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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-212814

 

This preliminary prospectus supplement relates to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, but is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED OCTOBER 27, 2016

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO PROSPECTUS DATED AUGUST 1, 2016

 

€            

 

PPG Industries, Inc.

€             % Notes due        

€             % Notes due        

 

 

We are offering €         of our     % Notes due         (the “20     notes”) and €         of our     % Notes due          (the “20     notes”). The 20     notes and the 20     notes are collectively referred to in this prospectus supplement as the “notes.” We will pay interest on the notes on             of each year, beginning on             , 2017. The 20     notes will mature on             ,             , and the 20     notes will mature on         ,         . We may redeem some or all of the notes of each series at any time and from time to time at the applicable redemption prices described in this prospectus supplement under “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption.” In addition, the notes of each series may be redeemed in whole but not in part, at any time at our option, in the event of certain developments affecting U.S. taxation, as described in this prospectus supplement under “Description of the Notes—Redemption for Tax Reasons.”

We must offer to repurchase the notes upon the occurrence of a change of control triggering event at the price described in this prospectus supplement in “Description of the Notes—Change of Control Offer.”

The notes will be our senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all our other senior unsecured indebtedness from time to time outstanding. The notes will be issued only in registered form in denominations of €100,000 and integral multiples of €1,000 in excess thereof.

See “Risk Factors” on page S-12 of this prospectus supplement and “Risk Factors” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, incorporated by reference herein, to read about certain risks you should consider before investing in the notes.

 

Price to Public (1)

Underwriting Discount

Proceeds To Issuer

Per 20     note

%

%

%

20     note total

€

€

€

Per 20     note

%

%

%

20     note total

€

€

€

Total

€

€

€

 

(1)	Plus accrued interest, if any, from                         , 2016.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these notes or determined if this prospectus supplement or the prospectus to which it relates is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

We intend to apply to list the notes on the New York Stock Exchange. We expect trading in the notes on the New York Stock Exchange to begin within 30 days after the original issue date. Currently, there is no public market for the notes.

The underwriters expect to deliver the notes through the book-entry system of Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, and Euroclear Bank, S.A./N.V., on or about                         , 2016.

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

J.P. Morgan		BNP PARIBAS		MUFG

The date of this prospectus supplement is                     , 2016.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Supplement

 

		Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT			S-1
NOTICE TO INVESTORS			S-1
STABILIZATION			S-2
DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			S-3
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			S-3
SUMMARY			S-5
RISK FACTORS			S-12
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES			S-17
CURRENCY CONVERSION			S-18
USE OF PROCEEDS			S-19
CAPITALIZATION			S-20
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES			S-21
MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS			S-33
PROPOSED FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS TAX			S-38
UNDERWRITING			S-39
VALIDITY OF THE NOTES			S-43
EXPERTS			S-43

Prospectus

 

		Page
SUMMARY			1
RISK FACTORS			3
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			3
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES			4
USE OF PROCEEDS			4
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES			4
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL SECURITIES			14
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SECURITIES			17
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			17
LEGAL MATTERS			19
EXPERTS			19

We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained in this document or to which we have referred you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This document may be used only where it is legal to sell these securities. The information in this document may be accurate only on the date of this document.

 

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

We provide information to you about this offering in two separate documents. The accompanying prospectus provides general information about us and securities we may offer from time to time, some of which may not be relevant to this offering. This prospectus supplement describes the specific details regarding this offering. Generally, when we refer to the “prospectus,” we are referring to both documents combined. Additional information is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement. If information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on this prospectus supplement.

We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectus filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these notes in any jurisdiction where the offer and sale are not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any free writing prospectus or any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, references in this prospectus supplement to “PPG,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to PPG Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

NOTICE TO INVESTORS

We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, the notes described in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus only where offers and sales are permitted. Since information that we file with the SEC in the future will automatically update and supersede information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should not assume that the information contained herein or therein is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the applicable document.

The notes are being offered only for sale in jurisdictions where it is lawful to make such offers. Offers and sales of the notes in the European Union, including the United Kingdom, are subject to restrictions, the details of which are set out under “Underwriting.” The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the offering of the notes in other jurisdictions may also be restricted by law. Persons who receive this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not authorized or qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.

References in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to “$”, “U.S. $” and “U.S. dollars” are to the currency of the United States of America. References to “€” and “euro” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are to the currency of the member states of the European Monetary Union that have adopted or that adopt the single currency in accordance with the Treaty establishing the European Community, as amended by the Treaty on European Union (such member states, the “Eurozone”). The financial information presented in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have been prepared on the basis that any offer of the notes in any Member State of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”) that has implemented the

 

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Prospectus Directive (each, a “Relevant Member State”) will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive, as implemented in that Relevant Member State, from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offers of notes. Accordingly, any person making or intending to make any offer in that Relevant Member State of the notes which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for us or any of the underwriters to produce 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 notes in circumstances in which an obligation arises for us or the underwriters to publish a prospectus for such offer. “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended, including by Directive 2010/73/EU, and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are only being distributed to, and are only directed at, persons in the United Kingdom that are qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive and that are also (1) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (2) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (each such person being referred to as a “Relevant Person”). This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and their contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by recipients to any other persons in the United Kingdom. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this prospectus supplement and/or the accompanying prospectus or any of their contents.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have not been approved for the purposes of Section 21 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“FSMA”) by a person authorized under FSMA. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are being distributed and communicated to persons in the United Kingdom only in circumstances in which section 21(1) of FSMA does not apply to us.

The notes are not being offered or sold to any person in the United Kingdom except in circumstances which will not result in an offer of securities to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of Part VI of FSMA

STABILIZATION

IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUE OF THE NOTES, J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES PLC (IN THIS CAPACITY, THE “STABILIZING MANAGER”) (OR ANY PERSON ACTING ON ITS BEHALF) MAY OVER-ALLOT NOTES OR EFFECT TRANSACTIONS WITH A VIEW TO SUPPORTING THE MARKET PRICE OF THE NOTES AT A LEVEL HIGHER THAN THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL. HOWEVER, THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE STABILIZING MANAGER (OR PERSONS ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE STABILIZING MANAGER) WILL UNDERTAKE ANY STABILIZATION ACTION. ANY STABILIZATION ACTION MAY BEGIN ON OR AFTER THE DATE ON WHICH ADEQUATE PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF THE FINAL TERMS OF THE OFFER OF THE NOTES IS MADE, AND, IF BEGUN, MAY BE ENDED AT ANY TIME, BUT IT MUST END NO LATER THAN THE EARLIER OF 30 DAYS AFTER THE ISSUE OF THE NOTES AND 60 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THE ALLOTMENT OF THE NOTES. SEE “UNDERWRITING.”

THE UNDERWRITERS HAVE ADVISED US THAT ANY STABILIZATION ACTION COMMENCED WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

 

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DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 reflecting our current view with respect to future events or objectives and financial or operational performance or results. These matters involve risks and uncertainties as discussed in our periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, and our current reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC. Accordingly, many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements.

Among these factors are global economic conditions, increasing price and product competition by foreign and domestic competitors, fluctuations in cost and availability of raw materials, the ability to maintain favorable supplier relationships and arrangements, the timing of and the realization of anticipated cost savings from restructuring initiatives, difficulties in integrating acquired businesses and achieving expected synergies therefrom, economic and political conditions in international markets, the ability to penetrate existing, developing and emerging foreign and domestic markets, foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in such rates, fluctuations in tax rates, the impact of future legislation, the impact of environmental regulations, unexpected business disruptions and the unpredictability of existing and possible future litigation. However, it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors.

Consequently, while the list of factors presented here is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements.

Consequences of material differences in results as compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, lower sales or earnings, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of their initial issuance, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Available information

We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements and other information that we file with the SEC can be read and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 to obtain further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us. The SEC’s internet address is http://www.sec.gov. In addition, our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and our reports and other information can be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. Our internet address is http://www.ppg.com. The information on our internet site is not a part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

Incorporation by Reference

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with it. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents. Any information we incorporate in this manner is considered part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus except to the

 

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extent updated and superseded by information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document which also is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Any such statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Some information that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus supplement and until we sell all of the securities covered by this prospectus supplement will automatically update and supersede the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

We incorporate by reference the following documents that we have filed with the SEC and any filings that we make with the SEC in the future under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), until we sell all of the securities covered by this prospectus supplement, including between the date of this prospectus supplement and the date on which the offering of the securities under this prospectus supplement is terminated, except as noted in the paragraph below:

 

Our SEC Filings (File No. 1-01687)		Period for or Date of Filing
Annual Report on Form 10-K		Year Ended December 31, 2015
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q		Quarters Ended March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2016
Current Reports on Form 8-K or Form 8-K/A		January 7, 2016 (filed under Items 8.01 and 9.01), April 25, 2016 (filed under Items 5.02, 5.07 and 9.01), April 27, 2016 (filed under Items 8.01 and 9.01), June 3, 2016 (filed under Items 1.01, 2.03 and 9.01), June 10, 2016 (filed under Items 8.01 and 9.01), June 27, 2016 (filed under Items 1.01 and 9.01) and July 22, 2016 (filed under Items 5.02, 8.01 and 9.01)
Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A		March 10, 2016

Pursuant to General Instruction B of Form 8-K, any information submitted under Item 2.02, Results of Operations and Financial Condition, or Item 7.01, Regulation FD Disclosure, of Form 8-K is not deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. We are not incorporating by reference any information submitted under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act or into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

Statements contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document referred to in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus do not purport to be complete, and where reference is made to the particular provisions of that contract, agreement or other document, those references are qualified in all respects by reference to all of the provisions contained in that contract, agreement or other document. For a more complete understanding and description of each such contract, agreement or other document, we urge you to read the exhibits to the registration statement of which the accompanying prospectus is a part.

We will provide without charge, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and a copy of any or all other contracts, agreements or documents which are referred to in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Requests should be directed to: PPG Industries, Inc., One PPG Place, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15272, Attention: Corporate Secretary; telephone number: (412) 434-3131. You also may review a copy of the registration statement of which the accompanying prospectus is a part and its exhibits at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., as well as through the SEC’s internet site.

 

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in the notes may involve various risks. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, and in consultation with your own financial and legal advisors, you should carefully consider, among other matters, the following risk factors, as well as those incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, under the heading “Risk Factors” and other filings we may make from time to time with the SEC. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently deem immaterial, may also materially and adversely affect our business operations, results of operations, financial condition or prospects.

Holders of the notes will receive payments solely in euro except under the limited circumstances provided herein.

All payments of interest on and the principal of the notes and any redemption price for the notes will be made in euro except under the limited circumstances provided herein. See “Currency Conversion.” We, the underwriters, the trustee and the paying agent with respect to the notes will not be obligated to convert, or to assist any registered owner or beneficial owner of notes in converting, payments of interest, principal, any redemption price or any additional amount in euro made with respect to the notes into U.S. dollars or any other currency.

Holders of the notes may be subject to certain risks relating to the euro, including the effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, as well as possible exchange controls.

The initial investors in the notes will be required to pay for the notes in euro. Neither we nor the underwriters will be obligated to assist the initial investors in obtaining euro or in converting other currencies into euro to facilitate the payment of the purchase price for the notes.

An investment in any security denominated in, and all payments with respect to which are to be made in, a currency other than the currency of the country in which an investor in the notes resides or the currency in which an investor conducts its business or activities (the “investor’s home currency”), entails significant risks not associated with a similar investment in a security denominated in the investor’s home currency. In the case of the notes offered hereby, these risks may include the possibility of:

 

•

significant changes in rates of exchange between the euro and the investor’s home currency; and

 

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the imposition or modification of foreign exchange controls with respect to the euro or the investor’s home currency.

We have no control over a number of factors affecting the notes offered hereby and foreign exchange rates, including economic, financial and political events that are important in determining the existence, magnitude and longevity of these risks and their effects. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates between two currencies result from the interaction over time of many factors directly or indirectly affecting economic and political conditions in the countries issuing such currencies, and economic and political developments globally and in other relevant countries. Foreign currency exchange rates may be affected by, among other factors, existing and expected rates of inflation, existing and expected interest rate levels, the balance of payments between countries and the extent of governmental surpluses or deficits in various countries. All of these factors are, in turn, sensitive to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies pursued by the governments of various countries important to international trade and finance. Moreover, the recent global economic crisis and the actions taken or to be taken by various national governments in response to the crisis could significantly affect the exchange rates between the euro and the investor’s home currency.

The exchange rates of an investor’s home currency for euro and the fluctuations in those exchange rates that have occurred in the past are not necessarily indicative of the exchange rates or the fluctuations therein that may

 

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occur in the future. Depreciation of the euro against the investor’s home currency would result in a decrease in the investor’s home currency equivalent yield on a note, in the investor’s home currency equivalent of the principal payable at the maturity of that note and generally in the investor’s home currency equivalent market value of that note. Appreciation of the euro in relation to the investor’s home currency would have the opposite effects.

The Eurozone or one or more of its member states may, in the future, impose exchange controls and modify any exchange controls imposed, which controls could affect exchange rates, as well as the availability of euro at the time of payment of principal of, interest on, or any redemption payment or additional amounts with respect to, the notes.

