share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends. If we redeem the
Preferred Stock, the depositary will redeem a proportionate number of
depositary shares. Neither the holders of Preferred Stock nor holders
of depositary shares will have the right to require the redemption or
repurchase of the Preferred Stock.
Any redemption of the Preferred Stock is subject to our receipt of any
required prior approval by the Federal Reserve and to the satisfaction
of any conditions set forth in the capital guidelines or regulations of
the Federal Reserve applicable to redemption of the Preferred Stock.
Neither the holders of the Preferred Stock nor the holders of the
related depositary shares will have the right to require redemption.
Liquidation Rights In the event we liquidate, dissolve or wind-up our business and
affairs, either voluntarily or involuntarily, holders of the Preferred
Stock are entitled to receive a liquidating distribution of $1,000 per
share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share), plus any declared and
unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividend,
before we make any distribution of assets to the holders of our
common stock or any other class or series of shares of junior stock.
Distributions will be made only to the extent of Capital One's assets
that are available after satisfaction of all liabilities to creditors and
subject to the rights of holders of any securities ranking senior to the
Preferred Stock and pro rata as to the Preferred Stock and any other
shares of our stock ranking equally as to such distribution, if any.
Voting Rights None, except with respect to authorizing or increasing the authorized
amount of senior stock, certain changes in the terms of the Preferred
Stock and in the case of certain dividend non-payments. See
"Description of Preferred Stock—Voting Rights" beginning on page
5-20. Holders of depositary shares must act through the depositary to
exercise any voting rights, as described under "Description of
Depositary Shares—Voting the Preferred Stock" beginning on page
S-24.
Ranking Shares of the Preferred Stock will rank senior to our common stock.
and at least equally with each other series of our preferred stock, if
any, we have issued or may issue if provided for in the certificate of
designations relating to such preferred stock or otherwise (except for
any senior series that may be issued with the requisite consent of the
holders of the Preferred Stock and all other parity stock, if any), with
respect to the payment of dividends and distributions upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up. See "Description of Preferred
Stock—Other Preferred Stock." We will generally be able to pay
dividends and distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up only out of lawfully available assets for such payment after
satisfaction of all claims for indebtedness and other non•equity
claims.
No Maturity The Preferred Stock does not have any maturity date, and we are not
required to redeem the Preferred Stock. Accordingly. the Preferred
5.8
EFTA01090518
Stock will remain outstanding indefinitely, unless and until we decide
to redeem it and receive prior approval of the Federal Reserve to do
so.
Preemptive and Conversion Rights None.
Listing Application will be made to list the depositary shares on the NYSE
under the symbol "COFPRF." Trading of the depositary shares on the
NYSE is expected to commence within a 30-day period after the
original issue date of the depositary shares.
Tax Consequences For a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences
relating to the Preferred Stock and the depositary shares, see the
section entitled "Material United States Federal Income Tax
Consequences" beginning on page 5-28 in this prospectus
supplement.
Use of Proceeds We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering, after deducting
the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses
payable by us, will be approximately S . We intend to use the net
proceeds from the sale of the depositary shares for general corporate
purposes in the ordinary course of our business. General corporate
purposes may include repayment of debt, acquisitions, additions to
working capital. capital expenditures and investments in ow
subsidiaries.
Risk Factors Please refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page
S-10 and other information included or incorporated by reference in
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for a
discussion of factors you should consider carefully before deciding to
invest in our depositary shares.
Depositary Agent, Transfer Agent &
Registrar Computershare Trust Company, N.A will be the depositary, and,
collectively with Computershare Inc., will be the transfer agent and
registrar for the Preferred Stock.
S-9
EFTA01090519
Risk Factors
Investing in the depositary shares involves risks, including the risks described below that are specific to the
depositary shares and the Preferred Stock and those that could affect us and our business. You should not
purchase shares ofour depositary shares unless you understand these investment risks. Please be aware that
other risks may prove to be important in thefuture. New risks may emerge at any time, and we cannot predict
such risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financialperformance. Before purchasing any
depositary shares, you should consider carefully the risks and other information in this prospectus supplement
and the accompanying prospectus and carefully read the risks described in the documents incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the discussion under
"Item IA—Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor the year ended December 31, 2014, as such
discussion may be amended or updated in other reports filed by us with the SEC.
Risks Relating to the Depositary Shares and the Preferred Stock
You are making an investment decision about both the depositary shares and the Preferred Stock.
As described in this prospectus supplement. we are issuing depositary shares representing fractional
interests in shares of Preferred Stock. The depositary will rely solely on the payments it receives on the Preferred
Stock to fund all payments on the depositary shares. You should carefully review the information in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus regarding both of these securities.
The Preferred Stock and the depositary shares will initially be rated below investment grade by certain
rating agencies.
Neither the Preferred Stock nor the depositary shares will initially be rated investment grade by certain
rating agencies, and there can be no assurance that the rating of either will become investment grade in the future
or otherwise be upgraded by those agencies or otherwise. Further, the depositary shares may be subject to a
higher risk of price volatility than similar, higher-rated securities. In addition, increases in leverage or
deteriorating outlooks for an issuer, or volatile markets, could lead to continued significant deterioration in
market prices of below-investment grade rated securities, such as the depositary shares.
Ratings only reflect the views of the issuing rating agency or agencies and such ratings could at any time be
revised downward or withdrawn entirely at the discretion of the issuing rating agency. Further, a rating is not a
recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any particular security, including the depositary shares. In addition,
ratings do not reflect market prices or suitability of a security for a particular investor and any rating of the
depositary shares or the Preferred Stock may not reflect all risks related to us and our business, or the structure or
market value of the depositary shares.
The Preferred Stock will be an equity security and will be subordinate to our existing andfuture
indebtedness.
The shares of Preferred Stock will be equity interests in Capital One and will not constitute indebtedness.
This means that the depositary shares, which represent fractional interests in the shares of Preferred Stock, will
rank junior to all existing and future indebtedness and other non-equity claims on Capital One with respect to
assets available to satisfy claims on Capital One, including claims in the event of our liquidation. As of June 30,
2015, Capital One's total liabilities, including deposits, securitized debt obligations and other debt, were
approximately $264 billion and we may incur additional indebtedness in the future. Capital One's existing and
future indebtedness may restrict payment of dividends on the Preferred Stock.
Additionally, unlike indebtedness, where principal and interest customarily are payable on specified due
dates, in the case of preferred stock like the Preferred Stock, (1) dividends will be payable only if declared by our
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Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors. (2) dividends will not accumulate if
they are not declared and (3) as a Delaware corporation, we may make dividend payments and redemption
payments only out of funds legally available under Delaware law. Also, as a bank holding company, our ability
to declare and pay dividends and redeem the Preferred Stock is dependent on certain federal regulatory
considerations. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Act requires federal banking agencies to establish more stringent
risk-based capital guidelines and leverage limits applicable to banks and bank holding companies, and especially
those institutions with consolidated assets equal to or greater than $50 billion. The Federal Reserve, the Office of
the Comptroller of the Currency and the FDIC released in July 2013 a final rule (the "Basel III Rule") that
substantially revises the federal banking agencies' current capital rules and implements the Basel Committee on
Banking Supervision's December 2010 regulatory capital reforms. known as Basel III. The Basel III Rule sets
forth the criteria for qualifying additional Tier 1 capital instruments consistent with Basel III, including the
requirement that any dividends on such instruments only be paid out of the banking organization's net income,
retained earnings and surplus related to other additional Tier 1 capital instruments. In addition, restrictions may
be applied to bank holding company dividends under the Federal Reserve's capital plan rule. Such provisions
could adversely affect our ability to pay dividends or may result in additional limitations on ow ability to pay
dividends or redeem shares of our Preferred Stock. Further, the Preferred Stock may be fully subordinated to
interests held by the U.S. government in the event that we enter into a receivership, insolvency, liquidation, or
similar proceeding, including a proceeding under the Orderly Liquidation Authority of the Dodd-Frank Act. The
Preferred Stock places no restrictions on our business or operations or on our ability to incur indebtedness or
engage in any transactions, subject only to the limited voting rights referred to below under "Description of
Preferred Stock—Voting Rights" beginning on page S-20 of this prospectus supplement.
The Preferred Stock may be junior in rights andpreferences to ourfuture preferred stock, including
senior stock authorized and issued without your consent.
The Preferred Stock may rank junior to preferred stock issued in the future that by its terms is expressly
senior in rights and preferences to the Preferred Stock. It is possible that we may authorize and issue such shares
without your vote or consent, although the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of all
outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock is required to authorize or issue any shares of senior stock as described
under "Description of Preferred Stock—Voting Rights." In addition, the terms of any of our future preferred
stock expressly senior to the Preferred Stock may restrict dividend payments on the Preferred Stock, except for
dividends payable solely in shares of the Preferred Stock. Unless full dividends for all of our outstanding
preferred stock senior to the Preferred Stock have been declared and paid or set aside for payment, no dividends
will be declared or paid and no distribution will be made on any shares of the Preferred Stock, and no shares of
the Preferred Stock may be repurchased, redeemed, or otherwise acquired by us, directly or indirectly, for
consideration. This could result in dividends on the Preferred Stock not being paid when due to you.
Dividends on the Preferred Stock are discretionary and non-cumulative.
Dividends on the Preferred Stock are discretionary and will not be cumulative. If our Board of Directors or a
duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors does not declare a dividend on the Preferred Stock in
respect of a dividend period, then no dividend shall be deemed to have accrued for such dividend period, be
payable on the applicable dividend payment date or be cumulative, and we will have no obligation to pay any
dividend for that dividend period, whether or not our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the
Board of Directors declares a dividend on the Preferred Stock for any future dividend period.
Additionally, when dividends are not paid in full upon the Preferred Stock and parity stock, if any, all
dividends declared upon the Preferred Stock and parity stock, if any. will be declared on a proportional basis so
that the amount of dividends declared per share will bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends for
the then-current dividend period per share on Preferred Stock, and accrued dividends, including any
accumulations, if any, on parity stock, if any. bear to each other. Therefore, if we are not paying full dividends on
any outstanding parity stock, we will not be able to pay full dividends on the Preferred Stock.
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Credit ratings may not reflect all risks associated with an investment in the Preferred Stock and the
depositary shares.
Credit rating agencies rate our Preferred Stock and our depositary shares on factors that include our results
or operations, actions that we take, their view of the general outlook for our industry and their view of the general
outlook for the economy. Actions taken by the rating agencies can include maintaining, upgrading or
downgrading the current rating or placing Capital One on a watch list for possible future downgrading.
Downgrading the credit rating of our depositary shares or placing Capital One on a watch list for possible future
downgrading would like increase our cost of financing, limit our access to the capital markets and have an
adverse effect on the market price of ow securities, including the depositary shares offered hereby.
Ratings only reflect the views of the issuing rating agency or agencies and such ratings could at any time be
revised downward or withdrawn entirely at the discretion of the issuing rating agency. Further, a rating is not a
recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any particular security, including the depositary shares. In addition.
ratings do not reflect market prices or suitability of a security for a particular investor and any rating of the
depositary shares or the Preferred Stock may not reflect all risks related to us and our business, or the structure or
market value of the depositary shares.
The Preferred Stock may be redeemed at our option, and you may not be able to reinvest the redemption
price you receive in a similar security.
Subject to the approval of the Federal Reserve, at our option, we may redeem the Preferred Stock at any
time in whole, but not in part, upon the occurrence of a "regulatory capital treatment event," such as a proposed
change in law or regulation after the initial issuance date with respect to whether the Preferred Stock qualifies as
a Tier I capital instrument. We may also redeem the Preferred Stock at our option, either in whole or in part. on
any dividend payment date on or after December I, 2020, subject to the approval of the Federal Reserve. If we
redeem the Preferred Stock and the depositary redeems the depositary shares in respect thereof, you may not be
able to reinvest the redemption price you receive in a similar security. See "Description of Preferred Stock—
Redemption—Redemption Following a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event" beginning on page S-19 for more
information on redemption of the Preferred Stock.
Investors should not expect us to redeem the Preferred Stock on the date it becomes redeemable or on any
particular date after it becomes redeemable.
The Preferred Stock is a perpetual equity security. This means that it has no maturity or mandatory
redemption date and is not redeemable at the option of the holders of the Preferred Stock or the holders of the
depositary shares offered by this prospectus supplement. The Preferred Stock may be redeemed by us at our
option, either in whole or in part, on any dividend payment date on or after December I, 2020. The Preferred
Stock may also be redeemed by us at ow option at any time in whole, but not in part, upon the occurrence of a
"regulatory capital treatment event" as described herein. Any decision we may make at any time to propose a
redemption of the Preferred Stock will depend upon, among other things, ow evaluation of our capital position,
the composition of our stockholders' equity and general market conditions at that time.
Our right to redeem the Preferred Stock is subject to limitations. Under the Federal Reserve's risk-based
capital guidelines applicable to bank holding companies, any redemption of the Preferred Stock is subject to prior
approval of the Federal Reserve. We cannot assure you that the Federal Reserve will approve any redemption of
the Preferred Stock that we may propose.
Our ability to receive dividends from our subsidiaries could affect our liquidity and ability to pay
dividends.
We are a separate and distinct legal entity from our subsidiaries. We anticipate that dividends to us from our
direct and indirect subsidiaries, including our bank subsidiaries, will represent a major source of funds for us to
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pay dividends on our Preferred Stock, make payments on corporate debt securities and meet other obligations.
There are various federal law limitations on the extent to which our bank subsidiaries can finance or othenvise
supply funds to us through dividends and loans. These limitations include minimum regulatory capital
requirements, federal banking law requirements concerning the payment of dividends out of net profits or
surplus, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation W governing transactions between an
insured depository institution and its affiliates, as well as general federal regulatory oversight to prevent unsafe
or unsound practices. If our subsidiaries' earnings are not sufficient to make dividend payments to us while
maintaining adequate capital levels, our liquidity may be affected and we may not be able to make dividend
payments to ow holders of the Preferred Stock, to make payments on outstanding corporate debt securities or
meet other obligations, each and any of which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations,
financial position or perception of financial health.
Holders of the Preferred Stock and the depositary shares will have limited voting rights.
Holders of the Preferred Stock will have no voting rights with respect to matters that generally require the
approval of voting shareholders. Holders of the Preferred Stock will have voting rights only with respect to
authorizing or increasing the amount of any equity security ranking senior to the Preferred Stock, certain changes
in terms of the Preferred Stock, certain dividend non•payments and as otherwise required by applicable law. See
"Description of Preferred Stock—Voting Rights" beginning on page S•20 of this prospectus supplement. Holders
of depositary shares must act through the depository to exercise any voting rights of the Preferred Stock.
Offerings of debt, which are senior to our Preferred Stock upon liquidation, may adversely affect the
market price of our depositary shares.
We may attempt to increase our capital resources in the future or, if regulatory capital ratios fall below the
required minimums, we could be forced to raise additional capital by making additional offerings of debt or
equity securities, including senior or subordinated notes, preferred stock and common stock. Upon liquidation,
holders of our debt securities and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive distributions of our
available assets prior to the holders of our Preferred Stock and depositary shares.
We cannot assure you that a liquid trading market for the depositary shares will develop, and you may
find it difficult to sell your depositary shares.
Application will be made to list the depositary shares on the NYSE under the symbol "COFPRF." However,
there is no guarantee that we will be able to list the depositary shares. If approved, we expect trading of the
depositary shares on the NYSE to begin within the 30•day period after the original issue date. Even if the
depositary shares are listed, there may be little or no secondary market for the depositary shares. The
underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in the depositary shares. However, they are not
obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making in the depositary shares at any time in their sole
discretion. Even if a secondary market for the depositary shares develops, it may not provide significant liquidity
and transaction costs in any secondary market could be high. As a result, the difference between bid and asked
prices in any secondary market could be substantial. We cannot assure you that you will be able to sell your
depositary shares at a particular time or that the price you receive when you sell will be favorable.
General market conditions and unpredictable factors could adversely affect market prices for the
depositary shares.
Future trading prices of the depositary shares will depend on many factors, including:
whether we declare or fail to declare dividends on the Preferred Stock from time to time;
• our operating performance. financial condition and prospects. or the operating performance, financial
condition and prospects of our competitors;
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• our creditworthiness:
• the ratings given to our securities by credit-rating agencies, including the ratings given to the Preferred
Stock or depositary shares;
• prevailing interest rates;
• economic, financial, geopolitical, regulatory or judicial events affecting us or the financial markets
generally; and
the market for similar securities.
Accordingly. the depositary shares may trade at a discount to the price per share paid for such shares even if
a secondary market for the depositary shares develops.
Holders of depositary shares may be unable to use the dividends-received deduction and may not be
eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to "qualified dividend income."
Distributions paid to corporate U.S. holders, as defined below, of depositary shares out of distributions on
the Preferred Stock may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction, and distributions paid to non-corporate
U.S. holders of the depositary shares may be subject to tax at the preferential tax rates applicable to "qualified
dividend income," if we have current or accumulated earnings and profits. as determined for U.S. federal income
tax purposes. Although we presently have accumulated earnings and profits. we may not have sufficient current
or accumulated earnings and profits during future fiscal years for the distributions on the Preferred Stock to
qualify as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See the "Material United States Federal Income Tax
Consequences" section beginning on page S-28 of this prospectus supplement. If any distributions on the
Preferred Stock with respect to any fiscal year fail to qualify as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
U.S. holders would be unable to use the dividends-received deduction and may not be eligible for the preferential
tax rates applicable to "qualified dividend income." If that were to occur, the market value of the depositary
shares may decline.
