<PAGE> 1
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 1998
REGISTRATION NO. 333-______
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
----------------
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
----------------
NEW JERSEY 63-0366371
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
1200 URBAN CENTER DRIVE
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35242
(205) 298-3000
(205) 298-2960 (FAX)
(Address, including zip code, and
telephone number, including
area code, of registrant's
principal executive
offices)
----------------
WILLIAM F. DENSON, III
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT-LAW AND SECRETARY
1200 URBAN CENTER DRIVE
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35242
(205) 298-3000
(205) 298-2960 (FAX)
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of agent for service)
----------------
COPIES TO:
DAVID N. BROWN, ESQ. M. HILL JEFFRIES, ESQ.
COVINGTON & BURLING ALSTON & BIRD LLP
1201 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W. 1201 WEST PEACHTREE STREET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004 ATLANTA, GA 30309-3424
(202) 662-5238 (404) 881-7823
(202) 662-6291 (FAX) (404) 881-4777 (FAX)
----------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: FROM
TIME TO TIME AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box: [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with
dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box: [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities
Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration
statement for the same offering. [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=========================================================================================================================
PROPOSED
MAXIMUM PROPOSED
OFFERING MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT PRICE PER AGGREGATE REGISTRATION
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED TO BE REGISTERED UNIT OFFERING PRICE (1) FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Debt Securities $700,000,000(2)(3) 100% $700,000,000 $194,600(3)
=========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
(2) Or, if Debt Securities are issued (i) with original issue discount,
such greater aggregate principal amount as shall result in an aggregate
initial offering price of $700,000,000 or (ii) with a principal amount
denominated in a foreign currency or currency unit, such principal
amount as shall result in an aggregate offering price equivalent to
$700,000,000 at the time of the offering.
(3) Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
amount to be registered includes $119,000,000 principal amount of Debt
Securities which are being carried forward from Registration Statement
on Form S-3 (Registration No. 33-40284) and for which a registration
fee of $29,750 was previously paid at the time of filing.
- ----------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
- ----------------
THE PROSPECTUS THAT IS A PART OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ALSO RELATES TO AND
CONSTITUTES A POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
(NO. 33-40284) OF THE REGISTRANT, AND IT IS INTENDED TO BE A COMBINED PROSPECTUS
REFERRED TO IN RULE 429 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED.
<PAGE> 3
Subject to completion. Dated December 14, 1998.
$700,000,000
VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY
Debt Securities
---------------
Vulcan Materials Company ("We" or the "Company") may from time to time
sell up to $700,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities. This
prospectus gives a general description of the Debt Securities. Each time we
offer to sell Debt Securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will
provide the specific terms of the Debt Securities we are offering.
We may sell Debt Securities to or through underwriters, through agents,
or directly to other purchasers. If we sell Debt Securities through
underwriters, we will specify the names of underwriters in the applicable
prospectus supplement.
---------------
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY OTHER REGULATORY
BODY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
---------------
Prospectus dated December ___, 1998.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may
not sell these securities until the Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer
to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") using a "shelf" registration
process. Under this process, we may sell the Debt Securities described in this
prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total principal amount of
$700,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the
Debt Securities we may offer. Each time we offer to sell Debt Securities, we
will provide a supplement to the prospectus that will contain specific
information about the terms of that particular offering. The prospectus
supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this
prospectus. Before you invest, you should read carefully both this prospectus
and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described
under the heading "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION."
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and
other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over
the Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and
copy any document we file at the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington,
D.C., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and
information about us is also available at the offices of the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information
contained in the documents we file with the SEC, which means that we can
disclose important information to you by referring you to the documents we file.
The information we incorporate by reference is an important part of this
prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically
update and supersede the information included and incorporated by reference in
this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the following documents, which we
have filed with the SEC (file number 1-4033):
1. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997;
2. Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31,
1998, June 30, 1998 and September 30, 1998; and
3. Our Current Reports on Form 8-K dated June 25, 1998, October 19,
1998 and November 16, 1998.
We also incorporate any future filings that we make with the SEC under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until
we sell all of the Debt Securities.
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or
calling:
William F. Denson, III
Senior Vice President-Law and Secretary
Vulcan Materials Company
1200 Urban Center Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35242
Telephone: (205) 298-3000
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THE COMPANY
Vulcan Materials Company, a New Jersey corporation incorporated in
1956, and its subsidiaries (together called the "Company") are principally
engaged in the production, distribution and sale of construction materials and
industrial and specialty chemicals. The Company's principal executive offices
are located at 1200 Urban Center Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35242, and its
telephone number is (202) 298-3000.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we
will use the net proceeds that we receive from the sale of the Debt Securities
for general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes may include working
capital, capital expenditures, possible acquisitions of, or investments in,
businesses and assets, the possible repurchase of our common stock and the
redemption or repayment of indebtedness. We have not allocated a specific
portion of the net proceeds for any particular use at this time. Until we apply
the net proceeds of any sale of Debt Securities for specific purposes, we may
invest such net proceeds in short-term marketable securities.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
Our ability to generate earnings to pay our fixed charges is shown
below. These computations include us and our subsidiaries.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS
ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
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1998 1997 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges 19.5 16.6 17.8 16.0 13.3 7.9 8.1
</TABLE>
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges has been computed, for each
period, by dividing earnings by fixed charges for that period. For purposes of
these computations "earnings" was determined by adding our pre-tax income, our
fixed charges and the amount we amortize for capitalized interest, and
subtracting the credits we take for capitalized interest. "Fixed charges" was
determined by adding the interest we pay on our indebtedness, one-third of all
our rental expenses (the approximate portion representing interest), and the
amount we amortize for debt financing costs.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEBT SECURITIES
We provide information to you about the Debt Securities in three
separate documents that progressively provide more detail:
1. THIS PROSPECTUS
General information that may or may not apply to each series
of Debt Securities.
2. THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
More specific than the prospectus, and to the extent
information differs from the prospectus, you should rely on
the information in the prospectus supplement.
3. THE PRICING SUPPLEMENT
To the extent not contained in the prospectus supplement,
provides final details about a specific series or tranche of
Debt Securities. To the extent information differs from the
prospectus or the prospectus supplement, you should rely on
the information in the pricing supplement.
We will issue the Debt Securities under an Indenture dated as of May 1,
1991 (the "Indenture") between us and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York,
as Trustee. (The Bank of New York is the current Trustee under the Indenture,
replacing Morgan Guaranty.) We have summarized selected provisions of the
Indenture below. This is a summary and is not complete. It does not describe
certain exceptions and qualifications contained in the Indenture or the Debt
Securities. If you would like more information about the provisions of the
Indenture you should review the Indenture, which we have incorporated by
reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus
is a part.
