Filed Pursuant To Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration No.333-74355
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED NOVEMBER 10, 1999)
[EATON LOGO]
$300,000,000
EATON CORPORATION
5.75% NOTES DUE 2012
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The notes will bear interest at the rate of 5.75% per year. Interest on the
notes is payable on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on January
15, 2003. The notes will mature on July 15, 2012. The notes are not redeemable
prior to maturity.
The notes will be unsecured obligations of our company and will rank
equally with all of our other unsecured senior indebtedness.
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Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
prospectus supplement or the related prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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PER NOTE TOTAL
-------- ------------
Public Offering Price 99.627% $298,881,000
Underwriting Discount 0.650% $ 1,950,000
Proceeds to Eaton (before expenses) 98.977% $296,931,000
Interest on the notes will accrue from July 23, 2002 to date of delivery.
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The underwriters expect to deliver the notes to purchasers on or about July
23, 2002.
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SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
JPMORGAN
MCDONALD INVESTMENTS
BARCLAYS CAPITAL
July 17, 2002
YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS. WE HAVE
NOT, AND THE UNDERWRITERS HAVE NOT, AUTHORIZED ANY OTHER PERSON TO PROVIDE YOU
WITH DIFFERENT INFORMATION. IF ANYONE PROVIDES YOU WITH DIFFERENT OR
INCONSISTENT INFORMATION, YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON IT. WE ARE NOT, AND THE
UNDERWRITERS ARE NOT, MAKING AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES IN ANY
JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD ASSUME THAT
THE INFORMATION APPEARING IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE ACCOMPANYING
PROSPECTUS AND THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IS ACCURATE ONLY AS OF
THEIR RESPECTIVE DATES. OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
AND PROSPECTS MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE THOSE DATES.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
PAGE
----
Recent Developments......................................... S-3
Use of Proceeds............................................. S-3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.......................... S-3
Description of Notes........................................ S-4
Underwriting................................................ S-5
Legal Opinions.............................................. S-6
PROSPECTUS
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 2
The Company................................................. 3
Use of Proceeds............................................. 3
Prospectus.................................................. 4
Prospectus Supplement....................................... 4
Description of Debt Securities.............................. 4
Description of Debt Warrants................................ 21
Description of Preferred Shares............................. 23
Description of Common Shares................................ 26
Plan of Distribution........................................ 30
Legal Opinions.............................................. 30
Experts..................................................... 31
S-2
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On May 28, 2002, we announced the signing of a definitive agreement with
DRS Technologies, Inc. to sell our Navy Controls business for $92.2 million, and
the transaction settled at that price on July 15, 2002. The Navy Controls
Division supplies high performance power conversion and instrumentation and
control systems to the U.S. Navy, as well as to specialized industrial
customers, manufactures integrated electrical power distribution and control
systems for naval warships and power plants, as well as related militarized
products, and has approximately 600 employees at facilities in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin and Danbury, Connecticut. We made the decision to sell this business
because it does not fit our long-term strategic plan.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We expect the net proceeds from the sale of the notes offered by this
prospectus supplement to be approximately $296.8 million. We will use $25.0
million of these proceeds to repay a note assumed in our acquisition of
Aeroquip-Vickers, Inc. in 1999 and the balance to reduce commercial paper that
was originally issued to refinance the Aeroquip-Vickers acquisition. The
Aeroquip-Vickers note matures on July 30, 2002 and bears interest at an annual
rate of 6.61%. At July 17, 2002, we had outstanding $333.5 million of commercial
paper having an average maturity of 12 days and bearing interest at an average
annual rate of 2.19%.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for
the periods indicated:
SIX MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
-------------------------------- -----------------
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2001 2002
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------- -------
6.85 5.42 5.31 3.25 2.44 2.65 3.34
For the purpose of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges shown
above, "earnings" consist of consolidated pretax income from continuing
operations before extraordinary items and adjustments for minority interests in
consolidated subsidiaries or income (loss) of equity investees, plus the
following: (1) amortization of capitalized interest, (2) distributed income of
equity investees, and (3) fixed charges excluding capitalized interest. "Fixed
charges" consist of (1) interest expensed, (2) interest capitalized, (3)
amortization of debt issue costs, and (4) that portion of rent expense estimated
to represent interest.
S-3
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
GENERAL
The following description of the particular terms of the notes offered by
this prospectus supplement supplements the description of the general terms and
provisions of debt securities under the heading "Description of Debt Securities"
in the accompanying prospectus. Capitalized terms used in this section of this
prospectus supplement that are otherwise not defined have the meanings given to
them in the accompanying prospectus.
The notes will be senior debt issued under the Indenture dated as of April
1, 1994, as supplemented from time to time (the "Senior Indenture"), which we
entered into with JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly Chemical Bank), Senior Trustee.
We will issue the notes in the aggregate principal amount of $300,000,000.
The notes will mature on July 15, 2012. We will issue the notes only in
book-entry form, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.
The notes may not be redeemed prior to maturity and are not subject to any
sinking fund.
We may, without the consent of the note holders, issue additional debt
securities having the same ranking and the same interest rate, maturity and
other terms as the notes. Any such additional debt securities and the notes will
constitute a single series under the Senior Indenture. None of these additional
debt securities may be issued if an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing with respect to the notes.
The notes will bear interest at the annual rate shown on the cover of this
prospectus supplement and will accrue interest from July 23, 2002 or from the
most recent date to which interest has been paid or provided for. Interest will
be payable twice a year, on January 15 and July 15, beginning on January 15,
2003, to the person in whose name a note is registered at the close of business
on the January 1 or July 1 that precedes the date on which interest will be
paid.
In some circumstances, we may elect to discharge our obligations on the
notes through defeasance or covenant defeasance. See "Description of Debt
Securities -- Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance" in the accompanying prospectus
for more information about how we may do this.
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM
We will issue the notes in the form of one or more fully registered global
securities, as described in "Description of Debt Securities -- Book-Entry Debt
Securities" in the accompanying prospectus. We will deposit these global
securities with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New
York, known as DTC, and register these securities in the name of DTC's nominee.
S-4
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement
dated the date of this prospectus supplement, each underwriter named below has
agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to that underwriter, the
principal amount of notes set forth opposite the underwriter's name.
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
OF NOTES
UNDERWRITER ----------------
-----------
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. .................................. $240,000,000
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ................................ 30,000,000
McDonald Investments, Inc. ................................. 20,000,000
Barclays Capital Inc. ...................................... 10,000,000
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Total.................................................. $300,000,000
============
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the
underwriters to purchase the notes included in this offering are subject to
approval of legal matters by counsel and to other conditions. The underwriters
are obligated to purchase all the notes if they purchase any of the notes.
The underwriters propose to offer some of the notes directly to the public
at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus
supplement and some of the notes to dealers at the public offering price less a
concession not to exceed 0.40% of the principal amount of the notes. The
underwriters may allow, and dealers may reallow, a concession not to exceed
0.25% of the principal amount of the notes on sales to other dealers. After the
initial offering of the notes to the public, the representatives may change the
public offering price and concessions.
The following table shows the underwriting discounts and commissions that
we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering (expressed as
a percentage of the principal amount of the notes).
PAID BY EATON
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Per note.................................................... 0.65%
In connection with the offering, Salomon Smith Barney, on behalf of the
underwriters, may purchase and sell notes in the open market. These transactions
may include over-allotment, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing
transactions. Over-allotment involves syndicate sales of notes in excess of the
principal amount of notes to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering,
which creates a syndicate short position. Syndicate covering transactions
involve purchases of the notes in the open market after the distribution has
been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing
transactions consist of certain bids or purchases of notes made for the purpose
of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes while the
offering is in progress.
The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit the
underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when
Salomon Smith Barney, in covering syndicate short positions or making
stabilizing purchases, repurchases notes originally sold by that syndicate
member.
Any of these activities may have the effect of preventing or retarding a
decline in the market price of the notes. They may also cause the price of the
notes to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the open market
in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may conduct these
transactions in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. If the underwriters
commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue them at any time.
The underwriters have agreed to reimburse us for certain of our expenses in
this offering. We estimate that our net expenses for this offering will be
$105,000.
In the ordinary course of their respective businesses, the underwriters and
their affiliates have engaged, and may in the future engage, in commercial
banking and/or investment banking transactions
S-5
with us. They have received customary fees and commissions for these
transactions. JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly Chemical Bank) is the Senior Trustee
under the Senior Indenture and an affiliate of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute to
payments the underwriters may be required to make because of any of those
liabilities.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The validity of the notes will be passed upon for our company by J. Robert
Horst, our Vice President and General Counsel, and for the underwriters by
Shearman & Sterling, New York, New York. Mr. Horst is paid a salary by our
company and participates in various employee benefit plans offered to officers
of our company generally.
S-6
EATON LOGO
EATON CORPORATION
By this prospectus, we offer
up to $1,400,000,000 of the following:
DEBT SECURITIES DEBT WARRANTS WITH
PREFERRED SHARES DEBT SECURITIES AS UNITS
COMMON SHARES DEBT WARRANTS WITH
DEBT WARRANTS PREFERRED SHARES AS UNITS
We will provide the specific terms and the public offering prices of these
securities in supplements to this prospectus. This prospectus may not be used to
sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement. You should read
this prospectus and the prospectus supplements carefully before you invest.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED WHETHER
THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this prospectus is November 10, 1999.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy
any document we file at the SEC's public reference rooms at 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington D.C. 20549, and in New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois.
Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public
reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from the SEC's
web site at http://www.sec.gov. Our common shares are listed on the New York
Stock Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange, the Pacific Exchange and the London
Stock Exchange, and information about us also is available there.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with
the SEC. The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file
with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to other documents that we identify as part of this prospectus.
Our subsequent filings of similar documents with the SEC will automatically
update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents
listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1) after the date of
the filing of this registration statement and before its effectiveness and (2)
until our offering of securities has been completed.
- Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, as amended
by Form 10-K/A No. 1 filed on April 23, 1999 and Form 10-K/A No. 2 filed on
May 11, 1999.
- Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999, June
30, 1999 and September 30, 1999.
- Definitive proxy statement dated March 19, 1999 concerning our Annual
Meeting of Shareholders on April 28, 1999.