Furthermore, the indenture governing the notes is, and the notes will be, governed by the laws of the State of New York. Under New York law, a New York state court rendering a judgment on the notes would be required to render the judgment in euro. However, the judgment would be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of entry of the judgment. Consequently, in a lawsuit for payment on the notes, investors would bear currency exchange risk until a New York state court judgment is entered, and we cannot predict how long this would take. A federal court sitting in New York with diversity jurisdiction over a dispute arising in connection with the notes would apply the foregoing New York law. In courts outside of New York, investors may not be able to obtain a judgment in a currency other than U.S. dollars. For example, a judgment for money in an action based on the notes in many other U.S. federal or state courts ordinarily would be rendered in the United States only in U.S. dollars. The date used to determine the rate of conversion of euro into U.S. dollars would depend upon various factors, including which court renders the judgment and when the judgment is rendered.

This description of foreign exchange risks does not describe all the risks of an investment in securities, including, in particular, the notes, that are denominated or payable in a currency other than an investor’s home currency. You should consult your own financial, legal and tax advisors as to the risks involved in an investment in the notes.

Market perceptions concerning the instability of the euro could adversely affect the value of the notes.

If, as described under “Currency Conversion,” the euro is unavailable to us due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond our control or if the euro is no longer being used by the then member states of the European Monetary Union that have adopted the euro as their currency or for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the international banking community, then all payments in respect of the notes will be made in U.S. dollars until the euro is again available to us or so used. In such circumstances, the amount payable on any date in euro will be converted into U.S. dollars on the basis of the then most recently available market exchange rate for euro, as determined by us in our sole discretion. There can be no assurance that this exchange rate will be as favorable to holders of notes as the exchange rate otherwise determined by applicable law. These potential developments, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could adversely affect the value of the notes. Any payment in respect of the notes so made in U.S. dollars will not constitute an event of default under the notes or the indenture governing the notes. See “Currency Conversion.”

The trading market for the notes may be limited.

The notes are a new issue of securities for which no established trading market exists. If an active trading market does not develop for the notes, investors may not be able to resell them. Although we expect the notes to be listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, no assurance can be given that the notes will become or remain listed, that a trading market for the notes will develop or of the price at which investors may be able to sell the notes, if at all. In addition, we will have no obligations to maintain, and may terminate without the consent of the holders of the notes, any listing of the notes on the New York Stock Exchange. The underwriters for this offering have advised us that they intend to make a market in the notes after completion of the offering.

 

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However, the underwriters are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice, in their sole discretion. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or trading market for, the notes. The lack of a trading market could adversely affect investors’ ability to sell the notes and the price at which investors may be able to sell the notes. The liquidity of the trading market, if any, and future trading prices of the notes will depend on many factors, including, among other things, the number of holders of the notes, our operating results, financial performance and prospects, prevailing interest rates, prevailing foreign exchange rates, the market for similar securities and the overall securities market, and may be adversely affected by unfavorable changes in these factors.

Trading in the clearing systems is subject to minimum denomination requirements.

The notes will be issued only in minimum denominations of €100,000 and integral multiples of €1,000 in excess thereof. It is possible that the clearing systems may process trades which could result in amounts being held in denominations smaller than the minimum denominations. If definitive notes are required to be issued in relation to such notes in accordance with the provisions of the relevant global notes, a holder who does not have the minimum denomination or an integral multiple of €1,000 in excess thereof in its account with the relevant clearing system at the relevant time may not receive all of its entitlement in the form of definitive notes unless and until such time as its holding satisfies the minimum denomination requirement.

The European Commission has proposed a financial transactions tax in certain member states of the European Union which, if adopted, could apply in certain circumstances to secondary market trades of the notes both within and outside of those participating member states.

The European Commission has published a proposal for a directive for a common financial transactions tax (“FTT”) in Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia, which we refer to as the “participating Member States.” The proposed FTT has very broad scope and could, if implemented in the form proposed by the European Commission, apply to certain dealings in the notes (including secondary market transactions) in certain circumstances.

Under the European Commission proposal, the FTT could apply in certain circumstances to persons both within and outside of the participating Member States. Generally, it would apply to certain dealings in the financial instruments covered by the proposal where at least one party is a financial institution and at least one party is established in a participating Member State. A financial institution may be, or be deemed to be, “established” in a participating Member State in a broad range of circumstances, including (a) by transacting with a person established in a participating Member State or (b) where the financial instrument which is subject to the dealings is issued in a participating Member State.

The FTT proposal remains subject to negotiation among the participating Member States. It may therefore be materially altered prior to any implementation (if at all), the timing of which remains unclear, and the extent to which it may ultimately apply (if at all) to dealings in the notes is uncertain. Additional Member States may decide to participate and/or certain of the participating Member States may decide to withdraw. Estonia has declared its withdrawal of support for the FTT.

Prospective holders of, and investors in, the notes are advised to seek their own professional advice regarding the FTT.

The notes are subject to prior claims of any secured creditors and the creditors of our subsidiaries, and if a default occurs we may not have sufficient funds to fulfill our obligations under the notes.

The notes are our unsecured general obligations, ranking equally with our other senior unsecured indebtedness but below any secured indebtedness and effectively below the debt and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. The indenture governing the notes permits us and our subsidiaries to incur secured debt under

 

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specified circumstances. If we incur any secured debt, our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries will be subject to prior claims by our secured creditors. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or other winding up, assets that secure debt will be available to pay obligations on the notes only after all debt secured by those assets has been repaid in full. Holders of the notes will participate in our remaining assets ratably with all of our unsecured and unsubordinated creditors, including our trade creditors.

If we incur any additional obligations that rank equally with the notes, including trade payables, the holders of those obligations will be entitled to share ratably with the holders of the notes in any proceeds distributed upon our insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding up. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to you. If there are not sufficient assets remaining to pay all these creditors, all or a portion of the notes then outstanding would remain unpaid.

Our ability to generate the significant amount of cash needed to pay interest and principal on the notes and service our other debt and financial obligations and our ability to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness or obtain additional financing depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including the notes, depends on our ability to generate cash in the future. We are subject to general economic, industry, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. In particular, economic conditions could cause the prices of the products we sell to fall, our revenue to decline and hamper our ability to repay our indebtedness, including the notes. As a result, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including the notes, on or before maturity. Our ability to refinance debt or obtain additional financing will depend on, among other things:

 

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our financial condition at the time;

 

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restrictions in the indenture governing the notes and any other indebtedness of ours; and

 

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other factors, including financial market or industry conditions.

We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including the notes, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If our operations do not generate sufficient cash flow, and additional borrowings or refinancings are not available to us, we may not have sufficient cash to enable us to meet all of our obligations, including payments on the notes.

The terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness contain significant restrictions that limit our operating and financial flexibility.

The indenture governing the notes and the agreements governing our and our subsidiaries’ other indebtedness contain various covenants and other restrictions that limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants and other restrictions limit our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:

 

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incur additional indebtedness;

 

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pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of capital stock or make restricted payments;

 

•

borrow the full amount under our credit facilities;

 

•

make investments;

 

•

create liens;

 

•

issue and sell capital stock of subsidiaries;

 

•

sell or transfer assets;

 

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•

enter into sale and leasebacks; and

 

•

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets.

These restrictions on operations and financings, as well as those that may be contained in future debt agreements, may limit our ability to execute preferred business strategies. Moreover, if our operating results fall below current levels, we may be unable to comply with these covenants. If that occurs, our lenders, including holders of notes, could accelerate the payment obligations with respect to that debt. If the payment obligations with respect to that debt are accelerated, we may not be able to repay all of that debt, in which case the indebtedness represented by the notes may not be fully repaid, if it is repaid at all.

We may not be able to repurchase the notes upon a change of control.

Upon the occurrence of specific kinds of change of control events, each holder of notes will have the right to require us to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s notes (equal to €1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. The terms of our existing credit facilities and other financing arrangements may require repayment of amounts outstanding in the event of a change of control and limit our ability to fund the repurchase of the notes in certain circumstances. If we experience a change of control triggering event, there can be no assurance that we would have sufficient financial resources available to satisfy our obligations to repurchase the notes. Our failure to repurchase the notes as required under the supplemental indenture governing the notes would result in a default under the supplemental indenture, which could have material adverse consequences for us and the holders of the notes. See “Description of the Notes—Change of Control Offer.”

Despite our current levels of debt, we may be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our existing debt.

We may be able to incur additional debt in the future, including debt that is senior to the notes. The terms of our other indebtedness and the indenture governing the notes allow us to incur substantial amounts of additional debt, subject to certain limitations. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks we could face would be magnified.

 

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CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

Our consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Ratios of earnings to fixed charges

5.0x

9.4x

5.2x

5.1x

3.8x

4.3x

For the purposes of this ratio, “earnings” consist of consolidated earnings before income taxes, plus fixed charges exclusive of capitalized interest and less undistributed income of unconsolidated affiliates carried on the equity basis. “Fixed charges” consist of interest, whether expensed or capitalized (including amortization of debt discount and debt expense), and that portion of rentals which is representative of interest. We did not declare any preferred stock dividends for any of the periods presented.

 

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CURRENCY CONVERSION

All payments of interest and principal, including payments made upon any redemption of the notes, will be payable in euro. If the euro is unavailable to us due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond our control or if the euro is no longer being used by the then member states of the European Monetary Union that have adopted the euro as their currency or for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the international banking community, then all payments in respect of the notes will be made in U.S. dollars until the euro is again available to us or so used. In such circumstances, the amount payable on any date in euro will be converted into U.S. dollars on the basis of the then most recently available market exchange rate for euro, as determined by us in our sole discretion. Any payment in respect of the notes so made in U.S. dollars will not constitute an event of default under the notes or the indenture governing the notes.

Investors will be subject to foreign exchange risks as to payments of principal and interest, including payments made upon any redemption of the notes, that may have important economic and tax consequences to them. See “Risk Factors.”

As of October 21, 2016, the euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate was €1.00 = $0.9203, as announced by the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We expect to receive net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount but before deducting other offering expenses, of approximately €             from this offering. We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include (i) working capital, (ii) capital expenditures, (iii) investments in or loans to our subsidiaries or joint ventures, (iv) the repayment, redemption or refinancing of debt, (v) the redemption or repurchase of our outstanding securities, (vi) funding of possible acquisitions, and (vii) satisfaction of other obligations of ours. Pending any use of the net proceeds of this offering, the net proceeds may be invested in short-term instruments.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth:

 

•

our consolidated capitalization as of September 30, 2016; and

 

•

our consolidated capitalization as of September 30, 2016, as adjusted to give effect to the issuance of the notes.

You should read this table in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, the related notes and other financial information contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2016, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This table does not reflect the cash received upon the completion of the disposition of our flat glass and European fiber glass businesses. For more information about these transactions, see “Summary—Recent Developments.”

 

		As of September 30, 2016
		Actual				As Adjusted
		(In millions)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	929			$		(1)
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt:		$	652			$	652
Long-term debt:
Notes offered hereby		$	—			$		(2)
Other long-term debt			3,752				3,752	(3)
Total long-term debt			3,752
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock			969				969
Additional paid-in capital			683				683
Retained earnings			15,744				15,744
Treasury stock, at cost			(9,824	)			(9,824	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(2,541	)			(2,541	)
Total PPG shareholders’ equity			5,031				5,031
Noncontrolling interests			90				90
Total shareholders’ equity			5,121				5,121
Total capitalization		$	8,873			$

 

(1)	As adjusted cash and cash equivalents reflects actual cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2016, plus the amount of proceeds (net of underwriting discount) received from this offering translated from euro using the exchange rate of €1.00 = $0.9203 on October 21, 2016.

(2)	As adjusted amount is the U.S. dollar equivalent of the aggregate principal amount of the notes offered hereby translated from euro using the exchange rate of €1.00 = $0.9203 on October 21, 2016.

(3)	As adjusted amount includes $        of commercial paper.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

The following description of the particular terms of the notes supplements, and to the extent inconsistent, replaces, the description in the accompanying prospectus of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities to which description reference is hereby made. Capitalized terms defined in the accompanying prospectus and not defined herein are used herein as therein defined.

General

The aggregate principal amount of the notes is €         . The 20     notes and the 20     notes offered hereby initially will be limited to aggregate principal amounts of €          and €         , respectively. The 20     notes will mature and become due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, on             ,                     . The 20 notes will bear interest at the rate of     % per annum from                     , 2016. The 20 notes will mature and become due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, on             ,                     . The 20     notes will bear interest at the rate of     % per annum from                     , 2016.

Interest on the notes will be payable annually in arrears on             of each year, beginning on                     , 2017, to the persons in whose names the notes are registered at the close of business on the                      preceding the respective interest payment date. If any payment date is not a business day, then payment will be made on the next business day, but without any additional interest or other amount. Interest on the notes will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the period for which interest is being calculated and the actual number of days from and including the last date on which interest was paid on the notes (or                     , 2016, if no interest has been paid on the notes), to but excluding the next scheduled interest payment date. This payment convention is referred to as ACTUAL/ACTUAL (ICMA) as defined in the rulebook of the International Capital Market Association.

The notes will be our direct, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and will rank equally and ratably with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The notes will be effectively subordinated to all of our current and future secured debt.

The notes will not be subject to any sinking fund.

The notes will be in the form of one or more global notes that we will deposit with or on behalf of a common depositary for the accounts of Euroclear and Clearstream (each as defined below) and will be registered in the name of the nominee of the common depositary. See “—Book-Entry, Delivery and Form” in this prospectus supplement. The notes will be issued in euro and only in minimum denominations of €100,000, and integral multiples of €1,000 in excess thereof.

We have initially appointed The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch to act as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent in connection with the notes as well as to serve as the common depositary for the notes. The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch is an affiliate of the trustee. The term “paying agent” shall include The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch and any successors appointed from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the indenture. PPG designates as an agency where the notes may be presented for payment, exchange or registration of transfer, in each case as provided in the indenture, the office of the paying agent at One Canada Square, London E14 5AL.

