<PAGE>
Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration No. 333-25691
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED SEPTEMBER 26, 1997)
900,000 SHARES
[LOGO OF CONNECTICUT ENERGY CORP.]
CONNECTICUT ENERGY CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
(PAR VALUE $1.00 PER SHARE)
----------------
On November 12, 1997, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock of
Connecticut Energy Corporation (the "Company") on the New York Stock Exchange
was $24 1/4 per share. The outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the
Common Stock issued hereto will be, listed for trading on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol "CNE."
----------------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 5 OF THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS FOR
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN
CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
OR THE PROSPECTUS TO WHICH IT RELATES. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRICE TO UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC DISCOUNT(1) COMPANY(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share.................................. $24.25 $.845 $23.405
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3)................................... $21,825,000 $760,500 $21,064,500
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against
certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities
Act of 1933. See "Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $211,078.
(3) The Company has granted the several Underwriters an option, exercisable
for a period of 30 days after the date of this Prospectus Supplement, to
purchase up to 135,000 additional shares of Common Stock (the "Additional
Shares") from the Company at the Price to Public, less the Underwriting
Discount, solely to cover overallotments, if any. If all of such
Additional Shares are purchased, the total Price to Public, Underwriting
Discount and Proceeds to Company will be $25,098,750, $874,575 and
$24,224,175, respectively. See "Underwriting."
----------------
The shares are offered by the several Underwriters, subject to prior sale,
when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to certain conditions.
The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel, or modify such offer
and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of the
shares will be made in New York, New York, on or about November 18, 1997.
----------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO. MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
----------------
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is November 12, 1997.
<PAGE>
CONNECTICUT ENERGY CORPORATION
[_] UTILITY FRANCHISE AREA
[TWO MAPS APPEAR HERE]
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY INCLUDE STABILIZING, THE PURCHASE OF
COMMON STOCK TO COVER SYNDICATE SHORT POSITIONS AND THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTY
BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
S-2
<PAGE>
SUMMARY INFORMATION
The following material, which is presented herein solely to furnish limited
introductory information regarding the Company, has been selected from or is
based upon the detailed information and financial statements included and
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying
Prospectus, is qualified in its entirety by reference thereto, and, therefore,
should be read together therewith.
THE OFFERING
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
Company.......................... Connecticut Energy Corporation
Securities offered............... 900,000 shares of Common Stock (excluding
up to 135,000 Additional Shares)
Use of proceeds.................. To reduce the short-term debt incurred from
time to time by the Company's principal
subsidiary, The Southern Connecticut Gas
Company ("Southern"), in connection with
its capital expenditure program and for
other corporate purposes, including
investments in the Company's unregulated
subsidiaries. See "Use of Proceeds" on page
S-7 of this Prospectus Supplement
Shares of Common Stock
outstanding after offering...... Approximately 10,074,669 (excluding up to
135,000 Additional Shares)
Price range on the New York Stock
Exchange from October 1, 1996
through November 12, 1997....... High: $25; Low: $19 7/8
Last reported sale price on the
New York Stock Exchange on
November 12, 1997............... $24 1/4
New York Stock Exchange symbol... CNE
Current Annual Dividend Rate..... $1.32 per share
THE COMPANY
Business......................... A public utility holding company whose
principal subsidiary, Southern, is engaged
in the retail distribution of natural gas
to customers in southern Connecticut
Estimated population of service
area............................ Approximately 771,000
Average number of customers for
fiscal year ended September 30,
1997............................ 156,660
Compound average annual growth in
number of customers, 1992-97.... 0.6%
Composition of margin(1) for the
fiscal year ended September 30,
1997............................ Residential customers, 67.7%; commercial
customers, 17.8%; industrial customers,
3.6%; firm transportation customers, 5.3%;
interruptible, transportation and special
contract customers, 5.6%
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Margin in this summary is calculated as revenue minus purchased gas costs
and gross earnings tax.
S-3
<PAGE>
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Operating Revenue..... $ 252,008 $ 261,093 $ 232,093 $ 240,873 $ 212,762
Operating Income...... $ 28,889 $ 28,664 $ 26,886 $ 25,012 $ 23,125
Net Income............ $ 16,441 $ 15,165 $ 14,060 $ 12,843 $ 11,053
Net Income Per Share.. $ 1.81 $ 1.70 $ 1.60 $ 1.58 $ 1.50
Dividends Per Share... $ 1.32 $ 1.31 $ 1.30 $ 1.29 $ 1.28
Dividend Payout
Ratio................ 72.9% 77.1% 81.3% 81.6% 85.3%
Weighted Average
Number of Shares
Outstanding.......... 9,095,521 8,924,299 8,773,878 8,134,021 7,377,419
Capital Expenditures.. $ 28,443 $ 25,180 $ 27,609 $ 26,618 $ 26,070
Book Value per Common
Share................ $ 15.76 $ 15.31 $ 14.84 $ 14.45 $ 13.33
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AS ADJUSTED(1)
------------------- -------------------
AMOUNT PERCENTAGE AMOUNT PERCENTAGE
-------- ---------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Long-term Debt............ $134,073 48.13% $134,073 44.74%
Common Shareholders'
Equity................... $144,514 51.87% $165,579 55.26%
-------- ------ -------- ------
Total Capitalization.... $278,587 100.00% $299,652 100.00%
Total Short-term Debt... $ 36,054 $ 15,201
Net Utility Plant and
Other Property........... $272,465 $272,465
Total Assets............ $424,281 $424,281
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Adjusted to reflect the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby (excluding
the Additional Shares) and the application of the net proceeds thereof
(estimated to be $20,853).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
MARGIN BY CUSTOMER CLASS(1)
Residential......................... $ 72,958 $ 73,734 $ 72,480 $ 71,643 $63,391
Commercial firm..................... 19,150 20,522 20,005 19,315 17,265
Industrial firm..................... 3,833 5,293 6,507 6,688 6,111
Firm transportation................. 5,731 683 -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total firm margin................... $101,672 $100,232 $ 98,992 $ 97,646 $86,767
Interruptible, transportation
and special contract............... $ 6,059 $ 6,188 $ 5,755 $ 4,258 $ 2,427
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total margins....................... $107,731 $106,420 $104,747 $101,904 $89,194
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Margin in this table is calculated as revenue minus purchased gas costs and
gross earnings tax.