In the summary, we have included references to article and section
numbers of the Indenture so that you can easily locate these provisions.
Capitalized terms used in the summary have the meanings specified in the
Indenture.
GENERAL
The Debt Securities will be our direct and unsecured obligations and
will rank equally (pari passu) with all our other unsecured and unsubordinated
indebtedness. The Indenture does not limit the amount of Debt Securities that we
may issue. (Section 301).
The Indenture permits us to issue Debt Securities in one or more
series. Each series of Debt Securities may have different terms. The terms of
any series of Debt Securities will be set forth in (or determined in accordance
with) a resolution of our Board of Directors or in a supplement to the Indenture
relating to that series. (Section 301).
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe specific terms
relating to the series of Debt Securities being offered. These terms will
include some or all of the following:
- the title of the series of the Debt Securities;
- the aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities offered
for sale;
- the date or dates on which the Debt Securities will mature;
- the public offering price of the Debt Securities (expressed as
a percentage of the aggregate principal amounts offered);
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- the rate or rates (which may be fixed or floating) at which
the Debt Securities will bear interest and the dates from
which any such interest will accrue;
- the dates on which any interest will be payable;
- the currency or currency unit in which interest or any premium
on the Debt Securities are issuable and payable;
- the terms for any mandatory or optional redemption or sinking
fund payments;
- provisions for discharge, defeasance or covenant defeasance;
- whether the Debt Securities will be represented by one or more
global securities and, if so, the method of transferring
beneficial interests in the global securities; and
- other specific terms associated with the Debt Securities.
(Section 301).
Each series of Debt Securities will be a new issue with no established
trading market. There can be no assurance that there will be a liquid trading
market for any series of the Debt Securities.
We may purchase Debt Securities at any price in the open market or
otherwise. Debt Securities we purchase may, in our discretion, be held or
resold, cancelled or used to satisfy any sinking fund or redemption
requirements.
In the event we redeem any Debt Securities, the Indenture provides that
we are not required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange Debt
Securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15
days before the day of mailing of a notice of redemption of Debt Securities of
that series and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing of the
relevant notice of redemption, or (ii) to register the transfer or exchange of
any Debt Security selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the
unredeemed portion of any Debt Security being redeemed in part. (Section 305).
We may issue Debt Securities as Original Issue Discount Securities to
be offered and sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal
amount. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the federal
income tax and accounting consequences and other special considerations
applicable to any such Original Issue Discount securities. "Original Issue
Discount Security" means any security which provides for the declaration of
acceleration of the maturity of an amount less than the principal amount of the
security upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and the continuation of an
Event of Default. (Sections 101 and 202).
RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
The restrictions summarized in this section will apply to all Debt
Securities unless the applicable prospectus supplement indicates otherwise.
Certain terms used in the following description of these restrictions are
defined under the caption "Certain Definitions" at the end of this section. The
following description is not complete. The full text of these restrictions is
included in the Indenture.
RESTRICTIONS ON SECURED DEBT. The Indenture provides that, so long as
any of the Debt Securities remain outstanding, the Company will not, nor will it
permit any Subsidiary (which term is defined below) to issue, assume or
guarantee any indebtedness for money borrowed (referred to in this prospectus as
"Debt") if such Debt is secured by a mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien
or other encumbrance (referred to in this prospectus as a "mortgage") upon any
Principal Property (which term is defined below), or on any shares of stock or
indebtedness of any Subsidiary (whether such Principal Property, shares of stock
or indebtedness are now owned or subsequently acquired) without in any such case
effectively providing that the Debt Securities (together with, if the Company
determines, any other indebtedness of or guaranteed by the Company or such
Subsidiary which is not subordinate to the Debt Securities then existing or
subsequently created) will be secured equally and ratably with such Debt so long
as such Debt will be so secured, except that the foregoing
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restrictions will not apply to: (a) mortgages on property of, or on any shares
of stock or Debt of, any corporation existing at the time such corporation
becomes a Subsidiary, (b) mortgages in favor of the Company or a Subsidiary, (c)
mortgages in favor of U.S. governmental bodies to secure progress, advance or
other payments pursuant to any contract or provision of any statute, (d)
mortgages on property, shares of stock or Debt existing at the time of
acquisition thereof (including acquisition through merger or consolidation),
purchase money mortgages and construction cost mortgages and (e) any extension,
renewal or replacement of any mortgage referred to in the foregoing clauses (a)
through (d), inclusive; provided, however, that in the event Debt secured by a
mortgage is increased as a result of an extension, renewal or replacement the
increase in the amount of such Debt shall be included in computing secured Debt
for the purpose of the foregoing restriction. (Section 1008).
Notwithstanding the above, the Company and its Subsidiaries may,
without securing the Debt Securities, issue, assume or guarantee Debt which
would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restrictions, provided that after
giving effect thereto the aggregate amount of such Debt then outstanding (not
including secured Debt permitted under the foregoing exceptions) at such time
plus all Attributable Debt (as defined below) of the Company and its
Subsidiaries in respect of sale and leaseback transactions, does not exceed 10%
of the Consolidated Net Tangible Assets (as defined in the Indenture) of the
Company and its Subsidiaries. (Section 1008).
LIMITATION ON SALE AND LEASEBACKS. Sale and leaseback transactions by
the Company or any Subsidiary of any Principal Property, the completion of
construction and commencement of full operation of which has occurred more than
120 days prior thereto, (except for temporary leases for a term of not more than
three years and except for leases between the Company and a Subsidiary or
between Subsidiaries) are prohibited unless: (a) the Company or such Subsidiary
would be entitled to issue, assume or guarantee Debt secured by the Principal
Property involved at least equal in amount to the Attributable Debt (as defined
below) in respect of such transaction without equally and ratably securing the
Debt Securities (provided that such Attributable Debt will thereupon be deemed
to be Debt subject to the provisions of Section 1008), or (b) the Company,
within 120 days after the sale of transfer, applies to the retirement of its
Funded Debt an amount of cash at least equal to (i) the net proceeds of the sale
of the Principal Property sold and leased back pursuant to such arrangement,
(ii) the fair value of the Principal Property sold and leased back pursuant to
such arrangement, whichever is greater. (Section 1009).
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. The Term "Attributable Debt" means the total net
amount of rent (discounted at 10% per annum) required to be paid during the
remaining term of any lease. (Section 101).
The term "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means the aggregate amount
of assets after deducting therefrom (a) all current liabilities (excluding any
thereof constituting Funded Debt by reason of being renewable or extendible) and
(b) all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount
and expense and other like intangibles, all as set forth on the most recent
balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and computed in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. (Section 101).
