AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 2, 2002
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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POLYONE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
OHIO 2821 34-1730488
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization Classification Code Number) Identification Number)
SUITE 36-5000
200 PUBLIC SQUARE
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44114-2304
(216) 589-4000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
registrant's principal executive office)
WENDY C. SHIBA
VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER AND SECRETARY
POLYONE CENTER
33587 WALKER ROAD
AVON LAKE, OHIO 44012
(440) 930-1359
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of agent for service)
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COPIES TO:
CHRISTOPHER M. KELLY, ESQ.
JONES, DAY, REAVIS & POGUE
901 LAKESIDE AVENUE
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44114
(216) 586-3939
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APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable following the effective date of this registration statement.
If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement of
the same offering [ ]
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT TO OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED BE REGISTERED PER UNIT OFFERING PRICE REGISTRATION FEE
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8.875% Senior Notes Due 2012.... $200,000,000(1) 100% $200,000,000 $18,400
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(1) Represents the maximum principal amount at maturity of 8.875% Senior Notes
due 2012 that may be issued pursuant to the exchange offer described in this
registration statement.
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THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
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THIS INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE. POLYONE CORPORATION MAY NOT
SELL OR OFFER THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND POLYONE IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 2, 2002
PROSPECTUS
$200,000,000
[POLYONE LOGO]
OFFER TO EXCHANGE
ALL OUTSTANDING 8.875% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2012
FOR 8.875% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2012
OF
POLYONE CORPORATION
THIS EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M.,
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON , 2002
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THE EXCHANGE NOTES
- The terms of the notes to be issued are substantially identical to the
outstanding notes that PolyOne issued on April 23, 2002, except for
transfer restrictions, registration rights and liquidated damages
provisions relating to the outstanding notes that will not apply to the
exchange notes.
- Interest on the notes accrues at the rate of 8.875% per year, payable in
cash every six months on May 1 and November 1, with the first payment on
November 1, 2002.
- The notes are senior, unsecured obligations of PolyOne and rank equally
with our other senior unsecured indebtedness and are effectively
subordinated to the obligations of our subsidiaries.
MATERIAL TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
- Expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2002, unless
extended.
- This exchange offer is not subject to any condition other than that it
must not violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the
Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- All outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn
will be exchanged for an equal principal amount of notes which are
registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
- Tenders of outstanding notes may be withdrawn at any time before the
expiration of the exchange offer.
- PolyOne will not receive any cash proceeds from the exchange offer.
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account
pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. The letter of
transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a
broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933. This prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection
with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for outstanding notes where
such outstanding notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that,
starting on the expiration date of the exchange offer and ending on the close of
business 180 days after the expiration date, we will make this prospectus, as
amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection
with any such resale.
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PLEASE CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 12 OF THIS
PROSPECTUS.
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NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE EXCHANGE NOTES TO BE DISTRIBUTED
IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER, NOR HAVE ANY OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS DETERMINED THAT THIS
PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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The date of this prospectus is , 2002.
REFERENCES TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This prospectus incorporates important business and financial information
about PolyOne that is not included in or delivered with this prospectus. You may
obtain documents that are filed by PolyOne with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and incorporated by reference in this prospectus without charge by
requesting the documents, in writing or by telephone, from the Securities and
Exchange Commission or:
PolyOne Corporation
Suite 36-500
200 Public Square
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2304
Attention: Dennis Cocco, Chief Investor & Communications Officer
Telephone: (216) 589-4018
If you would like to request copies of these documents, please do so by
, 2002 in order to receive them before the expiration of the
exchange offer. See "Where You Can Find More Information."
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
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Summary..................................................... 1
Risk Factors................................................ 12
Forward-Looking Statements.................................. 17
Use of Proceeds............................................. 17
Capitalization.............................................. 18
Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data............. 19
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................. 20
Business.................................................... 31
Description of Specific Other Indebtedness.................. 38
The Exchange Offer.......................................... 40
Description of Notes........................................ 49
Book-Entry, Delivery and Forms.............................. 60
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exchange Offer....... 62
Specific Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S.
Holders................................................... 62
Plan of Distribution........................................ 65
Legal Matters............................................... 65
Experts..................................................... 65
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 66
Incorporation By Reference.................................. 66
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INDUSTRY, RANKING AND OTHER DATA
The data included in this prospectus regarding industries and ranking,
including the size of specific industries and our position and the position of
our competitors within these industries, are based on independent industry
publications or other published industry sources and our estimates. Our
estimates are based on information obtained from our customers, distributors,
suppliers, trade and business organizations and other contacts in the industries
in which we operate and our management's knowledge and experience. Although we
have not independently verified the accuracy of these estimates, we believe
these estimates to be accurate as of the date of this prospectus.
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SUMMARY
The following summary contains information about PolyOne and this offering.
It does not contain all of the information that may be important to you in
making a decision to exchange any outstanding notes. For a more complete
understanding of PolyOne and this offering, we urge you to read carefully this
entire prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference, including the
"Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" sections and our consolidated
financial statements and the notes to those statements. Unless the context
otherwise indicates, the terms "PolyOne," "we," "our" and "us" as used in this
prospectus refer to PolyOne Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.
POLYONE CORPORATION
We are a leading global polymer services company with operations in
thermoplastic compounds, specialty resins, specialty polymer formulations,
engineered films, color and additive systems, elastomer compounds and additives
and thermoplastic resin distribution. PolyOne was formed on August 31, 2000 as a
result of the consolidation of The Geon Company and M.A. Hanna Company. We
consider ourself a leader in delivering value to customers through our strengths
in polymer technology, manufacturing and supply chain processes, information
technology, environmental and safety performance, overall quality and
operational excellence. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, we had
revenues of $2.7 billion and EBITDA of $59 million.
We operate in four business segments: Performance Plastics, Elastomers and
Performance Additives, Distribution and Resin and Intermediates.
PERFORMANCE PLASTICS
We are a leading merchant producer of compounded plastics to the
specifications of manufacturers of plastic products throughout North America and
Europe. We engage in the custom compounding of plastic materials to the
specifications of manufacturers of molded and extruded plastic products through
our compounding business. Our compounds are used in end products such as
appliance components, automotive trim, business equipment housing, computer disk
drive components, bottles, pipe and pipe fitting, windows, wire and cable.
Through our custom formulated colorants and additives business, we manufacture
custom formulated colorants in the form of color concentrates, liquid
dispersions, dry colorants and additives for customers in the plastic industry
throughout North America, Europe, South America and Asia. We are also a leading
North American producer of specialty vinyl dispersion resins. In addition, our
business processes specialty dispersion resins with different additives, such as
plastisizers and fillers, to produce liquid or solid plastisol formulations. We
also produce formulations using urethanes and latex polymers. Through our
engineered films business, we process flexible compounds into rolls of
various-gauge films. These products are incorporated into automotive instrument
panels, airbags, furniture fabrics, loose-leaf binder covers, medical bloodbags
and pool liners.
ELASTOMERS AND PERFORMANCE ADDITIVES
We engage in the custom compounding of rubber materials to the
specifications of manufacturers of rubber products throughout North America
through our rubber compounding and additives businesses. This includes products
used in the manufacture of automobile hoses and belts, footwear, escalator
railings and industrial conveyors. We also produce rubber colorants and
additives for the rubber industry worldwide. We believe we are the largest
independent custom rubber compounder in North America.
DISTRIBUTION
We distribute more than 3,500 grades of engineering and commodity resins
and plastic compounds from approximately 12 major suppliers including our own
polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, compounds through our distribution business. These
products are sold to custom molders and extruders who convert them into plastic
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products. Our customers produce products that are sold to a number of different
industries and end markets. We believe we are one of the leading distributors of
plastic resins and compounds in North America.
RESIN AND INTERMEDIATES
Our Resin and Intermediates segment manufactures products such as PVC
resins, vinyl chloride monomer, or VCM, and caustic soda. These products are
sold to customers in the aluminum, paper and pulp and construction industries.
This segment also produces intermediates, such as chlorine, for internal
consumption by our affiliate in the production of PVC resins. This segment
consists primarily of investments in equity affiliates, principally Oxy Vinyls,
LP and SunBelt Chlor-Alkali Partnership.
PRINCIPAL EQUITY AFFILIATES
We hold an equity interest in several joint ventures. Our two largest
investments, based on our recorded investment in and commitment to guarantee
debt of our equity affiliates, are OxyVinyls and SunBelt. We have a 24% interest
in OxyVinyls, a partnership with Occidental Chemical Corporation, which is a
leading producer of PVC resin and VCM in North America. OxyVinyls also produces
chlorine and caustic soda. We also own 50% of SunBelt, a joint venture with Olin
Corporation, which produces chlorine and caustic soda.
COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
Leading Market Positions. We are a leader in most of the markets in which
we sell our products and services in North America. For example, we are a
leading producer of vinyl compounds, as well as elastomer and rubber additive
products. We are one of the North American leaders in colorants for plastics and
we believe we are one of the leading distributors of plastic resins and
compounds in North America. Many of our products are sold or distributed into
the same markets, which provides us with cross-selling opportunities for
additional products or services. In addition, our operations in Europe and Asia
allow us to provide the same products and services to our customers throughout
North America, Europe and Asia with regional delivery and global specifications.
Diverse Customers and Industries Served. We serve customers across a
variety of industries, such as construction, automotive, consumer non-durables,
electrical, industrial consumer durables and packaging. In addition, no customer
accounts for more than 3% of our sales, and no industry accounts for more than
18% of our sales. We believe this diversification helps to protect our business
from swings caused by shifts in any one industry. Moreover, our broad customer
base provides us with opportunities to offer new product innovation.
Broad Product Portfolio. We have a broad product portfolio of polymer
compounds and colors, elastomers, liquid polymer systems and additives, which
allows us to deliver service and technology based solutions to our customers for
many of their required polymer applications. We believe that this makes us a
preferred supplier to customers who have needs for diversified products. In
addition, we can develop solutions to our existing customers through different
polymers applications based on our extensive product portfolio.
Strong Management Team With Extensive Industry Experience. Our senior
management team consists of professionals with long-term experience within our
company and broad talents and expertise in the polymer services industries. Our
team of senior executives consists of 17 individuals, most of whom have over 20
years of experience in these industries. Moreover, our senior management team is
supported by managers within each business segment who have extensive experience
within their respective operating segments.
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BUSINESS STRATEGIES
We intend to utilize our resources to strengthen our position as a leading
global polymer services company through the following strategies:
Become the Preferred Provider of Products and Services. We take pride in
our ability to solve a customer's problem and then replicate the solution for
that customer around the world. We do this by creating teams of diverse product
specialists when a customer need demands an unusual combination of skills. This
allows us to provide customized solutions to our customers. In addition, we
organize our manufacturing processes and facilities around the industries we
serve in order to better meet the needs of our customers. We believe this
strategy will allow us to provide better service to our customers as we strive
to become their preferred provider of polymer products and services.
Realize Strategic Value Capture Initiatives. We will continue to pursue
our strategic value capture initiatives through creative cost reduction efforts,
continual improvements in operational efficiency and dedication to quality. We
believe these efforts will increase our profitability.
- Pursue Operational Excellence. We intend to eliminate excess capacity by
closing plants and expanding and improving some existing facilities in
order to establish centers of manufacturing excellence, including our
"Triple Crown" initiative for our North American plastics compounds and
color operations. In 2001, we announced that we would close 18 sites and
we targeted 20 more for capital improvements. We believe that this
initiative will enhance our manufacturing assets and continue to lead to
improvements in operational efficiency as we strive to continually
achieve operational excellence.
- Leverage Information Technology. We will continue to upgrade our IT
systems to link all our businesses worldwide. We call this undertaking
our "projectOne" initiative. We will use projectOne as a platform to
improve efficiency of information flow and knowledge management, which
will enable us to provide better customer service and solutions, improve
materials sourcing and offer e-commerce opportunities. For example, we
utilize our IT system to manage the inventory of one of our customers
located on the West Coast. This customer's silo, which contains vinyl
compounds, has been fitted with a measuring device that automatically
communicates to our enterprise resource planning system when a material
shipment should be made.
- Reduce Costs and Manage Capital Spending. We will continue to focus on
cost reduction in our operations and seek ways to reduce our selling and
administrative expenses. We have established the goal of reducing sales,
technology, general and administrative costs by more than $50 million in
2003 compared to these costs in 2000. Our strategy for capital spending
is to focus on investments that yield an attractive return.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On March 28, 2002, we amended and restated the credit agreement governing
our revolving credit facility. The amended and restated credit agreement also
revises our 2002 borrowed debt-to-EBITDA compliance ratios and requires that we
secure any obligations under the revolving credit facility. Additionally, our
obligations under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by some of our
domestic subsidiaries.
We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 "Goodwill
and Other Intangible Assets" effective January 1, 2002. Under this statement,
goodwill is no longer amortized against earnings, but must be periodically
tested for impairment. On April 8, 2002, we announced the completion of our
transitional assessment as to any impairment of goodwill as required by SFAS No.
142. As a result, we recognized a non-cash pre-tax charge of approximately $55
million (after-tax $54 million) in the first quarter of 2002, which was
reflected as a cumulative change in accounting principle. The impaired goodwill
relates to the acquisition in 1999 of our Engineered Films operation. As of
March 31, 2002 and after the above charge and the reclassification of workforce
intangible assets, goodwill totaled $447 million on our balance sheet.
3
Effective April 8, 2002, the partnership governance committee of OxyVinyls,
of which we own a 24% interest, adopted a resolution to no longer engage Arthur
Andersen LLP as its independent public accountants and to engage KPMG LLP to
serve as its independent public accountants for the fiscal year 2002.
On April 30, 2002, we reported first quarter operating results, including
revenues of $613 million, operating income of $6.5 million, a net loss before
cumulative effect of a change in accounting of $3.6 million and a net loss of
$57.3 million.
INFORMATION ABOUT POLYONE
We are an Ohio corporation formed on August 31, 2000 by the consolidation
of The Geon Company and M.A. Hanna Company. Our principal executive office is
located at Suite 36-5000, 200 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2304, and our
telephone number is (216) 589-4000. Our common shares are listed on The New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol "POL."
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THE EXCHANGE OFFER
The Exchange Offer............ We are offering to exchange $200.0 million in
principal amount of our 8.875% senior notes
due May 1, 2012, which have been registered
under the federal securities laws, for $200.0
million in principal amount of our outstanding
unregistered 8.875% senior notes due May 1,
2012, which we issued on April 23, 2002 in a
private offering. You have the right to
exchange your outstanding notes for exchange
notes with substantially identical terms.
In order for your outstanding notes to be
exchanged, you must properly tender them
before the expiration of the exchange offer.
All outstanding notes that are validly
tendered and not validly withdrawn will be
exchanged. We will issue the exchange notes on
or promptly after the expiration of the
exchange offer.
Registration Rights
Agreement..................... We sold the outstanding notes on April 23,
2002 to a limited number of initial
purchasers. At that time, we signed a
registration rights agreement with those
initial purchasers, which requires us to
conduct this exchange offer. This exchange
offer is intended to satisfy those rights set
forth in the registration rights agreement.
After the exchange offer is complete, you will
not have any further rights under the
registration rights agreement, including any
right to require us to register any
outstanding notes that you do not exchange or
to pay you liquidated damages.
If You Fail to Exchange Your
Outstanding Notes........... If you do not exchange your outstanding notes
for exchange notes in the exchange offer, you
will continue to be subject to the
restrictions on transfer provided in the
outstanding notes and indenture governing
those notes. In general, you may not offer or
sell your outstanding notes unless they are
registered under the federal securities laws
or are sold in a transaction exempt from or
not subject to the registration requirements
of the federal securities laws and applicable
state securities laws.
Expiration Date............... The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m.,
New York City time, on , 2002,
unless we decide to extend the expiration
date. See "The Exchange Offer -- Expiration
Date; Extensions; Amendments."
Conditions to the Exchange
Offer......................... The exchange offer is subject to conditions
that we may waive. The exchange offer is not
conditioned upon any minimum amount of
outstanding notes being tendered for exchange.
See "The Exchange Offer -- Conditions."
We reserve the right, subject to applicable
law, at any time and from time to time:
- to delay the acceptance of the outstanding
notes;
- to terminate the exchange offer if
specified conditions have not been
satisfied;
- to extend the expiration date of the
exchange offer and retain all tendered
outstanding notes subject to the right of
tendering holders to withdraw their tender
of outstanding notes; and
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- to waive any condition or otherwise amend
the terms of the exchange offer in any
respect. See "The Exchange
Offer -- Expiration Date; Extensions;
Amendments."
Procedures for Tendering
Notes......................... If you wish to tender your outstanding notes
for exchange, you must:
- complete and sign the enclosed letter of
transmittal by following the related
instructions; and
- send the letter of transmittal, as
directed in the instructions, together
with any other required documents, to the
exchange agent, either (1) with the
outstanding notes to be tendered or (2) in
compliance with the specified procedures
for guaranteed delivery of the outstanding
notes.
Brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust
companies and other nominees may also effect
tenders by book-entry transfer.
Please do not send your letter of transmittal
or certificates representing your outstanding
notes to us. Those documents should be sent
only to the exchange agent. Questions
regarding how to tender and requests for
information should be directed to the exchange
agent. See "The Exchange Offer -- Exchange
Agent."
Special Procedures for
Beneficial Owners............. If your outstanding notes are registered in
the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank,
trust company or other nominee, we urge you to
contact that person promptly if you wish to
tender your outstanding notes pursuant to the
exchange offer. See "The Exchange
Offer -- Procedures for Tendering."
Withdrawal Rights............. You may withdraw the tender of your
outstanding notes at any time before the
expiration date of the exchange offer by
delivering a written notice of your withdrawal
to the exchange agent. You must also follow
the withdrawal procedures as described under
the heading "The Exchange Offer -- Withdrawal
of Tenders."
Federal Income Tax
Considerations................ The exchange of outstanding notes for the
exchange notes in the exchange offer should
not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income
tax purposes.
Resale of Exchange Notes...... We believe that you will be able to offer for
resale, resell or otherwise transfer exchange
notes issued in the exchange offer without
compliance with the registration and
prospectus delivery provisions of the federal
securities laws, provided that:
- you are acquiring the exchange notes in
the ordinary course of business;
- you are not engaged in, and do not intend
to engage in, a distribution of the
exchange notes;
- you do not have any arrangement or
understanding with any person to
participate in the distribution of the
exchange notes;
- you are not a broker-dealer tendering
outstanding notes acquired directly from
us for your own account;
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- you are not one of our affiliates, as
defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act;
and
- you are not prohibited by law or any
policy of the SEC from participating in
the exchange offer.
Our belief is based on interpretations by the
Staff of the SEC, as set forth in no-action
letters issued to third parties unrelated to
us. The Staff has not considered this exchange
offer in the context of a no-action letter,
and we cannot assure you that the Staff would
make a similar determination with respect to
this exchange offer.
If our belief is not accurate and you transfer
an exchange note without delivering a
prospectus meeting the requirements of the
federal securities laws or without an
exemption from these laws, you may incur
liability under the federal securities laws.
We do not and will not assume or indemnify you
against this liability.
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange
notes for its own account in exchange for
outstanding notes that were acquired by such
broker-dealer as a result of market-making or
other trading activities must agree to deliver
a prospectus meeting the requirements of the
federal securities laws in connection with any
resale of the exchange notes. See "The
Exchange Offer -- Resale of the Exchange
Notes."
Exchange Agent................ The exchange agent for the exchange offer is
The Bank of New York. The address, telephone
number and facsimile number of the exchange
agent are set forth in "The Exchange
Offer -- Exchange Agent" and in the letter of
transmittal.
See "The Exchange Offer" for more detailed
information concerning the exchange offer.
THE EXCHANGE NOTES
Exchange Notes................ $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of
8.875% senior notes due 2012.
Maturity Date................. May 1, 2012.
Interest Payment Dates........ The exchange notes will bear interest at the
rate of 8.875% per year, payable semi-annually
in cash, in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of
each year, commencing on November 1, 2002.
Ranking....................... The exchange notes will be our general
unsecured obligations and will rank equally
with all of our existing and future unsecured
senior indebtedness. The exchange notes will
not be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries.
The exchange notes will be effectively
subordinated to all existing and future debt
of our subsidiaries.
As of December 31, 2001, after giving effect
to the offering of the outstanding notes and
the application of the net proceeds therefrom,
our total outstanding consolidated debt would
have been $590.9 million, of which $21.5
million would have been debt of our
subsidiaries.
We and some of our domestic subsidiaries have
agreed to secure our obligations under our
revolving credit facility and some letters of
credit, bank guarantees and hedging
instruments with some of our real property,
all of our equipment located on this real
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property, all of our inventory, all of our
accounts receivable (subject to a priority
security interest granted to the purchasers
under our receivables sale facility), all of
our deposit accounts and substantially all of
our intellectual property, as well as the
capital stock of these subsidiaries. These
domestic subsidiaries have also guaranteed our
obligations under our revolving credit
facility and the letters of credit, bank
guarantees and hedging instruments. As of
December 31, 2001, after giving effect to the
offering of the outstanding notes and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom, we
would have had approximately $41.4 million of
obligations under the letters of credit, bank
guarantees and hedging instruments. In
addition, if we exceed the specified limits of
secured debt permitted by the indentures
governing our other existing notes or our
guarantee of the notes of one of our equity
affiliates as we borrow under our revolving
credit facility, we will be required to
equally and ratably secure the exchange notes,
the other existing notes and the guarantee
with this collateral for so long as these
specified limits are exceeded. Accordingly,
depending on the amount drawn under our
revolving credit facility, the exchange notes
could become secured.
Our obligations under the revolving credit
facility will be secured and guaranteed until
our debt-to-EBITDA ratio is less than 3.50 to
1.0 for any two consecutive fiscal quarters.
If the revolving credit facility becomes
unsecured, the exchange notes will not be
secured by the collateral described above. See
"Description of Specific Other Indebtedness."
Optional Redemption........... We will have the option to redeem the exchange
notes at any time at a price equal to the
greater of 100% of the principal amount of the
exchange notes and a "make-whole" amount,
plus, in each case, any accrued interest to
the date of redemption. The "make-whole"
amount will be based on a discount rate equal
to the yield on a comparable U.S. Treasury
security plus 50 basis points. See
"Description of Notes -- Optional Redemption."
Use of Proceeds............... We will not receive any cash proceeds from the
issuance of the exchange notes.
RISK FACTORS
You should consider carefully all of the information set forth in this
prospectus and, in particular, should evaluate the specific factors set forth in
the section entitled "Risk Factors."
