<PAGE> 1
FILE PURSUANT TO RULE 424(b)(3)
REGISTRATION NO. 33-42870
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT THE DELIVERY OF A FINAL PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT AND ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE
ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
OF ANY SUCH STATE.
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT (Subject to Completion, Issued January 6, 1998)
(To Prospectus dated September 15, 1995)
$400,000,000
TRW Inc.
$ % NOTES DUE 2005
$ % NOTES DUE 2010
------------------------
Interest payable January and July
------------------------
THE % NOTES DUE 2005 (THE " % NOTES") AND THE % NOTES DUE 2010 (THE
" % NOTES") (COLLECTIVELY, THE "OFFERED SECURITIES") WILL MATURE ON JANUARY
, 2005 AND JANUARY , 2010, RESPECTIVELY. THE % NOTES AND % NOTES WILL
BE REDEEMABLE IN WHOLE OR IN PART AT THE OPTION OF TRW INC. ("TRW" OR THE
"COMPANY") AT ANY TIME, AT A REDEMPTION PRICE EQUAL TO THE GREATER OF (I) 100%
OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF SUCH NOTES OR (II) THE SUM OF THE PRESENT VALUES OF
THE REMAINING SCHEDULED PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST THEREON DISCOUNTED TO
THE DATE OF REDEMPTION ON A SEMIANNUAL BASIS (ASSUMING A 360-DAY YEAR CONSISTING
OF TWELVE 30-DAY MONTHS) AT THE TREASURY RATE (AS DEFINED HEREIN) PLUS BASIS
POINTS IN THE CASE OF THE % NOTES AND BASIS POINTS IN THE CASE OF
THE % NOTES, PLUS, IN EACH CASE, ACCRUED INTEREST THEREON TO THE DATE OF
REDEMPTION. THE OFFERED SECURITIES WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY SINKING FUND. EACH
SERIES OF OFFERED SECURITIES WILL BE REPRESENTED BY ONE OR MORE GLOBAL
SECURITIES (THE "GLOBAL SECURITIES") REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITORY
TRUST COMPANY (THE "DEPOSITARY") OR ITS NOMINEE. BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN THE
GLOBAL SECURITIES WILL BE SHOWN ON, AND TRANSFERS THEREOF WILL BE EFFECTED ONLY
THROUGH, RECORDS MAINTAINED BY THE DEPOSITARY AND ITS PARTICIPANTS. SEE
"DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFERED SECURITIES". EXCEPT AS DESCRIBED IN THE COMPANY'S
PROSPECTUS DATED SEPTEMBER 15, 1995 ATTACHED HERETO (THE "PROSPECTUS"), OFFERED
SECURITIES IN DEFINITIVE FORM WILL NOT BE ISSUED.
------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
------------------------
PRICE OF % NOTES % AND ACCRUED INTEREST
PRICE OF % NOTES % AND ACCRUED INTEREST
------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITING
PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC(1) COMMISSIONS(2) COMPANY(1)(3)
----------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per % Note.............................................. % % %
Total..................................................... $ $ $
Per % Note.............................................. % % %
Total..................................................... $ $ $
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Plus accrued interest from January , 1998.
(2) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
(3) Before deducting estimated expenses of $250,000 payable by the Company.
------------------------
The Offered Securities are offered, subject to prior sale, when, as and if
accepted by the Underwriters named herein and subject to approval of certain
legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters. It is expected that delivery of
the Offered Securities will be made on or about January , 1998, through the
book-entry facilities of the Depositary against payment therefor in immediately
available funds.
------------------------
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
J.P. MORGAN & CO.
January , 1998
<PAGE> 2
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION
WITH ANY OFFERING MADE HEREBY TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE
ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH
SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT OR THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL,
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN OR
THEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
The Company............................................................... S-3
Recent Developments....................................................... S-4
Use of Proceeds........................................................... S-5
Capitalization............................................................ S-6
Selected Financial Data................................................... S-7
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.............................................................. S-9
Description of the Offered Securities..................................... S-15
Underwriters.............................................................. S-17
Legal Opinions............................................................ S-18
PROSPECTUS
Available Information..................................................... 3
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference........................... 3
The Company............................................................... 4
Use of Proceeds........................................................... 4
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges........................................ 5
Description of Debt Securities............................................ 5
Description of Warrants................................................... 9
Plan of Distribution...................................................... 10
Legal Opinions............................................................ 11
Experts................................................................... 11
</TABLE>
------------------
STATEMENTS IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS ARE
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHICH INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD
AFFECT THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS. INFORMATION REGARDING THE IMPORTANT FACTORS
THAT COULD CAUSE THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THE
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT CAN BE FOUND
IN THE COMPANY'S REPORTS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION,
INCLUDING THE COMPANY'S FORM 8-K FILED ON MAY 20, 1997.
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE OFFERED
SECURITIES. SPECIFICALLY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVERALLOT IN CONNECTION WITH ANY
OFFERING OF THE OFFERED SECURITIES, AND MAY BID FOR, AND PURCHASE, THE OFFERED
SECURITIES IN THE OPEN MARKET. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE
"UNDERWRITERS".
S-2
<PAGE> 3
THE COMPANY
GENERAL
TRW is an international company that provides advanced technology products
and services. The principal businesses of the Company and its subsidiaries are
the design, manufacture and sale of products and the performance of systems
engineering, research and technical services for industry and the United States
Government in two industry segments: Automotive and Space & Defense. The
Company's principal products and services include automotive systems and
components; spacecraft; software and systems engineering support services; and
electronic systems, equipment and services. In 1996, the Company completed the
sale of substantially all the businesses comprising its Information Systems &
Services segment. The Company was incorporated under the laws of Ohio on June
17, 1916. As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the term
"Company" refers to TRW and its subsidiaries. See "Recent Developments."
AUTOMOTIVE
The Company's Automotive segment designs, manufactures and sells a broad
range of steering, suspension, engine, safety, engineered fastening, electronic,
electromechanical and other components and systems for passenger cars and
commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses, farm machinery and off-highway
vehicles. These products include occupant safety systems such as seat belt
systems and inflatable restraint systems, steering wheels, manual and power
steering gears, engine valves and valve train components, suspension components,
electronic monitoring and control systems, electromechanical assemblies,
fasteners, stud welding systems and other components.
The products included in this industry segment are sold primarily to
automotive original equipment manufacturers. In addition, the Company sells its
automotive components for use as aftermarket parts to automotive original
equipment manufacturers and others for resale through their own independent
distribution networks.
In February 1997, the Company purchased from Magna International Inc.
("Magna") an 80% equity interest in MST Automotive GmbH
Automobil-Sicherheitstechnik, a European supplier of air bag modules, steering
wheels and related automotive components, and Temic Bayern-Chemie Airbag GmbH, a
European supplier of air bag inflators and propellants and related automotive
components, for a cost of approximately U.S. $450 million. The Company and Magna
also formed a strategic alliance for the design, development and production of
automotive products for the global market.
SPACE & DEFENSE
The Company's Space & Defense segment includes spacecraft, software and
systems engineering support services and electronic systems, equipment and
services.
The Company's spacecraft activities include the design and manufacture of
spacecraft equipment, propulsion subsystems, electro-optical and instrument
systems, spacecraft payloads, high-energy lasers and laser technology and other
high-reliability components. The Company's software and systems engineering
support services are in the fields of command and control, security for defense
and nondefense applications, counterterrorism, undersea surveillance,
antisubmarine warfare and other high-technology space and defense mission
support systems, management of radioactive waste, automated fingerprint
matching, upgrading of the nation's air traffic control program and other
civilian applications. The Company's electronic systems, equipment and services
include the design and manufacture of communications systems, avionics systems
and other electronic technologies for space and defense applications.
Products and services in this industry segment are sold and distributed
principally to the United States Government. The Company's spacecraft business
involves the sale to the United States Government of subsystems and components
for space propulsion and unmanned spacecraft for defense, scientific research
and communications purposes. The Company is currently participating in a number
of spacecraft programs. Software and systems engineering and integration support
services are sold primarily to the United States Government
S-3
<PAGE> 4
defense agencies and to Federal civilian and other state and local governmental
agencies. These services include a wide variety of computer software systems and
analytical services for space and defense, air traffic control, and advanced
communication and data retrieval applications. Sales to the United States
Government of electronic systems, equipment and services consist of systems and
subsystems for defense and space applications, including communications, command
and control, guidance, navigation, electric power, sensing and electronic
display equipment. While classified projects are not discussed herein, the
operating results relating to classified projects are included in the Company's
consolidated financial statements, and the business risks associated with such
projects do not differ materially from those of other projects for the United
States Government. See "Recent Developments" for information related to the
Company's Space & Defense segment.
The Company also performs diverse testing and general research projects in
many of the technical disciplines related to its Space & Defense products and
services under both private and United States Government contracts, including
several advanced defense system projects.
The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 1900 Richmond
Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44124, and the telephone number is (216) 291-7000.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
ACQUISITION OF BDM INTERNATIONAL, INC.