- Current Reports on Form 8-K dated March 29, 1999; April 9, 1999; April 22,
1999, as amended by Form 8-K/A filed on May 11, 1999; June 18, 1999; July 1,
1999; and July 15, 1999.
You may obtain a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing to or
telephoning us at the following address:
Eaton Corporation
Eaton Center
1111 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2584
Attn: Shareholder Relations
(216) 523-5000
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided
in this prospectus or any supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to
provide you with different information. This prospectus is an offer to sell or
buy only the securities described in this document, but only under circumstances
and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in
this prospectus is current only as of the date of this prospectus.
2
THE COMPANY
We are a global manufacturer of highly-engineered products which serve the
industrial, vehicle, construction, commercial, aerospace and semiconductor
markets. We have operations in 25 countries. Our principal products include
hydraulic products and fluid connectors, electrical power distribution and
control equipment, truck drivetrain systems, engine components, ion implanters
and a wide variety of controls.
Our operations are categorized into these five business segments:
- Automotive Components
- Fluid Power and Other Components
- Industrial and Commercial Controls
- Semiconductor Equipment
- Truck Components
Our principal executive office is located at Eaton Center, 1111 Superior
Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2584, and our telephone number is (216) 523-5000.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Except as may be described otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we will
use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities under this prospectus to
repay a portion of the indebtedness incurred in connection with the acquisition
of Aeroquip-Vickers, Inc., and in connection with other corporate purposes. At
November 10, 1999, this indebtedness totaled approximately $1.65 billion, had an
average maturity of approximately 40 days and bore interest at an average annual
rate of 5.5%.
The acquisition of Aeroquip-Vickers, Inc., was completed on April 9, 1999.
Aeroquip-Vickers is a world leader in the manufacture and distribution of
engineered components and systems, sold through its operating companies,
Aeroquip Corporation and Vickers, Incorporated, to the industrial, automotive
and aerospace markets.
Aeroquip's operations design, manufacture and distribute fluid connectors
and plastic products. Fluid connectors include all pressure ranges of hose and
hose assemblies; fittings, adapters, couplings and swivels; automotive air
conditioning, power steering, and oil and transmission cooler components and
assemblies; tube fittings and assemblies; refrigeration/air conditioning
connectors; clamps and V-band couplings; fuel-handling products; noise-reduction
products; chemical containment products; and electronic fluid system products.
Aeroquip plastic products include molded, extruded and co-extruded plastic
products. Aeroquip's operations serve original equipment and aftermarket
customers in industrial markets located principally in the United States,
Europe, Asia-Pacific and Brazil; original equipment and aftermarket customers in
aerospace and defense markets located principally in the United States and
Europe; and automobile, light truck, sport utility and van manufacturers in
automotive markets located principally in the United States and Europe.
Vickers' operations design, manufacture and distribute power and motion
control products. Vickers products include hydraulic, electrohydraulic,
pneumatic and electronic control devices; piston and vane pumps and motors; open
architecture machine controls; hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders; hydraulic
power packages; electric motors and drives; fuel pumps; electric motorpumps and
generator packages; electrohydraulic and electromechanical actuators; sensors
and monitoring devices; hydraulic and lubrication filtration; and
fluid-evaluation products and services. Vickers' operations serve original
equipment and aftermarket customers in industrial markets located principally in
the Unites States, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Brazil, and original equipment and
3
aftermarket customers in aerospace and defense markets located principally in
the United States and Europe.
PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
SEC utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf process, we may
sell any combination of debt securities, warrants to purchase debt securities,
preferred shares and common shares with a par value of $.50 per share in one or
more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $1,400,000,000 or the equivalent
if any of the securities are denominated in a currency, currency unit or
composite currency other than the U.S. dollar.
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the debt
securities, debt warrants, preferred shares and common shares we may offer. Each
time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will
contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus
supplement may also add to or change information contained in this prospectus.
If so, the prospectus supplement should be read as superseding this prospectus.
You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with
additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More
Information."
The prospectus supplement to be attached to the front of this prospectus
will describe:
- the terms of any debt securities that we offer, including the terms
under the caption "Provisions Applicable to Both the Senior and
Subordinated Indentures -- General";
- the terms of any debt warrants that we offer, including the exercise
price, detachability, expiration date and other terms;
- the terms of any preferred shares that we offer, including the
specific designations and dividend, redemption, liquidation, voting
and other rights not described in this prospectus and any terms for
conversion or exchange;
- the terms of any common shares that we offer; and
- any initial public offering price, the purchase price and net proceeds
to our company and the other specific terms related to our offering of
such Securities.
For more details on the terms of the Securities, you should read the
exhibits filed with our registration statements.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more distinct
series. This section summarizes the material terms of the debt securities that
are common to all series. Most of the financial and other terms of any series of
debt securities that we offer will be described in a prospectus supplement to be
attached to the front of this prospectus. Since the terms of specific debt
securities may differ from the general information we have provided below, you
should rely on information in the prospectus supplement that is inconsistent
with the information below. As used in this section, "we", "us", "our" and "our
company" refer to Eaton Corporation and not to its subsidiaries, unless the
context otherwise requires.
The debt securities are governed by a document called an "Indenture." An
Indenture is a contract between us and a financial institution acting as Trustee
on your behalf. The Trustee has two main roles. First, the Trustee can enforce
your rights against us if we default. There are some
4
limitations on the extent to which the Trustee acts on your behalf, described
later beginning on page 10 of this prospectus. Second, the Trustee performs
certain administrative duties for us.
Senior securities will be issued under an Indenture dated as of April 1,
1994, as supplemented from time to time (the "Senior Indenture"), which we
entered into with Chemical Bank, as trustee (the "Senior Trustee"), and
subordinated securities will be issued under a separate indenture (the
"Subordinated Indenture"), which we will enter into with a trustee (the
"Subordinated Trustee") if we decide to issue any subordinated securities. The
Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as Chemical Bank, is acting as Senior
Trustee. The term "Trustee" refers to either the Senior Trustee or the
Subordinated Trustee, as appropriate. We will refer to the Senior Indenture and
the Subordinated Indenture, as executed, together as the "Indentures" and each
as an "Indenture." The Indentures are subject to and governed by the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939.
The Indentures and associated documents contain the full legal text of the
matters described in this section. We have filed the form of each Indenture as
an exhibit to a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC. See
"Where You Can Find More Information" on page 2 of this prospectus for
information on how to obtain copies of the Indentures.
Because this section is a summary of the material terms of the Indentures,
it does not describe every aspect of the debt securities. This summary is
qualified in its entirety by the provisions of the Indentures, including
definitions of certain terms used in the Indentures. For example, in this
section, we use capitalized words to signify terms that are specifically defined
in the Indentures. Some of the definitions are repeated in this prospectus, but
for the rest you will need to read the Indentures. We also include references in
parentheses to certain sections of the Indentures or the Trust Indenture Act.
Whenever we refer to particular sections or defined terms of the Indentures,
those sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference in this prospectus
or in the prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise noted, the section numbers
refer to the applicable section for both Indentures.
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO BOTH THE SENIOR AND SUBORDINATED INDENTURES
GENERAL
The debt securities will be our unsecured obligations. The senior
securities will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated
indebtedness. The subordinated securities will be subordinated in right of
payment to the prior payment in full of our Senior Indebtedness as described
below under "--Subordinated Indenture Provisions--Subordination."
Under the Indentures, we may issue any debt securities offered under this
prospectus and the attached prospectus supplement and any debt securities
issuable upon the exercise of debt warrants or upon conversion or exchange of
other offered securities, as well as other unsecured debt securities.
With respect to the offered debt securities and any underlying debt
securities, you should read the prospectus supplement for the following and
other terms, which will be established by authority of our Board of Directors
before the issuance of the debt securities:
- the title of the debt securities and whether they will be senior
securities or subordinated securities, including whether subordinated
securities are convertible subordinated securities;
- the total principal amount of the debt securities and any limit on the
total principal amount of debt securities of each series;
- the date or dates when the principal of the debt securities will be
payable or how those dates will be determined;
5
- the interest rate or rates which the debt securities will bear, if
any, or how such rate or rates will be determined, the date or dates
from which interest will accrue, if any, or how such date or dates
will be determined, the interest payment dates, the record dates for
such payments, if any, or how such date or dates will be determined
and the basis upon which interest will be calculated, if other than
that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;
- whether the amount of payments of principal of (or premium, if any) or
interest on the debt securities will be determined with reference to
an index, formula or other method (which could be based on one or more
Currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices) and how such
amounts will be determined;
- any optional redemption provisions;
- any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to
repurchase or redeem the debt securities;
- if other than U.S. dollars, the Currency or Currencies of the debt
securities;
- if other than denominations of $1,000 in the case of Registered
Securities and $5,000 in the case of Bearer Securities, the
denominations in which the offered debt securities will be issued;
- if not the principal amount of the debt securities, the portion of the
principal amount at which the debt securities will be issued and, if
not the principal amount of the debt securities, the portion of the
principal amount payable upon acceleration of the maturity of the debt
securities or how that portion will be determined;
- the form of the debt securities, including whether the debt securities
are to be issuable in permanent or temporary global form, as
Registered Securities, Bearer Securities or both, any restrictions on
the offer, sale or delivery of Bearer Securities, and the terms, if
any, upon which you may exchange Bearer Securities for Registered
Securities and vice versa (if permitted by applicable laws and
regulations);
- any modifications or additions to the provisions of Article Fourteen
of the applicable Indenture described under "Defeasance and Covenant
Defeasance" if that Article is applicable to the debt securities;
- any changes or additions to the Events of Default or our covenants
with respect to the debt securities;
- the place or places, if any, other than or in addition to The City of
New York, of payment, transfer, conversion and/or exchange of the debt
securities, and where notices or demands to or upon us in respect of
the debt securities may be served;
- whether we or a holder may elect payment of the principal or interest
in one or more Currencies other than that in which such debt
securities are stated to be payable, and the period or periods within
which, and the terms and conditions upon which, that election may be
made, and the time and manner of determining the exchange rate between
the Currency or Currencies in which they are stated to be payable and
the Currency or Currencies in which they are to be so payable;
- if other than the Trustee, the identity of each Security Registrar
and/or Paying Agent;
- the designation of the Exchange Rate Agent, if applicable;
- the Person to whom any interest on any Registered Security of the
series will be payable, if other than the registered holder at the
close of business on the record date, the manner in which, or the
Person to whom any interest on any Bearer Security of the series will
be payable, if not upon presentation and surrender of the coupons
relating to
6
the Bearer Security as they mature, and the extent to which, or the
manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary Global Security on
an Interest Payment Date will be paid if not in the manner provided in
the applicable Indenture;
- whether and under what circumstances we will pay additional amounts as
contemplated by Section 1005 of the applicable Indenture ("Additional
Amounts") in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge
and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem the debt
securities rather than pay the Additional Amounts (and the terms of
any such option);
- any provisions granting special rights to the holders of the debt
securities upon the occurrence of specified events;
- in the case of subordinated securities, any terms modifying the
subordination provisions;
- in the case of convertible subordinated securities, any terms by which
they may be convertible into common shares;
- if we issue the debt securities in definitive form, the terms and
conditions under which definitive securities will be issued;
- if we issue the debt securities upon the exercise of debt warrants,
the time, manner and place for them to be authenticated and delivered;
- the manner for paying principal and interest and the manner for
transferring the debt securities; and
- any other terms of the debt securities that are consistent with the
requirements of the Trust Indenture Act.
