Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-102963
PROSPECTUS
$2,000,000,000
[KINDER MORGAN INC. LOGO]
COMMON STOCK
DEBT SECURITIES
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities
we may offer. Each time we sell securities we will provide a prospectus
supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that
offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information
contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplement
carefully before you invest.
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"KMI." The last reported sale price of our common stock on February 18, 2003, as
reported on the NYSE, was $45.68 per share.
We will provide information in the prospectus supplement for the expected
trading market, if any, for the debt securities.
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NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS
PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------
The date of this prospectus is February 19, 2003.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 3
Kinder Morgan, Inc.......................................... 4
Use of Proceeds............................................. 4
Consolidated Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges............ 4
Description of Debt Securities.............................. 5
Description of Common Stock................................. 12
Plan of Distribution........................................ 19
Validity of the Securities.................................. 20
Experts..................................................... 20
Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements............ 21
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YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH
DIFFERENT INFORMATION. THIS PROSPECTUS MAY ONLY BE USED WHERE IT IS LEGAL TO
SELL THE OFFERED SECURITIES. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS
PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN
THE RESPECTIVE DATE ON THE FRONT COVER OF THOSE DOCUMENTS. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME
THAT THE INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE AS
OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE THE RESPECTIVE INFORMATION WAS FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS AND PROSPECTS MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE THOSE DATES.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 we filed
with the SEC under the Securities Act using a shelf registration process. Using
this shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of the securities
described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar
amount of proceeds of $2 billion. This prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the registration statement, or the exhibits that are a
part of the registration statement, parts of which are omitted as permitted by
the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information about us and about
the securities to be sold in this offering, please refer to the information
below and to the registration statement and the exhibits that are a part of the
registration statement.
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference
information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important
information to you by referring you to those documents. The information
incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and
information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and
supersede this information as well as the information included in this
prospectus. We incorporate by reference the following documents:
- Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001;
- Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2002,
June 30, 2002 and September 30, 2002;
- Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on June 19, 2002, July 23, 2002 and
August 27, 2002;
- Our Registration Statement on Form 8-A; and
- All documents filed with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act between the date of this prospectus and the
completion of the sale of securities offered hereby.
Should you want more information regarding Kinder Morgan Energy Partners,
L.P. or Kinder Morgan Management, LLC, please refer to the annual, quarterly and
special reports and proxy statements, as applicable, filed with the SEC
regarding these entities.
You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC's public
reference room located at:
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 and its copy charges. Our SEC filings are also available to the
public on the SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov and through the New York
Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005, on which our common
stock is listed.
We will provide a copy of any document incorporated by reference in this
prospectus and any exhibit specifically incorporated by reference in those
documents, without charge, by written or oral request directed to us at the
following address and telephone number:
Kinder Morgan, Inc.
Investor Relations Department
One Allen Center, Suite 1000
500 Dallas Street
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 369-9000
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KINDER MORGAN, INC.
We are a Kansas corporation incorporated in 1927 with our common stock
traded on the NYSE under the symbol "KMI." We are one of the largest energy
storage and transportation companies in the United States, operating, either for
ourselves or on behalf of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P., more than 35,000
miles of natural gas and products pipelines. We also have significant retail
distribution, electric generation and terminal assets. In addition, we own the
general partner of, and a significant limited partner interest in, Kinder Morgan
Energy Partners, the largest publicly-traded limited partnership in the pipeline
industry in terms of market capitalization and the largest independent refined
petroleum products pipeline system in the United States in terms of volumes
delivered.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use
the net proceeds from the sale of debt securities or common stock we are
offering for general corporate purposes. This may include, among other things,
additions to working capital, repayment or refinancing of existing indebtedness
or other corporate obligations, financing of capital expenditures and
acquisitions, investment in existing and future projects, and repurchases and
redemptions of securities. Pending any specific application, we may initially
invest funds in short-term marketable securities or apply them to the reduction
of other indebtedness.
CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The historical ratios of earnings to fixed charges of us and our
consolidated subsidiaries for the periods indicated are as follows:
NINE MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
SEPTEMBER 30, --------------------------------
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
----------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
3.46 2.58 2.08 1.58 1.62 1.62
In all cases, earnings are determined by adding:
- income before income taxes, extraordinary items, income or loss from
equity investees and minority interest; plus
- fixed charges, amortization of capitalized interest and distributed
income of equity investees; less
- capitalized interest.
In all cases, fixed charges include:
- interest, including capitalized interest; plus
- amortization of debt issuance costs; plus
- the estimated interest portion of rental expenses.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
GENERAL
The debt securities will be:
- our direct unsecured general obligations; and
- either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities.
Senior debt securities will be issued under an indenture we call the senior
indenture and subordinated debt securities will be issued under an indenture we
call the subordinated indenture. Together the senior indenture and the
subordinated indenture are called the indentures, and the senior debt securities
and the subordinated debt securities are called debt securities.
We have not restated these agreements in their entirety. We have filed the
forms of the indentures as exhibits to the registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part. We urge you to read the indentures, because they, and not
this description, control your rights as holders of the debt securities. In the
summary below, we have included references to section numbers of the applicable
indenture so that you can easily locate these provisions. Capitalized terms used
in the summary have the meanings specified in the indentures.
Neither indenture limits the amount of debt securities that we may issue
under the indenture from time to time in one or more series. We may in the
future issue debt securities under either indenture, in addition to the debt
securities offered pursuant to this prospectus. At the date of this prospectus,
we had not issued any debt securities under either indenture.