The notes will constitute a series of debt securities to be issued under a supplemental indenture dated as of                     , 2016, among PPG, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, and The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch as the paying agent.

We intend to apply to list the notes on the New York Stock Exchange. We expect trading in the notes on the New York Stock Exchange to begin within 30 days after the original issue date. If such a listing is obtained, we have no obligation to maintain such listing and we may delist the notes at any time. Currently, there is no public market for the notes.

 

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We will file annual statements with the trustee regarding our compliance with our obligations under the indenture governing the notes.

Payments in Euro

Initial holders will be required to pay for the notes in euro, and all payments of interest and principal, including payments made upon any redemption of the notes, will be payable in euro. If, on or after the date of this prospectus supplement, the euro is unavailable to us due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond our control or if the euro is no longer being used by the then member states of the European Monetary Union that have adopted the euro as their currency or for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the international banking community, then all payments in respect of the notes will be made in U.S. dollars until the euro is again available to us or so used. In such circumstances, the amount payable on any date in euro will be converted into U.S. dollars on the basis of the most recently available market exchange rate for euro, as determined by us in our sole discretion. Any payment in respect of the notes so made in U.S. dollars will not constitute an event of default under the notes or the indenture governing the notes. Neither the trustee nor the paying agent shall have any responsibility for any calculation or conversion in connection with the forgoing.

Investors will be subject to foreign exchange risks as to payments of principal and interest that may have important economic and tax consequences to them. See “Risk Factors.”

Business Day

A “business day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, (1) which is not a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York or London are authorized or required by law or executive order to close and (2) on which the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer system (the TARGET2 system), or any successor thereto, operates. If any interest payment date, maturity date or redemption date is not a business day, then the related payment for such interest payment date, maturity date or redemption date shall be paid on the next succeeding business day with the same force and effect as if made on such interest payment date, maturity date or redemption date, as the case may be, and no further interest shall accrue as a result of such delay.

Further Issues

We may from time to time, without notice to or consent of the holders of the notes, create and issue additional notes ranking equally and ratably with the notes in all respects (or in all respects except for the payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date of such additional notes or except, in some cases, for the first payment of interest following the issue date of such additional notes). The additional notes may be consolidated and form a single series with the previously outstanding notes (regardless of whether such additional notes are issued as part of a “qualified reopening” for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and will have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the notes; provided that such additional notes will be fungible with the previously outstanding notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes or will be issued under a different CUSIP number.

Ranking

The notes will be our senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all our other senior unsecured indebtedness, including any other debt securities issued under the indenture governing the notes, from time to time outstanding.

Optional Redemption

Prior to             , (the date that is                     month prior to the scheduled maturity date), the 20     notes will be redeemable in whole or in part, at our option, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the

 

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present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date on an annual basis (ACTUAL/ACTUAL (ICMA)) at the applicable Comparable Government Bond Rate (as defined below), plus                     basis points, plus accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption.

On or after             ,                     (the date that is                     month prior to the scheduled maturity date), we may redeem some or all of the 20     notes, in whole or in part, at our option, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption.

Prior to             ,                     (the date that is                     month prior to the scheduled maturity date), the 20     notes will be redeemable in whole or in part, at our option, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date on an annual basis (ACTUAL/ACTUAL (ICMA)) at the applicable Comparable Government Bond Rate (as defined below), plus basis points, plus                     accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption.

On or after             ,                     (the date that is month prior to the scheduled maturity date), we may redeem some or all of the 20     notes, in whole or in part, at our option, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption.

“Comparable Government Bond Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date for each series of notes, the price, expressed as a percentage (rounded to three decimal places, with 0.0005 being rounded upwards), at which the gross redemption yield on the notes to be redeemed, if they were to be purchased at such price on the third business day prior to the date fixed for redemption, would be equal to the gross redemption yield on such business day of the Comparable Government Bond (as defined below) on the basis of the middle market price of the Comparable Government Bond prevailing at 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such business day as determined by an independent investment bank selected by us.

“Comparable Government Bond” means, with respect to each series of notes, in relation to any Comparable Government Bond Rate calculation, at the discretion of an independent investment bank selected by us, a German government bond whose maturity is closest to the maturity of the notes to be redeemed, or if such independent investment bank in its discretion determines that such similar bond is not in issue, such other German government bond as such independent investment bank may, with the advice of three brokers of, and/or market makers in, German government bonds selected by us, determine to be appropriate for determining the Comparable Government Bond Rate.

“Remaining Scheduled Payments” means, with respect to each series of notes to be redeemed, the remaining scheduled payments of the principal thereof and interest thereon that would be due after the related redemption date but for such redemption; provided, however, that, if such redemption date is not an interest payment date with respect to such note, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment thereon will be deemed to be reduced by the amount of interest accrued thereon to such redemption date.

Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of the series of notes to be redeemed. Unless we default in payment of the applicable redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

If less than all of any series of notes are to be redeemed, the notes of the series to be redeemed shall be selected by the trustee by such method the trustee deems to be fair and appropriate in accordance with applicable depositary procedures.

 

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The notes of each series are also subject to redemption prior to maturity if certain events occur involving U.S. taxation. If any of these special tax events do occur, the notes of each series will be redeemed at a redemption price of 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption. See “—Redemption for Tax Reasons.”

Payment of Additional Amounts

We will, subject to the exceptions and limitations set forth below, pay as additional interest on the notes of either series such additional amounts as are necessary in order that the net amount of the principal of and interest on the notes received by a beneficial owner who is not a United States person (as defined below), after withholding or deduction for any present or future tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by the United States or a taxing authority in the United States, will not be less than the amount that would have been received by such beneficial owner if such tax had not been withheld or deducted; provided, however, that the foregoing obligation to pay additional amounts shall not apply:

 

1.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed by reason of the holder (or the beneficial owner for whose benefit such holder holds such note), or a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of the holder or beneficial owner if the holder or beneficial owner is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation, or a person holding a power over an estate or trust administered by a fiduciary holder, being considered as:

 

a.

being or having been engaged in a trade or business in the United States or having or having had a permanent establishment in the United States;

 

b.

having a current or former connection with the United States (other than a connection arising solely as a result of the ownership of the notes, the receipt of any payment or the enforcement of any rights hereunder), including being or having been a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

c.

being or having been a personal holding company, a passive foreign investment company or a controlled foreign corporation for United States income tax purposes or a corporation that has accumulated earnings to avoid United States federal income tax; or

 

d.

being or having been a “10-percent shareholder” of PPG as defined in section 871(h)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or any successor provision;

 

2.

to any holder that is not the sole beneficial owner of the notes, or a portion of the notes, or that is a fiduciary, partnership or limited liability company, but only to the extent that a beneficial owner with respect to the holder, a beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, or a beneficial owner or member of the partnership or limited liability company would not have been entitled to the payment of an additional amount had the beneficiary, settlor, beneficial owner or member received directly its beneficial or distributive share of the payment;

 

3.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that would not have been imposed but for the failure of the holder or any other person to comply with certification, identification or information reporting requirements concerning the nationality, residence, identity or connection with the United States of the holder or beneficial owner of the notes, if compliance is required by statute, by regulation of the United States or any taxing authority therein or by an applicable income tax treaty to which the United States is a party as a precondition to exemption from such tax, assessment or other governmental charge;

 

4.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed otherwise than by withholding by us or a paying agent from the payment;

 

5.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that would not have been imposed but for a change in law, regulation, or administrative or judicial interpretation that becomes effective more than 15 days after the payment becomes due or is duly provided for, whichever occurs later;

 

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6.

to any estate, inheritance, gift, sales, excise, transfer, wealth, capital gains or personal property tax or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;

 

7.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge required to be withheld by any paying agent from any payment of principal of or interest on any note, if the holder or beneficial owner would have been able to avoid such withholding by presenting the note (where presentation is required) to another available paying agent;

 

8.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that would not have been imposed but for the presentation by the holder of any note, where presentation is required, for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which payment became due and payable or the date on which payment thereof is duly provided for, whichever occurs later;

 

9.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld solely by reason of the beneficial owner being a bank (i) purchasing the notes in the ordinary course of its lending business or (ii) that is neither (A) buying the notes for investment purposes only nor (B) buying the notes for resale to a third-party that either is not a bank or holding the notes for investment purposes only;

 

10.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed under Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (or any amended or successor provisions), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b) of the Code or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such sections of the Code; or

 

11.

in the case of any combination of items (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9) and (10).

The notes are subject in all cases to any tax, fiscal or other law or regulation or administrative or judicial interpretation applicable to the notes. Except as specifically provided under this heading “—Payment of Additional Amounts,” we will not be required to make any payment for any tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by any government or a political subdivision or taxing authority of or in any government or political subdivision.

As used under this heading “—Payment of Additional Amounts” and under the heading “—Redemption for Tax Reasons,” the term “United States” means the United States of America, the states of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any political subdivision thereof, and the term “United States person” means any individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia (other than a partnership that is not treated as a United States person under any applicable Treasury regulations), or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source.

Redemption for Tax Reasons

If, as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws (or any regulations or rulings promulgated under the laws) of the United States (or any taxing authority in the United States), or any change in, or amendments to, an official position regarding the application or interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings, which change or amendment is announced or becomes effective on or after the date of this prospectus supplement, we become or, based upon a written opinion of independent counsel selected by us, we will become obligated to pay additional amounts as described herein under the heading “— Payment of Additional Amounts” with respect to the notes, then we may at any time at our option redeem, in whole, but not in part, the notes on not less than 15 nor more than 60 days prior notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest (including any additional amounts) on those notes to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption.

 

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Change of Control Offer

If a change of control triggering event occurs, unless we have exercised our option to redeem the notes as described above, we will be required to make an offer (a “change of control offer”) to each holder of the notes to repurchase all or any part (equal to €1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of that holder’s notes on the terms set forth in the notes. In a change of control offer, we will be required to offer payment in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the notes repurchased to the date of repurchase (a “change of control payment”). Within 30 days following any change of control triggering event or, at our option, prior to any change of control, but after public announcement of the transaction that constitutes or may constitute the change of control, a notice will be mailed (or otherwise transmitted in accordance with the procedures of Clearstream and Euroclear) to holders of the notes describing the transaction that constitutes or may constitute the change of control triggering event and offering to repurchase such notes on the date specified in the applicable notice, which date will be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is sent (a “change of control payment date”). The notice will, if mailed (or otherwise transmitted as above) prior to the date of consummation of the change of control, state that the change of control offer is conditioned on the change of control triggering event occurring on or prior to the applicable change of control payment date.

On each change of control payment date, we will, to the extent lawful:

 

•

accept for payment all notes or portions of notes properly tendered pursuant to the applicable change of control offer;

 

•

deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the change of control payment in respect of all notes or portions of notes properly tendered; and

 

•

deliver or cause to be delivered to the trustee the notes properly accepted together with an officers’ certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of notes or portions of notes being repurchased.

We will not be required to make a change of control offer upon the occurrence of a change of control triggering event if a third party makes such an offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements for an offer made by us and the third party repurchases all notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer. In addition, we will not repurchase any notes if there has occurred and is continuing on the change of control payment date an event of default under the indenture, other than a default in the payment of the change of control payment upon a change of control triggering event.

We will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the notes as a result of a change of control triggering event. To the extent that the provisions of any such securities laws or regulations conflict with the change of control offer provisions of the notes, we will comply with those securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the change of control offer provisions of the notes by virtue of any such conflict.

For purposes of the change of control offer provisions of the notes, the following terms will be applicable:

“Change of control” means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or more series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any person, other than our Company or one of our subsidiaries; (ii) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any person becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of our outstanding voting stock or other voting stock into which our voting stock is reclassified, consolidated, exchanged or changed, measured by voting power rather than number of shares; (iii) we consolidate with, or merge with or into, any person, or any person consolidates with, or merges with or into, us, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of our outstanding voting stock or the voting stock of

 

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such other person is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the shares of our voting stock outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute, or are converted into or exchanged for, a majority of the voting stock of the surviving person or any direct or indirect parent company of the surviving person immediately after giving effect to such transaction; (iv) the first day on which a majority of the members of our Board of Directors are not continuing directors; or (v) the adoption of a plan relating to our liquidation or dissolution. The term “person,” as used in this definition, has the meaning given thereto in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

“Change of control triggering event” means the occurrence of both a change of control and a rating event.

“Continuing directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of our Board of Directors who (i) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date the notes were issued or (ii) was nominated for election, elected or appointed to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the continuing directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of such nomination, election or appointment (either by a specific vote or by approval of our proxy statement in which such member was named as a nominee for election as a director, without objection to such nomination).

“Investment grade rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, and the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any replacement rating agency or rating agencies selected by us. In no event shall the Trustee be charged with monitoring the Company’s rating.

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and its successors.

“Rating agencies” means (i) each of Moody’s and S&P; and (ii) if either Moody’s or S&P ceases to rate the notes or fails to make a rating of the notes publicly available for reasons outside of our control, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by us (as certified by a resolution of our Board of Directors) as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P, or all of them, as the case may be.

“Rating event” means the rating on the notes is lowered by each of the rating agencies and the notes are rated below an investment grade rating by each of the rating agencies on any day during the period (which period will be extended so long as the rating of the notes is under publicly announced consideration for a possible downgrade by each of the rating agencies) commencing 60 days prior to the first public notice of the occurrence of a change of control or our intention to effect a change of control and ending 60 days following consummation of such change of control.