S-4
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
CONNECTICUT ENERGY CORPORATION
Connecticut Energy Corporation (the "Company") is a public utility holding
company that was incorporated in Connecticut in 1979. The Company is subject
to the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 but claims
an exemption from all provisions thereof except Section 9(a)(2). The Company's
corporate structure, including subsidiaries and joint ventures, is set forth
in the diagram below:
[FLOW CHART APPEARS HERE]
----------------
Connecticut
Energy
Corporation
----------------
- --------------- -------------------- --------------- ----------------
The Southern CNE Energy CNE Development CNE Venture-Tech
Connecticut Gas Services Group, Inc. Corporation Inc.
Company
- --------------- -------------------- --------------- ----------------
---------------- ------------------ -------------------
Conectiv/ East Coast Natural Nth Power
CNE Energy Gas Cooperative, Technologies Fund I
Services, L.L.C. L.L.C.
---------------- ------------------ -------------------
____________ Indicates ownership of 100% of the stock of an entity.
------------ Indicates ownership of an interest in any entity
SOUTHERN
The Company's principal wholly-owned subsidiary, The Southern Connecticut
Gas Company ("Southern"), is a Connecticut public service company primarily
engaged in the retail distribution of natural gas for residential, commercial
and industrial uses. Southern serves approximately 157,000 customers in
Connecticut, primarily in 22 towns, including Bridgeport and New Haven, in an
area along the Southern Connecticut coast from Westport to Old Saybrook.
Southern is also authorized to lay mains and sell gas in an additional ten
towns in its service area but does not currently provide any service to these
towns. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997, Southern contributed
98.4% of the Company's net income.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
In order to position the Company to take advantage of opportunities
presented by changes in the utility industry, the Company has established
three unregulated subsidiaries--CNE Energy Services Group, Inc. ("CNE
Energy"), CNE Development Corporation ("CNE Development"), and CNE Venture-
Tech, Inc. ("CNE Venture")--each of which has entered into alliances or joint
ventures with third parties. These subsidiaries will allow the Company to
provide an additional range of energy-related products and services,
investment, marketing and gas storage opportunities. CNE Energy has formed a
joint venture with Delmarva Power & Light Company's bulk energy group to sell
natural gas, electricity, fuel oil and other services in New York and New
England.
S-5
<PAGE>
the extent that the natural gas industry continues to deregulate, this joint
venture, called Conectiv/CNE Energy Services, L.L.C., plans to expand into
deregulated markets in New York and New England. CNE Development is a member
of East Coast Natural Gas Cooperative, L.L.C. which is an alliance of seven
natural gas distribution companies that share resources, purchase natural gas
collectively and take advantage of marketing and storage optimization
opportunities. CNE Venture focuses on investing in technology companies and
has become a limited partner in a venture capital fund, Nth Power Technologies
Fund I.
Additionally, Southern has announced it will construct the distribution
facilities needed to transport natural gas from a gate station in Stratford,
Connecticut to a new electric generating plant located approximately ten miles
away at the site of United Illuminating Company's Bridgeport Harbor Station.
Once the necessary DPUC approval is received and the project is completed, the
gas turbine plant will be the largest nonnuclear generating plant in
Connecticut and will have the capacity to provide enough electricity to
service up to 260,000 homes. Southern has also entered into an agreement with
Yale University to supply natural gas to Yale University's 13.5 megawatt co-
generation facility which has recently been converted to gas fired boilers.
RECENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Company's consolidated results of operations for the fiscal years ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996 are summarized below (dollars in thousands, except
per share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------------
1997 1996
--------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Operating Revenues............................. $ 252,008 $ 261,093
Gross Margin................................... $ 119,336 $ 119,465
Net Income..................................... $ 16,441 $ 15,165
Net Income Per Share........................... $ 1.81 $ 1.70
Weighted Average Shares........................ 9,095,521 8,924,299
</TABLE>
Results for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1997 reflect an increase in
earnings per share of 6.5% over fiscal 1996. Net income also reached $16.4
million, more than 8% higher than fiscal 1996.
The increased earnings per share and income growth in fiscal 1997 resulted
from Southern's higher firm margins earned, lower operations and maintenance
expenses, lower gross earnings and property taxes and lower other interest
expense. Lower interruptible margins and higher costs for depreciation, income
taxes and long-term debt interest partially offset the factors contributing to
increased earnings per share and income growth. In addition to Southern's
contribution to earnings and income, the Company's unregulated subsidiaries
also contributed modestly to income growth in fiscal 1997.
