Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-155884

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 20, 2010

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus Dated December 2, 2008)

22,000,000 Depositary Shares
Each Representing a 1/20th Interest in a Share of
     % Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series D

 

 

Apache Corporation

Depositary Shares

 

 

 

 

We are offering 22,000,000 depositary shares, each of which represents a 1/20th interest in a share of our     % Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series D, with an initial liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (our “mandatory convertible preferred stock”). The shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock will be deposited with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as depositary, pursuant to a deposit agreement. Holders of the depositary shares will be entitled to a proportional fractional interest in the rights and preferences of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, including conversion, dividend, liquidation and voting rights, subject to the provisions of such deposit agreement.

 

We will pay cumulative dividends on each share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock at a rate of     % per annum on the initial liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Dividends will accrue and cumulate from the date of issuance and, to the extent that we have lawfully available funds to pay dividends and our board of directors declares a dividend payable, we will pay dividends on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year in cash and on August 1, 2013 or any earlier conversion date in cash, shares of our common stock, par value $0.625 per share, or a combination thereof, at our election and subject to the share cap (as defined herein). The first dividend payment, if declared, will be made on November 1, 2010, in the expected amount of $      per share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock (equivalent to $      per depositary share), which will reflect the time period from the expected date of issuance to November 1, 2010.

 

Each share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock has a liquidation preference of $1,000 (and, correspondingly, each depositary share has a liquidation preference of $50), plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends. Subject to the authorized share condition described in this prospectus supplement, each share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock will automatically convert on August 1, 2013 into between           and           shares of our common stock (respectively, the “minimum conversion rate” and “maximum conversion rate”) (and, correspondingly, each depositary share will automatically convert into between           and           shares of our common stock), each subject to adjustment, depending on the average VWAP (as defined herein) per share of our common stock over the 10 trading day period ending on, and including, the third scheduled trading day prior to such date. At any time prior to July 15, 2013, a holder of 20 depositary shares may cause the depositary to convert one share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock, on such holder’s behalf, into a number of shares of our common stock equal to the minimum conversion rate, subject to adjustment, but such holder will not be entitled to accrued and unpaid dividends for the current dividend period. During a specified period in connection with a fundamental change (as defined herein), a holder of 20 depositary shares may cause the depositary to convert one share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock, on such holder’s behalf, into a number of shares of our common stock equal to the applicable fundamental change conversion rate.

 

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the Chicago Stock Exchange under the symbol “APA.” The last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on July 19, 2010 was $85.59 per share. We will apply to list the depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange and expect trading to begin within five days of the initial issuance of the depositary shares.

 

Investing in our depositary shares involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-17 of this prospectus supplement.

 

 

We have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 3,300,000 additional depositary shares on the same terms and conditions as set forth above.

 

Concurrently with this offering, we are offering, by means of a separate prospectus supplement, 21,000,000 shares of our common stock (or 24,150,000 shares if the underwriters of that offering exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares thereunder). This offering of depositary shares is not contingent upon the offering of our common stock, and the offering of our common stock is not contingent upon this offering.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus to which it relates. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the depositary shares on or about July   , 2010.

 

 

 

 

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

 

 

July   , 2010

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

 

We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell the depositary shares in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate only as of the respective dates on the front covers of those documents. You should assume that the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate only as of the date the respective information was filed with the SEC. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

This prospectus supplement is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we are offering to sell our depositary shares, using this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This prospectus supplement describes the specific terms of this offering. The accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated by reference therein describe our business and give more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. Generally, when we refer in this prospectus supplement only to the “prospectus,” we are referring to both parts combined. You should read this prospectus supplement together with the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before making a decision to invest in our depositary shares. If the information in this prospectus supplement or the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying prospectus, the information in this prospectus supplement or the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement will apply and will supersede that information in the accompanying prospectus.

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 with respect to the securities offered hereby. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement, parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to us and the securities offered hereby, reference is made to the registration statement and the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement.

 

In this prospectus supplement, unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “Apache,” “we,” “us,” “Company” and “our” refer to Apache Corporation and its subsidiaries.

 

Our name, logo and other trademarks mentioned in this prospectus supplement are the property of their respective owners.

 

We have “incorporated by reference” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus certain documents that we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. This information incorporated by reference is a part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, unless we provide you with different information in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or the information is modified or superseded by a subsequently filed document. Any information referred to in this way is considered part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus from the date we file that document.

 

Any reports filed by us pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act,” on or after the date of this prospectus supplement and before the completion of this offering of depositary shares will be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and will automatically update, where applicable, and supersede any information contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Some documents or information, such as that furnished under Items 2.02 or 7.01, or the exhibits related thereto under Item 9.01, of Form 8-K, are deemed furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules. None of those documents and

none of that information is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus incorporate the documents listed below that we have previously filed with the SEC (other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules). They contain important information about us, our business and our financial condition.

 

 

You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus from us or from the SEC through the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov or by mail from the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549, at prescribed rates. Documents incorporated by reference are available from us without charge, excluding any exhibits to those documents unless we specifically incorporated by reference the exhibit in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You can obtain these documents from us by requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following address or number:

 

Apache Corporation
2000 Post Oak Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77056
Telephone: (713) 296-6000

 

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.

 

These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward looking statements by terminology such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “predict,” “potential,” “plans,” “believe” or the negative of these terms or similar terminology.

 

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. Actual events or results may differ materially because of market conditions in our markets or other factors. Moreover, we do not, nor does any other person, assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of those statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this prospectus supplement. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and under “Risk Factors” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Forward-Looking Statements and Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 (both of which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus) and similar sections in any subsequent filings that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, which describe risks and factors that could cause results to differ materially from those projected in those forward-looking statements.

 

Those risk factors may not be exhaustive. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors emerge from time to time. We cannot predict these new risk factors, nor can we assess the impact, if any, of these new risk factors on our businesses or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results.

 

In addition to the foregoing matters, there are important factors related to the BP Acquisition described elsewhere in this prospectus supplement that could cause the actual results of the BP Acquisition to differ materially from what we currently expect, including without limitation:

 

 

SUMMARY

	•	Permian Basin.  All of BP’s oil and gas operations, related infrastructure and acreage in the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico. The assets include interests in 10 field areas in the Permian Basin, (including Block 16/Coy Waha, Block 31, Brown Basset, Empire/Yeso, Pegasus, Southeast Lea, Spraberry, Wilshire, North Misc and Delaware Penn), approximately 405,000 net mineral and fee acres, 358,000 leasehold acres, approximately 3,629 active wells and three gas processing plants, two of which are currently operated by BP. Based on our investigation and review of data provided by BP, these assets produced 15,110 barrels of liquids and 81 MMcf of gas per day in the first six months of 2010. The Permian Basin assets had estimated net proved reserves of 140.9 MMboe at June 30, 2010 (65 percent liquids).
	•	Western Canada Sedimentary Basin.  Substantially all of BP’s Western Canadian upstream gas assets, including 1,278,000 net mineral and leasehold acres, interests in approximately 1,600 active wells, eight operated and 14 non-operated gas processing plants. The position includes many attractive drilling opportunities ranging from conventional to several unconventional targets, including shale gas, tight gas and coal bed methane in historically productive formations including the Montney, Cadonien and Doig. Based on our investigation and review of data provided by BP, during the first half of 2010 these properties accounted for 6,529 barrels of liquids and 240 MMcf of gas per day and had estimated net

		proved reserves of 223.7 MMboe at June 30, 2010 (94 percent gas). We currently have operations in approximately half of these 13 field areas.

	•	Western Desert, Egypt.  BP’s interests in four development licenses and one exploration concession (East Badr El Din), covering 394,000 net acres south of El Alamein in the Western Desert of Egypt. These properties are operated by Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company, a joint venture between BP and the Government of Egypt. The transaction includes BP’s interests in 65 active wells, a 24-inch gas line to Dashour, a liquefied petroleum gas plant in Dashour, a gas processing plant and a 12-inch oil export line to the El Hamra Terminal on the Mediterranean Sea. Based on our investigation and review of data provided by BP, during the first six months of 2010 these properties accounted for 6,016 barrels of oil and 11 MMcf of gas per day of BP’s production, and had estimated net proved reserves of 20.2 MMboe at June 30, 2010 (59 percent liquids). The BP Properties in Egypt are complementary to the over 11 million gross acres in 21 separate concessions in the Western Desert we currently hold. The Merged Concession Agreement related to the development licenses runs through 2024, subject to a five year extension at the option of the operator.

	•	116.4 MMbbls of crude oil and natural gas liquids; and
	•	1,610 Bcf of natural gas.

	•	27.7 Mbbls per day of crude oil and natural gas liquids; and
	•	331 MMcf per day of natural gas.

	•	28 Mbbls per day of crude oil and natural gas liquids; and
	•	348 MMcf per day of natural gas.

		For The Quarter Ended								For the Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2010				2009				2010				2009
Financial data:
Revenues and other (thousands)		$	2,971,910			$	2,093,378			$	5,645,161			$	3,727,203
Income attributable to common stock (thousands)			860,223				443,300				1,565,204				(1,315,060	)
Basic net income per common share			2.55				1.32				4.64				(3.92	)
Diluted net income per common share			2.53				1.31				4.61				(3.92	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (thousands)			337,618				335,637				337,273				335,372
Diluted common shares outstanding (thousands)			339,377				337,365				339,282				335,372
Production and pricing data:
Oil volume (barrels per day)			331,280				281,836				310,103				274,652
Average oil price per barrel		$	74.89			$	58.15			$	74.74			$	50.57
Natural gas volume (Mcf per day)			1,791,555				1,769,623				1,751,958				1,697,408
Average natural gas price per Mcf		$	4.01			$	3.48			$	4.29			$	3.65
NGL volume (barrels per day)			16,992				10,626				14,444				10,394
Average NGL price per barrel		$	37.21			$	23.42			$	40.58			$	22.39
Total production (boe per day)			646,866				587,400				616,540				567,947

	•	a base rate, which is defined as a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.’s prime rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus .50% and (c) one-month LIBOR plus 1%, or
	•	LIBOR plus a margin varying from 1.50% to 2.50%.

Securities offered		22,000,000 depositary shares, each of which represents a 1/20th interest in a share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock and entitles the holder of such depositary share, through the depositary, to a proportional fractional interest in the rights and preferences of such share of mandatory convertible preferred stock, including conversion, dividend, liquidation and voting rights, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement.
Option to purchase additional depositary shares		To the extent that the underwriters sell more than depositary shares, the underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional 3,300,000 depositary shares from us at the public offering price less the underwriting discount, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement.
Initial offering price		$      per depositary share.
Liquidation preference		$1,000 per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock (equivalent to $50 per depositary share), plus an amount equal to the sum of all accrued and unpaid dividends.
Dividends		% on the liquidation amount of $1,000 for each share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock per year, subject to increase in certain circumstances as described under “— Authorized share condition” below. Dividends will accrue and cumulate from the date of issuance and, to the extent we have lawfully available funds to pay dividends and we declare a dividend payable, we will pay dividends in cash on each dividend payment date except the dividend payment date on August 1, 2013, or any earlier conversion date, when we may pay dividends in cash, shares of our common stock or a combination thereof, at our election and subject to the share cap, as defined below. The dividend payable on the first dividend payment date, if declared, is expected to be $      per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock and on each subsequent dividend payment date, if declared, is expected to be $      per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock (equivalent to $      and $      , respectively, per depositary share). The depositary will distribute all dividend payments on the mandatory convertible preferred stock to the holders of outstanding depositary shares, as nearly as practicable, in proportion to the number of outstanding depositary shares held by each holder. Accumulated and unpaid dividends for any past dividend period will not bear interest. See “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Dividends” and “Description of Depositary Shares — Dividends and Other Distributions” in this prospectus supplement.
Dividend payment dates		If declared, February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on November 1, 2010.
Authorized share condition		As of the date of this prospectus supplement, and after giving effect to the concurrent common stock offering and consummation of the Mariner Acquisition, we have           authorized, unissued and unreserved shares of our common stock, but we have

		only reserved           of those shares for conversions of the mandatory convertible preferred stock. To provide for the authorization of a sufficient number of shares of common stock into which the mandatory convertible preferred stock may be converted in full, we have agreed in the underwriting agreement relating to this offering and the certificate of designations relating to the mandatory convertible preferred stock to use commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy the authorized share condition (as defined below) on or prior to our next annual meeting of stockholders, and if the authorized share condition is not satisfied by such annual meeting, use our best effort thereafter to satisfy the authorized share condition as promptly as practicable.
		If the authorized share condition is not satisfied by August 1, 2011, then from such date to, but excluding, the date on which the authorized share condition is satisfied, the dividend rate at which the mandatory convertible preferred stock accrues and accumulates will increase by 2% to     % per annum on the liquidation amount of $1,000 per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock. In addition, until the authorized share condition is satisfied, the dividend rate will increase by an additional 1% on each six month anniversary of the 365th day after the issuance of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, to a maximum rate equal to     % plus 6% per annum. Upon satisfaction of the authorized share condition, the dividend rate will reset to the original rate of     % per annum.
		If the authorized share condition is not satisfied on the mandatory conversion date and the number of “designated shares” (as defined in this prospectus supplement) is greater than zero, we will convert, as described under “— Mandatory conversion” below, the maximum number of shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock, on a pro rata basis, that will convert into (based on the conversion rate described below) a number of shares of our common stock not exceeding the number of designated shares. The number of designated shares is initially          , but we may (though we are not obligated to) increase that number by any authorized and unissued shares not reserved for other corporate purposes. We will increase the number of designated shares by any increases to our authorized and unissued share count (including any repurchased shares of common stock, which shall be deemed unissued for the purpose of calculating designated shares). If there are no designated shares on the mandatory conversion date, all outstanding shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock will remain outstanding as described below.
		Any mandatory convertible preferred stock not converted on the mandatory conversion date will remain outstanding. However, effective as of the mandatory conversion date, the conversion rate will be fixed as the conversion rate per share (the “final conversion rate”) that the outstanding mandatory convertible preferred stock would have otherwise been converted into as described under “— Mandatory Conversion” below. In addition, from and after the mandatory conversion date, the outstanding mandatory convertible

		preferred stock will (i) accrue and cumulate dividends at the rate of     % plus 6% per annum on the liquidation amount of $1,000 per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock payable quarterly, to the extent we have legally available funds to pay dividends and our board of directors declares a dividend payable, on each dividend payment date in the same manner described under “— Dividends;” (ii) receive and participate in all dividends or distributions paid or made in respect of our common stock based upon the final conversion rate per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock; and (iii) be entitled to vote a number of votes equal to the final conversion rate per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock for the vote or consent on all matters submitted to a vote of our common stockholders and will vote together with our common stockholders as one class on such matters (except for the approval required to satisfy the authorized share condition). Each depositary share will represent a proportional fractional interest in the foregoing additional rights.
		“Authorized share condition” means that we have reserved for issuance, upon conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, a sufficient number of designated shares greater than or equal to the product of the share cap (as defined under “Conversion rate” below) and the number of shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock outstanding to allow for the conversion in full of all outstanding shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock; provided that on or after the mandatory conversion date, the “authorized share condition” will be deemed to be satisfied if we have a sufficient number of designated shares to convert all outstanding shares of the mandatory convertible preferred stock and fundamental change preferred stock (as defined under “Conversion upon a fundamental change” below), as applicable.
		Upon satisfaction of the authorized share condition following the mandatory conversion date, the mandatory convertible preferred stock will automatically convert into shares of common stock based on the final conversion rate. In addition, as described under “— Mandatory conversion” below, upon any increase of the designated shares announced by us following the mandatory conversion date, we will automatically convert a portion of the outstanding shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock held by each holder into shares of our common stock at the final conversion rate based on the number of increased designated shares of common stock we have available.
Redemption		Our mandatory convertible preferred stock is not redeemable.
Mandatory conversion date		August 1, 2013.
Mandatory conversion		On the mandatory conversion date, provided the authorized share condition has been satisfied, each share of our then-outstanding mandatory convertible preferred stock will automatically convert into a number of shares of our common stock equal to the conversion rate described below, and each depositary share will automatically convert into a number of shares equal to a proportionate fractional interest in such shares of common stock. If

		the authorized share condition has not been satisfied, then we will convert only a portion of the outstanding mandatory convertible preferred stock based on the number of designated shares of common stock we have available, as described under “— Authorized share condition” above. If we do not have any designated shares, no shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock will be converted. Any shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock not converted on the mandatory conversion date will remain outstanding and will be convertible at the final conversion rate and with the increased dividend rate and the additional rights as described under “— Authorized share condition” above.
		In addition, provided the authorized share condition has been satisfied, we will pay to holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends in cash, shares of our common stock or a combination thereof, at our election and subject to the share cap, whether or not declared (other than previously declared dividends on the mandatory convertible preferred stock that were paid to holders of record as of a prior date), to the extent we have lawfully available funds to pay such amounts at such time. See “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Mandatory Conversion” and “Description of Depositary Shares — Conversion” in this prospectus supplement.
Conversion rate		The conversion rate for each share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock will be not more than           shares of our common stock and not less than           shares of our common stock (respectively, the “maximum conversion rate” and “minimum conversion rate”) (and, correspondingly, the conversion rate per depositary share will be not more than           shares and not less than           shares of our common stock), depending on the applicable market value of our common stock, as described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Mandatory Conversion” in this prospectus supplement, and subject to adjustment as described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Rate Adjustments” in this prospectus supplement.
		The number of shares delivered upon conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock (including the number of shares delivered in connection with any dividend payment), shall in no event exceed an amount per share equal to the product of (i) two and (ii) the maximum conversion rate, subject to adjustment as described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Rate Adjustments” (the “share cap”).
		The “applicable market value” of our common stock is the average VWAP (as defined under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Method of Payment of Dividends”) per share of our common stock for the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the mandatory conversion date. See

		“Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Mandatory Conversion” in this prospectus supplement.
		The following table illustrates the conversion rate per share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock, subject to adjustment as described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Rate Adjustments” in this prospectus supplement, based on the applicable market value of our common stock on the mandatory conversion date:

				Conversion Rate
		Applicable Market Value per Share		per Share of Mandatory
		on the Mandatory Conversion Date		Convertible Preferred Stock
		Less than or equal to $     (the “initial price”)		shares of common stock
		Greater than the initial price and less than $     (the “threshold appreciation price”)		$1,000, divided by the applicable market value
		Equal to or greater than the threshold appreciation price		shares of common stock

		The following table illustrates the conversion rate per depositary share, subject to adjustment as described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Rate Adjustments” in this prospectus supplement, based on the applicable market value of our common stock on the mandatory conversion date:

		Applicable Market Value Per Share		Conversion Rate
		on the Mandatory Conversion Date		per Depositary Share
		Less than or equal to the initial price		shares of common stock
		Greater than the initial price and less than the threshold appreciation price		$50, divided by the applicable market value
		Equal to or greater than the threshold appreciation price		shares of common stock