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services LLC, a division of S&P Global Inc., and its successors.

“Voting stock” means, with respect to any specified “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) as of any date, the capital stock of such person that is at the time entitled to vote generally in the election of the board of directors of such person.

Certain Covenants

We have agreed to three principal limitations on our activities. The restrictive covenants summarized below will apply to the notes as long as any of the notes are outstanding, unless waived or amended in accordance with the indenture. See “Modification and Waiver” in the accompanying prospectus.

Limitations on Liens

Some of our property may be subject to mortgages, pledges, liens or security interests (“Mortgages”) that give some of our lenders preferential rights in that property over other general creditors, including the holders of notes, if we fail to pay them back. We have agreed under the indenture, with certain exceptions described below, that we will not, and will not permit any of our Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined below) to, issue, assume,

 

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guarantee or incur any indebtedness that is secured by Mortgages on any of our or our Restricted Subsidiaries’ present or future property, unless we or any of our Restricted Subsidiaries grant an equal or higher-ranking Mortgage on the same property to the direct holders of the notes and, if we so determine, to the holders of any of our other indebtedness or of such Restricted Subsidiary that ranks equally with the notes.

The term “Restricted Subsidiary” means any of our subsidiaries other than foreign subsidiaries, subsidiaries in the territories or possessions of the United States, or leasing, real estate investment or financing subsidiaries, unless our Board of Directors designates one of these types of subsidiaries as a Restricted Subsidiary.

We do not need to comply with these limitations if the amount of all of our Mortgages and the aggregate value of sale and leaseback transactions involving our property, is not more than 10% of the Consolidated Net Tangible Assets (as defined below).

“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means the aggregate amount of assets (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries after deducting therefrom (i) all goodwill, tradenames, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and other like intangibles and (ii) all current liabilities (excluding any current liabilities for money borrowed having a maturity of less than 12 months but by its terms being renewable or extendible beyond 12 months from such date at the option of the borrower), all as reflected in the Company’s latest audited consolidated balance sheet contained in the Company’s most recent annual report to its stockholders prior to the time as of which “Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” shall be determined.

When we calculate the limits imposed by this restriction, we can disregard the following types of Mortgages:

 

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Mortgages on the property of any of our subsidiaries, if those Mortgages existed at the time the corporation becomes a subsidiary;

 

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Mortgages on property that existed at the time we acquired the property, including property we may acquire through a merger or similar transaction, or that we grant in order to purchase the property;

 

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Mortgages on property to finance the cost of exploration, development or improvement of that property;

 

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intercompany Mortgages in our or our wholly owned subsidiaries’ favor;

 

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Mortgages in favor of federal or state governmental bodies or any other country or political subdivision of another country that we may grant in order to assure payments to such bodies that we owe by law or because of a contract we entered into; and

 

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Mortgages that extend, renew or replace any of the Mortgages described above.

We are permitted to have as much unsecured debt as we may choose.

Limitations on Sale and Leaseback Transactions

We agree that we will not and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiaries to enter into any sale and leaseback transaction involving our real property or the real property of our Restricted Subsidiaries, unless we comply with this restrictive covenant. A “sale and leaseback transaction” generally is an arrangement between an operating company and a bank, insurance company or other lender or investor where the operating company leases real property which was or will be sold by the operating company to that lender or investor, other than a lease for a period of three years or less by the end of which it is intended that the use of such real property by the operating company will be discontinued.

 

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We can comply with this restrictive covenant in one of two ways:

 

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if, at the time of the transaction, we could create a Mortgage on the real property to be leased in an amount equal to the value of the sale and leaseback transaction without being required to grant an equal or higher-ranking Mortgage to the holders of the notes as described under “Limitations on Liens” above; or

 

•

if we apply an amount, subject to certain adjustments described in the indenture, equal to the greater of:

(i) the net proceeds of the sale of the real property leased pursuant to such sale and leaseback transaction, and

(ii) the fair value of the real property so leased,

to retire any other debt that has a maturity of more than one year.

Limitations on Asset Transfers

Neither we nor our Restricted Subsidiaries may transfer any assets constituting a major manufacturing or research property, plant or facility to any of our subsidiaries that is not a Restricted Subsidiary.

Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

The notes will be subject to the satisfaction and discharge provisions and the defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions set forth under “Description of Debt Securities—Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” in the accompanying prospectus.

Concerning the Trustee

The Trustee has provided various services to us in the past and may do so in the future as a part of its regular business.

Book-Entry, Delivery and Form

We have obtained the information in this section concerning Clearstream and Euroclear and their book-entry systems and procedures from sources that we believe to be reliable. We take no responsibility for an accurate portrayal of this information. In addition, the description of the clearing systems in this section reflects our understanding of the rules and procedures of Clearstream and Euroclear as they are currently in effect. Those clearing systems could change their rules and procedures at any time.

The notes of each series will initially be represented by one or more fully registered global notes. Each such global note will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a common depositary, and registered in the name of the nominee of the common depositary for the accounts of Clearstream and Euroclear. Except as set forth below, the global notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective nominees. You may hold your interests in the global notes in Europe through Clearstream or Euroclear, either as a participant in such systems or indirectly through organizations which are participants in such systems. Clearstream and Euroclear will hold interests in the global notes on behalf of their respective participating organizations or customers through customers’ securities accounts in Clearstream’s or Euroclear’s names on the books of their respective depositaries. Book-entry interests in the notes and all transfers relating to the notes will be reflected in the book-entry records of Clearstream and Euroclear. The address of Clearstream is 42 Avenue JF Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg, Luxembourg and the address of Euroclear is 1 Boulevard Roi Albert II, B-1210 Brussels, Belgium.

The distribution of the notes will be cleared through Clearstream and Euroclear. Any secondary market trading of book-entry interests in the notes will take place through Clearstream and Euroclear participants and will settle in same-day funds. Owners of book-entry interests in the notes will receive payments relating to their notes in euro, except as described in this prospectus supplement under “Currency Conversion.”

 

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Clearstream and Euroclear have established electronic securities and payment transfer, processing, depositary and custodial links among themselves and others, either directly or through custodians and depositaries. These links allow the notes to be issued, held and transferred among the clearing systems without the physical transfer of certificates. Special procedures to facilitate clearance and settlement have been established among these clearing systems to trade securities across borders in the secondary market.

The policies of Clearstream and Euroclear will govern payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to the investor’s interest in the notes held by them. We have no responsibility for any aspect of the records kept by Clearstream or Euroclear or any of their direct or indirect participants. We also do not supervise these systems in any way.

Clearstream and Euroclear and their participants perform these clearance and settlement functions under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers. You should be aware that they are not obligated to perform or continue to perform these procedures and may modify them or discontinue them at any time.

Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in the notes will not be entitled to have the notes registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the notes in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the notes under the indenture, including for purposes of receiving any reports delivered by us or the trustee pursuant to the indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a note must rely on the procedures of the depositary and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, in order to exercise any rights of a holder of notes.

We have been advised by Clearstream and Euroclear, respectively, as follows:

Clearstream

Clearstream advises that it is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional depositary. Clearstream holds securities for its participating organizations (“Clearstream Participants”) and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between Clearstream Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of Clearstream Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Clearstream provides to Clearstream Participants, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. As a professional depositary, Clearstream is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Commission for the Supervision of the Financial Sector (Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier). Clearstream Participants are recognized financial institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations and may include the underwriters. Indirect access to Clearstream is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Clearstream Participant, either directly or indirectly.

Distributions with respect to interests in the notes held beneficially through Clearstream will be credited to cash accounts of Clearstream Participants in accordance with its rules and procedures.

Euroclear

Euroclear advises that it was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants of Euroclear (“Euroclear Participants”) and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear Participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash. Euroclear includes various other services, including securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. Euroclear

 

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is operated by Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. (the “Euroclear Operator”). All operations are conducted by the Euroclear Operator, and all Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash accounts are accounts with the Euroclear Operator. Euroclear Participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries and may include the underwriters. Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear Participant, either directly or indirectly.

The Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System, or the Euroclear Terms and Conditions, and applicable Belgian law govern securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear Operator. Specifically, these terms and conditions govern:

 

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transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear;

 

•

withdrawal of securities and cash from Euroclear; and

 

•

receipt of payments with respect to securities in Euroclear.

All securities in Euroclear are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts. The Euroclear Operator acts under the terms and conditions only on behalf of Euroclear Participants and has no record of or relationship with persons holding securities through Euroclear Participants.

Distributions with respect to interests in the notes held beneficially through Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts of Euroclear Participants in accordance with the Euroclear Terms and Conditions.

Clearance and Settlement Procedures

We understand that investors that hold their notes through Clearstream or Euroclear accounts will follow the settlement procedures that are applicable to conventional eurobonds in registered form. Notes will be credited to the securities custody accounts of Clearstream Participants and Euroclear Participants on the business day following the settlement date, for value on the settlement date. They will be credited either free of payment or against payment for value on the settlement date.

We understand that secondary market trading between Clearstream and/or Euroclear participants will occur in the ordinary way following the applicable rules and operating procedures of Clearstream and Euroclear. Secondary market trading will be settled using procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in registered form.

You should be aware that investors will only be able to make and receive deliveries, payments and other communications involving the notes through Clearstream and Euroclear on days when those systems are open for business. Those systems may not be open for business on days when banks, brokers and other institutions are open for business in the United States.

In addition, because of time-zone differences, there may be problems with completing transactions involving Clearstream and Euroclear on the same business day as in the United States. U.S. investors who wish to transfer their interests in the notes, or to make or receive a payment or delivery of the notes, on a particular day, may find that the transactions will not be performed until the next business day in Luxembourg or Brussels, depending on whether Clearstream or Euroclear is used.

Clearstream or Euroclear will credit payments to the cash accounts of Clearstream customers or Euroclear Participants, as applicable, in accordance with the relevant system’s rules and procedures, to the extent received by its depositary. Clearstream or the Euroclear Operator, as the case may be, will take any other action permitted to be taken by a holder under the indenture on behalf of a Clearstream customer or Euroclear Participant only in accordance with its relevant rules and procedures.

 

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Clearstream and Euroclear have agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of notes among Clearstream Participants and Euroclear Participants. However, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform those procedures, and they may discontinue those procedures at any time.

Certificated notes

If the depositary for any of the notes represented by a registered global note is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue notes in definitive form in exchange for the registered global note that had been held by the depositary. Any notes issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global note will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the trustee or other relevant agent of the trustee. It is expected that the depositary’s instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global note that had been held by the depositary. In addition, we may at any time determine that the notes shall no longer be represented by a global note and will issue notes in definitive form in exchange for such global note pursuant to the procedure described above.

 

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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences, and potential U.S. federal estate tax consequences to certain investors, of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of notes. This summary deals only with initial investors in notes that acquire the notes at the price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement and that will hold the notes as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The discussion does not cover all aspects of U.S. federal income and estate taxation that may be relevant to, or the actual tax effect that any of the matters described herein will have on, the acquisition, ownership or disposition of notes by particular investors, and does not address state, local, foreign or other tax laws. This summary also does not discuss all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to certain types of investors subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws (such as financial institutions, insurance companies, investors liable for the alternative minimum tax, individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred accounts, tax-exempt organizations, dealers in securities, investors that will hold the notes as part of straddles or conversion transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes or U.S. investors whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar).

The U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in a partnership that holds notes will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Prospective investors that are partnerships should consult their tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to their partners of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of notes by the partnership.

The summary is based on the tax laws of the United States, including the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, all as of the date hereof and all subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect.

ALL PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF ACQUIRING, OWNING OR DISPOSING OF THE NOTES, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAW.

U.S. Holders

As used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a note that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax without regard to its source or (iv) a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or the trust has validly elected to be treated as a domestic trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Nonfunctional Currency Contingent Payment Debt Treatment

In certain circumstances, we may be obligated to pay amounts in excess of stated interest or principal on the notes. For example, if we are required to repurchase the notes in connection with a “change of control triggering event” as described in “Description of the Notes—Change of Control Offer,” we must pay a 1% premium. The possibility of such payments may implicate special rules under Treasury regulations governing “nonfunctional currency contingent payment debt instruments.” However, the possibility that additional payments will be made will not cause the notes to be nonfunctional currency contingent payment debt instruments if, as of the date the notes are issued, there is only a remote chance that such payments will be made or certain other exceptions apply. We have determined and intend to take the position (and the remainder of this discussion assumes) that the possibility of such events occurring is remote and thus should not subject the notes to the nonfunctional currency contingent payment debt rules. Our position is binding on a U.S. Holder unless such holder discloses that it is

 

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taking a contrary position in the manner required by applicable Treasury regulations. Our position is not, however, binding on the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and if the IRS were to challenge this position, a U.S. Holder might be required to use the accrual method, even if such holder was otherwise a cash method taxpayer, to recognize income in excess of the stated interest on the notes and to treat as ordinary income rather than capital gain any income that a U.S. Holder realizes on the taxable disposition of a note. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if the notes were treated as nonfunctional currency contingent payment debt instruments.

Payments of Interest

Subject to the discussion above under “Nonfunctional Currency Contingent Payment Debt Treatment,” interest on a note will be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary income at the time it is received or accrued, in accordance with the holder’s method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. It is expected, and this discussion assumes, that the notes will be issued without original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

A U.S. Holder that uses the cash method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes and that receives a payment of interest (or receives proceeds from a sale, exchange or other disposition attributable to accrued interest) will be required to include in income, as ordinary income, the U.S. dollar value of the euro payment (determined based on a spot rate on the date the payment is received), and this U.S. dollar value will be the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the euro received.

