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FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(b)(3)
REGISTRATION NO. 33-52937
$750,000,000
USX CORPORATION
DEBT SECURITIES
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USX CORPORATION ("USX") PROPOSES TO ISSUE AND OFFER FROM TIME TO TIME UNSECURED
DEBT SECURITIES (THE "DEBT SECURITIES") IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OR
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE OF UP TO $750,000,000 OR THE EQUIVALENT THEREOF IN
FOREIGN DENOMINATED CURRENCY (OR UNITS BASED ON OR RELATED THERETO), WHICH MAY
BE ISSUED IN ONE OR MORE SEPARATE SERIES ON TERMS TO BE DETERMINED AT THE TIME
OF SALE.
THE SPECIFIC TERMS OF THE DEBT SECURITIES, INCLUDING THE DESIGNATION OF EACH
SEPARATE SERIES AND THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT, MATURITY, INTEREST RATE, IF
ANY, WHETHER FIXED OR VARIABLE (OR THE MANNER OF CALCULATION THEREOF),
REDEMPTION AND SINKING FUND PROVISIONS OR OTHER REPAYMENT OBLIGATIONS, CURRENCY
IN WHICH DENOMINATED, AMOUNTS DETERMINED BY REFERENCE TO AN INDEX, PURCHASE
PRICE AND ANY LISTING ON A SECURITIES EXCHANGE, IN EACH CASE WITH RESPECT TO
EACH SERIES, WILL BE SET FORTH IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
THE DEBT SECURITIES MAY BE SOLD BY USX TO OR THROUGH UNDERWRITERS OR DIRECTLY TO
OTHER PURCHASERS OR THROUGH AGENTS OR THROUGH AND TO BROKERS OR DEALERS ACTING
AS UNDERWRITERS WHO WILL BE NAMED IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
ALONG WITH TERMS OF THE PUBLIC OFFERING, INCLUDING THE OFFERING PRICE, THE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNTS, IF ANY, TO BE PURCHASED BY UNDERWRITERS, THE COMMISSION OR
DISCOUNT TO THE UNDERWRITERS AND THE AMOUNT OF OTHER EXPENSES ATTRIBUTABLE TO
THE ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES.
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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.
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The date of this Prospectus is March 3, 1998.
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION
USX Corporation ("USX") is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in
accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by USX can be inspected and copied at
prescribed rates at the Public Reference Room of the Commission at Judiciary
Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Seven World Trade Center,
New York, New York 10048, and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite
1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Documents filed by USX can also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE"), The Chicago Stock
Exchange and the Pacific Stock Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web site at
http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Commission, including USX.
USX has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement") with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the Debt Securities. This
Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration
Statement and the exhibits thereto, to which reference is hereby made.
Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of certain documents are
not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of
such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise
filed with the Commission. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by
such reference.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents heretofore filed by USX with the Commission (file
no. 1-5153) are incorporated herein by reference:
(a) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
(b) Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31,
June 30 and September 30, 1997.
(c) Current Reports on Form 8-K dated May 15 and 16, October 22,
December 12 and 23, 1997, and January 1 and February 27, 1998.
All reports and other documents filed by USX pursuant to Section 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus
and prior to the termination of the offering of the Debt Securities shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein. 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 herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is incorporated or 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.
USX undertakes to provide without charge to each person to whom a
Prospectus is delivered, on the written or oral request of such person, a copy
of any or all of the information incorporated by reference in this Prospectus,
other than exhibits to such information (unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference into the information that this Prospectus
incorporates). Requests for such copies should be directed to the Office of the
Corporate Secretary, USX Corporation, 600 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
15219-4776 (telephone: 412-433-4801).
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USX CORPORATION
USX is a diversified company which is principally engaged in the energy
business through its Marathon Group, and in the steel business through its U. S.
Steel Group. The term "USX" when used herein refers to USX Corporation or USX
Corporation and its subsidiaries, as required by the context. The term "Group"
when used herein refers to the Marathon Group and/or the U.S. Steel Group, as
required by the context.
USX has two classes of common stock, USX--Marathon Group Common Stock
("Marathon Stock") and USX--U. S. Steel Group Common Stock ("Steel Stock"). Each
class of common stock is intended to provide the stockholders of such class with
a separate security reflecting the performance of the related Group. Effective
October 31, 1997, USX sold Delhi Gas Pipeline Corporation and other subsidiaries
of USX that comprised all of the Delhi Group (the "Delhi Companies").
The Marathon Group is comprised of Marathon Oil Company ("Marathon") and
certain other subsidiaries of USX which are engaged in worldwide
exploration, production, transportation and marketing of crude oil and
natural gas; domestic refining, marketing and transportation of petroleum
products; and power generation. Marathon Group revenues as a percentage of
total USX consolidated revenues were 69% in 1997, 71% in 1996 and 68% in
1995.