Neither indenture contains provisions that would afford holders of debt
securities protection in the event of a sudden and significant decline in our
credit quality or a takeover, recapitalization or highly leveraged or similar
transaction. Accordingly, we could in the future enter into transactions that
could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding at that time or otherwise
adversely affect our capital structure or credit rating.
Neither indenture requires our subsidiaries to guarantee the debt
securities. As a result, the holders of debt securities will generally have a
junior position to claims of all creditors and preferred stockholders of our
subsidiaries.
SPECIFIC TERMS OF EACH SERIES OF DEBT SECURITIES IN THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
A prospectus supplement and any supplemental indenture relating to any
series of debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to
the offering. These terms will include some or all of the following:
- the form and title of the debt securities;
- whether the debt securities are senior debt securities or subordinated
debt securities and the terms of subordination;
- the total principal amount of the debt securities;
- the portion of the principal amount which will be payable if the maturity
of the debt securities is accelerated;
- the currency or currency unit in which the debt securities will be paid,
if not U.S. dollars;
- any right we may have to defer payments of interest by extending the
dates payments are due and whether interest on those deferred amounts
will be payable as well;
- the place where the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on
any debt securities will be payable;
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- the dates on which the principal of the debt securities will be payable;
- the interest rate which the debt securities will bear and the interest
payment dates for the debt securities;
- any optional redemption provisions;
- any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to repurchase
or otherwise redeem the debt securities;
- any changes to or additional events of default or covenants;
- any changes in trustees, paying agents or the security registrar; and
- any other terms of the debt securities. (Section 301)
We will maintain in each place specified by us for payment of any series of
debt securities an office or agency where debt securities of that series may be
presented or surrendered for payment, where debt securities of that series may
be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and
demands to or upon us in respect of the debt securities of that series and the
related indenture may be served. (Section 1002)
Debt securities may be issued under an indenture as original issue discount
securities to be offered and sold at a substantial discount below their
principal amount. Material federal income tax, accounting and other
considerations applicable to any such original issue discount securities will be
described in any related prospectus supplement. "Original issue discount
security" means any security which provides for an amount less than the
principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of
acceleration of the maturity thereof as a result of the occurrence of an event
of default and the continuation thereof. (Section 101)
PROVISIONS ONLY IN THE SENIOR INDENTURE
The senior debt securities will rank equally in right of payment with all
of our other unsecured senior debt. The senior indenture contains provisions
that limit our ability to put liens on our principal assets. The subordinated
indenture does not contain any similar provisions.
We have described below some of the provisions in our senior indenture and
some of the defined terms used in the senior indenture.
LIMITATIONS ON LIENS. For purposes of this covenant, the following
definitions are applicable:
"Net Tangible Assets" means the total amount of assets appearing on our
consolidated balance sheet less, without duplication:
- all current liabilities (excluding any thereof which are extendible or
renewable by their terms or replaceable or refundable pursuant to
enforceable commitments at the option of the obligor thereon without
requiring the consent of the obligee to a time more than 12 months after
the time as of which the amount thereof is being computed and excluding
current maturities of long-term debt and preferred stock);
- all reserves for depreciation and other asset valuation reserves but
excluding reserves for deferred federal income taxes arising from
accelerated depreciation or otherwise;
- all goodwill, trademarks, trade names, patents, unamortized debt discount
and expense and other like intangible assets carried as an asset; and
- all appropriate adjustments on account of minority interests of other
Persons holding common stock in any Subsidiary.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political
subdivision thereof.
"Principal Property" means any natural gas pipeline, natural gas
distribution system, natural gas gathering system or natural gas storage
facility located in the United States, except any such
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property that in the opinion of the Board of Directors is not of material
importance to the business conducted by us and our consolidated Subsidiaries
taken as a whole.
"Principal Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary which owns a Principal
Property.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person:
- any entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of the equity
interests entitled, without regard to the occurrence of any contingency,
to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof; or
- any partnership of which more than 50% of the partners' equity interests,
considering all partners' equity interests as a single class, is at the
time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one
or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or combination thereof.
We shall not, nor shall we permit any Subsidiary to, issue, assume or
guarantee any debt for money borrowed, called "Debt" in the senior indenture, if
such Debt is secured by a mortgage, pledge, security interest or lien (a
"mortgage" or "mortgages") upon any Principal Property of ours or any Principal
Subsidiary or upon any shares of stock or indebtedness of any Principal
Subsidiary (whether such Principal Property, shares or indebtedness was owned on
the date of the initial issuance of any series of senior debt securities or
thereafter acquired) without in any such case effectively providing that such
series of senior debt securities and any other indebtedness chosen by us shall
be secured equally and ratably with (or prior to) such Debt, except that the
foregoing restrictions shall not apply to:
- mortgages on any property acquired, constructed or improved by us or any
Principal Subsidiary after the date of the initial issuance of any series
of senior debt securities which are created or assumed contemporaneously
with, or within 180 days after, such acquisition (or in the case of
property constructed or improved, after the completion and commencement
of commercial operation of such property, whichever is later) to secure
or provide for the payment of any part of the purchase price or cost
thereof; provided that if a commitment for such a financing is obtained
prior to or within such 180-day period, the applicable mortgage shall be
deemed to be included in this clause whether or not such mortgage is
created within such 180-day period; and provided further that in the case
of such construction or improvement the mortgages shall not apply to any
property theretofore owned by us or any Subsidiary other than theretofore
unimproved real property;
- existing mortgages on property acquired (including mortgages on any
property acquired from a Person which is consolidated with or merged with
or into us or a Subsidiary) and mortgages outstanding at the time any
corporation becomes a Subsidiary;
- mortgages in favor of us or any Principal Subsidiary;
- mortgages in favor of a domestic or foreign government or governmental
body to secure advances or other payments pursuant to any contract or
statute or to secure indebtedness incurred to finance all or part of the
purchase price or cost of constructing or improving the property subject
to such mortgages, including mortgages to secure Debt of the pollution
control or industrial revenue bond type; and
- any extension, renewal or replacement (or successive extensions, renewals
or replacements), in whole or in part, of any mortgage referred to in any
of the foregoing clauses.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we and any Subsidiary may, without securing
such series of senior debt securities, issue, assume or guarantee secured Debt
(which would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restrictions) in an aggregate
amount which, together with all other such Debt, does not exceed 10% of the Net
Tangible Assets, as shown on a consolidated balance
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sheet as of a date not more than 90 days prior to the proposed transaction
prepared by us in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
(Section 1005 of the senior indenture)
PROVISIONS ONLY IN THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES SUBORDINATED TO SOME OTHER DEBT. Any
subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and will be subordinate and
junior in priority of payment to some of our other debt to the extent described
in a prospectus supplement. (Section 1401 of the subordinated indenture)
PROVISIONS IN BOTH INDENTURES
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR ASSET SALE. Each indenture generally allows us to
consolidate or merge with a domestic person, association or entity. They also
allow us to sell, lease or transfer our property and assets substantially as an
entirety to a domestic person, association or entity. If this happens, the
remaining or acquiring person, association or entity must assume all of our
responsibilities and liabilities under the indentures including the payment of
all amounts due on the debt securities and performance of the covenants in the
indentures.