Optional conversion		At any time prior to July 15, 2013, other than during the fundamental change conversion period (as defined below) and as long as no shares of fundamental change preferred stock (as defined under “Conversion upon a fundamental change” below) is outstanding, a holder of mandatory convertible preferred stock may elect to convert such holder’s shares of our mandatory convertible preferred stock at the minimum conversion rate of           shares of our common stock per share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock (equivalent to           shares of our common stock per depositary share), subject to adjustment as described

		under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Rate Adjustments” in this prospectus supplement. Because each depositary share represents a 1/20th fractional interest in a share of mandatory convertible preferred stock, a holder of depositary shares may only convert its depositary shares in lots of 20 depositary shares.
		In addition, we will pay holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock who exercise this optional conversion right (at our election and, subject to the share cap, in cash, shares of our common stock or a combination thereof) an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends on the mandatory convertible preferred stock, whether or not declared (other than previously declared dividends on the mandatory convertible preferred stock that were paid to holders of record as of a prior date), for all dividend periods ending on or prior to the payment date immediately preceding the conversion date, to the extent we have lawfully available funds to pay such amounts at such time, as described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion at the Option of the Holder” and “Description of Depositary Shares — Conversion” in this prospectus supplement. Such holders will not receive any payment in respect of the then-current dividend payment.
		However, notwithstanding the foregoing, if on any early conversion date for an optional conversion as described above, the authorized share condition is not satisfied and we do not have sufficient designated shares to convert all shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock tendered for conversion on such date, then for each converting holder, we will only convert on such date a portion of its shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock tendered for conversion based on the number of designated shares of common stock we have available, as described under “— Authorized share condition” above. Any shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock not converted on such date will remain outstanding and be deemed to have not been converted. In addition, from and after such date, until we notify the holders of any increase of the designated shares, no shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock may be converted at the option of the holders as described above.
Conversion upon a fundamental change		Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined herein) prior to the mandatory conversion date, under certain circumstances we will pay to holders who convert their shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock during the period (the “fundamental change conversion period”) beginning on, and including, the effective date of the fundamental change and ending on the earlier of (A) the mandatory conversion date and (B) the date that is 20 days after such effective date:
		• a number of shares of our common stock or units of exchange property, as described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of Our Common Stock” in this

		prospectus supplement (if the fundamental change constitutes a reorganization event (as defined in this prospectus supplement)), determined using the applicable fundamental change conversion rate described in this prospectus supplement; and
		• at our election and, subject to the share cap, shares of our common stock, units of exchange property, cash or a combination thereof in an amount equal to the sum of any accrued and unpaid dividends on the shares of our mandatory convertible preferred stock so converted, to the extent that we have lawfully available funds to pay such amounts.
		The applicable fundamental change conversion rate will be determined based on the effective date of the fundamental change and the price paid (or deemed to be paid) per share of our common stock in such transaction or the average VWAP of our common stock over the five trading day period ending on, and including, the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the effective date for the fundamental change. See “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Upon Fundamental Change” in this prospectus supplement. Because each depositary share represents a 1/20th fractional interest in a share of mandatory convertible preferred stock, a holder of depositary shares may only convert its depositary shares upon a fundamental change in lots of 20 depositary shares.
		If the authorized share condition is not satisfied and we do not have sufficient designated shares to convert all shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock tendered for conversion during the fundamental change conversion period, (i) we will convert a portion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock tendered for conversion based on the number of designated shares and (ii) we will exchange, for all shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock tendered for conversion but not so converted, shares of a new series of our preferred stock in proportion to the liquidation preference of mandatory convertible preferred stock so tendered, which we refer to as “fundamental change preferred stock,” with the terms described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Upon Fundamental Change.”
Conversion rate adjustments		Each of the minimum conversion rate, the maximum conversion rate, the final conversion rate, the initial price, the threshold appreciation price, the applicable market value, the fundamental change conversion rate and the stock price for purposes of a fundamental change, among other terms, will be adjusted upon the occurrence of the events and transactions described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Rate Adjustments” in this prospectus supplement. However, so long as the mandatory convertible preferred stock or the fundamental change preferred stock, as applicable, participates in all dividends and distributions on the common stock as described under “— Authorized share condition” above, there will not be any adjustments to the final conversion rate or fundamental change conversion rate, as applicable, for such dividends and

		distributions occurring at any time after the mandatory conversion date or fundamental change conversion period, as applicable, even if the conversion does not occur as a result of the failure to satisfy the authorized share condition.
Voting rights		Except as required by law or our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which will include the certificate of designations for the mandatory convertible preferred stock, the holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock will have no voting rights.
		If and whenever an amount equal to six quarterly dividends, whether or not consecutive, payable on our mandatory convertible preferred stock, is not paid, then, immediately prior to the next annual meeting or special meeting of our stockholders, the authorized number of directors constituting our board will be automatically increased by two and the holders of our mandatory convertible preferred stock (voting separately as a class with all other parity stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled at such annual or special meeting to elect two directors. These voting rights and the terms of the directors so elected will continue until such time as the dividend arrearage on the mandatory convertible preferred stock has been fully paid or set aside for payment.
		The affirmative consent of holders of at least 662/3% in voting power of the outstanding mandatory convertible preferred stock and all other preferred stock or securities of equal ranking having similar voting rights will be required for, among other things, the authorization or increase in the authorized amount of any class or series of stock ranking senior to the mandatory convertible preferred stock with respect to either or both the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up and for the amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation so as to adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of our mandatory convertible preferred stock.
		In addition, following the mandatory conversion date any shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock not converted will have the voting rights described under “Authorized share condition” above.
		See “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Voting Rights” and “Description of Depositary Shares — Voting of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock” in this prospectus supplement.
Ranking		Our mandatory convertible preferred stock will rank with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, winding-up or dissolution:
		• senior to all of our common stock and, if issued, our authorized Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock and to each other class of capital stock or series of preferred stock issued in the future unless the terms of that stock expressly provide that it ranks senior to, or on a parity with, our mandatory convertible preferred stock;

		• equally with any of our capital stock issued in the future, the terms of which expressly provide that it will rank equally with the mandatory convertible preferred stock;
		• junior to all of our capital stock issued in the future, the terms of which expressly provide that such stock will rank senior to the mandatory convertible preferred stock; and
		• junior to our and our subsidiaries’ existing and future indebtedness (including, in the case of our subsidiaries, trade payables).
Use of proceeds		We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $      (or approximately $      if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional depositary shares is exercised in full) after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses of the offering payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering to finance a portion of the consideration payable in connection with the BP Acquisition. See “Use of Proceeds.”
Certain U.S. tax consequences		Certain U.S. federal tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of the mandatory convertible preferred stock and any common stock received upon its conversion are described in “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Consequences.” You should consult your tax advisor with respect to the U.S. federal tax consequences of owning our mandatory convertible preferred stock and common stock in light of your particular situation and with respect to any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local, foreign or other taxing jurisdiction.
		If we are or have been a “United States real property holding corporation,” a non-U.S. holder (as defined in “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Consequences” in this prospectus supplement) may be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain on the disposition of our mandatory convertible preferred stock if it has held more than 5% of our mandatory convertible preferred stock at any point during certain specified periods. We believe we are, or may become, a United States real property holding corporation. See “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Consequences” in this prospectus supplement.
Book-entry, delivery and form		Initially, the depositary shares will be represented by one or more permanent global certificates in definitive, fully registered form deposited with a custodian for, and registered in the name of, a nominee of The Depository Trust Company, which we refer to as “DTC.”
Listing		We will apply to list the depositary shares on the NYSE, and we expect trading on the NYSE to begin within five days of the initial issuance of the depositary shares. See “Description of Depositary Shares — Listing” in this prospectus supplement.
Depositary		The sole holder of shares of our mandatory convertible preferred stock will be the depositary, and the holders of depositary shares will exercise their proportional rights in our mandatory convertible preferred stock through the depositary, as described under “Description of Depositary Shares” in this prospectus supplement.

		The depositary for the depositary shares will be Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Registrar and transfer agent		Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Risk factors		Investing in the securities offered by this prospectus supplement involves risks. See “Risk Factors.”
Common stock		Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Select Market and the Chicago Stock Exchange under the symbol ‘‘APA.”
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering(1)		358,802,052 shares.

(1)		Unless otherwise indicated, the number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering includes 337,802,052 shares outstanding on July 19, 2010 and 21,000,000 shares of common stock (or 24,150,000 shares of common stock if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full) to be offered in the concurrent offering of common stock and excludes:

	•	shares of common stock (or           shares of common stock if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional depositary shares is exercised in full) issuable upon the conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock underlying the depositary shares to be offered hereby (such figures (i) assume the maximum conversion rate thereunder and (ii) exclude any additional shares issuable upon a fundamental change);
	•	16,433,123 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options or for future issuance under our stock compensation plans;
	•	7,479,435 shares of treasury stock held as of June 30, 2010, of which 1,473,354 shares are reserved for future issuance under our stock compensation plans; and
	•	our expected issuance of approximately 17.5 million shares of common stock in connection with the pending consummation of the Mariner Acquisition.

		Six Months
		Ended
		June 30,				Years Ended December 31,
		2010				2009				2008				2007				2006				2005
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends			16.21				1.71				3.63				14.36				16.84				21.25

 

An investment in our depositary shares involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks described below, in addition to the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Specifically, please see “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 for a discussion of risk factors that may affect our business. Realization of any of those or the following risks or adverse results from any matter listed under “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” in this prospectus supplement or under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Forward-Looking Statements and Risk” in our 2009 Form 10-K or March 31, 2010 Form 10-Q could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations and could result in a decline in the trading price of our depositary shares. As a result, you could lose all or part of your investment.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

A drilling moratorium in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, or other regulatory initiatives in response to the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, could adversely affect our business.

 

As has been widely reported, on April 20, 2010, a fire and explosion occurred onboard the semisubmersible drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, leading to the oil spill currently affecting the Gulf of Mexico. In response to this incident, the Minerals Management Service (now known as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, or “BOE”) of the U.S. Department of the Interior issued a notice on May 30, 2010 implementing a six-month moratorium on certain drilling activities in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Implementation of the moratorium was blocked by a U.S. district court, which was subsequently affirmed on appeal, but on July 12, 2010, the BOE issued a new moratorium that applies to deep-water drilling operations that use subsea blowout preventers or surface blowout preventers on floating facilities. The new moratorium will last until November 30, 2010, or until such earlier time that the BOE determines that deep-water drilling operations can proceed safely. The BOE is also expected to issue new safety and environmental guidelines or regulations for drilling in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and potentially in other geographic regions, and may take other steps that could increase the costs of exploration and production, reduce the area of operations and result in permitting delays. This incident could also result in drilling suspensions or other regulatory initiatives in other areas of the U.S. and abroad. Although it is difficult to predict the ultimate impact of the moratorium or any new guidelines, regulations or legislation, a prolonged suspension of drilling activity in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and other areas, new regulations and increased liability for companies operating in this sector could adversely affect our operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico as well as in other offshore locations.

 

The Devon and Mariner transactions will increase our exposure to Gulf of Mexico operations.

 

Our recent acquisition of oil and gas assets on the Gulf of Mexico shelf from Devon Energy Corporation has increased our exposure to Gulf of Mexico operations. Following the completion of the Mariner Acquisition, an even larger percentage of our exploration and production operations will be related to offshore Gulf of Mexico properties. Greater offshore concentration proportionately increases risks from delays or higher costs common to offshore activity, including severe weather, availability of specialized equipment and compliance with environmental and other laws and regulations.

 

The Mariner and BP transactions will expose us to additional risks and uncertainties with respect to the acquired businesses and their operations.

 

Although the acquired Mariner and BP businesses will generally be subject to risks similar to those to which we are subject in our existing businesses, the Mariner and BP transactions may increase these risks. For example, the increase in the scale of our operations may increase our operational risks. Recent publicity associated with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico resulting from the fire and explosion onboard the Deepwater Horizon, which was under contract to BP, may cause regulatory agencies to scrutinize our

operations more closely, as the acquiror of certain of BP’s operations. This additional scrutiny may adversely affect our operations.

 

We may have difficulty combining the operations of both Mariner and the BP Properties, and the anticipated benefits of these transactions may not be achieved.

 

Achieving the anticipated benefits of the Mariner and BP transactions will depend in part upon whether we can successfully integrate the operations of Mariner and the BP Properties with ours. Our ability to integrate the operations of Mariner and the BP Properties successfully will depend on our ability to monitor operations, coordinate exploration and development activities, control costs, attract, retain and assimilate qualified personnel and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. The difficulties of integrating the operations of Mariner and the BP Properties may be increased by the necessity of combining organizations with distinct cultures and widely dispersed operations. The integration of operations following these transactions will require the dedication of management and other personnel, which may distract their attention from the day-to-day business of the combined enterprise and prevent us from realizing benefits from other opportunities. Completing the integration process may be more expensive than anticipated, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to effect the integration of these operations smoothly or efficiently or that the anticipated benefits of the transactions will be achieved.

 

Several significant matters in the BP Acquisition will not be resolved before closing.

 

Because of the relatively short time period between signing the BP Purchase Agreements and the expected closing of the BP Acquisition, several significant matters commonly resolved prior to closing such an acquisition have been reserved for after closing. For example, title review with respect to most of the BP Properties will not be completed until after closing. In addition, we will not have sufficient time before closing to conduct a full assessment of any environmental and legal liabilities with respect to the BP Properties. As a result, we may discover title defects or adverse environmental or other conditions after we have closed the BP Acquisition and after expiration of the time periods specified in the BP Purchase Agreements during which we may be able to seek, in certain cases, indemnification from or cure of the defect or adverse conditions by BP for such matters. In addition, not all environmental or other conditions that may be identified will be the subject of contractual remedies, and we cannot assure you that our contractual remedies will be adequate for any liabilities we incur.

 

The reserves, production, revenue and direct operating expense estimates with respect to the BP Properties may differ materially from the actual amounts.

 

The reserves and production estimates with respect to the BP Properties mentioned in this prospectus supplement are based on our analysis of historical production data, assumptions regarding capital expenditures and anticipated production declines. These estimates of reserves and production are based on estimates of our engineers without review by an independent petroleum engineering firm. Data used to make these estimates were furnished by BP or obtained from publicly available sources. We cannot assure you that these estimates of proved reserves and production are accurate. After such data is reviewed by an independent petroleum engineering firm, the BP Acquisition reserves and production may differ materially from the amounts indicated in this prospectus supplement.

 

In addition, the preliminary revenue and direct operating expense estimates with respect to the BP Properties were provided by BP, are unaudited, and have not been reviewed by our independent accountants. We cannot assure you that these preliminary estimates are accurate, and when we file separate financial statements and pro forma financial information following consummation of the BP Acquisition, such amounts may differ materially from the amounts indicated in this prospectus supplement.

 

The BP Acquisition and/or our liabilities could be adversely affected in the event one or more of the BP entities become the subject of a bankruptcy case.

 

In light of the extensive costs and liabilities related to the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, there has been public speculation as to whether one or more of the BP entities will become the subject of a case or proceeding under Title 11 of the United States Code or any other relevant insolvency law or similar law

(which we collectively refer to as “Insolvency Laws”). In the event that one or more of the BP entities were to become the subject of such a case or proceeding, a court may find that the BP Purchase Agreements are executory contracts, in which case such BP entities may, subject to relevant Insolvency Laws, have the right to reject the agreements and refuse to perform their future obligations under them. In this event, our ability to enforce our rights under the BP Purchase Agreements could be adversely affected. Furthermore, if any of the BP entities were to become the subject of such a case or proceeding, and we were unable to consummate the BP Acquisition, we may not be able to collect all or a portion of the full $5.0 billion we will deposit with BP pending completion of the acquisition.

 

Additionally, in a case or proceeding under relevant Insolvency Laws, a court may find that the sale of the BP Properties constitutes a constructive fraudulent conveyance that should be set aside. While the tests for determining whether a transfer of assets constitutes a constructive fraudulent conveyance vary among jurisdictions, such a determination generally requires that the seller received less than a reasonably equivalent value in exchange for such transfer or obligation and the seller was insolvent at the time of the transaction, or was rendered insolvent or left with unreasonably small capital to meet its anticipated business needs as a result of the transaction. The applicable time periods for such a finding also vary among jurisdictions, but generally range from two to six years. If a court were to make such a determination in a proceeding under relevant Insolvency Laws, our rights under the BP Purchase Agreements, and our rights to the BP Properties, could be adversely affected.

 

We will incur significant transaction and BP Acquisition-related costs in connection with the financing of the BP Acquisition, and may be unable to complete alternative financing before closing.

 

We expect to incur, until the closing of the BP Acquisition, significant non-recurring costs associated with the financing of the BP Acquisition, including obtaining and maintaining the committed Bridge Facility that assures our ability to pay the consideration for the BP Acquisition. In addition, we will be subject to numerous market risks in connection with our plan to raise alternative financing to fund the purchase price of the BP Acquisition prior to closing, including risks related to general economic conditions, changes in the costs of capital and of the demand for securities of the types we will seek to offer to raise the alternative financing, including the securities being offered hereunder. In the event less than all of the BP Acquisition purchase price, or applicable portions thereof, is available to us when due and payable, we will be required to draw under the Bridge Facility in order to complete the BP Acquisition, and the costs to do so may be significant.

 

The failure to complete the BP Acquisition could adversely affect the market price of our depositary shares and otherwise have an adverse effect on us.

 

There are a number of conditions to the completion of the BP Acquisition contained in the BP Purchase Agreements that must be satisfied for the transactions to close, and there can be no assurance that the conditions will be satisfied. If we do not complete the acquisition under one or more of the BP Purchase Agreements, the market price of our depositary shares will likely fall to the extent that the market price reflects an expectation that all of the transactions will be completed. Further, a failed transaction may result in negative publicity and/or negative impression of us in the investment community and may affect our relationships with creditors and other business partners.

 

If the BP Acquisition is not completed, we also must pay costs related to the BP Acquisition including, among others, legal, accounting and financial advisory, as well as certain fees and expenses with respect to the committed Bridge Facility whether the BP Acquisition is completed or not. We also could be subject to litigation related to the failure to complete the BP Acquisition or other factors, which may adversely affect our business, financial results and stock price. In addition, if the BP Acquisition is not completed, we intend to use the net proceeds of this offering, the concurrent offering of depositary shares and the subsequent debt financing we expect to undertake for general corporate purposes. However, we would be subject to significant earnings per share dilution and significantly increased leverage as a result.

Risks Related to the Depositary Shares and the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock

 

You are making an investment decision in the depositary shares as well as in our mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

As described in this prospectus supplement, you are investing in depositary shares that represent fractional interests in our mandatory convertible preferred stock. The depositary will rely solely on the dividend payments and other distributions on the mandatory convertible preferred stock it receives from us to fund all dividend payments and other distributions on the depositary shares.

 

A holder of depositary shares will bear the risk of any decline in the market value of our common stock.