The U. S. Steel Group includes U. S. Steel, the largest steel producer in
the United States, which is primarily engaged in the production and sale of
steel mill products, coke, and taconite pellets. The U. S. Steel Group also
includes the management of mineral resources, domestic coal mining, and
engineering and consulting services. Equity affiliates of the U. S. Steel
Group consist of joint ventures and partially-owned companies, such as
USS/Kobe Steel Ltd., USS-POSCO Industries, PRO-TEC Coating Company, and
Transtar Inc. Other businesses that are part of the U. S. Steel Group
include real estate development and management, and leasing and financing
activities. U. S. Steel Group revenues as a percentage of total USX
consolidated revenues were 31% in 1997, 29% in 1996 and 32% in 1995.
USX includes consolidated financial information in its periodic reports
required by the Exchange Act, in its annual shareholder reports and in other
financial communications. The consolidated financial statements are supplemented
with separate financial statements of the Marathon Group and the U. S. Steel
Group together with the related Management's Discussion and Analyses,
descriptions of business and other financial and business information to the
extent such information is required to be presented in the report being filed.
The financial information of the Marathon Group and the U. S. Steel Group and
certain financial information relating to the Delhi Companies, taken together,
includes all accounts which comprise the corresponding consolidated financial
information of USX.
For consolidated financial reporting purposes, USX's reportable industry
segments correspond with its two Groups. The attribution of assets, liabilities
(including contingent liabilities) and stockholders' equity among the Marathon
Group and the U. S. Steel Group for the purpose of preparing their respective
financial statements does not affect legal title to such assets or
responsibility for such liabilities. Holders of Marathon Stock and Steel Stock
are holders of common stock of USX and continue to be subject to all of the
risks associated with an investment in USX and all of its businesses and
liabilities. Financial impacts arising from any of the Groups which affect the
overall cost of USX's capital could affect the results of operations and
financial condition of both Groups. In addition, net losses of any Group, as
well as dividends and distributions on any class of USX common stock or series
of preferred stock and repurchases of any class of USX common stock or series of
preferred stock at prices in excess of par or stated value, will reduce funds of
USX legally available for payment of dividends on both classes of USX common
stock. Accordingly, the USX consolidated financial information should be read in
connection with the Marathon Group and the U. S. Steel Group financial
information.
USX was incorporated in 1901 and is a Delaware corporation. Its executive
offices are located at 600 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219-4776 (tel:
412-433-1121).
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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
TOTAL ENTERPRISE BASIS--UNAUDITED
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges................... 4.11 3.90 1.62 2.18 (a)
==== ==== ==== ==== ===
</TABLE>
- ---------
(a) Earnings did not cover fixed charges by $312 million for 1993.
USE OF PROCEEDS
USX intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Debt Securities
for general corporate purposes, the refunding of outstanding long-term
indebtedness and other financial obligations, rate management and leveling of
its debt maturity schedule.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
The Debt Securities will be general unsecured obligations of USX and will
rank pari passu with the other general unsecured obligations of USX. The Debt
Securities will be issued under an Indenture, dated as of March 15, 1993,
between PNC Bank, National Association (the "Trustee") and USX (the
"Indenture"). A copy of the Indenture is filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement. The following summaries of certain provisions of the Indenture do not
purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the
provisions of the Indenture, which are incorporated by reference herein. Certain
capitalized terms used herein are defined in the Indenture. The Section numbers
referred to in the following summaries are references to relevant sections of
the Indenture.
GENERAL
The Indenture does not limit the principal amount of Debt Securities or
other indebtedness which may be issued thereunder from time to time by USX.
The Debt Securities of any Series may be issued in definitive form or, if
provided in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto, may be represented in
whole or in part by a Global Security or Securities, registered in the name of a
Depositary designated by USX. Each Debt Security represented by a Global
Security is referred to herein as a "Book-Entry Security."