A U.S. Holder that uses the accrual method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be required to include in income, as ordinary income, the U.S. dollar value of the amount of interest income that accrues with respect to a note during an accrual period. The U.S. dollar value of the accrued income will be determined by translating the income at the average rate of exchange for the accrual period or, with respect to an accrual period that spans two taxable years, at the average rate of exchange for the partial period within the taxable year. The U.S. Holder will recognize foreign currency gain or loss (which will be treated as ordinary income or loss) with respect to accrued interest income on the date the interest payment (or proceeds from the sale, exchange or other disposition attributable to accrued interest) is received. The amount of foreign currency gain or loss recognized will equal the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the euro payment received (determined based on a spot rate on the date the payment is received) in respect of the accrual period and the U.S. dollar value of interest income that has accrued during the accrual period (as determined above). Alternatively, a U.S. Holder may elect to translate interest income for an interest accrual period into U.S. dollars at the spot rate on the last day of the interest accrual period (or, in the case of a partial accrual period, the spot rate on the last day of the taxable year) or, if the date of receipt is within five business days of the last day of the interest accrual period, the spot rate on the date of receipt. A U.S. Holder that makes this election must apply it consistently to all debt instruments from year to year and cannot change the election without the consent of the IRS.

Sale and Retirement of the Notes

A U.S. Holder will generally recognize gain or loss on the sale or retirement of a note equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or retirement and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the note. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in a note will be the U.S. dollar value of the euro amount paid for the note, determined on the date of the purchase. A U.S. Holder’s amount realized generally will equal the U.S. dollar value of the euro received in exchange for the note, calculated at the spot rate on the date of the sale or retirement. The amount realized does not include the amount attributable to accrued but unpaid interest, which will be taxable as interest income at the time and in the manner described above under “Payments of Interest.”

If the notes are traded on an established securities market, a U.S. Holder that uses the cash method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and if it so elects, a U.S. Holder that uses the accrual method of tax accounting, will determine the U.S. dollar values of its adjusted tax bases in the note and the amount realized

 

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on the sale or retirement of a note by translating euro amounts at the spot rate on the settlement date of the purchase or sale or retirement. The election available to accrual basis U.S. Holders must be applied consistently by the U.S. Holder to all debt instruments from year to year and cannot be changed without the consent of the IRS. If a U.S. Holder that uses an accrual method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes does not make this election, the amount realized with respect to a sale of a note traded on an established securities market will be the U.S. dollar value of the euro received calculated at the spot rate on the trade date of the sale.

Except to the extent of foreign currency gain or loss (as described below), gain or loss realized on the sale of a note will generally be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of the sale the note has been held for more than one year. Long-term capital gains recognized by non-corporate taxpayers are subject to reduced tax rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

A U.S. Holder may recognize foreign currency gain or loss upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of a note. Such gain or loss will equal the difference between (i) the U.S. dollar value of the U.S. Holder’s purchase price in euro of the note, determined using the spot rate on the settlement date or trade date, as described above, of the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the note, and (ii) the U.S. dollar value of the U.S. Holder’s purchase price in euro of the note, determined using the spot rate on the date the U.S. Holder acquired the note. The foreign currency gain or loss in respect of both principal and interest on a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of a note will be recognized only to the extent of the total gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the note. Any such gain or loss generally will be U.S. source ordinary income or loss. A U.S. Holder that uses the accrual method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes and that sells the notes on an established securities market but that does not make the “settlement date” election described above will also realize foreign currency gain or loss on the receipt of euro on the settlement date to the extent (i) the U.S. dollar value of the euro determined on the spot rate on the settlement date of the sale differs from (ii) the U.S. dollar value of the euro determined at the spot rate on the trade date of the sale. If a U.S. Holder recognizes a loss upon a sale or other taxable disposition of a note and such loss is above certain thresholds, the U.S. Holder may be required to file a disclosure statement with the IRS. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding this reporting obligation.

A U.S. Holder will have a tax basis in any euro received on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of a note equal to the U.S. dollar value of the euro, determined using the spot rate on the day of sale, exchange or other taxable disposition. Any gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on a sale or other taxable disposition of euro (including its exchange for U.S. dollars) will be ordinary income or loss. A U.S. Holder who purchases a note with previously owned euro will recognize ordinary income or loss in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the euro and the U.S. dollar fair market value of the note on the date of purchase.

Net Investment Income Tax

Certain U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay an additional 3.8% net investment income tax on, among other things, interest income and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of a note. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors as to the application of this additional tax to their investment in the notes.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Payments of principal and interest on, and the proceeds of a sale or other disposition of, notes to a U.S. Holder are subject to certain information reporting requirements (unless the U.S. Holder is a corporation or other exempt recipient, and, when required, establishes this exemption). Backup withholding may also apply to such payments unless the U.S. Holder provides the Company, or an applicable intermediary, a correct Taxpayer Identification Number (“TIN”) and certifies that the U.S. Holder is a U.S. person, the TIN is correct (or that the U.S. Holder is awaiting a TIN) and the U.S. Holder either (a) is exempt from backup withholding, (b) has not

 

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been informed by the IRS that backup withholding is required due to underreporting of interest and dividends from payments made to the U.S. Holder or (c) has been informed by the IRS that backup withholding is no longer required. A U.S. Holder can satisfy these requirements by completing and submitting a properly executed IRS Form W-9. A U.S. Holder that does not provide its correct TIN may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, but instead will be allowed as a credit against such holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the holder to a refund if the U.S. Holder timely furnishes the required information to the IRS.

Non-U.S. Holders

As used herein, the term “Non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a note that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (i) a foreign corporation, (ii) a non-resident alien individual or (iii) a foreign estate or foreign trust.

Payments of Interest

Subject to the discussion of backup withholding and FATCA below, interest on the notes is currently exempt from U.S. federal income tax, including withholding tax, if paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that certifies on a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E that it is not a United States person, unless (i) the interest is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States of the Non-U.S. Holder or (ii) the Non-U.S. Holder (A) actually or constructively owns 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock or (B) is a controlled foreign corporation related to us directly or constructively through stock ownership.

If interest on the notes is not effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States by the Non-U.S. Holder, but the Non-U.S. Holder fails to qualify for the exemption from U.S. federal income tax described in the preceding paragraph, interest on the notes generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax (currently imposed at a 30% rate, or a lower applicable treaty rate). Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be entitled to receive additional amounts with respect to such withholding.

If interest on the notes is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States by the Non-U.S. Holder (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, such interest is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base within the United States of the Non-U.S. Holder), then the Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such interest in the same manner as if such holder were a U.S. person and, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation, may also be subject to the branch profits tax (currently imposed at a rate of 30%, or a lower applicable treaty rate). Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be entitled to receive additional amounts with respect to such withholding.

Sale and Retirement of the Notes

Subject to the discussion of backup withholding and FATCA below, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized on the sale or retirement of a note, unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a United States trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, such interest is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base within the United States of the Non-U.S. Holder), or (ii) in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder who is an individual, the holder is present in the United States for a total of 183 days or more during the taxable year in which the gain is realized and certain other conditions are met. If the gain is taxable because (i) applies, the non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to tax on the sale or retirement in the same manner as if the Non-U.S. Holder were a U.S. Holder. In addition, if a non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation, it may be subject to the U.S. branch profits tax at a 30% rate (except as otherwise provided under an applicable tax treaty). If the gain is taxable because (ii) applies, the non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to tax equal to 30% of the gain realized except as otherwise provided under an applicable tax treaty.

 

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Federal Estate Tax

Individual Non-U.S. Holders and entities the property of which is potentially includible in such an individual’s gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual has retained certain interests or powers) should note that, absent an applicable treaty benefit, a note or interest thereon may be treated as U.S.-situs property subject to U.S. federal estate tax if payments on the note, if received by the decedent at the time of death, would have been (i) subject to United States federal tax withholding (other than backup withholding and FATCA withholding, each as described below, and without regard to the application of any income tax treaty); or (ii) effectively connected with the conduct by the holder of a trade or business in the United States. Individual Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors as to the application of U.S. federal estate tax to their investment in the notes.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Information returns are required to be filed with the IRS in connection with interest payments on the notes. Payments of principal and interest on, and the proceeds of a sale or other disposition of, notes by a U.S. paying agent or other U.S. intermediary to a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to backup withholding or other information reporting requirements if appropriate certification (Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E or other appropriate form) is provided to the payor and the payor does not have actual knowledge that the certificate is false. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, but instead will be allowed as a credit against such holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the holder to a refund if the Non-U.S. Holder timely furnishes the required information to the IRS.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act provisions of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (“FATCA”), as applicable, impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on certain payments (including interest payments and, for dispositions beginning January 1, 2019, gross proceeds from debt instruments such as the notes) to “foreign financial institutions” (“FFIs”) (which is broadly defined for this purpose and in general includes investment vehicles) and certain other non-U.S. entities unless various U.S. information reporting and due diligence requirements (generally relating to ownership by U.S. persons of interests in or accounts with those entities) have been satisfied, or an exemption applies. A person that receives payments through one or more FFIs or other non-U.S. entities may receive reduced payments as a result of these rules. Foreign governments have entered into, and may continue to enter into, agreements with the United States to implement FATCA in a different manner. If FATCA withholding is imposed, a beneficial owner that is not a FFI generally will be entitled to a refund of any amounts withheld by filing a U.S. federal income tax return (which may entail significant administrative burden). Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be entitled to receive additional amounts with respect to any withholding pursuant to FATCA. Investors are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the implications of FATCA on their investment in the notes.

 

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PROPOSED FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS TAX

The Proposed Financial Transactions Tax (“FTT”)

On February 14, 2013, the European Commission published a proposal (the “Commission’s Proposal”) for a Directive for a common FTT in Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia (the “participating Member States”). The Commission’s Proposal has very broad scope and could, if introduced, apply to certain dealings in the notes (including secondary market transactions) in certain circumstances. The issuance and subscription of Notes should, however, be exempt. Under the Commission’s Proposal the FTT could apply in certain circumstances to persons both within and outside of the participating Member States. Generally, it would apply to certain dealings in the notes where at least one party is a financial institution, and at least one party is established in a participating Member State. A financial institution may be, or be deemed to be, “established” in a participating Member State in a broad range of circumstances, including (a) by transacting with a person established in a participating Member State or (b) where the financial instrument which is subject to the dealings is issued in a participating Member State.

On March 16, 2016, Estonia formally withdrew from enhanced cooperation on FTT leaving ten remaining participating Member States. The participating Member States (excluding Estonia) indicated during a ECOFIN meeting on June 17, 2016 that work and discussions would continue during the second half of 2016. The FTT proposal (including whether or not it comes into force as proposed or at all) remains subject to negotiation between the participating Member States and the scope of any such tax is uncertain. Additional EU Member States may decide to participate.

Prospective holders of the notes are advised to seek their own professional advice in relation to the FTT.

 

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UNDERWRITING

Subject to the terms and conditions contained in an underwriting agreement, dated as of the date of this prospectus supplement between us and the underwriters named below, for whom J.P. Morgan Securities plc, BNP Paribas and MUFG Securities EMEA plc are acting as representatives, we have agreed to sell to each underwriter, and each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase from us, the principal amount of notes that appears opposite its name in the table below:

 

Underwriter		Principal amount of 20     notes				Principal amount of 20     notes
J.P. Morgan Securities plc			€				€
BNP Paribas
MUFG Securities EMEA plc
Total			€				€

The underwriters are offering the notes subject to their acceptance of the notes from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the notes offered by this prospectus supplement are subject to certain conditions. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the notes offered by this prospectus supplement if any such notes are taken. The offering of the notes by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part.

The underwriters initially propose to offer the notes to the public at the public offering prices set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement. After the initial offering of the notes, the underwriters may from time to time vary the offering prices and other selling terms. The underwriters may offer and sell notes through certain of their affiliates.

The following table shows the underwriting discount that we will pay to the underwriters in connection with the offering of the notes:

 

		Paid by us
Per 20     note				%
Per 20     note				%
Total			€

Expenses associated with this offering to be paid by us, other than the underwriting discount, are estimated to be approximately $            .

We have also agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments which the underwriters may be required to make in respect of any such liabilities.

Each series of notes is a new issue of securities for which there is no established trading market. We intend to apply to list the notes on the New York Stock Exchange. We expect trading in the notes on the New York Stock exchange to begin within 30 days after the original issue date. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in the notes after completion of the offering, but they are not obligated to do so. The underwriters may discontinue any market making in the notes at any time at their sole discretion. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that a liquid trading market will develop for the notes, that you will be able to sell your notes at a particular time or that the prices you receive when you sell will be favorable.

In connection with the offering of the notes, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the prices of the notes. Specifically, the underwriters may overallot in connection

 

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with the offering of the notes, creating syndicate short positions. In addition, the underwriters may bid for and purchase notes in the open market to cover syndicate short positions or to stabilize the prices of the notes. The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions. Finally, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed for distributing the notes in the offering of the notes, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed notes in syndicate covering transactions, stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market prices of the notes above independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to engage in any of these activities, and may end any of them at any time. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

The underwriters and their affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, corporate trust, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. From time to time in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in and may in the future engage in commercial banking, derivatives and/or financial advisory, investment banking and other commercial transactions and services with us and our affiliates for which they have received or will receive customary fees and commissions. Affiliates of certain of the underwriters are dealers with respect to our commercial paper program. In addition, affiliates of certain of the underwriters are lenders and/or agents under our credit facilities.