 

The applicable market value of our common stock on the mandatory conversion date may be less than the market price of our common stock corresponding to the maximum conversion rate, which we call the initial price, in which case holders of our mandatory convertible preferred stock, and therefore holders of the depositary shares, will receive shares of our common stock on the mandatory conversion date with a market price per share that is less than the initial price. Accordingly, a holder of depositary shares assumes the entire risk that the market price of our common stock may decline. Any decline in the market price of shares of our common stock and related decline in value of the depositary shares may be substantial and, depending on the extent of the decline, you could lose all or substantially all of your investment in the depositary shares.

 

Holders of depositary shares may not realize any or all of the benefit of an increase in the market price of shares of our common stock.

 

The market value of our common stock that you will receive upon mandatory conversion of our mandatory convertible preferred stock (and the related conversion of the depositary shares) on the mandatory conversion date will exceed the liquidation amount of $1,000 per mandatory convertible preferred stock and $50 per depositary share only if the applicable market value of our common stock as defined under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Mandatory Conversion” in this prospectus supplement equals or exceeds the threshold appreciation price. The threshold appreciation price represents an appreciation of approximately     % over the initial price. This means that the opportunity for equity appreciation provided by an investment in depositary shares (or mandatory convertible preferred stock) is less than that provided by a direct investment in shares of our common stock.

 

If the applicable market value of our common stock exceeds the initial price but is less than the threshold appreciation price, a holder of depositary shares (or mandatory convertible preferred stock) will realize no equity appreciation on our common stock. Furthermore, if the applicable market value of our common stock exceeds the threshold appreciation price, the value of the common stock received by the holder of a depositary share (or mandatory convertible preferred stock) upon conversion will be approximately     % of the value of the common stock that could be purchased with $50 in the concurrent common stock offering.

 

In addition, the limitation imposed by the share cap on our ability to use shares of our common stock to pay dividends on our mandatory convertible preferred stock may also result in a reduction in the return that holders may achieve with respect to their investment in the depositary shares.

 

Recent developments in the equity-linked markets may adversely affect the market value of the depositary shares.

 

Governmental actions that interfere with the ability of equity-linked investors to effect short sales of the underlying shares of our common stock could significantly affect the market value of our mandatory convertible preferred stock. Such government actions could make the convertible arbitrage strategy that many equity-linked investors employ difficult to execute for outstanding convertible securities of any company whose shares of common stock are subject to such actions. At an open meeting on February 24, 2010 the SEC adopted a new short sale price test, which will take effect through amendment to Rule 201 of Regulation SHO. The new Rule 201 will restrict short selling only when a stock price has triggered a circuit breaker by falling at least 10 percent in one day, at which point short sale orders can be displayed or executed

only if the order price is above the current national best bid, subject to certain limited exceptions. If such new price test precludes, or is perceived to preclude, equity-linked investors from executing the convertible arbitrage strategy that they employ or other limitations are instituted by the SEC or any other regulatory agencies, the market value of the depositary shares could be adversely affected.

 

The trading price of our common stock will directly affect the trading price of the depositary shares.

 

The trading price of the depositary shares will be directly affected by, among other things, the trading price of our common stock. It is impossible to predict whether the price of our common stock will rise or fall. Our operating results, prospects and economic, financial, political and other factors will affect trading prices of our common stock and the depositary shares, as will future issuances of our common stock. See “— Risks Related to the Depositary Shares, the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock and our Common Stock — There may be future sales or other dilution of our equity, which may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.” In addition, market conditions can affect the capital markets generally, thereby affecting the price of our common stock. These conditions may include the level of, and fluctuations in, the trading prices of stocks generally and sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the market after this offering of depositary shares or the perception that such sales could occur. Fluctuations in interest rates may give rise to arbitrage opportunities based upon changes in the relative value of the depositary shares and the common stock underlying the mandatory convertible preferred stock. In addition, the issuance of the depositary shares may result in hedging activity by holders of depositary shares that view such depositary shares as a more attractive means of equity participation in us than a direct investment in our common stock. This arbitrage and hedging could, in turn, negatively affect the trading prices of the depositary shares and our common stock.

 

The conversion rate of the mandatory convertible preferred stock may not be adjusted for all dilutive events that may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

The number of shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of our mandatory convertible preferred stock is subject to adjustment under certain circumstances as described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Rate Adjustments” in this prospectus supplement. The number of shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of our mandatory convertible preferred stock is not subject to adjustment for other events, including the following:

 

 

The terms of the mandatory convertible preferred stock do not restrict our ability to offer shares of our common stock in the future or to engage in other transactions that could dilute our common stock. We have no obligation to consider the interests of the holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock or depositary shares in engaging in any such offering or transaction. If we issue additional shares of our common stock, that

issuance may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock and, because of the relationship of the number of shares of our common stock you are to receive on the mandatory conversion date to the price of our common stock, such other events may adversely affect the trading price of the depositary shares.

 

Except under limited circumstances, a holder of depositary shares will have no rights as a holder of common stock until it acquires our common stock and will need to act through the depositary to exercise voting rights with respect to our mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

Until you acquire shares of our common stock upon conversion, you will have no rights with respect to our common stock, including without limitation voting rights (except as required by law and our Restated Certificate of Incorporation or as described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Voting Rights”), rights to respond to tender offers and rights to receive any dividends or other distributions on our common stock. Holders of depositary shares must act through the depositary to exercise any voting rights in respect of our mandatory convertible preferred stock. Upon conversion, you will be entitled to exercise the rights as a holder of our common stock only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the close of business on the relevant conversion date. For example, in the event that an amendment is proposed to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation requiring stockholder approval, and the record date for determining the stockholders of record entitled to vote on the amendment occurs prior to the applicable conversion date, you will not be entitled to vote on the amendment unless it would amend, alter or affect the powers, preferences or rights of our mandatory convertible preferred stock in a manner that would adversely affect the rights of such holders, although you will nevertheless be subject to any changes in the powers, preferences or special rights of our common stock.

 

If we have not satisfied the authorized share condition on the mandatory conversion date, any shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock not converted will be entitled to receive and participate in all dividends or distributions paid or made in respect of our common stock and vote together with our common stockholders as one class on all matters submitted to a vote of our common stockholders, as described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Authorized Share Condition.”

 

The fundamental change conversion rate may not adequately compensate you upon the occurrence of a fundamental change.

 

If a fundamental change occurs, you will be permitted to convert your depositary shares early, and we will deliver shares of our common stock calculated at the fundamental change conversion rate on our mandatory convertible preferred stock, which the depositary will then distribute to converting holders of depositary shares. A description of how the fundamental change conversion rate will be determined is set forth under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Upon Fundamental Change” in this prospectus supplement. Although these features are designed to compensate you for the lost option value of our mandatory convertible preferred stock underlying your depositary shares, they are only an approximation of this lost option value and may not adequately compensate you. Furthermore, the term fundamental change applies only to specific types of transactions, and if we engage in other transactions you may not receive any adjustment to the conversion rate even though the value of our mandatory convertible preferred stock (and therefore the value of the depositary shares) may be affected.

 

Our mandatory convertible preferred stock will rank junior to all of our and our subsidiaries’ liabilities in the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or winding-up of our assets.

 

In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or winding-up, our assets will be available to pay the liquidation preference of our mandatory convertible preferred stock only after all of our liabilities have been paid. In addition, our mandatory convertible preferred stock will effectively rank junior to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries and the capital stock of our subsidiaries held by third parties. The rights of holders of our mandatory convertible preferred stock to participate in the assets of our subsidiaries upon any liquidation or reorganization of any subsidiary will rank junior to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors and minority equity holders. In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or winding-up, there may not be sufficient assets remaining, after paying our and

our subsidiaries’ liabilities, to pay amounts due on any or all of our mandatory convertible preferred stock then outstanding.

 

The holders of our common stock may not approve an increase to our authorized and unissued shares of common stock, in which case you may not be able to convert the mandatory convertible preferred stock into common stock.

 

As of the date of this prospectus supplement, and after giving effect to the concurrent common stock offering and the Mariner Acquisition, we have           authorized, unissued and unreserved shares of our common stock, but we have only reserved           of those shares for conversions of the mandatory convertible preferred stock. To provide for the authorization of a sufficient number of shares of common stock into which the mandatory convertible preferred stock may be converted in full, we have agreed in the underwriting agreement relating to this offering and the certificate of designations relating to the mandatory convertible preferred stock to use commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy the authorized share condition (as defined under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Authorized Share Condition”) on or prior to our next annual meeting of stockholders, and if the authorized share condition is not satisfied by such annual meeting, use our best effort thereafter to satisfy the authorized share condition as promptly as practicable.

 

If the authorized share condition is not satisfied on the mandatory conversion date, any mandatory convertible preferred stock not converted on such date will remain outstanding. However, effective as of the mandatory conversion date, the conversion rate will be the final conversion rate as described under “— Mandatory Conversion” below. In addition, from and after the mandatory conversion date, the outstanding mandatory convertible preferred stock will (i) accrue and cumulate dividends at the rate of     % plus 6% per annum on the liquidation amount of $1,000 per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock payable quarterly, to the extent we have legally available funds to pay dividends and our board of directors declares a dividend payable, on each dividend payment date in the same manner described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Dividends;” (ii) receive and participate in all dividends or distributions paid or made in respect of our common stock based upon the final conversion rate per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock; and (iii) be entitled to vote a number of votes equal to the final conversion rate per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock for the vote or consent on all matters submitted to a vote of our common stockholders and will vote together with our common stockholders as one class on such matters (except for the approval required to satisfy the authorized share condition).

 

However, the market value of any such shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock may be significantly less than the number of shares of common stock into which they would have otherwise been converted. In addition, there may not be an active trading market for those shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock, which may further adversely affect their value. The increased dividend yield on any such shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock may not adequately compensate you for these adverse effects.

 

Because we do not currently have enough shares of common stock authorized and unissued into which to convert the mandatory convertible preferred stock, we may be required to issue shares of a new series of preferred stock upon a fundamental change, instead of common stock.

 

As described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Authorized Share Condition,” as of the date of this prospectus supplement, we do not have a sufficient number of shares of our common stock authorized and unissued to convert all of the mandatory convertible preferred stock issued in this offering into shares of common stock after completion of the concurrent offering of our common stock.

 

If we have not converted all shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock tendered for conversion during the fundamental change conversion period (as defined under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Upon Fundamental Change”) because the authorized share condition has not been satisfied, holders who exercise their fundamental change conversion right will receive, in exchange for any shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock not converted, shares of a new series of our preferred

stock, which we refer to as “fundamental change preferred stock.” See “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Upon Fundamental Change.”

 

While each share of fundamental change preferred stock will correspond to a number of shares of our common stock equal to the fundamental change conversion rate, the actual market value of a share of fundamental change preferred stock may be substantially less than the market value of the corresponding number of shares of our common stock. In addition, if there is a decrease in the market value of our common stock, the market value of our fundamental change preferred stock will also likely decrease. There currently is not and may never be a trading market for the fundamental change preferred stock that we may be required to issue upon exercise of the fundamental change early conversion right. A market is not expected to be made in the fundamental change preferred stock after it is issued, if at all, and no one is obligated to undertake market-making activity in the fundamental change preferred stock; any market that may develop could be discontinued at any time without notice. In addition, any market-making activity will be subject to the limits imposed by applicable securities laws. As a result, a market for the fundamental change preferred stock may not develop or, if one does develop, it may not be maintained and if maintained, it may not be sufficient to provide adequate liquidity for the fundamental change preferred stock. If any active market for the fundamental change preferred stock fails to develop, be sustained or to have a sufficient float to provide adequate liquidity to the holders, the value of the fundamental change preferred stock could be significantly less than the market value of the corresponding number of shares of common stock. If shares of the fundamental change preferred stock are separately traded to a sufficient extent that applicable exchange listing requirements are met, we may endeavor, but are not obligated, to list the fundamental change preferred stock on the same exchange as the mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

You may have to pay taxes with respect to constructive distributions that you do not receive.

 

The conversion rate of our mandatory convertible preferred stock will be adjusted in certain circumstances. See “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Rate Adjustments” in this prospectus supplement. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, adjustments to a fixed conversion rate, or failures to make certain adjustments, that have the effect of increasing your proportionate interest in our assets or earnings and profits may result in a deemed distribution to you. For example, an increase in the conversion ratio to reflect a taxable dividend to holders of common stock in excess of the dividend threshold amount will generally give rise to a taxable constructive dividend to the holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock to the extent made out of current and accumulated earnings and profits. Such deemed distribution will be taxable to you, even though you do not actually receive a distribution. If you are a non-U.S. holder (as defined in “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Consequences” in this prospectus supplement), such deemed distribution will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a 30% or reduced treaty rate, collected by withholding. We, or an applicable withholding agent, will withhold the U.S. federal tax on such dividend from any cash, shares of common stock, or sales proceeds otherwise payable to you. See “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Consequences” in this prospectus supplement.

 

Non-U.S. holders may be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain on disposition of their mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

If we are or have been a “United States real property holding corporation” at any time within the shorter of (i) the five-year period preceding a disposition of our mandatory convertible preferred stock by a non-U.S. holder (as defined in “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Consequences” in this prospectus supplement) or (ii) such holder’s holding period for such mandatory convertible preferred stock, the non-U.S. holder may be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain on such disposition if it held more than 5% of our mandatory convertible preferred stock during the shorter of periods (i) and (ii), above, or under certain other circumstances. We believe we are, or may become, a United States real property holding corporation. See “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Consequences” in this prospectus supplement.

The secondary market for the depositary shares may be illiquid.

 

We will apply to list the depositary shares on the NYSE, and we expect trading on the NYSE to begin within five days of the initial issuance of the depositary shares. Upon listing, we have agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to keep the depositary shares listed on the NYSE. However, listing the depositary shares on the NYSE does not guarantee that a trading market will develop or, if a trading market does develop, the depth or liquidity of that market or the ability of holders to sell their depositary shares easily. In addition, the liquidity of the trading market in the depositary shares, and the market price quoted therefor, may be adversely affected by changes in the overall market for this type of security and by changes in our financial performance or prospects or in the prospects for companies in our industry generally. As a result, we cannot assure you that an active trading market will develop for the depositary shares. If an active trading market does not develop or is not maintained, the market price and liquidity of the depositary shares may be adversely affected. In that case, you may not be able to sell the depositary shares that you hold at a particular time or at a favorable price. In addition, as shares of our mandatory convertible preferred stock (and therefore the depositary shares) are converted, the liquidity of the depositary shares that remain outstanding may decrease.

 

Risks Related to the Depositary Shares, the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock and Our Common Stock

 

The trading price of the depositary shares and our common stock may be subject to significant fluctuations and volatility.

 

The market price of the depositary shares and our common stock could be subject to significant fluctuations due to a change in sentiment in the market regarding our operations or business prospects. Such risks may be affected by the factors described above under the headings “— Risks Related to Our Business” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” as well as in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement to which we have referred you.

 

Stock markets in general and our common stock in particular have experienced over the past two years, and continue to experience, significant price and volume volatility. As a result, the market price of the depositary shares and our common stock may continue to be subject to similar market fluctuations that may be unrelated to our operating performance or business prospects. Increased volatility could result in a decline in the market price of the depositary shares and our common stock.

 

Our ability to declare and pay dividends is subject to limitations.

 

The payment of future dividends on our capital stock is subject to the discretion of our board of directors, which considers, among other factors, our operating results, overall financial condition, credit-risk considerations and capital requirements, as well as general business and market conditions. Our board of directors is not required to declare dividends on our mandatory convertible preferred stock and may decide not to declare dividends. While any unpaid dividends will continue to accrue and accumulate on our mandatory convertible preferred stock, you will not receive any interest on such accumulated dividends.

 

The instrument governing our revolving credit facility limits, the Bridge Facility will limit, and any indentures and other financing agreements that we enter into in the future may limit, our ability to pay cash dividends on our capital stock, including the mandatory convertible preferred stock. In the event that any of our indentures or other financing agreements in the future restrict our ability to pay dividends in cash on the mandatory convertible preferred stock, we may be unable to pay dividends in cash on the mandatory convertible preferred stock unless we can refinance amounts outstanding under those agreements.

 

In addition, under Delaware law, dividends on capital stock may only be paid from “surplus,” which is defined as the amount by which our total assets exceeds the sum of our total liabilities, including contingent liabilities, and the amount of our capital; if there is no surplus, cash dividends on capital stock may only be paid from our net profits for the then current and/or the preceding fiscal year. Further, even if we are permitted under our contractual obligations and Delaware law to pay cash dividends on the mandatory

convertible preferred stock, we may not have sufficient cash to pay dividends in cash on the mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

Holders of our mandatory convertible preferred stock and our common stock are only entitled to receive such dividends as our board of directors may declare out of funds lawfully available for such payments, and if dividends are not declared on the mandatory convertible preferred stock, you will not receive any dividend payments on the depositary shares. Under the terms of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, our ability to declare and pay dividends on or repurchase our common stock will be subject to restrictions in the event we fail to declare and pay (or set aside for payment) full dividends on the mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

Offerings of debt, which would be senior to our mandatory convertible preferred stock and our common stock upon liquidation, and/or preferred equity securities, which may be senior to our mandatory convertible preferred stock and would be senior to our common stock for purposes of dividend distributions or upon liquidation, may adversely affect the market price of the depositary shares and our common stock.

 

The terms of the mandatory convertible preferred stock do not prevent us or our subsidiaries from issuing debt or equity securities or incurring indebtedness, except that we may not issue senior preferred stock without the consent of at least 662/3% in voting power of the outstanding shares of the mandatory convertible preferred stock. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive distributions of our available assets prior to the holders of our mandatory convertible preferred stock (and therefore holders of depositary shares) and holders of our common stock.

 

Our board of directors is authorized to issue one or more classes or series of preferred stock from time to time without any action on the part of the stockholders. Our board of directors also has the power, without stockholder approval, to set the terms of any such classes or series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting rights, dividend rights, and preferences over our common stock with respect to dividends or upon our dissolution, winding-up and liquidation and other terms. If we issue preferred stock in the future that has a preference over our common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon our liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of the mandatory convertible preferred stock and our common stock, the rights of holders of the depositary shares and our common stock or the market price of the depositary shares and our common stock could be adversely affected.

 

In addition, offerings of our common stock or of securities linked to our common stock may dilute the holdings of our existing common stockholders or reduce the market prices of the depositary shares and our common stock, or both. Holders of our mandatory convertible preferred stock and our common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights, and no adjustments to the fixed conversion rates or other terms of our mandatory convertible preferred stock would be required if such common stock or equity-linked securities were offered for cash.

 

There may be future sales or other dilution of our equity, which may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

In connection with this offering and the concurrent offering of common stock, we are restricted from issuing additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock, subject to specified exceptions, for a period of 90 days from the date of this prospectus supplement. Additionally, our directors and executive officers have agreed not to sell or otherwise dispose of any of their shares, subject to specified exceptions, for a period of 90 days from the date of this prospectus supplement. Exceptions to these lock-up agreements are described below under “Underwriting.”