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SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
The summary of historical financial data of PolyOne set forth below as of
December 31, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998 and 1997 and for each of the five years in
the period ended December 31, 2001 are derived from the audited consolidated
financial statements. PolyOne was formed on August 31, 2000 from the
consolidation of The Geon Company and M. A. Hanna Company. This consolidation
was accounted for as a purchase business combination, with Geon as the acquiring
entity. Accordingly, our audited results under generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP) for the year ended December 31, 2000 reflect the operating
results of Geon for eight months prior to the consolidation and of PolyOne for
four months (which include the operating results of Hanna from the date of
consolidation). Accordingly, the summary historical financial data as of
December 31, 2001, and for the year then ended is generally not comparable to
the summary historical financial data for the other periods presented in the
table below. Note (1) to the summary historical financial data includes pro
forma income statement data and other data for 2000 and 1999 that gives effect
to the consolidation of Geon and Hanna and certain other transactions as if such
transactions had occurred prior to the periods presented. The audited results
for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 are those of Geon only. The
historical results include the following business acquisitions from the
acquisition date indicated: Synergistics Industries Limited from October 31,
1997; Plast-O-Meric, Inc., and the Wilflex Division of Flexible Products
Company, from June 1, 1998; Adchem, Inc. from September 1, 1998; Acrol Holdings
Limited from July 1, 1999; O'Sullivan Corporation from July 8, 1999; and Dennis
Chemical Company, Inc. from September 8, 1999. In addition, the 1999 results of
operations reflect the formation of Oxy Vinyls, LP on April 30, 1999, and the
contribution of substantially all of the Company's former PVC resin operations
to Oxy Vinyls, LP. In connection with this, PolyOne also acquired businesses
from Occidental Chemical Corporation and formed a powder compounding joint
venture, all of which are reflected in the PolyOne's consolidated results of
operations from May 1, 1999.
The summary historical financial data should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and the consolidated
financial statements and related notes of PolyOne incorporated by reference into
this prospectus. For additional information, see "Where You Can Find More
Information."
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA(1):
Sales..................................... $2,654.6 $1,887.8 $1,261.2 $1,284.4 $1,250.0
Depreciation and amortization............. 91.3 57.4 44.4 57.9 54.6
Employee separation and plant phase-out... 36.1 2.8 0.5 14.6 15.0
Merger and integration costs.............. 5.9 9.5 -- -- --
Operating income (loss)................... (17.1) 64.8 99.7 41.0 51.7
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of
a change in accounting.................. (46.1) 15.9 106.2 13.8 22.5
Net income (loss)(2)...................... (46.1) 15.9 104.7 13.8 22.5
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
Current assets............................ $ 485.6 $ 796.5 $ 357.7 $ 234.7 $ 313.5
Total assets.............................. 2,061.2 2,430.6 1,162.6 802.0 872.9
Current liabilities....................... 500.1 746.8 440.7 256.8 313.6
Long-term debt............................ 426.8 430.5 130.9 135.4 136.4
Shareholders' equity...................... 713.4 827.6 334.7 214.1 223.8
OTHER DATA(1):
EBITDA(3)................................. $ 59.2 $ 118.6 $ 140.5 $ 96.3 $ 100.4
Capital expenditures...................... 80.2 62.7 60.1 40.7 50.9
Expenditure for acquisitions(4)........... -- 520.0 233.5 57.1 82.2
Interest expense.......................... 41.9 36.7 17.7 16.0 11.9
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges(5)(6)........................... -- 1.5x 5.7x 1.7x 2.1x
9
---------------
(1) The income statement data and the other data are based on financial
information from the income statement, which includes the operating results
for acquisitions and other transactions from the date thereof. Below is a
summary of pro forma operating results, which assumes the consolidation of
Geon and Hanna occurred prior to the periods presented. Further, the pro
forma operating results assume that Hanna's sale of its Cadillac Plastic
business, Geon's 1999 transactions with Occidental Chemical Corporation and
the acquisition of O'Sullivan occurred prior to the periods presented. The
unaudited pro forma financial information set forth below should be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" included in this prospectus.
2000 1999
--------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA, PRO FORMA (UNAUDITED):
Sales....................................................... $3,139.7 $3,039.9
Operating income............................................ 115.5 181.8
Net income.................................................. 52.4 79.9
OTHER DATA, PRO FORMA (UNAUDITED):
Depreciation and amortization............................... $ 101.6 $ 104.3
EBITDA(3)................................................... 215.7 290.9
The above pro forma data includes the effects of the following restructuring and
other one-time items. The pro forma financial information set forth below should be
read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" included in this prospectus.
2000 1999
--------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Employee separation and plant phase-out..................... $ 2.8 $ (0.1)
Equity investment restructuring costs....................... -- 0.8
Executive separation cost................................... 8.5 --
Directors' pension termination.............................. 0.8 --
Other restructuring costs................................... 0.6 1.2
Write-off of debt placement................................. 0.8 --
Reversal of Hanna dock operations reserves.................. -- (1.2)
Gain on sale of assets...................................... -- (13.2)
Loss on sale of business.................................... -- 10.9
------ ------
Subtotal -- pre-tax expense (income)........................ 13.5 (1.6)
------ ------
Subtotal -- after-tax expense............................... 8.1 3.6
German tax rate reduction................................... (1.5) --
Hanna reversal of income tax reserve........................ (10.5) --
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting................. -- 1.5
------ ------
Total after-tax impact of special items (income)............ (3.9) 5.1
Net income, pro forma....................................... 52.4 79.9
------ ------
Net income, pro forma before special items.................. $ 48.5 $ 85.0
====== ======
EBITDA, pro forma before special items...................... $229.2 $289.3
====== ======
Operating income, pro forma before special items............ $128.4 $184.3
====== ======
Net income, EBITDA and operating income, before special items are non-GAAP measures,
and may not be comparable to financial performance measures presented by other
companies.
(2) Reflects the effects of certain restructuring and other one-time special
items included in historical operating income and net income (loss) as
follows. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" included in this prospectus.
10
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Employee separation and plant phase-out... $ 36.1 $ 2.8 $ 0.5 $ 14.6 $ 15.0
Merger and integration costs.............. 5.9 9.5 -- -- --
Equity investment restructuring and plant
idling costs*........................... 9.4 -- 0.8 -- --
Charge for acquired profit in inventory
relating to business acquisitions....... -- 2.8 3.2 -- --
Directors' pension termination............ -- 0.8 -- --
Other restructuring costs................. 0.2 0.6 1.2 -- --
Equity investment write-down.............. 10.1 -- -- -- --
Litigation settlement (gain).............. (4.1) -- -- -- --
Write-off of debt placement............... -- 0.8 -- -- --
(Gain) on formation of joint ventures..... -- -- (93.5) --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Subtotal -- pre-tax (income) expense...... 57.6 17.3 (87.8) 14.6 15.0
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Subtotal -- after-tax (income) expense.... 35.9 10.6 (53.7) 8.9 9.2
German tax rate reduction................. -- (1.5) -- -- --
Cumulative effect of a change in
accounting.............................. -- -- 1.5 -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total after-tax impact of special items... 35.9 9.1 (52.2) 8.9 9.2
Net income (loss), as reported............ (46.1) 15.9 104.7 13.8 22.5
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net income (loss), before special items... $(10.2) $ 25.0 $ 52.5 $ 22.7 $ 31.7
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
EBITDA, before special items.............. $116.8 $135.1 $146.2 $110.9 $115.4
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Operating income, before special items.... $ 34.5 $ 81.5 $105.4 $ 55.6 $ 66.7
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
* Represents employee severance, plant phase-out costs and liabilities
associated with the temporary idling of a plant.
Net income, EBITDA and operating income, before special items are non-GAAP
measures, and may not be comparable to financial performance measures
presented by other companies.
(3) EBITDA represents operating income plus other income (expense) and,
depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented as it is frequently used
by security analysts and certain investors in evaluating companies and their
ability to service debt. However, EBITDA should not be considered an
alternative to net cash from operating, investing and financing activities
as a measure of liquidity or as an alternative to net income as an indicator
of operating performance or any other measure of performance in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. EBITDA is not a measurement
under generally accepted accounting principles and is not necessarily
comparable with similarly titled measures of other companies.
(4) This amount includes business acquisitions for cash, net of cash acquired
and the M.A. Hanna Company consolidation for stock, net of cash received and
transaction costs paid in 2000.
(5) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
consist of earnings before income taxes, extraordinary items and the
cumulative effect of change in method of accounting and excluded
undistributed earnings (loss) of affiliates, except for the pre-tax loss of
50% or less owned affiliates for which PolyOne has guaranteed debt, and
capitalized interest, but include fixed charges and amortization of
previously capitalized interest. Fixed charges consist of interest expensed
and capitalized, amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses
related to indebtedness, and a portion of rental expense representing an
interest factor.
(6) Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2001 were inadequate to cover fixed
charges. The coverage deficiency for the year amounted to $64.0 million.
11
RISK FACTORS
An investment in the exchange notes involves risk. In addition to the other
information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, you
should carefully consider the following risk factors and information under
"Forward-Looking Statements," which appear elsewhere in this prospectus before
deciding whether to exchange any outstanding notes.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR DEBT, INCLUDING THE EXCHANGE NOTES
OUR HIGH LEVEL OF DEBT COULD IMPAIR OUR FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PREVENT US FROM
FULFILLING OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE EXCHANGE NOTES.
As of December 31, 2001, we had total outstanding consolidated debt of
approximately $446.1 million and shareholders' equity of approximately $713.4
million. Approximately $62 million of our total outstanding consolidated debt as
of December 31, 2001 was debt of our subsidiaries. In addition, as of December
31, 2001, we had sold $217.5 million of our accounts receivables under our
receivables sale facility. As of December 31, 2001, we had also guaranteed $42.3
million of OxyVinyls' borrowings from Occidental Chemical Corporation and $97.5
million of SunBelt's outstanding senior secured notes.
Our high level of debt and our debt service obligations could:
- make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to
the exchange notes;
- reduce the amount of money available to finance our operations, capital
expenditures and other activities;
- increase our vulnerability to economic downturns and industry conditions;
- limit our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic
conditions, including increased competition and demand for new products
and services;
- place us at a disadvantage when compared to our competitors that have
less debt; and
- limit our ability to borrow additional funds.
We may incur substantial additional debt in the future, and we may do so in
order to finance future acquisitions and investments. The terms of the indenture
governing the exchange notes restrict us and our subsidiaries from incurring
secured debt only. The addition of further debt to our current high level of
debt could intensify the leverage related risks that we now face.
HOLDERS OF SECURED DEBT WOULD BE PAID FIRST AND WOULD RECEIVE PAYMENTS FROM
ASSETS USED AS SECURITY BEFORE YOU RECEIVE PAYMENTS IF WE WERE TO BECOME
INSOLVENT.
In general, the exchange notes will not be secured by any of our assets or
the assets of our subsidiaries. The indenture governing the outstanding notes
and the exchange notes, and the indentures governing our other existing notes
and our guarantee of the SunBelt notes permit us to incur future secured debt up
to specified limits. If we were to become insolvent, holders of any current and
future secured debt would be paid first and would receive payments from the
assets used as security before you receive any payments. You may therefore not
be fully repaid if we become insolvent.
In connection with amending and restating the credit agreement governing
our revolving credit facility, we have agreed to secure any amounts outstanding
under our revolving credit facility and amounts under some letters of credit,
bank guarantees and various hedging instruments. If we exceed the specified
limits of secured debt permitted by the indenture governing the outstanding
notes and the exchange notes, the indentures governing any of our other existing
notes or our SunBelt guarantee, we will have to secure the debt under the
outstanding notes and the exchange notes, as the case may be, the other existing
notes and our SunBelt guarantee as well. But if we do not exceed these specified
limits, the holders of the outstanding notes and the exchange notes, as the case
may be, our other existing notes and our SunBelt guarantee would remain
unsecured whereas amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility and
the letters of credit, bank guarantees and hedging instruments would be secured.
Assuming that the offering of the outstanding
12
notes had taken place on December 31, 2001 and giving effect to the application
of the net proceeds therefrom, we would not have had any amounts outstanding
under our revolving credit facility, but we would have had approximately $41.4
million of obligations under the letters of credit, bank guarantees and hedging
instruments, which would have been secured. In the future, we may incur
additional secured debt.
ASSETS OF OUR SUBSIDIARIES MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON THE EXCHANGE
NOTES.
Our subsidiaries have no obligations to make payments in respect of the
outstanding notes and the exchange notes, as the case may be. In the event of a
bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of our subsidiaries, the
creditors of such subsidiary, including trade creditors, will generally be
entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of the subsidiary before any
assets are made available for distribution to us as a shareholder. After paying
their own creditors, our subsidiaries may not have any remaining assets
available for payment to holders of the exchange notes. As a result, the
outstanding notes and the exchange notes, as the case may be, are effectively
junior in right of payment to the obligations of our subsidiaries. Assuming that
the offering of the outstanding notes had taken place on December 31, 2001 and
giving effect to the application of the net proceeds therefrom, the total
indebtedness of our subsidiaries owed to third parties would have been
approximately $21.5 million.
THE TERMS OF OUR REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY IMPOSE FINANCIAL AND OPERATING
RESTRICTIONS.
Our revolving credit facility contains restrictive covenants that limit our
ability to engage in a variety of transactions. Our revolving credit facility
requires us to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy other financial
condition tests. Our ability to meet those financial ratios and tests can be
affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will
meet those tests. If we are unable to meet those tests, we would be unable to
borrow under our revolving credit facility and, if that happens, we may not be
able to fund our operations.
A breach of any of the covenants or other provisions in our revolving
credit facility could result in a default under our revolving credit facility.
Upon the occurrence of an event of default under our revolving credit facility,
the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding thereunder to be
immediately due and payable and foreclose on the collateral, if any, securing
the revolving credit facility, as well as terminate all commitments to extend
further credit, which would adversely affect our ability to fund our operations.
If the lenders under our revolving credit facility accelerate the repayment of
our borrowings, we cannot assure you that we will have sufficient assets to
repay the obligations under our revolving credit facility. In addition, in some
instances, this would create an event of default under the indenture governing
the outstanding notes and the exchange notes.
AN ACTIVE LIQUID TRADING MARKET FOR THE EXCHANGE NOTES MAY NOT DEVELOP.
There is currently no public market for the exchange notes. The exchange
notes are a new class of securities which have never been traded. We cannot
assure you that an active trading market for the exchange notes will develop, or
if one does develop, that it will be sustained. Also, it is possible that the
market for the exchange notes will also be volatile. This volatility in price
may affect your ability to resell your exchange notes or the timing of their
sale.
IF YOU DO NOT EXCHANGE YOUR OUTSTANDING NOTES, YOU MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN
TRANSFERRING THEM AT A LATER TIME.
We will issue exchange notes in exchange for the outstanding notes after
the exchange agent receives your outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal
and all related documents. You should allow adequate time for delivery if you
choose to tender your outstanding notes for exchange. Outstanding notes that are
not exchanged will remain subject to restrictions on transfer and will not have
rights to registration.
If you do participate in the exchange offer for the purpose of
participating in the distribution of the exchange notes, you must comply with
the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act for
any resale transaction. Each broker-dealer who holds outstanding notes for its
own account due to market-making or other trading activities and who receives
exchange notes for its own account must
13
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of
the exchange notes. If any outstanding notes are not tendered in the exchange or
are tendered but not accepted, the trading market for such outstanding notes
could be negatively affected due to the limited amount expected to remain
outstanding following the completion of the exchange offer.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS
DEMAND FOR AND SUPPLY OF OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY
NUMEROUS FACTORS, SOME OF WHICH WE CANNOT PREDICT OR CONTROL, WHICH COULD
ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Numerous factors may affect the demand for and supply of our products and
services, including:
- changes in the market acceptance of our products and services;
- declines in the general level of industrial production;
- declines in general economic conditions;
- changes in world or regional plastic, rubber and PVC consumption growth
rates;
- changes in capacity in the PVC, VCM or chlor-alkali industries;
- declines in the availability or increases in the prices of raw materials;
- declines in the availability or increases in the prices of energy; and
- changes in environmental regulations that would limit our ability to sell
our products and services in specific markets.
If any of these factors occur, the demand for and supply of our products
and services could suffer, which would adversely affect our results of
operations.
OUR SALES AND OPERATING RESULTS ARE SENSITIVE TO GLOBAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND
CYCLICALITY AND COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS.
Demand for our products is affected by general economic conditions and the
business conditions of the industries in which we sell our products and
services. The business of most of our customers, particularly our industrial,
automotive, construction and electronics customers, are, to varying degrees,
cyclical and have historically experienced periodic downturns. A substantial
weakening of the North American economy across all of our business segments was
reflected in a decrease in the customer sales demand for our products in 2001.
According to Automotive News, automotive production was down 10% in 2001 as
compared to 2000, and according to Blue Chip Economic Indicators, industrial
production fell 4.3% in 2001 compared to 2000 and average industrial capacity
utilization fell five percentage points from 82% in 2000 to 77% in 2001. We
estimate that our operating income in 2001 decreased approximately $135 million
as a direct result of the sales volume decline from 2000. Any downturns in
general economic conditions could adversely affect the demand for our products
and services and our sales and operating results. In addition, downturns in our
customers' industries, even during periods of strong general economic
conditions, could adversely affect our sales and our operating results.
WE MAY BE UNABLE TO ACHIEVE, OR MAY BE DELAYED IN ACHIEVING, STRATEGIC VALUE
CAPTURE INITIATIVES, WHICH MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
CASH FLOW.
We anticipate that, as we better understand the capabilities and synergies
of the combined operations of Geon and Hanna, we will achieve savings associated
with various strategic value capture initiatives. These strategic value capture
initiatives include various cost-reduction initiatives as well as initiatives to
increase our sales growth by leveraging our products across business platforms
and projectOne. If we are unable to achieve, or if we meet any unexpected delays
in achieving, these goals, our results of operations and cash flow may be
adversely affected. Additionally, even if we achieve these initiatives, we may
not receive the
14
expected financial benefits of these initiatives. Also, the costs of
implementing these initiatives could exceed the benefits of these initiatives.
BECAUSE OUR OPERATIONS ARE CONDUCTED WORLDWIDE, THEY ARE AFFECTED BY RISKS OF
DOING BUSINESS ABROAD.
We generate revenue from export sales, or sales outside the United States
by our domestic operations, as well as from our operations conducted outside the
United States. Revenue from non-United States operations (principally Canada,
Mexico, Europe and Asia) amounted to approximately 23% in 2001, 20% in 2000 and
16% in 1999. Long-lived assets of our non-United States operations represented
15% and 14% of total long-lived assets at December 31, 2001 and 2000.
Our international operations are subject to the risks of doing business
abroad, including the following:
- fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
- transportation delays and interruptions;
- political and economic instability and disruptions;
- restrictions on the transfer of funds;
- the imposition of duties and tariffs;
- import and export controls;
- changes in governmental policies and regulatory environments;
- labor unrest and current and changing regulatory environments;
- the uncertainty of product acceptance by different cultures;
- the risks of divergent business expectations or cultural incompatibility
inherent in establishing joint ventures with foreign partners;
- difficulties in staffing and managing multi-national operations;
- limitations on our ability to enforce legal rights and remedies;
- reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;
and
- potentially adverse tax consequences.
Any of these events could have an adverse effect on our international
operations in the future by reducing the demand for our products, decreasing the
prices at which we can sell our products or otherwise having an adverse effect
on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We cannot assure
you that we will continue to operate in compliance with applicable customs,
currency exchange control regulations, transfer pricing regulations or any other
laws or regulations to which we may be subject. We also cannot assure you that
these laws will not be modified.
OUR MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH POLYMER
PRODUCTION AND RELATED STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION OF RAW MATERIALS, PRODUCTS AND
WASTES.
Our manufacturing operations are subject to the usual hazards associated
with polymer production and the related storage and transportation of raw
materials, products and wastes, including, but not limited to:
- pipeline leaks and ruptures;
- explosions, fires, inclement weather and natural disasters;
- mechanical failure;
- unscheduled downtime;
- labor difficulties;
- our inability to obtain or maintain any required licenses or permits;
- transportation interruptions and environmental hazards such as chemical
spills, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases;
and
- storage tank leaks and matters resulting from remedial activities.
15
The occurrence of any of these operating problems at our facilities may
have a material adverse effect on the productivity and profitability of a
particular manufacturing facility, or on our operations as a whole, during and
after the period of such operational difficulties. These operating problems may
also cause personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of
property and equipment, and environmental damage. In addition, individuals could
seek damages for alleged personal injury or property damage due to exposure to
chemicals at our facilities or to chemicals otherwise owned or controlled by us.
Furthermore, we are also subject to present and future claims with respect to
workplace exposure, workers' compensation and other matters. Although we
maintain property, business interruption and casualty insurance of the types and
in the amounts that we believe are customary for the industry, we are not fully
insured against all potential hazards incident to our business.
OUR PARTICIPATION IN JOINT VENTURES LIMITS OUR ABILITY TO CONTROL THE OPERATIONS
AND BUSINESS OF THESE ENTITIES.
We participate in several joint ventures both in the United States and
abroad. In some joint ventures, we are equal partners with another corporation,
while in others we hold either a majority or a minority interest. We may enter
into additional joint ventures in the future. The nature of a joint venture
requires us to share control with unaffiliated third parties. If our joint
venture partners do not fulfill their obligations, the affected joint venture
may not be able to operate according to its business plan. In that case, our
operations may be adversely affected or we may be required to increase our level
of commitment to the joint venture. Also, differences in views among joint
venture participants may result in delayed decisions or failures to agree on
major issues. Any differences in our views or problems with respect to the
operations of our joint ventures could have an adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
EXTENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY LAWS AND REGULATIONS IMPACT OUR
OPERATIONS AND ASSETS, AND COMPLIANCE WITH THESE REGULATIONS COULD ADVERSELY
AFFECT OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Our operations on and ownership of real property are subject to extensive
environmental, health and safety regulation at both the national and local
level. The nature of our business exposes us to risks of liability under these
laws and regulations due to the production, storage, transportation and sale of
materials that can cause contamination or personal injury if released into the
environment. Environmental laws may have a significant effect on the costs of
transportation and storage of raw materials and finished products, as well as
the costs of the storage and disposal of wastes. We may incur substantial costs,
including fines, damages, criminal or civil sanctions, remediation costs, or
experience interruptions in our operations for violations arising under these
laws.
Also, federal and state environmental statutes impose strict, and under
some circumstances joint and several, liability for the cost of investigations
and remedial actions on any company that generated the waste, arranged for
disposal of the waste, transported the waste to the disposal site, and selected
the disposal site, as well as on owners and operators of the site. Any or all of
the responsible parties may be required to bear all of the costs of clean up,
regardless of fault, or legality of the waste disposal or ownership of the site,
and may also be subject to liability for natural resource damages. We have been
notified by federal and state environmental agencies and private parties that we
may be a potentially responsible party, or PRP, in connection with several
sites. We may incur substantial costs relating to some of these sites. It is
possible that we will be identified as a PRP at more sites in the future. If
that happens, substantial investigation or clean up costs could be assessed
against us with respect to them.