Debt Securities may be issued from time to time in an aggregate principal
amount or initial public offering price of up to $750,000,000 or the equivalent
thereof in foreign denominated currency or units based on or relating to foreign
denominated currencies, including European Currency Units ("ECU"), and will be
offered independently or together on terms determined by market conditions at
the time of sale. The Debt Securities may be issued in one or more series with
the same or various maturities and may be sold at par, a premium or an original
issue discount. Debt Securities sold at an original issue discount may bear no
interest or interest at a rate which is below market rates.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement for the specific terms of
the Debt Securities offered hereby, including the following (to the extent
applicable to a particular series of Debt Securities): (i) designation,
aggregate principal amount, purchase price (expressed as a percentage of the
principal amount thereof), and denomination; (ii) date of maturity; (iii) if
other than currency of the United States, the currency or units based on or
relating to currencies for which Debt Securities may be purchased and in which
principal and any premium or interest will or may be payable; (iv) interest rate
or rates (or the manner of calculation thereof), if any; (v) the times at which
any such interest will be payable; (vi) the place or places where principal and
any premium and interest will be payable; (vii) any redemption or sinking fund
provisions or other repayment obligations and any remarketing arrangements
related thereto; (viii) any index used to
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determine the amount of payment of principal of and any premium and interest on
the Debt Securities; (ix) the application, if any, of the defeasance provisions
to the Debt Securities; (x) if other than the principal amount thereof, the
portion of the principal amount of the Debt Securities which shall be payable
upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof; (xi) if other than
100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest, the Change in
Control Purchase Price or Prices applicable to purchases of Debt Securities upon
the occurrence of a Change in Control; (xii) whether the Debt Securities will be
issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in
such case, the Depositary for such Global Securities; and (xiii) any other
specific terms of the Debt Securities, including any terms which may be required
by or advisable under United States laws or regulations.
Except with respect to Book-Entry Securities, Debt Securities may be
presented for exchange or registration of transfer, in the manner, at the places
and subject to the restrictions set forth in the Debt Securities and the
Prospectus Supplement. Such services will be provided without charge, other than
any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith, but
subject to the limitations provided in the Indenture. For a description of
payments of principal of and any premium and interest on, and transfer of,
Book-Entry Securities, and exchanges of Global Securities representing
Book-Entry Securities, see "Book-Entry Securities" hereunder.
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF USX
Creation of Certain Liens
If USX or any Subsidiary of USX shall mortgage, pledge, encumber or subject
to a lien, (hereinafter to "Mortgage" or a "Mortgage," as the context may
require) as security for any indebtedness for money borrowed (i) any blast
furnace facility or raw steel producing facility, or rolling mills which are a
part of a plant which includes such a facility, or (ii) any property capable of
producing oil or gas; and which, in either case, is located in the United States
and is determined to be a principal property by the Board of Directors of USX in
its discretion, USX will secure or will cause such Subsidiary to secure each
Series of the Debt Securities equally and ratably with all indebtedness or
obligations secured by the Mortgage then being given and with any other
indebtedness of USX or such Subsidiary then entitled thereto; provided, however,
that this covenant shall not apply in the case of: (a) any Mortgage existing on
the date of the Indenture (whether or not such Mortgage includes an
after-acquired property provision); (b) any Mortgage, including a purchase money
Mortgage, incurred in connection with the acquisition of any property (any
Mortgage incurred within 180 days after such acquisition or the completion of
construction shall be deemed to be in connection with such acquisition), the
assumption of any Mortgage previously existing on such acquired property or any
Mortgage existing on the property of any corporation when it becomes a
Subsidiary of USX; (c) any Mortgage on such property in favor of the United
States, or any State, or instrumentality of either, to secure partial, progress
or advance payments to USX or any Subsidiary of USX pursuant to the provisions
of any contract or any statute; (d) any Mortgage on such property in favor of
the United States, any State, or instrumentality of either, to secure borrowings
for the purchase or construction of the property Mortgaged; (e) any Mortgage in
connection with a sale or other transfer of oil or gas in place for a period of
time or in an amount such that the purchaser will realize therefrom a specified
amount of money or specified amount of minerals or any interest in property of
the character commonly referred to as an "oil payment" or "production payment";
(f) any Mortgage on any property arising in connection with or to secure all or
any part of the cost of the repair, construction, improvement, alteration,
exploration, development or drilling of such property or any portion thereof;
(g) any Mortgage on any pipeline, gathering system, pumping or compressor
station, pipeline storage facility, other pipeline facility, drilling equipment,
drilling platform, drilling barge, any movable railway, marine or automotive
equipment, gas plant, office building, storage tank, or warehouse facility, any
of which is located on any property included under clause (ii) above; (h) any
Mortgage on any equipment or other personal property used in connection with any
property included under clause (ii) above; (i) any Mortgage on any property
included under clause (ii) above arising in connection with the sale of accounts
receivable resulting from the sale of oil or gas at the wellhead; or (j) any
renewal of or substitution for any Mortgage permitted under the preceding
clauses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, USX may and may permit its Subsidiaries
to grant Mortgages or incur liens on property covered by the restriction
described above so long as
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the net book value of the property so encumbered, together with all property
subject to the restriction on certain sale and leasebacks described below, does
not at the time such Mortgage or lien is granted exceed five percent (5%) of
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, (as such term is defined in the Indenture).