However, we will only consolidate or merge with or into any other person,
association or entity or sell, lease or transfer our assets substantially as an
entirety according to the terms and conditions of the indentures, which include
the following requirements:
- the remaining or acquiring person, association or entity is organized
under the laws of the United States, any state or the District of
Columbia;
- the remaining or acquiring person, association or entity assumes our
obligations under the indentures; and
- immediately after giving effect to the transaction no Default or Event of
Default, as defined below, exists.
The remaining or acquiring person, association or entity will be
substituted for us in the indentures with the same effect as if it had been an
original party to the indentures. Thereafter, the successor may exercise our
rights and powers under the indentures, in our name or in its own name. If we
sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets, we will be released
from all our liabilities and obligations under any indenture and under the debt
securities. If we lease all or substantially all of our assets, we will not be
released from our obligations under the indentures. (Sections 801 and 802)
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES. In the indentures, Event of Default with
respect to any series of debt securities means any of the following:
- failure to pay the principal of or any premium on any debt security of
that series when due;
- failure to pay interest on any debt security of that series for 30 days;
- failure to perform any other covenant in the indenture, other than a
covenant a default in the performance of which has expressly been
included in the indenture solely for the benefit of series of debt
securities other than that series, that continues for 90 days after being
given written notice;
- our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; or
- any other Event of Default included in any indenture or supplemental
indenture. (Section 501)
If an Event of Default with respect to a series of debt securities occurs
and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal
amount of all of the outstanding debt securities of a particular series may
declare the principal of all the debt securities of that series to be due
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and payable. When such declaration is made, such amounts will be immediately due
and payable. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of such series may rescind such declaration and its consequences
if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived, other than
nonpayment of principal or interest that has become due solely as a result of
acceleration. (Section 502)
Holders of a series of debt securities may not enforce the indenture or the
series of debt securities, except as provided in the indenture or a series of
debt securities. (Section 507) The trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to
it before it enforces the indenture or such series of debt securities. (Section
603) Subject to certain limitations, the holders of a majority in principal
amount of the outstanding debt securities of a particular series may direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the trustee or exercising any trust or power of the trustee. (Section 512) The
trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any default,
except in the payment of principal or interest, if it considers such withholding
of notice to be in the best interests of the holders. (Section 602)
Other than its duties in case of a default, a trustee is not obligated to
exercise any of its rights or powers under any indenture at the request, order
or direction of any holders, unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable
indemnity. (Section 601) If they provide this reasonable indemnification, the
holders of a majority in principal amount of any series of debt securities may
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding or any remedy
available to the trustee, or exercising any power conferred upon the trustee,
for any series of debt securities. (Section 512)
An Event of Default for a particular series of debt securities does not
necessarily constitute an Event of Default for any other series of debt
securities issued under an indenture. Further, an Event of Default under the
debt securities of any series will not necessarily constitute an event of
default under our other indebtedness or vice versa.
MODIFICATION OF INDENTURES. Under each indenture, generally we and the
trustee may modify our rights and obligations and the rights of the holders with
the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of any series affected by the modification, voting
as one class. No modification of the principal or interest payment terms, no
modification reducing the percentage required for modifications and no
modification impairing the right to institute suit for the payment on debt
securities of any series when due, is effective against any holder without its
consent. (Section 902)
In addition, we and the trustee may amend the indentures without the
consent of any holder of the debt securities to make certain technical changes,
such as:
- curing ambiguities or correcting defects or inconsistencies;
- evidencing the succession of another person to us, and the assumption by
that successor of our obligations under the applicable indenture and the
debt securities of any series;
- providing for a successor trustee;
- qualifying the indentures under the Trust Indenture Act;
- complying with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or
automated quotation system on which debt securities of any series may be
listed or traded; or
- adding provisions relating to a particular series of debt securities.