For purposes of this prospectus, any reference to the payment of principal
of (or premium, if any) or interest on debt securities will include Additional
Amounts if required by the terms of the debt securities.
The Indentures do not limit the amount of debt securities that we are
authorized to issue from time to time. (Section 301) When a single Trustee is
acting for all debt securities issued under an Indenture, those Securities are
called the "Indenture Securities." Each Indenture also provides that there may
be more than one Trustee thereunder, each for a series of Indenture Securities.
See "Resignation of Trustee" on page 17 of this prospectus. At a time when two
or more Trustees are acting under either Indenture, each with respect to only
certain series, the term "Indenture Securities" means the series of debt
securities for which each respective Trustee is acting. If there is more than
one Trustee under either Indenture, the powers and trust obligations of each
Trustee will apply only to the Indenture Securities for which it is Trustee. If
two or more Trustees are acting under either Indenture, then the Indenture
Securities for which each Trustee is acting would be treated as if issued under
separate indentures.
We may issue Indenture Securities with terms different from those of
Indenture Securities already issued. Without the consent of the holders thereof,
we may reopen a previous issue of a series of Indenture Securities and issue
additional Indenture Securities of that series unless the reopening was
restricted when that series was created.
If any series of debt securities are sold for, are payable in or are
denominated in one or more foreign Currencies, we will specify applicable
restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other information
in the applicable prospectus supplement.
There is no requirement that we issue debt securities in the future under
the Indentures, and we may use other indentures or documentation, containing
different provisions in connection with future issues of such other debt
securities.
7
We may issue the debt securities as "original issue discount securities,"
which are debt securities, including any zero-coupon debt securities, that are
issued and sold at a discount from their stated principal amount. Original issue
discount securities provide that, upon acceleration of their maturity, an amount
less than their principal amount will become due and payable. We will describe
United States federal income tax consequences and other considerations
applicable to original issue discount securities in any prospectus supplement
relating to them.
ADDITIONAL MECHANICS
Form, Exchange and Transfer
We may issue debt securities as follows:
- as Registered Securities;
- as Bearer Securities (with interest coupons attached unless otherwise
stated in the prospectus supplement); (Section 201)
- as both Registered Securities and Bearer Securities;
- in denominations that are even multiples of $1,000 for Registered
Securities and even multiples of $5,000 for Bearer Securities;
(Section 302) or
- in global form. See "-- Book-Entry Debt Securities."
You may have your Registered Securities separated into smaller
denominations or combined into larger denominations, as long as the total
principal amount is not changed. (Section 305) This is called an "exchange." If
provided in the prospectus supplement, you may exchange your Bearer Securities
with all unmatured coupons, except as provided below, and all matured coupons
which are in default for Registered Securities of the same series as long as the
total principal amount is not changed. Bearer Securities surrendered in exchange
for Registered Securities between a Regular Record Date or a Special Record Date
and the relevant interest payment dates will be surrendered without the coupon
relating to such interest payment dates. Interest will not be payable in respect
of the Registered Security issued in exchange for that Bearer Security, but will
be payable only to the holder of such coupon when due in accordance with the
terms of the applicable Indenture. Unless we specify otherwise in the prospectus
supplement, we will not issue Bearer Securities in exchange for Registered
Securities. (Section 305)
You may transfer Registered Securities of a series and you may exchange
debt securities of a series at the office of the Trustee. The Trustee will act
as our agent for registering Registered Securities in the names of holders and
transferring debt securities. We may designate someone else to perform this
function. Whoever maintains the list of registered holders is called the
"Security Registrar." The Security Registrar also will perform transfers.
(Section 305)
You will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange
debt securities, but you may be required to pay for any tax or other
governmental charge associated with the exchange or transfer. The transfer or
exchange will be made only if the Security Registrar is satisfied with your
proof of ownership. (Section 305)
If we designate additional transfer agents, we will name them in the
accompanying prospectus supplement. We may cancel the designation of any
particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through
which any transfer agent acts.
If we redeem less than all of the Securities of a redeemable series, we may
block the transfer or exchange of Securities during the period beginning 15 days
before the day we mail the notice of redemption or publish the notice (in the
case of Bearer Securities) and ending on the day of that mailing or publication,
as the case may be, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the
mailing. We may also decline to register transfers or exchanges of debt
securities selected for
8
redemption, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of
the unredeemed portion of any debt security being partially redeemed. (Section
305)
If the offered debt securities are redeemable, we will describe the
procedures for redemption in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
IN THIS "ADDITIONAL MECHANICS" SECTION OF THIS PROSPECTUS, "YOU" MEANS
DIRECT HOLDERS AND NOT INDIRECT HOLDERS OF DEBT SECURITIES.
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS
We will pay interest to you, if you are listed in the Trustee's records as
the owner of your debt security at the close of business on a particular day in
advance of each due date for interest on your debt security. Interest will be
paid to you if you are listed as the owner even if you no longer own the debt
security on the interest due date. That particular day, usually about two weeks
in advance of the interest due date, is called the "Regular Record Date" and is
defined in the prospectus supplement. Persons who are listed in the Trustee's
records as the owners of debt securities at the close of business on a
particular day are referred to as "holders." (Section 307) Holders buying and
selling debt securities must work out between them the appropriate purchase
price since we will pay all the interest for an interest period to the holders
on the Regular Record Date. The most common manner is to adjust the sales price
of the debt securities to prorate interest fairly between buyer and seller based
on their respective ownership periods within the particular interest period.
We will deposit interest, principal and any other money due on the debt
securities with the Paying Agent that we name in the prospectus supplement.
IF YOU PLAN TO HAVE A BANK OR BROKERAGE FIRM HOLD YOUR SECURITIES, YOU
SHOULD ASK THEM FOR INFORMATION ON HOW YOU WILL RECEIVE PAYMENTS. (Section 305)
If we issue Bearer Securities, unless we provide otherwise in the
prospectus supplement, we will maintain an office or agency outside the United
States for the payment of all amounts due on the Bearer Securities. If we list
the debt securities on any stock exchange located outside the United States, we
will maintain an office or agency for those debt securities in any city located
outside the United States required by that stock exchange. (Section 1002) We
will specify the initial locations of such offices and agencies in the
prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement,
we will make payment of interest on any Bearer Securities on or before Maturity
only against surrender of coupons for such interest installments as they mature.
(Section 1001) Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement, we will
not make payment with respect to any Bearer Security at any of our offices or
agencies in the United States or by check mailed to any address in the United
States or by transfer to an account maintained with a bank located in the United
States. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will make payments of principal of
(and premium, if any) and interest on Bearer Securities payable in U.S. dollars
at the office of our Paying Agent in The City of New York if (but only if)
payment of the full amount in U.S. dollars at all offices or agencies outside
the United States is illegal or effectively precluded by exchange controls or
other similar restrictions. (Section 1002)
We may from time to time designate additional offices or agencies, approve
a change in the location of any office or agency and, except as provided above,
rescind the designation of any office or agency. (Section 1002)
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
You will have special rights if an Event of Default occurs as to the debt
securities of your series which is not cured, as described later in this
subsection. (Section 501) Please refer to the prospectus supplement for
information about any changes to the Events of Default or our covenants that are
described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision
providing event risk or similar protection.
9
What is an Event of Default? The term "Event of Default" as to the debt
securities of your series means any of the following:
- we do not pay the principal of (or premium, if any) on a debt security
of such series on its due date;
- we do not pay interest on a debt security of such series within 30
days of its due date;
- we do not make or satisfy any sinking fund payment in respect of debt
securities of such series within 30 days of its due date;
- we remain in breach of a covenant in respect of debt securities of
such series for 60 days after we receive a written notice of default
stating we are in breach. The notice must be sent by either the
Trustee or holders of 25% of the principal amount of debt securities
of such series;
- we file for bankruptcy, or certain other events in bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization occur; or
- there occurs any other Event of Default as to debt securities of the
series described in the prospectus supplement. (Section 501)
An Event of Default for a particular series of debt securities does not
necessarily constitute an Event of Default for any other series of debt
securities issued under an Indenture.
The Trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of a
particular series of any default if it considers its withholding of notice to be
in the interest of the holders of that series, except that the Trustee may not
withhold notice if the default is in the payment of principal of (or premium, if
any) or interest on the debt securities. (Section 601)
Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs. If an Event of Default has occurred
and we have not cured it, the Trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount
of the debt securities of the affected series may declare the entire principal
amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and immediately
payable by notifying us (or the Trustee, if the holders give notice) in writing.