Additional issuances of preferred stock or securities convertible into preferred stock may further dilute
existing holders of our depositary shares.
We may, in the future, determine that it is advisable, or we may encounter circumstances where we
determine it is necessary, to issue additional shares of preferred stock, securities convertible into, exchangeable
for or that represent an interest in preferred stock, or preferred stock-equivalent securities to fund strategic
initiatives or other business needs or to build additional capital. Our Board of Directors is authorized to cause us
to issue one or more classes or series of preferred stock from time to time without any action on the part of the
stockholders. Our Board of Directors also has the power, without stockholder approval, to set the terms of any
such classes or series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting rights, dividend rights, and
preferences over our Preferred Stock with respect to dividends or upon our dissolution, winding up and
liquidation and other terms. Though the approval of holders of depositary shares representing interests in the
Preferred Stock will be needed to issue any equity security ranking above the Preferred Stock, if we issue
preferred stock in the future that has preference over our Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of
dividends or upon liquidation, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of the
Preferred Stock or depositary shares, the rights of holders of the depositary shares or the market price of our
depositary shares could be adversely affected. The market price of the depositary, shares could decline as a result
of this offering or other offerings, as well as other sales of a large block of depositary shares, Preferred Stock or
similar securities in the market thereafter, or the perception that such sales could occur.
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Use of Proceeds
We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discounts and
commissions and offering expenses payable by us, will be approximately . We intend to use the net
proceeds from the sale of the depositary shares for general corporate purposes in the ordinary course of our
business. General corporate purposes may include repayment of debt. acquisitions, additions to working capital,
capital expenditures and investments in our subsidiaries.
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Description of Preferred Stock
You should read the following description of the Preferred Stock along with the "Description ofPreferred
Stock" beginning on page 17 of the accompanying prospectus. This description of the Preferred Stock is
qualified by the Certificate ofDesignations relating to the Preferred Stock (the "Certificate ofDesignations"),
and where this description is inconsistent with the description of the Preferred Stock contained in the
accompanying prospectus or the description of the Preferred Stock in the Certificate ofDesignations, the
Certificate ofDesignations will control.
General
The Preferred Stock is a single series of our authorized preferred stock. We are offering depositary
shares ( depositary shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full), representing
shares of the Preferred Stock ( shares of the Preferred Stock if the underwriters exercise their
over-allotment option in full) in the aggregate by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Shares of the Preferred Stock, upon issuance against full payment of the purchase price for the depositary shares,
will be fully paid and nonassessable. The depositary will be the sole holder of shares of the Preferred Stock. The
holders of depositary shares will be required to exercise their proportional rights in the Preferred Stock through
the depositary. as described in the section entitled "Description of Depositary Shares" beginning on page S-23 in
this prospectus supplement.
Shares of the Preferred Stock will rank senior to our common stock and at least equally with each other
series of preferred stock we have or may issue if provided for in the certificate of designations relating to such
preferred stock or otherwise (except for any senior stock that may be issued with the requisite consent of the
holders of the Preferred Stock and all other parity stock, if any), with respect to the payment of dividends and
distributions of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. See "—Other Preferred Stock" below. In
addition, we will generally be able to pay dividends and distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up
only out of lawfully available assets for such payment (after satisfaction of all claims for indebtedness and other
non-equity claims). Further, the Preferred Stock may be fully subordinated to interests held by the U.S.
government in the event that we enter into a receivership, insolvency, liquidation, or similar proceeding,
including a proceeding under the Orderly Liquidation Authority of the Dodd-Frank Act.
The Preferred Stock will not be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or series of
stock or other securities of Capital One. The Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and will not be subject to any
sinking fund or other obligation of Capital One to redeem or repurchase the Preferred Stock.
We reserve the right to re-open this series and issue additional shares of the Preferred Stock either through
public or private sales at any time and from time to time. The additional shares would form a single series with
the Preferred Stock offered by this prospectus supplement. in addition, we may from time to time, without notice
to or consent of holders of the Preferred Stock, issue additional shares of preferred stock that rank equally with or
junior to the Preferred Stock.
Dividends
General
Dividends on the Preferred Stock will not be cumulative. If our Board of Directors or a duly authorized
committee of the Board of Directors does not declare a dividend on the Preferred Stock in respect of a dividend
period, then no dividend shall be deemed to have accrued for such dividend period, be payable on the applicable
dividend payment date, or be cumulative, and we will have no obligation to pay any dividend for that dividend
period, whether or not our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of our Board of Directors declares
a dividend on the Preferred Stock for any future dividend period. A dividend period is the period from and
including a dividend payment date to but excluding the next dividend payment date, except that the initial
dividend period will commence on and include the original issue date of the Preferred Stock.
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Holders of Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, when, as, and if declared by our Board of Directors or
a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors, out of assets legally available for the payment of
dividends under Delaware law, non-cumulative cash dividends based on the liquidation preference of the
Preferred Stock at a rate equal to % per annum for each quarterly dividend period from the original issue date
of the depositary shams through the redemption date of the Preferred Stock, if any. In the event that we issue
additional shares of Preferred Stock after the original issue date, dividends on such shares will accrue from the
original issue date of such additional shares.
If declared by our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of our Board of Directors, we will pay
dividends on the Preferred Stock quarterly in arrears, on March 1, June I, September I and December I of each
year, beginning on December I, 2015, each such date referred to as a dividend payment date. If any date on
which dividends would otherwise be payable is not a business day, then the dividend payment date will be the
next business day without any adjustment to the amount of dividends paid. A business day means any weekday
that is not a legal holiday in New York, New York, and is not a day on which banking institutions in New York,
New York, are closed.
Dividends will be payable to holders of record of Preferred Stock as they appear on our stock register on the
applicable record date, which shall be the 15th calendar day before the applicable dividend payment date, or such
other record date, not exceeding 30 days before the applicable payment date, as shall be fixed by our Board of
Directors or a duly authorized committee of our Board of Directors. The corresponding record dates for the
depositary shares will be the same as the record dates for the Preferred Stock.
A dividend period is the period from and including a dividend payment date to but excluding the next
dividend payment date, except that the initial dividend period will commence on and include the original issue
date of the Preferred Stock. Dividends payable on the Preferred Stock will be computed on the basis of a 360•day
year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dollar amounts resulting from that calculation will be rounded to the
nearest cent, with one-half cent being rounded upward. Dividends on the Preferred Stock will cease to accrue on
the redemption date, if any, as described below under "—Redemption," on page S-18, unless we default in the
payment of the redemption price of the shares of the Preferred Stock called for redemption.
AdditionalInformation
Capital One's ability to pay dividends on the Preferred Stock depends on the ability of COBNA and CONA
to pay dividends to Capital One. The ability of Capital One, COBNA and CONA to pay dividends in the future is
subject to bank regulatory requirements and capital guidelines and policies established by the Federal Reserve.
So long as any share of Preferred Stock remains outstanding, (1) no dividend shall be declared or paid or set
aside for payment and no distribution shall be declared or made or set aside for payment on any junior stock
(other than (i) a dividend payable solely in junior stock or (ii) any dividend in connection with the
implementation of a shareholders' rights plan, or the redemption or repurchase of any rights under any such
plan), (2) no shares of junior stock shall be repurchased. redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us,
directly or indirectly (other than (i) as a result of a reclassification of junior stock for or into other junior stock,
(ii) the exchange or conversion of one share of junior stock for or into another share of junior stock. (iii) through
the use of the proceeds of a substantially contemporaneous sale of other shares of junior stock, (iv) purchases.
redemptions or other acquisitions of shares of the junior stock in connection with any employment contract,
benefit plan or other similar arrangement with or for the benefit of employees, officers, directors or consultants,
(v) purchases of shares of junior stock pursuant to a contractually binding requirement to buy junior stock
existing prior to the preceding dividend period, including under a contractually binding stock repurchase plan,
(vi) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of junior stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange
provisions of such stock or the security being converted or exchanged, (vii) purchases or other acquisitions by
any of our broker-dealer subsidiaries solely for the purpose of market making, stabilization or customer
facilitation transactions in junior stock in the ordinary course of business, (viii) purchases by any of our broker-
dealer subsidiaries of our capital stock for resale pursuant to an offering by us of such capital stock underwritten
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EFTA01090527
by such broker-dealer subsidiary, or (ix) the acquisition by us or any of our subsidiaries of record ownership in
junior stock for the beneficial ownership of any other persons (other than for the beneficial ownership by us or
any of our subsidiaries), including as trustees or custodians, nor shall any monies be paid to or made available for
a sinking fund for the redemption of any such securities by us) and (3) no shares of parity stock, if any, shall be
repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us, directly or indirectly, during a dividend
period (other than (i) pursuant to pro rata offers to purchase all, or a pro rata portion, of the Preferred Stock and
such parity stock, if any, (ii) as a result of a reclassification of parity stock for or into other parity stock, (iii) the
exchange or conversion of parity stock for or into other parity stock or junior stock, (iv) through the use of the
proceeds of a substantially contemporaneous sale of other shares of parity stock, (v) purchases of shares of parity
stock pursuant to a contractually binding requirement to buy parity stock existing prior to the preceding dividend
period, including under a contractually binding stock repurchase plan, (vi) the purchase of fractional interests in
shares of parity stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such stock or the security being
converted or exchanged. (vii) purchases or other acquisitions by any of our broker•dealer subsidiaries solely for
the purpose of market making, stabilization or customer facilitation transactions in parity stock in the ordinary
course of business, (viii) purchases by any of our broker•dealer subsidiaries of our capital stock for resale
pursuant to an offering by us of such capital stock underwritten by such broker-dealer subsidiary, or (ix) the
acquisition by us or any of our subsidiaries of record ownership in parity stock for the beneficial ownership of
any other persons (other than for the beneficial ownership by us or any of our subsidiaries), including as trustees
or custodians, nor shall any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any
such securities by us) unless, in each case, the full dividends for the preceding dividend period on all outstanding
shares of Preferred Stock have been declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof
has been set aside.
We will not declare or pay or set apart funds for the payment of dividends on any securities which rank
equally with the Preferred Stock, if any, unless we have paid or set apart funds for the payment of dividends on
the Preferred Stock. When dividends are not paid in full upon the shares of Preferred Stock and parity stock, if
any, all dividends declared upon shares of Preferred Stock and parity stock, if any, will be declared on a
proportional basis so that the amount of dividends declared per share will bear to each other the same ratio that
accrued dividends for the then-current dividend period per share on Preferred Stock, and accrued dividends.
including any accumulations, if any, on parity stock, if any, bear to each other.
As used in this prospectus supplement, "junior stock" means our common stock and any other class or series
of stock of Capital One hereafter authorized over which Preferred Stock has preference or priority in the payment
of dividends or in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Capital One.
As used in this prospectus supplement, "parity stock" means any other class or series of stock of Capital
One that ranks on a parity with the Preferred Stock in the payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets
on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Capital One. As of the date of this prospectus supplement. there
are four series of parity stock outstanding. See "—Other Preferred Stock" below.
As used in this prospectus supplement, "senior stock" means any other class or series of stock of Capital
One ranking senior to the Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Capital One.
Subject to the considerations described above, and not otherwise, dividends (payable in cash, stock or
otherwise), as may be determined by our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board of
Directors, may be declared and paid on our common stock and any other stock ranking equally with or junior to
the Preferred Stock from time to time out of any assets legally available for such payment. and the holders of
Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to participate in any such dividend.
Dividends on the Preferred Stock will not be declared, paid or set aside for payment to the extent such act
would cause us to fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including applicable capital adequacy
guidelines.
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Redemption
Optional Redemption
The Preferred Stock is not subject to any mandatory redemption. sinking fund or other similar provisions.
We may redeem the Preferred Stock at our option, in whole or in part. from time to time, on any dividend
payment date on or after December I, 2020, at a redemption price equal to $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25
per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends. Neither the holders of Preferred Stock nor holders
of depositary shares will have the right to require the redemption or repurchase of the Preferred Stock.
Redemption Following a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event
We may redeem shares of the Preferred Stock at any time within 90 days following a regulatory capital
treatment event, in whole but not in part, at a redemption price equal to $1,000 per share (equivalent to S25 per
depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock called for redemption
up to the redemption date. A "regulatory capital treatment event• means the good faith determination by Capital
One that, as a result of (i) any amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) in, the
laws or regulations of the United States or any political subdivision of or in the United States that is enacted or
becomes effective after the initial issuance of any share of Preferred Stock; (ii) any proposed change in those
laws or regulations that is announced or becomes effective after the initial issuance of any share of Preferred
Stock; or (iii) any official administrative decision or judicial decision or administrative action or other official
pronouncement interpreting or applying those laws or regulations that is announced after the initial issuance of
any share of Preferred Stock, there is more than an insubstantial risk that Capital One will not be entitled to treat
the full liquidation value of the shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding as "Tier I Capital" (or its equivalent)
for purposes of the capital adequacy guidelines of Federal Reserve Regulation Y (or, as and if applicable, the
capital adequacy guidelines or regulations of any successor appropriate federal banking regulator or agency). as
then in effect and applicable, for as long as any share of Preferred Stock is outstanding. Dividends will cease to
accrue on those shares on the redemption date. Redemption of the Preferred Stock is subject to our receipt of any
required prior approvals from the Federal Reserve and to the satisfaction of any conditions set forth in the capital
guidelines of the Federal Reserve applicable to the redemption of the Preferred Stock.
Redemption Procedures
If shares of the Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the notice of redemption shall be given by first class
mail to the holders of record of the Preferred Stock to be redeemed, mailed not less than 30 days nor more than
60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption thereof (provided that, if the depositary shares representing the
Preferred Stock are held in book•entry form through DTC, we may give such notice in any manner permitted by
DTC). Each notice of redemption will include a statement setting forth:
the redemption date:
the number of shares of the Preferred Stock to be redeemed and, if less than all the shares held by the
holder are to be redeemed, the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed from the holder:
• the redemption price; and
• the place or places where the certificates evidencing shares of Preferred Stock are to be surrendered for
payment of the redemption price.
On and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on shares of Preferred Stock, and such
shares of Preferred Stock shall no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will
terminate, including rights described under "—Voting Rights" below, except the right to receive the redemption
price plus any declared and unpaid dividends. See "Description of Depositary Shares" beginning on page S•23 of
this prospectus supplement for information about redemption of the depositary shares relating to the Preferred
Stock.
S•19
EFTA01090529
In case of any redemption of only part of the shares of the Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, the
shares to be redeemed shall be selected either pro rata, by lot or in such other manner as we may determine to be
equitable. Subject to the provisions hereof, ow Board of Directors shall have full power and authority to
prescribe the terms and conditions upon which shares of Preferred Stock shall be redeemed from time to time.
Under the Federal Reserve's current risk-based capital guidelines applicable to bank holding companies, any
redemption of the Preferred Stock is subject to prior approval by the Federal Reserve. See "Risk Factors—
Investors should not expect us to redeem the Preferred Stock on the date it becomes redeemable or on any
particular date after it becomes redeemable" on page S-12 in this prospectus supplement. Any redemption of the
Preferred Stock is subject to our receipt of any required prior approval by the Federal Reserve and to the
satisfaction of any conditions set forth in the capital guidelines or regulations of the Federal Reserve applicable
to redemption of the Preferred Stock.
Neither the holders of the Preferred Stock nor the holders of the related depositary shares have the right to
require the redemption or repurchase of the Preferred Stock.
Liquidation Rights
In the event we liquidate, dissolve or wind-up our business and affairs, either voluntarily or involuntarily,
holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to receive a liquidating distribution of $1,000 per share (equivalent to
$25 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared
dividends before we make any distribution of assets to the holders of ow common stock or any other class or
series of shares ranking junior to the Preferred Stock. Holders of the Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any
other amounts from us after they have received their full liquidating distribution.
In any such distribution, if the assets of Capital One are not sufficient to pay the liquidation preferences plus
declared and unpaid dividends in full to all holders of the Preferred Stock and all holders of parity stock, if any,
as to such distribution with the Preferred Stock, the amounts paid to the holders of Preferred Stock and parity
stock, if any, will be paid pro rata in accordance with the respective aggregate liquidating distribution owed to
those holders. If the liquidation preference plus declared and unpaid dividends has been paid in full to all holders
of Preferred Stock and parity stock, if any, the holders of our junior stock shall be entitled to receive all
remaining assets of Capital One according to their respective rights and preferences.
For purposes of this section. the merger or consolidation of Capital One with any other entity, including a
merger or consolidation in which the holders of Preferred Stock receive cash, securities or property for their
shares, or the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of Capital One for cash, securities or
other property, shall not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Capital One.
Because we are a holding company. ow rights and the rights of our creditors and our shareholders, including
the holders of the Preferred Stock, to participate in the assets of any of our subsidiaries, including COBNA and
CONA upon that subsidiary's liquidation or recapitalization may be subject to the prior claims of that
subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent that we are a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary.
Voting Rights
Except as provided below, the holders of the Preferred Stock will have no voting rights.