(Section 4.03)
"Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means the aggregate value of all assets
of USX and its subsidiaries after deducting therefrom (a) all current
liabilities (excluding all long-term debt due within one year), (b) all
investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and all investments accounted for on
the equity basis and (c) all goodwill, patent and trademarks, unamortized debt
discount and other similar intangibles (all determined in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles and calculated on a basis consistent
with USX's most recent audited consolidated financial statements). (Section
1.01)
As of the date of this Prospectus, neither USX nor any subsidiary of USX
has any property referred to in either clause (i) or (ii) above and under
"Limitations on Certain Sales and Leasebacks" below, that has been determined by
the Board of Directors of USX to be a principal property.
Limitations on Certain Sale and Leasebacks
USX will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, sell or transfer (i)
any blast furnace facility or raw steel producing facility, or rolling mills
which are a part of a plant which includes such a facility, or (ii) any property
capable of producing oil or gas; and which, in either case, is located in the
United States and is determined to be a principal property by the Board of
Directors of USX in its discretion with the intention of taking back a lease,
thereof; provided, however, this covenant shall not apply if (a) the lease is to
a Subsidiary (or to USX in the case of a Subsidiary); (b) the lease is for a
temporary period by the end of which it is intended that the use of the property
by the lessee will be discontinued; (c) USX or a Subsidiary could, in accordance
with Section 4.03, described above, Mortgage such property without equally and
ratably securing the Debt Securities; (d) the transfer is incident to or
necessary to effect any operating, farm out, farm in, unitization, acreage
exchange, acreage contributions, bottom hole or dry hole arrangements or pooling
agreement or any other agreement of the same general nature relating to the
acquisition, exploration, maintenance, development and operation of oil and gas
properties in the ordinary course of business or as required by regulatory
agencies having jurisdiction over the property; or (e) USX promptly informs the
Trustee of such sale, the net proceeds of such sale are at least equal to the
fair value (as determined by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors of
USX) of such property and USX within 180 days after such sale applies an amount
equal to such net proceeds (subject to reduction by reason of credits to which
USX is entitled, under the conditions specified in the Indenture) to the
retirement or in substance defeasance of funded debt of USX or a Subsidiary.
(Section 4.04)
Merger and Consolidation
USX will not merge or consolidate with any other corporation or sell or
convey all or substantially all of its assets to any person, firm or
corporation, except that USX may merge or consolidate with, or sell or convey
all or substantially all of its assets to, any other corporation, provided that
(i) USX shall be the continuing corporation or the successor corporation (if
other than USX, as the case may be) shall be a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of the United States of America or a State thereof and
such corporation shall expressly assume the due and punctual payment of the
principal of and any premium and interest on all 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 by USX and (ii)
USX or such successor corporation, as the case may be, shall not, immediately
after such merger, consolidation, sale or conveyance, be in default in the
performance of any such covenant or condition and no event which with the lapse
of time, the giving of notice or both would constitute an Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing. For purposes of Section 11.01 of the Indenture,
"substantially all of its assets" means, at any date, a portion of the USX's
non-current assets reflected in the USX's consolidated balance sheet as of the
end of the most recent quarterly period that represents at least 66 2/3% of the
total reported value of such assets. (Section 11.01)
If upon any consolidation or merger of USX with or into any other
corporation, or upon any sale or conveyance of substantially all of the
properties of USX, or upon any acquisition by USX of all or any part of
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the property of another corporation, any property owned immediately prior
thereto would thereupon become subject to any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge or
encumbrance, USX, prior to such event, will secure the Debt Securities (equally
and ratably with any other indebtedness of USX secured thereby) by a lien on all
of such property of USX, prior to all liens, charges and encumbrances other than
any theretofore existing thereon. (Section 11.03)
PURCHASE OF DEBT SECURITIES UPON A CHANGE IN CONTROL
In the event of any Change in Control (as defined below) of USX, each
holder of Debt Securities will have the right, at that holder's option, subject
to the terms and conditions of the Indenture, to require USX to become obligated
to purchase all of that holder's Debt Securities on the date that is 35 Business
Days after the occurrence of such Change in Control (the "Change in Control
Purchase Date") at a cash price equal to (i) unless otherwise specified in the
terms of such Debt Securities, 100% of the principal amount thereof, together
with accrued interest to such Change in Control Purchase Date (except that
interest installments due prior to such Change in Control Purchase Date will be
payable to the holders of such Debt Securities of record at the close of
business on the relevant record dates according to their terms and the
provisions of the Indenture), or (ii) such other price or prices as may be