MUFG Securities EMEA plc and BNP Paribas are not U.S. registered broker-dealers, and will not effect any offers or sales of any notes in the United States unless it is through one or more U.S. registered broker-dealers as permitted by the regulations of FINRA.

In the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments 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, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of the Company. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

We expect to deliver the notes against payment for the notes on or about the date specified in the last paragraph of the cover page of this prospectus supplement, which will be the          business day following the date of the pricing of the notes. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, 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, purchasers who wish to trade notes on the date of pricing or the next succeeding business day will be required, by virtue of the fact that the notes initially will settle in T+        , to specify an alternate settlement arrangement to prevent a failed settlement.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the 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”), each underwriter has represented and agreed that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the “Relevant Implementation Date”) it has not made and will not make an offer of notes which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement to the public in that Relevant Member State except that it may, with effect from and including such date, make an offer of notes in that Relevant Member State:

 

•

to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;

 

•

to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150, natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the

 

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Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or

 

•

in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive,

provided that no such offer of notes shall require the issuer or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.

Each person located in a Relevant Member State who initially acquires any notes or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that (i) it is a “qualified investor” as defined in the Prospectus Directive and (ii) in the case of any notes acquired by it as a financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, (a) the notes acquired by it in the offering have not been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in any Relevant Member State other than “qualified investors” as defined in the Prospectus Directive or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the underwriters has been given to the offer or resale or (b) where notes have been acquired by it on behalf of persons in any Relevant Member State other than ‘‘qualified investors’’ as defined in the Prospectus Directive, the offer of those notes to it is not treated under the Prospectus Directive as having been made to such persons. We, the underwriters and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgements and agreements.

For the purpose of the above provisions, the expression an “offer of notes to the public” in relation to any notes 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 notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the notes, as the same may be varied in that Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State, the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State) and includes any relevant implementing measure in that Relevant Member State and the expression “2010 PD Amending Directive” means Directive 2010/73/EU.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:

 

•

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 notes in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to us; and

 

•

it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the notes in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

Hong Kong

Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:

 

•

it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell in Hong Kong, by means of any document, any notes other than (i) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance, or (ii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer or invitation to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance; and

 

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•

it has not issued or had in its possession for the purposes of issue, and will not issue or have in its possession for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, any advertisement, invitation or document relating to the notes, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.

Japan

The notes have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law) and each underwriter has agreed that it will not offer or sell any notes, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

Singapore

This prospectus supplement has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the notes may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the notes be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the notes under Section 275 except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (2) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (3) by operation of law.

 

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VALIDITY OF THE NOTES

K&L Gates LLP, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will pass upon the validity of our notes. Certain matters of Pennsylvania law will be passed upon for us by Glenn E. Bost II, our Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Certain legal matters relating to the offering of the notes will be passed upon for the underwriters by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

The financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

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Prospectus

 

PPG Industries, Inc.

Debt Securities

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Warrants

Depositary Shares

Purchase Contracts

Units

 

 

We may offer to sell from time to time, in one or more classes or series, debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants, depositary shares, purchase contracts or units, or any combination of these securities. The debt securities, warrants, purchase contracts and preferred stock may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock, preferred stock or other securities or debt or equity securities of one or more other entities.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the ticker symbol “PPG.” If we decide to seek a listing of any securities offered by this prospectus, we will disclose the exchange or market on which the securities will be listed, if any, or where we have made an application for listing, if any, in one or more supplements to this prospectus.

This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities and the general manner in which they may be offered. The specific terms of any securities to be offered and the specific manner in which they may be offered will be described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement that contains a description of those securities.

We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, or directly to other purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. If any offering involves underwriters, dealers or agents, arrangements with them will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to that offering.

You should consider carefully the “Risk Factors ” described on page 3 and in any applicable prospectus supplement before investing in any of our securities offered by this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.

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

 

 

The date of this prospectus is August 1, 2016.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY			1
RISK FACTORS			3
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			3
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES			4
USE OF PROCEEDS			4
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES			4
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL SECURITIES			14
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SECURITIES			17
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			17
LEGAL MATTERS			19
EXPERTS			19

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to in this prospectus as the SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell from time to time any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may change after that date. Each time we sell securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain or incorporate by reference specific information about the terms of that offering. Each prospectus supplement also may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. We urge you to read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with the additional information described below under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other than as contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by us or any underwriter, agent, dealer or remarketing firm. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale made under this prospectus shall under any circumstances create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this prospectus or that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is correct as of any time subsequent to the date of such information. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is an unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Available Information

We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements and other information that we file with the SEC can be read and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 to obtain further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us. The SEC’s Internet address is http://www.sec.gov. In addition, our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and our reports and other information can be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. Our Internet address is http://www.ppg.com. The information on our Internet site is not a part of this prospectus.

Incorporation by Reference

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with it. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents. Any information we incorporate in this manner is considered part of this prospectus except to the extent updated and superseded by information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. Some information that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and until we sell all of the securities covered by this prospectus will automatically update and supersede the information contained in this prospectus.

We incorporate by reference the following documents that we have filed with the SEC and any filings that we make with the SEC in the future under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), until we sell all of the securities covered by this prospectus, including between the date of this prospectus and the date on which the offering of the securities under this prospectus is terminated, except as noted in the paragraph below:

 

Our SEC Filings (File No. 1-01687)		Period for or Date of Filing
Annual Report on Form 10-K		Year Ended December 31, 2015
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q		Quarters Ended March 31 and June 30, 2016
Current Reports on Form 8-K		January 7, April 25, April 27, June 3, June 10, June 27 and July 22, 2016
Form 10		June 29, 1935

Pursuant to General Instruction B of Form 8-K, any information submitted under Item 2.02, Results of Operations and Financial Condition, or Item 7.01, Regulation FD Disclosure, of Form 8-K is not deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and we are not subject to the liabilities of Section 18 with respect to information submitted under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K. We are not incorporating by reference any information submitted under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act into this prospectus.

Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document referred to in this prospectus do not purport to be complete, and where reference is made to the particular provisions of that contract, agreement or other document, those references are qualified in all respects by reference to all of the provisions contained in that contract, agreement or other document. For a more complete understanding and description of each such contract, agreement or other document, we urge you to read the exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference, or deemed to be incorporated by reference, into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the

 

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extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies or supersedes that statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

We will provide without charge, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus and a copy of any or all other contracts, agreements or documents which are referred to in this prospectus. Requests should be directed to: PPG Industries, Inc., One PPG Place, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15272, Attention: Corporate Secretary; telephone number: (412) 434-3131. You also may review a copy of the registration statement and its exhibits at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., as well as through the SEC’s Internet site, http://www.sec.gov.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risks. Before deciding whether to purchase any of our securities, you should carefully consider the risks involved in an investment in our securities, as set forth in Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, as updated in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the other risks described in any prospectus supplement or in any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In this prospectus, statements that are not reported financial results or other historical information are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on our management’s expectations that involve a number of business risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements.

You can identify these forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “would,” “should,” “will,” “will likely result,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “projects” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our reports to the SEC.

Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. Such factors include global economic conditions, increasing price and product competition by foreign and domestic competitors, fluctuations in cost and availability of raw materials, the ability to maintain favorable supplier relationships and arrangements, difficulties in integrating acquired businesses and achieving expected synergies therefrom, economic and political conditions in international markets, the ability to penetrate existing, developing and emerging foreign and domestic markets, foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in such rates, fluctuations in tax rates, the impact of future legislation, the impact of environmental regulations, unexpected business disruptions, the unpredictability of existing and possible future litigation. However, it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, while the list of factors presented here, in any prospectus supplement and in Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, as updated in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements.

Consequences of material differences in the results compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties, other factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of any prospectus supplement, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, as updated in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

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CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

Our consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2016

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Ratios of earnings to fixed charges

11.2x

9.7x

5.4x

5.2x

3.9x

4.3x

For the purposes of this ratio, “earnings” consist of consolidated earnings before income taxes, plus fixed charges exclusive of capitalized interest and less undistributed income of unconsolidated affiliates carried on the equity basis. “Fixed charges” consist of interest, whether expensed or capitalized (including amortization of debt discount and debt expense), and that portion of rentals which is representative of interest. We did not declare any preferred stock dividends for any of the periods presented.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a specific issuance of securities. Our general corporate purposes include, but are not limited to, repayment, redemption or refinancing of debt, capital expenditures, investments in or loans to subsidiaries and joint ventures, funding of possible acquisitions, working capital, contributions to one or more of our pension plans, satisfaction of other obligations and repurchase of our outstanding debt or equity securities. Pending any such use, the net proceeds from the sale of the securities may be invested in short-term, investment grade, interest-bearing instruments. We will include a more detailed description of the use of proceeds of any specific offering in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to an offering of securities under this prospectus.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The following is a general description of the debt securities that we may offer from time to time under this prospectus. The financial terms and other specific terms of the debt securities being offered will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to the issuance of those securities. Those terms may vary from the terms described here. Although the debt securities that we may offer include debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars, we also may choose to offer debt securities in any other currency, including the euro.

The debt securities are governed by documents called “indentures.” The indentures are contracts between us and a financial institution acting as the trustee. The trustee has two main roles. First, the trustee can enforce your rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the trustee may act on your behalf, as described below under “—Events of Default – Remedies If an Event of Default Occurs.” Second, the trustee performs certain administrative duties for us.

Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the debt securities that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. This summary also is subject to and qualified by reference to the description of the particular terms of the debt securities and the relevant indenture described in the related prospectus supplement, including definitions used in the relevant indenture. The particular terms of the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus, the relevant indenture and any relevant supplemental indenture may vary from the terms described below.

 

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General

The debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus will be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. We may issue senior debt securities under one or more senior indentures between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, including an existing Indenture, dated as of March 18, 2008, which we refer to in this prospectus as the existing indenture. In this prospectus, we refer to any indenture pursuant to which senior debt securities offered under this prospectus may be issued, including the existing indenture, as any such indenture may be supplemented in connection with an offering of senior debt securities under this prospectus, as a senior indenture. We may issue subordinated debt securities under one or more subordinated indentures between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. In this prospectus, we refer to any indenture pursuant to which subordinated debt securities offered under this prospectus may be issued, as any such indenture may be supplemented in connection with an offering of subordinated debt securities under this prospectus, as a subordinated indenture. Senior indentures and subordinated indentures are sometimes referred to collectively in this prospectus as indentures.

The existing indenture is, and each other indenture will be, governed by New York law. Copies of the existing indenture and forms of a senior indenture and a subordinated indenture pursuant to which we may issue debt securities that are offered under this prospectus have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain copies of these indentures.

We may offer the debt securities from time to time in as many distinct series as we may choose. All debt securities will be direct, unsecured obligations of ours. Any senior debt securities that we offer under this prospectus will have the same rank as all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. Any subordinated debt securities that we offer under this prospectus will be subordinate in right of payment to our senior indebtedness. The existing indenture does not, and any other indenture will not, limit either the amount of debt that we may issue thereunder or the amount of other unsecured debt or other securities that we or our subsidiaries may issue.

Our primary sources of payment for our payment obligations under the debt securities will be revenues from our operations and investments and cash distributions from our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation whatsoever to pay any amounts due on debt securities issued by us or to make funds available to us. Our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or make other payments or advances to us will depend upon their operating results and will be subject to applicable laws and contractual restrictions. The existing indenture does not, and any other indenture will not, restrict our subsidiaries from entering into agreements that prohibit or limit their ability to pay dividends or make other payments or advances to us.

To the extent that we must rely on cash from our subsidiaries to pay amounts due on the debt securities, the debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all our subsidiaries’ liabilities, including their trade payables. This means that our subsidiaries may be required to pay all of their creditors in full before their assets are available to us. Even if we are recognized as a creditor of our subsidiaries, our claims would be effectively subordinated to any security interests in their assets and also could be subordinated to some or all other claims on their assets and earnings.

Other than the restrictions described below or any restrictions described in an applicable prospectus supplement, the existing indenture does not, and any other indenture and the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus will not, contain any covenants or other provisions designed to protect holders of the debt securities if we participate in a highly leveraged transaction. In addition, the existing indenture does not, and any other indenture and the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus will not, contain provisions that give holders of debt securities the right to require us to repurchase their debt securities if our credit ratings decline due to a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring or otherwise.

 

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You should look in the applicable prospectus supplement for the following terms of the debt securities being offered:

 

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the title of the debt securities;

 

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if other than U.S. currency, the currency in which the debt securities may be purchased and the currency in which principal, premium, if any, and interest will be paid;

 

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the total principal amount of the debt securities;

 

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the price at which the debt securities will be issued;

 

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the date or dates on which the debt securities will mature and the right, if any, to extend the maturity date or dates;

 

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the annual rate or rates, if any, at which the debt securities will bear interest, including the method of calculating interest if a floating rate is used;

 

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the date or dates from which the interest will accrue, the interest payment dates on which the interest will be payable or the manner of determination of the interest payment dates and the record dates for the determination of holders to whom interest is payable;

 

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the place or places where principal, premium, if any, and interest will be payable;

 

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any redemption, repayment or sinking fund provision;

 

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the application, if any, of defeasance provisions to the debt securities;

 

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

 

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any obligation we may have to redeem, purchase or repay the debt securities at the option of a holder upon the happening of any event and the terms and conditions of redemption, repurchase or repayment;

 

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the form of debt securities, including whether we will issue the debt securities in individual certificates to each holder or in the form of temporary or permanent global securities held by a depositary on behalf of holders;

 

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if the amount of payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities may be determined by reference to an index, the manner in which that amount will be determined;

 

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any additional covenants applicable to the debt securities;

 

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any additional events of default applicable to the debt securities;

 

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the terms of subordination, if applicable;

 

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the terms of conversion, if applicable;

 

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any material provisions described in this prospectus that do not apply to the debt securities; and

 

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any other material terms of the debt securities, including any additions, deletions or other changes to the terms described in this prospectus, and any terms which may be required by or advisable under applicable laws or regulations.