Right to Elect Two Directors upon Nonpayment
If we fail to pay, or declare and set apart for payment, dividends on outstanding shares of the Preferred
Stock for six quarterly dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, the number of directors on the Board of
Directors shall be increased by two at our first annual meeting of the shareholders held thereafter, and at such
meeting and at each subsequent annual meeting until continuous noncumulative dividends for at least one year on
S-20
EFTA01090530
all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock entitled thereto shall have been paid, or declared and set apart for
payment, in full, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting separately as a class together
with holders of any other equally ranked series of preferred stock that have similar voting rights, if any, to elect
such two additional members of our Board of Directors to hold office for a term of one year; provided that our
board of directors shall at no time include more than two additional directors elected by holders of shares of
Preferred Stock and any other equally ranked series of preferred stock having similar voting rights, if any, voting
together as one class. Upon such payment, or such declaration and setting apart for payment, in full, the terms of
the two additional directors so elected shall forthwith terminate, and the number of directors shall be reduced by
two, and such voting right of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall cease, subject to increase in the
number of directors as described above and to revesting of such voting right in the event of each and every
additional failure in the payment of dividends for six quarterly dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, as
described above. In addition, if and when the rights of holders of Preferred Stock terminate for any reason,
including under circumstances described above under "—Redemption," such voting rights shall terminate along
with the other rights (except, if applicable, the right to receive the redemption price plus any declared and unpaid
dividends), and the terms of any additional directors elected by the holders of Preferred Stock and any other
equally ranked series of preferred stock having similar voting rights, if any, shall terminate automatically and the
number of directors reduced by two, assuming that the rights of holders of such equally ranked series of preferred
stock have similarly terminated.
Under regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve, if the holders of any series of preferred stock are or
become entitled to vote separately for the election of directors as a class, such series, along with any other
holders of stock that are entitled to vote for the election of directors with that series, will be deemed a class of
voting securities. A company holding 25% or more of that class, or less if it otherwise exercises a "controlling
influence" over us, will be subject to regulation as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company
Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHC Act"). In addition, at the time the series is deemed a class of voting
securities, any other bank holding company or systemically significant nonbank financial company will be
required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve under the BHC Act to acquire or retain more than 5%
of that class. Any other person (other than a bank holding company or systemically significant nonbank financial
company) will be required to obtain the non-objection of the Federal Reserve under the Change in Bank Control
Act of 1978, as amended, to acquire or retain 10% or more of that class.
Other Voting Rights
So long as any shares of Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders
of at least two-thirds of all outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock, voting separately as a class, shall be
required to:
• authorize or increase the authorized amount of, or issue shares of, any class or series of senior stock, or
issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase any such shares;
• amend the provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation so as to adversely affect the powers,
preferences, privileges or rights of the Preferred Stock, taken as a whole; provided, however, that any
increase in the amount of the authorized or issued Preferred Stock or authorized common stock or
preferred stock or the creation and issuance, or an increase in the authorized or issued amount, of other
series of preferred stock ranking equally with or junior to the Preferred Stock with respect to the
payment of dividends (whether such dividends are cumulative or non-cumulative) or the distribution of
assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Capital One will not be deemed to adversely
affect the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the Preferred Stock; or
• consummate a binding share-exchange or reclassification involving the Preferred Stock, or a merger or
our consolidation with or into another entity unless (i) the shares of the Preferred Stock remain
outstanding or are converted into or exchanged for preference securities of the new surviving entity and
(ii) the shares of the remaining Preferred Stock or new preferred securities have terms that are not
materially less favorable than the Preferred Stock.
5.21
EFTA01090531
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which
such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock shall have been
redeemed.
Voting Rights under Delaware Law
Delaware law provides that the holders of preferred stock will have the right to vote separately as a class on
any amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation that would increase or decrease the aggregate
number of authorized shares of such class. increase or decrease the par value of the shares of such class, or alter
or change the powers, preferences, or special rights of the shares of such class so as to affect them adversely. If
any such proposed amendment would alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of one or more
series of preferred stock so as to affect them adversely, but would not so affect the entire class of preferred stock,
only the shares of the series so affected shall be considered a separate class for purposes of this vote on the
amendment. This right is in addition to any voting rights that may be provided for in our Restated Certificate of
Incorporation.
Other Preferred Stock
Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors to create and provide for the
issuance of one or more series of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, without the approval of our
stockholders. Our Board of Directors can also determine the terms, including the designations, powers,
preferences and rights (including conversion, voting and other rights) and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions, of any preferred stock. Currently, 50,000.000 shares of our capital stock are classified as preferred
stock under ow Restated Certificate of Incorporation. As of the date of this prospectus supplement. we have
875.000 shares of Series B preferred stock issued and outstanding, 500,000 shares of Series C preferred stock
issued and outstanding, 500.000 shares of Series D preferred stock issued and outstanding and 1.000.000 shares
of Series E preferred stock issued and outstanding. Our Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Shares. Series
A, which were previously authorized and issued, have been redeemed and are no longer outstanding.
Depositary Agent, Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare Trust Company. N.A will be the depositary, and, collectively with Computershare Inc.. will
be the transfer agent and registrar for the Preferred Stock. We may, in our sole discretion, remove the depositary
in accordance with the agreement between us and the depositary; provided that we will appoint a successor
depositary who will accept such appointment prior to the effectiveness of its removal.
Preemptive and Conversion Rights
The holders of the Preferred Stock do not have any preemptive or conversion rights.
EFTA01090532
Description of Depositary Shares
The following description summarizes specific terms and provisions of the depositary shares relating to the
Preferred Stock.
General
We are issuing depositary shares representing proportional fractional interests in shares of the Preferred
Stock. Each depositary share represents a I/40'h interest in a share of the Preferred Stock, and will be evidenced
by depositary receipts. We will deposit the underlying shares of the Preferred Stock with a depositary pursuant to
a deposit agreement among us, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., acting as depositary. Computershare Inc.
and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares (the "Deposit
Agreement"). Subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, each holder of a depositary share will be entitled,
through the depositary, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a share of Preferred Stock represented by such
depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock represented thereby (including dividend,
voting, redemption and liquidation rights).
In this prospectus supplement, references to "holders" of depositary shares mean those who own depositary
shares registered in their own names on the books that we or the depositary maintain for this purpose, and not
indirect holders who own beneficial interests in depositary shares registered in street name or issued in book-
entry form through DTC. Please review the special considerations that apply to indirect holders described in the
section entitled "Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement" beginning on page S-25 of this prospectus supplement.
Immediately following the issuance of the Preferred Stock, we will deposit the Preferred Stock with the
depositary, which will then issue the depositary shares to the underwriters. Copies of the forms of Deposit
Agreement and the depositary receipt may be obtained from us upon request and in the manner described in the
section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page S-40 of this prospectus supplement.
Dividends and Other Distributions
Each dividend payable on a depositary share will be in an amount equal to $25 of the dividend declared and
payable on the related share of the Preferred Stock.
The depositary will distribute any cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the
deposited Preferred Stock to the record holders of depositary shares relating to the underlying Preferred Stock in
proportion to the number of depositary shares held by the holders. If Capital One makes a distribution other than
in cash, the depositary will distribute any property received by it to the record holders of depositary shares
entitled to those distributions, unless it determines that the distribution cannot be made proportionally among
those holders or that it is not feasible to make a distribution. In that event, the depositary may. with our approval,
sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders of the depositary shares.
Record dates for the payment of dividends and other matters relating to the depositary shares will be the
same as the corresponding record dates for the Preferred Stock.
The amounts distributed to holders of depositary shares will be reduced by any amounts required to be
withheld by the depositary or by us on account of taxes or other governmental charges. The depositary may
refuse to make any payment or distribution, or any transfer, exchange. or withdrawal of any depositary shares or
the shares of the Preferred Stock until such taxes or other governmental charges are paid.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
If we redeem the Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares, the depositary shares will be
redeemed from the proceeds received by the depositary resulting from the redemption of the Preferred Stock held
S-23
EFTA01090533
by the depositary. The redemption price per depositary share is expected to be equal to 1/40th of the redemption
price per share payable with respect to the Preferred Stock (or $25 per depositary share), plus any declared and
unpaid dividends.
Whenever we redeem shares of Preferred Stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem, as of the
same redemption date, the number of depositary shares representing shares of Preferred Stock so redeemed. If
fewer than all of the outstanding depositary shares are redeemed, the depositary will select the depositary shares
to be redeemed pro rata, by lot or by any other equitable manner as we may decide. The depositary will mail
notice of redemption to record holders of the depositary receipts not less than 30 and not more than 60 days prior
to the date fixed for redemption of the Preferred Stock and the related depositary shares.
Voting the Preferred Stock
Because each depositary share represents a I/40th interest in a share of the Preferred Stock, holders of
depositary receipts will be entitled to 1/40di of a vote per depositary share under those limited circumstances in
which holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to a vote.
When the depositary receives notice of any meeting at which the holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled
to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in the notice to the record holders of the depositary
shares relating to the Preferred Stock. Each record holder of the depositary shares on the record date, which will
be the same date as the record date for the Preferred Stock. may instruct the depositary to vote the amount of the
Preferred Stock represented by the holder's depositary shares. To the extent possible, the depositary will vote the
amount of the Preferred Stock represented by depositary shares in accordance with the instructions it receives.
We will agree to take all reasonable actions that the depositary determines are necessary to enable the depositary
to vote as instructed. If the depositary does not receive specific instructions from the holders of any depositary
shares representing the Preferred Stock, it will not vote the amount of the Preferred Stock represented by such
depositary shares.
Depositary Agent, Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare Trust Company, N.A will be the depositary and, collectively with Computershare Inc., will
be the transfer agent and registrar for the depositary shares. We may, in our sole discretion, remove the
depositary in accordance with the agreement between us and the depositary; provided that we will appoint a
successor depositary who will accept such appointment prior to the effectiveness of its removal.
Form of Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares
The depositary shares shall be issued in book-entry form through DTC, as described in "Book-Entry
Procedures and Settlement" on page S-25 in this prospectus supplement. The Preferred Stock will be issued in
registered form to the depositary.
Listing of Depositary Shares
Application will be made to list the depositary shares on the NYSE under the symbol "COFPRF." However,
there is no guarantee that we will be able to list the depositary shares. If approved, we expect trading of the
depositary shares on the NYSE to begin within the 30•day period after the original issue date. Even if the
depositary shares are listed, there may be little or no secondary market for the depositary shares.
S-24
EFTA01090534
Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement
We will issue the depositary shares under a book-entry system in the form of one or more global depositary
receipts. We will register the global depositary receipts in the name of CEDE & Co.. as a nominee for The
Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of
DTC. The global depositary receipts will be deposited with the depositary.
Following the issuance of the depositary shares in book-entry only form, DTC will credit the accounts of its
participants with the depositary shares upon our instructions. DTC will thus be the only registered holder of the
depositary receipts representing the depositary shares and will be considered the sole owner of the depositary
receipts for purposes of the Deposit Agreement.
Global depositary receipts may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or
to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the global depositary receipts may be held through
the Euroclear System, or Euroclear, and Clearstream Banking. S.A., or Clearstream, each as indirect participants
in DTC. Transfers of beneficial interests in the global depositary receipts will be subject to the applicable rules
and procedures of DTC and its direct and indirect participants, including, if applicable, those of Euroclear and
Clearstream, which may change from time to time. DTC has advised us as follows: it is a limited•purpose trust
company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New
York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the
New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of
Section I7A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with it. DTC also facilitates
the post-trade settlement among participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities
through electronic computerized book entry transfers and pledges between participants' accounts, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates.
Direct participants in DTC's system include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations. and certain other organizations. Access to DTC's system also is available
to others such as both U.S. and non- U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing
corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or
indirectly, which we collectively call indirect participants. Persons that are not participants may beneficially own
securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the participants or the indirect participants. The ownership
interests in. and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the
records of the participants and the indirect participants. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on
file with the SEC.
DTC has also advised us that, upon the issuance of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares,
it will credit, on its book•entry registration and transfer system. the depositary shares evidenced thereby to the
designated accounts of participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global depositary receipts will be
limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests
in the global depositary receipts will be shown on, and the transfer of those ownership interests may be effected
only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee (with respect to participants) and the records of
participants and indirect participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interests in the global depositary
receipts).
Investors in the global depositary receipts that are participants may hold their interests therein directly
through DTC. Investors in the global depositary receipts that are not participants may hold their interests therein
indirectly through organizations (including Euroclear and Clearstream) that are participants in such system.
Euroclear and Clearstream will hold interests in the global depositary receipts on behalf of their participants
through customers' securities accounts in their respective names on the books of their respective depositaries. All
interests in a global depositary receipt, including those held through Euroclear or Clearstream, may be subject to
the procedures and requirements of DTC. Those interests held through Euroclear or Clearstream may also be
subject to the procedures and requirements of such systems.
S-25
EFTA01090535
The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of those securities
in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability of holders to transfer beneficial interests in depositary
receipts to certain purchasers. Because DTC can act only on behalf of the participants, which in turn act on behalf
of the indirect participants, the ability of a person having beneficial interests in a global depositary receipt to
pledge such interests to persons that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of
such interests. may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.
So long as DTC or any successor depositary for a depositary receipt, or any nominee, is the registered
holder of such depositary receipt. DTC or such successor depositary or nominee will be considered the sole
owner or holder of the depositary shares represented by such depositary receipts for all purposes under the
applicable indenture. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial interests in a depositary receipt will not be
entitled to have depositary shares represented by such depositary receipt registered in their names, will not
receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of depositary shares or depositary receipts in definitive form.
and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof for any purpose under the Deposit Agreement.
Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a depositary receipt must rely on the procedures of DTC
and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its
interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the Deposit Agreement. We understand that, under existing
industry practices, in the event that we request any action of holders or that an owner of a beneficial interest in
the depositary, receipts desires to give any consent or take any action under the Deposit Agreement, DTC or any
successor depositary would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such
action or consent, and such participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participants to
give or take such action or consent or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning
through them.
Payment of dividends, if any, distributions upon liquidation or other distributions with respect to the
depositary shares that are registered in the name of or held by DTC or any successor depositary or nominee will
be payable to DTC or such successor depositary or nominee, as the case may be, in its capacity as registered
holder of the global depositary receipts representing the depositary shares. Under the terms of the Deposit
Agreement. the depositary will treat the persons in whose names the depositary shares, including the depositary
receipts, are registered as the owners of such securities for the purpose of receiving payments and for all other
purposes. Consequently, neither we, nor any depositary, nor any agent of us or any such depositary will have any
responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial
ownership interests in the depositary receipts, for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to
such beneficial ownership interests, or for any other matter relating to the actions and practices of DTC or any of
its participants or indirect participants.
We have been advised by DTC that its current practice. upon receipt of any payment of dividends,
distributions upon liquidation or other distributions with respect to the depositary receipts, is to credit
participants' accounts with payments on the payment date, unless DTC has reason to believe it will not receive
payments on such payment date. Each relevant participant is credited with an amount proportionate to its
beneficial ownership of an interest in the relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by
participants and indirect participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global depositary receipts held
through such participants and indirect participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary
practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in
"street name," and will be the responsibility of such participants or indirect participants. and will not be the
responsibility of us, any depositary, nor any agent of us or of any such depositary. Neither we nor any such
depositary or agent will be liable for any delay by DTC or by any participant or indirect participant in identifying
the beneficial owners of the depositary shares, and we and any such depositary or agent may conclusively rely on
and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.
Crossmarket transfers between the participants in DTC, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream
participants, on the other hand. will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC's rules on behalf of
S-26
EFTA01090536
Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by its depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will
require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such
system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such
system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements,
deliver instructions to its respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering
or receiving interests in the relevant global depositary receipts in DTC. and making or receiving payment in
accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear participants and
Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear or Clearstream.
DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of depositary shares only at the
direction of one or more participants to whose account DTC has credited the interests in the global depositary
receipts and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate amount of the depositary shares as to which such
participant or participants has or have given such direction.
Owners of beneficial interests in a global depositary, receipt will not be entitled to receive physical delivery
of the related depositary shares or any depositary receipts in certificated form and will not be considered the
holders of the depositary shares or depositary receipts for any purpose Deposit Agreement, and no depositary
receipt will be exchangeable, except for another depositary receipt of the same denomination and tenor to be
registered in the name of DTC or a successor depositary or nominee. Accordingly, each beneficial owner must
rely on the procedures of DTC and, if the beneficial owner is not a participant, on the procedures of the
participant or indirect participant through which the beneficial owner owns its interest to exercise any rights of a
holder under Deposit Agreement.
Although DTC. Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of
interests in the global securities among participants in DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, they are under no
obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and may discontinue such procedures at any
time. Neither we, nor any depositary, nor any agent of us or of any such depositary will have any responsibility
for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective participants or indirect participants of
their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.
The information in this section, including any description of the operations and procedures of DTC.
Euroclear and Clearstream, has been provided solely as a matter of convenience. We do not take any
responsibility for the accuracy of this information, and this information is not intended to serve as a
representation, warranty or contract modification of any kind. The operations and procedures of DTC. Euroclear
and Clearstream are solely within the control of such settlement systems and are subject to changes by them. We
urge investors to contact such systems or their participants directly to discuss these matters.
S-27
EFTA01090537
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the purchase,
ownership and disposition of the depositary shares, as of the date hereof. This summary deals only with
depositary shares purchased in this offering for cash and held as a capital asset. Additionally, this summary does
not deal with special situations. For example, this summary does not address:
• tax consequences to holders who may be subject to special tax treatment, such as dealers in securities
or currencies, financial institutions, regulated investment companies. real estate investment trusts, U.S.
expatriates, tax•exempt entities, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of
accounting for their securities or insurance companies:
• tax consequences to persons holding depositary shares as part of a hedging, integrated, or conversion
transaction or a straddle or persons deemed to sell depositary shares under the constructive sale
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code");
• tax consequences to U.S. holders of depositary shares whose "functional currency" is not the U.S.
dollar:
• tax consequences to entities that are treated partnerships for tax purposes, S corporations or other pass-
through entities and investors in such entities;
• tax consequences to controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies or
corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax; or
• alternative minimum tax consequences, if any.