On December 29, 1997, the Company completed the acquisition of BDM
International, Inc. ("BDM"). BDM is a multinational information technology
company based in McLean, Virginia that provides systems integration and computer
services to public sector and commercial customers. BDM had total assets of
approximately $421 million as of December 31, 1996 and revenues of approximately
$1 billion for the year ended December 31, 1996. BDM employs approximately 9,000
people in 110 locations worldwide. The acquisition complements the Company's
existing systems integration and information technology businesses.
The acquisition of BDM was effectuated through a cash tender offer for all
of the outstanding shares of common stock of BDM followed by a merger in which
BDM became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
The aggregate purchase price of approximately $930 million will be
initially financed by borrowings from existing bank facilities and through the
issuance of commercial paper backed by the Company's revolving credit
facilities. On December 10, 1997, the Company obtained commitments from a group
of banks for a new $750 million, 364-day revolving credit agreement to
supplement its existing $750 million multi-year revolving credit agreement.
The merger is being recorded using the purchase method of accounting. In
connection with this acquisition, the Company commissioned an independent asset
valuation study to allocate the purchase price among the value of in-process
research and development and certain intangible assets. The Company anticipates
that the amount of purchased in-process R&D will be approximately $550 million,
and such amount will be recorded as a one-time non-cash charge to net earnings
in the fourth quarter of 1997.
ODYSSEY
On December 17, 1997, the Company agreed to acquire 1,500,000 shares, or
approximately seven percent (7%) of the outstanding shares, of ICO Global
Communications (Holdings) Limited ("ICO") for approximately $50 million. The
Company and ICO also agreed that at the closing, which is scheduled for on or
about January 7, 1998, they will cross license certain patent rights related to
their proposed global telecommunications systems and dismiss legal proceedings
related to the patents. As part of the patent litigation settlement, ICO will
pay the Company $25 million at the closing and an additional $25 million by
mid-1999. The Company intends to discontinue efforts related to its Odyssey
project, a satellite based personal communications system, and to return to the
United States Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") the Odyssey-related
licenses previously issued to the Company by the FCC.
S-4
<PAGE> 5
LITIGATION
In November 1997, Centoco Holdings Limited and an affiliate, KS Centoco
Ltd., filed a lawsuit against TRW Inc. and certain Magna entities in the General
Division Court in Ontario, Canada, alleging, among other things, breach of
contract, patent infringement and collusion. A Centoco affiliate licensed from a
company named KSAG certain air bag and steering wheel technology. KSAG's
successor was purchased by Magna, which in turn sold 80% of the relevant Magna
subsidiaries' stock to TRW in February 1997. The plaintiffs have claimed Cdn$600
million in damages. TRW believes this matter is covered by an indemnification
agreement between Magna and TRW. TRW management is currently evaluating the
claim and is unable to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range of
possible liability, if any, at this time.
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. ("VSSI"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company, has reported to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
("ADEQ") potential violations of the Arizona hazardous waste law at its Queen
Creek, Arizona facility for the possible failure to properly label and dispose
of waste water that might be classified as hazardous waste. ADEQ is conducting
an investigation into these potential violations and VSSI is cooperating with
the investigation. If ADEQ initiates proceedings against VSSI with respect to
such matters, VSSI could be liable for penalties and fines and other relief.
VSSI has been apprised by state and federal officials that there are ongoing
criminal investigations with respect to these potential violations. Management
is unable to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range of possible
liability, if any, at this time.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Offered Securities
will be used for the repayment of a portion of the Company's commercial paper
and bank borrowings related to the acquisition by the Company of BDM
International, Inc. The effective interest rate on such borrowings is between
5.70% and 6.80% per annum with a maturity of 32 days or less. See "Recent
Developments."
S-5
<PAGE> 6
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the
Company (i) at September 30, 1997, and (ii) as adjusted for (x) the acquisition
by the Company of BDM, including the issuance of $930 million of short-term debt
and the estimated write-off of $550 million of purchased research and
development, and (y) the offering of the % Notes and the % Notes and
the use of the proceeds therefrom (without deduction for expenses) to repay a
portion of the Company's commercial paper borrowings related to such
acquisition. See "Use of Proceeds." This table should be read in conjunction
with the Company's financial statements, the notes thereto and other financial
and statistical information included or incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus Supplement.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
---------------------------
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
--------- -----------
(UNAUDITED) (IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
Short-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)...... $ 434 $ 972(1)
===== =====
Long-term debt(2):
Non-U.S. borrowings.............................................. 40 40
Medium-term notes:
9.35% Notes due 2020 (due 2000 at option of note holder)...... 100 100
9 3/8% Notes due 2021......................................... 100 100
Other medium-term notes....................................... 267 267
Other............................................................ 24 105
% Notes offered hereby........................................ -- (3)
% Notes offered hereby........................................ -- (3)
----- -----
Total long-term debt..................................... 531 1,012
Minority interests in subsidiaries................................. 105 113
Shareholders' investment:
Capital stock.................................................... 77 77
Other capital.................................................... 465 465
Retained earnings................................................ 2,264 1,714
Cumulative translation adjustments............................... (61) (61)
Treasury shares -- cost in excess of par value................... (520) (520)
----- -----
Total shareholders' investment........................... 2,225 1,675
----- -----
Total capitalization..................................... $ 2,861 $ 2,800
===== =====
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) In connection with the acquisition of BDM International, Inc., the Company
issued $930 million of commercial paper and used bank borrowings to finance
the purchase price, a portion of which will be refinanced out of the
proceeds from the issuance of the % Notes and % Notes. See "Use of
Proceeds."
(2) The Company has $1,500 million of committed bank credit facilities under
which $1,375 million was available and undrawn at December 31, 1997. See
Note 1.
(3) The aggregate principal amount of the % Notes and % Notes offered
hereby is expected to be $400 million.
S-6
<PAGE> 7
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following summary historical consolidated financial data for the five
years ended December 31, 1996, are derived from consolidated financial
statements of the Company. The consolidated financial statements for the five
years ended December 31, 1996 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent auditors. The summary historical consolidated financial data for the
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1997 are derived from unaudited
consolidated condensed financial statements which include all adjustments,
consisting of normal recurring accruals, that management considers necessary for
a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for
these periods. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30,
1997, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the
entire year ending December 31, 1997. The table should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
and the consolidated condensed financial statements and notes thereto included
in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
September 30, 1996 and 1997, incorporated by reference herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS
ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------------------------ ---------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income Statement Data:
Sales................................. $7,557 $7,330 $8,491 $9,568 $9,857 $7,406 $8,033
Gross profit.......................... 1,412 1,301 1,555 1,711 1,481 1,075 1,482
Interest expense...................... 162 137 105 95 84 76 57
Earnings from continuing operations
before income taxes and cumulative
effect of accounting changes....... 277 289 436 625 302 135 580
Earnings from continuing operations
before cumulative effect of
accounting changes................. 154 177 277 395 182 73 362
Discontinued operations:
Earnings from operations........... (1) (1) 56 51 38 38 --
Gain on disposal................... -- -- -- -- 260 242 --
Net earnings (loss)(2)................ (156) 195 333 446 480 353 362
Per share of Common Stock:
Fully diluted
earnings -- continuing
operations....................... 1.23 1.35 2.09 2.93 1.37 .53 2.82
Primary earnings -- continuing
operations....................... 1.23 1.36 2.10 2.96 1.38 .54 2.85
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets.......................... 5,158 5,042 5,435 5,670 5,899 5,938 6,081
Long-term debt........................ 938 868 693 539 458 479 531
Long-term liabilities................. (1) (1) (1) 779 767 790 731
Retained earnings..................... 1,105 1,178 1,383 1,688 1,978 1,928 2,264
Other Data:
Depreciation and amortization of
property, plant and equipment...... 359 362 382 415 443 -- --
Capital expenditures.................. 513 459 488 466 500 276 361
Cash dividends declared per share of
Common Stock....................... 0.92 0.94 0.985 1.05 1.17 .55 .62
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges(3)......................... 2.2x 2.5x 3.9x 5.4x 3.4x 2.2x 7.2x
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) These amounts have not been restated to reflect the disposition in 1996 of
the Company's Information Systems and Services segment.
(2) 1993 and 1992 amounts include cumulative effect of accounting changes.
(3) See "Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Unaudited)" in the Prospectus.
S-7
<PAGE> 8
In 1996, the Company recorded charges of $314 million ($202 million after
tax, or $1.52 per share) primarily for actions taken, in part, to enhance the
Company's competitiveness. As a result of these actions, several manufacturing
facilities throughout the world were closed or consolidated. Also during 1996,
the Company applied the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of", resulting in the recognition of $71
million ($50 million after tax, or $0.37 per share) of impairment losses. The
losses were primarily a result of technological changes and the decision to
close certain facilities in the Automotive segment.
On October 23, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a
two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend. Accordingly,
all references to the number of shares and per share amounts have been restated
to give retroactive recognition to the stock dividend.
In 1996, the Company completed the sale of substantially all the businesses
comprising its Information Systems and Services segment. Financial information
herein has been restated to reflect only continuing operations.