We are also conducting investigations and remediation at some of our active
and inactive facilities, and have assumed responsibility for environmental
liabilities based on pre-1993 operations at sites formerly owned or operated by
us or our predecessors.
Our policy is to accrue costs relating to environmental matters that have
been identified and when it is probable that these costs will be required and
can be reasonably estimated. However, accruals for estimated costs, including,
among other things, the ranges associated with our accruals, for future
environmental compliance and remediation may be too low or we may not be able to
quantify the potential costs. We cannot assure you that all environmental
matters giving rise to liability or potential liability have been identified. We
16
expect to continue to be subject to increasingly stringent environmental and
health and safety laws and regulations. We anticipate that compliance will
continue to require increased capital expenditures and operating costs, which
could adversely affect our financial performance.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
You should carefully review the information contained in or incorporated by
reference into this prospectus. In this prospectus, statements that are not
reported financial results or other historical information are "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995, including, for example, statements about business outlook, assessment
of market conditions, strategies, future plans, future sales, prices for major
products, inventory levels, capital spending and tax rates. These forward-
looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on
management's expectations that involve a number of business risks and
uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from
those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but
are not limited to:
- an inability to achieve or delays in achieving savings related to
consolidation and restructuring programs;
- changes in world, regional or U.S. plastic, rubber and PVC consumption
growth rates affecting our markets;
- changes in global industry capacity or in the rate at which anticipated
changes in industry capacity come online in the PVC, VCM, chlor-alkali or
other industries in which we participate;
- delays in achieving or inability to achieve cost reduction and employee
productivity goals and other strategic value capture initiatives;
- the effect on foreign operations of currency fluctuations, tariffs,
nationalization, exchange controls, limitations on foreign investment in
local business and other political, economic and regulatory risks;
- fluctuations in raw material prices and supply and energy prices and
supply, in particular fluctuations outside the normal range of industry
cycles;
- production outages or material costs associated with scheduled or
unscheduled maintenance programs;
- costs or difficulties and delays related to the operation of joint
venture entities;
- lack of day-to-day operating control, including procurement of raw
material feedstocks, of other equity or joint venture affiliates;
- lack of direct control over the reliability of delivery and quality of
the primary raw materials utilized in our products;
- lack of control over investment decisions and dividend distribution
policy of OxyVinyls and our other equity affiliates;
- an inability to obtain or maintain any required licenses or permits;
- an inability to comply with any environmental laws and regulations;
- our ability to launch new products and/or services that fit strategically
with and add value to our business; and
- the possibility of goodwill impairments.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the exchange
notes. Because we are exchanging the exchange notes for the outstanding notes,
which have substantially identical terms, the issuance of the exchange notes
will not result in any increase in our indebtedness.
17
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our consolidated cash and cash equivalents,
amount of receivables sold under the receivables sale facility and
capitalization as of December 31, 2001 on a historical basis in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and on an as adjusted basis for the
offering of the outstanding notes. The as adjusted presentation gives effect to
the sale of the outstanding notes. The table should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements of PolyOne and the related notes,
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the other financial data of PolyOne included in or incorporated
by reference into this prospectus.
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001
------------------------
HISTORICAL AS ADJUSTED
---------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Cash and cash equivalents................................... $ 18.2 $ 18.2
======== ========
Amount of receivables sold under the receivables sale
facility(1)(2)............................................ $ 217.5 $ 179.8
======== ========
SHORT-TERM DEBT:
Revolving credit facility(1)(2)........................... $ -- $ --
Short-term lines of credit(1)(2).......................... 14.7 --
-------- --------
14.7 --
-------- --------
LONG-TERM DEBT:
8.875% notes due 2012..................................... -- 200.0
9.375% senior notes due 2003.............................. 91.5 91.5
Deutsche Bank AG loan due 2003(1)(2)...................... 40.5 --
6.875% debentures due 2005................................ 75.2 75.2
Medium-term notes due 2004 - 2011......................... 151.1 151.1
7.500% debentures due 2015................................ 50.0 50.0
Other foreign denominated debt............................ 17.9 17.9
Other borrowings.......................................... 5.2 5.2
-------- --------
431.4 590.9
-------- --------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share................... 1.2 1.2
Additional paid-in capital................................ 1,072.7 1,072.7
Retained earnings......................................... 100.3 100.3
Common stock held in treasury............................. (350.1) (350.1)
Share ownership trust..................................... (5.3) (5.3)
Accumulated other non-owner equity changes................ (105.4) (105.4)
-------- --------
713.4 713.4
-------- --------
Total capitalization........................................ $1,159.5 $1,304.3
======== ========
---------------
(1) We used the proceeds from the offering of the outstanding notes to repay
amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility, the Deutsche Bank
AG loan due 2003, including a prepayment penalty of approximately $0.3
million, and any amounts outstanding under our short-term lines of credit.
(2) At December 31, 2001, no amounts were outstanding under our revolving credit
facility. We used the net proceeds of approximately $194.9 million from the
offering of the outstanding notes to repay the amounts outstanding under our
revolving credit facility, which were $110.0 million, the Deutsche Bank AG
loan, which, including a prepayment penalty of approximately $0.3 million,
was $41.1 million, and the amounts outstanding under our short-term lines of
credit, which were approximately $6.1 million. In addition, the remaining
net proceeds of approximately $37.7 million were used to repay a portion of
the receivables sale facility, as indicated above.
18
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table presents our selected historical consolidated financial
data. The selected historical statement of income data for each of the five
years in the period ended December 31, 2001 and the selected balance sheet data
as of December 31, 2001 have been derived from our audited consolidated
financial statements and related notes, which are incorporated by reference into
this prospectus. PolyOne was formed on August 31, 2000 from the consolidation of
The Geon Company and M. A. Hanna Company. This consolidation was accounted for
as a purchase business combination, with Geon as the acquiring entity.
Accordingly, our audited results under generally accepted accounting principles
for the year ended December 31, 2000, reflect the operating results of Geon for
the eight months prior to the consolidation and of PolyOne for four months
(which include the operating results of Hanna from the date of consolidation).
The audited results for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 are
those of Geon only.
You should read the following information together with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and our historical consolidated financial
statements and related notes, which are incorporated by reference into this
prospectus. The information below is not necessarily indicative of our results
for future periods.
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Sales...................................... $2,654.6 $1,887.8 $1,261.2 $1,284.4 $1,250.0
Employee separation and plant phase-out.... 36.1 2.8 0.5 14.6 15.0
Operating income (loss).................... (17.1) 64.8 99.7 41.0 51.7
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of a
change in accounting..................... (46.1) 15.9 106.2 13.8 22.5
Cumulative effect of change in method of
accounting............................... -- -- (1.5) -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss).......................... $ (46.1) $ 15.9 $ 104.7 $ 13.8 $ 22.5
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Before change in method of accounting.... $ (0.51) $ 0.26 $ 2.18 $ 0.29 $ 0.48
Change in method of accounting........... -- -- (0.03) -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss)........................ $ (0.51) $ 0.26 $ 2.15 $ 0.29 $ 0.48
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Dividends per common share................. $ 0.25 $ 0.25 $ 0.25 $ 0.25 $ 0.25
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets............................... $2,061.2 $2,430.6 $1,162.6 $ 802.0 $ 872.9
Long-term debt............................. 426.8 430.5 130.9 135.4 136.4
The historical results include the following business acquisitions from the
acquisition date indicated: Synergistics Industries Limited from October 31,
1997; Plast-O-Meric, Inc. and the Wilflex division of Flexible Products Company
from June 1, 1998; Adchem, Inc. from September 1, 1998; Acrol Holdings Limited
from July 1, 1999; O'Sullivan Corporation from July 8, 1999; and Dennis Chemical
Company, Inc. from September 8, 1999. In addition, 1999 results of operations
reflect the formation of Oxy Vinyls, LP on April 30, 1999, and the contribution
of substantially all of Geon's formerly consolidated Resin and Intermediates
business segment operations to the partnership. In connection with this, PolyOne
acquired businesses from Occidental Chemical Corporation and formed a powder
compounding joint venture, all of which are included in our consolidated results
of operations from May 1, 1999.
19
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our
consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements and other
financial information included elsewhere in or incorporated by reference into
this prospectus. This prospectus contains forwarding-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from
those indicated in forward-looking statements. See "Risk Factors" and
"Forward-Looking Statements."
OVERVIEW
We are a leading global polymer services company, with worldwide annual
sales of approximately $2.7 billion. We were formed on August 31, 2000 from the
consolidation of The Geon Company and M.A. Hanna Company.
Our consolidation was accounted for as a purchase business combination,
with Geon as the acquiring entity. Accordingly, our audited results under
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for the year ended December 31,
2000, reflect the operating results of Geon for eight months prior to the
consolidation, and of PolyOne for four months (which include the operating
results of Hanna from the date of consolidation).
In the commentary that follows, "pro forma results" will also be provided
because of the significant and pervasive impact of the merger on comparative
data. The pro forma operating results assume that the consolidation of Geon and
Hanna occurred prior to the periods presented. Further, the pro forma operating
results assume that Hanna's sale of its Cadillac Plastic business recognized in
the second and third quarters of 2000, as well as Geon's 1999 transactions with
Occidental Chemical Corporation (OxyChem) and the acquisition of O'Sullivan
Corporation (O'Sullivan), occurred prior to the periods presented. The pro forma
operating results do not include any future profit improvements and cost savings
or associated costs, including restructuring costs expected to result from the
continuing integration of Geon and Hanna. The pro forma operating results are
provided for illustrative purposes only, and may not necessarily indicate the
operating results that would have occurred or our future operating results.
The most significant forces impacting our operating results in 2001 were
the recession of the U.S. economy and the restructuring and integration of our
operations to improve customer service and product quality and to lower
operating costs. The slowdown of the U.S. economy commenced in the second half
of 2000 and advanced to a recession in 2001, which was the first U.S. recession
since 1990-1991. The economic recession significantly reduced customer sales
demand and resulted in lower sales and earnings in our equity investments in the
polyvinyl chloride resin and chlor-alkali industries. Partially offsetting the
negative economic forces were our initiatives to integrate and restructure our
operations following our consolidation and formation in 2000. The implementation
of a substantial portion of the restructuring initiatives announced in 2001 will
continue through 2002. Sales for the first quarter of 2002 were below levels for
the same period in 2001 and above levels for the fourth quarter of 2001.
20
SUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------
REPORTED RESULTS PRO FORMA RESULTS
------------------------------ -------------------
2001 2000 1999 2000 1999
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Sales...................................... $2,654.6 $1,887.8 $1,261.2 $3,139.7 $3,039.9
Operating income before special items,
depreciation and amortization............ 125.8 138.9 148.6 230.0 288.6
Operating income (loss).................... (17.1) 64.8 99.7 115.5 181.8
Operating income before special items...... 34.5 81.5 105.4 128.4 184.3
Net income (loss).......................... (46.1) 15.9 104.7 52.4 79.9
Special items (income) -- after tax........ 35.9 9.1 (52.2) (3.9) 5.1
Net income (loss) before special items..... $ (10.2) $ 25.0 $ 52.5 $ 48.5 $ 85.0
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted......... $ (0.51) $ 0.26 $ 2.15 $ 0.57 $ 0.86
Effect on earnings per share of excluding
special items, increase (decrease)....... $ 0.40 $ 0.15 $ (1.07) $ (0.04) $ 0.05
Senior management uses (1) operating income before special items and/or (2)
operating income before special items and depreciation and amortization (similar
to EBITDA, which is used by stock market analysts) to assess performance and
allocate resources to business segments. Special items include gains and losses
associated with specific strategic initiatives, such as restructuring or
consolidation of operations, gains and losses attributable to acquisitions or
formation of joint ventures, and certain other one-time items. For a description
of special items, refer to the table titled "Summary of Special Items" presented
later in this section. In addition, management uses net income before special
items as a measure of our overall earnings performance. Operating income before
special items and net income before special items are non-GAAP measures, and may
not be comparable to financial performance measures presented by other
companies.
21
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------
REPORTED RESULTS PRO FORMA RESULTS
---------------- -------------------
2001 2000 1999
---------------- -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Sales:
Performance Plastics.................................... $1,836.7 $2,180.7 $2,090.0
Elastomers and Performance Additives.................... 402.6 482.2 487.6
Distribution............................................ 462.6 506.7 483.4
Resin and Intermediates................................. -- -- --
Other................................................... (47.3) (29.9) (21.1)
-------- -------- --------
$2,654.6 $3,139.7 $3,039.9
======== ======== ========
Operating income (loss) before special items, depreciation and amortization:
Performance Plastics.................................... $ 124.2 $ 153.4 $ 234.0
Elastomers and Performance Additives.................... 26.8 45.3 50.3
Distribution............................................ 2.5 14.6 15.6
Resin and Intermediates................................. (12.6) 27.9 3.6
Other................................................... (15.1) (11.2) (14.9)
-------- -------- --------
$ 125.8 $ 230.0 $ 288.6
======== ======== ========
Operating income (loss) before special items:
Performance Plastics.................................... $ 53.9 $ 73.9 $ 151.2
Elastomers and Performance Additives.................... 10.2 26.5 32.4
Distribution............................................ (0.4) 11.3 12.0
Resin and Intermediates................................. (12.6) 27.9 3.6
Other................................................... (16.6) (11.2) (14.9)
-------- -------- --------
$ 34.5 $ 128.4 $ 184.3
======== ======== ========
For additional information, see Note R to Consolidated Financial Statements,
which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, for additional
reported business segment disclosures.
2001 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Reported Results. Our total sales for 2001 were $2.7 billion, an increase
of $766.8 million from 2000. This increase is due to only four months of former
Hanna operations being included in the 2000 reported sales. Year 2001 sales were
below 2000 on a comparable basis; see the pro forma commentary that follows.
Operating earnings for 2001 were a loss of $17.1 million compared with
income of $64.8 million in 2000. Operating income before special items,
depreciation and amortization (OIBSIDA) was $125.8 million compared with $138.9
million in 2000. The decrease in 2001 OIBSIDA is due primarily to an earnings
decrease of $40.5 million from the Resin and Intermediates segment equity
affiliates, which was partially offset by a full year's inclusion of the former
Hanna operations.
The net loss in 2001 was $46.1 million. Before special items, the loss was
$10.2 million compared with income of $25.0 million in 2000 before special
items. The 2001 special items relate primarily to restructuring initiatives (see
the table titled "Summary of Special Items" below). The effective income tax
rate in 2001 was 35.7% compared with 39.1% in 2000. The lower effective income
tax rate reflects principally the effect of permanent differences such as
non-deductible goodwill on pre-tax losses.
Pro Forma Results. Total sales for 2001 were $2.7 billion, a decrease of
$485.1 million, or 15%, from pro forma results for 2000. Decrease in customer
sales demand in 2001 reflected the substantial weakening of
22
the North American economy across all business segments. We were particularly
impacted by the industrial, automotive, electronic and some construction
markets. Automotive production was down 10% (domestic producers were even
weaker) in 2001 compared with 2000. Industrial production fell 4.3% in 2001
compared with the prior year. Average U.S. industrial capacity utilization in
2001 fell to 77%, five percentage points below 2000, and reached the lowest
level since 1983 in the fourth quarter of 2001. Management estimates that
operating income in 2001 was down approximately $135 million as a direct result
of the sales volume decline from 2000.
The operating loss in 2001 was $17.1 million. The 2001 OIBSIDA of $125.8
million was $104.2 million below the prior year. The decrease in 2001 OIBSIDA
was driven by lower sales volumes (approximately $135 million) across all
business segments and weaker results in the equity earnings of the Resin and
Intermediates segment, partially offset by cost reduction initiatives associated
with the merger integration and announced restructuring programs (estimated at
approximately $69 million). The 2001 net loss before special items was $10.2
million, $58.7 million below 2000 net income before special items.
The commentary on business segments is a comparison of the 2001 reported
results with the 2000 and 1999 pro forma results for the years presented.
Performance Plastics had 2001 sales of $1.837 billion, a decrease of $344.0
million, or 16%, from pro forma 2000. A breakdown of 2001 segment sales, by
primary product group, is as follows:
2001 % 2001 %
CHANGE VS. CHANGE VS.
% OF SALES 2000 SALES $ 2000 SALES LBS.
---------- ------------ ---------------
North American Plastic Colors and Compounds.............. 57 (20) (19)
International Plastic Colors and Compounds............... 20 (7) (3)
Specialty Resins and Formulators......................... 14 (11) (12)
Engineered Films......................................... 9 (15) (16)
--- --- ---
Performance Plastics..................................... 100 (16) (16)
=== === ===
Total Performance Plastics 2001 sales declines were driven by general
economic weakness. Sales were also affected in International Plastic Compounds
and Colors by unfavorable euro currency exchange of approximately 3%. Engineered
Films was severely impacted by the decline in automotive production, as was
Specialty Resins and Formulators, but to a lesser extent. Certain residential
construction markets impacted sales, such as specialty resins in flooring and
North American Plastic Compounds and Colors in windows and other residential
lineal applications. In addition, the electronics market impacted us globally in
wire and cable and business machines. In North American Plastic Compounds and
Colors and Europe, the wire and cable business has been severely impacted by
changes in the telecommunications industry; in North America, some customers'
business was down more than 50%. As a result, sales in the North American wire
and cable market were down approximately 25% year over year. Due to
economy-related price pressure from competitors, we decided to give up business
and market share in some market segments rather than match price, but the impact
of this decision was relatively small.
OIBSIDA in 2001 was $124.2 million, $29.2 million below pro forma 2000
results. The decrease in earnings was driven primarily by the substantial
decline in sales volume, partially offset by cost-saving initiatives. In 2001,
five plants within the business segment were closed in connection with our
restructuring initiatives.
Elastomers and Performance Additives sales in 2001 were $402.6 million, a
decrease of $79.6 million, or 17%, from pro forma 2000. The decrease in 2001
sales was driven primarily by reduced domestic demand from producers of
automotive parts, which impacted both the elastomers and additives markets. Of
the 17% year-over-year change, 2% was due to reduced tolling of rubber compounds
for tires, and the remaining 15% was due primarily to lower volumes related to
the automotive and industrial markets. Moreover, the impact of lower automotive
production was exacerbated by our relatively strong market share with Ford,
General Motors and DaimlerChrysler, which collectively lost market share in the
North American market in 2001.
23
OIBSIDA in 2001 was $26.8 million, a decline of $18.5 million compared with
pro forma 2000. Cost-saving initiatives, including the "lean" manufacturing
initiative, reduced costs, but were not sufficient to offset the adverse
earnings impact from the sales volume declines previously noted. During 2001,
two manufacturing plants were closed in this segment.
Distribution had sales in 2001 of $462.6 million, a decrease of $44.1
million, or 8.7%, from pro forma 2000. The decrease resulted primarily from
lower sales volumes (6.7%) in North America and from passing lower material
costs to customers. The Mexican operations' sales, which approximate 9% of this
segment, increased in 2001 by 2% compared with 2000. OIBSIDA in 2001 was $2.5
million, a decrease of $12.1 million from pro forma 2000. The decrease in
earnings was driven by lower sales volumes and margin erosion, including losses
attributed to the sale of non-prime inventories ($1.3 million).
Resin and Intermediates operating earnings before special items, consisting
of equity income from joint ventures and allocated overhead support cost and
cost associated with past operations, were a loss of $12.6 million in 2001, or a
decrease in earnings of $40.5 million from 2000. The 2001 equity earnings before
a charge for employee severance and liabilities associated with the temporary
idling of a plant of $4.3 million and were $34.1 million below 2000 levels for
Oxy Vinyls, LP and $9.4 million below 2000 levels for SunBelt Chlor-Alkali
Partnership. The decreases in equity earnings were driven by lower average
industry polyvinyl chloride resin and chlor-alkali selling prices and higher
energy costs for OxyVinyls in 2001.
The domestic polyvinyl chloride resin industry capacity utilization in 2001
was 86% compared with 91% in 2000. The domestic polyvinyl chloride resin
industry average selling price decreased by $0.07 per pound year over year;
however, due largely to lower ethylene and chlorine costs, the 2001 polyvinyl
chloride resin industry spread (selling prices less the cost of ethylene and
chlorine) was generally flat compared with 2000. Our equity earnings were
negatively impacted by lower polyvinyl chloride resin spreads due to OxyVinyls'
customer/product mix in 2001. OxyVinyls' 2001 combined pricing of the
co-products caustic soda and chlorine decreased approximately 8% from 2000. In
2001 versus 2000, energy costs adversely impacted OxyVinyls' equity earnings by
approximately $6 million.
Other consists primarily of corporate governance costs not allocated to the
business segments. These unallocated costs before special items were $16.6
million in 2001 compared with $11.2 million in 2000. Our 2001 corporate costs
incurred were more than 20% below 2000 pro forma costs.
2000 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Reported Results. Our total sales for 2000 were $1.888 billion, an
increase of $626.6 million from 1999. This change in sales included four months
of former Hanna operations totaling approximately $560 million. The mid-year
1999 acquisitions of O'Sullivan and formulators contributed additional sales of
approximately $152 million in 2000, and the formation of OxyVinyls at the end of
April 1999 resulted in polyvinyl chloride resin operation sales, which totaled
approximately $144 million in 1999, no longer being consolidated.
Operating income for 2000 was $64.8 million compared with $99.7 million in
1999. OIBSIDA was $138.9 million compared with $148.6 million in 1999. The
decrease in 2000 operating income was due primarily to declines in construction
and automotive-related sales, particularly in the vinyl compound and engineered
films operations. These sales declines were partially offset by four months of
earnings contributed by former Hanna operations.
Net income in 2000 was $15.9 million. Before special items, net income was
$25.0 million compared with $52.5 million in 1999 before special items. The
effective income tax rate in 2000 was 39.1%, which approximated the rate in
1999.
Pro Forma Results. Total sales for 2000 were $3.140 billion, an increase
of $99.8 million, or 3%, over 1999. Sales growth was primarily in the
Performance Plastics segment. Sales growth significantly slowed in the second
half of 2000, particularly in construction and automotive-related markets.
24
Operating income was $115.5 million in 2000 versus $181.8 million in 1999.
OIBSIDA in 2000 was $230.0 million, or $58.6 million below 1999. The decrease in
2000 was attributable largely to lower earnings in the Performance Plastics
segment, which were partially offset by higher Resin and Intermediates earnings.
Net income before special items was $48.5 million in 2000 and $85.0 million
in 1999.