Finally, this summary does not address U.S. federal tax consequences other than income taxes (such as
estate and gift tax consequences) or any state, local or foreign tax consequences.
The discussion below is based upon the provisions of the Code, and U.S. Treasury regulations, rulings and
judicial decisions as of the date hereof. Those authorities are subject to change, perhaps retroactively, so as to
result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. This summary does not
address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation and does not deal with all tax consequences that may be
relevant to holders in light of their personal circumstances.
If a partnership, including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, holds depositary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the
status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A holder of the depositary shares that is a partnership
and partners in such a partnership should consult their independent tax advisors about the U.S. federal income tax
consequences of holding and disposing of the depositary shares.
If you are considering the purchase of depositary shares, you should consult your own tax advisors
concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you in light of your particular facts and circumstances
and any consequences arising under the laws of any state, local, foreign or other taxing jurisdiction and any non-
income tax laws (such as estate or gift tax).
Treatment of Depositary Shares
Beneficial owners of depositary shares will be treated as owners of the underlying Preferred Stock for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, each beneficial owner of a depositary share will be treated as
receiving a proportionate share of all cash or other property received by the depositary in respect of the Preferred
Stock. This discussion assumes that only cash distributions will be made on the Preferred Stock. You should
consult your own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of non-cash distributions made on the Preferred
Stock.
S-28
EFTA01090538
Consequences to U.S. Holders
The following is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that will apply to a U.S. holder of
depositary shares. "U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner of depositary shares for U.S. federal income tax
purposes that is
• an individual citizen or resident of the United States;
• a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created
or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
• an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
• a trust, if (1) it is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more
U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (2) it has a valid
election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
Distributions
A distribution in respect of Preferred Stock generally will be treated as a dividend to the extent it is paid
from current or accumulated earnings and profits. If the distribution exceeds current and accumulated earnings
and profits. the excess will be treated as a nontaxable return of capital reducing the U.S. holder's tax basis in the
depositary shares to the extent of the U.S. holder's tax basis in such depositary shares. Any remaining excess will
be treated as capital gain. Subject to certain holding period requirements and exceptions, dividends received by
individual holders generally will qualify for taxation at special rates as "qualified dividends." Dividends received
by a corporate U.S. holder, except as described immediately below, generally will be eligible for the 70%
dividends-received deduction.
A corporate U.S. holder may not be entitled to take the 70% dividends-received deduction in all
circumstances. In addition to other applicable rules, prospective corporate investors should consider the effect of:
Section 246A of the Code, which reduces the dividends-received deduction allowed to a corporate U.S.
holder that has incurred indebtedness that is "directly attributable" to an investment in portfolio stock,
which may include the depositary shares;
Section 246(c) of the Code, which, among other things, disallows the dividends-received deduction in
respect of any dividend on a share of stock that is held for less than the minimum holding period
(generally, for preferred stock, at least 91 days during the 181 day period beginning on the date which
is 90 days before the date on which the Preferred Stock becomes ex-dividend with respect to such
dividend); and
Section 1059 of the Code, which, under certain circumstances, reduces the basis of stock for purposes
of calculating gain or loss in a subsequent disposition by the portion of any "extraordinary dividend"
(as defined below) that is eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the holding period and other requirements that must
be satisfied in order to qualify for the dividends-received deduction and the reduced maximum tax rate for
qualified dividend income.
A corporate U.S. holder will be required to reduce its tax basis (but not below zero) in the depositary shares
by the nontaxed portion of any "extraordinary dividend" if the stock was not held for more than two years before
the earliest of the date such dividend is declared, announced, or agreed. Generally, the nontaxed portion of an
extraordinary dividend is the amount excluded from income by operation of the dividends-received deduction.
An extraordinary dividend generally would be a dividend that:
• in the case of the Preferred Stock, equals or exceeds 5% of the corporate U.S. holder's adjusted tax
basis in the depositary shares. treating all dividends having ex-dividend dates within an 85-day period
as one dividend; or
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• exceeds 20% of the corporate U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in the depositary shares, treating all
dividends having ex-dividend dates within a 365•day period as one dividend.
In determining whether a dividend paid on stock is an extraordinary dividend, a corporate U.S. holder may
elect to substitute the fair market value of the stock for its tax basis for purposes of applying these tests if the fair
market value as of the day before the ex-dividend date is established to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the
Treasury. An extraordinary dividend also includes any amount treated as a dividend in the case of a redemption
that is either non-pro rata as to all stockholders or in partial liquidation of the corporation, regardless of the
stockholder's holding period and regardless of the size of the dividend. Any part of the nontaxed portion of an
extraordinary dividend that is not applied to reduce the corporate U.S. holder's tax basis as a result of the
limitation on reducing its basis below zero would be treated as capital gain and would be recognized in the
taxable year in which the extraordinary dividend is received.
Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Certain Other Taxable Dispositions of the Depositary Shares
A U.S. holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss on a sale, exchange. or other taxable disposition
of the depositary shares. The U.S. holder's gain or loss will equal the difference between the amount realized by
the U.S. holder and the U.S. holder's tax basis in the depositary shares. The amount realized by the U.S. holder
will include the amount of any cash and the fair market value of any other property received for the depositary
shares. Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder on a sale or exchange of the depositary shares will be long-term
capital gain or loss if the holder held the depositary shares for more than one year. Long-term capital gains of
non•corporate taxpayers are generally taxed at lower rates than those applicable to ordinary income. The
deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
If we redeem the Preferred Stock underlying the depositary shares (in which case the depositary, shares
would be redeemed as described above in "Description of Depositary Shares—Redemption of Depositary
Shares"), it generally would be a taxable event. A U.S. holder would be treated as if it had sold its depositary
shares if the redemption:
• results in a complete termination of the U.S. holder's stock interest in us;
• is substantially disproportionate with respect to the U.S. holder; or
• is not essentially equivalent to a dividend with respect to the U.S. holder.
In determining whether any of these tests has been met, shares of stock considered to be owned by the U.S.
holder by reason of certain constructive ownership rules set forth in Section 318 of the Code, as well as shares
actually owned and Preferred Stock represented by depositary shares held by the U.S. holder, must be taken into
account.
If we redeem the Preferred Stock in a redemption that meets one of the tests described above, the U.S.
holders generally would recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the sum of the amount of cash and fair market
value of property (other than stock of us or a successor to us) paid in redemption less the U.S. holder's tax basis
in the depositary shares represented by the redeemed Preferred Stock. This gain or loss would be long•temt
capital gain or capital loss if the U.S. holder has held the depositary shares for more than one year.
If the redemption does not meet any of the tests described above, the U.S. holder generally would be taxed
on the cash and fair market value of the property paid as a dividend to the extent paid out of our current and
accumulated earnings and profits. Any amount in excess of our current or accumulated earnings and profits
would first reduce the U.S. holder's tax basis in the depositary shares and thereafter would be treated as capital
gain. If the redemption of the depositary shares is treated as a distribution that is taxable as a dividend, U.S.
holders should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the allocation of their basis in the redeemed and
remaining depositary shares.
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Medicare Tar
A U.S. holder that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is
exempt from such tax, will be subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the U.S. holder's "net investment
income" for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. holder's modified adjusted gross income for
the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals will be between $125,000 and
$250.000 depending on the individual's circumstances). Net investment income generally includes dividend
income and net gains from the disposition of stock, unless such dividend income or net gains are derived in the
ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain
passive or trading activities). A U.S. holder that is an individual, estate or trust, should consult its tax advisor
regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to its income and gains in respect of its investment in the
depositary shares.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
When required, we or our paying agent will report to the holders of the depositary shares and to the IRS
amounts paid on or with respect to the depositary shares during each calendar year and the amount of tax, if any,
withheld from such payments. A U.S. holder will be subject to backup withholding on any dividends paid on the
depositary shares and proceeds from the sale of the depositary shares at the applicable rate if the U.S. holder
(a) fails to provide us or our paying agent with a correct taxpayer identification number or certification of exempt
status, (b) has been notified by the IRS that it is subject to backup withholding as a result of the failure to
properly report payments of interest or dividends, or (c) in certain circumstances, has failed to certify under
penalty of perjury that it is not subject to backup withholding. A U.S. holder may be eligible for an exemption
from backup withholding by providing a properly completed IRS Form W-9 to us or our paying agent. Any
amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will generally be allowed as a refund or a credit against a
U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is properly furnished to the IRS
by the U.S. holder on a timely basis.
Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders
The following is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that will apply to you if you are a
non-U.S. holder of depositary shares. The term "non-U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner of shares of
depositary shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, an individual, corporation, trust or estate that is
not a U.S. holder.
Distributions
Any dividends paid in respect of Preferred Stock represented by depositary shares (including any redemption
that is taxed as a dividend under the rules described above under "—Consequences to U.S. Holders—Sale,
Exchange, Redemption or Certain Other Taxable Dispositions of the Depositary Shares") held by a non•U.S. holder
will be subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
However, dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business of the non-U.S. holder
within the United States and, where an applicable tax treaty so provides, are attributable to a U.S. permanent
establishment. are not subject to the withholding tax, but instead are subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net
income basis at applicable graduated individual or corporate rates. Certain certification and disclosure requirements
must be complied with in order for effectively connected income to be exempt from withholding. Any such
effectively connected dividends received by a foreign corporation may, under certain circumstances, be subject to
an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
A non-U.S. holder of depositary shares who wishes to claim the benefit of a treaty rate is required to satisfy
applicable certification and other requirements. If a non-U.S. holder is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S.
withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty. the holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld
by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.
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Distributions not treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes will constitute a return of capital
and will first be applied against and reduce a non-U.S. holder's tax basis in the depositary shares, but not below
zero. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and in excess of a non-U.S.
holder's tax basis in it depositary shares will be treated as gain from the sale of depositary shares as described
under "—Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Taxable Dispositions of the Depositary Shares" below.
Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Taxable Disposition of the Depositary Shares
Subject to the discussion of backup withholding and FATCA below, any gain realized by a non-U.S. holder
upon the sale, exchange, redemption (provided the redemption is treated as a sale or exchange under the rules
described above under "—Consequences to U.S. Holders—Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Certain Other
Taxable Dispositions of the Depositary Shares") or other taxable disposition of depositary shares will not be
subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to such gain unless:
that gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if
required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment);
• the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the
taxable year of that disposition, and certain other conditions are met: or
• the depositary shares constitute U.S. real property interests by reason of our status as a "U.S. real
property holding corporation" (a "USRPHC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time within
the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition or the period that the non-U.S. holder held
the depositary shares.
A non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the
net gain derived from the sale in the same manner as a U.S. holder. If a non-U.S. holder is eligible for the
benefits of a tax treaty between the United States and its country of residence, any such gain will be subject to
U.S. federal income tax in the manner specified by the treaty. To claim the benefit of a treaty, a non-U.S. holder
must properly submit the appropriate IRS Fonn W-8 (or suitable successor or substitute form). A non-U.S.
holder that is a foreign corporation and is described in the first bullet point above will be subject to tax on gain
under regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates and, in addition, may be subject to a branch profits tax at a
30% rate or a lower rate if so specified by an applicable income tax treaty. An individual non-U.S. holder
described in the second bullet point above will be subject to a flat 30% U.S. federal income tax on the gain
derived from the sale, which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses.
With regard to the third bullet point above, generally, a corporation is a USRPHC if the fair market value of
its United States real property interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of its
worldwide real property interests and its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. We do not expect
to be a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, even if we are or become a USRPHC, the
depositary shares will be treated as a U.S. real property interest only if the non-U.S. holder actually or
constructively holds more than 5% of the depositary shares at any time during the holding period described
above, or if the depositary shares cease to be regularly traded on an established securities market prior to the year
in which the sale occurs. Any taxable gain generally would be taxed in the same manner as gain that is
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, except that the branch profits
tax will not apply. Non-U.S. holders should consult their own advisors about the consequences that could result if
we are, or become, a USRPHC.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Generally, we must report to the IRS and to non-U.S. holders the amount of dividends treated as paid to the
holder and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to those payments. Copies of the information returns
reporting such dividend payments and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the
country in which the holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.
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In general, a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to backup withholding with respect to payments of
dividends that we make in respect of Preferred Stock attributable to depositary shares held by the holder if the
non-U.S. holder certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder or otherwise establishes an
exemption. A non-U.S. holder will be subject to information reporting and, depending on the circumstances.
backup withholding with respect to the proceeds of the sale or other disposition of depositary shares within the
United States or conducted through certain U.S.-related payors, unless the payor of the proceeds receives the
statement described above or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a
holder's U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished to the IRS on a timely
basis.
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA")
Under FATCA. a 30% withholding tax may apply to payments of dividends on stock made to foreign
financial institutions (including amounts paid to a foreign financial institution on behalf of a holder) and certain
other non-financial foreign entities. Additionally, after December 31, 2016, a 30% withholding tax may apply to
payments of gross proceeds from the disposition of stock made to such institutions and entities.
Withholding under FATCA generally will not apply where such payments are made to (i) a foreign financial
institution that undertakes, under either an agreement with the United States Treasury or pursuant to an
intergovernmental agreement between the jurisdiction in which it is a resident and the United States Treasury, to
identify accounts held by certain United States persons or United States-owned foreign entities, annually report
certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on payments to noncompliant foreign financial
institutions and certain other account holders; (ii) a non-financial foreign entity that either certifies it does not
have any substantial United States owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United
States owner to the United States Treasury; or (iii) a foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity
that is exempt from these rules.
Investors should consult their tax advisors regarding this legislation and the regulations thereunder.
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Certain ERISA Considerations
The following is a summary of certain considerations associated with the purchase of the depositary shares
by employee benefit plans to which Title I of the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, which we refer to as ERISA, applies; plans, individual retirement accounts and other arrangements to
which Section 4975 of the Code or provisions under any federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws or
regulations that are similar to such provisions of ERISA or the Code, which we collectively refer to as Similar
Laws, apply; and entities whose underlying assets are considered to include "plan assets" of such plans, accounts
and arrangements (each of which we call a Plan).
Each fiduciary of a Plan should consider the fiduciary standards of ERISA or any applicable Similar Laws
in the context of the Plan's particular circumstances before authorizing an investment in the depositary shares.
Accordingly, among other factors, the fiduciary should consider whether the investment would satisfy the
prudence and diversification requirements of ERISA or any applicable Similar Laws and would be consistent
with the documents and instruments governing the Plan.
Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit Plans subject to such provisions, which we
call ERISA Plans, from engaging in certain transactions involving "plan assets" with persons that are "parties in
interest• under ERISA or "disqualified persons" under the Code with respect to the ERISA Plans. A violation of
these "prohibited transaction" rules may result in an excise tax or other liabilities under ERISA and/or
Section 4975 of the Code for those persons, unless exemptive relief is available under an applicable statutory or
administrative exemption. Employee benefit plans that are governmental plans (as defined in Section 3(32) of
ERISA), certain church plans (as defined in Section 3(33) of ERISA) and foreign plans (as described in
Section 4(b)(4) of ERISA) are not subject to the requirements of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, but may be
subject to Similar Laws.
Prohibited transactions within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code could
arise if the depositary shares were acquired by an ERISA Plan with respect to which we or any of our affiliates
are a party in interest or a disqualified person. For example, if we are a party in interest or disqualified person
with respect to an investing ERISA Plan (either directly or by reason of our ownership of our subsidiaries), a sale
prohibited by Section 406(a)(1)(A) of ERISA and Section 4975(c)(1)(A) of the Code between the investing
ERISA Plan and us may be deemed to occur, unless exemptive relief were available under an applicable
exemption (see below).
Prohibited transaction class exemptions, or PTCEs, issued by the United States Department of Labor, as
well as certain statutory exemptions available under ERISA and the Code, may provide exemptive relief for
direct or indirect prohibited transactions resulting from the purchase, holding or disposition of the depositary
shares. Those class and statutory exemptions include:
• PTCE 96.23—for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers:
• PTCE 95.60—for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts;
• PTCE 91.38—for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds;
• PTCE 90.1—for certain transactions involving insurance company separate accounts:
• PTCE 84.14—for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset
managers; and
• ERISA § 408(6)(17); Code § 4975(d)(20)—statutory exemption for certain transactions with service
providers.
Because of the possibility that direct or indirect prohibited transactions or violations of Similar Laws could
occur as a result of the purchase, holding or disposition of the depositary shares by a Plan, the depositary shares
may not be purchased by any Plan, or any person investing the assets of any Plan, unless its purchase, holding
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and disposition of depositary shares will not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under
ERISA or the Code or in a violation of any Similar Laws. Any purchaser or holder of the depositary shares or
any interest in the depositary shares will be deemed to have represented in its fiduciary and its corporate capacity
by its purchase and holding of the depositary shares that either:
it is not a Plan and is not purchasing the depositary shares or interest in the depositary shares on behalf
of or with the assets of any Plan; or
its purchase. holding and disposition of the depositary shares or interest in the depositary shares will
not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or the Code or in a
violation of any Similar Laws.