specified in the terms of such Debt Securities (the "Change in Control Purchase
Prices"). (Section 4.07)
Within 15 Business Days after a Change in Control, USX is obligated to mail
to the Trustee and to all holders of Debt Securities of any Series at their
addresses shown in the Debt Security register (and to beneficial owners as
required by applicable law) a notice regarding the Change in Control, stating,
among other things: (i) the last date on which the Change in Control purchase
right may be exercised, (ii) the Change in Control Purchase Price, (iii) the
Change in Control Purchase Date, (iv) the name and address of the Paying Agent,
and (v) the procedures that holders must follow to exercise these rights. USX
will cause a copy of such notice to be published in a daily newspaper of
national circulation. (Section 4.07)
To exercise this right, a holder of Debt Securities of any Series must
deliver a Change in Control Purchase Notice to the Paying Agent for that Series
at its address set forth in USX's notice regarding the Change in Control at any
time prior to the close of business on the Change in Control Purchase Date. The
Change in Control Purchase Notice shall state (i) the certificate numbers of the
Debt Securities to be delivered by the holder thereof for purchase by USX, and
(ii) that such Debt Securities are to be purchased by USX pursuant to the
applicable provisions of the Debt Securities and USX's notice regarding the
Change in Control. (Section 4.07)
Upon receipt by USX of the Change in Control Purchase Notice, the holder of
the Debt Security in respect of which such notice was given shall (unless such
notice is withdrawn as specified in the Indenture) thereafter be entitled to
receive solely the Change in Control Purchase Price with respect to such Debt
Security. Any Change in Control Purchase Notice may be withdrawn by the holder
of Debt Securities of any Series by a written notice of withdrawal delivered to
the Paying Agent for that Series at any time prior to the close of business on
the Change in Control Purchase Date. The notice of withdrawal shall state the
certificate numbers of the Debt Securities as to which the withdrawal notice
relates. (Section 4.08)
Payment of the Change in Control Purchase Price for a Debt Security of any
Series for which a Change in Control Purchase Notice has been delivered and not
withdrawn is conditioned upon delivery of such Debt Security (together with
necessary endorsements) to the Paying Agent for that Series at its address set
forth in USX's notice regarding the Change in Control, at any time (whether
prior to, on or after the Change in Control Purchase Date) after the delivery of
such Change in Control Purchase Notice. (Section 4.07) Payment of the Change in
Control Purchase Price for such Debt Security will be made promptly following
the later of the Change in Control Purchase Date or the time of delivery of such
Debt Security. (Section 4.08)
Under the Indenture, a "Change in Control" of USX is deemed to have
occurred at such time as (i) any "person" or "group" of persons (excluding USX,
any Subsidiary, any employee stock ownership plan or any other employee benefit
plan of USX) shall have acquired "beneficial ownership" (within the meaning of
Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act and the applicable rules and
regulations thereunder) of shares of Voting Stock representing at least 35% of
the outstanding Voting Power of USX, (ii) during any period of
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twenty-five consecutive months, commencing before or after the date of the
Indenture, individuals who at the beginning of such twenty-five month period
were directors of USX (together with any replacement or additional directors
whose election was recommended by incumbent management of USX or who were
elected by a majority of directors then in office) cease to constitute a
majority of the Board of Directors of USX, or (iii) any person or group of
related persons shall acquire all or substantially all of the assets of USX;
provided, that a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred pursuant
to clause (iii) above if USX shall have merged or consolidated with or
transferred all or substantially all of its assets to another corporation in
compliance with the provisions of Section 11.01 of the Indenture (relating to
when USX may merge or transfer assets) and the surviving or successor or
transferee corporation is no more leveraged than was USX immediately prior to
such event. For purposes of this definition, the term "leveraged" when used with
respect to any corporation shall mean the percentage represented by the total
assets of that corporation divided by its stockholders' equity, in each case
determined and as would be shown in a consolidated balance sheet of such
corporation prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States of America. The term "substantially all" in clause (iii)
above has not been quantified for purposes of defining Change in Control and,
depending upon the factual circumstances, there may be uncertainty as to when a
Change in Control has occurred for purposes of determining the rights of holders
of Debt Securities pursuant to this provision.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control will not be deemed to
have occurred by virtue of (i) USX, any Subsidiary of USX, any employee stock
ownership plan or any other employee benefit plan of USX or any such Subsidiary,
or any Person holding Voting Stock for or pursuant to the terms of any such
employee benefit plan, acquiring beneficial ownership of shares of Voting Stock,
whether representing 35% or more of the outstanding Voting Power of USX or
otherwise or (ii) any Person whose ownership of shares of Voting Stock
representing 35% or more of the outstanding Voting Power of USX results solely
from USX's calculation from time to time of the relative voting rights of
Marathon Stock and Steel Stock.