Performance Plastics had 2000 sales of $2.181 billion, an increase of $90.7
million over 1999. Sales growth was strongest in formulators ($50.0 million) and
International Plastic Compounds and Colors ($35.0 million), reflecting both
higher organic growth rates and the effects of acquisitions. The 2000 sales in
this segment comprise the following primary product groups: vinyl compounds
(39%), engineered materials (23%), color and additive systems (16%), specialty
resins and formulators (13%) and engineered films (9%). OIBSIDA was $153.4
million in 2000 versus $234.0 million in 1999. The 2000 earnings decrease was
attributable largely to the sales slowdown in the second half of 2000 that
resulted from the weak automotive and construction markets and higher raw
material costs. Segment sales in the first half of 2000 increased by 11% versus
a 2% decrease in the second half of 2000 (8% decrease in the fourth quarter of
2000) compared with the same periods in 1999. The average industry market price
for polyvinyl chloride resin was $0.09 per pound, 35% higher in 2000 versus
1999. The International Plastic Compounds and Colors operations, which account
for 18% of this segment's revenue, were not affected by the sales slowdown.
Consolidated International earnings were adversely impacted due to currency
exchange in 2000, with a weak euro versus the U.S. dollar.
Elastomers and Performance Additives sales in 2000 were $482.2 million, a
decrease of $5.4 million from 1999. Sales were adversely impacted by the
slowdown in the production of North American automobiles in the third and fourth
quarters of 2000. Automotive applications comprise more than 40% of this
segment's sales. 2000 OIBSIDA was $45.3 million compared with $50.3 million in
1999.
Distribution had sales in 2000 of $506.7 million, an increase of $23.3
million, or 5%, over 1999. OIBSIDA was $14.6 million in 2000, or $1.0 million
below 1999, due to higher selling and administrative expense resulting primarily
from increased sales personnel.
Resin and Intermediates operating income before special items, consisting
of equity income from joint ventures and allocated overhead support cost and
cost associated with past operations, was $27.9 million in 2000, an increase of
$24.3 million over 1999. OxyVinyls equity income in 2000 was $35.7 million, an
increase of $17.9 million over 1999. The SunBelt Chlor-Alkali joint venture
recorded higher 2000 earnings of $12.7 million, partially offset by lower
earnings from the joint venture Australian Vinyls Corporation. Domestic
polyvinyl chloride resin and chlor-alkali industry dynamics were stronger in
2000 versus 1999. Domestic polyvinyl chloride resin industry spreads averaged
approximately $0.02 per pound higher in 2000 versus 1999. Also, caustic soda and
chlorine industry price averages were higher by approximately $25 per ton and
$120 per ton, respectively. Domestic polyvinyl chloride resin industry selling
prices and margins began to rise in the third quarter of 1999 and increased
through the first half of 2000. In the third quarter of 2000, sales demand
slowed significantly with the economy and inventory reductions that occurred
through the commercial distribution chain. With the decrease in sales demand,
selling prices declined. In addition, margins narrowed as a result of the
selling price decline, unusually high costs for natural gas used directly in
manufacturing and high ethylene costs. In the last six months of 2000, we
recorded a loss from OxyVinyls of $5.7 million.
Other consists primarily of corporate governance costs not allocated to the
business segments. These unallocated costs before special items were $11.2
million in 2000 compared with $14.9 million in 1999.
25
SUMMARY OF SPECIAL ITEMS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------
REPORTED RESULTS PRO FORMA RESULTS
----------------------- -----------------
2001 2000 1999 2000 1999
------ ------ ----- ------- -------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Employee separation and plant phase-out costs........ $(36.1) $ (2.8) $(0.5) $ (2.8) $ 0.1
Merger and integration costs......................... (1.1) (9.5) -- -- --
Period cost of closed facilities..................... (0.2) -- -- -- --
Equity investment restructuring and plant idling
costs(1)........................................... (9.4) -- (0.8) -- (0.8)
Executive separation cost............................ (4.8) -- -- (8.5) --
Investment writedown................................. (10.1) -- -- -- --
Litigation settlement gain........................... 4.1 -- -- -- --
Acquired profit in inventory......................... -- (2.8) (3.2) -- --
Directors' pension termination....................... -- (0.8) -- (0.8) --
Writeoff of debt placement cost...................... -- (0.8) -- (0.8) --
Other restructuring costs............................ -- (0.6) (1.2) (0.6) (1.2)
Gain on formation of joint ventures.................. -- -- 93.5 -- --
Reversal of M. A. Hanna dock operations reserves..... -- -- -- -- 1.2
Gain on sale of assets............................... -- -- -- -- 13.2
Loss on sale of business............................. -- -- -- -- (10.9)
------ ------ ----- ------ ------
Subtotal -- pre-tax income (expense)................. (57.6) (17.3) 87.8 (13.5) 1.6
------ ------ ----- ------ ------
-- after-tax income (expense)............... (35.9) (10.6) 53.7 (8.1) (3.6)
German tax rate reduction............................ -- 1.5 -- 1.5 --
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting.......... -- -- (1.5) -- (1.5)
M. A. Hanna reversal of income tax reserve........... -- -- -- 10.5 --
------ ------ ----- ------ ------
Total -- after-tax income (expense).................. $(35.9) $ (9.1) $52.2 $ 3.9 $ (5.1)
====== ====== ===== ====== ======
---------------
(1) Employee severance, plant phase-out costs and liabilities associated with
the temporary idling of a plant.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
In 2001, net cash provided by operating and investing activities was $233.8
million. Cash from operating activities totaled $308.7 million, and resulted
primarily from a commercial working capital (trade receivables before the
receivables sale facility, FIFO inventories and accounts payable) decrease of
$156.0 million due to 2001 management initiatives, lower fourth-quarter sales
and an increase in the receivables sale facility. Further, PolyOne increased by
$117.5 million the utilization of the receivables sale facility (this facility
was increased from $100.0 million to $250.0 million in 2001). Investing
activities consisted primarily of capital expenditures of $80.2 million, of
which approximately one-half supported PolyOne's manufacturing restructuring and
the implementation of a common management business information systems platform.
In 2000, net cash provided by operating and investing activities was $84.3
million. Significant sources of cash included operating activities ($63.9
million) and proceeds from the sale of assets, primarily the former Hanna's
Cadillac Plastic business ($44.2 million) and net Hanna cash received at the
time of the consolidation ($28.1 million). Contributing to a $60.0 million
reduction in accounts receivable in 2000 was a significant slowdown in
fourth-quarter sales demand. The 2000 investing activities included capital
expenditures of $62.7 million.
26
Financing activities in 2001 consisted largely of the reduction of
short-term debt of $233.2 million and the payment to shareholders of dividends
totaling $22.9 million. In 2000, financing activities included PolyOne's
repurchase for $18.7 million of approximately 2.6 million shares through
December 31, 2000. Also, $72.9 million of long-term debt was repaid in 2000
after PolyOne entered into two revolving credit agreements totaling $400 million
in October 2000. Upon formation, PolyOne commenced the payment of quarterly
dividends at the annual rate of $0.25 per common share.
As of December 31, 2001, PolyOne had existing facilities to access capital
resources (receivables sale facility, revolving credit agreement, uncommitted
short-term credit lines and long-term debt) totaling $882 million. At the end of
2001, PolyOne had utilized $664 million of these facilities, including $431
million of long-term debt. The effective available funds under these facilities
can vary, depending on the level of qualified receivables outstanding, ratings
on public debt and debt-related financial ratios. As of December 31, 2001,
approximately $69 million of the existing facilities was available to be drawn
while remaining in compliance with the facilities. As of December 31, 2001,
PolyOne's public debt was rated by Moody's Investors Service, Standard & Poor's
and Fitch Ratings as investment grade. The debt ratings from these agencies
impacts PolyOne's cost of non-fixed interest rate financing.
On March 28, 2002, we amended and restated the credit agreement governing
our revolving credit facility. The amended and restated credit agreement also
revises our 2002 borrowed debt-to-EBITDA compliance ratios and requires that we
secure any obligations under the revolving credit facility. For a summary of the
borrowed debt-to-EBITDA compliance ratios and other financial ratios, see the
table that follows. Additionally, our obligations under the revolving credit
facility are guaranteed by some of our domestic subsidiaries.
Of the capital resource facilities available to PolyOne as of December 31,
2001, only the portion of the receivables sale facility that was actually sold
provided security in connection with the transfer of ownership of these
receivables. Each indenture governing our public debt and our guarantee of the
SunBelt notes allows for a specific level of secured debt, above which security
must be provided on each such indenture and the guarantee. The receivables sale
facility does not constitute debt under the public debt indentures. Security
will be granted under the terms of the amended and restated revolving credit
agreement. Giving effect to the amendment and restatement of our credit
agreement as though it had occurred as of December 31, 2001, under the terms of
the most restrictive indenture, we would have been able to borrow an additional
$20 million under the revolving credit agreement without having to provide
security for our obligations under our public debt. As of December 31, 2001,
however, there were no drawings on this revolving credit facility. Security on
the revolving credit agreement and public debt, if applicable, will terminate
when the borrowed debt-to-EBITDA ratio is less than 3.50 to 1.0 for any two
consecutive fiscal quarters. As of December 31, 2001, PolyOne had guaranteed
unconsolidated equity affiliate debt of $97.5 million for SunBelt and $42.3
million for OxyVinyls.
27
The following table summarizes the defined financial ratios for 2002
included in the March 28, 2002, amendment to the revolving credit agreement.
BORROWED TANGIBLE ASSETS-
INTEREST COVERAGE DEBT-TO-EBITDA TO-INDEBTEDNESS
RATIO RATIO RATIO
(MINIMUM) (MAXIMUM) (MINIMUM)
----------------- -------------- ----------------
Agreement compliance
First quarter of 2002......................... 2.75 Waived 1.00
Second quarter of 2002........................ 2.75 5.70 1.00
Third quarter of 2002......................... 2.75 5.50 1.00
Fourth quarter of 2002........................ 3.00 5.25 1.00
Limitations on dividends and stock
repurchases(1), capital expenditures(2) and
acquisitions(3)...............................
Each quarter.................................. 3.99
---------------
(1) Payments for dividends and stock repurchases would be restricted to $6.0
million per quarter, excluding certain allowable stock repurchase
transactions as defined in the revolving credit agreement, as amended March
28, 2002.
(2) Capital expenditures would be restricted to $33.0 million in a quarter and
$88.0 million in a fiscal year.
(3) New acquisition investments would be limited to $25.0 million in 2002 and
$37.0 million in 2003.
The realization of profitable operations will be important to maintaining
the existing levels of available capital resources and the execution of
PolyOne's announced restructuring initiatives. In 2001, PolyOne's OIBSIDA (which
approximates the free cash flow of ongoing operations) was approximately $126
million. The free cash flow must cover expenditures for financing cost (interest
expense and discount on sale of receivables), dividends and capital
expenditures. These expenditures totaled approximately $150 million in 2001, and
are not projected to materially change in 2002. Additional projected
expenditures in 2002 total nearly $50 million for the funding of employee
severance and plant closing costs announced in 2001 and a previously announced
acquisition. Projected to increase 2002 cash flow are increased earnings over
2001, in part from higher sales (net of one-time working capital investment
associated with sales growth), from greater realization of value capture
initiatives and from continuing efforts to reduce the percent of commercial
operating working capital required to support each dollar of sales. Any
remaining shortfall in cash flow is expected to be covered by (1) utilizing the
available capital resource facilities noted previously, (2) securing additional
capital resources, (3) managing and redeploying assets and/or (4) revising the
expenditures noted previously.
PolyOne has managed and intends to continue to manage working capital and
its capital structure to maintain adequate liquidity in 2002 to support normal
operations, complete an acquisition and execute the restructuring initiatives
that are projected to enhance the Company's future profitability.
Certain factors that may affect these forward-looking comments are
discussed in "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements."
ASSETS
Total assets were $2.061 billion at December 31, 2001, a decrease of $369.4
million from December 31, 2000. The decrease was driven by a decrease of $153.2
million in trade receivables before the receivables sale facility and
inventories and an increase of $117.5 million in PolyOne's utilization of the
receivables sale facility. Further, restructuring initiatives in 2001 reduced
property by $33.4 million and the investment in equity affiliates by $18.9
million.
28
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
At December 31, 2001, short-term bank debt was $14.7 million compared with
$249.1 million at December 31, 2000. Long-term debt was $431.4 million at
December 31, 2001 compared with $433.1 million at December 31, 2000. The public
debt was rated investment grade as of December 31, 2001, by Moody's Investors
Service, Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings.
In October 2001, PolyOne's $100 million, 364-day revolving credit facility
expired. In November 2001, PolyOne amended its five-year revolving credit
facility to reduce the existing facility from $200 million to $150 million,
shorten the maturity date to October 2004 and modify existing financial ratios
to be maintained. There were no borrowings under this facility at December 31,
2001.
In September 2000, PolyOne's Board of Directors authorized the purchase of
up to 9.6 million, or approximately 10 percent, of PolyOne's outstanding shares
of common stock. Through December 31, 2000, PolyOne repurchased 2.6 million
shares at an average cost of $7.15 per share. No common stock was repurchased in
2001. Also, PolyOne returned $22.9 million to its shareholders in the form of
cash dividends in 2001.
At December 31, 2001, PolyOne had total shareholders' equity of $713.4
million.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Note B of the Consolidated Financial Statements, which are incorporated by
reference into this prospectus, contains a summary of PolyOne's accounting
policies and commentary on the nature of estimates made in the preparation of
the financial statements. Following is a description of important management
judgments relating to the PolyOne 2001 Consolidated Financial Statements.
ENVIRONMENTAL ACCRUED LIABILITY. PolyOne has accrued $56.2 million to
cover future environmental remediation expenditures, and believes none of these
matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse
effect on its capital expenditures, earnings, cash flow or liquidity. The
accrual represents PolyOne's best estimate of the remaining remediation costs
based upon information and technology currently available. For additional
discussion, refer to Note N to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which are
incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
RESTRUCTURING COSTS. PolyOne has announced plans to close 11 manufacturing
plants in 2002. As of December 31, 2001, an accrued liability of $37.7 million
existed for future employee severance and plant closing costs. In addition, at
the end of 2001, the net property carrying value to be realized for the plants
closed or to be closed was $35 million (some assets will be transferred to other
locations as production ceases).
EQUITY INVESTMENT. In December 2001, OxyVinyls (of which PolyOne owns 24%)
announced the temporary closing of its Deer Park, Texas, chlor-alkali plant due
to low industry capacity utilization and low product market selling prices. As
of December 31, 2001, OxyVinyls had accrued $13.8 million for future employee
severance and liabilities associated with the temporary idling of a plant. The
plant had a net property carrying value by OxyVinyls at the end of 2001 of
approximately $139 million, which is anticipated to be realized through future
operations upon the restart of the plant.
GOODWILL. As of December 31, 2001, PolyOne's recorded goodwill totaled
$476.3 million. PolyOne had not completed its assessment of any potential
impairment under the new provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," which is
effective in 2002, as further explained in Note B to the Consolidated Financial
Statements, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
DEFERRED TAX BENEFIT FOR OPERATING LOSS CARRYFORWARDS. As of December 31,
2001, PolyOne had a net deferred tax liability of $23.0 million, which included
a deferred tax asset of $82.3 million for operating loss carryforwards for tax
purposes. The operating loss carryforwards are expected to be utilized against
future earnings, thereby reducing taxes that would otherwise be paid. See the
discussion in Note P to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which are
incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
29
MARKET RISK DISCLOSURES
PolyOne is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on debt
obligations. PolyOne's long-term debt at December 31, 2001, was primarily
fixed-rate obligations. To manage interest rate risk, PolyOne periodically
enters into interest rate swap agreements that generally convert fixed-rate
obligations to floating rates. As of December 31, 2001, PolyOne had interest
rate swap agreements on three of its fixed-rate obligations in the amount of
$182.8 million. These exchange agreements are perfectly effective as defined by
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities," and had a fair value
of $(1.6) million at December 31, 2001. The weighted-average interest rate for
these three agreements was 6.25% at December 31, 2001.
PolyOne is also exposed to foreign currency exchange risk in the ordinary
course of business because its products are provided in numerous countries
around the world, and collection of revenues and payment of certain expenses may
give rise to currency exposure. Management has reviewed PolyOne's exposure to
this risk and has concluded that PolyOne's exposure in this area is adequately
hedged with foreign currency exchange contracts, and that exposure to this risk
is not material to fair values, cash flows or earnings. For additional
discussion, refer to Note T to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which are
incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
30
BUSINESS
POLYONE CORPORATION
We are a leading global polymer services company with operations in
thermoplastic compounds, specialty resins, specialty polymer formulations,
engineered films, color and additive systems, elastomer compounds and additives
and thermoplastic resin distribution. PolyOne was formed on August 31, 2000 as a
result of the consolidation of The Geon Company and M.A. Hanna Company. We
consider ourself a leader in delivering value to customers through our strengths
in polymer technology, manufacturing and supply chain processes, information
technology, environmental and safety performance, overall quality and
operational excellence. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, we had
revenues of $2.7 billion and EBITDA of $59 million.
OPERATING SEGMENTS
We operate in four business segments:
- Performance Plastics;
- Elastomers and Performance Additives;
- Distribution; and
- Resin and Intermediates.
For additional information regarding each of our business segments, you should
refer to our consolidated financial statements and related notes, which are
incorporated by reference into this prospectus, especially Note R.
Performance Plastics. We are a leading merchant producer of compounded
plastics to the specifications of manufacturers of plastic products throughout
North America and Europe. We engage in the custom compounding of plastic
materials to the specifications of manufacturers of molded and extruded plastic
products through our compounding business. Our compounds are used in end
products such as appliance components, automotive trim, business equipment
housing, computer disk drive components, bottles, pipe and pipe fitting,
windows, wire and cable. Through our custom formulated colorants and additives
business, we manufacture custom formulated colorants in the form of color
concentrates, liquid dispersions, dry colorants and additives for customers in
the plastic industry throughout North America, Europe, South America and Asia.
We are also a leading North American producer of specialty vinyl dispersion
resins. In addition, our business processes specialty dispersion resins with
different additives, such as plastisizers and fillers, to produce liquid or
solid plastisol formulations. We also produce formulations using urethanes and
latex polymers. Through our engineered films business, we process flexible
compounds into rolls of various-gauge films. These products are incorporated
into automotive instrument panels, airbags, furniture fabrics, loose-leaf binder
covers, medical bloodbags and pool liners.
Elastomers and Performance Additives. We engage in the custom compounding
of rubber materials to the specifications of manufacturers of rubber products
throughout North America through our rubber compounding and additives
businesses. This includes products used in the manufacture of automobile hoses
and belts, footwear, escalator railings and industrial conveyors. We also
produce rubber colorants and additives for the rubber industry worldwide. We
believe we are the largest independent custom rubber compounder in North
America.
Distribution. We distribute more than 3,500 grades of engineering and
commodity resins and plastic compounds from approximately 12 major suppliers
including our own polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, compounds through our distribution
business. These products are sold to custom molders and extruders who convert
them into plastic products. Our customers produce products that are sold to a
number of different industries and end markets. We believe we are one of the
leading distributors of plastic resins and compounds in North America.
31
Resin and Intermediates. Our Resin and Intermediates segment manufactures
products such as PVC resins, vinyl chloride monomer, or VCM, and caustic soda.
These products are sold to customers in the aluminum, paper and pulp and
construction industries. This segment also produces intermediates, such as
chlorine, for internal consumption by our affiliate in the production of PVC
resins. This segment consists primarily of investments in equity affiliates,
principally Oxy Vinyls, LP and SunBelt Chlor-Alkali Partnership.
PRINCIPAL EQUITY AFFILIATES
We hold an equity interest in several joint ventures. Our two largest
investments, based on our recorded investment in and commitment to guarantee
debt of our equity affiliates, are OxyVinyls and SunBelt. We have a 24% interest
in OxyVinyls, a partnership with Occidental Chemical Corporation, which is a
leading producer of PVC resin and VCM in North America. OxyVinyls also produces
chlorine and caustic soda. We also own 50% of SunBelt, a joint venture with Olin
Corporation, which produces chlorine and caustic soda.
COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
Leading Market Positions. We are a leader in most of the markets in which
we sell our products and services in North America. For example, we are a
leading producer of vinyl compounds, as well as elastomer and rubber additive
products. We are one of the North American leaders in colorants for plastics and
we believe we are one of the leading distributors of plastic resins and
compounds in North America. Many of our products are sold or distributed into
the same markets, which provides us with cross-selling opportunities for
additional products or services. In addition, our operations in Europe and Asia
allow us to provide the same products and services to our customers throughout
North America, Europe and Asia with regional delivery and global specifications.
Diverse Customers and Industries Served. We serve customers across a
variety of industries, such as construction, automotive, consumer non-durables,
electrical, industrial consumer durables and packaging. In addition, no customer
accounts for more than 3% of our sales, and no industry accounts for more than
18% of our sales. We believe this diversification helps to protect our business
from swings caused by shifts in any one industry. Moreover, our broad customer
base provides us with opportunities to offer new product innovation.
Broad Product Portfolio. We have a broad product portfolio of polymer
compounds and colors, elastomers, liquid polymer systems and additives, which
allows us to deliver service and technology based solutions to our customers for
many of their required polymer applications. We believe that this makes us a
preferred supplier to customers who have needs for diversified products. In
addition, we can develop solutions to our existing customers through different
polymers applications based on our extensive product portfolio.
Strong Management Team With Extensive Industry Experience. Our senior
management team consists of professionals with long-term experience within our
company and broad talents and expertise in the polymer services industries. Our
team of senior executives consists of 17 individuals, most of whom have over 20
years of experience in these industries. Moreover, our senior management team is
supported by managers within each business segment who have extensive experience
within their respective operating segments.
BUSINESS STRATEGIES
We intend to utilize our resources to strengthen our position as a leading
global polymer services company through the following strategies:
Become the Preferred Provider of Products and Services. We take pride in
our ability to solve a customer's problem and then replicate the solution for
that customer around the world. We do this by creating teams of diverse product
specialists when a customer need demands an unusual combination of skills. This
allows us to provide customized solutions to our customers. In addition, we
organize our manufacturing processes and facilities around the industries we
serve in order to better meet the needs of our customers. We believe this
strategy will allow us to provide better service to our customers as we strive
to become their preferred provider of polymer products and services.
32
Realize Strategic Value Capture Initiatives. We will continue to pursue
our strategic value capture initiatives through creative cost reduction efforts,
continual improvements in operational efficiency and dedication to quality. We
believe these efforts will increase our profitability.
- Pursue Operational Excellence. We intend to eliminate excess capacity by
closing plants and expanding and improving some existing facilities in
order to establish centers of manufacturing excellence, including our
"Triple Crown" initiative for our North American plastics compounds and
color operations. In 2001, we announced that we would close 18 sites and
we targeted 20 more for capital improvements. We believe that this
initiative will enhance our manufacturing assets and continue to lead to
improvements in operational efficiency as we strive to continually
achieve operational excellence.