During fiscal 1997, Southern added over 2,600 new residential heating
customers, an increase of 42% over fiscal 1996 additions. Firm margins
increased to record levels although the volumes of gas sold and transported to
firm customers were lower in fiscal 1997 principally due to warmer weather.
Southern has a Weather Normalization Adjustment ("WNA") mechanism. Because
weather was 3% warmer than normal in fiscal 1997, firm margins were enhanced
by nearly $2.3 million due to collection through the WNA. Increased off-system
sales and off-system transportation activity also added to margins earned.
Operations expense decreased by 2% in fiscal 1997 due to lower costs for
labor, pensions, postretirement health care and regulatory commissions
expense, increased rates for customer service, and lower insurance reserves.
This decrease marks the third consecutive year that these expenses have
declined.
Some of the factors offsetting income growth for the Company in fiscal 1997
were lower margins retained as a result of Southern's interruptible sales.
Southern's depreciation expense increased in fiscal 1997 due to additions to
plant in service. Federal and state income taxes for the Company increased
approximately 17% in fiscal 1997 primarily due to higher pre-tax income.
S-6
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company intends to use the proceeds of the offering to reduce short-term
overnight debt incurred from time to time by Southern in connection with its
capital expenditure program and for other corporate purposes, including
investments in the Company's unregulated subsidiaries. At September 30, 1997,
Southern's outstanding short-term debt totaled $31,400,000 and had a weighted
average annual interest rate of 6.61%. It is anticipated that in excess of
ninety percent (90%) of the proceeds will be used to reduce short-term debt.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES PROGRAM
Southern's capital expenditures totaled approximately $25,200,000 in fiscal
1996, approximately 77% of which was funded by cash flow provided by
operations. Southern's capital expenditures in fiscal 1997 were approximately
$28,000,000. Over the fiscal 1998-2002 period, Southern estimates that total
capital expenditures will range between $110,000,000 and $130,000,000.
Additionally, Southern has long-term debt maturities of $6,473,000 from fiscal
1998 through 2002. The Company intends to continue to finance a significant
portion of Southern's capital requirements and financing obligations with
internally generated funds. The remainder of such expenditures will be
financed through external sources, including the issuance of securities and
additional borrowings.
RATE MATTERS
Southern is regulated as to rates and other matters by the Connecticut
Department of Public Utility Control ("DPUC"). On August 19, 1997, the DPUC
initiated a generic docket to investigate issues associated with the
unbundling of natural gas firm and interruptible sales and transportation
services by local distribution companies ("LDCs") in Connecticut, including
Southern. The DPUC intends to conduct this proceeding in two phases. The first
phase will address issues relating to firm and interruptible transportation
service provided by LDCs. Depending on the findings in this phase, the DPUC
may reopen a particular LDC's last rate case to consider any proposed changes
to its respective tariffs and rates. The second phase of this proceeding will
investigate such issues as residential unbundling, codes of conduct for LDCs
and marketers, and public policy issues.
Southern, in accordance with Connecticut statutes, will undergo a periodic
review of rates and services by the DPUC commencing in or after December 1997
if it does not file for a rate increase. A periodic review entails a complete
review by the DPUC of Southern's financial and operating records. Public
hearings would be held to determine whether the current rates are unreasonably
discriminatory or more or less than just, reasonable and adequate. If Southern
determines that a rate increase is required, a general rate case will be filed
in lieu of a rate review.
S-7
<PAGE>
COMMON STOCK PRICE RANGE AND DIVIDENDS
The following table shows the quarterly high and low price range of the
Company's Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange and the
quarterly dividends paid per share of Common Stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRICE
-------------- CASH
HIGH LOW DIVIDENDS
---- ---- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1995 QUARTER ENDED
December 31, 1994............................. $ 22 $18 5/8 $0.325
March 31, 1995................................ $20 1/4 $18 1/2 $0.325
June 30, 1995................................. $20 5/8 $18 5/8 $0.325
September 30, 1995............................ $20 1/2 $18 7/8 $0.325
1996 QUARTER ENDED
December 31, 1995............................. $22 1/2 $19 $0.325
March 31, 1996................................ $22 1/4 $18 5/8 $0.325
June 30, 1996................................. $20 7/8 $18 7/8 $ 0.33
September 30, 1996............................ $20 3/8 $19 $ 0.33
1997 QUARTER ENDED
December 31, 1996............................. $22 1/4 $19 7/8 $ 0.33
March 31, 1997................................ $24 3/8 $21 $ 0.33
June 30, 1997................................. $24 1/4 $22 1/4 $ 0.33
September 30, 1997............................ $24 15/16 $22 3/8 $ 0.33
October 1, 1997 through November 12, 1997..... $25 $22 3/4
</TABLE>
As of September 30, 1997, the Company and its predecessors have paid 351
consecutive quarterly cash dividends. Cash dividends have been paid since
1850, one of the longest consecutive dividend payment records of any company
listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company currently expects that
dividends will continue to be paid in the future. See "Description of Common
Stock--Dividend Rights" on page 5 of the accompanying Prospectus.
The last reported sale price of the Common Stock on November 12, 1997 on the
New York Stock Exchange was $24 1/4. The approximate number of shareholders of
record of the Company's Common Stock as of November 11, 1997 was 10,409. The
book value of the Common Stock on September 30, 1997 was $15.76 per share.