"Voting Stock" means stock of USX of any class or classes (however
designated) having ordinary voting power for the election of the directors of
USX, other than stock having such power only by reason of the happening of a
contingency. "Voting Power" means the total voting power represented by all
outstanding shares of all classes of Voting Stock. (Section 4.07)
In the event a Change in Control occurs, USX intends to comply with any
applicable securities laws or regulations, including any applicable requirements
of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act. The Change in Control purchase feature of
the Debt Securities may in certain circumstances make more difficult or
discourage a takeover of USX. The Change in Control purchase feature, however,
is not the result of management's knowledge of any specific effort to accumulate
shares of Common Stock or to obtain control of USX by means of a merger, tender
offer, solicitation or otherwise, or part of a plan by management to adopt a
series of anti-takeover provisions. The Change in Control purchase feature is
similar to that contained in other debt offerings of USX as a result of
negotiations between USX and the underwriters thereof.
Except as described above, the Change in Control purchase feature does not
afford holders of the Debt Securities protection against possible adverse
effects of a reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar transaction
involving USX.
Although USX's existing indebtedness does not limit USX's ability to
purchase Debt Securities, USX's ability to purchase Debt Securities in the
future may be limited by the terms of any then existing borrowing arrangements
and by its financial resources.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
An Event of Default with respect to Debt Securities of any Series is
defined in the Indenture as being: (i) default in the payment of the principal
of or premium, if any, on any of the Debt Securities of such Series when due and
payable; (ii) default in the payment of interest on the Debt Securities of such
Series when due, continuing for 30 days; (iii) default in the payment of the
Change in Control Purchase Price of any of the Debt Securities of such Series as
and when the same shall become due and payable; (iv) default in the deposit of
any sinking fund payment with respect to any Debt Security of such Series when
due; (v) failure by USX in
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the performance of any other covenant or agreement in the Debt Securities of
such Series or in the Indenture continued for a period of 90 days after notice
of such failure as provided in the Indenture; (vi) certain events of bankruptcy,
insolvency, or reorganization with respect to USX; or (vii) any other Event of
Default provided with respect to Debt Securities of that Series. (Section 6.01)
USX is required annually to deliver to the Trustee officers' certificates
stating whether or not the signers have any knowledge of any default in the
performance by USX of certain covenants. (Section 4.06)
In case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing with respect to
any Series, the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount
of the Debt Securities of such Series then outstanding may declare the Debt
Securities of such Series to be due and payable. (Section 6.01) The Trustee is
required to give holders of the Debt Securities of any Series written notice of
a default with respect to such Series as and to the extent provided by the Trust
Indenture Act. (Section 6.07)
If, however, at any time after the Debt Securities of such Series have been
declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the moneys due
has been obtained or entered, USX shall pay or deposit with the Trustee amounts
sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest upon the Debt Securities
of such Series and the principal of all Debt Securities of such Series which
shall have become due, otherwise than by acceleration, together with interest on
such principal and, to the extent legally enforceable, on such overdue
installments of interest and all other amounts due under the Indenture shall
have been paid, and any and all defaults with respect to such Series under the
Indenture shall have been remedied, then the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Debt Securities of such Series then outstanding, by
written notice to USX and the Trustee, may waive all defaults with respect to
such Series and rescind and annul the declaration that the Debt Securities of
such Series are due and payable. (Section 6.01) In addition, prior to any such
declaration that the Debt Securities of such Series are due and payable, the
holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of
such Series may waive any past default and its consequences with respect to such
Series, except a default in the payment of the principal of or any premium or
interest on any Debt Securities of such Series. (Section 6.06)
The Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers
under the Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the holders of
Debt Securities, unless such holders shall have offered to the Trustee
reasonable security or indemnity. (Section 7.02) Subject to such provisions for
the indemnification of the Trustee and certain limitations contained in the
Indenture, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt
Securities of each Series at the time outstanding shall have the right 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, with
respect to the Debt Securities of such Series. (Section 6.06)
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURE
The Indenture contains provisions permitting USX and the Trustee to modify
the Indenture or enter into or modify any supplemental indenture without the
consent of the holders of the Debt Securities in regard to matters as shall not
adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Debt Securities, including,
without limitation, the following: (a) to evidence the succession of another
corporation to USX; (b) to add to the covenants of USX further covenants,
restrictions, conditions or provisions for the benefit or protection of the
holders of any or all Series of Debt Securities or to surrender any right or