This is called a declaration of acceleration of maturity. 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 the affected series by notifying
us (or the Trustee, if the holders give notice) in writing. (Section 502)
Except in cases of default, where the Trustee has some special duties, the
Trustee is not required to take any action under the Indenture at the request of
any holders unless the holders offer the Trustee reasonable protection from
expenses and liability (called an "indemnity"). (Section 602 and Trust Indenture
Act Section 315) If reasonable indemnity 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. The Trustee may refuse
to follow those directions in certain circumstances. (Section 512) No delay or
omission in exercising any right or remedy will be treated as a waiver of that
right, remedy or Event of Default. (Section 511)
Before you are allowed to bypass the Trustee and bring your own lawsuit or
other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce your rights or protect
your interest relating to the debt securities, the following must occur:
- you must give the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default has
occurred and remains uncured; (Section 507)
- the holders of 25% in principal amount of all outstanding debt
securities of the relevant series must make a written request that the
Trustee take action because of the default (Section 507) and must
offer reasonable indemnity to the Trustee against the cost and other
liabilities of taking that action; (Section 602)
10
- the Trustee must not have instituted a proceeding for 60 days after
receipt of the above notice and offer of indemnity; (Section 507) and
- the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities
must not have given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the
above notice during such 60-day period. (Section 507)
However, you are entitled at any time to bring a lawsuit for the payment of
money due on your debt securities on or after the due date. (Section 508)
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the
affected series may waive any past defaults other than the following:
- the payment of principal, any premium, interest or Additional Amounts
on any debt security or related coupon; or
- in respect of a covenant that under Article Ten of the applicable
Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each
holder. (Section 513)
IF YOUR SECURITIES ARE HELD FOR YOU BY A BANK OR BROKERAGE FIRM, YOU SHOULD
CONSULT THEM FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO GIVE NOTICE OR DIRECTION TO THE TRUSTEE
OR MAKE A REQUEST OF THE TRUSTEE AND HOW TO MAKE OR CANCEL A DECLARATION OF
ACCELERATION.
Each year, we will furnish the Trustee with a written statement of certain
of our officers certifying that, to their knowledge, we are in compliance with
the Indenture and the debt securities, or else specifying any default. (Section
1004)
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR SALE OF ASSETS
Under the terms of the Indentures, we are generally permitted to
consolidate or merge with another firm. We are also permitted to sell or
transfer our assets substantially as an entirety to another firm (Section 801).
However, we may not take any of these actions unless all of the following
conditions are met:
- where we merge or consolidate out of existence or sell or transfer our
assets substantially as an entirety, the resulting firm must agree to
be legally responsible for all obligations under the debt securities
and the applicable Indenture; (Section 801)
- the merger, consolidation or sale or transfer of assets substantially
as an entirety must not cause a default on the debt securities. For
purposes of this no-default test, a default would include an Event of
Default that has occurred and not been cured, as described on page 10
of this prospectus under "-- What is an Event of Default?"; (Section
801)
- where we merge or consolidate out of existence or sell or transfer our
assets substantially as an entirety, the resulting firm (if a
corporation) must be a corporation organized under the laws of the
United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
(Section 801)
- under the Senior Indenture, we may not merge, consolidate or sell or
transfer our assets substantially as an entirety if, as a result, any
of our property or assets or any property or assets of a Restricted
Subsidiary (as defined) would become subject to any mortgage, lien or
other encumbrance unless either:
- the mortgage, lien or other encumbrance could be created pursuant
to Section 1009 of such Indenture (see "-- Senior Indenture
Provisions -- Limitation on Liens" on page 17) without equally and
ratably securing the Indenture Securities; or
- the Indenture Securities are secured equally and ratably with or
prior to the debt secured by the mortgage, lien or other
encumbrance; (Section 803)
11
- we must deliver certain certificates and documents to the Trustee;
(Section 801) and
- we must satisfy any other requirements specified in the prospectus
supplement.
MODIFICATION OR WAIVER
There are three types of changes we can make to the Indentures and the debt
securities.
Changes Requiring Your Approval. First, there are changes that cannot be
made to your debt securities without your specific approval. (Section 902)
Following is a list of those types of changes:
- change the Stated Maturity of the principal of or interest on a debt
security;
- reduce any amounts due on a debt security;
- reduce the amount of principal payable upon acceleration of the
Maturity of a Security following a default;
- adversely affect any right of repayment at your option;
- change the place (except as otherwise described in this prospectus) or
Currency of payment on a debt security;
- impair your right to sue for payment;
- with respect to debt securities issued under the Subordinated
Indenture, adversely affect the right to convert any debt securities
as provided in Article 15 of the Subordinated Indenture;
- modify the subordination provisions in the Subordinated Indenture in a
manner that is adverse to you as a holder of the Subordinated
Securities;
- reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose consent is
needed to modify or amend the Indenture;
- reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose consent is
needed to waive compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or
to waive certain defaults;
- modify any other aspect of the provisions of the Indenture dealing
with modification and waiver of past defaults (Section 513), the
quorum or voting requirements of the debt securities (Section 1504 of
the Senior Indenture and Section 1704 of the Subordinated Indenture)
or provisions relating to the waiver of certain covenants (Section
1011 of the Senior Indenture and Section 1008 of the Subordinated
Indenture), except to increase any percentage of consents required to
amend an Indenture or for any waiver or to add certain provisions that
cannot be modified without the approval of each holder under Section
902; or
- change any of our obligations to pay Additional Amounts.
Changes Requiring a Majority Vote. The second type of change to the
Indenture and the Outstanding debt securities is the kind that requires a vote
in favor by holders of Outstanding debt securities owning a majority of the
principal amount of the particular series affected. Most changes fall into this
category, except for clarifying changes and certain other changes that would not
adversely affect holders of the Outstanding debt securities in any material
respect. The same vote would be required for us to obtain a waiver of all or
part of certain covenants in the applicable Indenture, (Section 1011 of the
Senior Indenture and Section 1008 of the Subordinated Indenture) or a waiver of
a past default. However, we cannot obtain a waiver of a payment default or any
other aspect of the Indentures or the Outstanding debt securities listed in the
first category described
12
previously under "-- Changes Requiring Your Approval" unless we obtain your
individual consent to the waiver. (Section 902)
Changes Not Requiring Approval. The third type of change does not require
any vote by you as holders of Outstanding debt securities. This type is limited
to clarifications and certain other changes that would not adversely affect
holders of the Outstanding debt securities in any material respect. (Section
901)
Further Details Concerning Voting. When taking a vote, we will use the
following rules to decide how much principal amount to attribute to a debt
security:
- for original issue discount securities, we will use the principal
amount that would be due and payable on the voting date if the
Maturity of the debt securities were accelerated to that date because
of a default;
- for debt securities whose principal amount is not known (for example,
because it is based on an index), we will use a special rule for that
debt security described in the prospectus supplement; and
- for debt securities denominated in one or more foreign Currencies or
Currency units, we will use the U.S. dollar equivalent.
Debt securities will not be considered Outstanding, and therefore not
eligible to vote, if we have deposited or set aside in trust for you money for
their payment or redemption. Debt securities will also not be eligible to vote
if they have been fully defeased as described later under "Defeasance and
Covenant Defeasance." (Section 101)
We will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the
purpose of determining the holders of debt securities that are entitled to vote
or take other action under the applicable Indenture. If we set a record date for
a vote or other action to be taken by holders of a particular series, that vote
or action may be taken only by persons who are holders of debt securities of
that series on the record date. (Section 104)
IF YOUR SECURITIES ARE HELD BY A BANK OR BROKERAGE FIRM, YOU SHOULD CONSULT
THEM FOR INFORMATION ON HOW APPROVAL MAY BE GRANTED OR DENIED IF WE SEEK TO
CHANGE THE APPLICABLE INDENTURE OR THE DEBT SECURITIES OR REQUEST A WAIVER.
Each Indenture contains provisions for convening meetings of the holders of
debt securities issued as Bearer Securities. (Section 1501 of the Senior
Indenture and Section 1701 of the Subordinated Indenture) A meeting may be
called at any time by the applicable Trustee, and also, upon request, by us or
by the holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding debt
securities of that series, upon notice given as provided in the applicable
Indenture. (Section 1502 of the Senior Indenture and Section 1702 of the
Subordinated Indenture)
Except for any consent that must be given by the holder of each debt
security affected thereby, as described above, the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding debt securities of a series may adopt any
resolution presented at a meeting at which a quorum is present. However, any
resolution with respect to any action which the Indenture expressly provides may
be taken by a specified percentage less than a majority in principal amount of
the Outstanding debt securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting at which
a quorum is present by vote of that specified percentage. Any resolution passed
or decision taken at any meeting of holders of debt securities of a series in
accordance with the applicable Indenture will be binding on all holders of debt
securities of that series and any related coupons. The quorum at any meeting
called to adopt a resolution will be persons holding or representing a majority
in principal amount of the Outstanding debt securities of a series, except that
if any action is to be taken at such meeting which may be given by the holders
of not less than a specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding
debt securities of a series, the persons holding or representing such specified
percentage in
13
principal amount of the Outstanding debt securities of that series will
constitute a quorum. (Section 1504 of the Senior Indenture and Section 1704 of
the Subordinated Indenture)
Notwithstanding the above, if any action is to be taken at a meeting of
holders of debt securities of a series that the applicable Indenture expressly
provides may be taken by the holders of a specified percentage in principal
amount of all Outstanding debt securities affected thereby or of the holders of
such series and one or more additional series:
- there will be no minimum quorum requirement for that meeting; and
- the principal amount of the Outstanding debt securities of that series
that vote in favor of such action will be taken into account in
determining whether that action has been taken under such Indenture.
(Section 1504 of the Senior Indenture and Section 1704 of the
Subordinated Indenture)
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
The following discussion of defeasance and covenant defeasance will be
applicable to your series of debt securities only if we choose to have them
apply to that series. If we do so choose, we will specify the choice in the
prospectus supplement. (Section 1401)
Defeasance. If there is a change in U.S. federal tax law, as described
below, we can legally release ourselves from all payment and other obligations
on the debt securities (called "defeasance") if we put in place the following
other arrangements for you to be repaid:
- We must deposit in trust for your benefit and the benefit of all other
direct holders of the debt securities a combination of money and U.S.
government or U.S. government agency obligations that will generate
enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the
debt securities on their various due dates.