 

Otherwise, we are not restricted from issuing additional shares of common stock, including the common shares issuable upon conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock. The issuance of any additional shares of common or of preferred stock or convertible securities or the exercise of such securities could be substantially dilutive to holders of our common stock. For additional information on shares of our common stock reserved for awards under our stock compensation plans, see “Description of Apache Corporation

Capital Stock — Common Stock.” Holders of our shares of common stock are not entitled to any preemptive rights by virtue of their status as stockholders and that status does not entitle them to purchase their pro rata share of any offering of shares of any class or series and, therefore, such sales or offerings could result in increased dilution to our stockholders.

 

The price of our common stock and the depositary shares may be adversely affected by future sales of our common stock or securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or of securities that represent the right to receive, our common stock or other dilution of our equity, or by our announcement that such sales or other dilution may occur.

 

Contractual and statutory provisions may delay or make more difficult acquisitions or changes of control of us.

 

Provisions of Delaware law and our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, and contracts to which we are a party could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us or have the effect of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire control of us. See “Description of Apache Corporation Capital Stock — Anti-Takeover Effect of Provisions of Apache Corporation’s Charter and Bylaws and Delaware Law” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $ (or approximately $      if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional depositary shares is exercised in full) after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses of the offering payable by us.

 

In addition, we expect to receive net proceeds from our concurrent offering of common stock of approximately $      (or approximately $      if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full) after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses of such offering payable by us. This offering of depositary shares is not contingent upon the offering of common stock, and the offering of common stock is not contingent upon this offering.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering and the offering of common stock to finance a portion of the $5.0 billion deposit payable toward the purchase price in connection with the BP Acquisition. The balance of the purchase price is expected to be funded with cash on hand, our existing revolving credit and commercial paper facilities and short-term debt that we expect to issue in the near-term. Neither this offering nor the offering of common stock is conditioned on the closing of the BP Acquisition, and there can be no assurance that we will complete the BP Acquisition. If the BP Acquisition is not completed, we intend to use the proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, funding our 2010 capital expenditures program.

 

The following table sets forth, for each of the periods indicated, our ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends. For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends, “earnings” consist of income before federal income taxes plus fixed charges. “Fixed charges” consist of interest expense, capitalized interest, amortization expenses related to debt and an imputed interest component for rental expense.

 

 

The following table sets forth our unaudited consolidated cash and cash equivalents and consolidated capitalization as of June 30, 2010:

 

 

You should read this table in conjunction with the section of this prospectus supplement entitled “Use of Proceeds” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

 

 

 

The Bridge Facility discussed under “Summary — Bridge Financing Facility” will be used as a backstop in the event that the proceeds from this offering, the concurrent offering of common stock and expected subsequent debt financing, are not available in sufficient amounts at or prior to the closing of the BP Acquisition. We do not currently intend to draw under the Bridge Facility but instead plan to finance the BP Acquisition through proceeds of this offering, the concurrent offering of common stock and the expected subsequent debt financing.

 

The table set forth above does not give effect to the consummation of the Mariner Acquisition, which is expected to decrease our cash and cash equivalents, increase our commercial paper indebtedness and increase our common stock by approximately 17.5 million shares as a result of financing the purchase consideration in connection therewith, and further increase our indebtedness as a result of assuming the indebtedness of Mariner.

 

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the Chicago Stock Exchange under the symbol “APA.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale prices per share, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, and the amount of cash dividends per share declared and paid in respect of the periods indicated.

 

 

 

 

The last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on July 19, 2010 was $85.59 per share.

 

We have paid cash dividends on our common stock for 45 consecutive years through December 31, 2009. When, and if, declared by our Board of Directors, future dividend payments will depend upon our level of earnings, financial requirements and other relevant factors.

 

The following is a summary of some of the terms of the mandatory convertible preferred stock. This summary contains a description of the material terms of the mandatory convertible preferred stock but is not necessarily complete. The following summary of the terms and provisions of the mandatory convertible preferred stock is qualified in its entirety by reference to the pertinent sections of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, including the certificate of designations creating the mandatory convertible preferred stock. We refer you to the documents referred to in the following description, copies of which are available upon request as described under “Documents Incorporated by Reference” in this prospectus supplement.

 

The depositary will initially be the sole holder of our mandatory convertible preferred stock. However, the holders of depositary shares will be entitled, through the depositary, to exercise the rights and preferences of the holders of our mandatory convertible preferred stock, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement and as described under “Description of Depositary Shares” below. Each depositary share represents a 1/20th interest in a share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

General

 

Under our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our board of directors is authorized, without further shareholder action, to fix by resolution or resolutions the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock with no par value, in one or more series. Prior to this offering, we had 25,000 shares of preferred stock designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock and 4,975,000 shares of authorized preferred stock that were undesignated as to series.

 

When issued, the mandatory convertible preferred stock, and our common stock issuable upon the conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, will be fully paid and nonassessable. When issued, the holders of the mandatory convertible preferred stock will have no preemptive or preferential right to purchase or subscribe to stock, obligations, warrants or other of our securities of any class. The transfer agent, registrar, conversion and dividend disbursing agent for shares of both the mandatory convertible preferred stock and the transfer agent and registrar for shares of the common stock is Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

 

Ranking

 

The mandatory convertible preferred stock, with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, ranks:

 

 

Authorized Share Condition

 

As of the date of this prospectus, and after giving effect to the concurrent common stock offering and consummation of the Mariner Acquisition, we have           authorized, unissued and unreserved shares of our common stock, but we have only reserved           of those shares for conversions of the mandatory convertible preferred stock. To provide for the authorization of a sufficient number of shares of common stock into which the mandatory convertible preferred stock may be converted in full, we have agreed in the underwriting agreement relating to this offering and the certificate of designations relating to the mandatory convertible preferred stock to use commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy the authorized share condition (as defined below) on or prior to our next annual meeting of stockholders, and if the authorized share condition is not satisfied by such annual meeting, use our best effort thereafter to satisfy the authorized share condition as promptly as practicable.

 

If the authorized share condition is not satisfied by August 1, 2011, then from such date to, but excluding, the date on which the authorized share condition is satisfied, the dividend rate at which the mandatory convertible preferred stock accrues and accumulates will increase by 2% to          % per annum on the liquidation amount of $1,000 per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock. In addition, until the authorized share condition is satisfied, the dividend rate will increase by an additional 1% on each six month anniversary of the 365th day after the issuance of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, to a maximum rate equal to     % plus 6% per annum. Upon satisfaction of the authorized share condition, the dividend rate will reset to the original rate of     % per annum.

 

If the authorized share condition (as defined below) is not satisfied on the mandatory conversion date (as defined under “— Mandatory Conversion” below), and the number of designated shares (as defined below) at such time is greater than zero, we will convert, as described under “— Mandatory Conversion” below, the maximum number of shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock, on a pro rata basis, that will convert into (based on the conversion rate described under “— Mandatory Conversion” below) a number of shares of our common stock not exceeding such number of designated shares. If the authorized share condition is not satisfied and there are no designated shares on the mandatory conversion date, all outstanding shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock will remain outstanding as described below.

 

Any mandatory convertible preferred stock not converted on the mandatory conversion date as a result of the foregoing limitation will remain outstanding. However, effective as of the mandatory conversion date, the conversion rate for all such shares will be fixed as the conversion rate per share (the “final conversion rate”) that such outstanding mandatory convertible preferred stock would have otherwise been converted into as described under “— Mandatory Conversion” below. In addition, from and after the mandatory conversion date, the outstanding mandatory convertible preferred stock will:

 

 

Any dividend described in the second bullet point above will be payable or deliverable on the date fixed for the related payment or delivery of the dividend or distribution on the shares of common stock to holders of record of the outstanding mandatory convertible preferred stock on the record date fixed for the related

dividend or distribution to holders of the shares of common stock. Each depositary share will represent a proportional fractional interest in the foregoing additional rights.

 

“Authorized share condition” means that we have reserved for issuance, upon conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, a sufficient number of designated shares (as defined below) greater than or equal to the product of the share cap (as defined under “— Method of Payment of Dividends”) and the number of shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock outstanding to allow for the conversion in full of all outstanding shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock; provided that on or after the mandatory conversion date, the “authorized share condition” will be deemed to be satisfied if we have a sufficient number of designated shares to convert all outstanding shares of the mandatory convertible preferred stock and fundamental change preferred stock, as applicable.

 

“Designated shares” mean, at any time, the aggregate number of authorized and unissued shares of common stock designated by us for, and reserved for issuance upon, conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, which number, as of the date of this prospectus supplement, will initially be           and will be:

 

 

We will issue a press release and notify holders promptly each time the number of designated shares is increased until the authorized share condition is satisfied. We have also agreed that once the authorized share condition is met, we will use our best efforts to ensure that the authorized share condition continues to be met and will not take any action that would result in the authorized share condition not being met.

 

Upon satisfaction of the authorized share condition following the mandatory conversion date, the mandatory convertible preferred stock will automatically convert into shares of common stock based on the final conversion rate. In addition, as described under “— Mandatory Conversion” below, upon any increase of the designated shares announced by us following the mandatory conversion date, we will automatically convert a prorated portion (as defined under “— Mandatory Conversion” below) of the outstanding shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock held by each holder (rounded down to the nearest whole share of mandatory convertible preferred stock) into shares of our common stock at the final conversion rate.

 

Each depositary share will also automatically convert into a number of shares equal to the proportionate fractional interest in such shares of common stock.

 

Dividends

 

Holders of shares of our mandatory convertible preferred stock will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of funds lawfully available for payment, cumulative dividends at the rate per annum of     % per share on the initial liquidation preference of $1,000 per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock (equivalent to $      per annum per share), payable in cash or, in the case of dividends payable on August 1, 2013, payable in cash, shares of our common stock or a combination thereof, at our election and subject to the share cap, as described under “— Method of Payment of Dividends” below. The dividend rate may be increased as described under “— Authorized Share Condition” above.

 

Dividends on the mandatory convertible preferred stock will be payable quarterly on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on November 1, 2010 (each, a “dividend payment date”), at such annual rate, and shall accumulate from the most recent date as to which dividends shall have been paid or, if no dividends have been paid, from the issue date of the mandatory convertible preferred stock,

whether or not in any dividend period or periods there have been funds lawfully available for the payment of such dividends. If any dividend payment date is not a business day, the dividend payable on such date shall be paid on the next business day without any adjustment, interest or other penalty in respect of such delay. For purposes hereof, a “dividend period” shall refer to a period commencing on, and including, a dividend payment date (or if no dividend payment date has occurred, commencing on, and including, the issue date), and ending on, and including, the day immediately preceding the next succeeding dividend payment date. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear on our stock register on the 15th calendar day of the month immediately preceding the month in which such dividend payment date falls or such other record date fixed by our board of directors or any duly authorized committee thereof that is not more than 60 nor less than 10 days prior to such dividend payment date but only to the extent a dividend has been declared to be payable on such dividend payment date (each, a “regular record date”), except that dividends payable on the mandatory conversion date, as defined below, will be payable to the holders presenting the mandatory convertible preferred stock for conversion. Accumulations of dividends on shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock do not bear interest. Dividends payable on the mandatory convertible preferred stock for any period other than a full dividend period (based upon the number of days elapsed during the period) will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. The initial dividend on the mandatory convertible preferred stock for the first dividend period, assuming the issue date is          , 2010, is expected to be $      per share (based on the annual dividend rate of     % and an initial liquidation preference of $1,000 per share) and will be payable, if declared, on November 1, 2010. Each subsequent quarterly dividend on the mandatory convertible preferred stock, when and if declared, will be $      per share (based on the annual dividend rate of     % and the initial liquidation preference of $1,000 per share).

 

No dividend will be declared or paid upon, or any sum set apart for the payment of dividends upon, any outstanding share of the mandatory convertible preferred stock with respect to any dividend period unless all dividends for all preceding dividend periods have been declared and paid or declared and a sufficient sum has been set apart for the payment of such dividends, upon all outstanding shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

No dividend will be paid unless and until our board of directors, or an authorized committee of our board of directors, declares a dividend payable with respect to our mandatory convertible preferred stock. Our ability to declare and pay dividends and make other distributions with respect to our capital stock, including the mandatory convertible preferred stock, may be limited by the terms of any indentures, loan agreements or other financing arrangements that we enter into in the future. In addition, our ability to declare and pay dividends may be limited by applicable Delaware law. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to the Depositary Shares, the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock and Our Common Stock — Our ability to declare and pay dividends is subject to limitations.”

 

Method of Payment of Dividends

 

All dividends paid prior to the conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock will be in cash. All dividends (or any portion of any dividend), including accrued and unpaid dividends, payable upon conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock pursuant to the provisions described under “— Mandatory Conversion,” “— Conversion at the Option of the Holder,” and “— Conversion Upon Fundamental Change” may, in our sole discretion, be paid:

 

 

provided that in the case of conversion upon a fundamental change that is a reorganization event (as defined below), dividends otherwise payable in shares of our common stock may be paid by delivery of units of exchange property, as described under “— Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of Our Common Stock”; and provided further that if our board of directors may not lawfully authorize payment of all or any

portion of such accrued and unpaid dividends in cash, it shall authorize payment of such dividends in shares of our common stock or units of exchange property, as the case may be, if lawfully permitted to do so.

 

So long as any mandatory convertible preferred stock remains outstanding on and after the mandatory conversion date, then, with respect to such outstanding mandatory convertible preferred stock, (i) the quarterly dividend otherwise payable on the mandatory conversion date will be payable in cash only and (ii) the quarterly dividends (at the increased dividend rate as described above under “— Authorized Share Condition”) following such date will only be payable in cash. In addition to the common stock issuable upon automatic conversion of such mandatory convertible preferred stock, we will pay cash in an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends on the mandatory convertible preferred stock, whether or not declared prior to that date, for the then-current dividend period (or portion thereof) ending on such automatic conversion date and all prior dividend periods (other than previously declared dividends on such mandatory convertible preferred stock that were paid to holders of record as of a prior date).

 

If we pay any dividend or portion thereof in shares of our common stock, such shares shall be valued for such purpose at 97% of the average VWAP per share of our common stock for the 10 trading days of the dividend reference period. If we pay any dividend or portion thereof in units of exchange property, the value of such units will be determined as described under “— Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of Our Common Stock.” The “dividend reference period” shall be:

 

 

If we pay any dividend or portion thereof in shares of our common stock or units of exchange property:

 

 

If you are a non-U.S. holder (as defined in “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Considerations”), dividends generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a 30% or reduced treaty rate, as described more fully under “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Consequences — Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders — Distributions Generally.” We, or an applicable withholding agent, will withhold such U.S. federal income tax from amounts otherwise payable to you.

 

If we do not provide notice of our election to pay any dividend, or a portion thereof, upon the conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock pursuant to the provisions described under “— Mandatory Conversion,” “— Conversion at the Option of the Holder,” or “— Conversion Upon Fundamental Change” through delivery of shares of our common stock or units of exchange property, as the case may be, as described above, we will pay such dividend entirely in cash.

 

For purposes of this “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock” section, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

 

“Volume weighted average price” or “VWAP” per share of our common stock on any trading day means such price as displayed under the heading “Bloomberg VWAP” on Bloomberg (or any successor service) page APA <Equity> AQR (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) in respect of the period from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on such trading day; or, if such price is not available, the volume weighted average price means the market value per share of our common stock on such trading day as determined, using a volume-weighted average method, by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm retained by us for this purpose. The “average VWAP” means, for any period, the average of the volume weighted average price for each trading day in such period.

 

A “trading day” is any day on which (i) there is no market disruption event (as defined below) and (ii) the NYSE is open for trading, or, if our common stock (or any other security into which the mandatory convertible preferred stock becomes convertible in connection with any reorganization event) is not listed on the NYSE, any day on which the principal national securities exchange on which our common stock (or such other security) is listed is open for trading, or, if the common stock (or such other security) is not listed on a national securities exchange, any business day. A “trading day” only includes those days that have a scheduled open time of 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) and a scheduled closing time of 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) or the then standard closing time for regular trading on the relevant exchange or trading system.

 

A “market disruption event” means any of the following events that has occurred:

 

 

For the purposes of determining a “market disruption event,” if our common stock (or any other security into which the mandatory convertible preferred stock becomes convertible in connection with any reorganization event) is not listed on the NYSE, the term “NYSE” in the definition of “market disruption event” shall be deemed to be replaced by the principal national securities exchange on which our common stock (or such other security) is listed for trading.

 

A “scheduled trading day” means a day that is scheduled to be a trading day, except that if our common stock is not listed on a national securities exchange, “scheduled trading day” means a business day.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the number of shares of our common stock delivered upon conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, including any shares delivered in connection with any dividend payment as described above, exceed an amount per share equal to the product of (i) two and (ii) the maximum conversion rate, subject to adjustment in the same manner as each fixed conversion rate as set forth under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments.” We refer to this limitation as the “share cap.” To the extent that we deliver the maximum number of whole shares of common stock equal to the share cap on the mandatory convertible preferred stock in accordance with the provisions set forth above, we will be deemed to have paid in full all accrued and unpaid dividends on such mandatory convertible preferred stock. However, in our sole discretion, we may elect to pay any amount above the share cap that would otherwise be payable in cash to the extent we have lawfully available funds to do so.

 

So long as any share of mandatory convertible preferred stock remains outstanding (including after the mandatory conversion date), no dividend or distribution shall be declared or paid on our common stock or any other shares of junior stock (other than dividends payable solely in shares of our common stock) or parity stock, except as provided below in the case of parity stock, and no common stock, junior stock or parity stock shall be, directly or indirectly, purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us or any of our subsidiaries (collectively, a “restricted payment”) unless all accrued and unpaid dividends for all past quarterly dividend periods, including the latest completed dividend period, on all outstanding shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock have been or are contemporaneously declared and paid in full (or have been declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside for the benefit of the holders of shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock on the applicable record date).

 

In addition, if any shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock or fundamental change preferred stock are outstanding on and after the mandatory conversion date, no restricted payment shall be made even if we have made timely payment of dividends on all outstanding mandatory convertible preferred stock or fundamental change preferred stock, as applicable.

 

The limitations on distributions described in the immediately preceding paragraph will not apply to:

 

 

When dividends are not paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for payment thereof set aside for the benefit of the holders thereof on the applicable record date) on any dividend payment date (or, in the case of parity stock having dividend payment dates different from such dividend payment dates, on a dividend payment date falling within a dividend period related to such dividend payment date) in full upon the mandatory convertible preferred stock and any shares of parity stock, all dividends declared on the mandatory convertible preferred stock and all such parity stock and payable on such dividend payment date (or, in the

case of parity stock having dividend payment dates different from such dividend payment dates, on a dividend payment date falling within a dividend period related to such dividend payment date) shall be declared and paid pro rata so that the respective amounts of such dividends declared shall bear the same ratio to each other as all accrued and unpaid dividends per share on the shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock and all parity stock payable on such dividend payment date (or, in the case of parity stock having dividend payment dates different from such dividend payment dates, on a dividend payment date falling within a dividend period related to such dividend payment date) (subject to their having been declared by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board of directors out of lawfully available funds and including, in the case of parity stock that bears cumulative dividends, all accrued but unpaid dividends) bear to each other. If our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board of directors determines not to pay any dividend or a full dividend on a dividend payment date, we will provide written notice to the holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock prior to such dividend payment date.