S-8
<PAGE> 9
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis has been taken from and appears as
set forth in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1997 and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1996, which are incorporated by reference in the accompanying
Prospectus, and are presented as of such respective dates. The following
discussion and analysis is qualified by, and should be read in conjunction with,
the "Selected Financial Data" and the Company's Financial Statements and notes
thereto included or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and
the accompanying Prospectus. See "Recent Developments" for a discussion of
certain events that have occurred since the date of the Company's Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended September 30, 1997.
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1996
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
THIRD QUARTER SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------- -----------------
1996 1997 1996 1997
------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales................................................. $2,320 $2,521 $7,406 $8,033
Operating profit (loss)............................... (153) 213 281 720
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations............ (146) 108 73 362
Earnings from discontinued operations................. 252 -- 280 --
Fully diluted earnings per share...................... .79 .85 2.63 2.82
Effective tax rate on continuing operations........... 33.0% 34.4% 45.9% 37.5%
</TABLE>
The increase in sales for the third quarter and first nine months of 1997
was primarily due to the sales contribution from acquisitions and from higher
volume in the Automotive and Space and Defense segments. The sales increase was
moderated by the effect of a strong U.S. dollar.
The higher operating profit was due to the acquisitions, continued
cost-reduction efforts, and profit from the higher sales volume in the
Automotive and Space and Defense segments, partially offset by the effect of
lower pricing in the Automotive segment. Operating profit (loss) for the third
quarter and first nine months of 1996 included a before-tax charge of $344
million for actions taken in the automotive and space and defense businesses.
See "Special Charges" note in the Notes to Financial Statements for further
information. Operating profit for the first nine months of 1996 included a $15
million before-tax charge related to the initial application of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets To Be Disposed Of".
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations for the first nine months of
1996 included a $12 million benefit from an insurance claim settlement primarily
related to previously divested businesses, offset by a $13 million noncash
charge related to the initial application of SFAS No. 121.
Earnings from discontinued operations includes the earnings from operations
and the gain on the third quarter sale of substantially all of the businesses in
the Information Systems and Services segment. See the "Discontinued Operations"
note in the Notes to Financial Statements for further information.
Interest expense was $57 million for the first nine months of 1997 compared
to $76 million for the first nine months of 1996. Third quarter 1996 interest
expense included $18 million related to the interest component of a litigation
settlement.
The reduction in the third quarter effective tax rate was primarily
attributable to Federal and state tax incentives and the tax benefit from the
realignment of certain foreign operations.
S-9
<PAGE> 10
AUTOMOTIVE
(IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
THIRD QUARTER SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
PERCENT PERCENT
INCREASE INCREASE
1996 1997 (DECREASE) 1996 1997 (DECREASE)
------ ------ ---------- ------ ------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales............................ $1,500 $1,570 5% $4,881 $5,239 7%
Operating profit (loss) as
reported....................... (105) 136 205 485
Special charges.................. 235 -- 235 --
------ ------ ------ ------
Adjusted operating profit........ $ 130 $ 136 5% $ 440 $ 485 10%
</TABLE>
The increase in sales for the third quarter and first nine months of 1997
was primarily due to the sales contribution from the acquisitions of airbag and
steering wheel operations and from higher volume in the air bag, seat belt,
steering and engine component businesses. The sales increase was moderated by
the effect of a strong U.S. dollar, as well as lower pricing.
The higher operating profit for the third quarter and first nine months of
1997 resulted from the acquisitions, higher sales volume, and continued
cost-reduction efforts, partially offset by the effect of lower pricing and the
effect of a strong U.S. dollar. Operating profit for the first nine months of
1996 included a $15 million before-tax charge related to the initial adoption of
SFAS No. 121.
Special charges recorded during the third quarter of 1996 related to
reconfiguration of manufacturing plants, litigation and warranty expenses and
asset write-downs. See "Special Charges" note in the Notes to Financial
Statements for further information.
SPACE & DEFENSE
(IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
THIRD QUARTER SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------------------- --------------------------------
PERCENT PERCENT
INCREASE INCREASE
1996 1997 (DECREASE) 1996 1997 (DECREASE)
---- ---- ---------- ------ ------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales............................... $820 $951 16% $2,525 $2,794 11%
Operating profit (loss)............. $(48) $ 77 260% $ 76 $ 235 209%
</TABLE>
Sales and operating profit for the third quarter and first nine months of
1997 increased primarily due to the successful conversion of recent contract
awards into revenue growth as well as strong ongoing program performance.
Operating profit (loss) for the third quarter and first nine months of 1996
includes charges for certain contract reserves. Excluding these charges,
operating profit was $61 million and $185 million for the third quarter and
first nine months of 1996, respectively.
LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL POSITION
In the first nine months of 1997, cash flow provided by operating
activities of $522 million, a net increase in debt of $328 million, and a net
decrease of $6 million in other items were used to fund business acquisitions of
$415 million, capital expenditures of $361 million, reacquisition of common
stock of $202 million, and dividend payments of $116 million. As a result, cash
and cash equivalents decreased by $250 million.
Net debt (short-term debt, the current portion of long-term debt and
long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents) was $829 million at September 30,
1997, compared to $196 million at December 31, 1996. The ratio of net debt to
total capital (net debt, minority interests and shareholders' investment) at
September 30, 1997 was 26% compared to 8% at December 31, 1996.
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During the first nine months of 1997, the Company issued $80 million in
medium-term notes under its shelf registration statements. The notes were used
to refinance short-term debt. After this issuance, $420 million remains
available for borrowing under the Company's shelf registration statements.
During the first nine months of 1997, the Company amended the terms of its
U.S. and multicurrency revolving credit agreements to extend the expiration date
of the agreements from July 1, 2001 to July 1, 2002. Also, one additional bank
joined the bank group providing the U.S. revolving credit agreement and one
additional bank joined the bank group providing the multicurrency revolving
credit agreement.
During the first nine months of 1997, 3.8 million shares of TRW Common
Stock were repurchased for approximately $202 million.
Implementation of the Odyssey program has gone more slowly than
anticipated, due to the delays in attracting the necessary financial investors.
However, we are continuing to explore a variety of options, including attracting
new investors, and are considering strategic alternatives for capitalizing on
our technology.
Management believes that funds generated from operations and existing
borrowing capacity will be adequate to fund the Company's current share
repurchase program and to support and finance planned growth, capital
expenditures, Company-sponsored research and development programs and dividend
payments to shareholders.
OTHER MATTERS
During 1996, the Company was advised by the Department of Justice that it
had been named as a defendant in two lawsuits brought by a former employee and
filed under seal under the QUI TAM provisions of the civil False Claims Act. See
"Other Contingencies" note in the Notes to Financial Statements for further
information.
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. ("VSSI") has reported to the Arizona
Department of Environmental Quality ("ADEQ") potential violations of the Arizona
hazardous waste law at its Queen Creek, Arizona facility for the possible
failure properly to label and dispose of waste water that might be classified as
hazardous waste. ADEQ is conducting an investigation into these potential
violations and VSSI is cooperating with the investigation. If ADEQ initiates
proceedings against VSSI with respect to such matters, VSSI could be liable for
penalties and fines and other relief. Management is unable to make a meaningful
estimate of the amount or range of possible liability at this time.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements in this filing that are not historical facts are forward-looking
statements, which involve risks and uncertainties that could affect the
Company's actual results. Information regarding the important factors that could
cause TRW's actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking
statements contained in this filing can be found in TRW's reports filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including TRW's Form 8-K filed on May 20,
1997.
FISCAL YEAR 1996 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 1995
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SALES
Record sales in 1996 resulted in the Company reporting the highest net
earnings in its history, exceeding the previous records achieved in 1995. In
addition, the Company's liquidity and financial condition improved significantly
during 1996, positioning the Company to achieve strong future growth.
Consolidated sales in 1996 of $9.9 billion represented a 3% increase over
1995 sales of $9.6 billion. Compared to 1994 sales of $8.5 billion, 1996 sales
increased 16%. Net earnings in 1996 of $480 million exceeded earnings of $446
million in 1995 and $333 million in 1994. Fully diluted earnings per share were
$3.60 in 1996, $3.31 in 1995 and $2.50 in 1994. The earnings per share amounts
have been restated to reflect the Company's stock dividend.
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The 1996 results included three special items. First, the Company sold its
information services business for proceeds of $1.1 billion resulting in a gain
of $484 million ($260 million after tax, or $1.95 per share). Second, the
Company recorded charges of $314 million ($202 million after tax, or $1.52 per
share) primarily for actions taken, in part, to enhance the Company's
competitiveness. And third, the Company applied the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets To Be Disposed Of," resulting in the
recognition of $71 million ($50 million after tax, or $.37 per share) of
impairment losses. The losses were primarily a result of technological changes
and the decision to close certain facilities in the Automotive segment.
AUTOMOTIVE SEGMENT
Sales in 1996 rose to a record $6.49 billion from the 1995 sales level of
$6.47 billion. The increase in sales resulted primarily from higher volume in
virtually all product lines partially offset by lower pricing and the effect of
unfavorable exchange rates. Operating profit in 1996 was $319 million compared
to $607 million in 1995. Included in 1996 operating profit was $290 million of
charges relating to asset impairments and write-downs, consolidation of
manufacturing plants, severance costs and litigation and warranty expenses.