power conferred upon USX by the Indenture; (c) to cure any ambiguity or to
correct or supplement any provision of the Indenture (or supplements) which may
be defective or inconsistent with any other provision in the Indenture (or
supplements); to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or
with the Trustee; or to make such other provisions in regard to matters or
questions arising under the Indenture as shall not adversely affect the
interests of the holders of the Debt Securities then outstanding; (d) to add to,
change or eliminate any of the provisions of the Indenture in respect of one or
more Series of Debt Securities thereunder, under certain conditions specified
therein; (e) to evidence the appointment of a successor trustee and to add to or
change provisions of the Indenture necessary to provide for or facilitate the
administration of the trusts under the Indenture by more than one trustee; (f)
to set forth the form and any terms of any Series of Debt Securities which USX
and the Trustee deem necessary or desirable to include in a supplemental
indenture; and (g) to
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add to or change any of the provisions of the Indenture to such extent as shall
be necessary or desirable to permit or facilitate the issuance of Debt
Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and
with or without interest coupons. USX and the Trustee may otherwise modify the
Indenture or any supplemental indenture with the consent of the holders of not
less than 66 2/3% in aggregate principal amount of each Series of Debt
Securities affected thereby at the time outstanding, except that no such
modifications shall (i) extend the fixed maturity of any Debt Securities, or
reduce the principal amount thereof or reduce the rate or extend the time of
payment of any premium or interest thereon, or change the currency in which the
Debt Securities are payable, without the consent of the holder of each Debt
Security so affected, or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Debt Securities
of any Series, the consent of the holders of which is required for any such
modifications or supplemental indenture, without the consent of the holders of
all Debt Securities affected thereby then outstanding. (Article Ten)
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
The Indenture shall be satisfied and discharged if (i) USX shall deliver to
the Trustee all Debt Securities then outstanding for cancellation or (ii) all
Debt Securities shall have become due and payable or are to become due and
payable within one year and USX shall deposit an amount sufficient to pay the
principal, premium, if any, and interest to the date of maturity, provided that
in either case USX shall have paid all other sums payable under the Indenture.
(Section 12.01)
The Indenture provides, if such provision is made applicable to the Debt
Securities of a Series, that USX may elect either (A) to defease and be
discharged from any and all obligations with respect to any Debt Security of
such Series (except for the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of
such Debt Security, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
Debt Securities, to maintain an office or agency in respect of the Debt
Securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust) ("defeasance") or (B) to be
released from its obligations with respect to such Debt Security under Sections
4.03, 4.04, 4.07, 4.09, 11.01 and 11.03 of the Indenture (being the restrictions
described above under "Certain Covenants of USX" and USX's obligations described
under "Purchase of Debt Securities upon a Change in Control") and (ii) that
Sections 6.01(d), 6.01(e) (as to Sections 4.03, 4.04, 4.07, 4.09, 11.01 and
11.03) and 6.01(h), as described in clauses (iv), (v) and (vii) under "Events of
Default" above, shall not be deemed to be Events of Default under the Indenture
with respect to such Series ("covenant defeasance"), upon the deposit with the
Trustee (or other qualifying trustee), in trust for such purpose, of money
and/or Government Obligations (as defined) which through the payment of
principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money, in an
amount sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on
such Debt Security, on the scheduled due dates therefor. In the case of
defeasance, the holders of such Debt Securities are entitled to receive payments
in respect of such Debt Securities solely from such Trust. Such a trust may only
be established if, among other things, USX has delivered to the Trustee an
Opinion of Counsel (as specified in the Indenture) to the effect that the
holders of the Debt Securities affected thereby will not recognize income, gain
or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or
covenant defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same
amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if
such defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such Opinion of
Counsel, in the case of covenant defeasance under clause (B) above, must refer
to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in
applicable Federal income tax law occurring after the date of the Indenture.
(Section 12.02)
RECORD DATES
The Indenture provides that in certain circumstances USX or the Trustee may
establish a record date for determining the holders of outstanding Debt
Securities of a Series entitled to join in the giving of notice or the taking of
other action under the Indenture by the holders of the Debt Securities of such
Series.
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BOOK-ENTRY SECURITIES
The following description of Book-Entry Securities will apply to any Series
of Debt Securities issued in whole or in part in the form of a Global Security
or Securities except as otherwise provided in the Prospectus Supplement relating
thereto.
Upon issuance, all Book-Entry Securities of like tenor and having the same
date of original issue will be represented by one or more Global Securities.
Each Global Security representing Book-Entry Securities will be deposited with,
or on behalf of, the Depositary, which will be a clearing agent registered under
the Exchange Act. The Global Security will be registered in the name of the
Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary.