The Company's bank credit agreements contain provisions requiring
maintenance of a minimum net worth. Under these provisions, at September 30,
1997, approximately $29,632,904 was available for dividends on the Common
Stock.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this Prospectus
Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus which are not historical in nature
are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve certain
risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future results to differ
materially from those contemplated, projected, estimated or budgeted in such
forward-looking statements including, among others, the following: (i) the
effects of weather and other natural phenomenon; (ii) the Company's ability to
successfully implement internal performance goals; (iii) the effects of state
and federal regulation; (iv) performance issues with key natural gas
suppliers; (v) the capital-intensive nature of the Company's business; (vi)
the economic climate and growth in the geographic areas in which the Company
does business; (vii) the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices for
natural gas, electricity and crude oil; (viii) the nature, availability and
projected profitability of potential projects and other investments available
to the Company; (ix) conditions of the capital markets and equity markets; (x)
the other
S-8
<PAGE>
factors discussed under the headings "Rate Matters", "The Company--Recent
Developments" and "Common Stock Price Range and Dividends" herein and "Risk
Factors" in the accompanying Prospectus, and other risks and uncertainties
discussed in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including its 1996 Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for
the three quarters of the Company's 1997 fiscal year, and Current Reports on
Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 10, 1997, September 10, 1997 and
November 12, 1997. See "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" in
the accompanying Prospectus.
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement
(the "Underwriting Agreement"), the Company has agreed to sell to each of the
Underwriters named below (the "Underwriters"), and each of the Underwriters,
for whom Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan Stanley
& Co. Incorporated are acting as representatives (the "Representatives"), have
severally agreed to purchase, the respective number of shares of Common Stock
set forth opposite its name below. In the Underwriting Agreement, the
Underwriters have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth
therein, to purchase all of the shares of Common Stock if any are purchased.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER
UNDERWRITER OF SHARES
----------- ---------
<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated..................................................... 370,000
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated..................................... 370,000
CIBC Oppenheimer Corp................................................. 40,000
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.............................................. 40,000
Advest, Inc........................................................... 20,000
Janney Montgomery Scott Inc........................................... 20,000
Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P............................................ 20,000
H.G. Wellington & Co. Inc............................................. 20,000
-------
Total............................................................ 900,000
=======
</TABLE>
The Representatives have advised the Company that the Underwriters propose
initially to offer the shares of Common Stock to the public at the public
offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus Supplement, and
to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess of $.45 per
share. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a discount
not in excess of $.10 per share to certain other dealers. After the initial
public offering, the public offering price, concession and discount may be
changed.
The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable within 30
days after the date of this Prospectus Supplement, to purchase up to 135,000
Additional Shares solely for the purpose of covering overallotments, if any,
at the price to public less the underwriting discount set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus Supplement. To the extent that the Underwriters
exercise this option, each Underwriter will be severally committed, subject to
certain conditions, to purchase an additional number of shares of Common Stock
proportionate to such Underwriter's initial commitment as indicated in the
table above.
The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933 or
contribute to payments the Underwriters may be required to make in respect
thereof.
Until the distribution of the Common Stock is completed, rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission may limit the ability of the Underwriters
and certain selling group members to bid for and purchase the Common Stock. As
an exception to these rules, the Representatives are permitted to engage in
certain transactions that stabilize the price of the Common Stock. Such
transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing
or maintaining the price of the Common Stock.
If the Underwriters create a short position in the Common Stock in
connection with the Offerings, i.e., if they sell more shares of Common Stock
than are set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus Supplement, the
S-9
<PAGE>
Representatives may reduce that short position by purchasing Common Stock in
the open market. The Representatives may also elect to reduce any short
position by exercising all or part of the over-allotment option described
above.
The Representatives may also impose a penalty bid on certain Underwriters
and selling group members. This means that if the Representatives purchase
shares of Common Stock in the open market to reduce the Underwriters' short
position or to stabilize the price of the Common Stock, they may reclaim the
amount of the selling concession from the Underwriters and selling group
members who sold those shares as part of the Offerings.
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 a security to the extent that it
were to discourage resales of the security.
Neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any representation or
prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the
transactions described above may have on the price of the Common Stock. In
addition, neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any
representation that the Representatives will engage in such transactions or
that such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without
notice.
S-10
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
[LOGO OF CONNECTICUT ENERGY CORPORATION APPEARS HERE]
CONNECTICUT ENERGY CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
(PAR VALUE $1.00 PER SHARE)
Connecticut Energy Corporation (the "Company") may offer and sell from time
to time up to 1,750,000 shares of its Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
(the "Common Stock"), in one or more issuances at prices and on terms to be
determined at the time of sale. The number of shares being sold, the purchase
price, the initial public offering price, the proceeds to the Company, and the
other terms of the offering of such shares of Common Stock will be set forth
in an accompanying supplement to this Prospectus (each a "Prospectus
Supplement") to be delivered at the time of any such offering.
The Common Stock of the Company is listed for trading on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol "CNE." The shares of Common Stock offered hereby
will be listed, subject to notice of issuance, on such exchange.
----------------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 5 FOR CERTAIN RISK FACTORS THAT SHOULD
BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE
COMMON STOCK.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
----------------
The shares of Common Stock offered hereby may be sold directly by the
Company or through agents, underwriters or dealers designated from time to
time. If any agents of the Company or any underwriters are involved in the
sale of shares of Common Stock in respect of which this Prospectus is being
delivered, the names of such agents or underwriters and any applicable
discounts or commissions with respect to such shares of Common Stock will also
be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS SEPTEMBER 26, 1997.