Excluding these charges, operating profit in 1996 was $609 million. The increase
in operating profit was primarily due to the effect of aggressive cost
reductions and the introduction of new inflator technologies which more than
offset the effects of lower pricing and new product development costs.
Sales of $6.47 billion in 1995 represented a 14% increase over 1994 sales
of $5.68 billion. Operating profit in 1995 increased 28% to $607 million from
the $476 million reported in 1994. The increase in sales and operating profit
was the result of higher volume in the North American air bag and steering
systems businesses and all European automotive businesses, primarily in air bag
and steering systems. Favorable exchange rates also contributed to the sales
increase.
The Company has invested and expects to continue to invest in areas of
significant potential growth, such as smart restraint systems, side-impact air
bags, power rack and pinion steering, electrically assisted steering and
advanced electronic components. TRW will continue to take advantage of
opportunities to enhance its global competitiveness through internal growth and
strategic alliances. Examples of the progress made during 1996 include the
formation of 10 alliances, joint ventures and acquisitions in 7 countries and
the acquisition of a producer of steering wheel systems. In addition, we
completed in February 1997, the acquisition of an 80% equity interest in the air
bag and steering wheel businesses of Magna International. These operations
supply air bag modules, inflators, propellants, steering wheels and other
related automotive components. TRW and Magna also agreed to form a strategic
alliance for the design, development and production of automotive products for
the global market. Under this alliance, TRW will lead development efforts in
occupant restraint systems, including air bags, seatbelts, inflators, sensors
and steering wheels.
The Company anticipates that 1997 North American automotive and light truck
production will be stable with the 1996 levels. We foresee modest production
growth in Western Europe and strong growth in the emerging markets of Eastern
Europe and Asia. Strong price pressure is expected to continue across all
product lines. Productivity improvements, material cost reductions and the
introduction of new, lower cost technologies will be the main initiatives taken
to mitigate the price pressure.
SPACE AND DEFENSE SEGMENT
Driven by new contract awards, sales in 1996 increased 9% to $3.36 billion
compared to $3.10 billion in 1995 and was the third consecutive year of sales
growth. Operating profit in 1996 was $157 million compared to $192 million in
1995. The lower operating profit was due primarily to the effect of program
reserves more than offsetting the profit from the higher sales volume. Included
in 1996 and 1995 operating profit were $90 million and $30 million,
respectively, of charges related primarily to contract reserves.
Sales in 1995 increased 10% to $3.10 billion from the $2.81 billion
reported in 1994. Operating profit of $192 million was 10% higher than 1994's
operating profit of $175 million. The strong sales growth resulting from new
contract awards and existing business more than offset the effect of contracts
nearing completion. The increase in operating profit resulted primarily from the
absence of investments for new business initiatives
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<PAGE> 13
partially offset by lower fee accruals during the early period of new programs
and the net effect of program reserves.
Continuing pressure on the Department of Defense, NASA and other U.S.
Government agency budgets could affect the level of future revenues and
operating profits. However, government funding for all major TRW contracts
appears to be stable, and the Company does not anticipate any unfavorable effect
on operations relating to program terminations or budget reallocations. The
diversity of our programs helps insulate the Company from funding fluctuations
on any given contract. We feel that our business is well positioned for growth
in our traditional Federal government markets, as well as our targeted
commercial and international markets. We remain focused on bidding and winning
new contracts and on continuing to provide outstanding products and services to
our customers.
Backlog estimates at the end of 1996 totaled a record $5.30 billion, up 4%
from $5.12 billion at the end of 1995. The backlog growth was driven by a number
of key program awards in both defense and nondefense related markets.
Furthermore, our reported backlog has grown by 29% since 1994, an impressive
statistic considering the reduction in total defense outlays that has occurred
during this period. Reported backlog at the end of 1996 does not include $2.9
billion of negotiated and priced, but not exercised, options for defense and
nondefense programs. The exercise of the options is at the discretion of the
customer and, as in the case of government contracts generally, dependent on
future government funding.
SPECIAL ITEMS
During 1996, the Company recorded charges totaling $314 million ($202
million after tax, or $1.52 per share). The charges were taken primarily for
actions to enhance the Company's competitiveness. The Company believes these
actions will provide for a strong future with solid growth. As a result of these
actions, several manufacturing facilities located throughout the world will be
closed or consolidated, and employment Company-wide will be reduced by
approximately 2,500 people. Refer to the "Special charges" footnote in the Notes
to Financial Statements for further discussion.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
During 1996, the Company sold its information services business receiving
proceeds of $1.1 billion. This sale resulted in a gain of $484 million ($260
million after tax, or $1.95 per share). The proceeds from the sale were used to
repay debt, to fund investment opportunities and to repurchase the Company's
Common Stock. The operating results of the information services business and the
related transaction gain are reflected as discontinued operations for all
periods presented in the financial statements.
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest expense in 1996 was $84 million compared to $95 million in 1995
and $105 million in 1994. The decrease in interest expense in 1996 was primarily
due to lower average debt levels. The decrease in interest expense from 1994 to
1995 was due to lower average debt levels partially offset by higher U.S.
interest rates.
INCOME TAXES
The effective tax rate on continuing operations was 39.6% compared to 36.8%
in 1995 and 36.4% in 1994. The higher effective tax rate in 1996 was primarily
due to the absence of a current tax benefit for certain of the special charges
taken during 1996.
SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
On October 23, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a
two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend. Accordingly,
all references to the number of shares and per share amounts have been restated
to give retroactive recognition to the stock dividend.
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INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
International sales were $3.94 billion, or 40% of TRW sales in 1996; $3.92
billion, or 41% of sales in 1995; and $3.11 billion, or 37% of sales in 1994.
U.S. export sales included in those amounts were $764 million in 1996, $813
million in 1995 and $595 million in 1994. Most of TRW's non-U.S. operations are
included in the Automotive segment and are located in Europe, Canada, Brazil and
the Pacific Basin. TRW's non-U.S. operations are subject to the usual risks that
may affect such operations; however, most of the assets of its non-U.S.
operations are in countries where the Company believes such risks to be minimal.
LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL POSITION
Cash flow from operations in 1996 of $711 million and net divestiture
proceeds of $789 million were used primarily for capital expenditures of $500
million, reacquisition of common stock of $361 million, dividend payments of
$148 million and the repayment of debt of $167 million. Net debt at December 31,
1996, was $196 million compared to $692 million at the end of 1995. The ratio of
net debt (short-term debt, current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt
less cash and cash equivalents) to total capital (net debt, minority interests
and shareholders' investment) was 8% at December 31, 1996, compared to 24% at
December 31, 1995. The percentage of fixed-rate debt to total debt was 86% at
the end of 1996.
During 1996, 7.9 million shares of TRW Common Stock were repurchased for
approximately $366 million, of which $5 million was settled in January 1997.
Pursuant to a Board of Directors authorization, the Company may repurchase up to
an additional 12 million shares of TRW Common Stock. The Company plans to
purchase the additional shares from time to time, depending on market
conditions.
TRW's non-U.S. operations are generally financed by borrowings from banks
or through intercompany loans in the local currency of the borrower and by
equity capital invested by TRW and minority shareholders. There are no
significant restrictions on the remittance of funds by the Company's non-U.S.
subsidiaries to the United States. A discussion of TRW's credit facilities is
contained in the "Debt and credit agreements" footnote in the Notes to Financial
Statements.
The Company is subject to inherent risks attributed to operating in a
global economy. It is the Company's policy to utilize derivative financial
instruments to manage its interest rate and foreign currency exchange risks. The
Company uses derivatives to hedge its exposure to short-term interest rate
changes as a lower cost substitute for the issuance of fixed-rate debt after
taking into consideration account-related counterparty risk. The Company manages
cash flow transactional foreign exchange risk pursuant to a written corporate
policy. Forward contracts and to a lesser extent options are utilized to protect
the Company's cash flow from adverse movements in exchange rates. The Company is
exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to
the derivative financial instruments. The Company diversifies the counterparties
used and has minimum credit standards for counterparties as a means to limit
this exposure and anticipates that the counterparties will fully satisfy their
obligations under the contracts. Derivative financial instruments are viewed by
the Company as a risk management tool and are not used for speculative or
trading purposes. The effect of derivative transactions on the Company's net
earnings for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, is
not material.
Capital expenditures were $500 million in 1996, $466 million in 1995 and
$488 million in 1994. The Company will maintain a capital program with estimated
capital expenditures for 1997 totaling about $475 million. Approximately
two-thirds of these expenditures will be invested in the Automotive segment and
one-third in the Space and Defense segment. The Company will continue to invest
in its automotive growth businesses, including air bag systems, power rack and
pinion steering and automotive electronics technology. Space and defense
expenditures will be used to support major new contract awards and our existing
business base as well as to support research and development of next generation
technologies.