(Section 901)
DISCHARGING OUR OBLIGATIONS. We may choose either to discharge our
obligations on the debt securities of any series in a legal defeasance, or to
release ourselves from our covenant restrictions on the debt securities of any
series in a covenant defeasance. We may do so at any time on the 91st day after
we deposit with the trustee sufficient cash or government securities to pay the
principal, interest, any premium and any other sums due to the stated maturity
date or a
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redemption date of the debt securities of the series. If we choose the legal
defeasance option, the holders of the debt securities of the series will not be
entitled to the benefits of the indenture except for registration of transfer
and exchange of debt securities, replacement of lost, stolen or mutilated debt
securities, conversion or exchange of debt securities, sinking fund payments and
receipt of principal and interest on the original stated due dates or specified
redemption dates. (Section 1302)
We may discharge our obligations on the debt securities of any series or
release ourselves from covenant restrictions only if we meet certain
requirements. Among other things, we must deliver an opinion of our legal
counsel that the discharge will not result in holders having to recognize
taxable income or loss or subject them to different tax treatment. In the case
of legal defeasance, this opinion must be based on either an IRS letter ruling
or change in federal tax law. We may not have a default on the debt securities
discharged on the date of deposit. The discharge may not violate any of our
agreements. The discharge may not result in our becoming an investment company
in violation of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE. Wachovia Bank, National Association will initially
act as trustee under the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture. The
corporate trust office of the trustee is located at 12 East 49th Street, 37th
Floor, New York, New York 10017.
Under provisions of the indentures and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, governing trustee conflicts of interest, any uncured Event of Default
with respect to any series of senior debt securities will force the trustee to
resign as trustee under either the subordinated indenture or the senior
indenture. Also, any uncured Event of Default with respect to any series of
subordinated debt securities will force the trustee to resign as trustee under
either the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture. Any resignation will
require the appointment of a successor trustee under the applicable indenture in
accordance with its terms and conditions.
The trustee may resign or be removed by us with respect to one or more
series of debt securities and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with
respect to any such series. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the debt securities of any series may remove the trustee with respect
to the debt securities of such series. (Section 610)
Each indenture contains certain limitations on the right of the trustee
thereunder, in the event that it becomes our creditor, to obtain payment of
claims in some cases, or to realize on property received in respect of any such
claim, as security or otherwise. (Section 613)
The trustee is required to submit an annual report to the holders of the
debt securities regarding, among other things, the trustee's eligibility to
serve, the priority of the trustee's claims regarding certain advances made by
it, and any action taken by the trustee materially affecting the debt
securities.
Each indenture provides that, in addition to other certificates or opinions
that may be specifically required by other provisions of an indenture, every
application by us for action by the trustee shall be accompanied by a
certificate of our officers and an opinion of counsel, who may be our counsel,
stating that, in the opinion of the signers, we have complied with all
conditions precedent to the action. (Section 102)
GOVERNING LAW. The indentures are and the debt securities will be governed
by the laws of the State of New York.
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES OR
SHAREHOLDERS. Our officers, directors, employees and shareholders will not have
any liability for our obligations under the indentures or the debt securities.
Each holder of debt securities, by accepting a debt security, waives and
releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the
consideration for the issuance of the debt securities.
FORM, DENOMINATION AND REGISTRATION; BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM. Unless
otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities of a series
will be issued only in fully registered
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form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof.
(Section 302) You will not have to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange
debt securities of a series, but we may require you to pay for taxes or other
governmental charges due upon a transfer or exchange. (Section 305)
Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, each series of debt
securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company
or any successor depositary, which we call a depositary, and will be represented
by one or more global notes registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of
DTC. The interests of beneficial owners in the global notes will be represented
through financial institutions acting on their behalf as direct or indirect
participants in DTC.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a global note will be limited to
persons, called participants, who have accounts with DTC or persons who hold
interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global
notes will be shown on, and the transfer of these ownership interests will be
effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee (with respect to
interests of participants) and the records of participants (with respect to
interests of persons other than participants).
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of a
global note, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the
sole owner or holder of the debt securities of that series represented by such
global note for all purposes of the indenture, the debt securities of that
series and applicable law. In addition, no beneficial owner of an interest in a
global note will be able to transfer that interest except in accordance with
DTC's applicable procedures, in addition to those under the applicable
indenture.
Payments on debt securities represented by global notes will be made to DTC
or its nominee, as the registered owner thereof. Neither we, the trustee, any
underwriter nor any paying agent will have any responsibility or liability for
any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
ownership interests in global notes, for maintaining, supervising or reviewing
any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests or for any action
taken or omitted to be taken by the depositary or any participant.
We expect that DTC or its nominee will credit participants' accounts on the
payable date with payments in respect of a global note in amounts proportionate
to their respective beneficial interest in the principal amount of such global
note as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee, unless DTC has reason to
believe that it will not receive payment on the payable date. We also expect
that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global
note held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions
and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the
accounts of customers registered in "street name." Such payments will be the
responsibility of such participants.
Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with
DTC rules. The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical
delivery of securities in definitive form. Consequently, the ability to transfer
beneficial interests in a global note to such persons may be impaired. Because
DTC can only act on behalf of participants, who in turn act on behalf of others,
such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies, called
indirect participants, the ability of a person having a beneficial interest in a
global note to pledge that interest to persons or entities that do not
participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of that
interest, may be impaired by the lack of a physical certificate of that
interest.
DTC will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of debt
securities of a series only at the direction of one or more participants to
whose account interests in global notes are credited and only in respect of such
portion of the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of a series as
to which such participant or participants has or have given such direction.
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If (1) the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to
continue as depositary or if the depositary ceases to be eligible under the
applicable indenture and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90
days or (2) an event of default with respect to a series of debt securities
shall have occurred and be continuing, the respective global notes representing
the affected series of debt securities will be exchanged for debt securities in
definitive form of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in
authorized denominations. Such definitive debt securities shall be registered in
such name or names as the depositary shall instruct the trustee. Such
instructions will most likely be based upon directions received by the
depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests
in global notes.