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement on Form S-3 (hereinafter, together with
all amendments and exhibits, referred to as the "Registration Statement")
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), of which this
Prospectus is a part, with respect to the Common Stock offered hereby.
Reference is made to such Registration Statement for further information with
respect to the Company and the Common Stock offered hereby. In addition,
certain information contained in this Prospectus summarizes, is based upon, or
refers to, information and financial statements contained in one or more
documents incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
Accordingly, the information contained herein is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Registration Statement and such documents and should be read
in conjunction therewith. Copies of the Registration Statement may be
inspected without charge at offices of the Commission, and copies of all or
any portion thereof may be obtained from the Commission upon payment of the
prescribed fee.
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information may be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the
Commission's New York Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New
York, New York 10048 and Chicago Regional Office, Northwestern Atrium Center,
500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such
material may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The
Commission maintains an Internet Web site that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding reporting companies
under the Exchange Act. The address of such Internet Web site is
http://www.sec.gov. Such reports, proxy statements and other information may
also be inspected at the office of The New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September
30, 1996, the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended December 31, 1996, the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1997, the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1997, and the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated September 10, 1997, filed by the Company with the
Commission pursuant to the 1934 Act, are hereby incorporated in this
Prospectus by reference. The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with
the Commission on July 10, 1997, contains a complete description of the
Company's Common Stock and is hereby incorporated in this Prospectus by
reference.
All documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior
to the termination of the offering made by this Prospectus shall be deemed to
be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from
the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained herein or in a
document 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 subsequently incorporated document modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not
be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.
THE COMPANY HEREBY UNDERTAKES TO PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO
WHOM A COPY OF THIS PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN DELIVERED, ON THE WRITTEN OR ORAL
REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY OF ANY AND ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN
OR MAY BE INCORPORATED IN THIS PROSPECTUS BY REFERENCE, OTHER THAN EXHIBITS TO
SUCH DOCUMENTS, UNLESS SUCH EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE INTO THE INFORMATION THAT THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES. REQUESTS FOR
SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO CAROL A. FOREST, VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE,
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND TREASURER, CONNECTICUT ENERGY CORPORATION, 855
MAIN STREET, BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT 06604 (TELEPHONE: 800-760-7776).
2
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the detailed
information and financial statements (including the notes thereto) appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus and in the documents incorporated herein by
reference.
THE COMPANY
The Company is a public utility holding company whose principal subsidiary,
The Southern Connecticut Gas Company ("Southern"), is engaged in the retail
distribution of natural gas for residential, commercial and industrial uses.
Southern serves approximately 156,000 customers in parts of New Haven,
Fairfield and Middlesex Counties in Connecticut. Southern's service area
includes two of Connecticut's largest cities, Bridgeport and New Haven, a
concentration of residential communities and a large number of commercial
businesses and service industries.
THE REGISTRATION
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Securities Registered....... 1,750,000 Shares of Common Stock, par value $1 per
share
Common Shares Outstanding if
all the Common Stock is
issued..................... Approximately 10,876,937 shares
Proposed Listing............ New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: "CNE")
Price Range of Company's
Common Stock (January 1,
1996 through April 1,
1997)...................... $18 5/8 to $24 3/8
Current Annual Dividend
Rate....................... $1.32
Use of Proceeds............. To reduce short-term debt incurred primarily in
connection with Southern's capital expenditures
program and for other corporate purposes.
</TABLE>
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED -----------------------------------
DECEMBER 31, 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Operating Revenues... $266,191 $261,093 $232,093 $240,873 $212,762
Operating Income..... 29,422 28,664 26,886 25,012 23,125
Net Income........... 15,545 15,165 14,060 12,843 11,053
Net Income Per
Share............... 1.73 1.70 1.60 1.58 1.50
Dividends Per Share.. 1.315 1.31 1.30 1.29 1.28
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1996
-------------------
AMOUNT PERCENTAGE
-------- ----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Long-Term Debt............................................ $138,727 49.59%
Common Shareholders' Equity............................... 141,011 50.41%
-------- ------
Total Capitalization.................................... $279,738 100.00%
======== ======
Total Short-Term Debt................................... $ 37,695
Net Utility Plant and Other Property...................... $262,555
Total Assets............................................ $432,914
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
The Company is a public utility holding company whose principal wholly owned
subsidiary, Southern, is primarily engaged in the retail distribution of
natural gas for residential, commercial and industrial uses.
The Company was incorporated in Connecticut in 1979, and its principal
executive offices are located at 855 Main Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut
06604 (Telephone: 800-760-7776). The Company is subject to the provisions of
the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 but claims an exemption from
all provisions thereof except Section 9(a)(2). Southern's predecessor
companies, New Haven Gas Company and The Bridgeport Gas Light Company, were
originally incorporated in Connecticut in 1847 and 1849, respectively. The
Company has in the past engaged, and may in the future from time to time
engage, in discussions regarding possible mergers with or acquisitions of
companies involved in gas distribution or other business activities. The
Company is not currently engaged in any such discussions.
Southern, a Connecticut public service company, serves approximately 156,000
customers in Connecticut, primarily in twenty-two towns, including Bridgeport
and New Haven, in an area along the southern Connecticut coast from Westport
to Old Saybrook. Southern is also authorized to lay mains and sell gas in an
additional ten towns in its service area but does not currently provide any
service to these towns.