In addition to the planned level of 1997 capital expenditures discussed
above, the Company plans to invest in new investment opportunities. These
investment opportunities currently include the acquisition of the Magna
International businesses, with a cost of approximately $450 million. In
addition, we expect to continue our involvement in Odyssey, a venture for which
TRW is building a satellite-based personal communications system. In January
1997, Odyssey entered into a memorandum of understanding with ChinaSat, a wholly
owned
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<PAGE> 15
subsidiary of China's Ministry of Post and Telecommunications. The agreement
gives ChinaSat exclusive rights to distribute Odyssey satellite-based cellular
phone, fax and data services in the People's Republic of China. The level of
TRW's investment in Odyssey will be determined during 1997.
We believe the Company's current financial position and financing
arrangements allow flexibility in worldwide financing activities and permit us
to respond to changing conditions in credit markets. The existing arrangements
are not indicative of the Company's potential borrowing capacity. We believe
that funds generated from operations and existing borrowing capacity are
adequate to fund the current share repurchase program and support and finance
planned growth, capital expenditures, Company-sponsored research and development
programs and dividend payments to shareholders.
OTHER MATTERS
Federal, state and local requirements relating to the discharge of
materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the
environment, have had and will continue to have an effect on TRW and its
operations. The Company is conducting a number of environmental investigations
and remedial actions at current and former Company locations and, along with
other companies, has been named a potentially responsible party for certain
waste management sites. Each of these matters is subject to various
uncertainties, and it is possible that some of these matters may be resolved
unfavorably to the Company. A reserve estimate for each matter is established
using standard engineering cost estimating techniques. In the determination of
such costs, consideration is given to professional judgment of Company
environmental engineers in consultation with outside environmental specialists
when necessary. At multiparty sites, the reserve estimate also reflects the
expected allocation of total project costs among the various potentially
responsible parties. At December 31, 1996, the Company had reserves for
environmental matters of $77 million, including $7 million of additional
accruals recorded during the year. The Company aggressively pursues
reimbursement for environmental costs from its insurance carriers. However,
insurance recoveries are not recorded as a reduction of environmental costs
until they are fixed and determinable. At December 31, 1996, the "Other assets"
caption on the balance sheet includes $36 million of insurance recoveries
related to environmental matters. The Company believes that any liability that
may result from the resolution of environmental matters for which sufficient
information is available to support these cost estimates will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's future results of operations and cash
flows. However, the Company cannot predict the effect on the Company's future
results of operations and cash flows of expenditures for aspects of certain
matters for which there is insufficient information. In addition, the Company
cannot predict the effect of compliance with environmental laws and regulations
with respect to unknown environmental matters on the Company's future results of
operations and cash flows or the possible effect of compliance with
environmental requirements imposed in the future.
During 1996, the Company was advised by the Department of Justice that it
had been named as a defendant in two lawsuits brought by a former employee and
filed under seal under the QUI TAM provisions of the civil False Claims Act.
Refer to the "Contingencies" footnote in the Notes to Financial Statements for
further discussion.
DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFERED SECURITIES
GENERAL
The following description of the particular terms of the Offered Securities
offered hereby supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces,
the description of the general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities set
forth in the accompanying Prospectus.
The Offered Securities will be issued under an Indenture dated as of May 1,
1986, as supplemented (the "Indenture"), between the Company and The Chase
Manhattan Bank, as successor trustee (the "Trustee") to Mellon Bank, N.A.,
incorporated by reference to the Company's registration statement on Form S-3 of
which this Prospectus Supplement is a part. The Offered Securities will bear
interest from January , 1998, at the rates of interest stated on the cover
page hereof. Interest on the Offered Securities will be payable semiannually on
January and July , commencing on July , 1998, to the persons in whose
names they are registered at the
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<PAGE> 16
close of business on the or preceding such January or
July . The % Notes will mature on January , 2005 and the % Notes
will mature on January , 2010.
MAKE-WHOLE REDEMPTION
The % Notes and % Notes will be redeemable as a whole or in part
at the option of the Company at any time, at a redemption price equal to the
greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of such Notes or (ii) the sum of the
present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest
thereon discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming a
360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as
defined herein) plus basis points in the case of the % Notes and
basis points in the case of the % Notes, plus, in each case, accrued
interest thereon to the date of redemption.
"Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per
annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable
Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as
a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for
such redemption date.
"Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security
selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to
the remaining term of the % Notes or the % Notes, as the case may be,
to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in
accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate
debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such %
Notes or % Notes, as the case may be. "Independent Investment Banker" means
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated or, if such firm is unwilling or unable to
select the Comparable Treasury Issue, one of the other Reference Treasury
Dealers appointed by the Trustee after consultation with the Company.
"Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (i)
the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third
business day preceding such redemption date, as set forth in the daily
statistical release (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York and designated "Composite 3:30 p.m. Quotations for U.S.
Government Securities" or (ii) if such release (or any successor release) is not
published or does not contain such prices on such business day, the average of
the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations actually obtained by the Trustee for
such redemption date. "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect
to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as
determined by the Trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable
Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount)
quoted in writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m.
on the third business day preceding such redemption date.
"Reference Treasury Dealer" means each of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., and their
respective successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall
cease to be a primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City (a
"Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Company may substitute therefor another Primary
Treasury Dealer.
Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least thirty (30) days but no
more than sixty (60) days before the redemption date to each holder of Offered
Securities to be redeemed.
Unless the Company defaults in payment of the redemption price, on and
after the redemption date interest will cease to accrue on the Offered
Securities or portions thereof called for redemption.
SINKING FUND
The Offered Securities are not entitled to any sinking fund provisions.
DEFEASANCE
Under certain circumstances, the Company will be deemed to have discharged
the entire indebtedness on all the outstanding Offered Securities by defeasance,
or to be discharged from certain covenants otherwise applicable
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<PAGE> 17
to the Offered Securities and described in the accompanying Prospectus under the
headings "Description of Debt Securities -- Limitation on Liens", "-- Limitation
on Sale and Leaseback" and "-- Exempted Indebtedness". See "Description of Debt
Securities -- Defeasance" in the accompanying Prospectus for a description of
the terms of any such defeasance. The Company has made these defeasance
provisions applicable to the Offered Securities.
BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
The Offered Securities will be issued in the form of one or more fully
registered Global Securities which will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the
Depositary and registered in the name of the Depositary's nominee.
The Depositary has advised as follows: It is a limited-purpose trust
company which was created to hold securities for its participating organizations
(the "participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of
securities transactions in such securities between participants through
electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its participants. Participants
include securities brokers and dealers (including the Underwriters), banks and
trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access
to the Depositary's system is also available to others such as banks, brokers,
dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly ("indirect
participants"). Persons who are not participants may beneficially own securities
held by the Depositary only through participants or indirect participants.
LEVERAGE
Other than the restrictions on liens and sale and leaseback transactions
described in the accompanying Prospectus, the Offered Securities do not contain
any covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of the Notes
protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving the Company.
UNDERWRITERS
Under the terms and conditions set forth in an Underwriting Agreement,
dated January , 1998, the Underwriters named below have severally agreed to
purchase, and the Company has agreed to sell to them severally, the respective
principal amount of the Offered Securities set forth opposite their respective
names below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
NAME OF % NOTES OF % NOTES
------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated...................... $ $
Goldman, Sachs & Co. ..................................
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ...........................
BancAmerica Robertson Stephens.........................
BZW Securities Inc.....................................
Citicorp Securities, Inc...............................
Dresdner Kleinwort Benson North America LLC............
First Chicago Capital Markets, Inc.....................
RBC Dominion Securities Corporation....................
---------- ----------
Total................................................ $ $
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the Offered Securities are
subject to approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain
other conditions. The Underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the
Offered Securities if any are taken.
The Underwriters initially propose to offer the % Notes to the public
at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus
Supplement and to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess
of % of the principal amount of such Notes. Any Underwriter may allow, and
such dealers may
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<PAGE> 18
reallow, a concession not in excess of % of the principal amount of such
Notes to certain other dealers. The Underwriters initially propose to offer
the % Notes to the public at the public offering price set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus Supplement and to certain dealers at such price
less a concession not in excess of % of the principal amount of such Notes.
Any Underwriter may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in
excess of % of the principal amount of such Notes to certain other dealers.
After the initial offering of the Offered Securities, the offering price and
other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the Underwriters named on
the cover page of this Prospectus Supplement.
The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
The Company does not intend to apply for listing of the Offered Securities
on a national securities exchange, but has been advised by the Underwriters that
they presently intend to make a market in the Offered Securities, as permitted
by applicable laws and regulations. The Underwriters are not obligated, however,
to make a market in the Offered Securities and any such market making may be
discontinued at any time at the sole discretion of the Underwriters.
Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or trading
markets for, the Offered Securities.
In order to facilitate the offering of the Offered Securities, the
Underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise
affect the prices of the Offered Securities. Specifically, the Underwriters may
overallot in connection with the offering, creating a short position in the
Offered Securities for their own account. In addition, to cover overallotments
or to stabilize the price of the Offered Securities, the Underwriters may bid
for, and purchase the Offered Securities in the open market. Finally, the
underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter
or dealer for distributing the Offered Securities in the offering, if the
syndicate repurchases previously distributed Offered Securities in transactions
to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise.
Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain market prices of the Offered
Securities above independent market levels. The Underwriters are not required to
engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.
The Underwriters and certain of their affiliates and associates may engage
in transactions with, and/or perform services, including investment and
commercial banking services, for the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates
in the ordinary course of business.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The validity of the Offered Securities offered hereby will be passed on for
the Company by William B. Lawrence, Esq., and for the Underwriters by Cravath,
Swaine & Moore. Mr. Lawrence is Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of the Company and is a shareholder of the Company.
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<PAGE> 19
PROSPECTUS
LOGO
TRW INC.
Debt Securities and Warrants
TRW Inc. (the "Company") intends to issue from time to time debt securities
(the "Debt Securities") and warrants to purchase Debt Securities (the
"Warrants") from which the Company will receive proceeds of up to an aggregate
of $500,000,000 (or the equivalent in foreign denominated currency or units
consisting of multiple currencies) and which will be offered on terms to be
determined at the time of sale. The Debt Securities and Warrants may be issued
in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par or at a
premium or with an original issue discount. The purchase price for and the
principal of and any premium and any interest on the Debt Securities and
Warrants may be payable in U.S. dollars or foreign denominated currency or
currency units.
The specific title, aggregate principal amount, designated currency or
currency units, offering price, maturity, rate (or method of calculation) and
time of any payment of interest, any right on the part of the holders of Debt
Securities to require the repurchase thereof by the Company, any redemption,
sinking fund and other terms and any securities exchange listing of Debt
Securities (the "Offered Debt Securities") and the duration, offering price,
exercise price and detachability of any Warrants (the "Offered Warrants") in
respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered are set forth in supplements
to this Prospectus (the "Prospectus Supplement") together with the terms of the
offering. The Offered Debt Securities and Offered Warrants are herein
collectively referred to as the "Offered Securities".
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The Company may sell the Debt Securities and Warrants offered hereby in any
one or more of the following ways: (i) directly to purchasers; (ii) through
agents; (iii) to dealers; or (iv) to underwriters. If any underwriters, agents
or dealers are involved in the sale of the Offered Securities, their names and
any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them are set forth
in the Prospectus Supplement. See "Plan of Distribution". The net proceeds to
the Company from such sale are also set forth in the Prospectus Supplement.
September 15, 1995
<PAGE> 20
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
2
<PAGE> 21
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations not contained in this Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement in
connection with the offer made by this Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement
and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied
upon as having been authorized by the Company or by any underwriter, dealer or
agent. This Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement do not constitute an offer
to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Debt Securities or
Warrants offered hereby in any jurisdiction in which or to any person to whom it
is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. This Prospectus and any
Prospectus Supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an
offer to buy any securities other than those to which they relate. Neither the
delivery of this Prospectus nor any Prospectus Supplement nor any sale of or
offer to sell the Debt Securities or Warrants offered hereby shall, under any
circumstances, create an implication that there has been no change in the
affairs of the Company since the date hereof or that the information herein is
correct as of any time subsequent to its date.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and in accordance therewith files
reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy statements and other information
filed by the Company with the Commission can be inspected and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following
Regional Offices of the Commission: 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York,
New York 10048; and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois
60661-2511. Copies of such material can be obtained from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C.
20549, at prescribed rates. Such reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning the Company can also be inspected at the offices of the New York
Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005; the Chicago
Stock Exchange, Incorporated, 440 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605;
The Pacific Stock Exchange Incorporated, 301 Pine Street, San Francisco,
California 94104; and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Inc., Stock Exchange
Building, 1900 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company will provide without charge to each person, including any
beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon the
written or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the documents
incorporated herein by reference (not including the exhibits to such documents,
unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in such
documents). Requests for such copies should be directed to Financial Services,
TRW Inc., 1900 Richmond Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44124. Telephone (216) 291-7654.
The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission (File No.
1-2384) are hereby incorporated by reference in this Prospectus:
1. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994;
2. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995;
3. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1995;
and
4. All other reports filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Exchange Act since December 31, 1994.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering of the Debt Securities and Warrants shall be deemed
to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof
from the date of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained
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<PAGE> 22
herein or in any subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY
GENERAL
The Company is an international company that provides advanced technology
products and services. The principal businesses of the Company and its
subsidiaries are the design, manufacture and sale of products and the
performance of systems engineering, research and technical services for industry
and the United States Government in three industry segments: Automotive; Space &
Defense; and Information Systems & Services. The Company's principal products
and services include automotive systems and components; spacecraft; software and
systems engineering support services; electronic systems, equipment and
services; and information systems and services.
The Company's Automotive segment designs, manufactures and sells a broad
range of steering, suspension, engine, safety, engineered fastening, electrical,
electronic, electromechanical and other components and systems as original
equipment for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, farm machinery
and off-highway vehicles. These products include occupant safety systems such as
seat belt systems and inflatable restraint systems, manual and power steering
gears, engine valves and valve train components, suspension components,
electronic monitoring and control systems, electromechanical assemblies,
fasteners, stud welding systems and other components. The Company also
manufactures and sells, for use as aftermarket parts, a broad line of engine and
chassis parts for cars, trucks, off-highway vehicles and other miscellaneous
uses.
The Company's Space & Defense segment includes spacecraft, software and
systems engineering support services and electronic systems, equipment and
services. The Company's spacecraft activities include the design and manufacture
of spacecraft equipment, propulsion subsystems, electro-optical and instrument
systems, spacecraft payloads, high-energy lasers and laser technology and other
high-reliability components. The Company's software and systems engineering
support services are in the fields of command and control, security for defense
and nondefense applications, counterterrorism, undersea surveillance,
antisubmarine warfare and other high-technology space and defense mission
support systems, management of radioactive waste automated fingerprint matching,
upgrading of the nation's air traffic control program and other civilian
applications. The Company's electronic systems, equipment and services include
the design and manufacture of communications systems, avionics systems (such as
unmanned aerial vehicles) and other electronic technologies for space and
defense applications.
The Company's Information Systems & Services segment includes consumer
credit information services, real estate information services, direct marketing
services, imaging systems engineering and integration services and business
credit information services.
The Company was incorporated in the State of Ohio on June 17, 1916. The
principal executive offices of the Company are located at 1900 Richmond Road,
Cleveland, Ohio 44124, and the telephone number is (216) 291-7000.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Except as otherwise set forth in the Prospectus Supplement, the Company
anticipates that some or all of the net proceeds from the sale of the Debt
Securities and Warrants may be used by the Company, together with internally
generated funds and possible future borrowings, for capital expenditures,
possible future acquisitions, repayment of short-term borrowings, future
repurchases by the Company of its Common Stock, increased working capital
requirements and other corporate purposes.
4
<PAGE> 23
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(UNAUDITED)
The following table shows the ratio of earnings to fixed charges of the
Company and its subsidiaries. For purposes of this ratio, "earnings" consist of
earnings before income taxes adjusted for minority interests in earnings of
consolidated subsidiaries, plus fixed charges, less undistributed earnings of
affiliates less than fifty percent of which are owned by the Company. "Fixed
charges" consist of interest on borrowed funds, amortization of debt discount
and expense and one-third of rental expense which is representative of the
interest factor.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
ENDED ------------------------------------
JUNE 30, 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges........... 5.8x 4.2x 2.8x 2.4x 0.4x(1) 2.2x
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The 1991 loss before income taxes of $129.4 million includes a charge of
$343 million to cover costs associated with restructuring activities.
Excluding this charge, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges would have
been 1.7x.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The Debt Securities are to be issued in one or more series under an
indenture dated as of May 1, 1986, as supplemented (the "Indenture"), between
the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), as successor
trustee (the "Trustee") to Mellon Bank, N.A. The following summaries of certain
provisions of the Indenture do not purport to be complete and are subject to,
and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the
Indenture.
GENERAL
The Indenture does not limit the amount of Debt Securities which can be
issued and provides that Debt Securities may be issued up to the aggregate
principal amount which may be authorized from time to time by the Company.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement for the following terms of the
Offered Debt Securities: (i) the title, aggregate principal amount and
authorized denominations of the Offered Debt Securities; (ii) the percentage of
the principal amount at which such Offered Debt Securities will be issued; (iii)
the date on which the Offered Debt Securities will mature; (iv) the rate per
annum (which may be fixed or floating), if any, at which the Offered Debt
Securities will bear interest or the method of determining such rate; (v) the
times at which any such interest will be payable and the record dates with
respect thereto; (vi) any sinking fund or redemption terms; (vii) any right of
the holders to require the Company to repurchase the Offered Debt Securities;
(viii) the currency or currencies in which the purchase price for, the principal
of and any premium and any interest on the Offered Debt Securities may be
payable; (ix) if the currency in which the purchase price for, the principal of
and any premium and any interest on the Offered Debt Securities may be payable
is at the purchaser's election, the manner in which such an election may be
made; (x) any securities exchange on which the Offered Debt Securities will be
listed; (xi) whether the Debt Securities are to be issued in the form of one or
more global securities representing such Debt Securities (each, a "Global
Security") and, if so, the identity of a depository (the "Depository") for such
Global Securities; and (xii) any other specific terms. In the case of Offered
Debt Securities which are registered, principal, any premium, and any interest
on the Offered Debt Securities may be paid at the option of the Company by check
mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as it appears in the
register for the Offered Debt Securities. Interest payments will be subject to
applicable withholding taxes.