In addition, any purchaser that is a Plan or that is acquiring the depositary shares on behalf of a Plan.
including any fiduciary purchasing on behalf of a Plan, will be deemed to have represented, in its corporate and
its fiduciary capacity, by its purchase and holding of the depositary shares that (a) neither Capital One nor the
underwriters nor any of their affiliates (collectively, the "Seller") is a "fiduciary" (under Section 3(21) of ERISA,
or under any final or proposed regulations thereunder, or with respect to a governmental, church, or foreign plan
under any Similar Laws) with respect to the acquisition, holding or disposition of the depositary shares, or as a
result of any exercise by the Seller of any rights in connection with the depositary shares, (b) no advice provided
by the Seller has formed a primary basis for any investment decision by or on behalf of such purchase in
connection with the depositary shares and the transactions contemplated with respect to the depositary shares and
(c) such purchaser recognizes and agrees that any communication from the Seller to the purchaser with respect to
the depositary, shares is not intended by the Seller to be impartial investment advice and is rendered in its
capacity as a seller of such depositary shares and not a fiduciary to such purchaser.
Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt
prohibited transactions, it is important that any person considering the purchase of depositary shares on behalf of
or with the assets of any Plan consult with its counsel regarding the consequences under ERISA, the Code and
any applicable Similar Laws of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the depositary shares, whether any
exemption would be applicable, and whether all conditions of such exemption have been satisfied such that the
acquisition, holding and disposition of the depositary shares by the Plan are entitled to full exemptive relief
thereunder.
Nothing herein shall be construed as. and the sale of the depositary shares to a Plan is in no respect. a
representation by us or the underwriters that any investment in the depositary shares would meet any or all of the
relevant legal requirements with respect to investment by, or is appropriate for, Plans generally or any particular
Plan.
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Underwriting
We are offering the depositary shares described in this prospectus supplement through a number of
underwriters. We have entered into an undenvriting agreement with the undenvriters named below for whom
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC,
UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities. LLC are acting as representatives. Subject to the terms and
conditions of the underwriting agreement. we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each underwriter has
severally agreed to purchase, at the public offering price less the undenvriting discounts and commissions set
forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement. the number of depositary shares listed next to its name
below:
Number of
Name Depositary Shares
Merrill Lynch, Pierce. Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
UBS Securities LLC
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
Total
The underwriters have advised us that they are committed to purchase all the depositary shares offered by us
if they purchase any shares. The undenvriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the
purchase commitments of non•defaulting undenvriters may also be increased or the offering may be terminated.
We have granted to the underwriters an option. exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus
supplement, to purchase up to an aggregate of additional depositary shares at the public offering price
listed on the cover of this prospectus supplement. less underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters
may exercise this option solely to cover any over-allotments. To the extent the option is exercised, each
underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage
of the additional depositary shares as the number listed next to the underwriter's name in the preceding table
bears to the total number of depositary shares listed next to the names of all underwriters in the preceding table,
and will sell such depositary shares at the same price (after taking into account any accrued and unpaid
dividends) as the initially purchased depositary shares.
The underwriters propose to offer the depositary shares directly to the public at the initial public offering
price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to certain dealers at that price less a
concession not in excess of $ per depositary share sold to institutional investors and $ per
depositary share sold to retail investors. Any such dealers may resell depositary shares to certain other brokers or
dealers at a discount of up to $ per depositary share from the initial public offering price per depositary
share sold to retail investors. After the initial public offering of the depositary shares, the offering price and other
selling terms may be changed by the undenvriters. Sales of shares made outside of the United States may be
made by affiliates of the undenvriters.
The underwriting fee is equal to the public offering price per depositary share less the amount paid by the
underwriters to us per depositary share. The following table shows the per depositary share and total
underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the undenvriters. Such amounts are shown assuming both
no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional depositary shares.
No Exercise°, Full Exercise,i)
Per Depositary Share $ S
Total
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(I) Reflects depositary shares sold to institutional investors, for which the underwriters received an
underwriting discount of $ per depositary share, and depositary shares sold to retail investors.
for which the underwriters received an underwriting discount of $ per depositary share.
(2) Reflects full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional depositary shares and sale of
the over-allotment shares to retail investors for which the underwriters would receive an underwriting
discount of $ per depositary share.
We estimate that our total expenses of this offering, including registration, filing fees, printing fees and legal
and accounting expenses, but excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Application will be made to list the depositary shares on the NYSE under the symbol "COFPRF." However,
there is no guarantee that we will be able to list the depositary shares. If approved, we expect trading of the
depositary shares on the NYSE to begin within the 30•day period after the original issue date. Even if the
depositary shares are listed, there may be little or no secondary market for the depositary shares. The
underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in the depositary shares. However, they are not
obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making in the depositary shares at any time in their sole
discretion. Even if a secondary• market for the depositary shares develops, it may not provide significant liquidity
and transaction costs in any secondary, market could be high. As a result, the difference between bid and asked
prices in any secondary market could be substantial. We cannot assure you that you will be able to sell your
depositary shares at a particular time or that the price you receive when you sell will be favorable.
We have agreed that, for the period ending 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, and subject
to certain exceptions, we will not, without the prior written consent of the representatives of the underwriters,
(i) offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase,
purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or
dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Preferred Stock or depositary shares, any other of our preferred stock (or
depositary shares in respect thereof), or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
Preferred Stock, depositary shares, or any other of our preferred stock (or depositary shares in respect thereof), or
(ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences
of ownership of Preferred Stock or depositary shares, whether any such transaction described in clause (I) or
(2) above is to be settled by delivery of Preferred Stock or depositary shares or such other securities, in cash or
otherwise.
Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a
public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement in any jurisdiction where action for that
purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may
not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus supplement. the accompanying prospectus
or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be
distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the
applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons who come to possess this prospectus supplement or
the accompanying prospectus are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to
the offering and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to
buy any securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in any jurisdiction in
which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.
The underwriters will be permitted to engage in certain transactions that stabilize the price of the depositary
shares. These transactions may consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the
price of the depositary shares. If the underwriters create a short position in the depositary shares in connection
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with the offering. i.e., if they sell more depositary shares than are set forth on the cover page of the prospectus
supplement, the underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing the depositary shares in the open
market. In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to reduce a short position could
cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be in the absence of these purchases. "Naked" short sales
are sales in excess of the underwriters' overallotment option or, where no overallotment option exists, sales in
excess of the number of depositary shares an underwriter has agreed to purchase from the issuer. Neither we nor
the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the
transactions described above may have on the price of the depositary shares. In addition, neither we nor the
underwriters will make any representation that the underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these
transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
It is expected that delivery of the depositary shares will be made upon the instructions of the joint book-
running managers against payment on or about the date specified on the cover of this prospectus supplement,
which is later than the third business day following the date of pricing of the depositary shares. Under
Rule I5c6- I of the SEC under the Exchange Act, as amended, trades in the secondary market generally are
required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise.
Accordingly, if any purchaser wishes to trade depositary shares on the date of pricing of the depositary shares or
the succeeding business days up to three days prior to the date of delivery of the depositary shares, it may be
required, by virtue of the fact that the depositary shares are expected to initially settle later than on the third
business day following the date of pricing of the depositary shares, to specify an alternative settlement cycle at
the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the depositary shares who wish to trade
the depositary shares on any day for which settlement within three business days would not be possible should
consult their own advisors.
Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have in the past provided to us and our affiliates and may provide
from time to time in the future certain commercial banking. financial advisory, investment banking and other services
for us and such affiliates in the ordinary course of their business. for which they have received and may continue to
receive customary fees and commissions. From time to time, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may affect
transactions for their own account or the account of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers,
long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or bans, and may do so in the future.
In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the undenvriters and their affiliates may make
or hold a broad array of investments including serving as counterparties to certain derivative and hedging
arrangements, and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial
instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such
investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. If any of
the underwriters or their affiliates has a lending relationship with us, certain of those underwriters or their
affiliates routinely hedge, and certain other of those undenvriters or their affiliates may hedge, their credit
exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, such underwriters and their
affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit
default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities. Any such credit default swaps or short positions
could adversely affect future trading prices of the depositary shares offered hereby. The underwriters and their
affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in
respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long
and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
S-38
EFTA01090548
Selling Restrictions
European Economic Area
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus
Directive (each, a "Relevant Member State"), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus
Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State no offer of depositary shares may be made to the public
in that Relevant Member State other than:
• to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;
• to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus
Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the
undenvriters; or
• in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive,
provided that no such offer of depositary shares shall require us or the undenvriters to publish a prospectus
pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the
Prospectus Directive.
This prospectus supplement has been prepared on the basis that any offer of depositary shares in any
Relevant Member State will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive from the
requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of depositary shares. Accordingly any person making or intending
to make an offer in that Relevant Member State of depositary shares which are the subject of the offering
contemplated in this prospectus supplement may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for us
or any of the underwriters to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive in relation to
such offer. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized, nor do we or they authorize, the making of any offer
of depositary shares in circumstances in which an obligation arises for us or the underwriters to publish a
prospectus for such offer.
For the purpose of the above provisions, the expression "an offer to the public" in relation to any depositary
shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient
information on the terms of the offer and the depositary shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide
to purchase or subscribe the depositary shares, as the same may be varied in the Relevant Member State by any
measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in the Relevant Member State and the expression "Prospectus
Directive" means Directive 2oo3n I /EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive)
and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State and the expression "2010 PD
Amending Directive" means Directive 2010173/EU.
United Kingdom
Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:
(a) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be
communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of
the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "FSMA")) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of
the depositary shares in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to us; and
(b) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything
done by it in relation to the depositary shares in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
S•39
EFTA01090549
Validity of the Preferred Stock
The validity of the Preferred Stock will be passed upon for us by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, New York,
New York. Morrison & Foerster LLP, New York, New York, will pass upon certain matters for the underwriters.
Experts
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated
financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, as set forth in their
reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and elsewhere in the registration
statement. Our financial statements 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
This prospectus supplement is part of a registration statement (File No. 333.203125) we have filed with the
SEC under the Securities Act. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits and schedules, contains
additional relevant information about us and the securities described in this prospectus supplement. The SEC's
rules and regulations allow us to omit certain information included in the registration statement from this
prospectus supplement. The registration statement may be inspected by anyone without charge at the SEC's
principal office at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.
In addition, we file annual, quarterly. and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC under the Exchange Act. You may read and copy this information at the following SEC location:
Public Reference Room
100 F Street. N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549
You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the SEC's Public Reference Room, 100 F
Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. at rates determined by the SEC. You may obtain information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (800) 732-0330. You may also inspect reports,
proxy statements and other information that we have filed electronically with the SEC at the SEC's website at
httplAvww.sec.gov. These documents can also be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20
Broad Street. New York, New York 10005.
The SEC's rules allow us to "incorporate by reference" information into this prospectus supplement. This
means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately
with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus supplement.
Any information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement that we file with the SEC after the date
of this prospectus supplement will automatically update and supersede information contained in this prospectus
supplement. Our SEC file number is 001-13300.
We are incorporating by reference in this prospectus supplement the documents listed below and any
future filings that we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior
to the termination of this offering, provided, however, that we are not incorporating by reference any
information furnished (but not filed) under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K,
except as specified below:
• our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, filed on February 24.
2015 (including the portions of our proxy statement for our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders
incorporated by reference therein);
S-40
EFTA01090550
• our Quarterly Reports on Form 10•Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2015 and June 30,
2015, filed on May 5, 2015 and August 3, 2015, respectively; and
• our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2015, February 5, 2015, March 11, 2015, May 4,
2015, May 7, 2015, May 14, 2015 and August 6, 2015.
You can obtain copies of documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, without
charge, by requesting them in writing or by telephone from us at Capital One Financial Corporation, Investor
Relations Department, 1680 Capital One Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102, telephone (703) 720-2455. You should
rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. We are
not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that
the information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by
reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the applicable document.
Ourprincipal executive office is located at 1680 Capital One Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102 (telephone
number . We maintain a website at www.capitalone.com. The information on our website is not
part of this prospectus supplement nor is it incorporated by reference. Documents available on our website
include: (i) our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for the Corporation; (ii) our Corporate Governance
Guidelines; and (iii) charters for the Audit, Risk, Compensation, and Governance and Nominating Committees of
the Board of Directors.
S-41
EFTA01090551
PROSPECTUS
Capital One Financial Corporation
Senior Debt Securities
Subordinated Debt Securities
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Common Stock
Purchase Contracts
Warrants
Units
Capital One Financial Corporation from time to time may issue and offer to sell, and selling securityholders
may offer to resell, the senior or subordinated debt securities, preferred stock, either separately or represented by
depositary shares, common stock, purchase contracts, warrants or units described in this prospectus, which we
refer to collectively as our securities.
We will provide specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this
prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement carefully before you make your investment decision.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "COF."
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See the "Risk Factors" section of our filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the applicable prospectus supplement.
This prospectus may not be used to sell any of the securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus
supplement.
These securities are not deposits or savings accounts or other obligations ofa bank. These securities are not
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency or instntmentality.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or
disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation
to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is March 31, 2015.
EFTA01090552
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About This Prospectus
Forward-Looking Statements
Where You Can Find More Information 3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock
Dividends 4
Use of Proceeds 5
Description of Debt Securities 6
Description of Preferred Stock 17
Description of Common Stock 19
Description of Other Securities 23
Resale by Selling Securityholders 24
Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement 25
Certain Legal Matters 28
Experts 28
EFTA01090553
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
In this prospectus, "we," "our," "us," or the "Corporation?' each refer to Capital One Financial Corporation.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement (No. 333.203125) that we have filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, utilizing a "shelf- registration process. This prospectus provides you
with a general description of the securities that we may issue and sell, and that selling securityholders may resell,
from time to time. Each time we issue and sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will
contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may add, update or
change information in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus
and the prospectus supplement. you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. You should
read both this prospectus and the prospectus supplement applicable to any offering, together with the additional
information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information" below.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus contain forward-looking
statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
Forward-looking statements include, among other things, information relating to our strategies. goals. outlook or
other non-historical matters; projections, revenues, income, returns, expenses. capital measures, accruals for
claims in litigation and for other claims against us; earnings per share or other financial measures for us; future
financial and operating results; our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions; and the assumptions that
underlie these matters. Forward-looking statements also include statements using words such as "expect."
"anticipate." "hope." "intend," "plan," "believe," "estimate?' "will" or similar expressions. We have based these
forward-looking statements on our current plans, estimates and projections, and you should not unduly rely on
them.
Numerous factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking
statements, including, among other things:
• general economic and business conditions in the United States, the United Kingdom. Canada or our
local markets, including conditions affecting employment levels, interest rates, collateral values,
consumer income and confidence, spending and savings that may affect consumer bankruptcies,
defaults, charge-offs and deposit activity;
• an increase or decrease in credit losses (including increases due to a worsening of general economic
conditions in the credit environment);
• financial, legal, regulatory, tax or accounting changes or actions, including the impact of the Dodd-
Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder
and regulations governing bank capital and liquidity standards, including Basel-related initiatives and
potential changes to financial accounting and reporting standards;
developments, changes or actions relating to any litigation matter involving us;
• the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth;
• increases or decreases in interest rates;
our ability to access the capital markets at attractive rates and terms to capitalize and fund our
operations and future growth;
the success of our marketing efforts in attracting and retaining customers;
1
EFTA01090554
• increases or decreases in our aggregate loan balances or the number of customers and the growth rate
and composition thereof, including increases or decreases resulting from factors such as shifting
product mix, amount of actual marketing expenses we incur and attrition of loan balances;
the level of future repurchase or indemnification requests we may receive, the actual future
performance of mortgage loans relating to such requests, the success rates of claimants against us, any
developments in litigation and the actual recoveries we may make on any collateral relating to claims
against us:
the amount and rate of deposit growth;
changes in the reputation of, or expectations regarding, the financial services industry or us with
respect to practices, products or financial condition;
• any significant disruption in our operations or technology platform;
• our ability to maintain a compliance and technology infrastructure suitable for the nature of our
business;
our ability to develop digital technology that addresses the needs of our customers;
our ability to control costs;
the amount of, and rate of growth in. our expenses as ow business develops or changes or as it expands
into new market areas;
• our ability to execute on our strategic and operational plans;
• any significant disruption of, or loss of public confidence in, the United States mail service affecting
our response rates and consumer payments;
• any significant disruption of, or loss of public confidence in, the intemet affecting the ability of ow
customers to access their accounts and conduct banking transactions;
• our ability to recruit and retain talented and experienced personnel to assist in the development,
management and operation of new products and services;
• changes in the labor and employment markets;
• fraud or misconduct by our customers, employees or business partners;
• competition from providers of products and services that compete with our businesses; and
• other risk factors listed from time to time in reports that we file with the SEC.
You should carefully consider the factors referred to above in evaluating these forward-looking statements.
When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risks, uncertainties and
other cautionary statements made in this prospectus. any accompanying prospectus supplement and in the
documents incorporated by reference. See the factors set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in any prospectus
supplement and in any other documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein or herein,
including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, for additional information
that you should consider carefully in evaluating these forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve risks,
uncertainties and assumptions, including the risk factors referred to above. Our future performance and
actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Many of the
factors that will determine these results and values are beyond our ability to control or predict. Forward-
looking statements speak only as of the date that they are made, and except as required by law we
undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise.
EFTA01090555
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
This prospectus is part of a registration statement we have filed with the SEC under the Securities Act. The
registration statement, including the attached exhibits and schedules, contains additional relevant information
about us and the securities described in this prospectus. The SEC's rules and regulations allow us to omit certain
information included in the registration statement from this prospectus. The registration statement may be
inspected by anyone without charge at the SEC's principal office at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.