The term "Funded Debt" means Debt having a maturity of, or by its terms
extendible or renewable for, a period of more than 12 months after the date of
determination of the amount thereof. (Section 101).
The term "Principal Property" means any facility, together with the
land on which it is erected and fixtures comprising a part thereof, used
primarily for manufacturing or processing, owned or leased by the Company or a
Subsidiary of the Company and having a gross book value (without deduction of
any depreciation reserves) in excess of 1% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets,
other than any such facility or portion thereof (i) which is a facility financed
by obligations issued by a State or local governmental unit pursuant to Section
142(a)(5), 142(a)(6), 142(a)(8) or 144(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
or any successor provision thereof, or (ii) which, in the opinion of the Board
of Directors of the Company, is not of material importance to the total business
conducted by the Company and its subsidiaries as an entirety. (Section 101).
The term "Subsidiary" means a corporation more than 50% of the
outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the
Company or by one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more
of its Subsidiaries. (Section 101).
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EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Any one of the following events constitutes an Event of Default under
the Indenture with respect to Debt Securities of any series: (a) failure to pay
any interest on any Debt Security of that series when due, continued for 30
days; (b) failure to pay principal of or any premium on any Debt Security of
that series when due; (c) failure to deposit any sinking fund payment, when due,
in respect of any Debt Security of that series; (d) failure to perform any other
covenant, or breach of any warranty, of the Company in the Indenture (other than
a covenant included in the Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of Debt
Securities other than that series), continued for 60 days after written notice
as provided in the Indenture; (e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization involving the Company; and (f) any other Event of Default
provided with respect to Debt Securities of that series. (Section 501).
If an Event of Default with respect to Debt Securities of any series at
the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or the Holders
of at least 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that
series by notice as provided in the Indenture may declare the principal amount
(or, if the Debt Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount
Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in terms of
that series) of all the Debt Securities of that series to be due and payable
immediately. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to
Debt Securities of any series has been made, but before a judgment or decree for
payment of money has been obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series may, under
certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration. (Section 502).
The Indenture provides that, subject to the duty of the Trustee during
default to act with the required standard of care, the Trustee will be under no
obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the
request or direction of any holder of Debt Securities, unless such holder shall
have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity. (Sections 601 and
603). Subject to such provisions for the protection or indemnification of the
Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt
Securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and
place of conducting any proceeding for a remedy available to the Trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Debt
Securities of that series. (Section 512).
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement
as to the performance by the Company of certain of its obligations under the
Indenture and as to any default in such performance. (Section 1004).
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the
Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% in principal
amount of the Debt Securities of each series affected at the time outstanding,
to execute supplemental indentures adding any provisions to, or changing in any
manner or eliminating any of the provisions of, the Indenture or any
supplemental indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of such series or
modifying in any manner, without the consent of the holders of all Debt
Securities of such series then outstanding, the rights of the holders of the
Debt Securities of such series; provided that no such supplemental indenture may
(a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of
principal of or interest on, any Debt Security, (b) reduce the principal amount
of, or premium or interest on, any Debt Security, (c) reduce the amount of
principal of an Original Issue Discount Security payable upon acceleration of
the maturity thereof, (d) change the place of payment where, or coin or currency
in which, any Debt Security or any premium or interest thereon is payable, (e)
impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Debt Security on or after the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date,
(f) reduce the percentage in principal amount of Outstanding Debt Securities of
any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for modification or
amendment of the Indenture or for waiver of compliance with certain provisions
of the Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults, or (g) reduce the
requirements contained in the Indenture for quorum or voting. (Section 902).
The holders of at least 66 2/3% in principal amount of the Outstanding
Debt Securities of each series may, on behalf of the holders of all the Debt
Securities of that series, waive, insofar as that series is concerned,
compliance by the Company with certain restrictions on incurring secured debt
(Section 1008) and limitations on sales and leasebacks (Section 1009) as set
forth in the Indenture (Section 1010). The holders of not less
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than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each
series may, on behalf of all holders of Debt Securities of that series, waive
any past default under the Indenture with respect to Debt Securities of that
series, except a default (a) in the payment of principal of or any premium or
interest on any Debt Security of such series or (b) in respect of a covenant or
provision of the Indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the
consent of each outstanding Debt Security of such series affected. (Section
513).
DEFEASANCE
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
We may, at our option, deposit with the Trustee money and/or U.S.
Government Obligations (including interest thereon) sufficient to pay the
principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Debt Securities of a
series on the scheduled due dates for such payments and in such event we may be
either (A) discharged from our obligations in respect of the Debt Securities of
that series (other than to register transfers or exchanges of Debt Securities,
to replace stolen, lost or mutilated Debt Securities, to maintain paying
agencies and to hold monies for payment in trust) or (B) released from our
obligations in respect of the Debt Securities of that series described above
under "Restrictions on Secured Debt" and "Limitation on Sale and Leaseback
Transactions" and below under "Consolidation, Merger, Sale of Assets" (and the
related event of default relating to our failure to comply with those
obligations) (referred to in this prospectus as "covenant defeasance"). In
either case, we may only deposit such funds and be discharged or released from
our obligations if, among other things, we deliver to the Trustee a legal
opinion to the effect that you will not recognize income, gain or loss for
federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance or
discharge and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in
the same manner and at the same times, as would have been the case if such
deposit and defeasance or discharge had not occurred. (Sections 1302, 1303,
1304). In addition, we may also obtain a discharge of the Indenture with respect
to all Debt Securities issued under the Indenture by depositing with the
Trustee, in trust, money sufficient to pay at Stated Maturity or upon redemption
all such Debt Securities, provided that such Debt Securities are by their terms
to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption
within one year. (Section 401).
COVENANT DEFEASANCE AND CERTAIN OTHER EVENTS OF DEFAULT
In the event that we exercise our option to effect a covenant
defeasance with respect to the Debt Securities of any series as described above
and the Debt Securities of that series are thereafter declared due and payable
because of the occurrence of any Event of Default other than any Event of
Default caused by failing to comply with the covenants which are defeased, the
amount of money and securities on deposit with the Trustee from defeasance
related payments would be sufficient to pay amounts due on the Debt Securities
of that series at the time of their Stated Maturity, but may not be sufficient
to pay amounts due on the Debt Securities of that series at the time of the
acceleration resulting from such Event of Default. In this instance, we would
remain liable for the payments due upon such acceleration.
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CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OF ASSETS
The Indenture generally permits a consolidation or merger between us
and another corporation provided that after giving effect to the transaction, no
Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, would
become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing and that
certain other conditions are met. The Indenture also permits the sale by us of
all or substantially all of our property and assets under the same conditions.