 

Subject to the foregoing, and not otherwise, such dividends (payable in cash, securities or other property) as may be determined by our board of directors or any duly authorized committee of our board of directors may be declared and paid on any securities, including common stock and other junior stock, from time to time out of any funds lawfully available for such payment, and holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock shall not be entitled to participate in any such dividends.

 

Redemption

 

The mandatory convertible preferred stock will not be redeemable.

 

Liquidation Preference

 

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, whether voluntary or involuntary, each holder of mandatory convertible preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets available for distribution to our shareholders, subject to rights of our creditors, before any payment or distribution is made to holders of junior stock (including our common stock), payment in full of the amount of $1,000 per share of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, on the shares to the date fixed for liquidation, dissolution or winding-up. If in any such distribution our assets or proceeds thereof are not sufficient to pay in full the amounts payable with respect to all outstanding shares of the mandatory convertible preferred stock and any other stock ranking equally with the mandatory convertible preferred stock as to such distribution, the holders of our mandatory convertible preferred stock and such other stock will share ratably in any such distribution in proportion to the full accrued and unpaid respective distributions to which they are entitled. After payment of the full amount of the liquidation preference, including an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends, to which they are entitled, the holders of the mandatory convertible preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. Neither the sale, lease or exchange (for cash, securities or other property) of all or substantially all our assets, nor our merger or consolidation with any other corporation or other entity, will be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company.

 

The certificate of designations for our mandatory convertible preferred stock will not contain any provision requiring funds to be set aside to protect the liquidation preference of the mandatory convertible preferred stock even though it is substantially in excess of the par value thereof.

 

Voting Rights

 

The holders of our mandatory convertible preferred stock will have no voting rights except as set forth below or as otherwise required by law or our Restated Certificate of Incorporation from time to time. In matters where holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock are entitled to vote, each share of mandatory convertible preferred stock shall be entitled to one vote.

 

In addition, following the mandatory conversion date the outstanding mandatory convertible preferred stock will have the voting rights described under “— Authorized Share Condition” above if we have not satisfied the authorized share condition on such date.

Preferred Directors

 

Whenever, at any time or times, dividends payable on the shares of our mandatory convertible preferred stock have not been paid for an aggregate of six quarterly dividend periods or more, whether or not consecutive (a “nonpayment”), the authorized number of directors on our board of directors will automatically be increased by two and the holders of our mandatory convertible preferred stock will have the right, with holders of shares of any one or more other classes or series of outstanding parity stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable at the time, voting together as a class (and with voting rights allocated pro rata based on the liquidation amount of each such class or series), to elect two directors (collectively, the “preferred directors” and each, a “preferred director”) to fill such newly created directorships at our next annual meeting of stockholders (or at a special meeting called for that purpose prior to such next annual meeting by the chairman of the board or chief executive officer or holders of record of at least 10% of (i) our outstanding mandatory convertible preferred stock or (ii) any such class or series our capital stock entitled to vote for such preferred directors) and at each subsequent annual meeting of our stockholders until all accrued and unpaid dividends have been paid on our mandatory convertible preferred stock, at which time such right will terminate, except as otherwise provided in this prospectus supplement or expressly provided by law, subject to revesting in the event of each and every nonpayment; provided that it will be a qualification for election for any preferred director that the election of such preferred director will not cause us to violate any corporate governance requirements of any securities exchange or other trading facility on which our securities may then be listed or traded that listed or traded companies must have a majority of independent directors.

 

Upon any termination of the right set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph, the preferred directors will cease to be qualified as directors, the term of office of all preferred directors then in office will terminate immediately, and the authorized number of directors will be reduced by the number of preferred directors elected as described above. Any preferred director may be removed at any time, without cause, and any vacancy created thereby may be filled, only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of our mandatory convertible preferred stock at the time outstanding voting separately as a class together with the holders of shares of parity stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable at the time (and with voting rights allocated pro rata based on the liquidation preference of each such class or series), to the extent the voting rights of such holders described above are then exercisable. If the office of any preferred director becomes vacant for any reason other than removal from office as aforesaid, the remaining preferred director may choose a successor who will hold office for the unexpired term in respect of which such vacancy occurred.

 

When a Supermajority Vote is Required

 

In addition to any other vote or consent of stockholders required by law or our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 662/3% in voting power of the outstanding shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock and all other parity stock having similar voting rights that are exercisable, voting as a single class, given in person or by proxy, either in writing without a meeting or by vote at any meeting called for such purpose, or by written consent in lieu of such meeting, will be required to:

 

(i) reclassify any of our authorized shares into any shares of any class, or any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing a right to purchase such shares, ranking senior to the mandatory convertible preferred stock as to payment of dividends or distribution of assets upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding-up;

 

(ii) issue, authorize or increase the authorized amount of, or issue or authorize any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing a right to purchase any stock of, any class or series ranking senior to the mandatory convertible preferred stock as to payment of dividends or distribution of assets upon our dissolution, liquidation or winding-up, provided that we may issue, authorize or increase the authorized amount of, or issue or authorize any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing a right to purchase, any shares of capital stock ranking on a parity with or junior to the mandatory convertible

preferred stock as to payment of dividends or distribution of assets upon our dissolution, liquidation or winding-up;

 

(iii) amend, alter or repeal any provision of the certificate of designations for the mandatory convertible preferred stock or our Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, unless no vote on such merger or consolidation is required in accordance with clause (iv) below, any amendment, alteration or repeal by means of a merger, consolidation or otherwise) so as to adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of the mandatory convertible preferred stock; or

 

(iv) consummate a binding share exchange or reclassification involving the mandatory convertible preferred stock, or of a merger or consolidation of us with another corporation or other entity, unless in each case (x) the shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock remain outstanding or, in the case of any such merger or consolidation with respect to which we are not the surviving or resulting entity, are converted into or exchanged for preference securities of the surviving or resulting entity or its ultimate parent, and (y) such shares remaining outstanding or such preference securities, as the case may be, have such rights, preferences, privileges and voting powers, and limitations and restrictions thereof, taken as a whole, as are not materially less favorable to the holders thereof than the rights, preferences, privileges and voting powers, and limitations and restrictions thereof, of mandatory convertible preferred stock immediately prior to such consummation, taken as a whole;

 

provided, however, that the creation and issuance, or an increase in the authorized or issued amount, whether pursuant to preemptive or similar rights or otherwise, of any other series of preferred stock, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any other series of preferred stock, ranking equally with and/or junior to our mandatory convertible preferred stock with respect to the payment of dividends (whether such dividends are cumulative or non-cumulative) and the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up will not be deemed to adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers, and shall not require the affirmative vote or consent of, the holders of outstanding shares of the mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

Mandatory Conversion

 

Provided the authorized share condition has been satisfied on the mandatory conversion date as described under “— Authorized Share Condition” above, each share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock, unless previously converted, will automatically convert on August 1, 2013 (the “mandatory conversion date”) into a number of shares of common stock equal to the conversion rate described below. In addition to the common stock issuable upon conversion of each share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock on the mandatory conversion date, holders will have the right to receive an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends on the mandatory convertible preferred stock (in cash, common stock, if available, or a combination thereof, at our election and subject to the share cap, as provided above under “— Method of Payment of Dividends”), whether or not declared prior to that date, for the then-current dividend period ending on the mandatory conversion date and all prior dividend periods (other than previously declared dividends on the mandatory convertible preferred stock that were paid to holders of record as of a prior date), so long as we are lawfully permitted to pay such dividends at such time.

 

If we have not satisfied the authorized share condition on the mandatory conversion date, then,

 

 

 

“Prorated portion” means, with respect to any conversion date, the total number of designated shares divided by the product of (i) the applicable conversion rate on such conversion date and (ii) the total number of shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock submitted for conversion (or in the case of automatic conversion, the total number of shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock to be automatically converted).

 

Notwithstanding the forgoing and with respect to any conversion of mandatory convertible preferred stock on a pro rata basis described under this section, “— Conversion at the Option of the Holder” or “— Conversion Upon Fundamental Change,” if such conversion is not practical or cannot be implemented under DTC’s then-existing procedures, we will select shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock to be converted (in whole shares) by lot or by another method our board of directors considers fair and appropriate so long as such method is not prohibited by the rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock may then be traded or quoted.

 

Upon any increase of the designated shares announced by us following the mandatory conversion date, for each holder of mandatory convertible preferred stock, we will automatically convert a prorated portion of the outstanding shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock held by such holder (rounded down to the nearest whole share of mandatory convertible preferred stock) into shares of our common stock at the final conversion rate. We will continue to convert the mandatory convertible preferred stock on a pro rata basis until all outstanding shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock are converted and each depositary share has been convert into a number of shares equal to the proportionate fractional interest in such shares of common stock.

 

If shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock and fundamental change preferred stock (as defined under “— Conversion Upon Fundamental Change”) are both outstanding on or after the mandatory conversion date, the designated shares will be used first to satisfy conversion of the fundamental change preferred stock until all outstanding shares of fundamental change preferred stock are converted as described under “— Conversion Upon Fundamental Change.” If the remaining designated shares are not sufficient to convert all outstanding shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock, the outstanding shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock will be converted on a pro rata basis as described above.

 

The conversion rate, which is the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of each share of mandatory convertible preferred stock on the mandatory conversion date (excluding shares of common stock, if any, issued in respect of accrued and unpaid dividends), will, subject to adjustment as described under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments” below, be as follows:

 

 

 

We refer to the minimum conversion rate, the maximum conversion rate, the final conversion rate and the fundamental change conversion rate for fundamental change preferred stock (each defined under “— Conversion Upon Fundamental Change”) collectively as the “fixed conversion rates.” Each of the fixed conversion rates, the initial price, the threshold appreciation price and the applicable market value are subject to adjustment as described under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments” below.

 

Based on the foregoing, if the market price of our common stock on the mandatory conversion date is the same as the applicable market value, the aggregate market value of the shares of common stock you receive upon mandatory conversion will be:

 

 

The “applicable market value” of our common stock is the average VWAP per share of our common stock for the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the mandatory conversion date.

 

The initial price is $     . The threshold appreciation price represents approximately a     % appreciation over the initial price.

 

Conversion

 

Conversion into shares of common stock will occur on the mandatory conversion date, unless you have converted your shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock prior to the mandatory conversion date in the manner described in “— Conversion at the Option of the Holder” or “— Conversion Upon Fundamental Change” or the authorized share condition has not been met (see “— Authorized Share Condition”).

 

The “conversion date” of the mandatory convertible preferred stock means:

 

 

Because each depositary share represents a 1/20th interest in a share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock, a holder of depositary shares may elect to convert depositary shares only in lots of 20

depositary shares, either on an early conversion date or during a fundamental change conversion period as described under “Description of Depositary Shares — Conversion.”

 

On the conversion date, if shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock are held in certificated form and the holder has complied with the additional procedures set forth in the certificate of designations, certificates representing shares of our common stock will be issued and delivered to the holder upon presentation and surrender of the certificate evidencing the mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

The person or persons entitled to receive the shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock will be treated as the record holder(s) of such shares as of the close of business on the applicable conversion date. Except as described under “— Authorized Share Condition,” prior to the close of business on the applicable conversion date, the shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock will not be deemed to be outstanding for any purpose and you will have no rights with respect to such shares of common stock, including without limitation voting rights, rights to respond to tender offers and rights to receive any dividends or other distributions on our common stock, by virtue of holding the mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

Conversion at the Option of the Holder

 

Other than during the fundamental change conversion period (as defined below) and as long as no shares of fundamental change preferred stock (as defined below) are outstanding, holders of the mandatory convertible preferred stock have the right to convert the mandatory convertible preferred stock, in whole or in part, at any time prior to July 15, 2013, into shares of our common stock at the minimum conversion rate of           shares of common stock per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock, subject to adjustment as described under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments” below.

 

In addition to the number of shares of common stock issuable at the minimum conversion rate upon conversion of each share of mandatory convertible preferred stock at the option of the holder on any date on which a holder converts shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock at such holder’s option (the “early conversion date”), we will pay (in cash, common stock or a combination thereof, at our election, as provided above under “— Method of Payment of Dividends”) an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends on such converted shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock, whether or not declared prior to that date, for all dividend periods ending on or prior to the dividend payment date immediately preceding the early conversion date (other than previously declared dividends on the mandatory convertible preferred stock that were paid to holders of record as of a prior date), subject to the immediately succeeding paragraph and the share cap and so long as we are then lawfully permitted to pay such dividends.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the early conversion date for any optional conversion occurs during the period from 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on a regular record date for any declared dividend to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the immediately following dividend payment date, then:

 

 

However, notwithstanding the foregoing, if on any early conversion date for an optional conversion as described above, the authorized share condition has not been satisfied and we do not have sufficient designated shares to convert all shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock tendered for conversion on such date, then for each converting holder, we will only convert on such date a prorated portion (as defined above) of its shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock tendered for conversion (rounded down to the nearest whole share of mandatory convertible preferred stock). Any shares of mandatory convertible preferred

stock not converted on such date will remain outstanding and be deemed to have not been converted. To the extent holders have submitted depositary shares to us (and cash in respect of dividends as described above) or the depositary for conversion, we will return, or cause the depositary to return, such depositary shares (and cash, if any) representing the mandatory convertible preferred stock not converted to the converting holders. From and after such date, until we notify the holders of any increase of the designated shares, holders may not submit any shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock (or depositary shares in respect thereof) for optional conversion as described above. We will issue a press release and notify holders promptly after such date that we do not have sufficient designated shares to convert early optional conversions and that holders will not have the right to convert mandatory convertible preferred stock early at their option until we notify the holders of any increase of the designated shares.

 

Conversion Upon Fundamental Change

 

If a fundamental change (as defined below) occurs prior to the mandatory conversion date, we will provide for the conversion of shares of the mandatory convertible preferred stock by paying or delivering, as the case may be, to holders who convert their shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock at any time during the period (the “fundamental change conversion period”) beginning on, and including, the effective date of such fundamental change (the “effective date”) and ending on, but excluding, the earlier of (i) the mandatory conversion date and (ii) the date that is 20 days after the effective date:

 

 

We will notify holders, to the extent practicable, at least 20 business days prior to the anticipated effective date of such fundamental change, but in any event not later than two business days following our becoming aware of the occurrence of a fundamental change (the “fundamental change company notice”). Such fundamental change company notice will state, among other things, whether we have elected to pay all or any portion of accrued and unpaid dividends in shares of our common stock or units of exchange property, as the case may be, and, if so, the portion thereof (as a percentage) that will be paid in shares of our common stock or units of exchange property. In no event shall the number of shares issued upon conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock upon a fundamental change, including any shares delivered in connection with any dividend payment, exceed the share cap.

 

If the authorized share condition has not been satisfied prior to the fundamental change conversion period, holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock who exercise their fundamental change conversion right will be deemed to have exercised such right on the last day of the fundamental change conversion period. If we do not have sufficient designated shares on such last day to convert all shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock tendered for conversion during the fundamental change conversion period, then, for each converting holder, we will only convert on such last day a prorated portion of its shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share of mandatory convertible preferred stock) based on the fundamental change conversion rate. Holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock who exercise their fundamental change conversion right will receive, in exchange for such shares of

mandatory convertible preferred stock that were tendered and not converted, shares of a new series of our preferred stock in proportion to the liquidation preference of mandatory convertible preferred stock so tendered, which we refer to as “fundamental change preferred stock,” with identical terms to those of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, including the right to receive all accrued and unpaid dividends on the mandatory convertible preferred stock, whether or not declared prior to the relevant conversion date, for the then-current dividend period (or portion thereof) ending on such conversion date and all prior dividend periods (other than previously declared dividends on the mandatory convertible preferred stock that were paid to holders of record as of a prior date), except that:

 

 

 

To the extent holders have submitted depositary shares to us or the depositary for conversion, we will either deliver to the converting holders the fundamental change preferred stock in exchange for the mandatory convertible preferred stock not converted or cause the depositary to issue to the converting holders a new series of depositary shares representing such fundamental change preferred stock. Upon any increase of the designated shares announced by us following the fundamental change conversion period, for each holder of fundamental change preferred stock, we will automatically convert a prorated portion of the outstanding shares of fundamental change preferred stock held by such holder (rounded down to the nearest whole share of mandatory convertible preferred stock) into shares of our common stock or units of exchange property at the fundamental change conversion rate. We will continue to convert the fundamental change preferred stock on a pro rata basis until all outstanding shares of fundamental change preferred stock are converted and each depositary share have been convert into a number of shares equal to the proportionate fractional interest in such shares of common stock.

 

We have agreed in the underwriting agreement and the certificate of designations relating to this offering that, until the authorized share condition is satisfied, we will reserve a sufficient number of authorized shares of preferred stock to permit all holders of the mandatory convertible preferred stock to receive shares of fundamental change preferred stock as described in the two preceding paragraphs upon a fundamental change.

The following table sets forth the fundamental change conversion rate per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock based on the effective date of the fundamental change and the stock price in the fundamental change (as described below):

 

 

The stock prices set forth in the column headers will be adjusted as of any date on which the fixed conversion rates of our mandatory convertible preferred stock are adjusted. The adjusted stock prices will equal the stock prices applicable immediately prior to such adjustment multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the minimum conversion rate immediately prior to the adjustment giving rise to the stock price adjustment and the denominator of which is the minimum conversion rate as so adjusted. Each of the conversion rates in the table will be subject to adjustment in the same manner as each fixed conversion rate as set forth under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments.”

 

The exact stock price and effective date of the fundamental change may not be set forth on the table, in which case:

 

 

Our obligation to deliver shares at the fundamental change conversion rate could be considered a penalty, in which case the enforceability thereof would be subject to general principles of reasonableness of economic remedies.

 

A “fundamental change” will be deemed to have occurred if any of the following occurs:

 

(1) a “person” or “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act has become the direct or indirect “beneficial owner,” as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, of our common stock representing more than 50% of the voting power of our common stock;

(2) we are involved in a consolidation with or merger into any other person, or any merger of another person into us, or any other similar transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which our common stock will be converted into cash, securities or other property or we sell, lease or transfer in one transaction or a series of related transactions all or substantially all of the property and assets of us and our subsidiaries; provided, however, that a fundamental change will not be deemed to have occurred if at least 90% of the consideration received by holders of our common stock in the transaction or transactions under this clause (2) consists of shares of common stock that are listed on the NYSE, the NASDAQ Global Select Market or the NASDAQ Global Market and as a result of this transaction or transactions the mandatory convertible preferred stock becomes convertible into such consideration;

 

(3) our common stock (or any other security into which the mandatory convertible preferred stock becomes convertible in connection with a reorganization event) ceases to be listed or quoted on the NYSE, the NASDAQ Global Select Market or the NASDAQ Global Market; or

 

(4) our stockholders approve any plan for our liquidation, dissolution or termination;

 

The “fundamental change conversion rate” will be determined by reference to the table above, based on the effective date and the “stock price” in the fundamental change, which will be:

 

 

Fractional Shares

 

No fractional shares of our common stock will be issued to holders of our mandatory convertible preferred stock. In lieu of any fractional shares of common stock otherwise issuable in respect of any dividend or the aggregate number of shares of our mandatory convertible preferred stock of any holder that are converted, that holder will be entitled to receive an amount in cash (computed to the nearest cent) equal to the same fraction of the VWAP per share of our common stock on the trading day immediately preceding (a) the conversion date or (b) the date on which the dividend is distributed, as applicable.