In addition, we file annual. quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC under the Exchange Act. You may read and copy this information at the following SEC location:
Public Reference Room
100 F Street. N.E.
Washington. D.C. 20549
You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the SEC's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street,
N.E., Washington. D.C. 20549, at rates determined by the SEC. You may obtain information on the operation of the
Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. You may also inspect reports. proxy statements and
other information that we have filed electronically with the SEC at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.govt
The SEC's rules allow us to "incorporate by reference" information into this prospectus and any prospectus
supplement. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document
filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this
prospectus and any prospectus supplement. Any information incorporated by reference in this prospectus that we
file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and any information incorporated by reference in any
prospectus supplement will automatically update and supersede information contained in this prospectus and any
prospectus supplement. Our SEC file number is 001.13300.
We are incorporating by reference in this prospectus the documents listed below and any future
filings that we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the
termination of this offering, provided, however, that we are not incorporating by reference any
information furnished (but not filed) under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K:
• our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, filed on February 24,
2015;
• our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2015, February 5, 2015 and March 11, 2015; and
• the description of our common stock on Amendment No. 1 to Form 8-A, dated October 17, 1994.
You can obtain copies of documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, without charge, by
requesting them in writing or by telephone from us at Capital One Financial Corporation, Investor Relations
Department, 1680 Capital One Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102, telephone (703) 720-2455.
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any
prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. We are
not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that
the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference is
accurate as of any date other than the date of the applicable document.
Our principal executive office is located at 1680 Capital One Drive. McLean, Virginia 22102 (telephone
number (703) 720.1000). We maintain a website at http://www.capitalone.com. The information on our website
is not part of this prospectus nor is it incorporated by reference. Documents available on our website include our
(i) Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, (ii) Corporate Governance Guidelines, and (iii) charters for each of the
Audit, Risk, Compensation, and Governance and Nominating Committees.
3
EFTA01090556
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED
CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
The following table sets forth our ratios of (I) earnings to fixed charges and (2) earnings to combined fixed
charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the periods indicated.
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges: Years Ended December 31,
2014 2013 2012" 2011 2010
Including Interest on Deposits 5.14 4.65 3.17 3.08 2.52
Excluding Interest on Deposits 14.19 12.82 6.30 5.41 4.07
Including Preferred Stock Dividends (and Including
Interest on Deposits) 4.84 4.46 3.15 3.08 2.52
Including Preferred Stock Dividends (and Excluding
Interest on Deposits) 11.82 11.26 6.17 5.41 4.07
(I) On February 17, 2012, we acquired ING Direct. On May I, 2012, we closed the 2012 HSBC U.S. card
acquisition. Each of these transactions was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, and
their respective results of operations are included in our results from each respective transaction date.
We compute the ratio of earnings to fixed charges by dividing earnings by the sum of fixed charges. The
term "earnings" is the amount resulting from adding (a) income from continuing operations before income taxes,
(b) fixed charges, and (c) equity in undistributed loss (gain) of unconsolidated subsidiaries. The term "fixed
charges" includes the sum of the following: (a) interest expense on deposits and borrowing and (b) interest factor
in rent expense.
We compute the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends by dividing
earnings by the sum of fixed charges and preferred stock dividends.
4
EFTA01090557
USE OF PROCEEDS
Except as otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds
from the sale of our securities for general corporate purposes in the ordinary course of our business. General
corporate purposes may include, repayment of debt, acquisitions, additions to working capital, capital
expenditures and investments in our subsidiaries.
5
EFTA01090558
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We may from time to time issue debt securities which will be our direct unsecured general obligations.
These debt securities are described below and will be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and
any senior or subordinated debt securities that may be part of a unit, all of which are called debt securities. The
senior debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust
Company, N.A., formerly known as The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to Harris Trust
and Savings Bank), as trustee, dated as of November 1, 1996, and the subordinated debt securities will be issued
under an indenture dated as of August 29, 2006 between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company,
N.A., as trustee, subject in each case to such amendments or supplemental indentures as may be adopted from
time to time. Together, the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are called the indentures, and the
senior indenture trustee and the subordinated indenture trustee are called the indenture trustees.
We have summarized selected provisions of the indentures below. The summary is not complete and does
not describe every aspect of the indentures. A copy of each of the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture
has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and has been qualified
as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the Trust Indenture Act. You should read
the more detailed provisions of the applicable indenture, including the defined terms, for provisions that may be
important to you. You should also consider applicable provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. In the summary
below, we have included references to section numbers so that you can easily locate these provisions. The
particular tenns of any debt securities we offer will be described in the related prospectus supplement. along with
any applicable modifications of or additions to the general terms of the debt securities described below and in the
indentures. For a description of the terms of any series of debt securities, you should also review both the
prospectus supplement relating to that series and the description of the debt securities set forth in this prospectus
before making an investment decision. Capitalized terms used in the summary have the meanings specified in the
applicable indenture.
As of December 31, 2014, we had $18.7 billion in senior and subordinated notes outstanding that mature in
varying amounts from 2015 to 2024, of which $16.0 billion in aggregate principal amount was senior debt
securities and $2.7 billion in aggregate principal was subordinated debt securities. $6.1 billion and $3.9 billion in
senior and subordinated debt securities were issued by our consolidated subsidiaries, Capital One Bank (USA),
National Association ("COBNA") and Capital One. National Association ("CONA"), respectively.
General
The debt securities will be our direct unsecured obligations. The indentures do not significantly limit our
operations. In particular, they do not:
limit the amount of debt securities that we can issue under the indentures;
limit the number of series of debt securities that we can issue from time to time;
• limit or othenvise restrict the total amount of debt that we or ow subsidiaries may incur or the amount
of other securities that we may issue;
• require us or an acquiror to repurchase debt securities in the event of a "change in control;' or
• contain any covenant or other provision that is specifically intended to afford any holder of the debt
securities any protection in the event of highly leveraged transactions or similar transactions involving
us or our subsidiaries.
The senior debt securities will rank equally with all of our other unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness.
The subordinated debt securities will have a position junior to all of our senior indebtedness.
6
EFTA01090559
Because we are a holding company, dividends and fees from our subsidiaries are our principal source of
revenues from which to repay the debt securities. Our subsidiaries engaged in the banking or credit card business
can only pay dividends if they are in compliance with applicable United States federal and state regulatory
requirements. Our right to participate in any asset distribution of any of our subsidiaries, including COBNA and
CONA, on liquidation, reorganization or otherwise, will rank junior to the rights of all creditors of that subsidiary
(except to the extent that we may ourselves be an unsubordinated creditor of that subsidiary). As a result, the
rights of holders of debt securities to benefit from those distributions will also be junior to the rights of all
creditors of our subsidiaries. Consequently, the debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all liabilities of
our subsidiaries. COBNA and CONA are subject to claims by creditors for long-term and short-term debt
obligations, including deposit liabilities, obligations for federal funds purchased and securities sold under
repurchase agreements. There are also various legal limitations on the extent to which COBNA and CONA may
pay dividends or othenvise supply funds to us or our other affiliates.
Terms
A prospectus supplement relating to the offering of any series of debt securities will include specific terms
relating to the offering. These terms will include some or all of the following (unless specified othenvise or in
context, section references am to sections of both the senior indenture and subordinated indenture):
the title, series, form and type of the offered debt securities;
whether the offered debt securities will be senior or subordinated debt:
the indenture under which the offered debt securities are being issued;
whether the offered debt securities are to be issued in registered form, bearer form or both;
the aggregate principal amount of the offered debt securities and any limit upon the aggregate principal
amount of the debt securities of such title or series;
• the date or dates (including the maturity date) or method, if any, for determining such dates, on which
the principal of the offered debt securities will be payable (and any provisions relating to extending or
shortening the date on which the principal of the offered debt securities is payable);
• the interest rate, or method, if any, for determining the interest rate, the date or dates from which
interest will accrue, or method, if any. for determining such dates, the interest payment dates, if any, on
which interest will be payable, and whether and under what circumstances additional amounts on the
offered debt securities will be payable; the manner in which payments with respect to the offered debt
securities will be made; and the place or places where principal of, premium, if any, interest on and
additional amount, if any. will be payable;
• whether the offered debt securities are redeemable at our option. and if so, the periods, prices. and other
terms regarding such optional redemption:
• whether we are obligated to redeem or repurchase the offered debt securities pursuant to any sinking
fund or at the option of any holder thereof and, if so. the periods, prices, and other terms regarding such
repurchase or redemption;
the denominations in which the offered debt securities will be issuable:
if other than the principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of the offered debt securities
payable upon the acceleration of the maturity date or the method by which such portion is to be
determined;
the currency for payment of principal, premium, interest and any additional amount with respect to the
offered debt securities, whether the principal of, premium, if any, interest on or additional amount, if
any, with respect to the offered debt securities are to be payable, at our election or any holder's
7
EFTA01090560
election, in a currency other than that in which the offered debt securities are denominated, the period
in which that election may be made and the time and manner of determining the applicable exchange
rate;
• the percentage of the principal amount or price at which the offered debt securities will be issued;
• whether the amount of payments of principal of, premium. if any, interest on, or additional amount, if
any. with respect to the offered debt securities may be determined by reference to an index, formula or
other method, and if so, the terms and conditions and the manner in which such amounts will be
determined and paid or payable;
• any changes to the covenants or additional events of default or covenants;
• whether and upon what terms the offered debt securities may be defeased (which means that we would
be discharged from our obligations by depositing sufficient cash or government securities to pay the
principal of, premium, if any, interest on, or additional amount, if any, due to the stated maturity date
or a redemption date of the offered debt securities);
• whether the offered debt securities will be convertible into our common stock and, if so, the initial
conversion price. the periods and terms of the conversion or exchange; and
• any other terms not inconsistent with the provisions of the indentures. (Section 301)
Form of the Debt Securities
The indentures provide that we may issue senior and subordinated debt securities in registered form, in
bearer form or in both registered and bearer form. Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus
supplement, each series of senior and subordinated debt securities will be issued in registered form, without
coupons. Holders of "registered form" securities will be listed on the applicable indenture trustee's register for
the applicable debt securities. (Sections 201 and 305)
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. we will issue senior and subordinated
debt securities in registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple of
$1,000. Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue senior and
subordinated debt securities in bearer form in denominations of $5,000 or any integral multiple of $5,000. There
will be no service charge for any registration of transfer, exchange, redemption, or conversion of senior and
subordinated debt securities, but we or the applicable indenture trustee may require the holder to pay any tax or
other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of a transfer or exchange of
the senior or subordinated debt securities, other than certain exchanges not involving any transfer. (Sections 302
and 305)
If we issue the debt securities in bearer form, the debt securities will have interest coupons attached. "Bearer
form" securities are payable to whomever physically holds them from time to time. Debt securities in bearer form
will not be offered, sold, resold or delivered in connection with their original issuance in the United States or to
any United States person other than through offices of certain United States financial institutions located outside
the United States. Purchasers of debt securities in bearer form will be subject to certification procedures and may
be affected by United States tax law limitations. These procedures and limitations will be described in the
applicable prospectus supplement.
Registration, Transfer, Payment and Paying Agent
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. payments on the debt securities will
be made at our office or agency maintained for that purpose. We have appointed an agency in New York, New
York to make payments on the debt securities; however, we may change our agent from time to time. Any
transfer of the debt securities will be registerable at the same place. In addition, we may choose to pay interest by
check mailed to the address in the security register of the person in whose name the debt security is registered at
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the close of business on the applicable record date. (Sections 1002 and 307) Unless we indicate otherwise in the
applicable prospectus supplement, any interest and any additional amounts with respect to any debt securities
which is payable, but not punctually paid or duly provided for, may be paid to the holders as of a special record
date fixed by the trustee or in any other lawful manner. (Section 307)
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, payments of principal of, premium, if
any, and interest on debt securities in bearer form will be made at the office outside the United States specified in
the applicable prospectus supplement and as we may designate from time to time. Payment can also be made by
check or by transfer to an account maintained by the payee with a hank located outside the United States. Unless
we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, payment on debt securities in bearer form will be
made only if the holder surrenders the coupon relating to the interest payment date. We will not make any
payments on any debt security in bearer form at any office or agency in the United States, by check mailed to any
address in the United States or by transfer to any account maintained with a bank located in the United States.
(Sections 1001 and 1002)
Global Debt Securities
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement for a series of debt securities, each
series of debt securities will be issued in global form, which means that we will deposit with the depositary
identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or its custodian) one or more certificates representing the
entire series, as described below under "Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement." Global debt securities may be
issued in either temporary or permanent form. (Sections 201 and 203)
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe any limitations and restrictions relating to a series of
global senior or subordinated debt securities.
Covenants
Under the senior indenture, we agree to the following:
Except as permitted as described in this prospectus under "Description of Debt Securities—
Consolidation. Merger and Sale of Assets," we will preserve and keep in full force and effect our
corporate existence and the corporate existence of each of our significant subsidiaries (as defined
below) and our rights (charter and statutory) and franchises and those of each of our significant
subsidiaries. However, neither we nor any of our significant subsidiaries will be required to preserve
any of these rights or franchises if we or the significant subsidiary, as the case may be, determine that
the preservation of these rights or franchises is no longer desirable in the conduct of our or its business,
as applicable, and that the loss of these rights or franchises is not disadvantageous in any material
respect to the holders of the senior debt securities. (Section 1007)
• The senior indenture contains a covenant by us limiting our ability to dispose of the voting stock of a
significant subsidiary. A "significant subsidiary" is any of our majority-owned subsidiaries the
consolidated assets of which (as reflected on our consolidated balance sheet) constitute 20% or more of
our consolidated assets. This covenant generally provides that, except as permitted as described in this
prospectus under "Description of Debt Securities—Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets," as long
as any of the senior debt securities are outstanding:
• neither we nor any of our significant subsidiaries will sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of
the voting stock of a significant subsidiary or securities convertible into or options, warrants or
rights to subscribe for or purchase such voting stock, and we will not permit a significant
subsidiary to issue voting stock, or securities convertible into or options, warrants or rights to
subscribe for or purchase such voting stock, in each case if, after giving effect to such transaction
and to the issuance of the maximum number of shares of voting stock of the significant subsidiary
issuable upon the exercise of all such convertibles securities, options. warrants or rights, such
significant subsidiary would cease to be a controlled subsidiary (as defined below); and
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• we will not permit a significant subsidiary to merge or consolidate with or into any corporation
unless the survivor is us or is, or upon consummation of the merger or consolidation will become.
a controlled subsidiary, or to lease, sell or transfer all or substantially all of its properties and
assets except to us or a controlled subsidiary or a person that upon such lease. sale or transfer will
become a controlled subsidiary. (Section 1005)
A "controlled subsidiary" is a significant subsidiary at least 80% of the voting stock of which is owned by
us and/or one or more of our controlled subsidiaries.
The limitations described above do not apply to certain transactions required by law, rule, regulation or
governmental order (including as a condition to an acquisition of another entity by us) or to any sale or transfer
of assets in a securitization transaction.
Under the subordinated indenture, we agree to the following:
Except as permitted as described in this prospectus under "Description of Debt Securities—
Consolidation. Merger and Sale of Assets," we will preserve and keep in full force and effect our
corporate existence and our rights (charter and statutory) and franchises. However, we will not be
required to preserve any of these rights or franchises if we determine that the preservation of these
rights or franchises is no longer desirable in the conduct of our business and that the loss of these rights
or franchises is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the holders of the subordinated debt
securities. (Section 1007)
In addition, the senior indenture contains a covenant by us limiting our ability to create liens on the voting
stock of a significant subsidiary. This covenant generally provides that, as long as any of the senior debt
securities are outstanding. neither we nor any of our subsidiaries will create, assume or incur any pledge,
encumbrance or lien upon a significant subsidiary's voting stock, or upon securities convertible into or options,
warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase, a significant subsidiary's voting stock, directly or indirectly, to
secure indebtedness for borrowed money, if, treating such pledge, encumbrance or lien as a transfer of the
significant subsidiary's voting stock or securities convertible into or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for
or purchase the significant subsidiary's voting stock to the secured party (in each case after giving effect to such
transaction and to the issuance of the maximum number of shares of voting stock of the significant subsidiary
issuable upon the exercise of all such convertible securities, options. warrants or rights), the significant
subsidiary would not continue to be a controlled subsidiary, unless the senior debt securities are equally and
ratably secured with any and all such indebtedness by this pledge, encumbrance or lien. (Section 1006)
Subordination of Subordinated Debt Securities
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following provisions will apply to
subordinated debt securities. Section references are to sections of the subordinated indenture.
Subordinated debt securities will be subordinated in right of payment to all "senior indebtedness," as
defined below. Payments on subordinated debt securities also will be effectively subordinated if:
• we are involved in insolvency, bankruptcy or similar proceedings:
• the maturity of any series of our subordinated debt securities is accelerated because of certain events of
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us or a major depositary institution subsidiary: or
• we fail to pay the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any senior indebtedness when due, or an
event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to any senior indebtedness permitting the holders
of such senior indebtedness to declare the senior indebtedness due and payable prior to the date on
which it would otherwise have become due and payable. (Section 1601)
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Because of this subordination, some of our creditors may receive more. ratably, than holders of subordinated
debt securities if we are insolvent.