- Leverage Information Technology. We will continue to upgrade our IT
systems to link all our businesses worldwide. We call this undertaking
our "projectOne" initiative. We will use projectOne as a platform to
improve efficiency of information flow and knowledge management, which
will enable us to provide better customer service and solutions, improve
materials sourcing and offer e-commerce opportunities. For example, we
utilize our IT system to manage the inventory of one of our customers
located on the West Coast. This customer's silo, which contains vinyl
compounds, has been fitted with a measuring device that automatically
communicates to our enterprise resource planning system when a material
shipment should be made.
- Reduce Costs and Manage Capital Spending. We will continue to focus on
cost reduction in our operations and seek ways to reduce our selling and
administrative expenses. We have established the goal of reducing sales,
technology, general and administrative costs by more than $50 million in
2003 compared to these costs in 2000. Our strategy for capital spending
is to focus on investments that yield an attractive return.
COMPETITION
The production of compounded plastics and the manufacture of custom
formulated color and additives systems for the plastics industry is highly
competitive, with product quality, service and price to customers being
principal factors affecting competition. We believe we are a leading independent
compounder of plastics in North America and Europe and one of the leading
producers of custom formulated color and additive systems in the United States
and Europe.
The custom compounding of rubber materials and the manufacture of rubber
colorants and additives are highly competitive with product quality, service and
price to customers being principal factors affecting competition. We believe we
are a leading independent custom compounder of rubber in North America.
The distribution of polymer resin is highly competitive, with product
quality, service and price to customers being principal factors affecting
competition. We believe we are one of the leading distributors of plastic resins
in North America.
RAW MATERIALS
In our Performance Plastics business, the primary raw materials are PVC
resin, VCM, other resins, plasticizers, inorganic and organic pigments, and
chemicals, all of which are in adequate supply. We are a party to long-term
supply contracts with OxyVinyls, under which the majority of our PVC resin and
all of our VCM requirements will be supplied. The supply contracts have initial
terms of 15 years (expiring in 2013) and have provisions for renewal after the
initial contract term. We believe the supply contracts should assure
availability of PVC resin and VCM, technical development and support and
competitively priced PVC resin and VCM. We further believe that the pricing
under these supply contracts provides PVC resin at a competitive cost to us.
In our Elastomer and Performance Additives Business, our primary raw
materials are natural and synthetic rubbers, resins and chemicals, all of which
are available in adequate supply.
33
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
We have developed substantial research and development capability. Our
efforts are devoted to (1) developing new products to satisfy defined market
needs, (2) providing quality technical services to assure the continued success
of our products for our customers' applications, (3) providing technology for
improvements to our products, processes and applications, and (4) providing
support to our manufacturing plants for cost reduction, productivity and quality
improvement programs. We operate a research and development center that supports
our compounding and specialty resin operations. The laboratory is equipped with
state-of-the-art analytical, synthesis, polymer characterization and testing
equipment and pilot plants and polymer compounding operations that simulate
specific production processes for rapid translation of new technology into new
products.
We spent $18.8 million in 2001, $21.4 million in 2000 and $18.5 million in
1999 on product research and product development. In 2002, we expect spending to
show a small increase over 2001.
METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION
Our Performance Plastics, Elastomers and Performance Additives and
Distribution business segments primarily sell products through their direct
sales personnel. The Performance Plastics business segment supplements its
direct sales personnel with distributors and/or commissioned sales agents for
various products and geographic areas. Our products are primarily transported to
customers using truck carriers, with some customer product pick-ups at our
operating facilities in all three of these business segments. In addition, our
Performance Plastics business segment ships products to some customers using
railroad cars.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2001, we had approximately 8,000 employees.
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations concerning
production, use and sale of chemicals; emissions to the air; discharges to
waterways; the release of materials into the environment; the generation,
handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste materials; or
otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. We endeavor to ensure
the safe and lawful operation of our facilities in manufacturing and
distribution of products and believe we are in compliance in all material
respects with applicable laws and regulations.
We maintain a disciplined environmental and occupational safety and health
compliance program and conduct periodic internal and external regulatory audits
at our plants in order to identify and categorize potential environmental
exposures, including compliance issues, and measures to address them. This is an
effort that has required and may continue to require process or operational
modifications and the installation of pollution control devices and cleanups. We
incurred environmental expense of $3.9 million in 2001, $2.2 million in 2000 and
$1.7 million in 1999.
We believe that compliance with current governmental regulations at all
levels will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
However, the risk of additional costs and liabilities is inherent in certain
plant operations and certain products produced at our plants, as is the case
with other companies involved in the plastics PVC industry. We cannot assure you
that we will not incur additional costs and liabilities in the future. Other
developments, such as increasingly strict environmental, safety and health laws,
regulations and related enforcement policies, discovery of unknown conditions
and claims for damages to property, persons or natural resources resulting from
plant emissions or products, could also result in additional costs and
liabilities to us.
A number of foreign countries and domestic local communities have enacted,
or have under consideration, laws and regulations relating to the use and
disposal of plastic materials. Widespread adoption of these laws and
regulations, or public perception, may have an adverse impact on plastic
materials. Although many of our major markets are in durable, longer-life
applications that could reduce the impact of
34
any such environmental regulation, we cannot assure you that more stringent
regulation of use and disposal of plastics would not have an adverse effect on
our business.
We conduct a comprehensive occupational safety and health program and
believe we are in material compliance with applicable requirements.
We have been notified by federal and state environmental agencies and by
private parties that we may be a potentially responsible party in connection
with several environmental sites. While government agencies assert that
potentially responsible parties are jointly and severally liable at these sites,
in our experience, interim and final allocation of liability costs are generally
made based on the relative contribution of waste. However, where such
allocations of costs based on relative contribution of waste have been made, we
cannot assure you that the relevant third parties will pay their share of the
liability and related clean-up costs. In addition, we conduct investigations and
remediation at several of our active and inactive facilities, and have assumed
responsibility for environmental liabilities based on pre-1993 operations at
sites formerly owned or operated by us or our predecessors. We believe that our
potential continuing liability with respect to such sites will not have a
material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of
operations or cash flows. In addition, we initiate corrective and preventive
environmental projects of our own at our operations. Based on current
information and estimates prepared by our environmental engineers and
consultants, we, at December 31, 2001, had accruals totaling $56.2 million to
cover probable future environmental expenditures relating to previously
contaminated sites. The accrual represents our best estimate within our range of
estimated costs associated with probable remediation, based upon information and
technology currently available and our view of the most likely remedy. Depending
upon the results of future testing, the ultimate remediation alternatives
undertaken, changes in regulations, new information and other factors, it is
possible that we could incur costs in excess of the accrual at December 31,
2001. Our estimate of the liability may be revised as new regulations,
technologies or additional information is obtained.
PROPERTIES
As of December 31, 2001, PolyOne, which is headquartered in Cleveland,
Ohio, operated facilities in the United States and foreign countries.
Substantially all of our facilities are owned. The charts below list the
principal facilities of our business segments.
35
PERFORMANCE PLASTICS FACILITIES
VINYL COMPOUNDING SPECIALTY DISPERSION RESIN PLASTISOL FORMULATORS ENGINEERED FILMS
----------------- -------------------------- ------------------------- ----------------------
Avon Lake, Ohio Henry, Illinois Bolton, England Burlington, New Jersey
Burlington, New Jersey Pedricktown, New Jersey Kennesaw, Georgia Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Conroe, Texas Los Angeles, California Winchester, Virginia
Farmington, New Jersey Melbourne, Australia Yerington, Nevada
Long Beach, California North Baltimore, Ohio Upper Newton Falls,
Louisville, Kentucky St. Louis, Missouri Massachusetts
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Sullivan, Missouri
Canada Sussex, Wisconsin
Orangeville, Ontario, Widnes, England
Canada Hyde, England
Pasadena, Texas Dartford, England
Plaquemine, Louisiana Newton, Aycliffe, England
St. Remi de Naperville,
Quebec, Canada
Terre Haute, Indiana
Valleyfield, Quebec,
Canada
Cartagena, Colombia
(joint venture)
Melbourne, Australia
(joint venture)
Singapore (joint venture)
CUSTOM FORMULATED COLORANTS AND ADDITIVES CUSTOM COMPOUNDING
----------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Broadview Heights, Ohio Macedonia, Ohio
Glendale, Arizona Kingstree, South Carolina
Vonore, Tennessee Dyersburg, Tennessee
Suwanee, Georgia Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Somerset, New Jersey Seabrook, Texas
Florence, Kentucky Houston, Texas
Gastonia, North Carolina Corona, California
Elk Grove Village, Illinois Gaggenau, Germany
St. Peters, Missouri Barbastro, Spain
Fort Worth, Texas Jurong, Singapore
Norwalk, Ohio Suzhou, China
Clinton, Tennessee (joint venture) Melle, Germany
Rancho Dominguez, California (joint venture) Forli, Italy (joint venture)
Gainesville, Georgia (joint venture) Civitanova, Italy (joint venture)
Toluca, Mexico Lecco, Italy (joint venture)
Assesse, Belgium Istanbul, Turkey (joint venture)
Tossiat, France Dortmund, Germany
Bendorf, Germany
Angered, Sweden
Manchester, England
Pudong (Shanghai), China
Glostrup, Denmark
Bangkok, Thailand
Gyor, Hungary
36
RESIN AND INTERMEDIATES FACILITIES:
OxyVinyls joint venture -- various locations in North
America
SunBelt joint venture -- McIntosh, Alabama
Welvic Pty Ltd. joint venture -- various locations in
Australia
ELASTOMERS AND PERFORMANCE ADDITIVES FACILITIES:
Burton, Ohio
Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada
Jonesborough, Tennessee
DeForest, Wisconsin
Queretaro, Mexico
Chicago, Illinois
Kennedale, Texas
Kingstree, South Carolina
Dyersburg, Tennessee
Massillon, Ohio
Wynne, Arkansas
Santa Fe Springs, California
DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES:
Lemont, Illinois
Ayer, Massachusetts
Massillon, Ohio
Rancho Cucamonga, California
Statesville, North Carolina
Denver, Colorado
Chesterfield Township, Michigan
Eagan, Minnesota
St. Louis, Missouri
Vancouver, Washington
Grand Prairie, Texas
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Mexico -- various locations
PATENT AND TRADEMARKS
We own numerous patents and trademarks, which are important in that they
protect inventions and product names against infringement by others and thereby
enhance our position in the marketplace. The patents vary in duration of up to
20 years, and the trademarks have an indefinite life that is based upon
continued use.
LITIGATION
In addition to the matters regarding the environment described above under
"-- Environmental, Health and Safety," we are involved in various pending or
threatened claims, lawsuits and administrative proceedings, all arising from the
ordinary course of business concerning commercial, product liability, employment
and environmental matters, which seek remedies or damages. In addition, we have
been named in several lawsuits involving multiple claimants and defendants
relating to alleged asbestos exposure in the past by, among others, workers and
their families at plants owned by us or our predecessors or on board ships owned
or operated by us or our predecessors. We believe that any liability that may be
finally determined should not have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition taken as a whole.
37
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
Our $150,000,000 revolving credit facility is with Citibank, N.A., as
administrative agent, and various financial institutions, as lenders.
SECURITY
We and some of our domestic subsidiaries have agreed to secure our
obligations under our revolving credit facility and some letters of credit, bank
guarantees and hedging instruments with some of our real property, all of our
equipment located on this real property, all of our inventory, all of our
accounts receivable (subject to a priority security interest granted to the
purchasers under our receivables sale facility), all of our deposit accounts and
substantially all of our intellectual property, as well as the capital stock of
these subsidiaries. These domestic subsidiaries have each agreed to absolutely,
unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee our obligations under the revolving
credit facility and the letters of credit, bank guarantees and hedging
instruments. Obligations under our revolving credit facility will be secured and
guaranteed until our borrowed debt-to-EBITDA ratio is less than 3.50 to 1.0 for
any two consecutive fiscal quarters.
INTEREST RATES
Under our revolving credit facility, the lenders may make either base rate
advances or eurocurrency rate advances. Base rate advances bear interest at the
base rate, as defined in the amended and restated credit agreement, plus a
margin of 0.000% to 2.250% depending on our borrowed debt-to-EBITDA ratio.
Eurocurrency rate advances bear interest at the eurocurrency rate, as defined in
the amended and restated credit agreement, plus a margin of 0.775% to 3.100%
depending on our borrowed debt-to-EBITDA ratio. As of April 17, 2002, the
interest rate per annum, including the applicable margin, for base rate advances
was 6.250%, and the interest rate per annum, including the applicable margin,
for eurocurrency rate advances was 4.075%.
OPTIONAL AND MANDATORY PREPAYMENTS
Our revolving credit facility permits us to prepay our borrowings under the
credit facility in whole or in part, at our option, subject to minimum repayment
amounts and, in the case of prepayments of loans bearing interest at a
eurodollar rate other than at the end of the applicable interest period,
reimbursement of the lenders' reemployment costs. Our revolving credit facility
requires us to prepay the outstanding principal amount of any borrowings in an
amount sufficient to reduce the amount of our outstanding borrowings to 100% or
less of the aggregate commitments of the lenders if the dollar amount of our
outstanding borrowings exceeds 105% of the aggregate commitments of the lenders.
FEES
Our revolving credit facility requires us to pay our lenders a commitment
fee based on the amount of each lender's commitment. This fee ranges from 0.100%
to 0.400% depending on our borrowed debt-to-EBITDA ratio.
COVENANTS
Our revolving credit facility contains affirmative and negative covenants
customary for such financings, including, but not limited to, covenants limiting
our ability to:
- engage into transactions with affiliates;
- create liens to secure debt;
- merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our assets;
- pay dividends on or purchase or redeem our capital stock;
- engage in sale and leaseback transactions;
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- make investments in other persons; and
- make capital expenditures.
Our revolving credit facility also contains financial covenants regarding
our interest coverage ratio, our borrowed debt to EBITDA ratio and ratio of
tangible assets to debt.
DEFAULT
Our revolving credit facility contains customary events of default,
including, but not limited to:
- nonpayment of principal, interest or fees;
- inaccuracy of representations and warranties;
- violation of covenants;
- cross defaults to other debt;
- events of bankruptcy and insolvency; and
- the occurrence of a change of control.
OTHER DEBT
As of December 31, 2001, we had an aggregate of $367.8 million of debt
securities outstanding. The specific amounts, maturity and interest rates of
these debt securities are set forth in the following table.
AMOUNT INTEREST RATE MATURITY
------------- ------------- --------
(IN MILLIONS)
6.875% Debentures............................ $ 75.2 6.875% December 15, 2005
7.500% Debentures............................ $ 50.0 7.500% December 15, 2015
9.375% Senior Notes.......................... $ 91.5 9.375% September 15, 2003
Medium Term Notes............................ $151.1 6.52% - 7.16% December 1, 2004 -
February 23, 2011
RECEIVABLES SALE FACILITY
We are a party to a fifth amended and restated trade receivables purchase
and sale agreement, dated as of April 10, 2002, effective as of April 18, 2002,
with PolyOne Funding Corporation (PFC), Corporate Receivables Corporation,
Ciesco, L.P. and Citicorp North America, Inc., as agent, under which Corporate
Receivable Corporation and/or Ciesco may purchase an undivided interest in some
of our accounts receivable through PFC. We may sell a maximum of $250.0 million
of our accounts receivable from a designated pool. We retain servicing
responsibilities on these accounts receivable and receive a collections
servicing fee from PFC of approximately 1/4 of 1% per annum of the outstanding
balance. When we collect payments from the accounts receivable that we had sold,
PFC reinvests the collected payments less a discount, which is initially 3%, in
new accounts receivable for the buyers and transfers to the buyers a yield that
is based on defined short-term market rates. As of April 17, 2002, the yield was
2.30%.
39
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
On April 23, 2002, we sold $200.0 million in principal amount at maturity
of the outstanding notes in a private placement through initial purchasers to a
limited number of "Qualified Institutional Buyers," as defined under the
Securities Act. In connection with the sale of the outstanding notes, we and the
initial purchasers entered into a registration rights agreement, dated as of
April 23, 2002. Under that agreement, we must, among other things, use our
commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement
under the Securities Act covering the exchange offer and to cause that
registration statement to become effective under the Securities Act. Upon the
effectiveness of that registration statement, we must also offer each holder of
the outstanding notes the opportunity to exchange its outstanding notes for an
equal principal amount at maturity of exchange notes. You are a holder with
respect to the exchange offer if you are a person in whose name any outstanding
notes are registered on our books or any other person who has obtained a
properly completed assignment of outstanding notes from the registered holder.
We are making the exchange offer to comply with our obligations under the
registration rights agreement. A copy of the registration rights agreement has
been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus
is a part.
In order to participate in the exchange offer, you must represent to us,
among other things, that:
- you are acquiring the exchange notes under the exchange offer in the
ordinary course of your business;
- you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution of
the exchange notes;
- you do not have any arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in the distribution of the exchange notes;
- you are not a broker-dealer tendering outstanding notes acquired directly
from us for your own account;
- you are not one of our "affiliates," as defined in Rule 405 of the
Securities Act; and
- you are not prohibited by law or any policy of the SEC from participating
in the exchange offer.
RESALE OF THE EXCHANGE NOTES
Based on a previous interpretation by the Staff of the SEC set forth in
no-action letters issued to third parties, including Exxon Capital Holdings
Corporation (available May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
(available June 5, 1991), Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc. (available June 5, 1991).
Warnaco, Inc. (available October 11, 1991), and K-III Communications Corp.
(available May 14, 1993), we believe that the exchange notes issued in the
exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold, and otherwise transferred by
you, except if you are an affiliate of us, without compliance with the
registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided
that the representations set forth in "-- Purpose and Effect of the Exchange
Offer" apply to you.
If you tender in the exchange offer with the intention of participating in
a distribution of the exchange notes, you cannot rely on the interpretation by
the Staff of the SEC as set forth in the Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
no-action letter and other similar letters and you must comply with the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with a secondary resale transaction. If our belief regarding resale
is inaccurate, those who transfer exchange notes in violation of the prospectus
delivery provisions of the Securities Act and without an exemption from
registration under the federal securities laws may incur liability under these
laws. We do not assume or indemnify you against this liability.
The exchange offer is not being made to, nor will we accept surrenders for
exchange from, holders of outstanding notes in any jurisdiction in which the
exchange offer or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the
securities or blue sky laws of the particular jurisdiction. Each broker-dealer
that receives
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exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes, where the
outstanding notes were acquired by that broker-dealer as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes.
See "Plan of Distribution." In order to facilitate the disposition of exchange
notes by broker-dealers participating in the exchange offer, we have agreed,
subject to specific conditions, to make this prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, available for delivery by those broker-dealers
to satisfy their prospectus delivery obligations under the Securities Act. Any
holder that is a broker-dealer participating in the exchange offer must notify
the exchange agent at the telephone number set forth in the enclosed letter of
transmittal and must comply with the procedures for brokers-dealers
participating in the exchange offer. We have not entered into any arrangement or
understanding with any person to distribute the exchange notes to be received in
the exchange offer.
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus
and in the letter of transmittal, we will accept any and all outstanding notes
validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
the day the exchange offer expires.
As of the date of this prospectus, $200.0 million in principal amount at
maturity of the outstanding notes are outstanding. This prospectus, together
with the letter of transmittal, is being sent to all registered holders of the
outstanding notes on this date. There will be no fixed record date for
determining registered holders of the outstanding notes entitled to participate
in the exchange offer; however, holders of the outstanding notes must tender
their certificates therefor or cause their outstanding notes to be tendered by
book-entry transfer before the expiration date of the exchange offer to
participate.
The form and terms of the exchange notes will be the same as the form and
terms of the outstanding notes except that the exchange notes will be registered
under the Securities Act and therefore will not bear legends restricting their
transfer. Following consummation of the exchange offer, all rights under the
registration rights agreement accorded to holders of outstanding notes,
including the right to receive additional incremental interest on the
outstanding notes, to the extent and in the circumstances specified in the
registration rights agreement, will terminate.
We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the provisions
of the registration rights agreement and applicable federal securities laws.
Outstanding notes that are not tendered for exchange under the exchange offer
will remain outstanding and will be entitled to the rights under the related
indenture. Any outstanding notes not tendered for exchange will not retain any
rights under the registration rights agreement and will remain subject to
transfer restrictions. See "-- Consequences of Failure to Exchange."
We will be deemed to have accepted validly tendered outstanding notes when,
as and if we will have given oral or written notice of its acceptance to the
exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders
for the purposes of receiving the exchange notes from us. If any tendered
outstanding notes are not accepted for exchange because of an invalid tender,
the occurrence of other events set forth in this prospectus, or otherwise,
certificates for any unaccepted outstanding notes will be returned, or, in the
case of outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer, those unaccepted
outstanding notes will be credited to an account maintained with The Depository
Trust Company, without expense to the tendering holder of those outstanding
notes as promptly as practicable after the expiration date of the exchange
offer. See "--Procedures for Tendering."
Those who tender outstanding notes in the exchange offer will not be
required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in
the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange under the
exchange offer. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than applicable
taxes described below, in connection with the exchange offer. See "-- Fees and
Expenses."
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EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS; AMENDMENTS
The expiration date is 5:00 p.m., New York City time on , 2002,
unless we, in our sole discretion, extend the exchange offer, in which case, the
expiration date will be the latest date and time to which the exchange offer is
extended. We may, in our sole discretion, extend the expiration date of, or
terminate, the exchange offer.
To extend the exchange offer, we must notify the exchange agent by oral or
written notice before 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day
after the previously scheduled expiration date and make a public announcement of
the extension.
We reserve the right:
- to delay accepting any outstanding notes, to extend the exchange offer or
to terminate the exchange offer if any of the conditions set forth below
under "-- Conditions" are not satisfied by giving oral or written notice
of the delay, extension, or termination to the exchange agent; or
- to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner consistent with
the registration rights agreement.
Any delay in acceptances, extension, termination, or amendment will be
followed as promptly as practicable by oral or written notice of the delay to
the registered holders of the outstanding notes. If we amend the exchange offer
in a manner that constitutes a material change, we will promptly disclose the
amendment by means of a prospectus supplement that will be distributed to the
registered holders of the outstanding notes, and we will extend the exchange
offer for a period of up to ten business days, depending on the significance of
the amendment and the manner of disclosure to the registered holders of the
outstanding notes, if the exchange offer would otherwise expire during that
extension period.
Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make a public
announcement of any delay, extension, amendment, or termination of the exchange
offer, we will have no obligation to publish, advertise, or otherwise
communicate that public announcement, other than by making a timely release to
an appropriate news agency.