Debt securities bearing no interest or interest at a rate that is below the prevailing market rate may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. Special federal income tax and other special considerations applicable to any discounted debt securities, or to debt securities issued at face value which are treated as having been issued at a discount for federal income tax purposes, will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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In addition to the debt securities that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus, we may issue other debt securities in public or private offerings from time to time. These other debt securities may be issued under documentation that is not described in this prospectus, and those debt securities may contain provisions materially different from the provisions applicable to one or more issues of debt securities offered pursuant to this prospectus.

Restrictive Covenants

The existing indenture contains, and any other indenture will contain, certain covenants for the benefit only of holders of the debt securities governed by the applicable indenture. The covenants summarized below will apply to each series of debt securities issued pursuant to any of the indentures as long as any of those debt securities are outstanding, unless waived, amended or the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise.

Payment. We will pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities at the place and time described in the debt securities. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will pay interest on any debt security to the person in whose name that security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for that interest payment.

Subject to the requirements of any applicable abandoned property laws, any money deposited with the trustee or any paying agent for the payment of principal of or any premium, if any, or interest on any debt security that remains unclaimed for two years after that amount has become due and payable will be paid to us at our request. After this occurs, the holder of that debt security must look only to us for payment of that amount and not to the trustee or paying agent.

Merger and Consolidation. We will not merge or consolidate with any other entity or sell or convey all or substantially all of our assets to any person, firm, corporation or other entity, except that we may merge or consolidate with, or sell or convey all or substantially all of our assets to, any other entity if:

 

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we are the continuing entity or the successor entity (if other than us) is organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, a State thereof or the District of Columbia and the successor entity expressly assumes payment of the principal of and interest on all the debt securities, and the performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the applicable indenture to be performed by us; and

 

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there is no default under the applicable indenture.

Upon such a succession, we will be relieved from any further obligations under the applicable indenture. For purposes of this subsection, “substantially all of our assets” means, at any date, a portion of the non-current assets reflected in our consolidated balance sheet as of the end of the most recent quarterly period that represents at least 66 2/3% of the total reported value of such assets.

Waiver of Certain Covenants. Unless otherwise provided in an applicable prospectus supplement, we may, with respect to the debt securities of any series, omit to comply with any covenant provided in the terms of those debt securities if, before the time for such compliance, holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series waive such compliance in that instance or generally.

Events of Default

You will have special rights if an Event of Default occurs and is not cured, as described later in this subsection. Unless described otherwise in an applicable prospectus supplement, the term “Event of Default” means any of the following with respect to an issue of debt securities offered under this prospectus:

 

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we do not pay interest on an issue of debt securities within 30 days of the due date;

 

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we do not pay the principal of or premium, if any, on an issue of debt securities on the applicable due date;

 

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we do not pay any sinking fund installment on an issue of debt securities within 30 days of the due date;

 

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we remain in breach of any other covenant or warranty in the debt securities of such series or in the applicable indenture for 90 days after we receive a notice of default stating that we are in breach, as provided in the applicable indenture;

 

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certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur; or

 

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any other Event of Default described in the applicable prospectus supplement occurs.

Remedies If an Event of Default Occurs. Unless provided otherwise in an applicable prospectus supplement, if an Event of Default has occurred and continues with respect to an issue of debt securities, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series may declare the entire principal amount of all of the debt securities of the affected series to be due and immediately payable. This is called a “declaration of acceleration of maturity.” Under some circumstances, a declaration of acceleration of maturity may be canceled by the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series.

The trustee under the existing indenture generally is not, and the trustee under any other indenture generally will not be, required to take any action under that indenture at the request of any holders unless one or more of the holders has provided to the trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it.

If reasonable protection from expenses and liabilities is provided, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee and to waive certain past defaults regarding the relevant series. The trustee may refuse to follow those directions in some circumstances.

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing regarding a series of debt securities, the applicable trustee may use any sums that it holds under the relevant indenture for its own reasonable compensation and expenses incurred prior to paying the holders of debt securities of that series.

Before any holder of any series of debt securities may institute an action for any remedy, except payment on such holder’s debt security when due, the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of that series outstanding must request the trustee to take action. Holders must also offer and give the trustee satisfactory security and indemnity against liabilities incurred by the trustee for taking such action.

“Street Name” and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request of the applicable trustee and to make or cancel a declaration of acceleration.

We will furnish every year to the trustee under each indenture a written statement of certain of our officers certifying that, to their knowledge, we are in compliance with that indenture and the debt securities offered pursuant to that indenture, or else specifying any default.

No Event of Default regarding one series of debt securities issued under an indenture is necessarily an Event of Default regarding any other series of debt securities issued under that indenture or otherwise.

 

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Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

The following discussion of satisfaction and discharge, defeasance and covenant defeasance will be applicable to a series of debt securities only if we choose to have them apply to that series. If we do so choose, we will state that in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Satisfaction and Discharge. Each indenture will be satisfied and discharged if:

 

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we deliver to the trustee all debt securities then outstanding under that indenture for cancellation; or

 

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all debt securities under that indenture not delivered to the trustee for cancellation have become due and payable, are to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year and we deposit an amount sufficient to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest to the date of maturity, redemption or deposit (in the case of debt securities that have become due and payable), as the case may be, provided that in any case we have paid all other sums payable under that indenture.

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance. The existing indenture provides, and any other indenture will provide, if such provision is made applicable to the debt securities of a series issued under that indenture, that:

 

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we may elect either:

 

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to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to any debt security of such series (except for the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such debt security, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, to maintain an office or agency in respect of the debt securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust) (“defeasance”); or

 

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to be released from our obligations with respect to the restrictions described above under “ – Restrictive Covenants,” together with additional covenants that may be included for a particular series; and

 

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the Events of Default described in the third, fourth and sixth bullets under “– Events of Default,” shall not be Events of Default under that indenture with respect to such series (“covenant defeasance”), upon the deposit with the trustee (or other qualifying trustee), in trust for such purpose, of money or certain U.S. government obligations which through the payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money, in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such debt security, on the scheduled due dates.

In the case of defeasance, the holders of such debt securities are entitled to receive payments in respect of such debt securities solely from such trust. Such a trust may only be established if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel (as specified in the applicable indenture) to the effect that the holders of the debt securities affected thereby will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance described above, must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable federal income tax law occurring after the date of the applicable indenture.

 

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Modification and Waiver

The existing indenture contains, and any other indenture will contain, provisions permitting us and the trustee to modify that indenture or enter into or modify any supplemental indenture without the consent of the holders of the debt securities in regard to matters as will not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the debt securities, including, without limitation, the following:

 

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to evidence the succession of another corporation to us;

 

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to add to our covenants further covenants for the benefit or protection of the holders of any or all series of debt securities or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us by that indenture;

 

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to add any additional events of default with respect to all or any series of debt securities issued under that indenture;

 

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to add to or change any of the provisions of that indenture to facilitate the issuance of debt securities in bearer form with or without coupons, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in uncertificated form;

 

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to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of that indenture in respect of one or more series of debt securities thereunder, under certain conditions designed to protect the rights of any existing holder of those debt securities;

 

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to secure all or any series of debt securities issued under that indenture;

 

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to establish the forms or terms of the debt securities of any series issued under that indenture;

 

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to evidence the appointment of a successor trustee and to add to or change provisions of that indenture necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts under that indenture by more than one trustee; or

 

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to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision of that indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with another provision of that indenture or to make other amendments that do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of any series of debt securities in any material respect.

We and the trustee under each indenture may otherwise modify that indenture or any supplemental indenture relating to that indenture with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of each series of debt securities affected thereby at the time outstanding, except that no such modifications shall, without the consent of the holder of each debt security affected thereby:

 

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change the fixed maturity of any debt securities or any installment of interest or principal on any debt securities, or reduce the principal amount thereof or reduce the rate of interest or premium payable upon redemption, or reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount debt security or any other debt security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, or change the currency in which the debt securities are payable or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment after the stated maturity thereof or the redemption date, if applicable, or adversely affect any right of the holder of any debt security to require us to repurchase that security;

 

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reduce the percentage of debt securities of any series, the consent of the holders of which is required for any waiver or supplemental indenture;

 

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modify the provisions of that indenture relating to the waiver of past defaults or the waiver of certain covenants or the provisions described in this section, except to increase any percentage set forth in those provisions or to provide that other provisions of that indenture may not be modified without the consent of the holder of each debt security affected thereby;

 

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change any obligation of ours to maintain an office or agency;

 

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change any obligation of ours to pay additional amounts;

 

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adversely affect the right of repayment or repurchase at the option of the holder; or

 

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reduce or postpone any sinking fund or similar provision.

With respect to any vote of holders of a series of debt securities, we will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders of outstanding debt securities that are entitled to vote or take other action under the applicable indenture.

“Street Name” and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change the indenture or debt securities or request a waiver.

Subordinated Debt Securities

Although the existing senior indenture and the forms of senior indenture and subordinated indenture filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part are generally similar and many of the provisions discussed above pertain to both senior and subordinated debt securities, there are many substantive differences between the senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. This section discusses some of those differences.

Subordination. Subordinated debt securities will be subordinate in right of payment to all senior indebtedness. “Senior indebtedness” is defined to mean, with respect to us, the principal, premium, if any, and interest, fees, charges, expenses, reimbursement obligations, guarantees and other amounts owing with respect to all of our indebtedness (including indebtedness of others guaranteed by us), whether outstanding on the date of the applicable subordinated indenture or the date debt securities of any series are issued under that indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, unless in any case in the instrument creating or evidencing any such indebtedness or obligation or pursuant to which the same is outstanding it is provided that such indebtedness or obligation is not superior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities or it is provided that such obligation is subordinated to senior indebtedness to substantially the same extent as the subordinated debt securities are subordinated to senior indebtedness.

Terms of Subordinated Debt Securities May Contain Conversion or Exchange Provisions. The applicable prospectus supplement for a particular series of subordinated debt securities will describe the specific terms discussed above that apply to the subordinated debt securities being offered thereby as well as any applicable conversion or exchange provisions.

Modification of an Indenture Relating to Subordinated Debt Securities. Each subordinated indenture may be modified by us and the trustee without the consent of the holders of the subordinated debt securities for one or more of the purposes discussed above under “—Modification and Waiver.” We and the trustee may also modify each subordinated indenture to make provision with respect to any conversion or exchange rights for a given issue of subordinated debt securities.

“Street Name” and Other Indirect Holders

Investors who hold securities in accounts at banks or brokers generally will not be recognized by us as legal holders of debt securities. This is called holding in “Street Name.” Instead, we would recognize only the bank or broker, or the financial institution that the bank or broker uses to hold its securities. These intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions pass along principal, interest and other payments on the debt securities, either because they agree to do so in their customer agreements or because they are legally required to. If you hold debt securities in “Street Name,” you should check with your own institution to find out:

 

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how it handles payments and notices;

 

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whether it imposes fees or charges;

 

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how it would handle voting, if applicable;

 

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whether and how you can instruct it to send you debt securities registered in your own name so you can be a direct holder, as described below; and

 

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if applicable, how it would pursue rights under your debt securities if there were a default or other event triggering the need for holders to act to protect their interests.

Direct Holders

Our obligations, as well as the obligations of each trustee under the indentures and those of any third parties employed by us or the trustee under any of the indentures, run or will run, as the case may be, only to persons who are registered as holders of debt securities issued under the applicable indenture. As noted above, we do not have obligations to you if you hold in “Street Name” or other indirect means, either because you choose to hold debt securities in that manner or because the debt securities are issued in the form of global securities, as described below. For example, once we make payment to the registered holder, we have no further responsibility for the payment, even if that holder is legally required to pass the payment along to you as a “Street Name” customer but does not do so.

Global Securities

What is a Global Security? A global security is a special type of indirectly held debt security as described above under “—‘Street Name’ and Other Indirect Holders.” If we choose to issue debt securities in the form of global securities, the ultimate beneficial owners can only hold the debt securities in “Street Name.” We would do this by requiring that the global security be registered in the name of a financial institution we select and by requiring that the debt securities included in the global security not be transferred to the name of any other direct holder unless the special circumstances described below occur. The financial institution that acts as the sole direct holder of the global security is called the “depositary.” Any person wishing to own a debt security issued in the form of a global security must do so indirectly by virtue of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account with the depositary. The applicable prospectus supplement will indicate whether a series of debt securities will be issued only in the form of global securities and, if so, will describe the specific terms of the arrangement with the depositary.

Special Investor Considerations for Global Securities. As an indirect holder, an investor’s rights relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to securities transfers. We do not recognize this type of investor as a holder of debt securities and instead deal only with the depositary that holds the global security.