After all payments have been made to the holders of senior indebtedness, any holders of subordinated debt
securities will be subrogated to the rights of holders of senior indebtedness to receive payments or distributions
of cash, property or securities from us applicable to such senior indebtedness until all amounts owing on the
subordinated debt securities have been paid in full. (Section 1602)
"Senior indebtedness" includes: (1) the principal of, premium. if any, and interest on, whether outstanding
now or incurred later. (a) all indebtedness for money borrowed by us, including indebtedness of others that we
guarantee, other than the subordinated debt securities and the junior subordinated debt securities and other
indebtedness that is expressly stated as not senior, and (b) any amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications
and refundings of any indebtedness, unless in either case the instrument evidencing the indebtedness provides
that it is not senior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities; (2) all our capital lease obligations and
any synthetic lease or tax retention operating lease; (3) all our obligations issued or assumed as the deferred
purchase price of property, and all conditional sale or title retention agreements, but excluding trade accounts
payable in the ordinary course of business; (4) all our obligations, contingent or otherwise, in respect of any
letters of credit, bankers acceptances, security purchase facilities and similar credit transactions; (5) all our
obligations in respect of interest rate swap, cap or similar agreements, interest rate future or options contracts,
currency swap agreements, currency future or option contracts, commodity contracts and other similar
agreements; (6) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (I) through (5) of other persons for the payment
of which we are responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or othenvise; and (7) all obligations of the type
referred to in clauses (I) through (6) of other persons secured by any lien on any of our property or assets
whether or not such obligation is assumed by us.
Senior indebtedness does not include: (I) subordinated debt securities; (2) any indebtedness that by its terms is
subordinated to. or ranks on an equal basis with, subordinated debt securities; and (3) any indebtedness between or
among us and our affiliates, including (a) any junior subordinated debt securities, (b) trust preferred securities
guarantees and (c) all other debt securities and guarantees in respect of those debt securities, issued to any trust, or a
trustee of such trust, partnership or other entity affiliated with us which is our financing vehicle in connection with
the issuance by such financing vehicle of trust preferred securities or other securities guaranteed by us pursuant to
an instrument that ranks on an equal basis with, or junior to, the trust preferred securities guarantees.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
Each indenture generally permits a consolidation or merger between us and another corporation and the
conveyance, transfer or lease by us of all or substantially all of our property or assets, in each case without the
consent of the holders of any outstanding debt securities. However, each indenture requires that:
• the successor or purchaser is a corporation organized under the laws of the United States of America,
any state thereof or the District of Columbia and expressly assumes our obligations on the debt
securities under the applicable indenture;
• immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event which, after notice or lapse of time, would
become an event of default, will have occurred and be continuing pursuant to the applicable indenture;
and
either we or the successor person has delivered to the applicable indenture trustee an officer's
certificate and an opinion of counsel stating the consolidation, merger, transfer or lease, as applicable,
complied with these provisions and all conditions precedent of the applicable indenture. (Section 801)
The successor shall be substituted for us as if it had been an original party to the indentures and the debt
securities. Thereafter, the successor may exercise our rights and powers under the indentures and the debt
securities and, except in the case of a lease, we will be released from all of our obligations and covenants under
those documents. (Section 802)
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Exchange of Debt Securities
Registered debt securities may be exchanged for an equal aggregate principal amount of registered debt
securities of the same series containing identical terms and provisions in authorized denominations requested by
the holders upon surrender of the registered debt securities at an office or agency that we maintain for that
purpose and upon fulfillment of all other requirements set forth in the indentures. (Section 305)
Conversion and Exchangeability
The holders of debt securities that are convertible into our common stock or exchangeable into other
securities will be entitled to convert or exchange the debt securities under some circumstances. The terms of any
conversion or exchange will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Events of Default
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement for any series of debt securities,
events of default with respect to any series of debt securities are:
failure to pay the interest or any additional amount payable on any debt security of such series when
due and continuance of that default for 30 days;
failure to pay the principal of or any premium on any debt security of such series when due and
payable;
failure to deposit any sinking fund payment when and as due by the terms of any debt security of such
series;
failure to perform or the breach of any covenant or warranty in the applicable indenture or the debt
securities (other than a covenant or warranty included solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities
other than such series) that continues for 60 days after we are given written notice by the trustee or we
and the trustee are given written notice by the holders of at least 25% of the outstanding debt securities
of such series;
• in the case of the senior debt securities, any event of default under any mortgage, indenture or other
instrument securing or evidencing any indebtedness of us or any significant subsidiary for money
borrowed, resulting in such indebtedness in principal amount exceeding $10,000,000 becoming or
being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would othenvise become due and payable,
if the acceleration is not rescinded or annulled within 30 days after written notice;
• in the case of the senior debt securities, certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us
or any of our significant subsidiaries and in the case of the subordinated debt securities, certain events
of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us or a major depositary institution subsidiary; or
• any other event of default included in any indenture or supplemental indenture. (Section 501)
If a default occurs with respect to any series of senior or subordinated debt securities, the applicable
indenture trustee will give the holders of those debt securities notice of the default as and to the extent provided
by the Trust Indenture Act. (Section 501)
If an event of default with respect to any series of senior debt securities occurs and continues, either the
senior indenture trustee or the holders of not less than 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
senior debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided
for the senior debt securities of such series) of all the senior debt securities of that series to be due and payable
immediately. Payment of the principal of subordinated debt securities may be accelerated only in the case of
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us or one of our major depositary institution
subsidiaries. Subordinated debt securities cannot be accelerated if we default in our performance of any other
covenant, including payment of principal or interest. (Section 502)
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Any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of
the money due has been obtained the majority holders may. under certain circumstances. void the declaration.
"Majority holders" are the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding senior or
subordinated debt securities of that series. (Section 502)
The majority holders may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the applicable indenture trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the applicable
indenture trustee, for the senior or subordinated debt securities of that series. (Section 512). The applicable
indenture trustee generally is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under any senior or
subordinated indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders, unless those holders offer the applicable
indenture trustee reasonable indemnity. (Section 601)
A holder does not have the right to institute a proceeding with respect to the indenture, for the appointment
of a receiver or a trustee, or for any other remedy, unless:
the holder has previously given written notice to the applicable indenture trustee of a continuing event
of default;
the holders of not less than 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of
the applicable series have made a written request to the applicable indenture trustee to institute
proceedings in respect of such event of default in its own name as trustee under the applicable
indenture, and such holders have offered to the applicable indenture trustee reasonable indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;
the applicable indenture trustee has failed to institute a proceeding within 60 days after receipt of such
notice, request and offer of indemnity; and
the applicable indenture trustee has not received an inconsistent direction from the majority holders
within such 60-day period. (Section 507)
However, these limitations do not apply to a suit for the enforcement of payment or conversion rights
instituted on or after the respective due dates of the senior and subordinated debt securities of the applicable
series. (Section 508)
Waivers of Certain Covenants and Past Defaults
The holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding senior and
subordinated debt securities of each series may, on behalf of all holders of that series, waive our compliance with
certain restrictive provisions of the applicable indenture. They also may waive any past default with respect to
that series under the applicable indenture, except (I) a default in the payment of principal of. premium. if any,
interest on or any additional amount, or (2) a default in the performance of certain covenants which cannot be
modified without the consent of all of the holders of the applicable series. (Sections 513 and 1008)
Amendments to the Indentures
Supplemental Indentures with Consent ofHolders
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. we and the applicable trustee may
modify or amend an indenture, with the consent of the holders of at least 66-2/3% in principal amount of each
series of the senior or subordinated debt securities affected by the modification or amendment. However, no
modification or amendment may, without the consent of each holder affected by the modification or amendment:
change the due date of the principal of, or any premium or installment of interest on, or any additional
amounts with respect to any debt security;
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• reduce the principal amount of, or the rate of interest on. or any additional amounts or premium, if any,
payable with respect to any debt security, or, except as otherwise permitted. change an obligation to
pay additional amounts with respect to any debt security, or adversely affect the right of repayment at
the option of any holder, if any;
• change the place of payment, the currency in which the principal of, any premium, if any, or interest
on. or any additional amounts with respect to any debt security is payable or impair the right to institute
suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the due date thereof (or, in the case of
redemption. on or after the redemption date or, in the case of repayment at the option of the holder, on
or after the date for repayment);
• reduce the percentage in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of any series the consent of
whose holders is required for any supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose holders is required
for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of the applicable indenture or certain defaults
thereunder and their consequences) under the applicable indenture or reduce requirements for quorum
or voting;
• modify any of the provisions in the applicable indenture provisions described above under "Waivers of
Certain Covenants and Past Defaults" and in this section "Amendments to the Indentures—
Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders," except to increase any percentage in principal
amount of outstanding debt securities of any series the consent of whose holders is required for a
supplemental indenture or waiver, or to provide that certain other provisions of the applicable indenture
cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holders of each outstanding debt security
affected thereby;
• adversely affect the right of any holder to convert any convertible debt securities; or
• in the case of the subordinated indenture, modify the subordination provisions in a manner adverse to
the holders of the subordinated debt securities. (Section 902)
SupplementalIndentures without Consent ofHolders
Except as otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. we and the applicable indenture
trustee may modify and amend an indenture without the consent of any holder for any of the following purposes:
• to evidence the succession of another person to us, and the assumption by the successor of our
covenants in the applicable indenture and in the debt securities;
• to add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities or to
surrender any right or power conferred upon us in the applicable indenture;
• to add or change any provisions of the applicable indenture to provide that bearer debt securities may
be registrable as to principal, to change or eliminate restrictions on payments with respect to debt
securities, to permit registered securities to be exchanged for bearer securities, to permit bearer
securities to be exchanged for bearer securities of other authorized denominations or to permit or
facilitate the issuance of securities in uncertificated form, provided any such action does not adversely
affect the interests of the holders of any debt securities or related coupons in any material respect;
• to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series and any related coupons;
• to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee and to add to or
change any provisions of the applicable indenture as necessary to provide for or facilitate the
administration of the trusts under the applicable indenture by more than one trustee;
• to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision in the applicable indenture that may be
defective or inconsistent with any other provision of the applicable indenture, or to make any other
provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the applicable indenture which do not
adversely affect the interests of the holders of any debt securities or related coupons in any material
respect;
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• to modify the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms or purposes of
issue, authentication and delivery of debt securities;
• to add additional events of default with respect to all or any series of debt securities;
• to supplement any of the provisions of the applicable indenture to the extent necessary to permit or
facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of debt securities, provided the action does not
adversely affect the interests of the holders of any debt securities of that series or related coupons or
any other debt securities or related coupons in any material respect;
• to secure the debt securities;
• to amend or supplement any provision of the applicable indenture or any supplemental indenture,
provided that the amendment or supplement does not materially adversely affect the interests of the
holders of outstanding debt securities; and
• to make certain provisions with respect to conversion rights. (Section 901)
Legal Deleasance and Covenant Defeasance
If the applicable prospectus supplement provides for defeasance, we may at any time elect to defease and
will be deemed to have paid and discharged our obligations on the applicable debt securities if:
• no event of default has occurred and is continuing, or would occur upon the giving of notice or lapse of
time, at the time of the satisfaction and discharge;
either (I) we have irrevocably deposited with the applicable indenture trustee sufficient cash or
government securities to pay when due all the principal of, premium, if any, interest on and additional
amounts, if any, with respect to the applicable debt securities, through the stated maturity or
redemption date of the applicable debt securities (or, in the case of debt securities which have become
due and payable, through the date of such deposit), or (2) we have properly fulfilled such other means
of satisfaction and discharge as is provided in or pursuant to the applicable indenture for the applicable
debt securities;
• we have paid all other sums payable under the applicable indenture with respect to the applicable debt
securities and any related coupons;
• we have delivered to the applicable trustee a certificate of our independent public accountants
certifying as to the sufficiency of the amounts deposited by us, and an officers' certificate and opinion
of counsel as required by the applicable indenture; and
• we have delivered to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders will have
no federal income tax consequences as a result of the deposit or termination and if the applicable debt
securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, an opinion of counsel that the applicable debt
securities will not be delisted.
In the case of a defeasance, the holders of the applicable debt securities of the series will not be entitled to
the benefits of the applicable indenture, except for the registration of transfer or exchange and the replacement of
stolen, lost or mutilated applicable debt securities and the requirements regarding the maintenance of an office or
agency where the applicable debt securities can be surrendered for payment or registration of transfer or
exchange and the right of the holders of the applicable debt securities to receive from the deposited funds
payment of the principal of, premium, if any, interest on, and any additional amounts, if any, with respect to the
applicable debt securities when due. (Section 402)
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Determining the Outstanding Debt Securities
Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to the applicable indenture, we will consider the following factors
in determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt securities have given
any request. demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under the applicable indenture or are
present at a meeting of holders of debt securities for quorum purposes:
• in the case of any debt security that by its terms provides for declaration of a principal amount less than
the principal face amount of the debt security to be due and payable upon acceleration, the principal
amount that will be deemed to be outstanding will be the principal amount that would be declared to be
due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration thereof at the time of such determination:
• in the case of any indexed security, the principal amount that will be deemed to be outstanding will be
the principal face amount of the indexed security at original issuance;
• in the case of any debt security denominated in one or more foreign currency units, the principal
amount that will be deemed to be outstanding will be the U.S. dollar equivalent based on the applicable
exchange rate or rates at the time of sale: and
• any debt securities owned by us or any other obligor upon the debt securities or any of our or such
other obligor's affiliates, will be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding. (Section 101)
Governing Law
The indentures will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Regarding the Indenture Trustees
In the normal course of business, we and our subsidiaries conduct banking transactions with the indenture
trustees, and the indenture trustees conduct banking transactions with us and our subsidiaries.
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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors, or the Board, to create and provide
for the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, without the approval of our
stockholders. The Board can also determine the terms. including the designations. powers. preferences and rights
(including conversion, voting and other rights) and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, of any preferred stock.
Currently. 50.000.000 shares of our capital stock are classified as preferred stock under our Restated Certificate of
Incorporation. As of December 31. 2014. 1.875,000 shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding.
General
The following description summarizes the general terms and provisions of our authorized preferred stock.
The particular terms of any series of preferred stock we offer will be described in the related prospectus
supplement. You should read the particular terms of any series of preferred stock we offer described in the
related prospectus supplement, together with the more detailed provisions of ow Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and the certificate of designation relating to the particular series of preferred stock, for provisions
that may be important to you. Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The certificate of designation relating to the particular
series of preferred stock will be filed as an exhibit to a document incorporated by reference in the registration
statement. The prospectus supplement will also state whether any of the terms summarized below do not apply to
the series of preferred stock being offered. Terms which could be included in a prospectus supplement include:
• the designation of the preferred stock and the number of shares offered;
• the amount of liquidation preference per share;
• the price at which the preferred stock will be issued;
• the dividend rate, or its method of calculation, and the data on which dividends will be payable;
• whether the dividends will be cumulative or noncumulative, and, if cumulative, the dates from which
dividends will commence to cumulate:
any redemption or sinking fund provisions of the preferred stock;
whether we have elected to offer depositary shares, as described below;
the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the preferred stock will be convertible into or
exchangeable for common stock or other securities; and
• any additional voting, dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund and other rights, preferences,
privileges, limitations and restrictions of the preferred stock.
The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable and have no preemptive rights.
Preferred stock will have the dividend, liquidation, and voting rights described below, unless we indicate
otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock. You should
read the prospectus supplement relating to any series of preferred stock for the series' specific terms.
Dividend Rights
Holders of preferred stock will receive, when, as and if declared by the Board, dividends at rates and on the
dates described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each dividend will be payable to the holders of record
as they appear on our stock record books of the Corporation or, if applicable, the records of the depositary on the
record dates fixed by the Board or its committee. Dividends on any series of preferred stock may be cumulative
or noncumulative. The Corporation's ability to pay dividends on the preferred stock depends on the ability of
COBNA and CONA to pay dividends to the Corporation. The ability of the Corporation. COBNA and CONA to
pay dividends in the future is subject to bank regulatory requirements and capital guidelines and policies
established by the Federal Reserve Board.
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We will not declare or pay or set apart funds for the payment of dividends on any securities which rank
equally with the preferred stock unless we have paid or set apart funds for the payment of dividends on the
preferred stock. If full dividends are not paid, the preferred stock will share dividends pro rata with any equally
ranked securities.
Voting Rights
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of
preferred stock or expressly required by law, the holders of the preferred stock will not have any voting rights.
Rights upon Liquidation
If we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs, either voluntarily or involuntarily, the holders of each series
of preferred stock will be entitled to receive liquidation distributions. These will be in the amounts set forth in the
applicable prospectus supplement, plus accrued and unpaid dividends and, if the series of the preferred stock is
cumulative, accrued and unpaid dividends for all prior dividend periods. If we do not pay in full all amounts
payable on any series of preferred stock, the holders of the preferred stock will share proportionately with any
equally ranked securities in any distribution of our assets. After the holders of any series of preferred stock are
paid in full, they will not have any further claim to any of our remaining assets.
Because the Corporation is a holding company, the rights of its stockholders to participate in the assets of
any subsidiary, including COBNA and CONA, upon the subsidiary's liquidation or recapitalization may be
subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent that the Corporation may itself be a
creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary.
Redemption
A series of preferred stock may be redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option or at the option of the
holder of the stock, and may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a sinking fund, under the terms
described in any applicable prospectus supplement.
In the event of partial redemptions of preferred stock, the Board or its committee will determine the method
for selecting the shares to be redeemed, which may be by lot or pro rata or by any other method the Board or its
committee determines to be equitable.
On and after a redemption date, unless we default in the payment of the redemption price, dividends will
cease to accrue on shares of preferred stock which were called for redemption. In addition, all rights of holders of
the preferred shares will terminate except for the right to receive the redemption price.