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC
holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC and facilitates the
settlement among participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and
pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry
changes in participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical
movement of securities certificates. Direct participants include securities
brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain
other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its direct participants,
including those who may act as underwriters of our debt securities, and by the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, LLC and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also
available to others such as indirect participants that clear through or maintain
a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or
indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with
the SEC.
Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate
transfers of interests in global notes among participants of DTC, it is under no
obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such
procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither we, the trustee, any
underwriter nor any paying agent will have any responsibility for the
performance by DTC or its participants or indirect participants of their
respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their
operations.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
Our articles of incorporation authorize us to issue 150,000,000 shares of
common stock, par value $5.00 per share. As of January 15, 2003, there were
approximately 129,870,135 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding, and
as of that date we held 8,098,968 shares as treasury stock.
WHERE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ARE TRADED
Our outstanding common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "KMI." Any additional common stock we issue will also be listed on
the NYSE.
DIVIDEND, VOTING AND LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
Subject to provisions of law and the preferences of our Class A preferred
stock and Class B preferred stock, the holders of shares of our common stock are
entitled to receive dividends at such time and in such amounts as may be
determined by our board of directors.
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The holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each
share on each matter submitted to a vote of our stockholders, and do not have
cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether
voluntary or involuntary, after payment or provision for payment of our debts
and other liabilities, and the preferential amount to which holders of shares of
our Class A preferred stock and Class B preferred stock are entitled, if any of
such shares are outstanding, the holders of our common stock are entitled to
share ratably in our remaining assets.
Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or
conversion rights.
CLASS A PREFERRED STOCK
Our articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors, without
further action by the holders of our common stock, to issue 200,000 shares of
Class A preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the powers, preferences
and rights thereof. The Class A preferred stock of each series ranks on a parity
with the Class A preferred stock of every other series in priority of payment of
dividends and in the distribution of assets in the event of our liquidation,
dissolution or winding up. All shares of any one series of our Class A preferred
stock are identical except as to the dates of issue and the dates from which
dividends on shares of the series issued on different dates accumulate (if
cumulative). No shares of our Class A preferred stock are issued or outstanding
and no series of our Class A preferred stock have been designated.
PRIORITY. As to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets on
any dissolution, liquidation or winding up, our Class A preferred stock ranks
senior to our Class B preferred stock and our common stock.
DIVIDEND RIGHTS. The holders of shares of our Class A preferred stock are
entitled to receive, when and as declared by our board of directors,
preferential dividends in cash payable at such rate, from such date, and on such
quarterly dividend payment dates and, if cumulative, cumulative from such date
or dates, as may be fixed by the provisions of our articles of incorporation or
any amendment thereto or by the resolutions of our board of directors. So long
as any Class A preferred stock is outstanding, we may not pay or declare any
dividends on any stock junior to the Class A preferred stock or, except under
limited circumstances, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of stock
junior to the Class A preferred stock unless:
- there are no arrearages in dividends on the Class A preferred stock for
any past quarterly dividends and dividends in full for the current
quarterly dividend period have been paid or declared on all of the Class
A preferred stock;
- we have paid or set aside all amounts, if any, then or theretofore
required to be paid or set aside for all sinking funds, if any, for the
Class A preferred stock of any series; and
- we are not in default on any of our obligations to redeem any of the
Class A preferred stock.
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, the holders of our Class A preferred stock of each series are
entitled to receive in full out of our assets the sum of $100.00 for each share
of our Class A preferred stock held by them, plus any arrearages in dividends
thereon, before any distribution is made to the holders of shares of any stock
junior to the Class A preferred stock. If our assets are insufficient to permit
the payment of the full preferential amounts payable to the holders of shares of
Class A preferred stock of the respective series in the event of a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, then the assets available for distribution to those
holders shall be distributed ratably in proportion to the full preferential
amounts payable on the respective shares.
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REDEMPTION. We may, at the option of our board of directors, redeem the
whole or any part of our Class A preferred stock, or of any series thereof, at
any time or from time to time within the period during which such stock is,
according to our articles of incorporation or any amendment thereto or the
resolutions of our board of directors, redeemable at the option of the board, by
paying such redemption price thereof as have been fixed by our articles of
incorporation or any amendment thereto or by the resolutions of our board.
RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN ACTIONS. We may not, without the consent given in
writing or affirmative vote given in person or by proxy at a meeting held for
that purpose by the holders of at least 50% of the shares of our Class A
preferred stock then outstanding:
- amend, alter or repeal any of the provisions of our articles of
incorporation or bylaws so as to adversely affect the voting powers,
rights or preferences of the holders of any shares of our Class A
preferred stock;
- create any other class or classes of stock or any security convertible
into, or exchangeable for or evidencing the right to purchase any stock
of a class ranking on parity with the Class A preferred stock either as
to dividends or upon liquidation;
- increase the authorized amount of or create any class or classes of stock
ranking prior to the Class A preferred stock; or
- merge or consolidate with or into any other corporation, unless the
corporation resulting from such merger or consolidation will have after
such merger or consolidation no class of stock ranking prior to the Class
A preferred stock and no securities which are convertible or exchangeable
into stock ranking prior to the Class A preferred stock (with limited
exceptions).
In addition, we will not, without the consent given in writing or
affirmative vote given in person or by proxy at a meeting held for that purpose
by the holders of at least 50% of the shares of any series of our Class A
preferred stock then outstanding, amend, alter or repeal any of the provisions
of our articles of incorporation or any amendment thereto or of the resolutions
of our board of directors so as to adversely affect the powers, preferences or
rights of the holders of any shares of our Class A preferred stock of such
series (unless prior to the effectiveness of the event, provision has been made
for the redemption of all shares of such series).