- We must deliver to the Trustee a legal opinion confirming that there
has been a change in current federal tax law or an IRS ruling that
lets us make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the
debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit
and just repaid the debt securities ourselves. (Sections 1402 and
1404) Under current federal tax law, the deposit and our legal release
from the debt securities would be treated as though we paid you your
share of the cash and notes or bonds at the time the cash and notes or
bonds are deposited in trust in exchange for your debt securities, and
you would recognize gain or loss on the debt securities at the time of
the deposit.
If we ever did accomplish defeasance, as described above, you would have to
rely solely on the trust deposit for repayment of the debt securities. You could
not look to us for repayment in the event of any shortfall. Conversely, the
trust deposit would most likely be protected from claims of our lenders and
other creditors if we ever become bankrupt or insolvent. You would also be
released from the subordination provisions on the subordinated debt securities
described later under "Subordination" on page 19 of this prospectus. If we
accomplish a defeasance, we would retain only the obligations to register the
transfer or exchange of the debt securities, to maintain an office or agency in
respect of the debt securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust.
Covenant Defeasance. Under current federal tax law, we can make the same
type of deposit described above and be released from some of the restrictive
covenants in the Indentures. These covenants relate to "Limitation on Liens" and
"Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions" described in Sections 1009 and
1010 respectively of the Senior Indenture and are summarized beginning on page
17 of this prospectus. We can also be released from any other covenant in the
Indentures which may be specified in the prospectus supplement if we make the
same type of deposit described above. This is called "covenant defeasance." In
that event, you would lose the protection of those covenants but would gain the
protection of having money and debt securities set
14
aside in trust to repay the debt securities. You also would be released from the
subordination provisions on the subordinated securities described under
"Subordination" on page 19 of this prospectus. In order to achieve covenant
defeasance, we must do the following:
- deposit in trust for your benefit and the benefit of all other direct
holders of the debt securities a combination of money and U.S.
government or U.S. government agency obligations that will generate
enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the
debt securities on their various due dates; and
- deliver to the Trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming that,
under current federal income tax law, we may make the above deposit
without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently
than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the debt
securities ourselves.
If we accomplish covenant defeasance, you can still look to us for
repayment of the debt securities if there were a shortfall in the trust deposit
or the Trustee is prevented from making payment. In fact, if one of the
remaining Events of Default occurred, such as our bankruptcy, and the debt
securities become immediately due and payable, there may be such a shortfall.
Depending on the event causing the default, you may not be able to obtain
payment of the shortfall.
BOOK-ENTRY DEBT SECURITIES
We may issue debt securities of a series in whole or in part in global form
that we will deposit with, or on behalf of, a depositary that we identify in a
prospectus supplement. Global securities may be issued in either registered or
bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form (each, a "Global
Security"). Global Securities will be registered in the name of a financial
institution we select, and the debt securities included in the Global Securities
may 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 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 Depository.
Special Investor Considerations for Global Securities. Our obligations, as
well as the obligations of the Trustee and those of any third parties employed
by us or the Trustee, run only to Persons who are registered as holders of debt
securities. 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 but does not do so. 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 Depository,
as well as general laws relating to debt securities transfers.
You should be aware that when we issue debt securities in the form of
Global Securities:
- you cannot get debt securities registered in your own name;
- you cannot receive physical certificates for your interest in the debt
securities;
- you must look to your own bank or brokerage firm for payments on the
debt securities and protection of your legal rights relating to the
debt securities;
- you may not be able to sell interests in the debt securities to some
insurance companies and other institutions that are required by law to
hold the physical certificates of debt securities that they own;
- the Depository's policies will govern payments, transfers, exchanges
and other matters relating to your interest in the Global Security. We
and the Trustee have no responsibility for any aspect of the
Depository's actions or for its records of ownership interests in
15
the Global Security. We and the Trustee also do not supervise the
Depository in any way; and
- the Depository will usually require that interests in a Global
Security be purchased or sold within its system using same-day funds.
Management of the Depository Trust Company is aware that some computer
applications, systems, and the like for processing data that are dependent upon
calendar dates, including dates before, on, and after January 1, 2000, may
encounter "Year 2000 problems." The Depository Trust Company has informed its
participants and other members of the financial community that it has developed
and is implementing a program so that its applications and systems, as the same
relate to the timely payment of distributions (including principal and income
payments) to securityholders, book-entry deliveries, and settlement of trades
within the Depository Trust Company, continue to function appropriately. This
program includes a technical assessment and a remediation plan, each of which
the Depository Trust Company has indicated is complete. Additionally, the
Depository Trust Company's plan includes a testing phase, which the Depository
Trust Company has advised us is comprised of certain tests which have been
successfully completed and other tests which will continue throughout the
remainder of 1999.
However, the Depository Trust Company's ability to perform properly its
services is also dependent upon other parties, including but not limited to
issuers and their agents, as well as third party vendors from whom the
Depository Trust Company licenses software and hardware, and third party vendors
upon whom the Depository Trust Company relies for information or the provision
of services, including telecommunication and electrical utility service
providers, among others. The Depository Trust Company has informed its
participants and other members of the financial community that it is contacting,
and will continue to contact, third party vendors from whom the Depository Trust
Company acquires services to:
- impress upon them the importance of such services being Year 2000
compliant; and
- determine the extent of their efforts for Year 2000 remediation (and,
as appropriate, testing) of their services. In addition, the
Depository Trust Company is in the process of developing such
contingency plans as it deems appropriate.
According to the Depository Trust Company, the foregoing information with
respect to the Depository Trust Company has been provided for informational
purposes only and is not intended to serve as a representation, warranty, or
contract modification of any kind.
Special Situations when Global Security Will be Terminated. In a few
special situations described later, 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 indirectly through an account at your bank or brokerage firm will be
up to you. You must consult your own bank or broker to find out how to have
interests in debt securities transferred to your own name, so that they will be
direct holders.
The special situations for termination of a Global Security are:
- when the Depository notifies us that it is unwilling, unable or no
longer qualified to continue as Depository (unless a replacement
Depository is named);
- when an Event of Default on the debt securities has occurred and has
not been cured; and
- when and if we decide to terminate a Global Security.
The prospectus supplement may list situations for terminating a Global
Security that would apply only to the particular series of debt securities
covered by the prospectus supplement. When a
16
Global Security terminates, the Depository (and neither we nor the Trustee) is
responsible for deciding the names of the institutions that will be the initial
direct holders. (Section 302) Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus
supplement, debt securities that are represented by a Global Security will be
issued in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, and will be
issued in registered form only, without coupons.
RESIGNATION OF TRUSTEE
Each Trustee may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of
Indenture Securities, and a successor Trustee may be appointed to act with
respect to such series. (Section 608) In the event that two or more persons are
acting as Trustee with respect to different series of Indenture Securities under
one of the Indentures, each such Trustee will be a Trustee of a trust separate
and apart from the trust administered by any other such Trustee (Section 609),
and any action described herein to be taken by the "Trustee" may then be taken
by each such Trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the one or more
series of Indenture Securities for which it is Trustee.
SENIOR INDENTURE PROVISIONS
LIMITATION ON SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS
Under the terms of the Senior Indenture, we will not, and will not permit
any Restricted Subsidiary (as defined) to, sell or transfer any manufacturing
plant owned by us or any Restricted Subsidiary with the intention of taking back
a lease on such property unless:
- the sale or transfer of property is made within 120 days after the
later of the date of
- the acquisition of such property,
- the completion of construction of such property, or
- the commencement of full operation thereof;
- such lease has a term, including permitted extensions and renewals, of
not more than three years, and it is intended that the use by us or
the Restricted Subsidiary of the manufacturing plant covered by such
lease will be discontinued on or before the expiration of such term;
- the amount that we realize from such sale or transfer, together with
the value (as defined) of then outstanding sale and leaseback
transactions not otherwise permitted by the Senior Indenture and the
outstanding aggregate principal amount of mortgage, pledge or lien
indebtedness not otherwise permitted by the Senior Indenture will not
exceed 10% of our Consolidated Net Tangible Assets (as defined); or
- we will cause an amount equal to the value (as defined) of the
manufacturing plant to be sold or transferred and leased to be applied
to the retirement (other than any mandatory retirement) within 120
days of the effective date of such sale and leaseback transaction of
either the Indenture Securities or other funded indebtedness which is
equal in rank to the Indenture Securities, or both. (Section 1010 of
the Senior Indenture)
These provisions are intended to preserve our assets and to limit our
ability to incur leases which effectively constitute indebtedness.
LIMITATION ON LIENS
Under the terms of the Senior Indenture, with certain exceptions, we will
not, directly or indirectly, and we will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary
to, create or assume any mortgage, pledge or other lien of or upon any of our or
their assets unless all of the outstanding Indenture Securities of each series
are secured by such mortgage, pledge or lien equally and ratably with any
17
and all other obligations and indebtedness thereby secured for so long as any
such other obligations and indebtedness will be so secured. Among the exceptions
are:
- the creation of any mortgage or other lien on any of our property or
property of any Restricted Subsidiary to secure indebtedness incurred
prior to, at the time of, or within 120 days after the later of the
acquisition, the completion of construction or the commencement of
full operation of such property; and
- mortgages or liens on any property that we or any Restricted
Subsidiary acquire after the date of the Senior Indenture existing at
the time of such acquisition; provided that we incur the secured
indebtedness for the purpose of financing all or any part of the
acquisition or construction of any such property.
In addition, we or any Restricted Subsidiary may create or assume any
mortgage, pledge or other lien not otherwise permitted by the Senior Indenture
for the purpose of securing indebtedness or other obligations so long as the
aggregate of all such indebtedness and other obligations then outstanding,
together with the value of all outstanding sale and leaseback transactions not
otherwise permitted, will not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.
(Section 1009 of the Senior Indenture)
DEFINITIONS
The Senior Indenture defines the term "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" as
our total assets and those of our consolidated subsidiaries, including the
investment in (at equity) and the net amount of advances to and accounts
receivable from corporations which are not consolidated subsidiaries, less the
following:
- our current liabilities and those of our consolidated subsidiaries,
including an amount equal to indebtedness required to be redeemed by
reason of any sinking fund payment due in 12 months or less from the
date as of which current liabilities are to be determined;
- all of our other liabilities and those of our consolidated
subsidiaries other than Funded Debt (as defined), deferred income
taxes and liabilities for employee post-retirement health plans
recognized in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 106;
- all of our and our consolidated subsidiaries' depreciation and
valuation reserves and all other reserves (except for reserves for
contingencies which have not been allocated to any particular
purpose);
- the book amount of all our and our consolidated subsidiaries'
segregated intangible assets, including, but without limitation, such
items as goodwill, trademarks, trade names, patents and unamortized
debt discount and expense, less unamortized debt premium; and
- appropriate adjustments on account of minority interests of other
persons holding stock in subsidiaries.