When all the conditions to the exchange offer have been satisfied or
waived, we will accept, promptly after the expiration date of the exchange
offer, all outstanding notes properly tendered and will issue the exchange notes
promptly after acceptance of the outstanding notes. See "-- Conditions" below.
For purposes of the exchange offer, we will be deemed to have accepted properly
tendered outstanding notes for exchange when, as and if we will have given oral
or written notice of our acceptance to the exchange agent.
In all cases, issuance of the exchange notes for outstanding notes that are
accepted for exchange under the exchange offer will be made only after timely
receipt by the exchange agent of certificates for those outstanding notes or a
timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of the outstanding notes into the
exchange agent's account at The Depository Trust Company, a properly completed
and duly executed letter of transmittal, and all other required documents;
provided, however, that we reserve the absolute right to waive any defects or
irregularities in the tender of outstanding notes or in the satisfaction of
conditions of the exchange offer by holders of the outstanding notes. If any
tendered outstanding notes are not accepted for any reason set forth in the
terms and conditions of the exchange offer, if the holder withdraws any
previously tendered outstanding notes, or if outstanding notes are submitted for
a greater principal amount of outstanding notes than the holder desires to
exchange, then the unaccepted, withdrawn or portion of non-exchanged outstanding
notes, as appropriate, will be returned as promptly as practicable after the
expiration or termination of the exchange offer, or, in the case of the
outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer, those unaccepted, withdrawn
or portion of non-exchange outstanding notes, as appropriate, will be credited
to an account maintained with The Depository Trust Company, without expense to
the tendering holder.
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CONDITIONS
Without regard to other terms of the exchange offer, we will not be
required to exchange any exchange notes for any outstanding notes and may
terminate the exchange offer before the acceptance of any outstanding notes for
exchange, if:
- any action or proceeding is instituted or threatened in any court or by
or before any governmental agency with respect to the exchange offer
that, in our reasonable judgment, might materially impair our ability to
proceed with the exchange offer;
- the Staff of the SEC proposes, adopts or enacts any law, statute, rule or
regulation or issues any interpretation of any existing law, statute,
rule or regulation that, in our reasonable judgment, might materially
impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer; or
- any governmental approval or approval by holders of the outstanding notes
has not been obtained if we, in our reasonable judgment, deem this
approval necessary for the consummation of the exchange offer.
If we determine that any of these conditions are not satisfied, we may:
- refuse to accept any outstanding notes and return all tendered
outstanding notes to the tendering holders, or, in the case of
outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer, credit those
outstanding notes to an account maintained with The Depository Trust
Company;
- extend the exchange offer and retain all outstanding notes tendered
before the expiration of the exchange offer, subject, however, to the
rights of holders who tendered the outstanding notes to withdraw their
outstanding notes; or
- waive unsatisfied conditions with respect the exchange offer and accept
all properly tendered outstanding notes that have not been withdrawn. If
the waiver constitutes a material change to the exchange offer, we will
promptly disclose the waiver by means of a prospectus supplement that
will be distributed to the registered holders of the outstanding notes,
and we will extend the exchange offer for a period of up to ten business
days, depending on the significance of the waiver and the manner of
disclosure of the registered holders of the outstanding notes, if the
exchange offer would otherwise expire during this period.
PROCEDURE FOR TENDERING
To tender in the exchange offer, you must complete, sign and date an
original or facsimile letter of transmittal, have the signatures guaranteed if
required by the letter of transmittal, and mail or otherwise deliver the letter
of transmittal to the exchange agent before the expiration date of the exchange
offer. You may also tender your outstanding notes by means of The Depository
Trust Company's Automatic Tenders Over the Participant Terminal System ("ATOP"),
subject to the terms and procedures of that system. If delivery is made through
ATOP, you must transmit any agent's message to the exchange agent account at The
Depository Trust Company. The term "agent's message" means a message,
transmitted to The Depository Trust Company and received by the exchange agent
and forming a part for a book-entry transfer, that states that The Depository
Trust Company has received an express acknowledgement that you agree to be bound
by the letter of transmittal and that we may enforce the letter of transmittal
against you. In addition;
- the exchange agent must receive certificates, if any, for the outstanding
notes, along with the letter of transmittal;
- the exchange agent must receive a timely confirmation of the transfer by
book-entry of those outstanding notes before the expiration of the
exchange offer, if the book-entry procedure is available, into the
exchange agent's account at The Depository Trust Company, as set forth in
the procedure for book-entry transfer described below; or
- you must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.
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To be tendered effectively, the exchange agent must receive the Letter of
Transmittal and other required documents at the address set forth below under
"-- Exchange Agent" before the expiration of the exchange offer.
If you tender your outstanding notes and do not withdraw them before the
expiration date of the exchange offer, you will be deemed to have an agreement
with us in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF OUTSTANDING NOTES AND THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT IS AT YOUR RISK. INSTEAD
OF DELIVERY BY MAIL, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE AN OVERNIGHT OR HAND DELIVERY
SERVICE, PROPERLY INSURED. IN ALL CASES, YOU SHOULD ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO
ASSURE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE EXCHANGE
OFFER. YOU SHOULD NOT SEND YOUR LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR OUTSTANDING NOTES TO
US. YOU MAY REQUEST YOUR RESPECTIVE BROKER, DEALERS, COMMERCIAL BANKS, TRUST
COMPANIES, OR NOMINEES TO EFFECT THE ABOVE TRANSACTIONS FOR YOU.
Any beneficial owner whose outstanding notes are registered in the name of
a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee and who
wishes to tender its outstanding notes should contact the registered holder
promptly and instruct that registered holder to tender the outstanding notes on
the beneficial owner's behalf. If the beneficial owner wishes to tender its
outstanding notes on the owner's own behalf, that owner must, before completing
and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering its outstanding notes,
either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the outstanding
notes in that owner's name or obtain a properly completed assignment from the
registered holder. The transfer of registered ownership of outstanding notes may
take considerable time.
Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal must be
guaranteed by an eligible institution unless the related outstanding notes
tendered are tendered:
- by a registered holder who has not completed the box entitled "Special
Payment Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on the letter of
transmittal; or
- for the account of an eligible institution.
If signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal are
required to be guaranteed, each of the following is deemed an eligible
institution:
- a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.;
- a commercial bank;
- a trust company having an officer or correspondent in the United States;
or
- an eligible guarantor institution as provided by Rule 17Ad-15 of the
Exchange Act.
If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered holder of any outstanding notes, the outstanding notes must be
endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power, signed by the
registered holder as his, her or its name appears on the outstanding notes.
If trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact,
officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative
capacity sign the letter of transmittal or any outstanding notes or bond power,
those persons should so indicate when signing, and unless we waive evidence
satisfactory to us of their authority to so act must be submitted with the
letter of transmittal.
We will determine all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility,
including time of receipt, acceptance of tendered outstanding notes, and
withdrawal of tendered outstanding notes, in our sole discretion. All of these
determinations by us will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to
reject any and all outstanding notes not properly tendered or any outstanding
notes our acceptance of which would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful.
We also reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of
tender as to particular outstanding notes. Our interpretation of the terms and
conditions of the
44
exchange offer, including the instructions in the letter of transmittal will be
final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities
in connection with tenders of outstanding notes must be cured within the time we
determine. Although we intend to notify holders of outstanding notes of defects
or irregularities with respect to tenders of outstanding notes, neither we, nor
the exchange agent, or any other person will incur any liability for failure to
give this notification. Tenders of outstanding notes will not be deemed to have
been made until defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any
outstanding notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered
and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will
be returned by the exchange agent to the tendering holders of outstanding notes,
unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, as soon as practicable
following the expiration date of the exchange offer.
In addition, we reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to purchase or
make offers for any outstanding notes that remain outstanding subsequent to the
expiration date of the exchange offer or, as set forth above under
"-- Conditions," to terminate the exchange offer and, to the extent permitted by
applicable law and the terms of our agreements relating to our outstanding
indebtedness, purchase outstanding notes in the open market, in privately
negotiated transactions or otherwise. The terms of any purchases or offers could
differ from the terms of the exchange offer.
If the holder of outstanding notes is a broker-dealer participating in the
exchange offer that will receive exchange notes for its own account in exchange
for outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities
or other trading activities, that broker-dealer will be required to acknowledge
in the letter of transmittal that it will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any resale of the exchange notes and otherwise agree to comply with the
procedures described above under "-- Resale of the Exchange Notes"; however, by
so acknowledging and delivering a prospectus, that broker-dealer will not be
deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities
Act.
In all cases, issuance of exchange notes under the exchange offer will be
made only after timely receipt by the exchange agent of certificates for the
outstanding notes or a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of outstanding
notes into the exchange agent's account at The Depository Trust Company, a
properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, and all other
required documents. If any tendered outstanding notes are not accepted for any
reason set forth in the terms and conditions of the exchange offer or if
outstanding notes are submitted for a greater principal amount of outstanding
notes than the holder of outstanding notes desires to exchange, the unaccepted
or portion of non-exchanged outstanding notes will be returned as promptly as
practicable after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer, or, in
the case of outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange
agent's account at The Depository Trust Company pursuant to the book-entry
transfer procedures described below, the unaccepted or portion of non-exchanged
outstanding notes will be credited to an account maintained with The Depository
Trust Company, without expense to the tendering holder of outstanding notes.
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account with respect
to the outstanding notes at The Depository Trust Company for the purposes of the
exchange offer within two business days after the date of this prospectus, and
any financial institution that is a participant in The Depository Trust
Company's systems may make book-entry delivery of outstanding notes by causing
The Depository Trust Company to transfer the outstanding notes into the exchange
agent's account at The Depository Trust Company in accordance with The
Depository Trust Company's procedures for transfer. However, although delivery
of outstanding notes may be effected through book-entry transfer at The
Depository Trust Company, the letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof, with
any required signature guarantees and any other required documents, must, in any
case, be transmitted to and received by the exchange agent at the address set
forth below under "-- Exchange Agent" on or before the expiration date of the
exchange offer, unless the holder either (1) complies with the guaranteed
delivery procedures described below or (2) sends an agent's message through
ATOP.
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GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
Holders who wish to tender their outstanding notes and (1) whose
outstanding notes are not immediately available or (2) who cannot deliver their
outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal, or any other required documents to
the exchange agent prior to the expiration date, may effect a tender if:
- the tender is made through an eligible institution;
- before the expiration date of the exchange offer, the exchange agent
receives from the eligible institution a properly completed and duly
executed notice of guaranteed delivery, by facsimile transmission, mail
or hand delivery, setting forth the name and address of the holder, the
certificate number(s) of the outstanding notes and the principal amount
of outstanding notes tendered and stating that the tender is being made
thereby and guaranteeing that, within three New York Stock Exchange
trading days after the expiration of the exchange offer, the letter of
transmittal, together with the certificate(s) representing the
outstanding notes in proper form for transfer or a confirmation of book-
entry transfer, as the case may be, and any other documents required by
the letter of transmittal will be deposited by the eligible institution
with the exchange agent; and
- the exchange agent receives the properly completed and executed letter of
transmittal, as well as the certificate(s) representing all tendered
outstanding notes in proper form for transfer and other documents
required by the letter of transmittal within three New York Stock
Exchange trading days after the expiration date of the exchange offer.
Upon request to the exchange agent, a notice of guaranteed delivery will be
sent to holders who wish to tender their outstanding notes according to the
guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.
WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS
Except as otherwise provided, tenders of outstanding notes may be withdrawn
at any time before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of the
exchange offer.
To withdraw a tender of outstanding notes in the exchange offer, a written
or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the exchange
agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
the expiration date of the exchange offer. Any notice of withdrawal must:
- specify the name of the person who deposited the outstanding notes to be
withdrawn;
- identify the outstanding notes to be withdrawn;
- be signed by the holder in the same manner as the original signature on
the letter of transmittal by which the outstanding notes were tendered or
be accompanied by documents of transfer sufficient to have the exchange
agent register the transfer of the outstanding notes in the name of the
person withdrawing the tender; and
- specify the name in which any outstanding notes are to be registered, if
different from the name of the person who deposited the outstanding notes
to be withdrawn.
We will determine all questions as to the validity, form, and eligibility
of the notices, whose determination will be final and binding on all parties.
Any outstanding notes withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered
for purposes of the exchange offer, and no exchange notes will be issued with
respect to those outstanding notes unless the outstanding notes withdrawn are
validly retendered.
Any outstanding notes that have been tendered but that are not accepted for
payment will be returned to the holder of those outstanding notes, or in the
case of outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer, will be credited to
an account maintained with The Depository Trust Company, without cost to the
holder as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or
termination of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn outstanding notes may be
retendered by following one of the procedures described above under
"-- Procedures for Tendering" at any time prior to the expiration date of the
exchange offer.
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TERMINATION OF CERTAIN RIGHTS
All rights given to holder of outstanding notes under the registration
rights agreement will terminate upon the consummation of the exchange offer
except with respect to our duty:
- to use our reasonable best efforts to keep the registration statement
continuously effective during the 180-day period following the closing of
the exchange offer; and
- to provide copies of the latest version of this prospectus to any
broker-dealer that requests copies of this prospectus for use in
connection with any resale by that broker-dealer of exchange notes
received for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange
for outstanding notes acquired for its own account as a result of
market-making or other trading activities, subject to the conditions
described above under "-- Resale of the Exchange Notes."
EXCHANGE AGENT
The Bank of New York has been appointed exchange agent for the exchange
offer. Questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of
this prospectus or the letter of transmittal, and requests for copies of the
notice of guaranteed delivery with respect to the outstanding notes should be
addressed to the exchange agent as follows:
By Hand or Overnight Courier:
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street
New York, New York 10286
Corporate Trust Services Window
Ground Level
Attention:
By Registered or Certified Mail:
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street, 7E
New York, New York 10286
Attention:
By Telephone (to confirm receipt of facsimile):
By Facsimile (for Eligible Institutions only):
FEES AND EXPENSES
We will pay the expenses of soliciting tenders in connection with the
exchange offer. The principal solicitation is being made by mail; however,
additional solicitation may be made by telecopier, telephone, or in person by
our officers and regular employees and by officers and regular employees of our
affiliates.
We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange
offer and will not make any payments to broker-dealers or others soliciting
acceptances of the exchange offer. We, however, will pay the exchange agent
reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse the exchange
agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the exchange
offer.
We estimate that our cash expenses in connection with the exchange offer
will be approximately $75,000. These expenses include registration fees, fees
and expenses of the exchange agent, accounting and legal fees, and printing
costs, among others.
We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of the
outstanding notes for exchange notes. The tendering holder of outstanding notes,
however, will pay applicable taxes if certificates representing outstanding
notes not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be
issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of
outstanding notes tendered, or:
- if tendered, the certificates representing outstanding notes are
registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the
letter of transmittal; or
- if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of
the outstanding notes in the exchange offer.
47
If satisfactory evidence of payment of the transfer taxes or exemption from
payment of transfer taxes is not submitted with the Letter of Transmittal, the
amount of the transfer taxes will be billed directly to the tendering holder and
the exchange notes need not be delivered until the transfer taxes are paid.
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary. Holders of the
outstanding notes are urged to consult their financial and tax advisors in
making their own decisions on what action to take.
Outstanding notes that are not exchanged for the exchange notes in the
exchange offer will not retain any rights under the registration rights
agreement and will remain restricted securities for purposes of the federal
securities laws. Accordingly, the outstanding notes may not be offered, sold,
pledged, or otherwise transferred except:
- to us or any of our subsidiaries;
- to a "Qualified Institutional Buyer" within the meaning of Rule 144A
under the Securities Act purchasing for its own account or for the
account of a qualified institutional buyer in a transaction meeting the
requirements of Rule 144A;
- under an exemption from registration under the Securities Act provided by
Rule 144, if available;
- under an exemption from registration under the Securities Act provided by
Rule 904, if available; or
- under an effective registration statement under the Securities Act,
and, in each case, in accordance with all other applicable securities laws and
the terms of the indenture governing the outstanding notes.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
For accounting purposes, we will recognize no gain or loss as a result of
the exchange offer. The exchange notes will be recorded at the same carrying
value as the outstanding notes, as reflected in our accounting records on the
date of the exchange. The expenses of the exchange offer will be amortized over
the remaining term of the exchange notes.
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DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
The outstanding notes were, and the exchange notes will be, issued under an
Indenture, dated as of April 23, 2002 (the "Indenture"), between the Company and
The Bank of New York, as Trustee (the "Trustee"), a copy of which can be
obtained from the Company at its address set forth elsewhere herein. All
references in this section to "the Notes" include the outstanding notes and the
exchange notes. The following summary of specific provisions of the Indenture
does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the
"TIA"), all of the provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions
therein of terms, and those terms made a part of the Indenture by reference to
the TIA. As used in this Description of Notes, the term "Company" or "we" refers
to PolyOne Corporation and not any of its Subsidiaries.
Definitions of specified terms are set forth under "Certain Definitions"
and throughout this description. Capitalized terms that are used but not
otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture,
and those definitions are incorporated herein by reference.
GENERAL
The Notes will mature on May 1, 2012, and will accrue interest at a rate of
8.875% per annum. The Notes will bear interest from April 23, 2002, payable on
May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing November 1, 2002. We will make
each interest payment to the holders of record of the Notes at the close of
business on the April 15 or October 15 preceding such interest payment date.
Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months.
The Notes will be general unsecured obligations of the Company ranking
senior to all existing and future subordinated Indebtedness of the Company and
pari passu with all existing and future unsubordinated Indebtedness of the
Company. The Notes will be junior to any senior secured obligations of the
Company to the extent of the value of the assets securing those secured
obligations. The Company and some of its domestic subsidiaries have agreed to
secure the Company's obligations under its revolving credit facility and some
letters of credit, bank guarantees and hedging instruments with some of the
Company's and these subsidiaries' real property, all of the Company's and these
subsidiaries' equipment located on this real property, all of the Company's and
these subsidiaries' inventory, all of the Company's and these subsidiaries'
accounts receivable (subject to a priority security interest granted to the
purchasers under the Company's receivables sale facility), all of the Company's
and these subsidiaries' deposit accounts and substantially all of the Company's
and these subsidiaries' intellectual property, as well as the capital stock of
these subsidiaries. These subsidiaries have also agreed to guarantee the
obligations of the Company under the revolving credit facility and the letters
of credit, bank guarantees and hedging instruments. In addition, if the Company
exceeds the specified limits of secured debt permitted by the indentures
governing the existing notes of the Company or the Company's guarantee of the
SunBelt notes as the Company borrows under the revolving credit facility, the
Company will be required to equally and ratably secure the Notes, such existing
notes and the SunBelt guarantee with the collateral securing borrowings under
the revolving credit facility and the letters of credit, bank guarantees and
hedging instruments for so long as these specified limits are exceeded.
Accordingly, depending on the amount drawn under the revolving credit facility,
the Notes could become secured.
The obligations of the Company under the revolving credit facility will be
secured and guaranteed until the debt-to-EBITDA ratio of the Company is less
than 3.50 to 1.0 for any two consecutive fiscal quarters. If the revolving
credit facility becomes unsecured, the Notes will not be secured by the
collateral described above.
The Notes will not be guaranteed by any of the subsidiaries of the Company.
Accordingly, the Notes will be effectively subordinated to all existing and
future debt of the subsidiaries of the Company. The Notes will be issued only in
fully registered form without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and any
integral multiple thereof. The Notes are exchangeable and transfers thereof will
be registered without charge therefor, but the Company may require payment of a
sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in
connection therewith.
49
Interest on overdue principal and premium, if any, and, to the extent
permitted by law, on overdue installments of interest will accrue at the rate of
interest borne by the Notes.
Principal and premium, if any, and interest on the Notes will be payable at
the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purposes in The City of
New York, or, at the option of the Company, such payments may be made by check
mailed to a holder at its registered address or, at the election of any holder
in the manner prescribed by the Indenture, by wire transfer of immediately
available funds.
If any interest payment date or redemption date or the maturity date of the
Notes is not a business day at any place of payment, then payment of the
principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes may be made on the next
business day at that place of payment.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
The Indenture does not limit the amount of the Notes that we may issue
under the Indenture, and we may issue additional Notes ("Additional Notes")
under the Indenture. The Notes are initially being offered in the aggregate
principal amount of $200.0 million. The Notes and the Additional Notes, if any,
will be treated as a single class for all purposes of the Indenture, including
waivers, amendments and redemptions. Unless the context otherwise requires, for
all purposes of the Indenture and this "Description of Notes," references to the
Notes include any Additional Notes actually issued.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
The Company may redeem the Notes in whole at any time or in part from time
to time, at its option, on at least 30 but not more than 60 days' prior notice,
at a redemption price equal to the greater of:
- 100% of the principal amount of such Notes being redeemed on the
redemption date, and
- the Make Whole Amount,
plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any,
on the Notes to the redemption date.
Unless the Company defaults in its payment of the redemption price, on and
after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or
portions of the Notes called for redemption and those Notes will cease to be
outstanding.
"Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security
selected by a Reference Treasury Dealer as having a maturity comparable to the
remaining term of the Notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time
of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new
issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term
of such Notes.
"Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (1)
the average of the five Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption
date, after excluding the highest and lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer
Quotations, or (2) if the Trustee obtains fewer than four such Reference
Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.
"Make Whole Amount" means the sum of the present values of the remaining
scheduled payments of principal of the Notes to be redeemed on the redemption
date and the scheduled payments of interest thereon from the redemption date
(but excluding any interest accrued to the redemption date) to originally
scheduled maturity, discounted to the redemption date (assuming a 360-day year
consisting of twelve 30-day months) on a semi-annual basis at the Special
Adjusted Treasury Rate from the respective dates after the redemption date on
which such principal and interest would have been payable.
"Reference Treasury Dealer" means Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and its
successor and, at the option of the Company, other primary U.S. government
securities dealers in New York City selected by the Company.
"Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each
Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by
the Trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable
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Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount)
quoted in writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m.
on the third business day preceding such redemption date.
"Special Adjusted Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any date of
redemption, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to
maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable
Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the
Comparable Treasury Price for such date of redemption, plus 50 basis points.
SINKING FUND; MANDATORY REDEMPTION
We are not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund
payments with respect to the Notes.
CERTAIN COVENANTS
Limitation on Liens. The Company will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, incur or suffer to exist any Lien on property or assets now
owned or hereafter acquired to secure Indebtedness without making, or causing
such Subsidiary to make, effective provision for securing the Notes (and, if the
Company so determines, any other Indebtedness of the Company which is not
subordinate to the Notes or of such Subsidiary) equally and ratably with such
Indebtedness as to such property or assets so long as such Indebtedness is so
secured.