VOTING RIGHTS. Generally, each holder of shares of our Class A preferred
stock has the right to vote upon a share-for-share basis with the holders of
shares of our common stock on all matters upon which the holders of shares of
our common stock are entitled to vote unless otherwise provided for in our
articles of incorporation or in resolutions of our board of directors creating
such series.
CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK
Our articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors to issue
2,000,000 shares of Class B preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the
powers, preferences and rights thereof. The Class B preferred stock of each
series ranks on a parity with the Class B preferred stock of every other series
in priority of payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets in the
event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. All shares of any one
series of our Class B preferred stock are identical except as to the dates of
issue and the dates from which dividends on shares of the series issued on
different dates accumulate (if cumulative). Our board of directors has
designated 150,000 shares of our Class B preferred stock as Class B Junior
Participating Series Preferred Stock. For a description of the rights to acquire
Class B Junior Participating Series Preferred Stock that are attached to shares
of our common stock see "-- Rights Agreement." As of the date of this
prospectus, no shares of our Class B preferred
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stock, including the Class B Junior Participating Series Preferred Stock, are
issued or outstanding.
PRIORITY. As to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets on
any dissolution, liquidation or winding up, our Class B preferred stock ranks
senior to our common stock and junior to our Class A preferred stock.
DIVIDEND RIGHTS. The holders of shares of our Class B preferred stock are
entitled to receive, when and as declared by our board of directors and subject
to the rights of the holders of our Class A preferred stock, preferential
dividends in cash payable at such rate, from such date, and on such quarterly
dividend payment dates and, if cumulative, cumulative from such date or dates,
as may be fixed by the provisions of our articles of incorporation or any
amendment thereto or by the resolutions of our board of directors. Subject to
the rights of the holders of our Class A preferred stock, if Class B Junior
Participating Series Preferred Stock is issued, its holders would be entitled to
receive quarterly dividends payable on the first day of January, April, July and
October in each year in an amount per share equal to the greater of (a) $10.00
in cash or (b) subject to specified adjustments, 1,000 times the aggregate per
share amount (payable in cash) of all cash dividends, and 1,000 times the
aggregate per share amount (payable in kind) of all non-cash dividends or other
distributions, other than a dividend payable in shares of our common stock,
declared on the common stock since the immediately preceding quarterly dividend
payment date.
So long as any Class B preferred stock is outstanding, we may not pay or
declare any dividends on any stock junior to the Class B preferred stock or,
except under limited circumstances, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any
shares of stock junior to the Class B preferred stock unless:
- there are no arrearages in dividends on the Class B preferred stock for
any past quarterly dividends and dividends in full for the current
quarterly dividend period have been paid or declared on all of the Class
B preferred stock;
- we have paid or set aside all amounts, if any, then or theretofore
required to be paid or set aside for all sinking funds, if any, for the
Class B preferred stock of any series; and
- we are not in default on any of our obligations to redeem any of the
Class B preferred stock.
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, the holders of our Class B preferred stock of each series are
entitled to receive, subject to the rights of the holders of shares of our Class
A preferred stock, the full preferential amount fixed by our articles of
incorporation or any amendment thereto, or by the resolutions of our board of
directors, including any arrearages in dividends thereof, before any
distribution is made to the holders of shares of any stock junior to the Class B
preferred stock. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if
Class B Junior Participating Series Preferred Stock is issued, its holders would
be entitled to, subject to the prior rights of the holders of shares of our
Class A preferred stock, an amount equal to the greater of (a) $1,000.00 per
share or (b) an amount per share equal to 1,000 times the aggregate amount to be
distributed per share to holders of our common stock, plus, in either case, an
amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions thereon. If our
assets are insufficient to permit the payment of the full preferential amounts
payable to the holders of shares of Class B preferred stock of the respective
series in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, then the assets
available for distribution to those holders shall be distributed ratably in
proportion to the full preferential amounts payable on the respective shares.
REDEMPTION. Generally, we may, at the option of our board of directors,
redeem the whole or any part of the Class B preferred stock, or of any series
thereof, at any time or from time to time within the period during which such
stock is, according to our articles of incorporation or
15
any amendment thereto or the resolutions of our board of directors, redeemable
at the option of the board, by paying such redemption price thereof as has been
fixed by our articles of incorporation or any amendment thereto or by the
resolutions of our board. We may not, however, redeem any shares of our Class B
Junior Participating Series Preferred Stock.
RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN ACTIONS. We will not, without the consent given in
writing or affirmative vote given in person or by proxy at a meeting held for
that purpose by the holders of at least 50% of the shares of our Class B
preferred stock then outstanding:
- amend, alter or repeal any of the provisions of our articles of
incorporation or bylaws so as to adversely affect the voting powers,
rights or preferences of the holders of any shares of our Class B
preferred stock;
- create any other class or classes of stock or any security convertible
into, or exchangeable for or evidencing the right to purchase any stock
of a class ranking on parity with our Class B preferred stock either as
to dividends or upon liquidation;
- create any class or classes of stock ranking prior to our Class B
preferred stock; or
- merge or consolidate with or into any other corporation, unless the
corporation resulting from such merger or consolidation will have after
such merger or consolidation no class of stock ranking prior to our Class
B preferred stock and no securities which are convertible or exchangeable
into stock ranking prior to our Class B preferred stock (with certain
exceptions).