Southern's operating revenue breakdown for the year ended December 31, 1996
was 58.2% residential, 20.6% commercial, 5.9% industrial, 0.8% firm
transportation, 13.7% interruptible, transportation and special contract and
0.8% other. Southern is regulated as to rates and other matters by the
Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control.
4
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
The natural gas industry is subject to numerous regulations and
uncertainties, many of which affect the Company in varying degrees. Industry
issues which have affected or may affect the Company from time to time include
the following: uncertainty in achieving an adequate return on invested capital
due to inflation; difficulty in obtaining rate increases from regulatory
authorities in adequate amounts and on a timely basis; attrition in earnings
produced by the combination of increasing expenses and the costs of new
capital which may exceed allowed rates of return; the availability of pipeline
transportation capacity necessary to secure supplies of gas; volatility in the
price of natural gas; competition with alternative sources of energy;
competition with other gas sources for industrial customers; increasing energy
conservation by customers; new business and operational requirements for gas
supply resulting from changes in federal regulation of interstate pipelines;
increases in construction and operating costs; environmental regulations; and
uncertainty in the projected rate of growth of customers' energy requirements.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Common Stock being
offered hereby will be contributed to Southern and used primarily to reduce
short-term debt incurred from time to time by Southern in connection with its
capital expenditure program. At June 30, 1997, Southern's outstanding short-
term debt totalled $19,300,000 and had a weighted average annual interest rate
of 6.4%. The Company may also use a portion of the proceeds for other
corporate purposes, including investments in unregulated subsidiaries.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES PROGRAM
Southern's capital expenditures totaled approximately $25,200,000 in fiscal
1996, a significant portion of which was funded by cash flow provided by
operations. Construction expenditures in fiscal 1997 are estimated at
$23,600,000, approximately 24% of which will be used for additions to
Southern's utility plant to serve new customers and the balance of which will
be used to maintain and improve existing facilities. Over the fiscal 1997-2001
period, Southern estimates that total capital expenditures will range between
$110,000,000 and $130,000,000. Additionally, Southern has long-term debt
maturities of $6,613,000 from fiscal 1997 through 2001. The Company intends to
continue to finance a significant portion of Southern's capital requirements
and financing obligations with internally generated funds. The remainder of
such expenditures will be financed through external sources, including the
issuance of securities and additional borrowings.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
The outstanding Common Stock of the Company is, and the Common Stock offered
hereby when issued and paid for will be, fully paid and non-assessable. The
following summary description of certain provisions of the Company's Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Company's Certificate") does
not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
said provisions.
The Company's Certificate authorizes 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock
having a par value of $1 per share, with 9,126,937 shares issued and
outstanding on April 1, 1997. The Company's Certificate also authorizes a
class of 1,000,000 shares of preference stock having a par value of $1 per
share. The Board of Directors is authorized to issue shares of the Company's
Common Stock and preference stock from time to time, without common
shareholder approval. To date, no shares of preference stock have been issued.
DIVIDEND RIGHTS
The Company is a holding company and a legal entity distinct from its
subsidiaries. The right of the Company and its shareholders to participate in
any distribution of the assets or earnings of any subsidiary
5
<PAGE>
(including Southern) is subject to the prior claims of creditors and preferred
shareholders of such subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company in its capacity as a creditor of any subsidiary may be recognized.
Subject to the preferential rights of the Company's preference stock, if any
should be issued, dividends may be declared on the Common Stock out of the
funds legally available therefor. The major source of funds for payment of the
Company's dividends is dividends received on the shares of Southern's Common
Stock, all of which is owned by the Company. Southern's indenture relating to
long-term debt contains restrictions as to the declaration or payment of cash
dividends on, or the reacquisition of, capital stock. Under the most
restrictive of such provisions, $28,022,991 of Southern's retained earnings at
December 31, 1996 were available for such purposes. The Company's receipt of
dividends from Southern is subject to action by Southern's Board of Directors.
In addition, Southern's Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance
of preference stock, but none has been issued.
VOTING RIGHTS
Each holder of the Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share held
of record on the books of the Company. Shareholders do not have cumulative
voting rights with respect to the election of directors.
LIQUIDATION AND PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS
After satisfaction of the preferential liquidation rights of the Company's
preference stock, if any should be issued, the holders of the Common Stock are
entitled to share ratably in the distribution of all remaining assets.
The holders of the Common Stock have no preemptive rights.