An investor should be aware that if a series of debt securities is issued only in the form of global securities:

 

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the investor cannot have debt securities of that series registered in his or her own name;

 

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the investor cannot receive physical certificates for his or her interest in the debt securities of that series;

 

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the investor will be a “Street Name” holder and must look to his or her own bank or broker for payments on the debt securities of that series and protection of his or her legal rights relating to the debt securities of that series, as described under “—‘Street Name’ and Other Indirect Holders”;

 

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the investor may not be able to sell interests in the debt securities of that series to some insurance companies and other institutions that are required by law to own their securities in the form of physical certificates; and

 

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the depositary’s policies will govern payments, transfers, exchange and other matters relating to the investor’s interest in the global security. Neither we nor the applicable trustee have or will have any responsibility for any aspect of the depositary’s actions or for its records of ownership interests in the global security. Also, neither we nor the applicable trustee do or will supervise the depositary in any way.

Special Situations When The Global Security Will be Terminated. In limited special situations, a global security will terminate, and interests in it will be exchanged for physical certificates representing debt securities. After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold debt securities directly or in “Street Name” will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own bank or brokers to find out how to have their interests in debt securities transferred to their own name so that they will be direct holders. The rights of “Street Name” investors and direct holders in debt securities have been previously described in subsections entitled “—‘Street Name’ and Other Indirect Holders” and “—Direct Holders.”

The special situations for termination of a global security are:

 

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when the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling, unable or no longer qualified to continue as depositary, and we do not appoint a successor depositary;

 

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when an Event of Default on the applicable series of debt securities has occurred and has not been cured; and

 

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at any time if we decide to terminate a global security.

The applicable prospectus supplement may also list additional situations for terminating a global security that would apply only to the particular series of debt securities covered by the prospectus supplement. When a global security terminates, only the depositary is responsible for deciding the names of the institutions that will be the initial direct holders.

Form, Exchange, Registration and Transfer

Unless we inform you otherwise in an applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue the debt securities offered pursuant to this prospectus in registered form, without interest coupons, and only in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. We will not charge a service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of the debt securities offered pursuant to this prospectus. We may, however, require the payment of any tax or other governmental charge payable for that registration.

Debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series, in the same total principal amount and on the same terms but in different authorized denominations, in accordance with the terms of the applicable indenture. Holders may present debt securities for registration of transfer at the office of the security registrar or any transfer agent we designate. The security registrar or transfer agent will effect the transfer or exchange when it is satisfied with the documents of title and identity of the person making the request.

We will appoint the trustee under the applicable indenture as security registrar for the debt securities issued under that indenture. If a prospectus supplement refers to any transfer agents initially designated by us, we may at any time rescind that designation or approve a change in the location through which any transfer agent acts. We will be required to maintain an office or agency for transfers and exchanges in each place of payment with respect to debt securities we may offer under any of the indentures. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents for any series of debt securities.

In the case of any redemption of debt securities offered under this prospectus, neither the security registrar nor the transfer agent will be required to register the transfer or exchange of any debt security during a period beginning 15 business days prior to the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption and ending on the close of business on the day of mailing of the notice, except the unredeemed portion of any debt security being redeemed in part.

 

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Payment and Paying Agents

Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement:

 

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payments on a series of debt securities will be made in U.S. dollars by check mailed to the holder’s registered address or, with respect to global securities, by wire transfer;

 

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we will make interest payments to the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on the record date for the interest payment; and

 

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the trustee under the applicable indenture will be designated as our paying agent for payments on debt securities issued under that indenture. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts.

Subject to the requirements of any applicable abandoned property laws, the trustee and paying agent will pay to us upon written request any money held by them for payments on the debt securities under the applicable indenture that remain unclaimed for two years after the date when the payment was due. After payment to us, holders entitled to the money must look to us for payment. In that case, all liability of the trustee or paying agent with respect to that money will cease.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL SECURITIES

Common Stock

We may issue, either separately or together with other securities, including as a part of units, shares of our common stock. Shares of common stock issued as part of units may be attached to or separate from any other securities part of those units. Under our Restated Articles of Incorporation, we are authorized to issue up to 1,200,000,000 shares of our common stock, par value $1.66 2/3 per share. As of June 30, 2016, we had 266,282,301 shares of common stock issued and had reserved 13,315,241 additional shares of common stock for issuance under our stock compensation plans.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to an offering of common stock or other securities convertible or exchangeable for, or exercisable into, common stock, or the settlement of which may result in the issuance of common stock, will describe the relevant terms, including the number of shares offered, any initial offering price and market price and dividend information, as well as, if applicable, information on other related securities.

The following summary is not complete and is not intended to give full effect to provisions of statutory or common law. You should refer to the applicable provisions of the following:

 

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the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law, as it may be amended from time to time;

 

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our Restated Articles of Incorporation, as they may be amended or restated from time to time (“Restated Articles of Incorporation”); and

 

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our Amended and Restated Bylaws, as they may be amended or restated from time to time (“Bylaws”).

Dividends. The holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for their payment subject to the rights of holders of our preferred stock.

Voting Rights. The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. There are no cumulative voting rights associated with our common stock.

 

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Rights Upon Liquidation. In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock will be entitled to share equally in any of our assets available for distribution after the payment in full of all debts and distributions and after the holders of all series of our outstanding preferred stock have received their liquidation preferences in full.

Miscellaneous. The outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of common stock are not entitled to preemptive or redemption rights. There are no sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. Shares of common stock are not convertible into shares of any other class of capital stock. Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is the transfer agent and registrar for the common stock.

Stock Exchange Listing. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol “PPG.”

Preferred Stock

We may elect to issue shares of our preferred stock from time to time, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any offering of preferred stock pursuant to this prospectus. We may issue shares of preferred stock separately or as a part of units, and any such shares issued as part of units may be attached to or separate from any other securities part of those units. Shares of our preferred stock may have dividend, redemption, voting and liquidation rights taking priority over our common stock, and shares of our preferred stock may be convertible into our common stock.

Our Board of Directors is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock in one or more series. In addition, our Board of Directors is authorized to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series of preferred stock and to fix the designation, powers (including but not limited to voting powers, if any), preferences and rights of the shares of each series of preferred stock and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of each series of preferred stock. The number of authorized shares of preferred stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common stock, without a vote of the holders of the preferred stock, or of any series of preferred stock, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any preferred stock.

Our Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize our Board of Directors, without further shareholder action, to provide for the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, in one or more series. As of the date of this prospectus, no shares of preferred stock have been issued.

The particular terms of any series of preferred stock being offered by us under this prospectus will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock. Those terms may include:

 

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the title and liquidation preference per share of the preferred stock and the number of shares offered;

 

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the purchase price of the preferred stock;

 

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the dividend rate (or method of calculation), the dates on which dividends will be paid and the date from which dividends will begin to accumulate;

 

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any redemption or sinking fund provisions of the preferred stock;

 

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any conversion provisions of the preferred stock;

 

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the voting rights, if any, of the preferred stock; and

 

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any additional dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund and other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions of the preferred stock.

 

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If the terms of any series of preferred stock being offered differ materially from the terms set forth in this prospectus, the definitive terms will be disclosed in the applicable prospectus supplement. The summary in this prospectus is not complete. You should refer to the applicable Certificate of Amendment to our Restated Articles of Incorporation or certificate of designations, as the case may be, establishing a particular series of preferred stock, in either case which will be filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the SEC in connection with an offering of preferred stock.

The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable.

Dividend Rights. The preferred stock will be preferred over our common stock as to payment of dividends. Before any dividends or distributions (other than dividends or distributions payable in common stock) on our common stock will be declared and set apart for payment or paid, the holders of shares of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors. We will pay those dividends either in cash, shares of common stock or preferred stock or otherwise, at the rate and on the date or dates set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. With respect to each series of preferred stock, the dividends on each share of the series will be cumulative from the date of issue of the share unless another date is set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the series. Accruals of dividends will not bear interest.

Rights Upon Liquidation. The preferred stock will be preferred over our common stock as to assets so that the holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to be paid, upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up and before any distribution is made to the holders of common stock, the amount set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. However, in this case the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to any other or further payment. If upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up our net assets are insufficient to permit the payment in full of the respective amounts to which the holders of all outstanding preferred stock are entitled, our entire remaining net assets will be distributed among the holders of each series of preferred stock in amounts proportional to the full amounts to which the holders of each series are entitled.

Redemption. All shares of any series of preferred stock will be redeemable to the extent set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. All shares of any series of preferred stock will be convertible into shares of our common stock or into shares of any other series of our preferred stock to the extent set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the series.

Voting Rights. Except as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a series, the holders of preferred stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of preferred stock held by them on all matters properly presented to shareholders. The holders of common stock and the holders of all series of preferred stock will vote together as one class, except as indicated otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Additional Series of Preferred Stock. In the event of a proposed merger or tender offer, proxy contest or other attempt to gain control of us and not approved by our Board of Directors, it would be possible for our Board of Directors to authorize the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock with voting rights or other rights and preferences which would impede the success of the proposed merger, tender offer, proxy contest or other attempt to gain control of us. This authority may be limited by applicable law, our Restated Articles of Incorporation, as they may amended or restated from time to time, and the applicable rules of the stock exchange upon which our common stock is listed. The consent of our shareholders would not be required for any such issuance of preferred stock.

Special Charter Provisions. Our Restated Articles of Incorporation contain various provisions that may discourage or delay attempts to gain control of PPG. Our Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that:

 

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our Board of Directors is classified into three classes, with one class elected each year to serve a three-year term;

 

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in addition to the requirements of law and the other provisions of our Restated Articles of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of our common stock is required for the adoption or authorization of any of the following events:

 

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certain mergers or consolidations of PPG or any subsidiary with or into other entities;

 

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certain sales, leases, exchanges, mortgages, pledges, transfers or other dispositions (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of any assets of PPG or any subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value of $10,000,000 or more;

 

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certain issuances or sales by PPG or any subsidiary (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of any securities of PPG or any subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value of $10,000,000 or more;

 

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the adoption of certain plans or proposals for the liquidation or dissolution of PPG;

 

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certain reclassifications of securities (including any reverse stock splits) or recapitalizations of PPG or certain transactions which have the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the outstanding shares of any class of equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities of PPG or any subsidiary which are directly or indirectly owned by affiliates of PPG;

 

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the removal of our directors from office with or without cause;

 

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the amendment or repeal by shareholders of certain provisions of our Restated Articles of Incorporation;

 

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except as otherwise provided by law, our Restated Articles of Incorporation or our Bylaws, our Bylaws may be amended or repealed only by action of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, subject to the power of the shareholders to change such action;

 

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special meetings of the shareholders may be called at any time by a majority of our Board of Directors or by the Chairman of our Board of Directors and may not be called by any other person or persons or in any other manner; and

 

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shareholders must provide advance notice if they wish to submit a proposal or nominate candidates for director at our annual meeting of shareholders.

In addition, Chapter 25 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law contains provisions that limit our ability to enter into certain business combination transactions with a shareholder owning 20% or more of our common stock.

DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SECURITIES

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement a description of any warrants, depositary shares, purchase contracts or units that may be offered pursuant to this prospectus.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may offer the offered securities in one or more of the following ways, or any other way set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement from time to time:

 

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to or through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters;

 

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through one or more underwriters without a syndicate for them to offer and sell to the public;

 

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through dealers or agents; or

 

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to investors directly in negotiated sales or in competitively bid transactions.

The prospectus supplement for each series of securities we sell will describe the offering, including:

 

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the name or names of any underwriters;

 

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the purchase price and the proceeds to us from that sale;

 

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any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation;

 

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any commissions paid to agents;

 

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the initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

 

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any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed.

Underwriters

If underwriters are used in a sale, we will execute an underwriting agreement with them regarding those securities. Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase these securities will be subject to conditions, and the underwriters must purchase all of these securities if any are purchased.

The securities subject to the underwriting agreement may be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold by them from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from the purchasers of these securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may sell these securities to or through dealers. These dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any initial offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

We may authorize underwriters to solicit offers by institutions to purchase the securities subject to the underwriting agreement from us, at the public offering price stated in the applicable prospectus supplement under delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. If we sell securities under these delayed delivery contracts, the applicable prospectus supplement will state that this is the case and will describe the conditions to which these delayed delivery contracts will be subject and the commissions payable for that solicitation.

In connection with underwritten offerings of the securities, the underwriters may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, as follows:

 

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Over-allotment transactions involve sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position for the underwriters.

 

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Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.

 

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Covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions.

 

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Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a broker/dealer when the securities originally sold by that broker/dealer are repurchased in a covering transaction to cover short positions.

These stabilizing transactions, covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it otherwise would be in the absence of these transactions. If these transactions occur, they may be discontinued at any time.

Agents

We also may sell any of the securities through agents designated by us from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of these securities and will list commissions payable by us to these agents in the applicable prospectus supplement. These agents will be acting on a best efforts basis to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment, unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Direct Sales

We may sell any of the securities directly to purchasers. In this case, we will not engage underwriters or agents in the offer and sale of these securities.

In addition, debt securities described in this prospectus may be issued upon the exercise of warrants or the settlement of purchase contracts or units.

Indemnification

We may indemnify underwriters, dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of securities against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and may agree to contribute to payments that these underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make.

No Assurance of Liquidity

The securities we offer may be a new issue of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters that purchase securities from us may make a market in these securities. The underwriters will not be obligated, however, to make a market and may discontinue market-making at any time without notice to holders of the securities. We cannot assure you that there will be liquidity in the trading market for any securities of any series.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the issuance of the offered securities will be passed upon for us by K&L Gates LLP, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

EXPERTS

The financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management Report’s on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

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PPG Industries, Inc.

Joint Book-Running Managers

J.P. Morgan

BNP PARIBAS

MUFG

                    , 2016