In addition, we will not, without the consent given in writing or
affirmative vote given in person or by proxy at a meeting held for that purpose
by the holders of at least 50% of the shares of any series of our Class B
preferred stock then outstanding, amend, alter or repeal any of the provisions
of our articles of incorporation or any amendment thereto or of the resolutions
of our board of directors so as to adversely affect the powers, preferences or
rights of the holders of any shares of our Class B preferred stock of such
series (unless prior to the effectiveness of the event, provision has been made
for the redemption of all shares of such series).
VOTING RIGHTS. Generally, each holder of shares of our Class B preferred
stock will have the right to vote upon a share-for-share basis with the holders
of shares of our common stock on all matters on which the holders of shares of
our common stock are entitled to vote unless otherwise provided for in our
articles of incorporation or in resolutions of our board of directors creating
such series. The holders of shares of Class B Junior Participating Series
Preferred Stock shall specifically be entitled to, subject to adjustment in
certain events of a non-payment of dividends, 1,000 votes per share on all
matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may have
the effect of discouraging persons from acquiring large blocks of our capital
stock or delaying or preventing a change in control of us. The material
provisions which may have such an effect are:
- classification of our board of directors into three classes with the term
of only one class expiring each year;
- the removal of directors only for cause or by unanimous vote of the
remaining members of our board of directors. Our articles provide that a
director may be removed for cause if the director has been convicted of a
felony or has been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in
his performance of his duty to us, in either case, by a court of
competent jurisdiction and such conviction or finding of negligence or
misconduct is no longer subject to direct appeal;
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- the limitation of the number of directors to a minimum of nine and a
maximum of 15, with the exact number to be determined by our board of
directors;
- increasing the stockholder vote required to amend, repeal or adopt any
provision inconsistent with the three preceding provisions to two-thirds
of our outstanding common stock;
- the filling of any vacancy on our board of directors by the remaining
directors then in office;
- the requirement that certain business combinations or transactions
involving us and any beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding
voting stock be approved by holders of at least two-thirds of our
outstanding voting stock, including stock held by such beneficial owner,
unless the business combination or transaction is (a) approved by our
board of directors before such beneficial owner became a holder of more
than 5% of our outstanding voting stock, (b) approved by members of our
board who were in office prior to the time such beneficial owner became a
holder of more than 5% of our voting stock sufficient to constitute a
majority of the directorships or (c) with an entity of which a majority
of the outstanding shares of voting stock is owned by us and our
subsidiaries;
- increasing the stockholder vote required to amend, repeal or adopt any
provision inconsistent with the preceding provision to two-thirds or more
of the then outstanding shares of our voting stock;
- the requirement that certain business combinations or transactions
involving us and any beneficial owner of 10% or more of our outstanding
voting stock be approved by holders of at least 80% of our outstanding
voting stock, including stock held by such beneficial owner, unless (a)
the business combination or transaction is approved by three-fourths of
the members of our board of directors then in office who do not
beneficially own 10% or more of our voting stock and who are not an
affiliate or associate of a person or an officer, director, employee or
agent of a person who beneficially owns 10% or more of our voting stock
or (b) certain conditions relating generally to the fairness of the price
to be received by our stockholders in such business combination or
transaction are satisfied;
- increasing the stockholder vote required to amend, repeal or adopt any
provision inconsistent with the preceding provision to 80% or more of our
outstanding voting stock unless approved by an affirmative vote of
three-fourths of the members of our board of directors then in office who
do not beneficially own 10% or more of our voting stock and who are not
an affiliate or associate of a person or an officer, director, employee
or agent of a person who beneficially owns 10% or more of our voting
stock;
- certain procedural requirements for stockholder nominations to our board
of directors;
- the requirement that special meetings of stockholders may only be called
by stockholders owning 51% or more of our outstanding voting stock, a
majority of our board of directors, the Chairman of our board or our
President;
- a provision permitting only our board of directors to alter or repeal our
bylaws; and
- authorization for our board of directors to issue our preferred stock and
to fix the powers, preferences and rights thereof.
The Kansas General Corporation Code also prohibits a Kansas corporation
from engaging in certain business combinations with an interested stockholder
for a period of three years following the date the stockholder became an
interested stockholder. The statute defines "interested stockholder," with
exceptions, as (a) any person who owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting
stock of the corporation; or (b) an affiliate or associate of the corporation
who owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at any
time within the three-year period immediately prior to the date on which it is
sought to be determined whether such person
17
is an interested stockholder. A corporation will not be prohibited from engaging
in any business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three
years following the date the stockholder became an interested stockholder if,
among other things: (a) prior to the date that the stockholder became an
interested stockholder the board of directors approved the transaction which
resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; (b) upon
consummation of the transaction which resulted in the interested stockholder
becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least
85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the
transaction commenced; or (c) on or subsequent to such date the business
combination is approved by the board and authorized by the affirmative vote of
at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the
interested stockholder.
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
On August 17, 1995, our board of directors declared a dividend of one
preferred share purchase right with respect to each outstanding share of our
common stock. The description and terms of these rights are set forth in a
rights agreement, dated as of August 21, 1995, as amended, between us and
EquiServe Trust Company, N.A., as successor rights agent, a copy of which is
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The rights are designed to
assure that all of our stockholders receive fair and equal treatment in the
event of any proposed takeover of us and to guard against partial tender offers,
open market accumulations and other abusive tactics that may be deployed to gain
control of us. The rights will result in substantial dilution of the stock of
any person or group, other than Richard D. Kinder, Portcullis Holdings, Inc. and
their affiliates and associates, that acquires 20% or more of our stock on terms
not approved by our board of directors.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Our transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is EquiServe Trust
Company, N.A. It may be contacted at 525 Washington Blvd., Jersey City, New
Jersey 07310.