The Debt Securities will be unsecured and will rank on a parity with all
other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company.
5
<PAGE> 24
No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of the Debt
Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any
tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith (Section 3.05
of the Indenture).
Debt Securities of a series may be issuable in the form of one or more
Global Securities, which will be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate
principal amount of such Debt Securities. See "Global Securities" below.
The Debt Securities may be issued as discounted Debt Securities (bearing no
interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market
rates) to be sold at a substantial discount below the stated principal amount.
Federal income tax consequences and other special considerations applicable to
any such discounted Debt Securities will be described in the Prospectus
Supplement relating thereto.
GLOBAL SECURITIES
The Debt Securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the
form of one or more Global Securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf
of, the Depository identified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such
series. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Debt Securities
in definitive form, a Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole
by or to the Depository for such Global Security or its successor, or any
nominee of such Depository or successor Depository. (Section 2.04 of the
Indenture.)
The specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to any series
of Debt Securities and the rights of and limitations on owners of beneficial
interests in Global Securities representing Debt Securities will be described in
the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Debt Securities.
LIMITATION ON LIENS
The Indenture provides that, so long as any of the Debt Securities remain
outstanding, the Company will not, nor will it permit any Domestic Subsidiary
(as defined) to, create or assume any mortgage, security interest, pledge or
lien ("mortgage") upon any Principal Property (as defined) or upon any shares of
capital stock or indebtedness of any Domestic Subsidiary if such mortgage
secures or is intended to secure, directly or indirectly, the payment of any
indebtedness for money borrowed evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or other
similar evidences of indebtedness without providing that the Debt Securities
shall be secured equally and ratably by such mortgage. This restriction does not
apply to (i) mortgages on any Principal Property existing at the time of the
acquisition thereof or securing the purchase price thereof or securing the cost
of construction of or improvement on a Principal Property that are created or
assumed contemporaneously with, or within 120 days after, such acquisition or
completion of such construction or improvement; (ii) mortgages on property of a
corporation existing at the time such corporation becomes a Domestic Subsidiary
or is merged or consolidated with the Company or a Domestic Subsidiary or
existing at the time of a sale, lease or other disposition of the properties of
such corporation (or a division thereof) or other Person (as defined) as an
entirety or substantially as an entirety to the Company or a Domestic
Subsidiary; (iii) mortgages securing indebtedness of the Company or a Domestic
Subsidiary to the Company or a Wholly Owned Domestic Subsidiary (as defined);
(iv) mortgages in favor of the United States or any State or Territory or
Possession thereof, or any foreign country, or any department, agency,
instrumentality or political subdivision of any of such domestic or foreign
jurisdictions, to secure partial, progress, advance or other payments pursuant
to any contract or statute or to secure any debt incurred for the purpose of
financing all or part of the purchase price or the cost of constructing the
property subject to such mortgages; and (v) mortgages representing the
extension, renewal or replacement (or successive extensions, renewals or
replacements) of mortgages referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iv)
(Section 5.05 of the Indenture). "Principal Property" is defined in the
Indenture as each manufacturing plant, engineering facility or research facility
owned or leased by the Company or a Domestic Subsidiary other than any such
plant or facility or portion thereof which the Directors reasonably determine
not to be of material importance to the Company and its Subsidiaries (as
defined) taken as a whole (Section 1.01 of the Indenture). See also "Exempted
Indebtedness".
6
<PAGE> 25
LIMITATION ON SALE AND LEASEBACK
Sale and leaseback transactions by the Company or any Domestic Subsidiary
(except for transactions involving temporary leases for a term of three years or
less and except for transactions among themselves) involving any Principal
Property are prohibited unless the sale is for an amount at least equal to its
fair value and either (a) the Company or such Domestic Subsidiary would be
entitled, pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) of the foregoing Limitation on
Liens covenant, to create Debt (as defined) secured by a mortgage on the
Principal Property to be leased in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt (as
defined) with respect to such transaction without equally and ratably securing
the Debt Securities, or (b) the Company, within 120 days, applies an amount
equal to the net proceeds of the sale to the redemption of the Debt Securities
or other Consolidated Funded Debt (as defined) of the Company ranking prior to
or on a parity with the Debt Securities (or, in lieu of such redemption,
delivers Debt Securities to the Trustee for cancellation) (Section 5.06 of the
Indenture). "Attributable Debt" is defined in the Indenture to mean, as to any
particular lease under which any Person (as defined) is liable, the lesser of
(x) the fair value of the property subject to such lease (as determined by the
Directors of the Company) or (y) the total net amount of rent required to be
paid by such Person under such lease during the remaining term thereof,
discounted from the respective due dates thereof to such date at the actual
interest factor included in such rent. The net amount of rent required to be
paid under any such lease for any such period shall be the aggregate amount of
the rent payable by the lessee with respect to such period after excluding
amounts required to be paid on account of maintenance and repairs, insurance,
taxes, assessments, water rates and similar charges. In the case of any lease
which is terminable by the lessee upon the payment of a penalty, such net amount
shall also include the amount of such penalty, but no rent shall be considered
as required to be paid under such lease subsequent to the first date upon which
it may be so terminated (Section 1.01 of the Indenture). See also "Exempted
Indebtedness".
EXEMPTED INDEBTEDNESS
Notwithstanding the limitations on mortgages and sale and leaseback
transactions outlined above, the Company or any Domestic Subsidiary is permitted
to create or assume mortgages or to enter into sale and leaseback transactions,
provided that at the time of such event, and after giving effect thereto, the
sum of (i) outstanding indebtedness incurred after the date of the Indenture and
secured by a mortgage (other than certain permitted mortgages) plus (ii) the
Attributable Debt (as defined) in respect of sale and leaseback transactions
entered into after the date of the Indenture (other than certain permitted sale
and leaseback transactions) will not exceed 15% of the Consolidated Net Tangible
Assets (as defined) of the Company (Sections 1.01, 5.05(b) and 5.06(b) of the
Indenture).
Other than the restrictions on liens and sale and leaseback transactions
described above, the Indenture and the Debt Securities do not contain any
covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of the Debt Securities
protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving the Company.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The Indenture defines an Event of Default with respect to any series of
Debt Securities as being any one of the following events, unless it is
inapplicable, and such other events as may be established for the Debt
Securities of a particular series: (a) failure of the Company for 60 days in any
payment of interest on any Debt Securities of such series; (b) failure of the
Company to pay principal or premium, if any, when due with respect to any Debt
Securities of such series; (c) failure of the Company for 10 days in the
satisfaction of any sinking fund obligation with respect to any Debt Securities
of such series; (d) failure of the Company for 75 days after appropriate notice
to perform any other covenant or agreement in the Indenture applicable to such
series; or (e) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization. No
Event of Default with respect to a particular series of Debt Securities issued
under the Indenture necessarily constitutes an Event of Default with respect to
any other series of Debt Securities issued thereunder. In case an Event of
Default shall occur and be continuing with respect to any series of Debt
Securities, the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the Debt Securities of such series then outstanding may
declare the principal of such series (or a portion of the principal amount in
the case of certain discounted Debt Securities) to be due and payable (Section
7.01 of the Indenture). Any Event of Default with respect to a particular series
of Debt Securities, except in each case a
7
<PAGE> 26
failure with respect to such Debt Security to pay principal, premium, if any, or
interest, if any, or any sinking fund installment, if any, may be waived by the
holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt
Securities of such series (Section 7.06 of the Indenture).
The Indenture requires the Company to file annually with the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate (as defined) as to the existence of defaults in
performance of certain covenants in the Indenture (Section 5.08 of the
Indenture). The Indenture provides that the Trustee may withhold notice to the
holders of the Debt Securities of a particular series of any default (except in
payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, or in the making of
any sinking fund payment, if any) with respect to such series of Debt Securities
if the Trustee determines in good faith that the withholding of notice is in the
interest of the holders of such Debt Securities (Section 7.07 of the Indenture).
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all outstanding
Debt Securities will have the right, subject to certain limitations, to direct
the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available
to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee
(Section 7.06 of the Indenture). The Indenture provides that in case an Event of
Default shall occur (which shall not have been cured or waived), the Trustee
will be required to exercise such of its rights and powers under the Indenture
and to use the degree of care and skill in their exercise that a prudent man
would exercise or use in the conduct of his own affairs (Section 8.01 of the
Indenture). Subject to the provisions of Section 8.01, the Trustee will be under
no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the
request of any of the holders of the Debt Securities, unless they shall have
offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity (Section 8.02 of the
Indenture).