Ownership of beneficial interest in a Global Security representing
Book-Entry Securities will be limited to institutions that have accounts with
the Depositary or its nominee ("participants") or persons that may hold
interests through participants. In addition, ownership of beneficial interests
by participants in such a Global Security will only be evidenced by, and the
transfer of that ownership interest will only be effected through, records
maintained by the Depositary or its nominee for such Global Security. Ownership
of beneficial interest in such a Global Security by persons that hold through
participants will only be evidenced by, and the transfer of that ownership
interest within such participant will only be effected through, records
maintained by such participant. The laws of some jurisdictions require that
certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such laws may impair this ability to transfer beneficial
interests in such a Global Security.
Payment of principal of and any premium and interest on Book-Entry
Securities represented by any Global Security registered in the name of or held
by the Depositary or its nominee will be made to the Depositary or its nominee,
as the case may be, as the registered owners and holder of the Global Security
representing such Book-Entry Securities. None of USX, the Trustee or any agent
of USX or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect
of the Depositary's records or any participant's records relating to or payments
made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a Global Security
representing such Book-Entry Securities or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any of the Depositary's records or any participant's records relating
to such beneficial ownership interests. Payments by participants to owners of
beneficial interests in a Global Security held through such participants will be
governed by the Depositary's procedures, as is now the case with securities held
for the accounts of customers registered in "street name," and will be the sole
responsibility of such participants.
No Global Security may be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary
for such Global Security to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the
Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary.
A Global Security representing Book-Entry Securities of any Series is
exchangeable for definitive Debt Securities of such Series in registered form,
of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, only if (a) the
Depositary notifies USX that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary
for such Global Security or the Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency
registered under the Exchange Act, (b) USX in its sole discretion determines
that such Global Security shall be exchangeable for definitive Debt Securities
in registered form, or (c) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event
of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of that Series. Any Global
Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be
exchangeable in whole for definitive Debt Securities in registered form, of like
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, and in the authorized
denominations for that Series. Such definitive Debt Securities shall be
registered in the name or names of such person or persons as the Depositary
shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based
upon directions received by the Depositary from its participants with respect to
ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security.
Except as provided above, owners of beneficial interests in such Global
Security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Debt Securities in
definitive form and will not be considered the holders thereof for any purpose
under the Indenture, and no Global Security representing Book-Entry Securities
shall be exchangeable, except for another Global Security of like denomination
and tenor to be registered in the name
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of the Depositary or its nominee. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial
interest in such Global Security must rely on the procedures of the Depositary
and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant
through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder
under the Indenture. USX understands that under existing industry practices, in
the event that USX requests any action of holders or an owner of a beneficial
interest in such Global Security desires to give or take any action that a
holder is entitled to give or take under the Indenture, the Depositary would
authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or
take such action, and such participants would authorize beneficial owners owning
through such participant to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon
the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
PNC Bank, National Association is also trustee for Marathon Oil Company's
7% Monthly Interest Guaranteed Notes Due 2002, which are guaranteed by USX, for
sixteen series of obligations issued by various governmental authorities
relating to environmental projects at various USX facilities, for an aggregate
principal amount of $1.3 billion of debt securities issued by USX under an
indenture between USX and the Trustee dated July 1, 1991 and for $1.0 billion of
Debt Securities which have heretofore been issued by USX under the Indenture.
USX and its subsidiaries maintain ordinary banking relationships, including
loans and deposit accounts, with PNC Bank, National Association and anticipate
that they will continue to do so.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
USX may sell the Debt Securities to or through underwriters or directly to
purchasers, agents or dealers or through brokers.
Offers to purchase Debt Securities may be solicited directly by USX or
brokers or dealers designated by USX from time to time. Any such broker or
dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter as that term is defined in the
Securities Act, and will be named in the Prospectus Supplement, together with
the compensation payable thereto by USX in connection with the sale of the Debt
Securities.
Underwriters, agents, brokers and dealers may be entitled under agreements
which may be entered into with USX to indemnification by USX against certain
civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Such
underwriters, agents, brokers and dealers may engage in transactions with, or
perform services for, USX in the ordinary course of business.
The place and time of delivery for the Debt Securities in respect of which
this Prospectus is delivered will be set forth in the accompanying Prospectus
Supplement.
VALIDITY OF SECURITIES
The validity of the issuance of the Debt Securities will be passed upon for
USX by D. D. Sandman, Esq., General Counsel, Secretary and Senior Vice
President--Human Resources & Public Affairs of USX or by J.A. Hammerschmidt,
Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of USX. Messrs. Sandman and
Hammerschmidt, in their capacities are paid salaries by USX and participate in
various employee benefit plans offered by USX.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of USX, as of December 31, 1997 and
1996 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997,
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to USX's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated February 27, 1998, have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of
Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said
firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
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