The transfer agent and registrar may at any time resign, by notice to us,
or be removed by us. That resignation or removal would become effective upon the
appointment by us of a successor transfer agent and registrar and its acceptance
of that appointment. If no successor has been appointed and accepted that
appointment within 30 days after notice of that resignation or removal, we are
authorized to act as the transfer agent and registrar until a successor is
appointed.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the common stock or debt securities (1) through agents; (2)
through underwriters or dealers; (3) directly to one or more purchasers; or (4)
pursuant to delayed delivery contracts or forward contracts.
BY AGENTS
Common stock and debt securities may be sold through agents designated by
us. The agents agree to use their reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases
for the period of their appointment.
BY UNDERWRITERS
If underwriters are used in the sale, the common stock or debt securities
of the series offered will be acquired by the underwriters for their own
account. The underwriters may resell the common stock or debt securities in one
or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public
offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The
obligations of the underwriters to purchase the common stock or debt securities
of the series offered will be subject to certain conditions. The underwriters
will be obligated to purchase all the common stock or debt securities of the
series offered if any of the securities are purchased. Any initial public
offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to
dealers may be changed from time to time.
DIRECT SALES
Common stock and debt securities may also be sold directly by us. In this
case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We may use electronic media,
including the Internet, to sell offered securities directly.
DELAYED DELIVERY CONTRACTS OR FORWARD CONTRACTS
If indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will authorize agents,
underwriters or dealers to solicit offers to purchase common stock or debt
securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus
supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts or forward contracts providing
for payment or delivery on a specified date in the future at prices determined
as described in the prospectus supplement. Such contracts will be subject only
to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus
supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such
contracts.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The debt securities, when first issued, will have no established trading
market. Any underwriters or agents to or through whom debt securities are sold
for public offering and sale may make a market in such debt securities, but such
underwriters or agents will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any
market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the
liquidity of the trading market for any such debt securities.
The debt securities of the series offered may or may not be listed on a
national securities exchange. No assurances can be given that there will be a
market for the debt securities.
Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of
the common stock or debt securities may be underwriters as defined in the
Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions received by them from us and
any profit on the resale of the common stock or debt securities by them may be
treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Any
underwriters or agents will be identified and their compensation described in a
prospectus supplement.
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We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to
indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments which the
underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make with respect to those
liabilities.
Underwriters, dealers and agents or their affiliates may engage in
transactions with, or perform services for, us or our subsidiaries in the
ordinary course of their businesses.
VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES
The validity of the securities being offered hereby will be passed upon for
us by Bracewell & Patterson, L.L.P., Houston, Texas.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Kinder Morgan, Inc. incorporated in this
prospectus by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2001 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of
said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
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INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the documents incorporated in this prospectus by
reference include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A
of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking
statements are identified as any statement that does not relate strictly to
historical or current facts. They use words such as "anticipate," "believe,"
"intend," "plan," "projection," "forecast," "strategy," "position," "continue,"
"estimate," "expect," "may," "will," or the negative of those terms or other
variations of them or by comparable terminology. In particular, statements,
express or implied, concerning future actions, conditions or events, future
operating results or the ability to generate sales, income or cash flow or to
pay dividends are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not
guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.
Future actions, conditions or events and future results of operations may differ
materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Many of the
factors that will determine these results are beyond our ability to control or
predict. Specific factors which could cause actual results to differ from those
in the forward-looking statements include:
- price trends and overall demand for natural gas liquids, refined
petroleum products, oil, carbon dioxide, natural gas, coal and other bulk
materials in the United States;
- economic activity, weather, alternative energy sources, conservation and
technological advances that may affect price trends and demand;
- changes in our tariff rates or those of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners
implemented by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or another
regulatory agency or, with respect to Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, the
California Public Utilities Commission;
- Kinder Morgan Energy Partners' ability to integrate any acquired
operations into its existing operations;
- Kinder Morgan Energy Partners' ability and our ability to acquire new
businesses and assets and to make expansions to our respective
facilities;
- difficulties or delays experienced by railroads, barges, trucks, ships or
pipelines in delivering products to Kinder Morgan Energy Partners' bulk
terminals;
- Kinder Morgan Energy Partners' ability and our ability to successfully
identify and close acquisitions and make cost-saving changes in
operations;
- shut-downs or cutbacks at major refineries, petrochemical or chemical
plants, utilities, military bases or other businesses that use or supply
our services;
- changes in laws or regulations, third party relations and approvals,
decisions of courts, regulators and governmental bodies may adversely
affect our business or our ability to compete;
- our ability to offer and sell equity securities and debt securities or
obtain debt financing in sufficient amounts to implement that portion of
our business plan that contemplates growth through acquisitions of
operating businesses and assets and expansions of our facilities;
- our indebtedness could make us vulnerable to general adverse economic and
industry conditions, limit our ability to borrow additional funds and/or
place us at competitive disadvantages compared to our competitors that
have less debt or have other adverse consequences;
- interruptions of electric power supply to facilities due to natural
disasters, power shortages, strikes, riots, terrorism, war or other
causes;
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- acts of sabotage, terrorism or other similar acts causing damage greater
than our insurance coverage limits;
- the condition of the capital markets and equity markets in the United
States;
- the political and economic stability of the oil producing nations of the
world;
- national, international, regional and local economic, competitive and
regulatory conditions and developments;
- the ability to achieve cost savings and revenue growth;
- rates of inflation;
- interest rates;
- the pace of deregulation of retail natural gas and electricity;
- the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices for oil, natural
gas, electricity and certain agricultural products; and
- the timing and success of business development efforts.
You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.
When considering forward-looking statements, please review the risk factors
described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC
that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
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