 

If more than one share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock is surrendered for conversion at one time by or for the same holder, the number of full shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate number of shares of our mandatory convertible preferred stock so surrendered.

 

Conversion Rate Adjustments

 

Each fixed conversion rate will be adjusted from time to time as follows, except that so long as the mandatory convertible preferred stock participates in all dividends and distributions on the common stock as described under “Authorized Share Condition” above, there will not be any adjustments to the final conversion rate for such dividends and distributions occurring at any time after the mandatory conversion date, even if the mandatory conversion does not occur on that date as a result of the failure to satisfy the authorized share condition.

 

(i) If we issue common stock as a dividend or distribution to all or substantially all holders of our common stock, or if we effect a subdivision or combination (including, without limitation, a reverse stock split) of our common stock, each fixed conversion rate will be adjusted based on the following formula:

 

CR¹ = CR₀ x (OS¹/OS₀)

 

where,

 

CR0		=		the fixed conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date (as defined below) for such dividend or distribution or immediately prior to the open of business on the effective date for such subdivision or combination, as the case may be;
CR1		=		the fixed conversion rate in effect immediately after the close of business on such record date or immediately after the open of business on such effective date, as the case may be;
OS0		=		the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to the close of business on such record date or immediately prior to the open of business on such effective date, as the case may be (and prior to giving effect to such event); and
OS1		=		the number of shares of our common stock that would be outstanding immediately after, and solely as a result of, such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination.

 

Any adjustment made under this clause (i) will become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such dividend or distribution, or immediately after the open of business on the effective date for such subdivision or combination, as the case may be. If any dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination of the type described in this clause (i) is declared but not so paid or made, each fixed conversion rate will be immediately readjusted, effective as of the earlier of (a) the date our board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof determines not to pay or make such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination and (b) the date the dividend or distribution was to be paid or the date the subdivision or combination was to have been effective, to the fixed conversion rate that would then be in effect if such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination had not been declared.

 

(ii) If we issue to all or substantially all holders of our common stock any rights, options or warrants (other than pursuant to any shareholder rights plan) entitling them for a period expiring 60 days or less from the date of issuance of such rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or purchase shares of our common stock at less than the current market price (as defined below) per share of common stock as of the announcement date for such issuance, each fixed conversion rate will be increased based on the following formula:

 

CR¹ = CR₀ x (OS₀ + X)/(OS₀ +Y)

 

where,

 

CR0		=		the fixed conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date for such issuance;
CR1		=		the fixed conversion rate in effect immediately after the close of business on such record date;
OS0		=		the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to the close of business on such record date;
X		=		the total number of shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to such rights, options or warrants; and
Y		=		the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights, options or warrants, divided by the average VWAP per share of our common stock for the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date of announcement for such issuance.

 

Any increase in the fixed conversion rates made pursuant to this clause (ii) will become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such issuance. To the extent such rights, options or warrants are not exercised prior to their expiration or termination, each fixed conversion rate will be decreased, effective as of the date of such expiration or termination, to the fixed conversion rate that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of shares of common stock actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, each fixed conversion rate will be decreased, effective as of the earlier of (a) the date our board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof determines not to issue such rights, options or warrants and (b) the date such rights, options or warrants were to have been issued, to the fixed conversion rate that would then be in effect if such record date for such issuance had not occurred.

For purposes of this clause (ii), in determining whether any rights, options or warrants entitle the holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase shares of our common stock at less than the current market price per share of our common stock as of the announcement date for such issuance, and in determining the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights, options or warrants, there will be taken into account any consideration we receive for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise thereof, with the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof.

 

(iii) If we pay a dividend or other distribution to all or substantially all holders of our common stock of shares of our capital stock (other than our common stock), evidences of our indebtedness, our assets or rights to acquire our capital stock, our indebtedness or our assets, excluding:

 

(a) any dividend, distribution or issuance as to which an adjustment was effected pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above;

 

(b) dividends or distributions paid exclusively in cash as to which an adjustment was effected pursuant to clause (iv) below; and

 

(c) “spin-offs” as to which the provisions set forth below in this clause (iii) apply,

 

then each fixed conversion rate will be increased based on the following formula:

 

CR¹ = CR₀ x SP₀/(SP₀−FMV)

 

where,

 

CR0		=		the fixed conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date for such dividend or distribution;
CR1		=		the fixed conversion rate in effect immediately after the close of business on such record date;
SP0		=		the current market price per share of our common stock as of such record date; and
FMV		=		the fair market value (as determined in good faith by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof) on the record date for such dividend or distribution of shares of our capital stock (other than our common stock), evidences of our indebtedness, our assets or rights to acquire our capital stock, our indebtedness or our assets, expressed as an amount per share of our common stock.

 

If our board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof determines the “FMV” (as defined above) of any dividend or other distribution for purposes of this clause (iii) by referring to the actual or when-issued trading market for any securities, it will in doing so consider the prices in such market over the same period in computing the current market price per share of our common stock as of the record date for such dividend or other distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if “FMV” (as defined above) is equal to or greater than “SP₀” (as defined above), in lieu of the foregoing increase, each holder of mandatory convertible preferred stock will receive, in respect of each share thereof, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of our common stock receive the shares of our capital stock (other than our common stock), evidences of our indebtedness, our assets or rights to acquire our capital stock, our indebtedness or our assets that such holder would have received if such holder owned a number of shares of our common stock equal to the maximum conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date for such dividend or other distribution.

 

Any increase made under the portion of this clause (iii) above will become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such dividend or other distribution. If such dividend or other distribution is not so paid or made, each fixed conversion rate will be decreased, effective as of the earlier of (a) the date our board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof determines not to pay the dividend or other distribution and (b) the date such dividend or distribution was to have been paid, to the fixed conversion rate that would then be in effect if the dividend or other distribution had not been declared.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the transaction that gives rise to an adjustment pursuant to this clause (iii) is one pursuant to which the payment of a dividend or other distribution on our common stock

consists of shares of capital stock of, or similar equity interests in, a subsidiary or other business unit of ours (i.e., a spin-off) that are, or, when issued, will be, traded on a U.S. national securities exchange, then each fixed conversion rate will instead be increased based on the following formula:

 

CR¹ = CR₀ x (FMV₀ +MP₀)/MP₀

 

where,

 

CR0		=		the fixed conversion rate in effect at the close of business on the tenth trading day immediately following, and including, the date on which “ex-dividend trading” commences for such dividend or distribution on the relevant exchange;
CR1		=		the fixed conversion rate in effect immediately after the close of business on the tenth trading day immediately following, and including, the date on which “ex-dividend trading” commences for such dividend or distribution on the relevant exchange;
FMV0		=		the average VWAP per share of such capital stock or similar equity interests distributed to holders of our common stock applicable to one share of our common stock over the 10 consecutive trading day period commencing on, and including, the date on which “ex-dividend trading” commences for such dividend or distribution on the relevant exchange; and
MP0		=		the average VWAP per share of our common stock over the 10 consecutive trading day period commencing on, and including, the date on which “ex-dividend trading” commences for such dividend or distribution on the relevant exchange.

 

The adjustment to each fixed conversion rate under the immediately preceding paragraph will occur at the close of business on the 10th consecutive trading day immediately following, and including, the date on which “ex-dividend trading” commences for such dividend or distribution on the relevant exchange, but will be given effect as of the open of business on the date immediately succeeding the record date for such dividend or distribution on the relevant exchange. Because we will make the adjustments to the fixed conversion rates at the end of the 10 consecutive trading day period with retroactive effect, we will delay the settlement of any conversion of mandatory convertible preferred stock if the conversion date occurs after the record date for such dividend or other distribution and prior to the end of such 10 consecutive trading day period. In such event, we will deliver the shares of common stock issuable in respect of such conversion (based on the adjusted fixed conversion rates as described above) on the first business day immediately following the last trading day of such 10 consecutive trading day period.

 

(iv) If we pay a distribution consisting exclusively of cash to all or substantially all holders of our common stock, excluding (a) any regular quarterly cash dividend on our common stock to the extent that the aggregate cash dividend per share of common stock does not exceed $0.15 per share in any fiscal quarter (the “dividend threshold amount”), (b) any cash that is distributed as part of a distribution referred to in clause (iii) above and as to which an adjustment thereunder was effected and (c) any consideration payable in connection with a tender or exchange offer made by us or any of our subsidiaries referred to in clause (v) below and as to which an adjustment thereunder was effected, each fixed conversion rate will be increased based on the following formula:

 

CR¹ = CR₀ x (SP₀−T)/(SP₀−C)

 

where,

 

CR0		=		the fixed conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date for such distribution;
CR1		=		the fixed conversion rate in effect immediately after the close of business on the record date for such distribution;
SP0		=		the current market price per share of our common stock as of the record date for such distribution;
T		=		the dividend threshold amount; provided that if the distribution is not a regular quarterly cash dividend, the dividend threshold amount will be deemed to be zero; and

C		=		an amount of cash per share of our common stock we distribute to holders of our common stock.

 

The dividend threshold amount is subject to adjustment on an inversely proportional basis whenever the fixed conversion rates are adjusted, but no adjustment will be made to the dividend threshold amount for any adjustment made to the fixed conversion rates pursuant to this clause (iv).

 

The adjustment to the fixed conversion rates pursuant to this clause (iv) will become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if “C” (as defined above) is equal to or greater than “SP₀” (as defined above), in lieu of the foregoing increase, each holder of mandatory convertible preferred stock will receive, in respect of each share thereof, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of shares of our common stock, the amount of cash that such holder would have received if such holder owned a number of shares of our common stock equal to the maximum conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date for such or distribution. If such distribution is not so paid, the fixed conversion rates will be decreased, effective as of the earlier of (a) the date our board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof determines not to pay such dividend and (b) the date such dividend was to have been paid, to the fixed conversion rates that would then be in effect if such distribution had not been declared.

 

(v) If we or one or more of our subsidiaries purchases our common stock pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer and the cash and value of any other consideration included in the payment per share of our common stock validly tendered or exchanged exceeds the average VWAP per share of our common stock over the 10 consecutive trading day period commencing on, and including, the trading day next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer (the “expiration date”), each fixed conversion rate will be increased based on the following formula:

 

CR¹ = CR₀ x (FMV + (SP¹ xOS¹))/(SP¹ x OS₀)

 

where,

 

CR0		=		the fixed conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the tenth trading day immediately following, and including, the trading day next succeeding the expiration date;
CR1		=		the fixed conversion rate in effect immediately after the close of business on the tenth trading day immediately following, and including, the trading day next succeeding the expiration date;
FMV		=		the fair market value (as determined in good faith by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof) as of the expiration date of the aggregate value of all cash and any other consideration paid or payable for shares of our common stock validly tendered or exchanged and not withdrawn as of the expiration date (the “purchased shares”);
OS1		=		the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of the last time tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer (the “expiration time”), less any purchased shares;
OS0		=		the number of shares of our common stock outstanding at the expiration time, including any purchased shares; and
SP1		=		the average VWAP per share of our common stock over the 10 consecutive trading day period commencing on, and including, the trading day next succeeding the expiration date.

 

The adjustment to each fixed conversion rate under the immediately preceding paragraph will occur at the close of business on the 10th consecutive trading day immediately following, and including, the trading day next succeeding the expiration date, but will be given effect as of the open of business on the expiration date. Because we will make the adjustments to the fixed conversion rates at the end of the 10 consecutive trading day period with retroactive effect, we will delay the settlement of any conversion of mandatory convertible preferred stock if the conversion date occurs during such 10 consecutive trading day period. In such event, we will deliver the shares of common stock issuable in respect of such conversion (based on the adjusted fixed

conversion rates as described above) on the first business day immediately following the last trading day of such 10 consecutive trading day period.

 

“Record date” means, for purpose of a conversion rate adjustment, with respect to any dividend, distribution or other transaction or event in which the holders of our common stock have the right to receive any cash, securities or other property or in which our common stock (or other applicable security) is exchanged for or converted into any combination of cash, securities or other property, the date fixed for determination of holders of our common stock entitled to receive such cash, securities or other property (whether such date is fixed by our board of directors or by statute, contract or otherwise).

 

“Current market price” of our common stock on any day means the average VWAP per share of our common stock for the ten consecutive trading day period ending on the earlier of the day in question and the day before the ex-date with respect to the issuance or distribution requiring such computation, appropriately adjusted to take into account the occurrence during such period of any event described in clauses (i) through (v) above. For purposes of the foregoing, “ex-date” means the first date on which the shares of our common stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive the issuance or distribution in question from us or, if applicable, from the seller of our common stock (in the form of due bills or otherwise) as determined by such exchange or market.

 

If we have in effect a shareholder rights plan while any shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock remain outstanding, holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock will receive, upon a conversion of mandatory convertible preferred stock, in addition to common stock, rights under our shareholder rights agreement unless, prior to such conversion, the rights have expired, terminated or been redeemed or unless the rights have separated from our common stock. If the rights provided for in our rights plan have separated from our common stock in accordance with the provisions of the applicable shareholder rights agreement so that holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock would not be entitled to receive any rights in respect of our common stock, if any, that we are required to deliver upon conversion of mandatory convertible preferred stock, each fixed conversion rate will be adjusted at the time of separation as if we had distributed to all holders of our common stock, capital stock (other than our common stock), evidences of our indebtedness, our assets or rights to acquire our capital stock, our indebtedness or our assets pursuant to paragraph (iii) above, subject to readjustment upon the subsequent expiration, termination or redemption of the rights. A distribution of rights pursuant to a shareholder rights plan will not trigger a conversion rate adjustment pursuant to paragraphs (ii) or (iii) above. We currently have a shareholder rights plan in effect. See “Description of Apache Corporation Capital Stock — Stockholder Rights Plan” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

No adjustment to the fixed conversion rates need be made if holders of the mandatory convertible preferred stock participate in the transaction that would otherwise require an adjustment (other than in the case of a share split or share combination), at the same time, upon the same terms and otherwise on the same basis as holders of our common stock and solely as a result of holding mandatory convertible preferred stock, as if such holders held a number of shares of our common stock equal to the maximum conversion rate as of the record date for such transaction, multiplied by the number of shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock held by such holders.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a conversion rate adjustment becomes effective after any “ex-dividend trading” as described above, and a holder that has converted its mandatory convertible preferred stock on or after the effective date of such conversion rate adjustment and on or prior to the related record date would be treated as the record holder of shares of our common stock as of the related conversion date as described under “— Conversion” based on an adjusted fixed conversion rate, then, notwithstanding the foregoing conversion rate adjustment provisions, the adjustment relating to such effective date will not be made for such converting holder. Instead, such holder will be treated as if such holder were the record owner of the shares of our common stock on an unadjusted basis and participate in the related dividend, distribution or other event giving rise to such adjustment.

 

The fixed conversion rates will not be adjusted upon certain events, including but not limited to:

 

 

 

No adjustment in the fixed conversion rates will be required unless the adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% of the fixed conversion rates. If the adjustment is not made because the adjustment does not change the fixed conversion rates by at least 1%, then the adjustment that is not made will be carried forward and taken into account in any future adjustment. All required calculations will be made to the nearest cent or 1/10,000th of a share. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all adjustments not previously made shall be made upon any conversion of mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

Adjustments to the conversion rate, or failure to make certain adjustments, may result for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a taxable deemed distribution to the beneficial owners of mandatory convertible preferred stock. For example, an increase in the conversion rate to reflect a taxable dividend to holders of common stock in excess of the dividend threshold amount will generally give rise to a taxable constructive dividend to the beneficial owners of mandatory convertible preferred stock to the extent made out of current and accumulated earnings and profits. See “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Considerations.”

 

In addition, we may make such increases in each fixed conversion rate as we deem advisable in order to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of our common stock resulting from any dividend or distribution of our shares (or issuance of rights or warrants to acquire our shares) or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes or for any other reason. We may only make such a discretionary adjustment if we make the same proportionate adjustment to each fixed conversion rate.

 

We will be required, as soon as practicable after the conversion rate is adjusted, to provide or cause to be provided written notice of the adjustment to the holders of shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock. We will also be required to deliver a statement setting forth in reasonable detail the method by which the adjustment to each fixed conversion rate was determined and setting forth each revised fixed conversion rate.

 

If an adjustment is made to the fixed conversion rates, an inversely proportional adjustment also will be made to the threshold appreciation price and the initial price solely for the purposes of determining which clauses of the definition of the conversion rate will apply on the conversion date. Because (a) the applicable market value is an average VWAP per share of our common stock over a 10 consecutive trading day period, and (b) the fundamental change market value is an average VWAP per share of our common stock over a five trading day period, we will make appropriate adjustments to the VWAP per share prior to the relevant record date, effective date or expiration date, as the case may be, used to calculate the applicable market value or the fundamental change market value, as the case may be, to account for any adjustments to the fixed conversion rates that become effective during the period in which the applicable market value or the fundamental change market value, as the case may be, is being calculated.

Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of Our Common Stock

 

In the event of:

 

 

in each case, as a result of which the shares of our common stock are exchanged for, or converted into, other securities, property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) (any such event, a “reorganization event”), then, at and after the effective time of such reorganization event, each share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock outstanding immediately prior to such reorganization event will, without the consent of the holders of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, become convertible into the kind and amount of such other securities, property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) that holders of our common stock received in such reorganization event (the “exchange property”), and, prior to or at the effective time of such reorganization event, we will amend our Restated Certificate of Incorporation (or other similar organizational document) to provide for such change in the convertibility of the mandatory convertible preferred stock; provided that if the kind and amount of exchange property receivable upon such reorganization event is not the same for each share of common stock held immediately prior to such reorganization event by a person, then the exchange property receivable upon such reorganization event will be deemed to be the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of our common stock that affirmatively make an election (or of all such holders if none makes an election). If a conversion date follows a reorganization event, the conversion rate then in effect will be applied on the conversion date to the amount of such exchange property received per share of our common stock in the reorganization event (a “unit of exchange property”), as determined in accordance with this section. For the purpose of determining which bullet of the definition of conversion rate will apply on any such conversion date and for the purpose of calculating the conversion rate if the second bullet in the definition thereof is applicable, the value of a unit of exchange property will be determined in good faith by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, except that if a unit of exchange property includes common stock that are traded on a U.S. national securities exchange, the value of such common stock will be the average VWAP for a share of such common stock for the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the mandatory conversion date. For the purpose of paying accrued and unpaid dividends in units of exchange property as contemplated under “— Method of Payment of Dividends,” the value of a unit of exchange property will equal 97% of the value determined pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.

 

The above provisions of this section will similarly apply to successive reorganization events and the “— Conversion Rate Adjustments” section will apply to any shares of our capital stock (or any successor’s) received by the holders of our common stock in any such reorganization event.