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets is to be determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and as
provided in the Senior Indenture. (Section 101 of the Senior Indenture)
The Senior Indenture defines the term "Restricted Subsidiary" as any of our
subsidiaries except:
- any subsidiary substantially all the assets of which are located, or
substantially all of the business of which is carried on, outside of
the United States and Canada, or any
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subsidiary substantially all the assets of which consist of stock or
other securities of such a subsidiary;
- any subsidiary principally engaged in the business of financing notes
and accounts receivable and any subsidiary substantially all the
assets of which consist of the stock or other securities of such
subsidiary; or
- any subsidiary acquired or organized after the date of the Indenture,
unless our Board of Directors has designated it as a Restricted
Subsidiary and such designation will not result in the breach of any
covenant or agreement in the Senior Indenture. (Section 101 of the
Senior Indenture)
The Senior Indenture defines the term "Funded Debt" as indebtedness for
borrowed money owed or guaranteed by us or any of our consolidated subsidiaries,
and any other indebtedness which under generally accepted accounting principles
would appear as debt on the balance sheet of such corporation, which matures by
its terms more than twelve months from the date as of which Funded Debt is to be
determined or is extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor to a date
more than twelve months from the date as of which Funded Debt is to be
determined. (Section 101 of the Senior Indenture)
For purposes of the Limitation on Liens and Limitation on Sale and
Leaseback Transactions, the Senior Indenture defines the term "value" with
respect to a manufacturing plant as the amount equal to the greater of:
- the net proceeds of the sale or transfer of such manufacturing plant;
or
- the fair value of such manufacturing plant at the time of entering
into such Sale and Leaseback Transaction, as determined by our Board
of Directors.
This amount is divided first by the number of full years of the term of the
lease and then multiplied by the number of full years of such term remaining at
the time of determination, without regard to renewal or extension options
contained in such lease. (Section 1010 of the Senior Indenture)
SUBORDINATED INDENTURE PROVISIONS
SUBORDINATION
Article 16 of the Subordinated Indenture provides that the payment of
principal of (premium, if any) and interest on subordinated securities will be
subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of Senior
Indebtedness. We may make no payment with respect to subordinated securities
while a default exists with respect to our Senior Indebtedness.
The Subordinated Indenture defines "Senior Indebtedness" as:
- indebtedness of our company, whether outstanding on the date of the
Subordinated Indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or
guaranteed for money borrowed from banks or other lending institutions
and any other indebtedness or obligations of our company evidenced by
a bond, debenture, note or other similar instrument, including without
limitation, overdrafts, letters of credit issued for our account and
commercial paper;
- any other indebtedness that constitutes purchase money indebtedness
for payment of which we are directly or contingently liable (excluding
trade accounts payable);
- any direct or contingent indebtedness or obligation represented by
guarantees or instruments having a similar effect that we enter into
(whether prior to the date of the Subordinated Indenture or
thereafter) with reference to lease or purchase money
19
obligations of a subsidiary or affiliate of our company or any other
corporation in which we hold or have an option to purchase 50% or more
of the outstanding capital stock; and
- renewals, extensions and refundings of any indebtedness described in
the three bullet points above, unless in any case the terms of the
instrument creating or evidencing such indebtedness provide that the
indebtedness is on a parity with or is junior to the Subordinated
Indebtedness.
Any indebtedness that becomes indebtedness of our company by operation of
merger, consolidation or other acquisition will constitute Senior Indebtedness
if that indebtedness would have been Senior Indebtedness had it been issued by
us. By reason of this subordination, in the event that we become insolvent,
holders of our Senior Indebtedness may receive more, ratably, and holders of
Subordinated Indebtedness may receive less, ratably, than our other creditors.
The Subordinated Indenture does not limit our ability to issue Senior
Indebtedness.
If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with a series of
subordinated debt, the accompanying prospectus supplement or the information
incorporated by reference will set forth the approximate amount of Senior
Indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date.
CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE
If you may convert or exchange debt securities for other Securities, the
prospectus supplement will explain terms and conditions of such conversion or
exchange, including:
- the conversion price or exchange ratio (or the calculation method);
- the conversion or exchange period (or how such period will be
determined);
- if conversion or exchange will be mandatory, at your option or at our
option;
- provisions for adjustment of the conversion price or the exchange
ratio; and
- provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of the
redemption of the debt securities.
The terms may also include provisions under which the number or amount of
other Securities to be received by the holders of such debt securities upon
conversion or exchange would be calculated according to the market price of such
other Securities as of a time stated in the prospectus supplement.
THE TRUSTEES UNDER THE INDENTURE
The Chase Manhattan Bank is the Trustee under the Senior Indenture. We may
appoint The Chase Manhattan Bank as trustee under the Subordinated Indenture.
The Chase Manhattan Bank is among the banks with which we maintain ordinary
banking relationships. The Chase Manhattan Bank also serves as trustee under
other indentures under which the Three Month LIBOR Rate Notes due 2000 ("LIBOR
Notes"), 6 1/2% Debentures due 2025 ("6 1/2% Debentures"), 7 5/8% Debentures due
2024 ("7 5/8% Debentures"), 8% Debentures due 2006 ("8% Debentures") and the 9%
Notes of Eaton ETN Offshore Ltd. due 2001 ("9% Notes") are outstanding.
In the event that a default occurs under either Indenture or under the
indentures which govern the LIBOR Notes, the 6 1/2% Debentures, the 7 5/8%
Debentures, the 8% Debentures or the 9% Notes at a time when Indenture
Securities are outstanding under the Subordinated Indenture, unless the default
is cured or waived within 90 days, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act
require that, if The Chase Manhattan Bank is Subordinated Trustee, it must
resign as Trustee under either the Subordinated Indenture or each of the Senior
Indenture, the LIBOR Notes indenture, the 6 1/2% Debentures indenture, the
7 5/8% Debentures indenture, the 8% Debentures indenture and the 9%
20
Notes indenture. In such circumstance, we expect that The Chase Manhattan Bank
would resign as Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture.
FOREIGN CURRENCY RISKS -- FLUCTUATIONS AND CONTROLS
Debt securities denominated or payable in foreign Currencies may entail
significant risks. For example, the value of the Currencies, in comparison to
United States dollars, may decline, or foreign governments may impose or modify
controls regarding the payment of foreign Currency obligations. These events may
cause the value of debt securities denominated or payable in those foreign
Currencies to fall substantially. These risks will vary depending upon the
foreign Currency or Currencies involved and will be more fully described in the
applicable prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT WARRANTS
We may issue, either together with other debt securities or preferred
shares or separately, debt warrants to purchase underlying debt securities. We
will issue debt warrants, if any, under warrant agreements (each a "debt warrant
agreement") that would be between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant
agent (the "debt warrant agent"), that we will describe in a prospectus
supplement. The form of the debt warrant agreement is contained in a
registration statement that we have filed with the SEC. See "Where You Can Find
More Information" on page 2 of this prospectus for information on how to obtain
a copy of the debt warrant agreement. The following is a summary of the material
terms of the debt warrant agreement. This summary is not complete, and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the debt
warrant agreement and the accompanying debt warrant certificates, including the
definitions therein of certain terms.
GENERAL
You should read the prospectus supplement for the terms of the offered debt
warrants, including the following:
- the initial offering price;
- the title and aggregate number of such debt warrants;
- the designation, aggregate principal amount and other terms of the
senior securities purchasable upon exercise of the debt warrants;
- if applicable, the designation and terms of the debt securities or
preferred shares with which the debt warrants are issued and the
number of debt warrants issued with each debt security or preferred
share;
- if applicable, the date on and after which the debt warrants and the
related debt securities or preferred shares will be separately
transferable;
- the principal amount of senior securities purchasable upon exercise of
one debt warrant and the price at which such principal amount of
senior securities may be purchased upon such exercise;
- the date on which the right to exercise the debt warrants will
commence and the date on which such right will expire;
- if applicable, a discussion of United States federal income tax
consequences applicable to the exercise of the debt warrants and to
the senior securities purchasable upon the exercise of the debt
warrants;
- the identity of the debt warrant agent;
21
- whether the debt warrants represented by the debt warrant certificates
will be issued in registered or bearer form, and, if registered, where
they may be transferred or registered; and
- any other terms of the debt warrants.
Debt warrant certificates may be exchanged for new debt warrant
certificates of different denominations and, if in registered form, may be
presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the corporate
trust office of the debt warrant agent or any other office indicated in the
prospectus supplement relating thereto. (Section 3.01 of the debt warrant
agreement)
EXERCISE OF DEBT WARRANTS
Each offered debt warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase such
amount of underlying debt securities at the exercise price set forth in, or
calculable from, the prospectus supplement relating to such offered debt
warrants. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised debt
warrants will become void.
You may exercise debt warrants by payment to the debt warrant agent of the
applicable exercise price and by delivery to the debt warrant agent of the
related debt warrant certificate, properly completed. Debt warrants will be
deemed to have been exercised upon receipt of the exercise price, subject to the
receipt by the debt warrant agent, within five business days thereafter, of the
debt warrant certificate or certificates evidencing the debt warrants. Upon
receipt of such payment and the properly completed debt warrant certificates at
the corporate trust office of the debt warrant agent or any other office
indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, deliver
the amount of the underlying debt securities purchased upon such exercise. If
fewer than all of the debt warrants represented by any debt warrant certificate
are exercised, a new debt warrant certificate will be issued for the unexercised
debt warrants. If you hold a debt warrant, you must pay any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer involved
in the issuance of underlying debt securities purchased upon such exercise.
MODIFICATIONS
There are three types of changes we can make to the debt warrant agreement
and the offered debt warrants.