PROVISIONS RELATING TO CHANGE IN CONTROL
The Company's Certificate and By-Laws contain provisions which could have
the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the
Company. Some of these provisions operate only with respect to an
extraordinary corporate transaction involving the Company, such as a merger,
reorganization, tender offer, sale or transfer of substantially all of its
assets, or liquidation. Provisions relating to the Company's Board of
Directors (1) divide the Board of Directors into three classes of directors,
as nearly equal in number as possible, serving for staggered three-year terms,
(2) provide that directors can only be removed for cause (as defined in the
Company's Certificate) upon the affirmative vote of (i) the Board of Directors
acting by not less than a majority of directorships or (ii) 80% of the
combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of all classes and series
of the Company's stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
("Voting Stock"), voting as a single class, (3) provide that vacancies on the
Board of Directors may only be filled by the affirmative vote of the majority
of the Board of Directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of
the Board, (4) require that written notice be given to the Board of Directors
of a shareholder's intention to nominate a director at least 90 days in
advance of an annual meeting of shareholders or, in the case of a special
shareholders' meeting, not later than the close of business on the seventh day
following the date on which notice of such meeting was first given to
shareholders, (5) require that a special shareholders' meeting shall only be
called by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors, or by
the President or Chairman, unless otherwise required by law, (6) require that,
unless otherwise voted by the Board of Directors, notice shall be given to
shareholders at least 30 days in advance of any special shareholders' meeting,
(7) provide that shareholder action may only be taken at a meeting unless the
unanimous written consent of shareholders is obtained, (8) confirm that the
Board of Directors may consider, in exercising its judgment on any decision,
the impact of its decisions upon employees, customers and communities served
by Southern and Southern's ability to carry out its duties as a public service
company, (9) provide that, when recommended by two-thirds of the Disinterested
Directors (as defined in the Company's Certificate), the affirmative vote of
the holders of 80% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares
of the Voting Stock, voting as a single class, and the additional vote of a
majority of the Disinterested Shareholders (as defined in the Company's
Certificate), voting as a single class, shall be required to amend, repeal or
adopt provisions inconsistent with certain Articles of the Company's
Certificate concerning
6
<PAGE>
the vote of shareholders needed to approve certain business transactions and
to approve certain amendments to the Company's Certificate, and (10) provide
that the By-Laws may be adopted, repealed or amended only upon the affirmative
vote of (i) 80% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of
Voting Stock, voting as a single class, or (ii) the Board of Directors acting
by not less than the majority of the entire Board.
The Company's Certificate contains provisions designed to ensure that under
certain circumstances all shareholders receive a minimum price in the event of
a merger or certain other business combinations initiated by a holder of at
least 10% of the Voting Stock of the Company ("Interested Shareholder"). Under
these provisions, a business combination with an Interested Shareholder must
be approved by the holders of 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding
shares of Voting Stock, voting as a single class, and also by the holders of a
majority of such voting power not held by the Interested Shareholder unless
(i) such business combination shall have been approved by a majority of the
members of the Board who were directors before the purchaser became an
Interested Shareholder ("Disinterested Directors") and the Interested
Shareholder acquired his status as an Interested Shareholder in a manner
substantially consistent with an agreement or understanding approved by the
Board of Directors prior to the time such Interested Shareholder became an
Interested Shareholder, (ii) in the case of some business combinations,
approval is voted by a majority of Disinterested Directors, or (iii) certain
minimum price and procedural requirements are met. Under some circumstances,
when approval of the Disinterested Directors has been obtained, an amendment
to the Company's Certificate would require the approval of only a majority of
the voting power of the Voting Stock. In the case of a merger, consolidation
or sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets approved by the
Disinterested Directors, the Connecticut Business Corporation Act (the "CBCA")
requires the vote of the holders of two-thirds of the voting power of the
Voting Stock. The CBCA includes provisions regulating the minimum price to be
paid to shareholders in certain business combinations. Such provisions of the
CBCA may supersede the provisions of the Company's Certificate relating to
such business combinations. If the provisions of the CBCA apply, and subject
to the exemptions contained therein, a business combination must first be
approved by the Board of Directors and then be approved by the affirmative
vote of at least (1) the holders of 80% of the voting power of the outstanding
shares of the Voting Stock of the Company and (2) the holders of two-thirds of
the voting power of the outstanding shares of the Voting Stock of the Company
other than Voting Stock held by the interested shareholder who is, or whose
affiliate or associate is, a party to the business combination or held by an
affiliate or associate of the interested shareholder. The above vote required
by the CBCA does not apply, among other things, to a business combination (1)
in which the minimum price conditions of the CBCA and certain procedural
requirements have been satisfied, or (2) with an interested shareholder which
has been approved by a resolution of the Board of Directors prior to the time
that the interested shareholder became an interested shareholder. The CBCA
defines an interested shareholder as the beneficial owner of 10% or more of
the voting power of the outstanding shares of voting stock of the Company.
In addition, the CBCA states that no resident domestic corporation shall
engage in any business combination with an interested shareholder of such
resident domestic corporation for a period of five years following such
interested shareholder's stock acquisition date unless such business
combination or the purchase of stock made by such interested shareholder on
such interested shareholder's stock acquisition date is approved by the Board
of Directors of such resident domestic corporation and by a majority of the
nonemployee directors, of which there shall be at least two, prior to such
interested shareholder's stock acquisition date. For the purposes of that
provision of the CBCA, "interested shareholder" means any person, other than
such resident domestic corporation or any subsidiary of such resident domestic
corporation, that (A) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10%
or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock of such resident
domestic corporation, or (B) is an affiliate or associate of such resident
domestic corporation and at any time within the five-year period immediately
prior to the date in question was the beneficial owner, directly or
indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting
stock of such resident domestic corporation.
SPECIAL REDEMPTION OF BONDS RELATING TO CHANGE IN CONTROL
Bond purchase agreements with holders of first mortgage bonds issued by
Southern in the aggregate principal amount of $114,982,000 contain provisions
that require Southern, if requested by such bondholders, to
7
<PAGE>
redeem all of such bonds in the event of a change in control of Southern. Such
special redemption shall be made not less than 15 days nor more than 45 days
after receiving a request from the bondholder for redemption of its bonds.