The foregoing restrictions will not apply to:
(1) Liens in respect of Indebtedness existing at the Issue Date;
(2) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition thereof;
(3) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is
merged into or consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary;
(4) Liens on property of the Company or any Subsidiary in favor of the
United States of America, any state thereof or any instrumentality of
either to secure certain payments pursuant to any contract or statute;
(5) Liens to secure Indebtedness incurred for the purpose of financing
all or any part of the purchase price or the cost of construction or
improvement of the property subject to such Liens, and securing only the
property so purchased, constructed or improved;
(6) Liens for taxes or assessments or other governmental charges or
levies, Liens imposed by law, such as mechanics' and materialmen's Liens,
for sums not due or sums being contested in good faith and with respect to
which adequate reserves are being maintained, to the extent required by
GAAP, and Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to trade
letters of credit, banker's acceptances and sight drafts incurred in the
ordinary course of business which encumber documents and other property
relating to such trade letters of credit, banker's acceptances and sight
drafts;
(7) Liens to secure obligations under worker's compensation laws or
similar legislation, including Liens with respect to judgments which are
not currently dischargeable;
(8) Liens created by or resulting from any litigation or other
proceeding which is being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings, including Liens arising out of judgment or awards against the
Company or any Subsidiary with respect to which the Company or such
Subsidiary is in good faith prosecuting an appeal or proceedings for review
or for which the time to make an appeal has not yet expired; or final
unappealable judgment Liens which are satisfied within 15 days of the date
of judgment; or Liens incurred by the Company or any Subsidiary for the
purpose of obtaining a stay or discharge in the course of any litigation or
other proceeding to which the Company or such Subsidiary is a party; and
51
(9) Liens to secure any extension, renewal or refinancing (or
successive extensions, renewals or refinancings), in whole or in part, of
any Indebtedness secured by Liens referred to in the foregoing clauses (1)
to (8) so long as such Liens do not extend to any other property and the
Indebtedness so secured is not increased.
In addition to the foregoing, the Company or any Subsidiary may incur a
Lien to secure Indebtedness or enter into a Sale and Leaseback Transaction,
without equally and ratably securing the Notes, if the sum of (a) the amount of
Indebtedness subject to a Lien entered into after Issue Date and otherwise
prohibited by the Indenture, and (b) the Attributable Value of Sale and
Leaseback Transactions entered into under clause (1) of the covenant described
under "-- Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions" does not exceed 10% of
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company at the time of such
determination.
In addition, if on and after the Issue Date any Capital Markets Debt of the
Company or any Subsidiary or the SunBelt Guarantee becomes secured by a Lien,
then the Company will cause the Notes to be secured equally and ratably by a
Lien on the same property as such Lien for so long as such Capital Markets Debt
or SunBelt Guarantee remains secured.
"Capital Markets Debt" means any Indebtedness that is a security (other
than syndicated commercial loans) that is eligible for resale in the United
States pursuant to Rule 144A under the Act or outside the United States pursuant
to Regulation S of the Act or a security (other than syndicated commercial
loans) that is sold or subject to resale pursuant to a registration statement
under the Act. As of the Issue Date, the Company's Capital Market Debt includes
its 6.875% Debentures, 7.5% Debentures, 9.375%, Senior Notes and medium term
notes.
"Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" of a Person and its Subsidiaries means
the sum of the Tangible Assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries after
deducting all current liabilities and eliminating intercompany items, all
determined in accordance with GAAP, including appropriate deductions for any
minority interest in Tangible Assets of such Subsidiaries after deducting all
current liabilities of such Subsidiaries as determined in accordance with GAAP.
"SunBelt Guarantee" means the Guarantee by the Company of the Guaranteed
Secured Senior Notes due 2017, Series G of SunBelt Chlor Alkali Partnership
pursuant to a Guarantee dated December 22, 1997 by the Company.
"Tangible Assets" of any Person means, at any date, the gross book value as
shown by the accounting books and records of such Person of all its property
both real and personal, less the net book value of (i) all its licenses,
patents, patent applications, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, goodwill,
non-compete agreements or organizational expenses and other like intangibles,
(ii) unamortized Indebtedness discount and expense, (iii) all reserves for
depreciation, obsolescence, depletion and amortization of its properties and
(iv) all other proper reserves which in accordance with GAAP should be provided
in connection with the business conducted by such Person.
Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. The Company will not, and
will not permit any of its Subsidiaries, to enter into any Sale and Leaseback
Transaction (except for a period not exceeding 36 months) unless (1) the Company
or such Subsidiary would be entitled to incur a Lien to secure Indebtedness in
an amount equal to the Attributable Value of the Sale and Leaseback Transaction
in accordance with the "-- Limitation on Liens" covenant above, without equally
and ratably securing the Notes; or (2) the Company or the Subsidiary applies or
commits to apply within 120 days an amount equal to the net proceeds of the
property sold pursuant to the Sale and Leaseback Transaction to the redemption
of the Notes or to the redemption or repayment of Company Indebtedness which is
pari passu to the Notes.
"Attributable Value" means, as to any particular lease under which any
Person is at the time liable and at any date as of which the amount thereof is
to be determined, the total net amount of rent required to be paid by such
Person under such lease during the initial term thereof as determined in
accordance with GAAP, discounted from such initial term date to the date of
determination at a rate per annum equal to the discount rate which would be
applicable to a Capital Lease Obligation with a like term in accordance with
GAAP. The net amount of rent required to be paid under any such lease for any
such period shall be the lesser of:
52
(1) the aggregate amount of rent payable by the lessee with respect to such
period after excluding amounts required to be paid on account of insurance,
taxes, assessments, utility, operating and labor costs and similar charges and
(2) in the case of any lease which is terminable by the lessee upon the payment
of a penalty, the net amount calculated pursuant to (1) but adjusted to also
include the amount of such penalty and to exclude any rent which would otherwise
be required to be paid under such lease subsequent to the first date upon which
it may be so terminated.
"Capital Lease Obligations" of any Person means the obligations to pay rent
or other amounts under a lease of (or other Indebtedness arrangements conveying
the right to use) real or personal property of such Person which are required to
be classified and accounted for as a capital lease or a liability on the face of
a balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of such
obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof in accordance with GAAP and
the stated maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any
other amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease
may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty.
"Sale and Leaseback Transaction" means with respect to any Person an
arrangement with any bank, insurance company or other lender or investor (or
pool thereof) or to which lender or investor (or pool thereof) is a party,
providing for the leasing by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries of any
property or asset of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries which has been or is
being sold or transferred by such Person or such Subsidiary more than 270 days
after the acquisition thereof or the completion of construction or commencement
of operation thereof to such lender or investor or to any Person to whom funds
have been or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the security of
such property or asset.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. The Company will not consolidate
with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties
and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and the Company will not
permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey,
transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to the
Company, unless:
(1) in case the Company consolidates with or merges into another
Person or conveys, transfers or leases its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to any Person, the Person formed by such
consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which
acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and
assets of the Company substantially as an entirety is a corporation,
partnership or trust is organized and validly existing under the laws of
the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia
and expressly assumes, by an indenture supplemental to the Indenture,
executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee,
the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium, if any,
and interest on all the Notes and the performance or observance of every
covenant of the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement on the part
of the Company to be performed or observed;
(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating
any Indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company or any
Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the
Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Event of
Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would
become an Event of Default, has occurred and is continuing;
(3) if, as a result of any such consolidation or merger or such
conveyance, transfer or lease, properties or assets of the Company would
become subject to a Lien which would not be permitted by the Indenture, the
Company or such successor Person, as the case may be, takes such steps as
would be necessary effectively to secure the Notes equally and ratably with
(or prior to) all Indebtedness secured thereby; and
(4) the Company delivers to the Trustee an officers' certificate and
an opinion of counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger,
conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required
in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply
with the Indenture and that all conditions precedent in the Indenture
relating to such transaction have been complied with.
53
Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into,
any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and
assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with the
preceding paragraph, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into
which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is
made will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and
power of, the Company under the Indenture with the same effect as if such
successor Person had been named as the Company therein, and thereafter, except
in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person will be relieved of all
obligations and covenants under the Indenture and the Notes.
Guarantees by Subsidiaries. The Company will not permit any Subsidiary,
directly or indirectly, to Guarantee or secure the payment of any other
Indebtedness of the Company (other than the Credit Facility) unless such
Subsidiary simultaneously executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to the
Indenture providing for a Guarantee of the payment of the Notes by such
Subsidiary (a "Subsidiary Guarantee"). If the Guaranteed Indebtedness is
subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, pursuant to a written agreement
to that effect, the Guarantee of such Guaranteed Indebtedness must be
subordinated in right of payment to the Subsidiary Guarantee to at least the
extent that the Guaranteed Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes.
A Subsidiary Guarantee will terminate upon:
(1) a sale or other disposition (including by way of consolidation or
merger) of the Subsidiary Guarantor or the sale or disposition of all or
substantially all the assets of the Subsidiary (other than to the Company
or a Subsidiary or an Affiliate) otherwise permitted by the Indenture; or
(2) the release or discharge of the Guarantee or security that enabled
the creation of the Subsidiary Guarantee and all other Guarantees of
Indebtedness of the Company by such Subsidiary; provided that no Event of
Default, or event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would
become an Event of Default, has occurred and is continuing or would result
therefrom.
SEC Reports. So long as the Notes are outstanding, whether or not the
Company is then subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the
Company will electronically file with the SEC, the annual reports, quarterly
reports and other periodic reports that the Company would be required to file
with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) if the Company were so subject,
and such documents will be filed with the SEC on or prior to the respective
dates (the "Required Filing Dates") by which the Company would be required so to
file such documents if the Company were so subject, unless, in any case, if such
filings are not then permitted by the SEC.
If such filings with the SEC are not then permitted by the SEC, or such
filings are not generally available on the Internet free of charge, the Company
will, within 15 days of each Required Filing Date, transmit by mail to holders
of the Notes, as their names and addresses appear in the Note register, without
cost to such holders, and file with the Trustee copies of the annual reports,
quarterly reports and other periodic reports that the Company would be required
to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if
the Company were subject to such Section 13(a) or 15(d), and promptly upon
written request, supply copies of such documents to any prospective holder or
beneficial owner at Company's cost.
In addition, the Company has agreed that, for so long as any Notes remain
outstanding and constitute "restricted securities" under Rule 144, it will
furnish to the holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors,
upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule
144A(d)(4) under the Act.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT, NOTICE AND WAIVER
Each of the following constitutes an Event of Default with respect to the
Notes (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it is voluntary
or involuntary or effected by operation of law or pursuant
54
to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation
of any administrative or governmental body):
(a) default in the payment of any interest on the Notes when it
becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30
days;
(b) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on the
Notes when due, whether at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or
otherwise;
(c) failure to perform any other covenant in the Indenture and
continuance of such default or breach for 60 days after written notice from
the Trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Notes;
(d) a default under any bond, debenture, note or other evidence of
Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company having an aggregate
principal amount outstanding of at least $25,000,000, or under any
mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by
which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed
by the Company having an aggregate principal amount outstanding of at least
$25,000,000, whether such Indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be
created, which default is a payment default upon final maturity of such
Indebtedness or shall have resulted in such Indebtedness becoming or being
declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have
become due and payable, without such Indebtedness having been discharged or
such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled, in each such case,
within a period of 10 days after written notice from the Trustee or holder
of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding; or
(e) specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization
involving the Company.
If an Event of Default (other than in clause (e) of the preceding
paragraph) has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Notes, either the
Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Notes then outstanding, by written notice to the Company, may declare the
principal amount of and accrued interest and premium, if any, on the Notes
immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in clause (e) of
the preceding paragraph occurs, the principal amount of and accrued interest and
premium, if any, on the Notes will automatically, without any declaration or
other action on the part of the Trustee or any holder of the Notes, become
immediately due and payable.
The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes, by written notice to the Trustee, may rescind and annul a
declaration of acceleration and its consequences if:
(i) all existing Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of
the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such
Notes that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration,
have been cured or waived; and
(ii) the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree
of a court of competent jurisdiction.
If a default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Notes, the
Trustee will give to the holders of the Notes notice of such default as and to
the extent provided by the Indenture and the TIA.
MODIFICATION
The Indenture and the rights of holders of the Notes may be amended or
supplemented, and noncompliance in any particular instance with any provision
may be waived, in each case by the Company and the Trustee with the written
consent of the holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding; provided, however, that no such amendment,
supplement or waiver will:
- extend the fixed maturity of any Notes, or
- reduce the principal amount thereof or any premium thereon, or
55
- reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon, or
- reduce any premium payable upon the redemption thereon, or
- reduce the percentage required for modification, or
- change the place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any
Note or any premium thereon is payable, or
- impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such
payment on or after the stated maturity thereof,
without the consent of the holder of such Notes.
The Indenture provides that the Company and the Trustee may enter into
supplemental indentures or amend the Indenture without the consent of the
holders of the Notes to:
- provide for the assumption of the Company's obligations to the holders of
Notes in case of a merger or consolidation permitted by the Indenture,
- evidence the assumption by a successor corporation of the Company's
obligations, and covenants for the protection of the holders of the
Notes,
- provide for or release Guarantees by Subsidiaries as required by the
Indenture,
- cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistency in the Indenture,
- add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the holders or to
surrender any right or power conferred in the Indenture upon the Company,
- make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of the holders,
- modify or amend the Indenture to permit the qualification of indentures
supplemental thereto, or
- comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with qualification
of the Indenture under the TIA or otherwise.
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF THE INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE; COVENANT DEFEASANCE
The Indenture will be discharged upon cancellation of all outstanding Notes
or, with specified limitations, upon deposit with the Trustee of funds
sufficient for the repayment or redemption thereof.
The Indenture provides that the Company, at its option:
(a) will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the
Notes, except for specified obligations to register the transfer or
exchange of the Notes, replace stolen, lost or mutilated the Notes,
maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust, or
(b) need not comply with specified restrictive covenants of the
Indenture, including those described under "-- Certain Covenants," without
such noncompliance being deemed or resulting in an Event of Default,
in each case if the Company deposits, or causes to be deposited, irrevocably in
trust with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations, or any combination
thereof, which through the payment of interest thereon and principal thereof in
accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay
all the principal of and interest and premium, if any, on, the Notes on the
dates such payments are due in accordance with the terms of the Notes.
To exercise any such option, among other things:
- the Company must deliver to the Trustee an officers' certificate and an
opinion of counsel to the effect that the deposit and related defeasance
would not cause the holders of the Notes to recognize income, gain or
loss for federal income tax purposes and, in the case of a defeasance
pursuant to clause (a) of
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this paragraph, such opinion will (1) state that since the Issue Date
there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law or (2)
be accompanied by a private letter ruling to that effect received from
the United States Internal Revenue Service or a revenue ruling pertaining
to a comparable form of transaction to that effect published by the
United States Internal Revenue Service,
- no event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become
an Event of Default (other than specified in clause (e) of the first
paragraph under "-- Event of Default, Notice and Waiver") has occurred
and is continuing at the time of such deposit or, with regard to any such
event specified in clause (e) of the first paragraph under "-- Event of
Default, Notice and Waiver," at any time on or prior to the 90th day
after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition
will not be deemed satisfied until after such 90th day),
- such exercise may not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a
default under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is
a part or by which it is bound, and
- the Company must deliver to the Trustee an officers' certificate and an
opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with
respect to such exercise have been complied with.
THE TRUSTEE
The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or
pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company or any Affiliate of the
Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. However, in
the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest, it must eliminate
such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue as
Trustee or resign.
The holders of no less than a majority in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the applicable
Trustee, subject to specified exceptions. The Indenture provides that in case an
Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee will be required, in
the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the
conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will not be
under any obligation to exercise any rights or powers under the Indenture at the
request of any holder of Notes, unless such holder has offered to the Trustee
security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or
expense.
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AFFILIATES, EMPLOYEES AND
STOCKHOLDERS
No director, officer, employee, incorporator, Affiliate or holder of
capital stock of the Company will have any liability for any obligations of the
Company under the Notes or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect
of, or by reason of, such obligations. Each holder of Notes, by accepting a
Note, waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of
the consideration for issuance of the Notes. This waiver may not be effective to
waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the
SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
PAYMENT, TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
The Company will be required to maintain an office or agency at which the
principal of (and premium, if any, on), interest and Liquidated Damages, if any,
on the Notes will be payable. The Company will initially designate the office of
the agent of the Trustee in New York City as an office where such principal,
premium, if any, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, will be payable. The
Company may from time to time designate additional offices or agencies, approve
a change in the location of any office or agency and rescind the designation of
any office or agency.
All moneys paid by the Company to the Trustee or a paying agent for the
payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on any
Notes that remain unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium, if any,
or interest, if any, or Liquidated Damages, if any, becomes due and payable will
be repaid to the Company, and the holder of such Notes will (subject to
applicable abandoned property or similar laws) thereafter, as an unsecured
general creditor, look only to the Company.
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Subject to the terms of the Indenture, Notes may be presented for
registration of transfer and for exchange (i) at each office or agency required
to be maintained by the Company, as described above, and (ii) at each other
office or agency that the Company may designate from time to time for such
purposes. Registration of transfers and exchanges will be effected if the
transfer agent is satisfied with the evidence of ownership and identity of the
Person making the request and if the transfer form thereon is duly executed and
the transfer agent is otherwise satisfied that the transfer is being made in
accordance with the Indenture and applicable law. See "Book-Entry; Delivery and
Form" and "Notice to Investors" for a description of additional transfer
restrictions applicable to the Notes.
No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange
of Notes, but the Company may require payment of any tax or other governmental
charge payable in connection therewith.
GOVERNING LAW
The Indenture and the Notes will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to
principles of conflicts of law to the extent the application of the law of
another jurisdiction would be required thereby.
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
"Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person, directly or
indirectly, controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition,
"control" when used with respect to any Person means the power to direct or
cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, directly or
indirectly, whether through the ownership of Voting Stock, by contract or
otherwise; provided, that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Voting
Stock of a Person shall be deemed to be control. For the purposes of this
definition, the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative
to the foregoing.
"Credit Facility" means the Five-Year Credit Agreement, as amended, among
the Company, the lenders party thereto and Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative
agent, including any notes, guarantees, collateral and security documents
(including mortgages, pledge agreements and other security arrangements),
instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in each case as
amended or refinanced from time to time, including any agreement or agreements
extending the maturity of, or refinancing (including increasing the amount of
borrowings or other Indebtedness outstanding or available to be borrowed
thereunder), all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement, and
any successor or replacement agreement or agreements with the same or any other
agents, creditor, lender or group of creditors or lenders.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
of America, which are in effect on the Issue Date.
"Guarantee" by any Person means any obligation, contingent or otherwise,
directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any
other Person (the "primary obligor"), direct or indirect, contingent or
otherwise, of such Person:
- to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or
payment of) such Indebtedness of such Person (or to advance or supply
funds for the purchase of any security for the payment of such
Indebtedness); or
- to purchase property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring
the holder of such Indebtedness of the payment of such Indebtedness; or
- to maintain working capital, equity capital or other financial statement
condition or liquidity of the primary obligor to enable the primary
obligor to pay such Indebtedness (and the terms "Guaranteed and
Guaranteeing" shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing);
provided, however, that the term "Guarantee" shall not include endorsements for
collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business and provided, further,
that the term "Guarantee" shall not include contracts made in the ordinary
course of business of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the purchase of
utilities, services
58
and raw materials that require payment to be made to the provider of the
utilities, services or raw materials regardless of whether delivery is ever made
of such utilities, services or raw materials so long as the quantities thereof
do not exceed the Company's or the Subsidiaries' reasonably anticipated
consumption thereof. The amount of the Guarantee shall be equal to the amount of
the obligation covered thereby.
"Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, and
whether or not contingent:
(1) every obligation of such Person for borrowed money or evidenced by
a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument, including obligations
incurred in connection with the acquisition of property (other than
accounts payable describe in clause (3) below), assets or business;
(2) every reimbursement obligation of such Person with respect to
letters of credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities issued for
the account of such Person;
(3) every obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred
purchase price of property (but excluding trade accounts payable or accrued
liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business which are not
overdue by more than 90 days or which are being contested in good faith);
(4) the amount of every Capital Lease Obligation of such Person;
(5) the maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of Redeemable
Stock of such person;
(6) every obligation of such person under interest rate swap or
similar agreements, or foreign currency or commodity hedge, exchange or
similar agreements of such Person;
(7) the Attributable Value with respect to any Sale and Leaseback
Transaction to which such Person is party; and
(8) every obligation of the type referred to in clauses (1) through
(7) of another person and all dividends of another Person for the payment
of which, in either case, such Person has Guaranteed or is responsible or
liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, Guarantor or otherwise.
"Issue Date" means the date on which the Notes are originally issued.
"Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, deed of trust, lien,
pledge, charge, debenture, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in
respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected
under applicable law (including any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to
sell or give a security interest in any asset and any filing of, or agreement to
give, any financing statement under the UCC or equivalent statutes) of any
jurisdiction other than to evidence a lease.
"Liquidated Damages" has the meaning set forth under the registration
rights agreement, dated as of April 23, 2002, among the Company and the initial
purchasers of the outstanding notes.
"Paying Agent" has the meaning set forth in the Indenture.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability
company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated
organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or
other entity of any kind.
"Redeemable Stock" means any equity security that by its terms or otherwise
is required to be redeemed prior to the final stated maturity of the Notes or is
redeemable or exchangeable into Indebtedness (other than Redeemable Stock) at
the option of the holder thereof at any time prior to the final stated maturity
of the Notes. For purposes hereof, the "maximum fixed redemption or repurchase
price" of any Redeemable Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price
shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Redeemable Stock as if
such Redeemable Stock were purchased on any date on which Indebtedness shall be
required to be determined pursuant to the Indenture, and if such price is based
upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Redeemable Stock, such fair
market value to be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the
issuer (or managing general partner of the issuer) of such Redeemable Stock.
59
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Subsidiary" means any corporation, association or other business entity
which more than 50% of the Voting Stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by the
Company, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries.
"U.S. Government Obligations" means direct obligations fully guaranteed or
insured by the United States of America (including any agency or instrumentality
thereof) for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States
of America is pledged and which are not callable at the issuer's option.
"Voting Stock" means the stock which ordinarily has voting power for the
election of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class
of stock has such voting power by reason of any contingency.
BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORMS
THE GLOBAL NOTES
The exchange notes will be initially issued in the form of one or more
registered notes in global form, without interest coupons (collectively, the
"Global Note"). The Global Note will be deposited on the issue date with, or on
behalf of, The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and registered in the name of
Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, or will remain in the custody of the Trustee
pursuant to the FAST Balance Certificate Agreement between DTC and the Trustee.
Except as set forth below, the Global Note may be transferred, in whole and
not in part, solely to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its
nominee. Beneficial interests in a Global Notes may not be exchanged for notes
in physical, certificated form ("Certificated Notes") except in the limited
circumstances described below.