If this happens, the remaining or acquiring corporation will be required to
assume all of our responsibilities and liabilities under the Indenture including
the payment of all amounts due on the Debt Securities and performance of the
covenants in the Indenture. (Section 801).
We will only consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation or
sell all or substantially all of our assets according to the terms and
conditions of the Indenture. The remaining or acquiring corporation will be
substituted for us in the Indenture with the same effect as if it had been an
original party to the Indenture. Thereafter, the successor corporation may
exercise our rights and powers under the Indenture, in our name or in its own
name. Any act or proceeding required or permitted to be done by our Board of
Directors or any of our officers may be done by the board or officers of the
successor corporation. If we sell all or substantially all of our assets, we
will be released from all our liabilities and obligations under the Indenture
and under the Debt Securities. (Section 802).
GOVERNING LAW
The Indenture and the Debt Securities will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. (Section 112).
REGARDING THE TRUSTEE
The Trustee provides a variety of commercial banking services to the
Company in the ordinary course of business including providing demand deposit
and custody accounts and providing related cash management services.
BOOK ENTRY SYSTEM
Except as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, all Debt
Securities will be fully registered and will be in either book-entry form or in
definitive form.
Debt Securities issued in book-entry form will be issued in the form of
one or more fully registered global securities (each, a "Global Security") that
will be deposited with The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York ("DTC")
or its nominee. This means that we will not issue certificates to each holder.
Each Global Security will be issued to DTC who will keep a computerized record
of its participants (for example, your broker) whose clients have purchased Debt
Securities. The participant will then keep a record of its clients who purchased
the Debt Securities. Unless it is exchanged in whole or in part for a
certificate, a Global Security may not be transferred; except that DTC, its
nominees, and their successors may transfer a Global Security as a whole to one
another.
Beneficial interests in Global Securities will be shown on, and
transfers of Global Securities will be made only through, records maintained by
DTC and its participants. If you are not a participant in DTC, you may
beneficially own Debt Securities held by DTC only through a participant.
The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such limits and
laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global
Security.
DTC has provided us the following information: DTC is a limited-purpose
trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization"
within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the United States
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered under the
provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds
securities that its participants deposit with it.
9
<PAGE> 12
DTC also records the settlement among participants of securities transactions,
such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through computerized
records for participants' accounts. This eliminates the need to exchange
certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust
companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations.
DTC's book-entry system is also used by other organizations such as
securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that work through a
participant. The rules that apply to DTC and its participants are on file with
the SEC.
DTC is owned by a number of its participants and by the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. We will wire principal and interest payments to
DTC's nominee. We and the Trustee will treat DTC's nominee as the owner of the
Global Securities for all purposes. Accordingly, we, the Trustee and any paying
agent will have no direct responsibility or liability to pay amounts due on the
Global Securities to owners of beneficial interests in the Global Securities.
It is DTC's current practice, upon receipt of any payment of principal
or interest, to credit participants' accounts on the payment date according to
their respective holdings of beneficial interests in the Global Securities as
shown on DTC's records. In addition, it is DTC's current practice to assign any
consenting or voting rights to participants whose accounts are credited with
Debt Securities on a record date, by using an omnibus proxy. Payments by
participants to owners of beneficial interests in the Global Securities, and
voting by participants, will be governed by the customary practices between the
participants and owners of beneficial interests, as is the case with Debt
Securities held for the account of customers registered in "street name."
However, payments will be the responsibility of the participants and
not of DTC, the Trustee or us. So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered
owner of a Global Security, DTC or that nominee, as the case may be, will be
considered the sole owner or holder of the Debt Securities represented by that
Global Security for all purposes under the Indenture. Except as set forth in the
next paragraph, owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security (1) will not
be entitled to have the Debt Securities represented by that Global Security
registered in their names, (2) will not receive or be entitled to receive
physical delivery of the Debt Securities in definitive form, and (3) will not be
considered the owners or holders of the Debt Securities under the Indenture. We
will issue Debt Securities of any series then represented by Global Securities
in definitive form in exchange for those Global Securities if:
- DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
depositary or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered
under applicable law and a successor depositary is not
appointed by us within 90 days; or
- we determine not to require all of the Debt Securities of a
series to be represented by a Global Security.
If we issue Debt Securities in definitive form in exchange for a Global
Security, an owner of a beneficial interest in the Global Security will be
entitled to have Debt Securities equal in principal amount to the beneficial
interest registered in its name and will be entitled to physical delivery of
those Debt Securities in definitive form. (Section 305). Debt Securities issued
in definitive form will, except as set forth in the applicable prospectus
supplement, be issued in denominations of $1,000 and any multiple of $1,000 in
excess thereof and will be issued in registered form only, without coupons.
(Section 302).
10
<PAGE> 13
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell Debt Securities to or through agents, underwriters or
dealers, or directly to one or more purchasers.
AGENTS
We may sell Debt Securities through agents designated by us from time
to time. We will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the Debt
Securities and will list commissions payable by us to these agents in the
applicable prospectus supplement. These agents will be acting on a best efforts
basis to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment, unless we state
otherwise in the prospectus supplement.
UNDERWRITERS
If we use underwriters for a sale of Debt Securities, the underwriters
will acquire the Debt Securities for their own account. The underwriters may
resell the Debt Securities from time to time in one or more transactions,
including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at
varying prices determined at the time of sale. Unless otherwise set forth in the
applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to
purchase Debt Securities will be subject to certain conditions. The underwriters
will be obligated to purchase all of the Debt Securities of the series offered
if any of the Debt Securities of that series are purchased. Underwriters may be
deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting
discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from the purchasers of
Debt Securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may sell Debt
Securities to or through dealers. These dealers may receive compensation in the
form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or
commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any initial
public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or
paid to dealers may be changed from time to time. We will identify any
underwriters or dealers involved in the offer or sale of Debt Securities and
describe their compensation in the applicable prospectus supplement.
DELAYED DELIVERY
We may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by
certain types of institutions to purchase Debt Securities from us at the public
offering price stated in the applicable prospectus supplement pursuant to
delayed delivery contracts providing for the payment and delivery on a specified
date in the future. If we sell Debt Securities pursuant to these delayed
delivery contracts, the applicable prospectus supplement will state that as well
as the conditions to which these delayed delivery contracts will be subject and
the commissions payable for that solicitation.
DIRECT SALES
We may sell Debt Securities directly to one or more purchasers. In this
case, we will not engage underwriters or agents in the offer and sale of Debt
Securities.