Such request must be made not later than 45 days after the change in control
has taken place. A change in control occurs when any person or group of
related persons (other than the Company) (i) has beneficial ownership of a
majority in interest of Southern's outstanding voting stock or (ii) acquires
all or substantially all of Southern's assets. Neither of such events shall be
deemed to be a change in control if Southern shall have merged or sold all or
substantially all of its assets in compliance with and as permitted by
Southern's current bond indenture and, after either of such events, no person
or group of related persons shall have beneficial ownership of a majority in
interest of the outstanding voting stock of the successor corporation.
If a special redemption occurs, the special redemption price shall equal the
sum of the respective Payment Values of each prospective Interest Payment and
Principal Payment, as such terms are defined in the bond purchase agreements.
The existence of the special redemption provisions may act as a deterrent to a
person desiring to take control of the Company as it could require the
refinancing of a substantial portion of Southern's long-term debt.
GENERAL
The Company's Common Stock is listed, and the Common Stock offered hereby
will be listed, on the NYSE under the symbol "CNE."
Boston EquiServe is the registrar and transfer agent for the Company's
Common Stock.
The Company's Certificate contains a provision pursuant to which the
personal liability of a director of the Company to the Company or its
shareholders for monetary damages for breach of duty as a director shall be
limited to the compensation received by the director for serving the Company
as a director during the year of the violation if such breach did not (a)
involve a knowing and culpable violation of law by the director, (b) enable
the director or an associate, as defined in subsection (3) of Section 33-374d
of the Connecticut Stock Corporation Act ("CSCA"), to receive an improper
personal gain, (c) show a lack of good faith and a conscious disregard for the
duty of the director to the Company under circumstances in which the director
was aware that his conduct or omission created an unjustifiable risk of
serious injury to the Company, (d) constitute a sustained or unexcused pattern
of inattention that amounted to an abdication of the director's duty to the
Company, or (e) create liability under Section 33-321 of the CSCA. The CSCA
remains applicable for some purposes even though it has been replaced by the
CBCA. The provision does not preclude or limit a director's liability for acts
or omissions occurring prior to the effective date of the provision.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company may offer the Common Stock offered hereby in any of three ways:
(i) through underwriters or dealers; (ii) directly to a limited number of
purchasers or to a single purchaser; or (iii) through agents. Any Prospectus
Supplement with respect to shares of the Common Stock offered hereby will set
forth the terms of the offering and amount of the proceeds to the Company from
the sale thereof, any underwriting discounts and other items constituting
underwriters' compensation, any initial public offering price, and any
discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. Any initial
public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or
paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
If underwriters are utilized, the Common Stock being sold to them will be
acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time
to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a
fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of
sale. The underwriter or underwriters with respect to the Common Stock being
offered will be named in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such offering
and, if an underwriting syndicate is used, the managing underwriter or
underwriters will be set forth on the cover page of such Prospectus
Supplement. Any underwriting agreement will provide that the
8
<PAGE>
obligations of the underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent,
and that, in general, the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of
the shares of Common Stock to which such underwriting agreement relates if any
is purchased. The Company will agree to indemnify any underwriters against
certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act.
If a dealer is used in the sale of the Common Stock, the Company would sell
such Common Stock to the dealer, as principal. The dealer could then resell
such Common Stock to the public at varying prices to be determined by such
dealer at the time of resale. The name of any dealer involved in a particular
offering of Common Stock and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed
or paid to the dealer will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating
to such offering.
The Common Stock offered hereby may be sold directly by the Company or
through agents designated by the Company from time to time. Any agent involved
in the offer or sale of the Common Stock in respect of which this Prospectus
is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by the Company to such
agent will be set forth, in the Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise
indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, any such agent will be acting on a
best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The validity of shares of the Company's Common Stock offered hereby will be
passed upon for the Company by Tyler Cooper & Alcorn, LLP, 205 Church Street,
New Haven, Connecticut 06510, and for any underwriters, dealers or agents by
Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts, One Battery Park Plaza, New York, New
York 10004-1490, who will rely on Tyler Cooper & Alcorn, LLP for all matters
governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut. Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam &
Roberts performs legal work for Southern from time to time.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus have been incorporated herein in
reliance on the report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants,
given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
9
<PAGE>
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NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY IN-
FORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR INCORPO-
RATED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE
OFFER MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING
BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE UNDERWRITERS. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE HEREUNDER AND THERE-
UNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN
NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF. THIS PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION BY AN-
YONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED
OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO
SO OR TO ANYONE TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
-----------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Summary Information........................................................ S-3
Summary Consolidated Financial and Operating Data.......................... S-4
The Company................................................................ S-5
Recent Financial Information............................................... S-6
Use of Proceeds............................................................ S-7
Capital Expenditures Program............................................... S-7
Rate Matters............................................................... S-7
Common Stock Price Range and Dividends..................................... S-8
Forward-Looking Statements................................................. S-8
Underwriting............................................................... S-9
</TABLE>
PROSPECTUS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Available Information....................................................... 2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference............................. 2
Prospectus Summary.......................................................... 3
The Company................................................................. 4
Risk Factors................................................................ 5
Use of Proceeds............................................................. 5
Capital Expenditures Program................................................ 5
Description of Common Stock................................................. 5
Plan of Distribution........................................................ 8
Legal Opinions.............................................................. 9
Experts..................................................................... 9
</TABLE>
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900,000 SHARES
[LOGO OF CONNECTICUT ENERGY CORP.]
CONNECTICUT ENERGY CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
-----------------------------------
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
-----------------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
NOVEMBER 12, 1997
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