All interests in a Global Note may be subject to the procedures and
requirements of DTC.
EXCHANGES AMONG THE GLOBAL NOTES
Any beneficial interest in one of the Global Notes that is transferred to a
person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in another Global Note
will, upon transfer, cease to be an interest in such Global Note and become an
interest in the other Global Note and, accordingly, will thereafter be subject
to all transfer restrictions, if any, and other procedures applicable to
beneficial interests in such other Global Note for as long as it remains such an
interest.
CERTAIN BOOK-ENTRY PROCEDURES FOR THE GLOBAL NOTES
The descriptions of the operations and procedures of DTC set forth below
are provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures
are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are
subject to change by them from time to time. The Company does not take any
responsibility for these operations or procedures, and investors are urged to
contact the system or its participants directly to discuss these matters.
DTC has advised the Company that it is:
- a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of
New York;
- a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law;
- a member of the Federal Reserve System;
- a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial
Code, as amended; and
- a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange
Act.
DTC was created to hold securities for its participants (collectively, the
"Participants") and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions between Participants through electronic book-entry changes to the
accounts of its Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical transfer
and delivery of
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certificates. DTC's Participants include securities brokers and dealers
(including the initial purchasers), banks and trust companies, clearing
corporations and certain other organizations. Indirect access to DTC's system is
also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust
companies (collectively, the "Indirect Participants") that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or
indirectly. Investors who are not Participants may beneficially own securities
held by or on behalf of DTC only through Participants or Indirect Participants.
The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form.
Accordingly, the ability to transfer interests in the exchange notes represented
by a Global Note to such persons may be limited. In addition, because DTC can
act only on behalf of its Participants, who in turn act on behalf of persons who
hold interests through Participants, the ability of a person having an interest
in exchange notes represented by a Global Note to pledge or transfer such
interest to persons or entities that do not participate in DTC's system, or to
otherwise take actions in respect of such interest, may be affected by the lack
of a physical definitive security in respect of such interest.
So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a Global Note, DTC
or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder
of the exchange notes represented by the Global Note for all purposes under the
indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a Global
Note will not be entitled to have notes represented by such Global Note
registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical
delivery of Certificated Notes, and will not be considered the owners or holders
thereof under the indenture for any purpose, including with respect to the
giving of any direction, instruction or approval to the Trustee thereunder.
Accordingly, each holder owning a beneficial interest in a Global Note must rely
on the procedures of DTC and, if such holder is not a Participant or an Indirect
Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which such holder owns
its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder of exchange notes under the
indenture or such Global Note. We understand that under existing industry
practice, in the event that we request any action of holders of notes, or a
holder that is an owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Note desires to
take any action that DTC, as the holder of such Global Note, is entitled to
take, DTC would authorize the Participants to take such action and the
Participants would authorize holders owning through such Participants to take
such action or would otherwise act upon the instruction of such holders. Neither
we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of
the records relating to or payments made on account of exchange notes by DTC, or
for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to such
notes.
Payments with respect to the principal of, and premium, if any, and
interest on, any exchange notes represented by a Global Note registered in the
name of DTC or its nominee on the applicable record date will be payable by the
Trustee to or at the direction of DTC or its nominee in its capacity as the
registered holder of the Global Note representing such exchange notes under the
indenture. Under the terms of the indenture, we and the trustee may treat the
persons in whose names the exchange notes, including the Global Notes, are
registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving payment thereon
and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Accordingly, neither we nor the
trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of such
amounts to owners of beneficial interests in a Global Note (including principal,
premium, if any and interest). Payments by the Participants and the Indirect
Participants to the owners of beneficial interests in a Global Note will be
governed by standing instructions and customary industry practice and will be
the responsibility of the Participants or the Indirect Participants and DTC.
Transfers between Participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with
DTC's procedures, and will be settled in same-day funds.
CERTIFICATED NOTES
If:
- we notify the trustee in writing that DTC is no longer willing or able to
act as a depositary or DTC ceases to be registered as a clearing agency
under the Exchange Act for the Global Notes, and in each
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case, a successor depositary for the Global Notes is not appointed within
90 days of such notice or cessation;
- we, at our option, notify the trustee in writing that we elect to cause
the issuance of the Notes in exchange for all or any part of the notes
represented by a Global Note or Global Notes; or
- an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the registrar has
received a request from DTC,
then DTC shall surrender such Global Note or Global Notes to the trustee for
cancellation and we shall execute, and the trustee shall authenticate and
deliver Certificated Notes in exchange for such Global Note or Global Notes.
Upon any such issuance, the trustee is required to register such Certificated
Notes in the name of such person or persons (or the nominee of any thereof) and
cause the same to be delivered thereto.
Neither we nor the trustee shall be liable for any delay by DTC or any
Participant or Indirect Participant in identifying the beneficial owners of the
related exchange notes and each such person may conclusively rely on, and shall
be protected in relying on, instructions from DTC for all purposes (including
with respect to the registration and delivery, and the respective principal
amounts, of the exchange notes to be issued).
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Because the exchange notes should not differ materially in kind or extent
from the outstanding notes, your exchange of outstanding notes for exchange
notes should not constitute a taxable disposition of the outstanding notes for
United States federal income tax purposes. As a result, you should not recognize
income, gain or loss on your exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes,
your holding period for the exchange notes should generally include your holding
period for outstanding notes, your adjusted tax basis on the exchange notes
should generally be the same as your adjusted tax basis in your outstanding
notes and the United States federal income tax consequences associated with
owning the exchange notes should continue to apply to the exchange notes.
SPECIFIC FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS
This section describes the principal United States federal income tax
consequences to Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below) that hold the exchange notes
as capital assets for United States federal income tax purposes. Not all of the
rules discussed in this section will apply to you if you are a member of a class
of holders subject to special rules, such as:
- a dealer in securities or currencies,
- a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of
accounting for your securities holdings,
- a bank,
- a life insurance company,
- a tax-exempt organization,
- a person that owns exchange notes that are a hedge or that are hedged
against interest rate risks,
- a person that owns exchange notes as part of a straddle or conversion
transaction for tax purposes, or
- a person whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S.
dollar.
This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its
legislative history, existing and proposed regulations under the Internal
Revenue Code, published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect.
These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.
This discussion is for general information and does not address any tax
consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing
jurisdiction. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors as to the
particular consequences to them of acquiring, holding or disposing of the
exchange notes under United States federal income laws or the laws of any state,
local or foreign taxing jurisdiction.
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NON-U.S. HOLDERS
As used in this prospectus, the term "Non-U.S. Holder" means a beneficial
owner of an exchange note that is, for United States federal income tax
purposes:
- a nonresident alien individual,
- a foreign corporation,
- an estate the income of which is not subject to United States federal
income taxation on a net income basis; or
- a trust that (1) is either not subject to the supervision of a court
within the United States or does not have any United States person with
authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust and (2) does
not have a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations
to be treated as a United States person.
If a partnership, including any entity treated as a partnership for United
States federal income tax purposes, is a holder of an exchange note, the United
States federal income tax treatment of a partner in such a partnership will
generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the
partnership. Partners in such a partnership should consult their tax advisors as
to the particular United States federal income tax consequences applicable to
them of acquiring, holding or disposing of the exchange notes.
Under United States federal income and estate tax law, and subject to the
discussion of backup withholding below, if you are a Non-U.S. Holder of an
exchange note:
- We generally will not be required to deduct United States withholding tax
from payments of interest to you if:
1. you do not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the
total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to
vote,
2. you are not a controlled foreign corporation that is directly or
indirectly related to us through stock ownership,
3. you are not a bank whose receipt of interest on an exchange note
is pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of
business, and
4. the U.S. payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know
that you are a United States person and:
a. you have furnished to the U.S. payor an Internal Revenue
Service Form W-8BEN or an acceptable substitute form upon which you
certify, under penalties of perjury, that you are a non-United States
person,
b. in the case of payments made outside the United States to you
at an offshore account (generally, an account maintained by you at a
bank or other financial institution at any location outside the
United States), you have furnished to the U.S. payor documentation
that establishes your identity and your status as a non-United States
person,
c. the U.S. payor has received a withholding certificate
(furnished on an appropriate Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 or an
acceptable substitute form or statement) from a person claiming to be
a (1) withholding foreign partnership, (2) qualified intermediary, or
(3) securities clearing organization, bank or other financial
institution that holds customers' securities in the ordinary course
of its trade or business, and such person is permitted to certify
under U.S. Treasury regulations, and does certify, either that it
assumes primary withholding tax responsibility with respect to the
interest payment or has received an Internal Revenue Service Form
W-8BEN (or acceptable substitute form) from you or from other holders
of exchange notes on whose behalf it is receiving payment, or
63
d. the U.S. payor otherwise possesses documentation upon which
it may rely to treat the payment as made to a non-United States
person in accordance with U.S. Treasury regulations.
- Generally, no deduction for any United States federal withholding tax
will be made from any principal payments or from gain that you realize on
the sale, exchange or other disposition of your exchange note. In
addition, a Non-U.S. Holder of an exchange note will not be subject to
United States federal income tax on gain realized on the sale, exchange
or other disposition of such note, unless: (1) that gain or income is
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the
United States by the Non-U.S. Holder or (2) the Non-U.S. Holder is an
individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in
the taxable year of that disposition, and certain other conditions are
met. If you conduct a U.S. trade or business or if you are an individual
who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable
year of disposition and you are not otherwise a resident of the United
States for United States federal income tax purposes, you should consult
your tax advisor regarding the United States federal income tax
consequences of a sale, exchange or other disposition of an exchange
note.
Further, generally, an exchange note held by an individual who at death is
not a citizen or resident of the United States should not be includible in the
individual's gross estate for United States federal estate tax purposes if:
- the decedent did not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the
total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote
at the time of death, and
- the income on the exchange note would not have been, if received at the
time of death, effectively connected with a United States trade or
business of the decedent.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING
Generally, information returns will be filed with the United States
Internal Revenue Service in connection with payments on the exchange notes and
proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the exchange notes. You may be
subject to backup withholding tax on these payments unless you comply with
certain certification procedures to establish that you are not a United States
person. The certification procedures required to claim an exemption from
withholding tax on interest described above will satisfy the certification
requirements necessary to avoid backup withholding as well. The amount of any
backup withholding from a payment to you will be allowed as a credit against
your United States federal income tax liability and may entitle you to a refund,
provided that the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue
Service.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Except as discussed below, a broker-dealer may not participate in the
exchange offer in connection with a distribution of the exchange notes. Each
broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account under the
exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any resale of the exchange notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection
with resales of exchange notes received for its own account in exchange for
outstanding notes where those outstanding notes were acquired as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that for a
period of 180 days after the expiration date of the exchange offer, we will make
this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for
use in connection with any resale. In addition, until , 2002, all
dealers effecting transactions in the exchange notes may be required to deliver
a prospectus.
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes by
broker-dealers. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers for their own account
under the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more
transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through
the writing of options on the exchange notes or a combination of those methods
of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related
to the prevailing market prices, or negotiated prices. Any resale may be made
directly to purchasers or through brokers or dealers who may receive
compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any broker-dealer
and/or the purchasers of any exchange notes. Any broker or dealer that
participates in a distribution of the exchange notes may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on the
resale of exchange notes and any commissions or concessions received by those
persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act.
The letter of transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and
by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it
is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
For a period of 180 days after the expiration date of the exchange offer,
we will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or
supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents
in the letter of transmittal. We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the
exchange offer other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers
and expenses of counsel for the holders of the exchange notes and will indemnify
the holders of the exchange notes, including any broker-dealers, against some
liabilities, including some liabilities under the Securities Act.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the exchange notes offered hereby will be passed upon for
us by Wendy C. Shiba, Chief Legal Officer of PolyOne. As of March 31, 2002, Ms.
Shiba owned 40,000 shares of restricted stock of PolyOne and had been granted
options to purchase 12,318 common shares. In addition, as of that date, she
owned 85 common shares of PolyOne through her participation in the 401(k) plan
of PolyOne.
EXPERTS
Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, have audited PolyOne Corporation's
consolidated financial statements and schedule included or incorporated by
reference in PolyOne's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2001, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in
this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement and which, as of
December 31, 2001 and 2000 and for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000
and the period from April 30, 1999 through December 31, 1999, are based in part
on the reports of Arthur Andersen LLP. PolyOne's 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.
The consolidated financial statements of Oxy Vinyls, LP as of December 31,
2001 and 2000 and for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the period
from April 30, 1999 through December 31, 1999 incorporated by reference into
this registration statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
65
independent public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect
thereto, which is attached as Exhibit 13.2 to PolyOne Corporation's Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2001 and is incorporated by reference into this
registration statement in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
giving said reports.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC.
These reports, proxy statements and other information can be read and copied at
the SEC's Public Reference Room at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further
information on the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains an Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC,
including PolyOne. In addition, our common shares are listed on the New York
Stock Exchange and our reports and other information can be inspected at the
offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York
10005.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the documents that we file
with the SEC. This means that we can disclose information to you by referring
you to those documents. Any information we incorporate in this manner is
considered part of this prospectus except to the extent updated and superseded
by information contained in this prospectus. Some information we file with the
SEC after the date of this prospectus and until this offering is completed will
automatically update and supersede the information contained in this prospectus.
We incorporate by reference the following documents that we have filed with
the SEC and any filings that we will make with the SEC in the future under
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until
this offering is completed:
- Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001;
- Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A;
- Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 16, 2002,
February 8, 2002, February 14, 2002, April 8, 2002, April 11, 2002, April
15, 2002, April 19, 2002 and May 1, 2002; and
- Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on May 2, 2002.
We will provide without charge, upon written or oral request, a copy of any
or all of the documents which are incorporated by reference into this
prospectus. Requests should be directed to: PolyOne Corporation, Attention:
Dennis Cocco, Chief Investor & Communications Officer, Suite 36-5000, 200 Public
Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2304, telephone number: (216) 589-4018.
You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by
reference into this prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to
provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or
inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer
to sell these securities in any jurisdiction were the offer or sale is not
permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus
is accurate as of the date hereof only. Our business, financial condition,
results of operations and prospects may change after that date.
66
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$200,000,000
POLYONE CORPORATION
8.875% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2012
[POLYONE LOGO]
---------------------
PROSPECTUS
, 2002
---------------------
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART II
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFERS
Under Ohio law, Ohio corporations are authorized to indemnify directors,
officers, employees, and agents within prescribed limits and must indemnify them
under certain circumstances. Ohio law does not provide statutory authorization
for a corporation to indemnify directors, officers, employees and agents for
settlements, fines or judgments in the context of derivative suits. However, it
provides that directors (but not officers, employees and agents) are entitled to
mandatory advancement of expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred in
defending any action, including derivative actions, brought against the
director, provided that the director agrees to cooperate with the corporation
concerning the matter and to repay the amount advanced if it is proved by clear
and convincing evidence that his act or failure to act was done with deliberate
intent to cause injury to the corporation or with reckless disregard to the
corporation's best interests.
Ohio law does not authorize payment of judgments to a director, officer,
employee or agent after a finding of negligence or misconduct in a derivative
suit absent a court order. Indemnification is permitted, however, to the extent
such person succeeds on the merits. In all other cases, if a director, officer,
employee or agent acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to
be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, indemnification
is discretionary except as otherwise provided by a corporation's articles, code
of regulations or by contract except with respect to the advancement of expenses
of directors.
Under Ohio law, a director is not liable for monetary damages unless it is
proved by clear and convincing evidence that his action or failure to act was
undertaken with deliberate intent to cause injury to the corporation or with
reckless disregard for the best interests of the corporation. There is, however,
no comparable provision limiting the liability of officers, employees or agents
of a corporation. The statutory right to indemnification is not exclusive in
Ohio, and Ohio corporations may, among other things, procure insurance for such
persons.
Our articles of incorporation state that we shall indemnify each director
and officer to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, except as may be
otherwise provided in our code of regulations. Any modification to our articles
of incorporation and any amendment of the Ohio General Corporation Law that does
not have retroactive application shall not limit the right of our directors or
officers to indemnification with respect to any act or omission occurring prior
to such modification, amendment or repeal.
Our code of regulations provides that we (1) shall indemnify any person
made or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed
action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or
investigative (other than an action by us or in our right) by reason of the fact
that he or she is or was our director or officer, and (2) may indemnify any
person made or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or
completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative,
or investigative (other than an action by us or in our right) by reason of the
fact that he or she is or was our employee or agent, or is or was serving at our
request as a director, officer, employee, agent of, or participant in another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with
such action, suit, or proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a
manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best
interests, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
In addition, our code of regulations provides that we (1) shall indemnify
any person made or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action or suit by us or in our right to procure a judgment in our
favor by reason of the fact that he or she is or was our director or officer,
and (2) may indemnify any person made or threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending, or completed action or suit by or in our right to procure a
judgment in our favor by reason of the fact that he or she is or was our
employee or agent or is or was serving at our request as a director, officer,
employee, agent of, or participant in another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees)
actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense or
settlement of such action or suit if he or she acted in good faith and in a
manner he or she reasonably believed to be in
II-1
or not opposed to our best interests except that no indemnification shall be
made in respect of any claim, issue, or matter as to which such person shall
have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance
of his or her duty to us unless and only to the extent that the court of common
pleas or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon
application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the
circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such expenses which the court of common pleas or such other court
shall deem proper.
Under the terms of our directors' and officers' liability and company
reimbursement insurance policy, our directors and officers are insured against
certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
1933.
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS
The following is a list of all exhibits filed as part of this registration
statement on Form S-4, including those incorporated by reference.
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
------- -----------------------
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of PolyOne Corporation,
incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to
PolyOne's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000
(File No. 1-16091).
3.2 Regulations of PolyOne Corporation, incorporated by
reference to the corresponding exhibit to PolyOne's Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (File No.
1-16091).
4.1 Indenture, dated as of April 23, 2002, by and between
PolyOne Corporation, as issuer, and The Bank of New York, as
trustee, including the form of PolyOne's 8.875% Senior Notes
due May 1, 2012.
4.2 Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between The Geon
Company and NBD Bank, as trustee, incorporated by reference
to the corresponding exhibit to Geon's Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1996 (File No. 1-11804).
4.3 Indenture, dated as of November 9, 1996, between M. A. Hanna
Company and NBD, as trustee, incorporated by reference to
the corresponding exhibit to Hanna's Registration Statement
on Form S-3 filed on June 12, 1996 (Registration No.
333-05763).
4.4 Indenture, dated as of September 15, 1991, between M. A.
Hanna Company and Ameritrust Company, National Association,
as trustee, incorporated by reference to the corresponding
exhibit to Hanna's Form S-3 filed on September 18, 1991
(Registration No. 33-42439).
4.5 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 23, 2002,
by and among PolyOne Corporation and Salomon Smith Barney
Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as representatives
of the initial purchasers.
5.1 Opinion of Wendy C. Shiba, Chief Legal Officer of PolyOne
Corporation.
12.1 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.3 Consent of Wendy C. Shiba, Chief Legal Officer of PolyOne
Corporation (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1 Power of attorney.
25.1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939 on Form T-1.
99.1 Letter of Transmittal.
99.2 Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
99.3 Letter regarding Exchange Offer.
99.4 Letter to Depository Trust Company Participants.
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ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most
recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
dollar value of securities offered would be not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low and high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the
maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement
or any material change to such information in the registration
statement; provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not
apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8, and the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by
those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or
furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or
15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by
reference in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11, 13 of this form, within one
II-3
business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents
by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information
contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the
registration statement through the date of responding to the request.
(e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effect amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company
being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the
registration statement when it became effective.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio,
on May 2, 2002.
POLYONE CORPORATION
By: /s/ W. DAVID WILSON
------------------------------------
W. David Wilson
Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities indicated as of May 2, 2002.
SIGNATURES TITLE
---------- -----
* Chairman of the Board of Directors,
------------------------------------------- President, Chief Executive Officer and
Thomas A. Waltermire Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ W. DAVID WILSON Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
------------------------------------------- (Principal Financial Officer)
W. David Wilson
* Corporate Controller and Assistant
------------------------------------------- Treasurer (Principal Accounting Officer)
Gregory P. Smith
* Director
-------------------------------------------
James K. Baker
* Director
-------------------------------------------
J. Douglas Campbell
* Director
-------------------------------------------
Carol A. Cartwright
* Director
-------------------------------------------
Gale Duff-Bloom
* Director
-------------------------------------------
Wayne R. Embry
* Director
-------------------------------------------
Robert A. Garda
* Director
-------------------------------------------
David H. Hoag
* Director
-------------------------------------------
D. Larry Moore
* Director
-------------------------------------------
Farah M. Walters
* The undersigned by signing his name hereto does sign and execute this
registration statement pursuant to the Powers of Attorney executed by the
above-named directors and officers of the registrant, which are being filed
herewith the SEC on behalf of such directors and officers.
By: /s/ W. DAVID WILSON May 2, 2002
-------------------------------------------
W. David Wilson
Attorney-in-Fact
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EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
------- -----------------------
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of PolyOne Corporation,
incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to
PolyOne's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000
(File No. 1-16091).
3.2 Regulations of PolyOne Corporation, incorporated by
reference to the corresponding exhibit to PolyOne's Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (File No.
1-16091).
4.1 Indenture, dated as of April 23, 2002, by and between
PolyOne Corporation, as issuer, and The Bank of New York, as
trustee, including the form of PolyOne's 8.875% Senior Notes
due May 1, 2012.
4.2 Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between The Geon
Company and NBD Bank, as trustee, incorporated by reference
to the corresponding exhibit to Geon's Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1996 (File No. 1-11804).
4.3 Indenture, dated as of November 9, 1996, between M. A. Hanna
Company and NBD, as trustee, incorporated by reference to
the corresponding exhibit to Hanna's Registration Statement
on Form S-3 filed on June 12, 1996 (Registration No.
333-05763).
4.4 Indenture, dated as of September 15, 1991, between M. A.
Hanna Company and Ameritrust Company, National Association,
as trustee, incorporated by reference to the corresponding
exhibit to Hanna's Form S-3 filed on September 18, 1991
(Registration No. 33-42439).
4.5 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 23, 2002,
by and among PolyOne Corporation and Salomon Smith Barney
Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as representatives
of the initial purchasers.
5.1 Opinion of Wendy C. Shiba, Chief Legal Officer of PolyOne
Corporation.
12.1 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.3 Consent of Wendy C. Shiba, Chief Legal Officer of PolyOne
Corporation (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1 Power of attorney.
25.1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939 on Form T-1.
99.1 Letter of Transmittal.
99.2 Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
99.3 Letter regarding Exchange Offer.
99.4 Letter to Depository Trust Company Participants.
II-6