INDEMNIFICATION; ORDINARY TRANSACTIONS
We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers or agents who
participate in the distribution of Debt Securities to indemnify them against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and to
contribute to payments which these underwriters, dealers or agents may be
required to make. Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions
with, or perform services for, us or our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of
their business.
11
<PAGE> 14
NO ASSURANCE OF LIQUIDITY
Each series of Debt Securities will be a new issue of securities with
no established trading market. We cannot assure you that there will be liquidity
in the trading market for any Debt Securities issued.
STABILIZATION AND PENALTY BIDS
Until the distribution of the Debt Securities is completed, rules of
the SEC may limit the ability of underwriters and certain selling group members
to bid for and purchase the Debt Securities. As an exception to these rules,
underwriters are permitted to engage in certain transactions that stabilize the
price of the Debt Securities. Such transactions consist of bids or purchases for
the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the Debt Securities.
If any underwriters create a short position in the Debt Securities in
connection with an offering, i.e., if they sell more Debt Securities than are
set forth in the cover page of the applicable prospectus supplement, the
underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing Debt Securities in the
open market.
Underwriters may also impose a penalty bid on certain selling group
members. This means that if the underwriters purchase Debt Securities in the
open market to reduce the underwriters' short position or to stabilize the price
of the Debt Securities, they may reclaim the amount of the selling concession
from the selling group members who sold those Debt Securities as part of the
offering.
In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or
to reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher
than it might be in the absence of such purchases. The imposition of a penalty
bid might also have an effect on the price of the Debt Securities to the extent
that it discourages resales of the Debt Securities.
Neither we nor the underwriters are making any representations or
predictions regarding the direction or size of any effect that the transactions
described above may have on the price of the Debt Securities. The underwriters
are not required to engage in any of the transactions described above, and if
the underwriters engage in such activities, they may discontinue them at any
time without notice.
VALIDITY OF DEBT SECURITIES
William F. Denson, III, Senior Vice President-Law and Secretary of the
Company, will issue a legal opinion on behalf of the Company regarding the
validity of the Debt Securities offered by this prospectus. As of November 30,
1998, Mr. Denson beneficially owned 8,001 shares of the Company's common stock,
held awards of 3,630 shares of the Company's common stock under the Company's
Long-Range Performance Share Plan, held stock options for the purchase of 18,675
shares of the Company's common stock under the Company's 1996 Long-Term
Incentive Plan, and held 13,315 shares of common stock under the Company's
Thrift Plan for Salaried Employees. Covington & Burling, Washington, DC, advises
the Company, and Alston & Bird LLP, Atlanta, Georgia, advises the underwriters
and agents, with regard to various matters related to the Debt Securities and
this prospectus. Alston & Bird LLP also acts as counsel to the Company from time
to time in various matters.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and the related financial
statement schedule incorporated in this prospectus by reference from the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, have
been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their
reports, which are incorporated herein by reference, and have been so
incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
12
<PAGE> 15
===============================================================================
You should rely only on the information that we incorporate by reference or
provide in this prospectus or in any prospectus or pricing supplement. We have
not authorized anyone else (including any underwriter, dealer or salesperson) to
give you different information. If anyone else gives you different information,
you should not rely on it. This prospectus does not offer to sell Debt
Securities in any circumstance or in any place where it would be unlawful. You
should not assume that the information in this prospectus or in any prospectus
or pricing supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the
front of those documents. You should be aware that the information in this
prospectus or in any prospectus or pricing supplement may change after the date
on the front of those documents.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
About This Prospectus.............................. 2
Where You Can Find More
Information........................................ 2
The Company........................................ 3
Use Of Proceeds.................................... 3
Ratio Of Earnings To Fixed Charges................. 3
Description Of Debt Securities..................... 4
Plan Of Distribution...............................11
Validity Of Debt Securities........................12
Experts............................................12
</TABLE>
===============================================================================
===============================================================================
$700,000,000
VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY
Debt Securities
--------------
PROSPECTUS
--------------
===============================================================================
<PAGE> 16
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The following table sets forth the expenses in connection with the
issuance and distribution of the securities being registered pursuant to this
registration statement, other than underwriting compensation. All amounts except
for the Securities and Exchange Commission Filing Fee are estimated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Securities and Exchange Commission
<S> <C>
Filing Fee..................................................................... $ 194,600
Accounting Fees and Expenses................................................... 50,000
Trustee's Fees and Expenses (including counsel fees)........................... 20,000
Legal Fees and Expenses........................................................ 50,000
Rating Agency Fees............................................................. 215,000
Printing and Engraving Fees.................................................... 40,000
Miscellaneous.................................................................. 10,400
----------
Total................................................................. $ 580,000
==========
</TABLE>
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 14A:3-5 of the New Jersey Business Corporation Act empowers a
New Jersey corporation to indemnify present and former directors, officers,
employees or agents of the corporation and certain other specified persons.
Article IV of the By-Laws of the Registrant provides as follows:
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Article IV, the
corporation shall indemnify the following persons to the fullest extent
permitted and in the manner provided by and the circumstances described
in the laws of the State of New Jersey, including Section 14A:3-5 of
the New Jersey Business Corporation Act and any amendments thereof or
supplements thereto:
(i) any person who is or was a director, officer,
employee or agent of the corporation;
(ii) any person who is or was a director, officer,
employee or agent of any constituent corporation absorbed by
the corporation in a consolidation or merger, but only to the
extent that (a) the constituent corporation was obligated to
indemnify such person at the effective date of the merger or
consolidation or (b) the claim or potential claim of such
person for indemnification was disclosed to the corporation
and the operative merger or consolidation documents contain an
express agreement by the corporation to pay the same;
(iii) any person who is or was serving at the request
of the corporation as a director, officer, trustee, fiduciary,
employee or agent of any other domestic or foreign
corporation, or any partnership, joint venture, sole
proprietorship, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise, whether or not for profit; and
(iv) the legal representative of any of the
foregoing persons (collectively, a "Corporate Agent").
(b) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the
corporation shall not be obligated under this Article IV to provide
indemnification (i) to any bank, trust company, insurance company,
partnership or other entity, or any director, officer, employee or
agent thereof or (ii) to any other person who is not a director,
officer or employee of the corporation, in respect of any service by
such person or entity, whether at the request of the corporation or by
agreement therewith, as investment advisor, actuary, custodian,
trustee, fiduciary or consultant to any employee benefit plan.