Conversion and Exchange
The applicable prospectus supplement for any series of preferred stock will state the terms and conditions, if any.
on which shares of that series are convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or other securities, including:
the number of shares of common stock or other securities into which the shares of preferred stock are
convertible or for which the shares of preferred stock may be exchanged;
• the conversion price or exchange price or manner of calculation;
• the conversion period or exchange period;
provisions as to whether conversion or exchange will be at the option of the holders of the preferred
stock or at our option, if applicable;
any events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price or exchange price; and
provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of the redemption of the series of preferred
stock.
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EFTA01090571
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
The Corporation is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share. As
of December 31, 2014, 553,391,311 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding. The common stock is
traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "COF." All outstanding shams of common stock am
and will be fully paid and nonassessable.
The following summary is not complete, and you should refer to the applicable provisions of the Delaware
General Corporation Law and our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws for
additional information. See "Where You Can Find More Information."
Voting and Other Rights
Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.
Except as otherwise provided by law, the Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Amended and Restated
Bylaws. a majority of the votes cast is required for all actions to be taken by stockholders. Directors in
uncontested elections shall be elected by a majority of votes cast; however, in contested elections, a plurality
standard shall apply. Stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors, which means
that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting in an election of directors can elect all of the directors.
Shares of common stock also do not have any preemptive. subscription. redemption, sinking fund or conversion
rights.
The foregoing rights may be subject to voting and other rights that we may grant from time to time to the
holders of other classes of our securities.
For a more detailed description of the terms of these and similar rights granted to the holders of other
classes of our securities, please refer to the applicable prospectus supplement for any offering of our common
stock pursuant to this registration statement and to the documents and other information that we incorporate by
reference elsewhere in this prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information."
Distribution
To the extent outstanding preferred stock provides for a dividend preference, any dividends payable on our
common stock are subject to such preference. Dividends must be declared by the Board out of legally available
funds. If we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs, common stockholders are entitled to share proportionately
in the assets available for distribution to common stockholders.
Anti-Takeover Provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws
Certain provisions in our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws could
make more difficult or discourage a tender offer, proxy contest or other takeover attempt that is opposed by the
Board but which might be favored by the stockholders. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended
and Restated Bylaws are filed as exhibits to the registration statement, and certain provisions are summarized
below.
Board ofDirectors. Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws provide
that, other than directors elected by any series of preferred stock, directors will be elected annually to one-year
terms in office.
Number ofDirectors; Removal; Filling Vacancies. Generally. our Board must consist of between three and
seventeen directors, and vacancies will be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining
directors, even if less than a quorum remains in office. Therefore, unless the Amended and Restated Bylaws are
further amended, the Board could prevent any stockholder from enlarging the Board of Directors and filling the
new directorships with the stockholder's own nominees.
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EFTA01090572
Under Delaware law, unless othenvise provided in the certificate of incorporation, directors serving on a
classified board may only be removed by the stockholders for cause. Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation
provides that directors may be removed without cause, except that directors serving the remainder of a three-year
term in office may be removed only for cause. It also provides that directors may only be removed, whether for
or without cause, upon the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then-
outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
No Stockholder Action by Written Consent; Special Meetings. Stockholder action can be taken only at an
annual or special meeting of stockholders and cannot be taken by written consent. Under circumstances described
in the Amended and Restated Bylaws, special meetings of stockholders can be called by the Chair of the Board
or by the Board pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Board. Stockholders are not permitted to
call a special meeting or to require that the Board call a special meeting. Moreover, any special meeting of
stockholders is limited to the business in the notice of the special meeting sent to the stockholders before the
meeting.
The provisions prohibiting stockholder action by written consent and prohibiting stockholders from calling a
special meeting could delay consideration of a stockholder proposal until our next annual meeting. This would
prevent the holders of our stock from unilaterally using the written consent procedure to take stockholder action.
Moreover, a stockholder cannot force stockholder consideration of a proposal over the opposition of the Chair of
the Board and the Board by calling a special meeting of stockholders.
Advance Notice Provisionsfor Stockholder Nominations and Stockholder Proposals. Only people who are
nominated by, or at the direction of, the Board, or by a stockholder who has given proper written notice prior to a
meeting at which directors are to be elected, will be eligible for election as directors. Business conducted at an
annual meeting is limited to the business brought before the meeting by, or at the direction of, the Chair of the
Board, the Board or a stockholder who has given proper notice. A stockholder's notice to us proposing to
nominate a person for election as a director must also contain certain information described in the Amended and
Restated Bylaws.
In October 2013, the Board approved changes to the Corporation's Amended and Restated Bylaws. The
amendments included the following changes, among others:
clarifying that the advance notice bylaw represents the exclusive means for a stockholder to bring
nominations or other business proposals before a meeting of stockholders;
changing the advance notice period for stockholder nominations or business proposals at annual
meetings of stockholders from 70 to 90 days before the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual
meeting to 90 to 120 days before such anniversary;
• expanding the scope of disclosures required of a stockholder seeking to bring a nomination or other
business proposal before a stockholder meeting and requiring the stockholder to update such disclosure
as needed so that it remains accurate as of 10 business days prior to the meeting date; and
• adding that the Corporation may require proposed nominees for director to furnish additional
information regarding the eligibility of the nominee to serve as an independent director.
You should refer to our Amended and Restated Bylaws for more information, including the process and
timing requirements for a stockholder notice.
Some of the effects of the provisions described above and in the Amended and Restated Bylaws include:
the Board will have a longer period to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees and, if
deemed necessary or desirable, to inform stockholders about the qualifications:
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EFTA01090573
• there will be an orderly procedure for conducting annual meetings of stockholders and informing
stockholders, prior to the meetings, of any business proposed to be conducted at the meetings.
including any Board recommendations; and
• contests for the election of directors or the consideration of stockholder proposals will be precluded if
the procedures are not followed. Third parties may therefore be discouraged from conducting a
solicitation of proxies to elect their own slate of directors or to approve their own proposal.
Business Combinations. Certain mergers, share exchanges or sales of our assets with or to interested
stockholders, as defined below, must be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of our
voting stock, voting together as a single class, including 75% of our voting stock not owned directly or indirectly
by any interested stockholder or any affiliate of any interested stockholder. Our Restated Certificate of
Incorporation requires this affirmative vote even if no vote is required, or a lesser percentage is specified, by law
or any national securities exchange or otherwise. This affirmative vote is not required in two situations. First, it is
not required if the business combination has been approved by a majority of uninterested, continuing directors.
Second, it is not required if certain price and procedure requirements designed to ensure that our stockholders
receive a "fair price" for their common stock are satisfied. Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation defines an
interested stockholder as any person, other than us or any of our subsidiaries, who or which:
itself or along with its affiliates beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the then-
outstanding voting stock;
is an affiliate of us and at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question
itself or along with its affiliates beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the then-
outstanding voting stock; or
owns any shares of voting stock which were at any time within the two-year period immediately prior
to the date in question beneficially owned by any interested stockholder, if the transfer of ownership
occurred in the course of a non-public transaction or series of non-public transactions.
Liability ofDirectors; Indemnification. A director generally will not be personally liable for monetary
damages to us or ow stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. A director may be held liable,
however, for the following:
• any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders:
• acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of
law:
• paying a dividend or approving a stock repurchase in violation of Delaware law: or
• any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
We indemnify our officers and directors against lawsuits by third parties to the fullest extent of the law. We
may agree with any person to provide an indemnification greater than or different from the indemnification
provided by the Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
Amendments. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation generally may be amended with a majority vote of the
stockholders, but some provisions, including some of the provisions discussed above, can only be amended with an
affirmative vote of the holders at least 80% of the then-outstanding voting stock, including the affirmative vote of
the holders of 80% of the then-outstanding voting stock not owned directly or indirectly by any interested
stockholder or any affiliate of any interested stockholder. The Amended and Restated Bylaws generally may be
amended by the Board or by the stockholders: provided that in the case of amendments by the stockholders the
affirmative vote of at least a majority of the then-outstanding voting stock is required. These vote requirements
prevent a stockholder with less than a majority of the common stock from circumventing the requirements of the
Amended and Restated Bylaws or a stockholder with only a majority of the common stock from circumventing
certain provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation by simply amending or repealing them.
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EFTA01090574
Anti-Takeover Legislation
We are a Delaware corporation and are governed by Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
This provision generally states that, subject to some exceptions, a corporation cannot engage in any business
combination with any "interested stockholder" for three years after the time that the stockholder became an
interested stockholder unless the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized by
the affirmative vote of at least 66.213% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation which is not owned by
the interested stockholder. Delaware law defines an interested stockholder to include any person, and its affiliates
and associates, that owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, or that is an affiliate or
associate of the corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation
at any time within three years immediately prior to the relevant date.
Although stockholders may elect to exclude a corporation from Section 203's restrictions, our Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws do not exclude us from Section 203's
restrictions. The provisions of Section 203 may encourage companies interested in acquiring us to negotiate in
advance with the Board, since Section 203 does not require stockholder approval for a corporation to engage in
any business combination with any interested stockholder, if the board of directors prior to the time that such
stockholder became an interested stockholder approved either the business combination or the transaction in
which the stockholder became an interested stockholder. Business combinations are discussed more fully above.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Our dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan (as amended and supplemented, the "DRIP Program")
provides stockholders with the opportunity to purchase additional shares of our common stock by reinvesting all
or a portion of their dividends on shares of common stock. It also provides existing stockholders with the option
to make cash investments monthly, subject to a minimum monthly limit of $50 and a maximum monthly limit of
$10,000. Optional cash investments in excess of $10,000 may be made only with our express permission, and, in
our sole discretion, we may grant a discount for such optional cash investments (from 0% to 5%). We use
proceeds from the DRIP Program for general corporate purposes.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
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EFTA01090575
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SECURITIES
We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement a description of any preferred stock, depositary
shares, purchase contracts, warrants or units issued by us that may be offered pursuant to this prospectus.
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EFTA01090576
RESALE BY SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS
Selling securityholders may use this prospectus in connection with offering our securities for resale. The
applicable prospectus supplement will identify the selling securityholders and the terms of the securities offered
for resale. Selling securityholders may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities they resell
and any profits on the resales may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities
Act. The selling securityholders will receive all the proceeds from the resale of ow securities. We will not
receive any proceeds from resales by selling securityholders.
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EFTA01090577
BOOK-ENTRY PROCEDURES AND SETTLEMENT
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities, common stock,
preferred stock or other securities described herein, which we refer to collectively as the securities, will be book-
entry securities. All book-entry securities of the same issue initially will be represented by one or more fully
registered global securities. Each global security will be deposited upon issuance with, or on behalf of. The
Depository Trust Company, as depositary ("DTC"), and will be registered in the name of DTC or a nominee of
DTC. in each case for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as described below. DTC will
thus be the only registered holder of the securities and will be considered the sole owner of the securities for
purposes of any indenture, warrant agreement, unit agreement, purchase contract, or similar agreement governing
the terms of such securities, as applicable, which we refer to as a governing agreement.
Global securities may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a
successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the global securities may be held through the Euroclear
System, or Euroclear, and Clearstream Banking, S.A., or Clearstream, each as indirect participants in DTC.
Transfers of beneficial interests in the global securities will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of
DTC and its direct and indirect participants, including, if applicable, those of Euroclear and Clearstream, which
may change from time to time. DTC has advised us as follows: it is a limited-purpose trust company organized
under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law,
a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform
Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section I7A of the Exchange
Act. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for securities that its participants deposit with it. DTC also
facilitates the post-trade settlement among participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited
securities through electronic computerized book entry transfers and pledges between participants' accounts,
thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates.
Direct participants in DTC's system include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. Access to DTC's system also is available
to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing
corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or
indirectly, which we collectively call indirect participants. Persons that are not participants may beneficially own
securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the participants or the indirect participants. The ownership
interests in, and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the
records of the participants and the indirect participants. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. More information about DTC can be found at http://
www.dtcc.com/ and http://www.dtc.org/.
DTC has also advised us that, upon the issuance of a global security evidencing any securities, it will credit,
on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal or face amounts of the securities
evidenced thereby to the designated accounts of participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global
securities will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of
beneficial interests in the global securities will be shown on, and the transfer of those ownership interests may be
effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee (with respect to participants) and the records of
participants and indirect participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interests in the global securities).
Investors in the global securities that are participants may hold their interests therein directly through DTC.
Investors in the global securities that are not participants may hold their interests therein indirectly through
organizations (including Euroclear and Clearstream) that are participants in such system. Euroclear and
Clearstream will hold interests in the global securities on behalf of their participants through customers'
securities accounts in their respective names on the books of their respective depositaries. All interests in a global
security, including those held through Euroclear or Clearstream, may be subject to the procedures and
requirements of DTC. Those interests held through Euroclear or Clearstream may also be subject to the
procedures and requirements of such systems.
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EFTA01090578
The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of those securities
in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability of holders to transfer beneficial interests in global securities
to certain purchasers. Because DTC can act only on behalf of the participants, which in turn act on behalf of the
indirect participants, the ability of a person having beneficial interests in a global security to pledge such interests
to persons that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may
be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.
So long as DTC or any successor depositary for a global security, or any nominee, is the registered holder of
such global security, DTC or such successor depositary or nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder
of the securities represented by such global security for all purposes under the governing agreement applicable to
that global security. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be
entitled to have the securities represented by such global security registered in their names, will not receive or be
entitled to receive physical delivery of such securities in definitive form, and will not be considered the owners
or holders thereof for any purpose under the governing agreement applicable to that global security. Accordingly,
each person owning a beneficial interest in a global security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such
person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, to
exercise any rights of a holder of securities under the governing agreement applicable to that global security. We
understand that, under existing industry practices, in the event that we request any action of holders or that an
owner of a beneficial interest in a global security desires to give any consent or take any action under the
governing agreement applicable to that global security, DTC or any successor depositary would authorize the
participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such action or consent, and such participants
would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participants to give or take such action or consent or
would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. any payments due with respect to any
securities (including payments of principal and interest with respect to debt securities and dividends with respect
to equity securities) that are registered in the name of or held by DTC or any successor depositary or nominee
will be payable to DTC or such successor depositary or nominee, as the case may be, in its capacity as registered
holder of the global securities representing the securities. Neither we, nor any trustee, registrar, paying agent or
other agent in respect of the securities, nor any other agent of us or any such person will have any responsibility
or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership
interests in the global securities, for maintaining. supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial
ownership interests, or for any other matter relating to the actions and practices of DTC or any of its participants
or indirect participants.
We have been advised by DTC that its current practice. upon receipt of any payment in respect of a global
security, is to credit participants' accounts with payments on the payment date, unless DTC has reason to believe
it will not receive payments on such payment date. Each relevant participant is credited with an amount
proportionate to its beneficial ownership of an interest in the principal or face amount of the relevant security as
shown on the records of DTC. Payments by participants and indirect participants to owners of beneficial interests
in a global security held through such participants and indirect participants will be governed by standing
instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in
bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of such participants or indirect
participants, and will not be the responsibility of us, any trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent in respect
of the securities, nor any agent of us or of any such person. Neither we nor any such person or agent will be liable
for any delay by DTC or by any participant or indirect participant in identifying the beneficial owners of the
securities, and we and any such person or agent may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on
instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.
Crossmarket transfers between the participants in DTC, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream
participants, on the other hand. will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC's rules on behalf of
Euroclear or Clearstream. as the case may be, by its depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will
26
EFTA01090579
require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be. by the counterparty in such
system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such
system. Euroclear or Clearstream. as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements,
deliver instructions to its respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering
or receiving interests in the relevant global security in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance
with normal procedures for same- day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear participants and
Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear or Clearstream.
DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of securities only at the
direction of one or more participants to whose account DTC has credited the interests in the applicable global
security and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities as to which
such participant or participants has or have given such direction.
Except as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, owners of beneficial interests in a global
security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of the related securities in certificated form and will not
be considered the holders of the related securities for any purpose under the governing agreement applicable to
that global security, and no global security will be exchangeable, except for another global security of the same
denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of DTC or a successor depositary or nominee. Accordingly,
each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if the beneficial owner is not a participant, on the
procedures of the participant or indirect participant through which the beneficial owner owns its interest to
exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable governing agreement. However, if there is an event of default
under any applicable governing agreement, DTC reserves the right to exchange the relevant global securities for
securities in certificated form, and to distribute such securities to the participants.
Although DTC. Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of
interests in the global securities among participants in DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream. they are under no
obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and may discontinue such procedures at any
time. Neither we, nor any indenture trustee, nor any agent of us or of any such person will have any responsibility
for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective participants or indirect participants of
their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.
The information in this section, including any description of the operations and procedures of DTC,
Euroclear and Clearstream, has been provided solely as a matter of convenience. We do not take any
responsibility for the accuracy of this information, and this information is not intended to serve as a
representation, warranty or contract modification of any kind. The operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear
and Clearstream are solely within the control of such settlement systems and are subject to changes by them. We
urge investors to contact such systems or their participants directly to discuss these matters.
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EFTA01090580
CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP will pass upon certain legal matters in connection with the securities.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has from time to time acted as counsel for us and our subsidiaries and affiliates
and may do so in the future. Morrison & Foerster LLP will pass upon certain legal matters for the underwriters.
EXPERTS
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated
financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10•K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, as set forth in their
reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our
financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP's reports, given on their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
EFTA01090581
Capita)One
Capital One Financial Corporation
Depositary Shares Each Representing a 1140th
Interest in a Share of Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative
Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F
Prospectus Supplement
Joint Book-Running Managers
BofA Merrill Lynch
J.P. Morgan
Morgan Stanley
UBS Investment Bank
Wells Fargo Securities
, 2015
EFTA01090582