Changes Requiring Your Approval. First, there are changes that cannot be
made to your debt warrants without your specific approval. Those types of
changes include modifications and amendments that:
- accelerate the expiration date;
- increase the exercise price;
- reduce the number of outstanding debt warrants, the consent of the
holders of which is required for any such modification or amendment;
or
- otherwise materially and adversely affect the rights of the holders of
the debt warrants.
Changes Requiring a Majority Vote. The second type of change to the debt
warrant agreement and the offered debt warrants is the kind that requires a vote
in favor by holders of debt warrants owning a majority of the principal amount
of the particular series affected. Most changes fall into this category.
22
Changes Not Requiring Approval. The third type of change does not require
any vote by holders of debt warrants. This type of change is limited to
clarifications and other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the
debt warrants.
NO RIGHTS AS HOLDERS OF UNDERLYING DEBT SECURITIES
Before you exercise the warrants, you are not entitled to payments of
principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on the related underlying debt
securities or to exercise any other rights whatsoever as a holder of the
underlying debt securities.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SHARES
The following description sets forth the general terms and provisions of
the preferred shares. If we offer preferred shares, we will describe the
specific designation and rights in a prospectus supplement and we will file a
description with the SEC.
GENERAL
Our Board of Directors is authorized without further shareholder action to
issue one or more series of up to 14,106,394 preferred shares. The Board of
Directors can also determine the number of shares, dividend rates, dividend
payment dates, and dates from which dividends will be cumulative, redemption
rights or prices, sinking fund provisions, liquidation prices, conversion rights
and restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or any other class
or series. As of the date of this prospectus, no preferred shares are issued or
outstanding.
The preferred shares will have the dividend, liquidation, redemption,
voting rights and conversion rights set forth below unless otherwise provided in
the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of offered preferred
shares.
We will set forth the following terms of the offered preferred shares in
the prospectus supplement:
- the title and stated value of the offered preferred shares, the
liquidation preference per share and the number of shares offered;
- the price at which we will issue the offered preferred shares;
- the dividend rates and dates on which dividends will be payable, as
well as the dates from which dividends will commence to cumulate or
the method(s) of calculation thereof;
- the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and
the terms and conditions upon which the offered preferred shares may
be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our option, if we are to have
that option;
- our obligation, if any, to redeem or purchase the offered preferred
shares pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the
option of a holder thereof, and the period or periods within which,
the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which
the offered preferred shares will be redeemed or purchased in whole or
in part pursuant to such obligation;
- any rights on the part of the holder to convert the offered preferred
shares into our common shares;
- any additional dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund, voting
and other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and
restrictions;
- the terms of any debt warrants that we will offer together with or
separately from the offered preferred shares;
23
- the national securities exchanges, if any, upon which the offered
preferred shares will be listed;
- the procedures for any auction or remarketing, if any, of the offered
preferred shares; and
- any other terms of the offered preferred shares.
The preferred shares will be fully paid and nonassessable, and for each
share issued, a sum equal to the stated value will be credited to our preferred
stock account.
We have adopted a rights plan and are subject to certain provisions of Ohio
law, each of which may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a
change in control of our company. See "Description of Common Shares -- Rights
Plan" and "-- Certain Ohio Statutes."
DIVIDENDS
As a holder of offered preferred shares, you will be entitled to receive
cash dividends, when and as declared by the Board of Directors out of our assets
legally available for payment, at such rate and on such quarterly dates as will
be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each dividend will be
payable to holders of record as they appear on our stock books on the record
dates fixed by the Board of Directors. Dividends will be cumulative from and
after the date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
If we have not paid or declared and set apart for payment full cumulative
dividends on any preferred shares for any dividend period or we are in default
with respect to the redemption of preferred shares or any sinking fund for any
preferred shares, we may not do the following:
- declare any dividends (except a dividend payable in shares ranking
junior to the preferred shares) on, or make any distribution (except
as aforesaid) on the common shares or any of our other shares; or
- make any payment on account of the purchase, redemption or other
retirement of, our common shares or any of our other shares except out
of the proceeds of the sale of common shares or any other shares
ranking junior to the preferred shares.
If dividends on preferred shares are in arrears, and there will be
outstanding shares of any other series of preferred shares ranking on a parity
as to dividends with the preferred shares, we, in making any dividend payment on
account of such arrears, are required to make payments ratably upon all
outstanding preferred shares and such other series of preferred shares in
proportion to the respective amounts of dividends in arrears on such preferred
shares and shares of such other series.
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of our company, the holders of the offered preferred shares will be
entitled to receive liquidating distributions in the amount set forth in the
applicable prospectus supplement plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. This
distribution will be made out of our assets available for distribution to
shareholders and will be made before any distribution is made to holders of our
common shares. If, upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of our company, the amounts payable with respect to the preferred
shares and any of our other shares ranking on a parity with the preferred shares
are not paid in full, the holders of those shares will share ratably in any such
distribution of our assets in proportion to the full respective preferential
amounts to which they are entitled. After payment of the full amount of the
liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred
shares will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of
our assets. A consolidation or merger of our company with or into any other
24
corporation or corporations or a sale of all or substantially all of our assets
will not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our
company.
REDEMPTION
The offered preferred shares will be redeemable in whole or in part at our
option, at the times and at the redemption prices that we set forth in the
applicable prospectus supplement.
We may not redeem less than all the outstanding shares of any series of
preferred shares unless full cumulative dividends have been paid or declared and
set apart for payment upon all outstanding shares of such series of preferred
shares for all past dividend periods. In addition, all of our matured
obligations with respect to all sinking funds, retirement funds or purchase
funds for all series of preferred shares then outstanding must have been met.
VOTING RIGHTS
The holders of the offered preferred shares are entitled to one vote per
share on all matters presented to our shareholders.
If the equivalent of six quarterly dividends payable on any series of
preferred shares are in default, whether or not declared or consecutive, the
holders of all outstanding series of preferred shares, voting as a single class
without regard to series, will be entitled to elect two directors until all
dividends in default have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. The
holders of preferred shares will not have or exercise such special class voting
rights except at meetings of the shareholders for the election of directors at
which the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding preferred
shares of all series are present in person or by proxy.
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding preferred shares, voting as a single class without regard to series,
will be required for any amendment of our Amended Articles of Incorporation or
Amended Regulations that will adversely affect the preferences, rights or voting
powers of the preferred shares. If not all series of preferred shares would be
affected as to their preferences, rights or voting powers, only the consent of
holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of each series that would be
affected, voting separately as a class, will be required. A two-thirds vote is
also required to issue any class of stock that will have preference as to
dividends or distribution of assets over any outstanding series of preferred
shares.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
preferred shares will be necessary to increase the authorized number of
preferred shares or to authorize any shares ranking on a parity with the
preferred shares. The Regulations may be amended to increase the number of
directors, without the vote of the holders of outstanding preferred shares.
CONVERSION RIGHTS
We will state in the prospectus supplement for any series of offered
preferred shares whether shares in that series are convertible into common
shares. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, if a
series of preferred shares is convertible into common shares, holders of
convertible preferred shares of that series will have the right, at their option
and at any time, to convert any of those convertible preferred shares in
accordance with their terms. However, if that series of convertible preferred
shares is called for redemption, the conversion rights pertaining to them will
terminate at the close of business on the date before the redemption date.
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the
conversion rate is subject to adjustment in certain events, including the
following:
- the issuance of common shares or capital shares of any other class as
a dividend or distribution on the common shares;
25
- subdivisions and combinations of the common shares;
- the issuance of certain rights or warrants to all holders of common
shares entitling those holders to subscribe for or purchase common
shares, or securities convertible into common shares, within the
period specified in the prospectus supplement at less than the current
market price as defined in the Certificate of Designations for such
series of convertible preferred shares; and
- the distribution of evidences of indebtedness or assets or rights or
warrants to all holders of common shares (excluding cash dividends,
distributions, rights or warrants, referred to above).
No adjustments in the conversion rate will be made as a result of regular
quarterly or other periodic or recurrent cash dividends or distributions or for
cash dividends or distributions to the extent paid from retained earnings. No
adjustment in the conversion price will be required unless such adjustment would
require a change of at least 1% in the conversion price then in effect or a
period of three years will have elapsed from the date of occurrence of any event
requiring any such adjustment; provided that any adjustment that would otherwise
be required to be made will be carried forward and taken into account in any
subsequent adjustment. We reserve the right to make such increases in the
conversion rate in addition to those required in the foregoing provisions as we,
in our discretion, determine to be advisable in order that certain stock-related
distributions or subdivisions of the common shares hereafter made by us to our
shareholders will not be taxable. Except as stated above, the conversion rate
will not be adjusted for the issuance of common shares or any securities
convertible into or exchangeable for common shares, or securities carrying the
right to purchase any of the foregoing.
In the case of:
- any reclassification or change of the common shares;
- a consolidation or merger involving our company; or
- a sale or conveyance to another corporation of the property and assets
of our company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety,
in each case as a result of which holders of common shares will be entitled to
receive stock, securities, or other property or assets, including cash, with
respect to or in exchange for such common shares, the holders of the convertible
preferred shares then outstanding will be entitled thereafter to convert those
convertible preferred shares into the kind and amount of shares and other
securities or property which they would have received upon such
reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, combination, sale or conveyance
had those convertible preferred shares been converted into common shares
immediately prior to the reclassification, change, consolidation, merger,
combination, sale or conveyance.
In the event of a taxable distribution to holders of common shares or other
transaction which results in any adjustment of the conversion rate, the holders
of convertible preferred shares may, in certain circumstances, be deemed to have
received a distribution subject to United States federal income tax as a
dividend; in certain other circumstances, the absence of such an adjustment may
result in a taxable dividend to the holders of common shares or the convertible
preferred shares.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES
The following is a summary of the material provisions concerning the common
shares contained in our Amended Articles of Incorporation ("Articles") and our
Amended Regulations ("Regulations"), as affected by debt agreements. Reference
is made to such Articles and Regulations,
26
which we have filed with the SEC. See "Where You Can Find More Information" on
page 2 of this prospectus for information on how to obtain a copy of the
Articles and Regulations.