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate with, or sell or
convey all or substantially all of its assets to, or merge into, any other
entity, if (i) the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the
Company is merged, or the entity which acquired all or substantially all of the
Company's assets shall be organized and existing under the laws of the United
States of America or any state thereof and the resulting entity expressly
assumes the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any)
and interest on the Debt Securities according to their tenor and the due and
punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of
the Indenture to be performed, observed or satisfied by the Company and (ii)
immediately after such merger or consolidation, or such sale or conveyance, no
Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing and such successor entity
shall not immediately thereafter have outstanding any secured indebtedness not
permitted by Section 5.05 of the Indenture unless such entity secures the Debt
Securities in accordance with Section 12.03 of the Indenture (Section 12.01 of
the Indenture).
DEFEASANCE
The Indenture provides that the Company, at its option, either (a) will be
discharged from any and all obligations with respect to any series of Debt
Securities (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange
of the Debt Securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated Debt Securities,
maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust) or (b) need not
comply with certain restrictive covenants of the Indenture (as described under
"Limitation on Liens" and "Limitation on Sale and Leaseback") with respect to
any series of Debt Securities, upon the deposit with the Trustee (or, in the
case of a discharge of obligations, 91 days after such deposit), in trust, of
money or the equivalent in securities of the government that issued the currency
in which the Debt Securities are denominated or government agencies backed by
the full faith and credit of such government, or a combination thereof, which
through the payment of interest thereon and principal thereof in accordance with
their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay all the principal
(including any mandatory sinking fund payments) of, and interest on, and any
repurchase obligations with respect to, such series of Debt Securities on the
dates such payments are due in accordance with the terms of the Debt Securities.
To exercise any such option, no Event of Default, or event which with notice or
lapse of time would become an Event of Default, with respect to such series of
Debt Securities shall have occurred and be continuing. The Company is required
to deliver to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the deposit
and related defeasance would not cause the holders of the Debt Securities to
recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes
8
<PAGE> 27
and, in the case of a discharge of obligations, accompanied by a ruling to such
effect received from or published by the Internal Revenue Service (Section 13.02
of the Indenture).
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURE
With certain exceptions, the Indenture, the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the holders of the Debt Securities may be modified by
the Company with the consent of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of each series to
be affected; but, without the consent of the holders of all outstanding Debt
Securities affected thereby, no such modifications may be made which would among
other things (i) change the maturity of any Debt Security or reduce the
principal amount thereof or any premium thereon, or reduce the rate or extend
the time of payment of interest thereon, or change the method of computing the
amount of principal thereof on any date or (ii) reduce the above-stated
percentage of Debt Securities, the consent of the holders of which is required
to modify or alter the Indenture. A supplemental indenture which changes or
eliminates any covenant or other provision of the Indenture which has expressly
been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Debt
Securities, or which modifies the rights of the holders of Debt Securities of
such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed
not to affect the rights under the Indenture of the holders of Debt Securities
of any other series (Section 11.02 of the Indenture).
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
The Trustee acts as trustee under other indentures and trust agreements to
which the Company is a party under which approximately $589,030,000 aggregate
principal amount of debentures and notes were outstanding as of June 30, 1995.
The Trustee is also a depository for funds of the Company and performs other
services and provides credit facilities for the Company and its subsidiaries in
the ordinary course of business.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
The Company may issue Warrants for the purchase of Debt Securities.
Warrants may be issued independently or together with any Debt Securities
offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to or separate from
such Debt Securities. The Warrants are to be issued under Warrant Agreements to
be entered into between the Company and a bank or trust company, as Warrant
Agent (the "Warrant Agent"), all as set forth in a Prospectus Supplement
relating to the particular issue of Warrants. The Warrant Agent will act solely
as an agent of the Company in connection with warrant certificates evidencing
the Warrants (the "Warrant Certificates") and will not assume any obligation or
relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of Warrant Certificates
or beneficial owners of Warrants. Copies of the forms of Warrant Agreements,
including the forms of Warrant Certificates representing the Warrants, are filed
as an exhibit incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement to which
this Prospectus pertains. The following summaries of certain provisions of the
form of Warrant Agreements and Warrant Certificates do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference
to, all the provisions of the Warrant Agreements and the Warrant Certificates.
GENERAL
If Warrants are offered, the Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms
of the Offered Warrants, including the following: (i) the offering price; (ii)
the currency in which the purchase price for Offered Warrants may be payable;
(iii) the designation, aggregate principal amount, currency and terms of the
Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of the Offered Warrants; (iv) if
applicable, the designation and terms of the Debt Securities with which the
Offered Warrants are issued and the number of Offered Warrants issued with each
such Debt Security; (v) if applicable, the date on and after which the Offered
Warrants and the related Debt Securities will be separately transferable; (vi)
the principal amount of Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of one Offered
Warrant and the price and currency at which such principal amount of Debt
Securities may be purchased upon such exercise; (vii) the date on which the
right to exercise the Offered Warrants shall commence and the date (the
"Expiration Date") on which such right shall expire; (viii) federal income tax
consequences; (ix)
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<PAGE> 28
whether the Offered Warrants represented by the Warrant Certificates will be
issued in registered or bearer form; and (x) any other terms of the Offered
Warrants.
Warrant Certificates may be exchanged for new Warrant Certificates of
different denominations, may (if in registered form) be presented for
registration of transfer and may be exercised at the corporate trust office of
the Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in the Prospectus Supplement.
Prior to the exercise of their Warrants, holders of Warrants will not have any
of the rights of holders of the Debt Securities purchasable upon such exercise,
including the right to receive payments of principal of and any premium and any
interest on the Debt Securities purchasable upon such exercise or to enforce
covenants in the Indenture.
EXERCISE OF WARRANTS
Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase such principal amount of
Debt Securities at such exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or
calculable from, the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Warrants. Warrants
may be exercised at any time up to 5:00 P.M. New York City time on the
Expiration Date set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such
Warrants. After the close of business on the Expiration Date (or such later date
to which such Expiration Date may be extended by the Company), unexercised
Warrants will become void.
Warrants may be exercised by delivery to the Warrant Agent of payment as
provided in the Prospectus Supplement of the amount required to purchase the
Debt Securities purchasable upon such exercise together with certain information
set forth on the reverse side of the Warrant Certificate. Warrants will be
deemed to have been exercised upon receipt of the exercise price by the Warrant
Agent, subject to the receipt of the Warrant Certificate evidencing such
Warrants within five business days of the date of exercise. Upon receipt of such
payment and the Warrant Certificate properly completed and duly executed at the
corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in the
Prospectus Supplement prior to the close of business on the Expiration Date, the
Company will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver pursuant to the
Indenture the Debt Securities purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all
of the Warrants represented by such Warrant Certificate are exercised, a new
Warrant Certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of Warrants.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company may sell the Debt Securities and Warrants being offered hereby
in any one or more, or in any combination, of the following ways: (i) directly
to purchasers; (ii) through agents; (iii) to dealers; or (iv) to underwriters.
Agents or dealers may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933.
Offers to purchase Debt Securities and Warrants may be solicited directly
by the Company or by agents designated by the Company. Any such agent will be
named, and any commissions payable by the Company to such agent (or the method
by which such commissions can be determined) will be set forth, in the
Prospectus Supplement.
If underwriters or dealers are used in the sale, the Offered Securities
will be acquired by the underwriters or dealers for their own account and may be
resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated
transactions, at a fixed public offering price, which may be changed, or at
varying prices determined at the time of sale. The Offered Securities may be
offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one
or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more of such firms. Unless
otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the obligations of the
underwriters to purchase such Offered Securities will be subject to certain
conditions precedent, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of
such Offered Securities if any are purchased. Any initial public offering price
and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be
changed from time to time.
Agents, dealers and underwriters may be entitled under agreements with them
to indemnification by the Company against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribution to payments
which may be required to be made in respect thereof. Agents, dealers or
underwriters may engage in transactions with or perform services for the Company
in the ordinary course of business.
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If so indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the Company will authorize
agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by institutions to purchase
Debt Securities and Warrants from the Company at the offering price set forth in
the Prospectus Supplement pursuant to Delayed Delivery Contracts ("Contracts")
providing for payment and delivery on the date stated in the Prospectus
Supplement. Institutions with whom Contracts, when authorized, may be made
include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds,
investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and other
institutions but shall in all cases be subject to the approval of the Company.
Contracts will be subject to those conditions set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement. A commission indicated in the Prospectus Supplement will be paid to
underwriters and agents soliciting purchases of Debt Securities and Warrants
pursuant to Contracts accepted by the Company. The underwriters and persons
soliciting such Contracts will have no responsibility for the validity or
performance of any Contracts.
The place and time of delivery for the Offered Securities will be set forth
in the Prospectus Supplement.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The legality of the Debt Securities and Warrants to be offered hereby will
be passed upon for the Company by Martin A. Coyle, Esq., 1900 Richmond Road,
Cleveland, Ohio 44124 and for any underwriters or dealers by Cravath, Swaine &
Moore, Worldwide Plaza, 825 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10019. Mr. Coyle
is Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company and is
also a shareholder of the Company.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of TRW Inc. incorporated by reference
in the Company's Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1994,
have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in
their report thereon included therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such
consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in
reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
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