II-1
<PAGE> 17
(c) To the extent that any right of indemnification granted
hereunder requires any determination that a Corporate Agent shall have
been successful on the merits or otherwise in any Proceeding (as
hereinafter defined) or in defense of any claim, issue or matter
therein, the Corporate Agent shall be deemed to have been "successful"
if, without any settlement having been made by the Corporate Agent, (i)
such Proceeding shall have been dismissed or otherwise terminated or
abandoned without any judgment or order having been entered against the
Corporate Agent, (ii) such claim, issue or other matter therein shall
have been dismissed or otherwise eliminated or abandoned as against the
Corporate Agent, or (iii) with respect to any threatened Proceeding,
the Proceeding shall have been abandoned or there shall have been a
failure for any reason to institute the Proceeding within a reasonable
time after the same shall have been threatened or after any inquiry or
investigation that could have led to any such Proceeding shall have
been commenced. The Board of Directors or any authorized committee
thereof shall have the right to determine what constitutes a
"reasonable time" or an "abandonment" for purposes of this paragraph
(c), and any such determination shall be conclusive and final.
(d) To the extent that any right of indemnification granted
hereunder shall require any determination that the Corporate Agent has
been involved in a Proceeding by reason of his or her being or having
been a Corporate Agent, the Corporate Agent shall be deemed to have
been so involved if the Proceeding involves action allegedly taken by
the Corporate Agent for the benefit of the corporation or in the
performance of his or her duties or the course of his or her employment
for the corporation.
(e) If a Corporate Agent shall be a party defendant in a
Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the
corporation, and the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee
of disinterested directors shall determine that it is in the best
interests of the corporation for the corporation to assume the defense
of any such Proceeding, the Board of Directors or such committee may
authorize and direct that the corporation assume the defense of the
Proceeding and pay all expenses in connection therewith without
requiring such Corporate Agent to undertake to pay or repay any part
thereof. Such assumption shall not affect the right of any such
Corporate Agent to employ his or her own counsel or to recover
indemnification under this By-law to the extent that he may be entitled
thereto.
(f) As used herein, the term "Proceeding" shall mean and
include any pending, threatened or completed civil, criminal,
administrative or arbitrative action, suit or proceeding, and any
appeal therein and any inquiry or investigation which could lead to
such action, suit or proceeding.
(g) The right to indemnification granted under this Article IV
shall not be exclusive of any other rights to which any Corporate Agent
seeking indemnification hereunder may be entitled.
The Company maintains directors and officers liability insurance which
insures against liabilities that directors and officers of the Company may incur
in such capacities.
II-2
<PAGE> 18
ITEM 16 EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
- -------- ----------------------
<S> <C>
1 Distribution Agreement dated ____________________.**
4 Form of Indenture dated as of May 1, 1991 between the
Registrant and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, is
hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration
No. 33-40284.
5 Opinion and Consent of William F. Denson, III,
Senior Vice President-Law and Secretary of the Registrant.*
8 Opinion as to certain federal income tax matters.**
12 Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.*
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP*
23.2 Consent of Counsel - included in Exhibit 5*
23.3 Consent of Counsel - included in Exhibit 8.**
24 Powers of Attorney.*
25 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification Under the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of the Bank of New York.*
</TABLE>
*Filed herewith. Supplements to such exhibits may be filed by amendment or as
an exhibit to a document to be incorporated by reference herein in connection
with an offering of the Debt Securities.
**To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a document to be incorporated by
reference herein in connection with an offering of the Debt Securities.
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(a) (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales
are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration
statement: (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3)
of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"); (ii) to reflect
in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date
of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective
amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a
fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration
statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in
volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities
offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation
from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be
reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant
to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price
represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering
price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the
effective registration statement; and (iii) to include any material
information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement; provided, however, that
paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and(a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the registration
statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to
the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") that
are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
II-3
<PAGE> 19
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability
under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at the time shall
be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a
post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which
remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(b) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant
to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under
the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification
is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of
expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person
of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant
will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled
by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
(d) (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus
filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A
and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant
pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act
shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the
time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under
the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form
of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide
offering thereof.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Birmingham, State of Alabama, on the 14th day of
December 1998.
VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY
(Registrant)
By: /s/ D.M. James
----------------------------------------
Donald M. James
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
II-4
<PAGE> 20
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on the 14th day of December 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signatures Title
---------- -----
<S> <C>
/s/ D.M. James Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
- --------------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
D.M. James
/s/ P.J. Clemens, III Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration and
- --------------------------------- Treasurer
P.J. Clemens, III (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ E.A. Kahn Controller
- --------------------------------- (Principal Accounting Officer)
E.A. Khan
The following directors:
* Director
- ---------------------------------
Marion H. Antonini
* Director
- ---------------------------------
Livio D. Desimone
* Director
- ---------------------------------
John K. Greene
* Director
- ---------------------------------
Douglas J. McGregor
* Director
- ---------------------------------
Ann D. McLaughlin
* Director
- ---------------------------------
James V. Napier
* Director
- ---------------------------------
Donald B. Rice
* Director
- ---------------------------------
Herbert A. Sklenar
* Director
- ---------------------------------
Orin R. Smith
</TABLE>
*By: /s/ William F. Denson, III
-------------------------------
William F. Denson, III
Attorney-in-Fact for each of
the nine directors listed above
II-5
<PAGE> 21
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
- ------- ----------------------
<S> <C>
1 Distribution Agreement dated ____________________.**
4 Form of Indenture dated as of May 1, 1991 between the
Registrant and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, is
hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration
No. 33-40284.
5 Opinion and Consent of William F. Denson, III, Senior Vice President-Law
and Secretary of the Registrant.*
8 Opinion as to certain federal income tax matters.**
12 Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.*
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP*
23.2 Consent of Counsel - included in Exhibit 5*
23.3 Consent of Counsel - included in Exhibit 8.**
24 Powers of Attorney.*
25 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification Under the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939 of the Bank of New York.*
</TABLE>
*Filed herewith. Supplements to such exhibits may be filed by amendment or as an
exhibit to a document to be incorporated by reference herein in connection with
an offering of the Debt Securities.
**To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a document to be incorporated by
reference herein in connection with an offering of the Debt Securities.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5
December 14, 1998
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20549
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am Senior Vice President-Law, of Vulcan Materials Company (the
"Company") and have acted as counsel to the Company in connection with the
filing by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission of a
Registration Statement on Form S-3 ("Registration Statement") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), for the registration
of the offer and sale by the Company, from time to time, pursuant to the
provisions of Rule 415 under the Securities Act, of up to $700,000,000 maximum
aggregate principal amount of debt securities of the Company (the "Debt
Securities").
The Debt Securities will be issued by the Company pursuant to an
indenture, dated as of May 1, 1991, between the Company and Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York (the "Indenture").