 

We (or any successor of us) will, as soon as reasonably practicable (but in any event within 20 days) after the occurrence of any reorganization event, provide written notice to the holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock of such occurrence of such event and of the kind and amount of the cash, securities or other property that constitute the exchange property. Failure to deliver such notice will not affect the operation of this section.

In connection with any adjustment to the fixed conversion rates described above, we will also adjust the dividend threshold amount (as defined under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments”) based on the number of shares of common stock comprising the exchange property and (if applicable) the value of any non-stock consideration included in a unit of exchange property. If the exchange property is comprised solely of non-stock consideration, the dividend threshold amount will be zero.

 

Miscellaneous

 

Upon satisfaction of the authorized share condition, we will at all times reserve and keep available out of the authorized and unissued common stock or shares of common stock held in treasury by us, solely for issuance upon the conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, that number of shares of common stock as shall from time to time be issuable upon the conversion of all the shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock then outstanding, which number shall not be less than the number of shares of common stock required to satisfy the authorized share condition.

 

The following is a summary of some of the terms of the depositary shares. This summary contains a description of the material terms of the depositary shares but is not necessarily complete. The following summary of the terms and provisions of the depositary shares is qualified in its entirety by reference to the pertinent sections of the deposit agreement between us, the depositary and holders from time to time of depositary shares (the “deposit agreement”), including the definitions of certain terms used in the deposit agreement. You may request a copy of the deposit agreement from us as described under “Documents Incorporated by Reference” in this prospectus supplement.

 

General

 

Each depositary share represents a 1/20th interest in a share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock and will initially be evidenced by a global security, as defined in and described under “— Book-entry, Settlement and Clearance” below. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, the depositary shares will be entitled to all rights and preferences of our mandatory convertible preferred stock in proportion to the fraction of a share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock those depositary shares represent.

 

In this section, references to “holders” of depositary shares mean those who have depositary shares registered in their own names on the books maintained by the depositary and not indirect holders who will own beneficial interests in depositary shares registered in the street name of, or issued in book-entry form through, DTC prior to the conversion of our mandatory convertible preferred stock. You should review the special considerations that apply to indirect holders as described under “— Book-entry, Settlement and Clearance” below.

 

Conversion

 

Because each depositary share represents a 1/20th interest in a share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock, a holder of depositary shares may elect to convert depositary shares only in lots of 20 depositary shares, either on an early conversion date at the minimum conversion rate of           shares of our common stock per depositary share, subject to adjustment, or during a fundamental change conversion period at the fundamental change conversion rate, as described below. For a description of the terms and conditions on which our mandatory convertible preferred stock is convertible at the option of holders of mandatory convertible preferred stock, see the sections entitled “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion at the Option of the Holder” and “— Conversion Upon Fundamental Change” in this prospectus supplement.

 

The following table sets forth the fundamental change conversion rate per depositary share, subject to adjustment as described in “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Upon Fundamental Change”, based on the effective date of the fundamental change and the stock price in the fundamental change:

 

On any conversion date for our mandatory convertible preferred stock, each depositary share corresponding to the shares of our mandatory convertible preferred stock so converted will be entitled to receive 1/20th of the shares of common stock and any cash received by the depositary upon conversion of each share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock. No fractional shares of our common stock will be delivered to holders of depositary shares. If more than one depositary share is surrendered for conversion at one time by or for the same holders, the number of full shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion thereof will be calculated based on the aggregate number of depositary shares so surrendered.

 

The following table illustrates the conversion rate per depositary share, subject to adjustment as described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Rate Adjustments” in this prospectus supplement, based on the applicable market value of our common stock on the mandatory conversion date:

 

 

The depositary will deliver the shares of common stock and any cash it receives upon conversion of our mandatory convertible preferred stock to the holders of the depositary shares entitled to receive such distribution in such amounts as are, as nearly as practicable, in proportion to the number of depositary shares surrendered by each such holder for conversion (or in the case of automatic conversion, the number of outstanding depositary shares held by each such holder), on the date of receipt or as soon as practicable thereafter.

 

With respect to any conversion of mandatory convertible preferred stock on a pro rata basis described under “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Mandatory Conversion,” “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion at the Option of the Holder” or “Description of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock — Conversion Upon Fundamental Change,” the depositary will select, for each converting holder, depositary shares to be converted in such amounts as are, as nearly as practicable, in proportion to the number of depositary shares surrendered by each such holder for conversion (or in the case of automatic conversion, the number of outstanding depositary shares held by each such holder). If such conversion of depositary shares on a pro rata basis is not practical or cannot be implemented under DTC’s then-existing procedures, the depositary will select depositary shares to be converted (in whole shares) by lot or by another method it considers fair and appropriate so long as such method is not prohibited by the rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the depositary shares may then be traded or quoted.

 

Dividends and Other Distributions

 

The depositary will deliver any cash and/or common stock it receives in respect of dividends on our mandatory convertible preferred stock to the holders of the depositary shares in such amounts as are, as nearly as practicable, in proportion to the number of outstanding depositary shares held by such holders, on the date of receipt or as soon as practicable thereafter.

 

The dividend payable on the first dividend payment date, if declared, is expected to be $      per depositary share and on each subsequent dividend payment date, if declared, is expected to be $      per depositary share.

 

If the holders of depositary shares would be entitled to receive fractional shares of our common stock in connection with any such distribution, the depositary will sell a sufficient number of shares of our common stock, in the manner described below, to enable it to pay such holders cash in lieu of such fractional shares.

 

Record dates for the payment of dividends on the depositary shares will be the same as the corresponding record dates for the payment of dividends on our mandatory convertible preferred stock.

If the depositary determines that any distribution of property other than cash is subject to tax or other governmental charge that the depositary is obligated by law to withhold, the depositary may dispose of all or any portion of such property, at a public or private sale, as the depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay such tax or charge, and the depositary will distribute the net proceeds of such sale or the balance of any such property, after deduction of such tax or charge, to holders of the depositary shares in proportion to the number of outstanding depositary shares that they hold. If the depositary determines, however, that any distribution of cash or other property to certain holders (but not all holders) is subject to withholding tax, the depositary will reduce the amount of such cash distribution to such holders or use its best efforts to sell only the non-cash property distributable to such holders, as the case may be.

 

Voting the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock

 

When the depositary receives notice of any meeting at which the holders of our mandatory convertible preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will, as soon as practicable after receiving such notice, mail the information contained in the notice to the holders of the depositary shares. Each holder of depositary shares on the record date, which will be the same date as the record date for the voting of our mandatory convertible preferred stock, may instruct the depositary to vote the amount of our mandatory convertible preferred stock represented by such holder’s depositary shares. To the extent practicable, the depositary will vote the amount of our mandatory convertible preferred stock represented by any depositary shares in accordance with the voting instructions it receives (if any) from holders of such depositary shares. If any holder of depositary shares instructs the depositary to vote a fractional interest of a share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock, the depositary will aggregate such interest with all other fractional interests with the same voting instruction and will submit the number of whole votes resulting from such aggregation. We will take all reasonable action that the depositary determines is necessary to enable the depositary to vote as instructed. If the depositary does not receive specific instructions from the holders of any depositary shares representing the mandatory convertible preferred stock, it will not vote an amount of mandatory convertible preferred stock corresponding to such depositary shares.

 

Withdrawal Rights

 

A holder of 20 depositary shares may withdraw the share of our mandatory convertible preferred stock corresponding to such depositary shares, and any cash or other property represented by such depositary shares, as long as such holder pays any tax or governmental charge in connection with the withdrawal. Holders of shares of our mandatory convertible preferred stock will not have the right under the deposit agreement to deposit such shares with the depositary in exchange for depositary shares.

 

Listing

 

We will apply to list the depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange, and we expect trading on the New York Stock Exchange to begin within five days of the initial issuance of the depositary shares. Upon listing, we have agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to keep the depositary shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Listing the depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange does not guarantee that a trading market will develop or, if a trading market does develop, the depth of that market or the ability of holders to sell their depositary shares easily. We do not expect there will be any public trading market for the shares of our mandatory convertible preferred stock, except as represented by the depositary shares.

 

Form and Notices

 

Our mandatory convertible preferred stock will initially be issued in registered form to the depositary, and the depositary shares will be issued in book-entry only form through DTC, as described under “— Book-entry, Settlement and Clearance” in this section. The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary shares all reports, notices, and communications from us that are delivered to the depositary and that we are required to furnish to the holders of our mandatory convertible preferred stock.

Book-entry, Settlement and Clearance

 

The Global Security

 

The depositary shares will be initially issued in the form of a single registered security in global form (the “global security”). Upon issuance, the global security will be deposited with the depositary as custodian for DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC.

 

Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC (“DTC participants”) or persons who hold interests through DTC participants. We expect that under procedures established by DTC:

 

 

Beneficial interests in the global security may not be exchanged for securities in physical, certificated form except in the limited circumstances described below.

 

Book-entry Procedures for the Global Security

 

All interests in the global security will be subject to the operations and procedures of DTC. We provide the following summary of those operations and procedures solely for the convenience of investors. The operations and procedures of DTC are controlled by that settlement system and may be changed at any time. Neither we nor the underwriters are responsible for those operations or procedures.

 

DTC has advised us that it is:

 

 

DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between its participants through electronic book-entry changes to the accounts of its participants. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, including the underwriters; banks and trust companies; clearing corporations and other organizations. Indirect access to DTC’s system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies; these indirect participants clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC participant, either directly or indirectly. Investors who are not DTC participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through DTC participants or indirect participants in DTC.

 

So long as DTC’s nominee is the registered owner of the global security, that nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the depositary shares represented by the global security for all purposes under the deposit agreement. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in the global security:

 

 

As a result, each investor who owns a beneficial interest in the global security must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights of a holder of securities under the deposit agreement (and, if the investor is not a participant or an indirect participant in DTC, on the procedures of the DTC participant through which the investor owns its interest).

 

Payments of dividends with respect to the depositary shares represented by the global security will be made by the depositary to DTC’s nominee as the registered holder of the global security. Neither we nor the depositary will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of amounts to owners of beneficial interests in the global security, for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of those interests by DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to those beneficial interests.

 

Payments by participants and indirect participants in DTC to the owners of beneficial interests in the global security will be governed by standing instructions and customary industry practice and will be the responsibility of those participants or indirect participants and DTC.

 

Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected under DTC’s procedures and will be settled in same-day funds.

 

Depositary shares in physical, certificated form will be issued and delivered to each person that DTC identifies as a beneficial owner of the depositary shares only if:

 

 

The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences and, for non-U.S. holders (as defined below), certain estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of depositary shares issued pursuant to this offering and the mandatory convertible preferred stock represented by such shares and our common stock into which such stock may be converted. This discussion is not a complete analysis of all of the potential U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences relating thereto, nor does it address any gift tax consequences or any tax consequences arising under any state, local or foreign tax laws, or any other U.S. federal tax laws. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, all as in effect as of the date of this offering. These authorities may change, possibly retroactively, resulting in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS with respect to the matters discussed below, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not take a contrary position regarding the tax consequences of the ownership or disposition of depositary shares or our mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock, or that any such contrary position would not be sustained by a court.

 

This discussion is limited to holders who purchase the depositary shares and our mandatory convertible preferred stock issued pursuant to this offering and who hold the depositary shares, our mandatory convertible preferred stock and common stock as a “capital asset” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion also does not consider any specific tax consequences that may be relevant to holders subject to special rules under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including, without limitation:

 

 

PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE PARTICULAR UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF ACQUIRING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF , THE DEPOSITARY SHARES, OUR MANDATORY CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK OR COMMON STOCK, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS AND ANY OTHER UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX LAWS.

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” is any beneficial owner of our mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock who, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is:

 

 

A “non-U.S. holder” is any beneficial owner of our mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock that is not a “U.S. holder,” but does not include an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the calendar year of disposition and is not otherwise a resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such an individual is urged to consult his or her own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the sale, exchange or other disposition of depositary shares, the mandatory convertible preferred stock represented by such shares or our common stock.

 

If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds depositary shares, the mandatory convertible preferred stock represented by such shares or our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner of such partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding depositary shares, the mandatory convertible preferred stock represented by such shares or our common stock and partners in such partnerships should consult their own tax advisors as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of depositary shares, the mandatory convertible preferred stock represented by such shares or our common stock.

 

Taxation of U.S. Holders

 

Depositary Shares.  For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. holder of the depositary shares will be treated as if it held an interest in a corresponding portion of the underlying mandatory convertible preferred stock and, accordingly, the exchange of depositary shares for such stock will not be a taxable event. The discussion herein regarding the mandatory convertible preferred stock applies equally to holders of the depositary shares representing such stock.

 

Distributions Generally.  If we make cash or other property distributions on our mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock, such distributions generally will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Subject to customary conditions and limitations, dividends will be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of U.S. holders that are corporations. Dividends paid to non-corporate U.S. holders in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 generally will qualify for taxation at special rates if such holders meet certain holding period and other applicable requirements. It is possible that distributions we make with respect to the mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock will exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits. Amounts not treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes will constitute a return of capital and will first be applied against and reduce a U.S. holder’s tax basis in the mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock, but not below zero. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and in excess of a U.S. holder’s tax basis in its shares will be taxable as capital gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock and will be treated as described under “— Dispositions of Our Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock or Common Stock” below.

 

If we make a distribution on our mandatory convertible preferred stock in the form of our common stock, such distribution will be taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the same manner as distributions described above. The amount of such distribution and a U.S. holder’s tax basis in such common stock will

equal the fair market value of such common stock on the distribution date, and a holder’s holding period for such common stock will begin on the day following the distribution date. Because such distribution would not give rise to any cash from which any applicable withholding tax could be satisfied, if we pay backup withholding on behalf of a U.S. holder (because such U.S. holder failed to establish an exemption from backup withholding), we, or an applicable withholding agent, may withhold such payments from shares of common stock payable to such holder or current or subsequent payments of cash.

 

Extraordinary Dividends.  Dividends that exceed certain thresholds in relation to a U.S. holder’s tax basis in the mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock could be characterized as “extraordinary dividends” under the Internal Revenue Code. Any corporate U.S. holder that has held our mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock for two years or less before the dividend announcement date and that receives an extraordinary dividend will generally be required to reduce its tax basis in the stock with respect to which such dividend was made by the nontaxed portion of such dividend. If the amount of the reduction exceeds the U.S. holder’s tax basis in such stock, the excess is taxable as capital gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock and will be treated as described under “— Dispositions of Our Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock or Common Stock” below. Any non-corporate U.S. holder that receives an extraordinary dividend in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 will be required to treat any losses on the sale of our mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock as long-term capital losses to the extent of the extraordinary dividends such U.S. holder receives that qualify for taxation at the special rates discussed above under “— Distributions Generally.”

 

U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced dividend rate or the dividends-received deduction, and the potential applicability of the extraordinary dividend rules in light of their particular circumstances.

 

Adjustments to Conversion Rate.  The conversion rate of our mandatory convertible preferred stock is subject to adjustment under specified circumstances. In such circumstances, a U.S. holder who holds our mandatory convertible preferred stock may be deemed to have received a distribution if the adjustment has the effect of increasing the holder’s proportionate interest in our assets or earnings and profits. In addition, the failure to provide for such an adjustment may also result in a deemed distribution to U.S. holders who hold our mandatory convertible preferred stock. Adjustments to the conversion rate made pursuant to a bona fide reasonable adjustment formula which has the effect of preventing the dilution of the interest of the holders of the mandatory convertible preferred stock generally will not be deemed to result in a constructive distribution. Certain of the possible adjustments (including, without limitation, adjustments in respect of taxable dividends to our stockholders) do not qualify as being made pursuant to a bona fide reasonable adjustment formula. If such adjustments are made, a holder of mandatory convertible preferred stock will be deemed to have received constructive distributions from us, even though such holder has not received any cash or property as a result of such adjustments. The tax consequences of the receipt of a distribution from us are described above under “— Distributions Generally.” Because constructive distributions deemed received by a U.S. holder would not give rise to any cash from which any applicable withholding could be satisfied, if we pay backup withholding on behalf of a U.S. holder (because such U.S. holder failed to establish an exemption from backup withholding), we, or an applicable withholding agent, may withhold any such payment from payments of cash or shares of common stock payable to such U.S. holder.

 

In addition, the failure to make certain adjustments on the mandatory convertible preferred stock may cause a holder of our common stock to be deemed to have received constructive distributions from us, even though such holder has not received any cash or property as a result of such adjustments. Such holder would be subject to the rules discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph.

 

Dispositions of Our Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock or Common Stock.  If a U.S. holder sells or disposes of shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock (other than pursuant to a conversion described below) or common stock, it generally will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale or other disposition and the holder’s adjusted basis in the shares for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holder has held the

mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

Conversion of Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock Into Common Stock.  A U.S. holder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the conversion of our mandatory convertible preferred stock into our common stock. However, although not entirely clear under current law, any cash or common stock received upon conversion in respect of dividends in arrears on our mandatory convertible preferred stock should be treated as described above under “— Distributions Generally.” For the avoidance of doubt, the term “dividends in arrears” does not include accrued but unpaid dividends paid in respect of the dividend period containing the date of conversion. Except as provided below and except with respect to common stock received in respect of dividends in arrears, a U.S. holder’s basis and holding period in the common stock received upon conversion generally will be the same as those in the converted mandatory convertible preferred stock (but the basis will be reduced by the portion of the adjusted tax basis allocated to any fractional share of common stock exchanged for cash and by the portion of any dividends in arrears treated as a return of capital (see “— Distributions Generally”)).

 

Cash received upon conversion in lieu of a fractional common share generally will be treated as a payment in a taxable exchange for such fractional common share, and gain or loss will be recognized on the receipt of cash in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the adjusted tax basis allocable to the fractional common share deemed exchanged. This gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held the mandatory convertible preferred stock for more than one year at the time of conversion.

 

In the event a U.S. holder converts its mandatory convertible preferred stock and we pay, in respect of any such conversion, cash or common stock in respect of accrued but unpaid dividends for the then-current dividend period containing the date of conversion, the tax treatment of the receipt of such cash or common stock is uncertain. In the event we choose to pay such holder cash in respect of a portion of the then-current dividend period, although not free from doubt, we believe the receipt of such cash should be treated as additional consideration received by such holder upon conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock into common stock and should be taxable to the extent of any gain realized by the U.S. holder. For this purpose, gain generally would equal the excess, if any, of the fair market value of our common stock received upon conversion (including any fractional common share for which cash is received) and the cash received attributable to a portion of the then-current dividend period over the U.S. holder’s tax basis in our mandatory convertible preferred stock immediately prior to conversion. The character of such gain recognized (which will be the lesser of such gain and such cash) is uncertain. If the receipt of the cash attributable to a portion of the then-current dividend period is considered to have the effect of a dividend (which generally would be the case if the receipt of such cash did not result in a meaningful reduction in such holder’s equity interest in us, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes), such gain (to the extent recognized) would be taxable as dividend income, to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. Alternatively, such gain could be capital gain. To the extent the amount of cash received in respect of a portion of the then-current dividend period exceeded the gain realized by a U.S. holder, the excess amount would not be taxable to such U.S. holder but would reduce its adjusted tax basis in our common stock.