AUTHORIZED NUMBER
The Articles authorize the issuance of up to 300,000,000 common shares. On
November 9, 1999, there were 74,104,700 common shares issued and outstanding.
The outstanding common shares are fully paid and non-assessable, and
shareholders are not subject to any liability for calls and assessments. The
Articles also authorize the issuance of up to 14,106,394 preferred shares.
Currently, there are no preferred shares issued and outstanding.
DIVIDENDS
Holders of common shares may receive dividends that our Board of Directors
declares.
VOTING RIGHTS
Each common share entitles the holder to one vote. Directors are elected by
cumulative voting, which means that each common share entitles the holder to the
number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected. All votes in
respect of such share may be cast for one or more of the directors to be
elected. Cumulative voting may have the effect of increasing minority
shareholders' representation on the Board of Directors.
The Articles provide that action may be taken by the vote of the holders of
shares entitling them to exercise a majority of the voting power of the Company,
except in each case as is otherwise provided in the Articles or Regulations. The
Articles and Regulations provide for a voting proportion which is different from
that provided by statutory law in order for shareholders to take action in
certain circumstances, including the following:
(1) two-thirds vote required to fix or change the number of directors;
(2) two-thirds vote required for removal of directors;
(3) fifty percent of the outstanding shares required to call a special
meeting of shareholders;
(4) two-thirds vote required to amend the Regulations without a meeting;
(5) two-thirds vote required to amend the provisions described in items
(1) and (4) above and this provision, unless such action is recommended by
two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors;
(6) two-thirds vote required to approve certain transactions, such as
the sale, exchange, lease, transfer or other disposition by the Company of
all, or substantially all, of its assets or business, or the consolidation
of the Company or its merger into another corporation, or certain other
mergers and majority share acquisitions; and
(7) two-thirds vote required to amend the provisions described in item
(6) above, or this provision.
The requirement of a two-thirds vote in certain circumstances may have the
effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company.
RIGHTS PLAN
We have adopted a rights plan which may have the effect of delaying or
preventing a change in control of our company. This plan attached to each common
share one right (a "Right") that, when exercisable, entitles the holder of the
Right to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Participating
Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $250, subject to adjustment. If certain
takeover
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events occur, exercise of the Rights would entitle the holders thereof (other
than the acquiring person or group) to receive common shares or common stock of
a surviving corporation, or cash, property or other securities, with a market
value equal to twice the purchase price. Those takeover events include a person
or group becoming the owner of 20% or more of the common shares or the
commencement of, or announcement of an intention to make, a tender offer or
exchange offer the consummation of which would result in the beneficial
ownership by a person or group of 20% or more of the outstanding common shares.
Accordingly, exercise of the Rights may cause substantial dilution to a person
who attempts to acquire our company.
The Rights automatically attach to each outstanding common share, including
any shares offered pursuant to the applicable prospectus supplement. There is no
monetary value presently assigned to the Rights, and they will not trade
separately from the common shares unless and until they become exercisable. The
Rights, which expire on July 12, 2005, may be redeemed, at the option of our
Board of Directors, at a price of $.01 per Right at any time prior to a group or
person acquiring ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding common shares. The
Rights Agreement may have certain antitakeover effects, although it is not
intended to preclude any acquisition or business combination that is at a fair
price and otherwise in the best interests of our company and our shareholders as
determined by our Board of Directors. However, a shareholder could potentially
disagree with the Board's determination of what constitutes a fair price or the
best interests of our company and our shareholders.
The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement
(the "Rights Agreement") between us and First Chicago Trust Company of New York,
as Rights Agent. We have filed a copy of the Rights Agreement as an exhibit to
the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See "Where You
Can Find More Information" on page 2 of this prospectus for information on how
to obtain a copy of the Rights Agreement. The above description of the Rights is
a summary of the material terms of the Rights, does not purport to be complete
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Rights Agreement.
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of our company, after the payment or provision for payment of our
debts and other liabilities and the preferential amounts to which holders of our
preferred shares are entitled, if any such preferred shares are then
outstanding, the holders of the common shares are entitled to share pro rata in
our assets remaining for distribution to shareholders.
MISCELLANEOUS RIGHTS, LISTING AND TRANSFER AGENTS
Our common shares have no preemptive or conversion rights and there are no
redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable thereto.
Our outstanding common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange,
Chicago Stock Exchange, Pacific Exchange and London Stock Exchange. The First
Chicago Trust Company of New York is the transfer agent and registrar for our
common shares.
CLASSIFICATION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors is divided into three approximately equal classes,
having staggered terms of office of three years each. The effect of a classified
Board of Directors, where cumulative voting is in effect, is to require the
votes of more shares to elect one or more members of the Board of Directors than
would be required if the Board of Directors were not classified. Additionally,
the effect of a classified Board of Directors may be to make it more difficult
to acquire control of our company.
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CERTAIN OHIO STATUTES
Various laws may affect the legal or practical ability of shareholders to
dispose of shares of our company. Such laws include the Ohio statutory
provisions described below.
Chapter 1704 of the Ohio Revised Code prohibits an interested shareholder
(defined as a beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent (10%) or
more of the voting power of any issuing public Ohio corporation) or any
affiliate or associate of an interested shareholder (as defined in Section
1704.01 of the Ohio Revised Code) from engaging in certain transactions with the
corporation during the three-year period after the interested shareholder's
share acquisition date.
The prohibited transactions include mergers, consolidations, majority share
acquisitions, certain asset sales, loans, certain sales of shares, dissolution,
and certain reclassifications, recapitalizations, or other transactions that
would increase the proportion of shares held by the interested shareholder.
After expiration of the three-year period, the corporation may participate
in such a transaction with an interested shareholder only if, among other
things:
- the transaction receives the approval of the holders of two-thirds of
all the voting shares and the approval of the holders of a majority of
the disinterested voting shares (shares not held by the interested
shareholder); or
- the transaction meets certain criteria designed to ensure that the
remaining shareholders receive fair consideration for their shares.
The prohibitions do not apply if, before the interested shareholder becomes
an interested shareholder, the board of directors of the corporation approves
either the interested shareholder's acquisition of shares or the otherwise
prohibited transaction. The restrictions also do not apply if a person
inadvertently becomes an interested shareholder or was an interested shareholder
prior to the adoption of the statute on April 11, 1990, unless, subject to
certain exceptions, the interested shareholder increases his, her or its
proportionate share interest on or after April 11, 1990.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 1707.043, a public corporation formed
in Ohio may recover profits that a shareholder makes from the sale of the
corporation's securities within eighteen (18) months after making a proposal to
acquire control or publicly disclosing the possibility of a proposal to acquire
control. The corporation may not, however, recover from a person who proves in a
court of competent jurisdiction either of the following:
- that his, her or its sole purpose in making the proposal was to
succeed in acquiring control of the corporation and there were
reasonable grounds to believe that such person would acquire control
of the corporation; or
- such person's purpose was not to increase any profit or decrease any
loss in the stock, and the proposal did not have a material effect on
the market price or trading volume of the stock.
Also, before the corporation may obtain any recovery, the aggregate amount of
the profit realized by such person must exceed $250,000. Any shareholder may
bring an action on behalf of the corporation if a corporation fails or refuses
to bring an action to recover these profits within sixty (60) days of a written
request. The party bringing such an action may recover attorneys' fees if the
court having jurisdiction over such action orders recovery of any profits.
CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITION ACT
We are also subject to Ohio's Control Share Acquisition Act (Ohio Revised
Code 1701.831). The Control Share Acquisition Act provides that, with certain
exceptions, a person may acquire beneficial ownership of shares in certain
ranges (one-fifth or more but less than one-third, one-third or more but less
than a majority, or a majority or more) of the voting power of the outstanding
29
shares of an Ohio corporation meeting certain criteria, which our company meets,
only if such person has submitted an "acquiring person statement" and the
proposed acquisition has been approved by the vote of a majority of the shares
of the corporation represented at a special meeting called for such purpose and
by a majority of such shares of the corporation excluding "interested shares,"
as defined in Section 1701.01 of the Ohio Revised Code.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the offered securities as follows:
- through agents;
- to or through underwriters; or
- directly to other purchasers.
We will identify any underwriters or agents and describe their compensation
in a prospectus supplement.
We, directly or through agents, may sell, and the underwriters may resell,
the offered securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated
transactions. These transactions may be:
- at a fixed public offering price or prices, which may be changed;
- at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
- at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or
- at negotiated prices.
In connection with the sale of offered securities, the underwriters or
agents may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the offered
securities for whom they may act as agents. The underwriters may sell offered
securities to or through dealers, who may also receive compensation from
purchasers of the offered securities for whom they may act as agents.
Compensation may be in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions.
Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the
offered securities may be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act of 1933,
and any discounts or commissions received by them from us and any profit on the
resale of the offered securities by them may be treated as underwriting
discounts and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933.
We will indemnify the underwriters and agents against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or
perform services for, us or our affiliates in the ordinary course of their
business.
If we indicate in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series
or issue of offered securities, we will authorize underwriters, dealers or
agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase such offered
securities from us pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment
and delivery at a future date. Such contracts will be subject only to those
conditions that we specify in the prospectus supplement, and we will specify in
the prospectus supplement the commission payable for solicitation of such
contracts.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The validity of the offered securities will be passed upon for us by G. L.
Gherlein, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and for any
underwriters, dealers or agents by Shearman & Sterling, 599 Lexington Avenue,
New York, New York 10022. Mr. Gherlein is paid a salary by our company and
participates in various employee benefit plans offered to officers of our
company generally.
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EXPERTS
Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, have audited our consolidated
financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A No. 2 for the
year ended December 31, 1998, as set forth in their report, which is
incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration
statement. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on
Ernst & Young LLP's report, given on their authority as experts in accounting
and auditing.
Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, have audited the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of Aeroquip-Vickers, Inc. and subsidiaries
included in our Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated April 22, 1999, as amended,
as set forth in their report, which is incorporated by reference in this
prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. These financial
statements and schedule are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst &
Young LLP's report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
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$300,000,000
EATON CORPORATION
5.75% NOTES DUE 2012
[EATON LOGO]
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
JULY 17, 2002
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SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
JPMORGAN
MCDONALD INVESTMENTS
BARCLAYS CAPITAL
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