As counsel for the Company, I am generally familiar with the corporate
affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as the form of the
preliminary prospectus included in the Registration Statement (the "Preliminary
Prospectus") and the terms of the Indenture. In furnishing this opinion, I have
examined such corporate and other records as I have deemed necessary or
appropriate to provide a basis for the opinion set forth below. In may
examination, I have assumed the genuineness of all signatures and the
authenticity of all documents submitted to me as original documents, and
conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to me as certified
or photostatic copies.
This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is based upon facts and
conditions presently known and laws and regulations presently in effect.
On the basis of the foregoing, I am of the opinion that, when the
issuance of the Debt Securities has been duly authorized by appropriate
corporation action and such Debt Securities have been duly executed on behalf of
the Company, authenticated, issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the
Indenture and the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus contained
therein as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Debt
Securities, they will be duly authorized and will constitute legal, valid and
binding obligations of the Company.
I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and further
consent to the use of my name under the heading "Validity of Debt Securities" in
the related Preliminary Prospectus also filed as a part of the Registration
Statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ William F. Denson, III
William F. Denson, III
WFDIII/amm
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 12
VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
For the years ended December 31
Amounts in Thousands
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed charges:
Interest expenses before capitalization
credits ................................ $ 8,074 $ 9,263 $ 11,396 $ 10,699 $ 10,187
Amortization of financing costs ......... 104 164 109 114 115
One-third of rental expense ............. 9,735 9,663 9,532 10,393 7,375
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total fixed charges ................ $ 17,913 $ 19,090 $ 21,037 $ 21,206 $ 17,677
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Net earnings ............................... 209,145 188,595 166,240 97,976 88,229
Provisions for income taxes ................ 91,356 96,985 92,181 47,930 36,993
Fixed charges .............................. 17,913 19,090 21,037 21,206 17,677
Capitalized interest credits ............... (1,160) (627) (297) (878) (1,016)
Amortization of capitalized interest ....... 708 674 1,031 997 882
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings before income taxes as
adjusted .............................. $ 317,962 $ 304,717 $ 280,192 $ 167,231 $ 142,765
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges ......... 17.8 16.0 13.3 7.9 8.1
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Nine months ended
September 30,
1998 1997
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Fixed charges:
Interest expense before capitalization credits .. $ 5,418 $ 5,975
Amortization of financing costs ................. 70 104
One-third of rental expense ..................... 10,055 8,498
--------- ---------
Total fixed charges ......................... $ 15,543 $ 14,577
========= =========
Net earnings ......................................... 196,466 157,996
Provisions for income taxes .......................... 91,185 69,664
Fixed charges ........................................ 15,543 19,090
Capitalized interest credits ......................... (290) (723)
Amortization of capitalized interest ................. 544 528
--------- ---------
Earnings before income taxes as adjusted ....... $ 303,448 $ 246,555
========= =========
Ration of earnings to fixed charges .................. 19.5 16.9
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Vulcan Materials Company on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 6, 1998,
appearing in and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Vulcan Materials Company for the year ended December 31, 1997 and to the
reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of
this Registration Statement.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Birmingham, Alabama
December 10, 1998
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned director of Vulcan Materials Company, a New Jersey
corporation, hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints William F. Denson, III,
and E. Starke Sydnor, and each of them, the true and lawful attorneys of the
undersigned to sign the name of the undersigned as director to the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 relating to the offering of unsubordinated, unsecured debt
securities discussed at the November 14, 1998, meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Company, and to any and all amendments to said Registration Statement,
including post-effective amendments thereto and all related documents, said
Registration Statement and amendments to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended.
The undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys full power of
substitution, resubstitution and revocation, all as fully as the undersigned
could do if personally present, hereby ratifying all that said attorneys or
their substitutes may lawfully do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned director of Vulcan Materials
Company has executed this Power of Attorney this 7th day of December, 1998.
/s/ Marion H. Antonini
-----------------------------
Marion H. Antonini
<PAGE> 2
EXHIBIT 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned director of Vulcan Materials Company, a New Jersey
corporation, hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints William F. Denson, III,
and E. Starke Sydnor, and each of them, the true and lawful attorneys of the
undersigned to sign the name of the undersigned as director to the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 relating to the offering of unsubordinated, unsecured debt
securities discussed at the November 14, 1998, meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Company, and to any and all amendments to said Registration Statement,
including post-effective amendments thereto and all related documents, said
Registration Statement and amendments to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended.
The undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys full power of
substitution, resubstitution and revocation, all as fully as the undersigned
could do if personally present, hereby ratifying all that said attorneys or
their substitutes may lawfully do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned director of Vulcan Materials
Company has executed this Power of Attorney this 8th of December, 1998.
/s/ Livio D. DeSimone
---------------------------------
Livio D. DeSimone
<PAGE> 3
EXHIBIT 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned director of Vulcan Materials Company, a New Jersey
corporation, hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints William F. Denson, III,
and E. Starke Sydnor, and each of them, the true and lawful attorneys of the
undersigned to sign the name of the undersigned as director to the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 relating to the offering of unsubordinated, unsecured debt
securities discussed at the November 14, 1998, meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Company, and to any and all amendments to said Registration Statement,
including post-effective amendments thereto and all related documents, said
Registration Statement and amendments to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended.
The undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys full power of
substitution, resubstitution and revocation, all as fully as the undersigned
could do if personally present, hereby ratifying all that said attorneys or
their substitutes may lawfully do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned director of Vulcan Materials
Company has executed this Power of Attorney this 7th day of December, 1998.
/s/ John K. Greene
----------------------------------
John K. Greene
<PAGE> 4
EXHIBIT 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned director of Vulcan Materials Company, a New Jersey
corporation, hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints William F. Denson, III,
and E. Starke Sydnor, and each of them, the true and lawful attorneys of the
undersigned to sign the name of the undersigned as director to the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 relating to the offering of unsubordinated, unsecured debt
securities discussed at the November 14, 1998, meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Company, and to any and all amendments to said Registration Statement,
including post-effective amendments thereto and all related documents, said
Registration Statement and amendments to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended.
The undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys full power of
substitution, resubstitution and revocation, all as fully as the undersigned
could do if personally present, hereby ratifying all that said attorneys or
their substitutes may lawfully do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned director of Vulcan Materials
Company has executed this Power of Attorney this 9th day of December, 1998.
/s/ Donald M. James
---------------------------
Donald M. James
<PAGE> 5
EXHIBIT 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned director of Vulcan Materials Company, a New Jersey
corporation, hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints William F. Denson, III,
and E. Starke Sydnor, and each of them, the true and lawful attorneys of the
undersigned to sign the name of the undersigned as director to the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 relating to the offering of unsubordinated, unsecured debt
securities discussed at the November 14, 1998, meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Company, and to any and all amendments to said Registration Statement,
including post-effective amendments thereto and all related documents, said
Registration Statement and amendments to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended.
The undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys full power of
substitution, resubstitution and revocation, all as fully as the undersigned
could do if personally present, hereby ratifying all that said attorneys or
their substitutes may lawfully do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned director of Vulcan Materials
Company has executed this Power of Attorney this 7th day of December, 1998.
/s/ Douglas J. McGregor
------------------------------------
Douglas J. McGregor
<PAGE> 6
EXHIBIT 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned director of Vulcan Materials Company, a New Jersey
corporation, hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints William F. Denson, III,
and E. Starke Sydnor, and each of them, the true and lawful attorneys of the
undersigned to sign the name of the undersigned as director to the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 relating to the offering of unsubordinated, unsecured debt
securities discussed at the November 14, 1998, meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Company, and to any and all amendments to said Registration Statement,
including post-effective amendments thereto and all related documents, said
Registration Statement and amendments to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended.
The undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys full power of
substitution, resubstitution and revocation, all as fully as the undersigned
could do if personally present, hereby ratifying all that said attorneys or
their substitutes may lawfully do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned director of Vulcan Materials
Company has executed this Power of Attorney this 9th of December, 1998.
/s/ Ann D. McLaughlin
-----------------------------
Ann D. McLaughlin
<PAGE> 7
EXHIBIT 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned director of Vulcan Materials Company, a New Jersey
corporation, hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints William F. Denson, III,
and E. Starke Sydnor, and each of them, the true and lawful attorneys of the
undersigned to sign the name of the undersigned as director to the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 relating to the offering of unsubordinated, unsecured debt
securities discussed at the November 14, 1998, meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Company, and to any and all amendments to said Registration Statement,
including post-effective amendments thereto and all related documents, said
Registration Statement and amendments to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended.
The undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys full power of
substitution, resubstitution and revocation, all as fully as the undersigned
could do if personally present, hereby ratifying all that said attorneys or
their substitutes may lawfully do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned director of Vulcan Materials
Company has executed this Power of Attorney this 7th of December, 1998.
/s/ James V. Napier
-------------------------------
James V. Napier
<PAGE> 8
EXHIBIT 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned director of Vulcan Materials Company, a New Jersey
corporation, hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints William F. Denson, III,
and E. Starke Sydnor, and each of them, the true and lawful attorneys of the
undersigned to sign the name of the undersigned as director to the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 relating to the offering of unsubordinated, unsecured debt
securities discussed at the November 14, 1998, meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Company, and to any and all amendments to said Registration Statement,
including post-effective amendments thereto and all related documents, said
Registration Statement and amendments to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended.
The undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys full power of
substitution, resubstitution and revocation, all as fully as the undersigned
could do if personally present, hereby ratifying all that said attorneys or
their substitutes may lawfully do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned director of Vulcan Materials
Company has executed this Power of Attorney this 8th day of December, 1998.
/s/ Donald B. Rice
--------------------------------
Donald B. Rice
<PAGE> 9
EXHIBIT 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned director of Vulcan Materials Company, a New Jersey
corporation, hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints William F. Denson, III,
and E. Starke Sydnor, and each of them, the true and lawful attorneys of the
undersigned to sign the name of the undersigned as director to the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 relating to the offering of unsubordinated, unsecured debt
securities discussed at the November 14, 1998, meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Company, and to any and all amendments to said Registration Statement,
including post-effective amendments thereto and all related documents, said
Registration Statement and amendments to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended.
The undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys full power of
substitution, resubstitution and revocation, all as fully as the undersigned
could do if personally present, hereby ratifying all that said attorneys or
their substitutes may lawfully do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned director of Vulcan Materials
Company has executed this Power of Attorney this 8th day of December, 1998.
/s/ Orin R. Smith
--------------------------------
Orin R. Smith
<PAGE> 10
EXHIBIT 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned director of Vulcan Materials Company, a New Jersey
corporation, hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints William F. Denson, III,
and E. Starke Sydnor, and each of them, the true and lawful attorneys of the
undersigned to sign the name of the undersigned as director to the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 relating to the offering of unsubordinated, unsecured debt
securities discussed at the November 14, 1998, meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Company, and to any and all amendments to said Registration Statement,
including post-effective amendments thereto and all related documents, said
Registration Statement and amendments to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended.
The undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys full power of
substitution, resubstitution and revocation, all as fully as the undersigned
could do if personally present, hereby ratifying all that said attorneys or
their substitutes may lawfully do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned director of Vulcan Materials
Company has executed this Power of Attorney this 9th day of December, 1998.
/s/ Herbert A. Sklenar
----------------------------
Herbert A. Sklenar
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 25
===============================================================================
FORM T-1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(b)(2) [ ]
---------------
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
New York 13-5160382
(State of incorporation (I.R.S. employer
if not a U.S. national bank) identification no.)
One Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
---------------
VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY
(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
New Jersey 63-0366371
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization) identification no.)
1200 Urban Center Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35242
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
---------------
Debt Securities
(Title of the indenture securities)
===============================================================================
<PAGE> 2
1. GENERAL INFORMATION. FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO THE
TRUSTEE:
(A) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO WHICH
IT IS SUBJECT.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Superintendent of Banks of the State of 2 Rector Street, New York,
New York N.Y. 10006, and Albany, N.Y. 12203
Federal Reserve Bank of New York 33 Liberty Plaza, New York,
N.Y. 10045
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Washington, D.C. 20429
New York Clearing House Association New York, New York 10005
</TABLE>
(B) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.
Yes.
2. AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR.
IF THE OBLIGOR IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH SUCH
AFFILIATION.
None.
16. LIST OF EXHIBITS.
EXHIBITS IDENTIFIED IN PARENTHESES BELOW, ON FILE WITH THE COMMISSION,
ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE AS AN EXHIBIT HERETO, PURSUANT TO
RULE 7A-29 UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 (THE "ACT") AND 17
C.F.R. 229.10(D).
1. A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York
(formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which contains
the authority to commence business and a grant of powers to
exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to
Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-6215, Exhibits
1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No.
33-21672 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration
Statement No. 33-29637.)
4. A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form
T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-31019.)
6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.
(Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement
No. 33-44051.)
7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published
pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or
examining authority.
<PAGE> 3
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New
York, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New
York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and
State of New York, on the 9th day of December, 1998.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
By: /s/ THOMAS C. KNIGHT
-------------------------
Name: THOMAS C. KNIGHT
Title: ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