 

In the event we pay such holder common stock in respect of a portion of the then-current dividend period, although not free from doubt, we believe the receipt of such stock should treated as consideration received upon conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, and should in such case be taxed as described in the first paragraph above under the heading “— Conversion of Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock into Common Stock.”

 

U.S. holders should be aware that the tax treatment described above for payments of cash or common stock made in respect of a portion of the then-current dividend period is not certain and may be challenged by the IRS, including on grounds that the amount received attributable to a portion of the then-current dividend period represents a taxable dividend to the extent we have earnings and profits at the time of conversion, as described above under “— Distributions Generally.”

In the event a U.S. holder’s mandatory convertible preferred stock is converted pursuant to certain transactions (including our consolidation or merger into another person), the tax treatment of such a conversion will depend upon the facts underlying the particular transaction triggering such a conversion. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors to determine the specific tax treatment of a conversion under such circumstances.

 

Because payments of common stock in respect of dividends in arrears will not give rise to any cash from which any applicable withholding tax could be satisfied, if we pay backup withholding on behalf of a U.S. holder (because such U.S. holder failed to establish an exemption from backup withholding), we, or an applicable withholding agent, may withhold such payments from shares of common stock payable to such holder or current or subsequent payments of cash.

 

Although it is not free from doubt, any additional shares of common stock received by you in respect of a conversion upon a fundamental change should be treated as part of the consideration received in the conversion. You should consult your own tax advisors to determine the specific tax treatment of additional shares in your particular circumstances.

 

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting.  We generally report to our U.S. holders and the IRS the amount of dividends paid during each calendar year, and the amount of any tax withheld. Under the backup withholding rules, a U.S. holder may be subject to backup withholding with respect to dividends paid or the proceeds of a disposition of our mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock unless the holder is a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact, or provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. A U.S. holder that does not provide us with its correct taxpayer identification number may also be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amount paid as backup withholding with respect to a U.S. holder will be creditable against such holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.

 

Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders

 

Distributions Generally.  Distributions that are treated as dividends (see “— Taxation of U.S. Holders — Distributions Generally,” “Adjustments to Conversion Rate,” and “Conversion of Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock into Common Stock”) generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividends, or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty. For withholding purposes, we expect to treat all distributions as made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. However, amounts withheld should generally be refundable if it is subsequently determined that the distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. To receive the benefit of a reduced treaty rate, a non-U.S. holder must furnish to us or our paying agent (i) a valid IRS Form W-8BEN (or applicable successor form) certifying such holder’s qualification for the reduced rate or (ii), in the case of payments made outside the United States to an offshore account (generally, an account maintained by you at an office or branch of a bank or other financial institution at any location outside the United States), other documentary evidence establishing an entitlement to the lower treaty rate in accordance with applicable Treasury Regulations. Such certification must be provided to us or our paying agent prior to the payment of dividends and must be updated periodically. Non-U.S. holders that do not timely provide us or our paying agent with the required certification, but that qualify for a reduced treaty rate, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

 

If a non-U.S. holder holds our mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock in connection with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and dividends paid on the mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock are effectively connected with such holder’s United States trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States), the non-U.S. holder will be exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax. To claim the exemption, the non-U.S. holder must generally furnish to us or our paying agent a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI (or applicable successor form).

Any dividends paid on our mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock that are effectively connected with a non-U.S. holder’s United States trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in much the same manner as if such holder were a resident of the United States. A non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation also may be subject to an additional branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items. Non-U.S. holders should consult any applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.

 

In general, the rules applicable to distributions to non-U.S. holders discussed above are also applicable to deemed distributions to non-U.S. holders resulting from adjustments to the conversion rate of the mandatory convertible preferred stock or distributions on mandatory convertible preferred stock made in our common stock. See “— Taxation of U.S. Holders — Adjustments to Conversion Rate.” Because deemed distributions or distributions made in common stock would not give rise to any cash from which any applicable withholding tax could be satisfied, we, or an applicable withholding agent, will withhold the U.S. federal tax on such dividend from any cash, shares of common stock, or sales proceeds otherwise payable to a non-U.S. holder.

 

Dispositions of Our Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock and Common Stock. A non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of our mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock, unless:

 

 

Gain described in the first bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in much the same manner as if such holder were a resident of the United States. A non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation also may be subject to an additional branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items. Non-U.S. holders should consult any applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.

 

An individual non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet point above will only be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the gain from the sale of our common stock to the extent such gain is deemed to be from U.S. sources, which will generally only be the case where the individual’s tax home is in the United States. An individual’s tax home is generally considered to be located at the individual’s regular or principal (if more than one regular) place of business. If the individual has no regular or principal place of business because of the nature of the business, or because the individual is not engaged in carrying on any trade or business, then the individual’s tax home is his regular place of abode. If an individual non-U.S. holder is described in the second bullet point above, and the individual non-U.S. holder’s tax home is in the United States, then the non-U.S. holder may be subject to a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from the disposition, which gain may be offset by U.S.-source capital losses.

 

With respect to the third bullet point above, we believe we are, or may become, a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Even if we are or become a USRPHC, gain arising from the sale or other taxable disposition by a non-U.S. holder of our common stock or mandatory convertible preferred stock will

not be subject to tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI if such class of stock is “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market, and such non-U.S. holder owned, actually and constructively, 5% or less of such class of our stock throughout the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or exchange or the non-U.S. holder’s holding period for such stock. Our common stock currently is “regularly traded” on an established securities market, although we cannot guarantee that it will be so traded in the future. Although not free from doubt, we anticipate that our mandatory convertible preferred stock will be “regularly traded” on an established securities market. However, even if our mandatory convertible preferred stock is not so traded, gain arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of such stock by a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as a sale of a USRPI, if our common stock is part of a class of stock that is “regularly traded” on an established securities market and the non-U.S. holder does not acquire mandatory convertible preferred stock that causes the fair market value of mandatory convertible preferred stock owned by such non-U.S. holder on the date of such acquisition to be greater than the fair market value of 5% of our common stock. If gain on the sale or other taxable disposition of our stock by a non-U.S. holder were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, such gain would be taken into account as if the non-U.S. holder were engaged in a trade or business within the United States during the taxable year and as if such gain were effectively connected with such trade or business, as discussed above.

 

Conversion of Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock into Common Stock.  Except as provided below, and assuming the mandatory convertible preferred stock is not treated as a USRPI on the date of conversion, a non-U.S. holder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the conversion of such mandatory convertible preferred stock into our common stock. If, with respect to a non-U.S. holder, the mandatory convertible preferred stock is treated as a USRPI, then, except as provided below, such holder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon conversion of such mandatory convertible preferred stock into our common stock, provided the common stock constitutes a USRPI and such holder complies with certain reporting requirements in the Treasury Regulations. Cash received upon conversion in lieu of a fractional common share generally will be treated as a payment in a taxable exchange for such fractional common share. See “— Dispositions of Our Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock and Common Stock.” Cash or common stock received in respect of dividends in arrears on our mandatory convertible preferred stock should be treated in the manner described above under “Taxation of U.S. Holders — Conversion of Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock into Common Stock,” and we intend to withhold tax from such amounts, as described above under “— Distributions Generally.” A non-U.S. holder may recognize capital gain or dividend income when the holder receives cash attributable to a portion of the then-current dividend period, as described above under “Taxation of U.S. Holders — Conversion of Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock into Common Stock.” The tax treatment of such amount is uncertain, and we intend to withhold 30% of such amount as described under “— Distributions Generally.”

 

Although it is not free from doubt, any additional shares of common stock received by you in respect of a conversion upon a fundamental change should be treated as part of the consideration received in the conversion. You should consult your own tax advisors to determine the specific tax treatment of additional shares in your particular circumstances.

 

U.S. Federal Estate Taxes.  Our mandatory convertible preferred stock and common stock held by a non-U.S. holder, or entity the property of which is potentially includible in such a holder’s gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such holder and with respect to which the holder has retained certain interests or powers), at the time of death generally will be included in the holder’s gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise.

 

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting.  We must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. holder the amount of distributions on our mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock paid to such holder and the amount of any tax withheld with respect to those distributions. These information reporting requirements apply even if no withholding was required because the distributions were effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a United States trade or business, or withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty. This information also may be made available under a specific treaty or agreement with the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is

established. Backup withholding, however, generally will not apply to distribution payments to a non-U.S. holder of our mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock or the proceeds of a disposition of our mandatory convertible preferred stock or common stock, provided the non-U.S. holder furnishes to us or our paying agent the required certification as to its non-U.S. status, such as by providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8ECI, or certain other requirements are met. Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding may apply if either we or our paying agent has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that the holder is a U.S. person that is not an exempt recipient.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

 

Legislation Affecting Taxation of Common Stock Held By or Through Foreign Entities.

 

Legislation was enacted on March 18, 2010 that will, effective for payments made after December 31, 2012, impose a 30% U.S. withholding tax on dividends paid by U.S. issuers and on the gross proceeds from the disposition of certain stock paid to a foreign financial institution, unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to collect and provide to the U.S. Treasury substantial information regarding U.S. account holders, including certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners, with such institution. The legislation also generally imposes a withholding tax of 30% on dividends paid by U.S. issuers and on the gross proceeds from the disposition of certain stock paid to a non-financial foreign entity unless such entity provides the withholding agent with a certification that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or a certification identifying the direct and indirect substantial U.S. owners of the entity. Under certain circumstances, a holder may be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. Investors are urged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this recently enacted legislation on their investment in the mandatory convertible preferred stock.

 

Goldman, Sachs & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. are acting as joint book-running managers and underwriters, and are each a representative. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement among us and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us, the number of depositary shares set forth opposite its name below.

 

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the depositary shares sold under the underwriting agreement if any of the depositary shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.

 

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

 

The underwriters are offering the depositary shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the depositary shares, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer’s certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

 

Commissions and Discounts

 

The representatives have advised us that the underwriters propose initially to offer the depositary shares to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession or any other term of the offering may be changed.

 

The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional depositary shares.

 

 

The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated to be $      and are payable by us.

 

Option to Purchase Additional Depositary Shares

 

We have granted an option to the underwriters to purchase up to 3,300,000 additional depositary shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. The underwriters may exercise this option for 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated,

subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional depositary shares proportionate to that underwriter’s initial amount reflected in the above table.

 

No Sales of Similar Securities

 

We, our executive officers and our directors have agreed not to sell or transfer any common stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for, or repayable with common stock, for 90 days after the date of this prospectus supplement without first obtaining the written consent of the representatives. Specifically, we and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly

 

 

This lock-up provision applies to common stock and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with common stock (the “lock-up securities”). It also applies to common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition. With respect to us, this lock-up provision does not apply to lock-up securities

 

 

With respect to our executive officers and directors, this lock-up provision does not apply to transactions relating to lock-up securities or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the date of this prospectus supplement, as long as no filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act shall be required or voluntarily made in connection with subsequent sales of lock-up securities or other securities acquired in such open market transactions, other than a filing made after the expiration of the restricted period. In addition, this lock-up provision does not apply to transfers made by an executive officer or director as a bona fide gift or to certain other transfers, including transfers to a trust for the direct or indirect benefit of such executive officer or director or his or her immediate family, provided that the recipients agree to be bound by the restrictions described in this paragraph and no filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act shall be required or voluntarily made in connection therewith during the restricted period.

 

In the event that either (x) during the last 17 days of the lock-up period referred to above, we issue an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to us occurs or (y) prior to the expiration of the

lock-up period, we announce that we will release earnings results or become aware that material news or a material event will occur during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the lock-up period, the restrictions described above shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event, unless the representatives waive such extension.

 

Expected New York Stock Exchange Listing

 

We expect trading of the depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange to commence within five days of the date of initial issuance of the depositary shares. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the depositary shares.

 

Price Stabilization, Short Positions

 

Until the distribution of the depositary shares is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing our depositary shares. However, the representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the depositary shares, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.

 

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell our depositary shares in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of depositary shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional depositary shares described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option or purchasing depositary shares in the open market. In determining the source of depositary shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of depositary shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase depositary shares through such option. “Naked” short sales are sales in excess of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional depositary shares. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing depositary shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our depositary shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of depositary shares made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

 

Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters’ purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our depositary shares or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our depositary shares. As a result, the price of our depositary shares may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

 

Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our depositary shares. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

 

Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of Depositary Shares

 

In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as e-mail. In addition, the representatives may facilitate Internet distribution for this offering to certain of their Internet subscription customers. The representatives may allocate a limited number of depositary shares for sale to their online brokerage customers. An electronic prospectus is available on the Internet web sites maintained by the representatives. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on the representatives’ web sites is not part of this prospectus or the

registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or any underwriter or selling group member in its capacity as underwriter or selling group member and should not be relied upon by investors.

 

Other Relationships

 

The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking, commercial banking services and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. Furthermore, they have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions. In particular, affiliates of each of the representatives are lenders and/or agents under our credit facilities and the Bridge Facility, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses. Furthermore, each of the representatives and/or their respective affiliates are providing financial advisory services in connection with the BP Acquisition. Goldman, Sachs & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. will also act as underwriters in our concurrent offering of common stock described herein.

 

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of the issuer. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in the EEA

 

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a “Relevant Member State”) an offer to the public of any depositary shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement may not be made in that Relevant Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive as implemented in that Relevant Member State except that an offer to the public in that Relevant Member State of any depositary shares may be made at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive, if they have been implemented in that Relevant Member State:

 

(a) to legal entities which are authorised or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorised or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities;

 

(b) to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees during the last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than €43,000,000 and (3) an annual net turnover of more than €50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated accounts;

 

(c) by the underwriters to fewer than 100 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive) subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or

 

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

 

provided that no such offer of depositary shares shall result in a requirement for the publication by Apache or any underwriter of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

 

Any person making or intending to make any offer of depositary shares within the EEA should only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for us or any of the underwriters to produce a prospectus for

such offer. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of depositary shares through any financial intermediary, other than offers made by the underwriters which constitute the final offering of depositary shares contemplated in this prospectus supplement.

 

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any depositary shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any depositary shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase any depositary shares, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State and the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State.

 

Each person in a Relevant Member State who receives any communication in respect of, or who acquires any depositary shares under, the offer of depositary shares contemplated by this prospectus supplement will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with us and each underwriter that:

 

(A) it is a “qualified investor” within the meaning of the law in that Relevant Member State implementing Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive; and

 

(B) in the case of any depositary shares acquired by it as a financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, (i) the depositary shares acquired by it in the offering have not been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in any Relevant Member State other than “qualified investors” (as defined in the Prospectus Directive), or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the representatives has been given to the offer or resale; or (ii) where depositary shares have been acquired by it on behalf of persons in any Relevant Member State other than qualified investors, the offer of those depositary shares to it is not treated under the Prospectus Directive as having been made to such persons.

 

In addition, in the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer subsequently made may only be directed at persons who are “qualified investors” (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19 (5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”) and/or (ii) who are high net worth companies (or persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated) falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). This document must not be acted on or relied on in the United Kingdom by persons who are not relevant persons. In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is only available to, and will be engaged in with, relevant persons.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland

 

This document as well as any other material relating to the depositary shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement does not constitute an issue prospectus pursuant to Articles 652a and/or 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations. The depositary shares will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and, therefore, the documents relating to the depositary shares, including, but not limited to, this document, do not claim to comply with the disclosure standards of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange and corresponding prospectus schemes annexed to the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange. The depositary shares are being offered in Switzerland by way of a private placement, i.e. to a small number of selected investors only, without any public offer and only to investors who do not purchase the depositary shares with the intention to distribute them to the public. The investors will be individually approached by the Issuer from time to time. This document as well as any other material relating to the depositary shares is personal and confidential and does not constitute an offer to any other person. This document may only be used by those investors to whom it has been handed out in connection with the offering described herein and may neither directly nor indirectly be distributed or made available to other persons without express consent of the Issuer. It may not be used in connection with any other offer and shall in particular not be copied and/or distributed to the public in (or from) Switzerland.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre

 

This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”). This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus. The depositary shares to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the depositary shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the depositary shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

 

This prospectus has not been approved by or registered with the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong or the Registrar of Companies of Hong Kong. The depositary shares will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong other than (a) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the depositary shares which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) has been issued or will be issued in Hong Kong or elsewhere other than with respect to depositary shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore

 

This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the depositary shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the depositary shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289) (the “SFA”), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA. Where the depositary shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, then shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the depositary shares under Section 275 except: (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (ii) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (iii) by operation of law.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan

 

The depositary shares have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities

in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, “Japanese Person” shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.

 

The validity of the securities we are offering will be passed upon for us by Bracewell & Giuliani LLP, Houston, Texas. Certain legal matters with respect to the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for the underwriters by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, New York, New York.

 

Our consolidated financial statements appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are, and audited financial statements to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the respective dates (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The information appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, regarding our total proved reserves was prepared by Apache and reviewed by Ryder Scott Company Petroleum Engineers, as stated in their letter reports thereon included therein, and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement in reliance upon the authority of such firm as experts in such matters.

PROSPECTUS

 

 

 

APACHE CORPORATION

 

APACHE FINANCE PTY LTD

 

APACHE FINANCE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

 

APACHE FINANCE CANADA CORPORATION

 

APACHE FINANCE CANADA II CORPORATION

 

 

 

The descriptions of the securities contained in this prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplements, summarize all the material terms and provisions of the various types of securities that Apache, Apache Finance, Apache Australia, Apache Canada and/or Apache Canada II may offer. The particular terms of the securities offered by any prospectus supplement will be described in that prospectus supplement. If indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, the terms of the securities may differ from the terms summarized below. An applicable prospectus supplement will also contain information, where applicable, about material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the securities, and the securities exchange, if any, on which the securities will be listed.

 

Apache may sell from time to time, in one or more offerings:

 

• common stock and related rights;

 

• preferred stock;

 

• depositary shares;

 

• common stock purchase contracts;

 

• common stock purchase units;

 

• senior debt securities; and/or

 

• subordinated debt securities.

 

Each of Apache Finance, Apache Australia, Apache Canada and Apache Canada II may from time to time offer its senior or subordinated debt securities. Each of these securities may be guaranteed by us as described below.

 

In this prospectus, “securities” collectively refers to the securities described above.

 

Apache’s common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Select Market and the Chicago Stock Exchange under the symbol “APA.”

 

We may sell securities to or through underwriters, dealers or agents. For additional information on the method of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution.” The names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the sale of any securities and the specific manner in which they may be offered will be set forth in the prospectus supplement covering the sale of those securities.

 

This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

 

Investing in these securities involves certain risks. For a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to purchase these securities, please read “Risk Factors” in our most recently-filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and our most recently-filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as those that may be included in the applicable prospectus supplement and other information included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Also, please read “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” beginning on page ii of this prospectus.

 

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 December 2, 2008

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS