<PAGE> 1
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration No. 333-66865
(Pursuant to Rule 429, also
Registration No. 33-62545)
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated November 12, 1998)
[EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. LOGO]
EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
$250,000,000
5.125% Notes due March 17, 2000
ISSUE PRICE: 99.971%
Interest payable at maturity
The Notes will mature on March 17, 2000. Interest will accrue from March 16,
1999. Emerson Electric Co. will not have the right to redeem the Notes before
their scheduled maturity on March 17, 2000. Emerson will issue the Notes in
minimum denominations of $250,000 increased in multiples of $250,000.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The Underwriter proposes to offer the Notes from time to time for sale in one or
more negotiated transactions, or otherwise, at market prices prevailing at the
time of sale, at prices related to then prevailing prices or at negotiated
prices. In each case, the Underwriter will offer the Notes with accrued
interest, if any, from March 16, 1999. The Underwriter has agreed to purchase
the Notes from Emerson at 99.971% of their principal amount, plus accrued
interest, from March 16, 1999. Emerson will receive $249,927,500 in aggregate
proceeds, before deducting its estimated expenses, from the sale of the Notes.
Emerson does not intend to apply for listing of the Notes on any national
securities exchange. Currently, there is no public market for the Notes.
Emerson expects that delivery of the Notes will be made to the Underwriter on or
about March 16, 1999.
J.P. MORGAN & CO.
March 11, 1999
<PAGE> 2
You should only rely on the information contained or incorporated by reference
in this prospectus supplement or the prospectus. We have not, and the
Underwriter has not, authorized any other person to provide you with different
information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information,
you should not rely on it. We are not, and the Underwriter is not, making an
offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is
not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this
prospectus supplement and the prospectus, as well as information we previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated by reference,
is accurate as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus supplement
only. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may
have changed since that date.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Use of Proceeds............................................. S-3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.......................... S-3
Description of the Notes.................................... S-3
Underwriting................................................ S-4
Validity of the Notes....................................... S-4
PROSPECTUS
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 2
Information About Emerson................................... 3
Use of Proceeds............................................. 3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.......................... 3
Description of the Debt Securities.......................... 4
Book-Entry Debt Securities.................................. 8
Plan of Distribution........................................ 9
Experts..................................................... 10
</TABLE>
S-2
<PAGE> 3
USE OF PROCEEDS
Emerson expects to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes (estimated at
$249.9 million, before deducting estimated expenses of this offering) to repay a
portion of its commercial paper borrowings. Such commercial paper was issued for
general corporate purposes and working capital. As of March 11, 1999, such
commercial paper had a weighted average interest rate (on a bond-equivalent
yield basis) of approximately 5.0% per annum with a weighted average maturity of
approximately 37 days.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the ratios of earnings to fixed charges of the
Company for the periods indicated. For purposes of computation of the ratio of
earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of income before income taxes and
cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles plus the amount of fixed
charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense and that portion of rental
expense deemed to represent interest.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS
ENDED
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------- ------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges............. 11.0x 9.7x 9.8x 11.3x 10.2x 8.8x
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
The Notes will be issued under an Indenture dated as of December 10, 1998
between Emerson and The Bank of New York, as Trustee. An Officers' Certificate
sets forth the terms of the Notes in accordance with the Indenture and limits
the Notes to $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount. Information about the
Indenture and the general terms and provisions of the Notes is in the
accompanying Prospectus under "Description of the Debt Securities."
The Notes will be issued in book-entry form, as one or more Notes registered in
the name of the nominee of The Depository Trust Company, which will act as
Depositary. Beneficial interests in book-entry Notes will be shown on, and
transfers of the Notes will be made only through, records maintained by the
Depositary and its participants. The provisions set forth under "Book-Entry Debt
Securities" in the accompanying Prospectus will apply to the Notes. The Notes
will mature on March 17, 2000.
PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST
The interest rate on the Notes will be 5.125% per annum. Interest will accrue
from March 16, 1999. Emerson will pay interest computed on the basis of a
360-day year. At maturity, Emerson will pay the principal, together with
interest on the Notes, in immediately available funds.
SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
The Notes will trade in the Depositary's same-day funds settlement system until
maturity or until Emerson issues the Notes in definitive form. The Depositary
will therefore require secondary market trading activity in the Notes to settle
in immediately available funds. Emerson can give no assurance as to the effect,
if any, of settlement in immediately available funds on trading activity in the
Notes.
REDEMPTION
Emerson will not have the right to redeem the Notes before their scheduled
maturity, and you will not have the right to require Emerson to redeem the Notes
before their scheduled maturity. Emerson will not make any sinking fund
payments.
GOVERNING LAW
The Notes will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York.
S-3
<PAGE> 4
UNDERWRITING
Emerson is selling the Notes to J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. under a Pricing
Agreement dated March 11, 1999. The Underwriter has agreed to purchase from
Emerson the entire principal amount of the Notes.
Under the terms and conditions of the Pricing Agreement, if the Underwriter
takes any of the Notes, then it is obligated to take and pay for all of the
Notes.
The Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market.
Emerson does not intend to apply for listing of the Notes on any national
securities exchange. The Underwriter has advised Emerson that it intends to make
a market for the Notes, but it has no obligation to do so. It also may
discontinue market making at any time without providing any notice. Emerson
cannot give any assurance as to the liquidity of any trading market for the
Notes.
The Underwriter proposes to offer the Notes from time to time for sale in one or
more negotiated transactions, or otherwise, at market prices prevailing at the
time of sale, at prices related to then prevailing prices or at negotiated
prices. In connection with the sale of any Notes, the Underwriter may be deemed
to have received compensation from Emerson in the form of underwriting
discounts. The Underwriter may also receive commissions from the purchasers of
the Notes for whom it may act as agent. In addition, the Underwriter may sell
the Notes to certain securities dealers. These dealers may receive compensation
in the form of underwriting discounts, concessions or commissions from the
Underwriter or from purchasers of the Notes for whom they may act as agents, or
both. The Underwriter and any dealers that participate with the Underwriter in
selling the Notes may be deemed to be underwriters. Any discounts or commissions
the Underwriter and any dealers receive and any profit they realize if and when
they resell the Notes may be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions.
All secondary trading in the Notes will settle in immediately available funds.
See "Description of the Notes -- Same-Day Settlement and Payment."
Emerson has agreed to indemnify the Underwriter against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to
contribute payments which the Underwriter may be required to make in respect of
such liabilities.
Emerson estimates that it will spend approximately $75,000 for printing, ratings
agency, trustee and legal fees, and other expenses related to this offering.
In the ordinary course of their respective businesses, the Underwriter and
certain of its affiliates have engaged, and may in the future engage, in
commercial banking and/or investment banking transactions with Emerson and its
affiliates.
VALIDITY OF THE NOTES
H. M. Smith, Esq., Emerson's Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel,
will pass upon the legality of the Notes for Emerson. Davis Polk & Wardwell, 450
Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, will pass upon the legality of the
Notes for the Underwriter. Mr. Smith beneficially owns 12,894 shares of Common
Stock of the Company and has options to purchase 1,000 shares. Davis Polk &
Wardwell will rely on the opinion of Mr. Smith with respect to all matters of
Missouri law. Davis Polk & Wardwell acts as counsel to Emerson from time to time
with respect to various matters.
S-4
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LOGO
EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
DEBT SECURITIES
------------------------------
This Prospectus describes Debt Securities which we may issue and sell at
various times:
- The Debt Securities may be debentures, notes or other unsecured
evidences of indebtedness of Emerson.
- We may issue them in one or several series.
- The total principal amount of the Debt Securities to be issued under
this Prospectus will be not more than $1,000,000,000 (or the equivalent
amount in other currencies).
- The terms of each series of Debt Securities (interest rates, maturity,
redemption provisions and other terms) will be determined at the time of
sale, and will be specified in a Prospectus Supplement which will be
delivered together with this Prospectus at the time of the sale.
We may sell Debt Securities to or through underwriters, dealers or agents.
We may also sell Debt Securities directly to investors. More information about
the way we will distribute the Debt Securities is under the heading "Plan of
Distribution." Information about the underwriters or agents who will participate
in any particular sale of Debt Securities will be in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to that series of Debt Securities.
------------------------------
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES, OR DETERMINED THAT
THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOVEMBER 12, 1998.
<PAGE> 6
We have not authorized anyone to give any information or to make any
representations concerning the offering of the Debt Securities except that which
is in this Prospectus or in the Prospectus Supplement which is delivered with
this Prospectus, or which is referred to under "Where You Can Find More
Information." If anyone gives or makes any other information or representations,
you should not rely on it. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell or a
solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the Debt Securities
which are referred to in the Prospectus Supplement. This Prospectus is not an
offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy such Debt Securities in any
circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. You should not
interpret the delivery of this Prospectus, or any sale of Debt Securities, as an
indication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this
Prospectus. You should also be aware that information in this Prospectus may
change after this date.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Table Of Contents........................................... 2
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 3
Information About Emerson................................... 3
Use Of Proceeds............................................. 3
Description Of The Debt Securities.......................... 4
Book-Entry Debt Securities.................................. 8
Plan Of Distribution........................................ 9
Experts..................................................... 10
</TABLE>
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. You may read and copy any of these documents 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 SEC filings are also available to the public
at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. The SEC allows us to incorporate by
reference the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose
important information to you by referring you to those documents.
The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this
Prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically
update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents
listed below and any future filings made 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. This Prospectus is part of a registration statement we
filed with the SEC.
- Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1997.
- Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended December 31,
1997, March 31, 1998 and June 30, 1998.
- Our Current Reports on Form 8-K dated October 7, 1997, December 29, 1997
and October 6, 1998.
You may receive a copy of any of these filings, at no cost, by writing or
telephoning H. M. Smith, our Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel,
at Emerson Electric Co., Station 2431, 8000 West Florissant Avenue, P.O. Box
4100, St. Louis, Missouri 63136, telephone 314-553-2431.
We have filed with the SEC a Registration Statement to register the Debt
Securities under the Securities Act of 1933. This Prospectus omits certain
information contained in the Registration Statement, as permitted by SEC rules.
You may obtain copies of the Registration Statement, including exhibits, as
noted in the first paragraph above.
2
<PAGE> 7
INFORMATION ABOUT EMERSON
Emerson Electric Co. was incorporated in Missouri in 1890. We were
originally engaged in the manufacture and sale of electric motors and fans. We
subsequently expanded our product lines through internal growth and
acquisitions. We are now engaged principally in the design, manufacture and sale
of a broad range of electrical, electromechanical and electronic products and
systems throughout the world. Our principal executive offices are at 8000 West
Florissant Avenue, P. O. Box 4100, St. Louis, Missouri 63136. Our telephone
number is (314) 553-2000.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement which accompanies
this Prospectus, we intend to add the net proceeds from the sale of the Debt
Securities to our general funds. We expect to use the proceeds for general
corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, and the
repayment of short-term borrowings. Before we use the proceeds for these
purposes, we may invest them in short-term investments.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the ratios of earnings to fixed charges of
the Company for the periods indicated. For purposes of computation of the ratio
of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of income before income taxes and
cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles plus the amount of fixed
charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense and that portion of rental
expense deemed to represent interest.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ENDED JUNE 30,
-------------------------------- --------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges............. 7.5x 11.0x 9.7x 9.8x 11.3x 10.4x
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE> 8
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
This section describes some of the general terms of the Debt Securities.
The Prospectus Supplement describes the particular terms of the Debt Securities
we are offering. The Prospectus Supplement also indicates the extent, if any, to
which such general provisions may not apply to the Debt Securities being
offered.
We will issue the Debt Securities under an Indenture between us and The
Bank of New York, which is serving as Trustee. The Indenture is an exhibit to
the Registration Statement. We are summarizing certain important provisions of
the Debt Securities and the Indenture. This is not a complete description of the
important terms. You should refer to the specific terms of the Indenture for a
complete statement of the terms of the Indenture and the Debt Securities. When
we use capitalized terms which we don't define here, those terms have the
meanings given in the Indenture. When we use references to Sections, we mean
Sections in the Indenture.
GENERAL
The Debt Securities will be unsecured obligations of Emerson.
The Indenture does not limit the amount of Debt Securities that we may
issue under the Indenture, nor does it limit other debt that we may issue. We
may issue the Debt Securities at various times in different series, each of
which may have different terms.
The Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular series of Debt
Securities we are offering includes the following information concerning those
Debt Securities:
- The title of the Debt Securities.
- Any limit on the amount of the Debt Securities that we may offer.
- The price at which are offering the Debt Securities. We will usually
express the price as a percentage of the principal amount.
- The maturity date of the Debt Securities.
- The interest rate per annum on the Debt Securities. We may specify a
fixed rate or a variable rate, or we may offer Debt Securities that do
not bear interest but are sold at a substantial discount from the amount
payable at maturity.
- The date from which interest on the Debt Securities will accrue.
- The dates on which we will pay interest and the regular record dates for
determining who is entitled to receive the interest.
- If applicable, the dates on which or after which, and the prices at
which, we are required to redeem the Debt Securities or have the option
to redeem the Debt Securities.
- If applicable, any limitations on our right to defease our obligations
under the Debt Securities by depositing cash or securities.
- The amount that we would be required to pay if the maturity of the Debt
Securities is accelerated, if that amount is other than the principal
amount.
- Any additional restrictive covenants or other material terms relating to
the Debt Securities.
- Any additional Events of Default that will apply to the Debt Securities.
- If we will make payments on the Debt Securities in any currency other
than United States dollars, the currency or composite currency in which
we will make those payments. If the currency will be determined under an
index, the details concerning such index.
4
<PAGE> 9
PAYMENTS ON DEBT SECURITIES
We will make payments on the Debt Securities at the office or agency we
will maintain for that purpose (which will be the Corporate Trust Office of the
Trustee in New York, New York unless we indicate otherwise in the Prospectus
Supplement) or at such other places and at the respective times and in the
manner as we designate in the Prospectus Supplement. (Sections 3.1 and 3.2) As
explained under "Book-Entry Securities" below, The Depository Trust Company or
its nominee will be the initial registered Holder unless the Prospectus
Supplement provides otherwise.
FORM, DENOMINATIONS AND TRANSFERS
Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement:
- The Debt Securities will be in fully registered form, without coupons,
in denominations of $1,000 or any multiple thereof.
- We will not charge any fee to register any transfer or exchange of the
Debt Securities, except for taxes or other governmental charges (if
any). (Section 2.8)
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT SECURITIES
If Debt Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, we will offer
and sell them at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount. We
will describe Federal income tax consequences and other special considerations
applicable to any such Original Issue Discount Securities in the Prospectus
Supplement. "Original Issue Discount Security" means any security which provides
that less than the full principal amount will be due if the maturity is
accelerated or if the security is redeemed before its maturity. (Section 5.1)
INDEXED DEBT SECURITIES
We may issue Debt Securities under which the principal amount payable at
maturity or the amount of interest payable will be determined by reference to
currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity indices or other factors. In
that case, the amount we will pay to the Holders will depend on the value of the
applicable currency, commodity, equity index or other factor at the time our
payment obligation is calculated. We will include information in the Prospectus
Supplement for those Debt Securities about how we will calculate the principal
or interest payable, and will specify the currencies, commodities, equity
indices or other factors to which the principal amount payable at maturity or
interest is linked. We will also provide information about certain additional
tax considerations which would apply to the Holders of those Debt Securities.
CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS
Unless we otherwise specify in the Prospectus Supplement, there will not be
any covenants in the Indenture or the Debt Securities that would protect you
against a highly leveraged or other transaction involving Emerson that may
adversely affect you as a holder of Debt Securities. If there are provisions
that offer such protection, they will be described in the Prospectus Supplement.
Limitations on Liens. Under the Indenture, we and our Restricted
Subsidiaries (defined below) may not issue any debt for money borrowed, or
assume or guarantee any such debt, which is secured by a mortgage on a Principal
Property (defined below) or shares of stock or indebtedness of any Restricted
Subsidiary, unless such mortgage similarly secures your Debt Securities. A
Principal Property is any manufacturing plant or manufacturing facility that we
or any Restricted Subsidiary owns, is located within the continental United
States and, in the opinion of our Board of Directors, is of material importance
to our total business that we and our Restricted Subsidiaries conduct, taken as
a whole. The above restriction will not apply to debt that is secured by:
5
<PAGE> 10
- mortgages on property, shares of stock or indebtedness of any
corporation that exists when it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary;
- mortgages on property that exist when we acquire the property and
mortgages that secure payment of the purchase price of the mortgaged
property;
- mortgages that secure debt which a Restricted Subsidiary owes to us or
to another Restricted Subsidiary;
- mortgages that existed at the date of the Indenture;
- mortgages on property of a company that exist when we acquire the
company;
- mortgages in favor of a government to secure debt that we incur to
finance the purchase price of the property that we mortgage; or
- extensions, renewals or replacement of any of the mortgages described
above.
A Restricted Subsidiary is a direct or indirect subsidiary of Emerson if
substantially all of its property is located in the continental United States
and if it owns any Principal Property (except a subsidiary principally engaged
in leasing or in financing installment receivables or overseas operations).
The Indenture also excepts from this limitation on liens secured debt of up
to 10% of our consolidated net tangible assets. (Section 3.6)
Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. We may not enter into sale
and leaseback transactions involving any Principal Property, except for leases
of up to three years, unless
- we could issue debt secured by the property involved (under the
limitations on liens described above) in an amount equal to the
Attributable Debt which would be calculated under the Indenture based on
the rental payments to be received, or
- we pay other debt within 90 days in an amount not less than such
Attributable Debt amount. (Section 3.7)
Restrictions on Consolidation, Merger or Sale. We may not consolidate or
merge or sell or convey all or substantially all of our assets unless (a) the
surviving corporation (if it is not Emerson) is a domestic corporation and
assumes our obligations on your Debt Securities and under the Indenture and (b)
immediately after such transactions, there is no default. (Section 9.1)
DEFEASANCE
The Indenture includes provisions allowing defeasance that we may choose to
apply to Debt Securities of any series. If we do so, we would deposit with the
Trustee or another trustee money or U. S. Government Obligations sufficient to
make all payments on those Debt Securities. If we make such a deposit with
respect to your Debt Securities, we may elect either:
- to be discharged from all our obligations on your Debt Securities,
except for our obligations to register transfers and exchanges, to
replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Debt
Securities, to maintain an office or agency in respect of the Debt
Securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust; or
- to be released from our restrictions described above relating to liens
and sale/leaseback transactions.
To establish such a trust, we must deliver to the Trustee an opinion of our
counsel that the Holders of the Debt Securities will not recognize income, gain
or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will
be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at
the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred.
There may be additional
6
<PAGE> 11
provisions relating to defeasance which we will describe in the Prospectus
Supplement. (Sections 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 and 13.4)
EVENTS OF DEFAULT, NOTICE AND WAIVER
If certain Events of Default by us specified in the Indenture happen and
are continuing, either the Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of
the outstanding Debt Securities of a series may declare the principal, and
accrued interest, if any, of all securities of such series to be due and
payable. If other specified Events of Default happen and are continuing, either
the Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Debt
Securities of all series may declare the principal, and accrued interest, if
any, of all the outstanding Debt Securities to be due and payable. (Section 5.1)
An Event of Default in respect of any series of Debt Securities means:
- default for 30 days in payment of any interest installment;
- default in payment of principal, premium, sinking fund installment or
analogous obligation when due;
- unless stayed by litigation, default, for 90 days after notice to
Emerson by the Trustee or by the Holders of 25% in principal amount of
the outstanding Debt Securities of such series, in performance of any
other covenant in the Indenture governing such series; and
- certain events of our bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization.
(Section 5.1)
Within 90 days after a default in respect of any series of Debt Securities,
the Trustee must give to the Holders of such series notice of all uncured and
unwaived defaults by us known to it. However, except in the case of default in
payment, the Trustee may withhold such notice if it in good faith determines
that such withholding is in the interest of such Holders. The term "default"
means, for this purpose, the happening of any Event of Default, disregarding any
grace period or notice requirement. (Section 5.11)
Before the Trustee is required to exercise rights under the Indenture at
the request of Holders, it is entitled to be indemnified by such Holders,
subject to its duty, during an Event of Default, to act with the required
standard of care. (Sections 6.1 through 6.13)
If any Event of Default has occurred, the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series may direct the
time, method and place of conducting proceedings for remedies available to the
Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, in respect
of such series. (Section 5.9)
Emerson must file an annual certificate with the Trustee that it is in
compliance with conditions and covenants under the Indenture. (Section 3.5)
In certain cases, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding Debt Securities of a series, on behalf of the Holders of all Debt
Securities of such series, or the Holders of a majority of all outstanding Debt
Securities voting as a single class, on behalf of the Holders of all outstanding
Debt Securities, may waive any past default or Event of Default, or compliance
with certain provisions of the Indenture, but may not waive among other things
an uncured default in payment. (Sections 5.1 and 5.10)
MODIFICATION OR AMENDMENT OF THE INDENTURE
If we receive the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount
of the outstanding Debt Securities affected, we may enter into supplemental
indentures with the Trustee that would
7
<PAGE> 12
- add, change or eliminate provisions in the Indenture; or
- change the rights of the Holders of Debt Securities.
However, unless we receive the consent of all of the affected Holders, we
may not enter into supplemental indentures that would with respect to the Debt
Securities of such Holders:
- change the maturity;
- reduce the principal amount or any premium;
- reduce the interest rate or extend the time of payment of interest;
- reduce any amount payable on redemption or reduce the amount of the
principal of an Original Issue Discount Security that would be payable
on acceleration;
- impair or affect the right of any Holder to institute suit for payment;
- change any right of the Holder to require repayment; or
- reduce the requirement for two-thirds approval of supplemental
indentures. (Section 8.2)
REGARDING THE TRUSTEE
The Trustee is The Bank of New York. The Trustee is a lender to us under
our revolving credit agreement. From time to time, we may enter into other
banking relationships with the Trustee.
BOOK-ENTRY DEBT SECURITIES
The Prospectus Supplement will indicate whether we are issuing the related
Debt Securities as book-entry securities. Book-entry securities of a series will
be issued in the form of one or more global notes that will be deposited with
The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, and will evidence all of the
Debt Securities of that series. This means that we will not issue certificates
to each Holder. We will issue one or more global securities to DTC, which will
keep a computerized record of its participants (for example, your broker) whose
clients have purchased the Debt Securities. The participant will then keep a
record of its clients who own the Debt Securities. Unless it is exchanged in
whole or in part for a security evidenced by individual certificates, 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 beneficial
interests in global notes will be made only through, records maintained by DTC
and its participants. Each person owning a beneficial interest in a global
security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such person is not a
participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns
its interest to exercise any rights of a Holder of Debt Securities under the
Indenture.
The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of
securities such as Debt Securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair your ability to acquire or
transfer beneficial interests in the global security.
We will make payments on each series of book-entry Debt Securities to DTC
or its nominee, as the sole registered owner and holder of the global security.
Neither Emerson, the Trustee nor any of their agents will be responsible or
liable for any aspect of DTC's records relating to or payments made on account
of beneficial ownership interests in a global security or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any of DTC's records relating to such beneficial
ownership interests.
DTC has advised us that, when it receives any payment on a global security,
it will immediately, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, credit
the accounts of participants with payments in amounts proportionate to their
beneficial interests in the global security as shown on DTC's records. Payments
by participants to you, as an owner of a beneficial interest in the global
security, will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices (as
is now the case with securities held for customer accounts registered in "street
name") and will be the sole responsibility of such participants.
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A global security representing a series will be exchanged for certificated
Debt Securities of that series only if (x) DTC notifies us that it is unwilling
or unable to continue as Depositary or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency
registered under the 1934 Act and we don't appoint a successor within 90 days,
(y) we decide that the global security shall be exchangeable or (z) there is an
Event of Default under the Indenture or an event which with the giving of notice
or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to the
Debt Securities represented by such global security. If that occurs, we will
issue Debt Securities of that series in certificated form in exchange for such
global security. An owner of a beneficial interest in the global security then
will be entitled to physical delivery of a certificate for Debt Securities of
such series equal in principal amount to such beneficial interest and to have
such Debt Securities registered in its name. We would issue the certificates for
such Debt Securities in denominations of $1,000 or any larger amount that is an
integral multiple thereof, and we would issue them in registered form only,
without coupons.
DTC has advised us that it 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 Federal Reserve System, a "clearing
corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a
"clearing agency" registered under the 1934 Act. DTC was created to hold the
securities of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of
securities transactions among its participants through electronic book-entry
changes in accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for
physical movement of securities certificates. DTC's participants include
securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations,
and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own
DTC. Access to DTC's book-entry system is also available to others, such as
banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. The
rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC. No fees
or costs of DTC will be charged to you.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell Debt Securities to or through one or more underwriters or
dealers, and also may sell Debt Securities directly to other purchasers or
through agents. Such firms may also act as our agents in the sale of Debt
Securities. Only underwriters named in the Prospectus Supplement will be
considered as underwriters of the Debt Securities offered by such Supplement.
We may distribute Debt Securities at different times in one or more
transactions. We may sell Debt Securities at fixed prices, which may change, at
market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such
prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
In connection with the sale of Debt Securities, underwriters may receive
compensation from us or from purchasers of Debt Securities in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters, dealers and agents that
participate in the distribution of Debt Securities may be deemed to be
underwriters. Discounts or commissions they receive and any profit on their
resale of Debt Securities may be considered underwriting discounts and
commissions under the Securities Act of 1933. We will identify any such
underwriter or agent, and we will describe any such compensation, in the
Prospectus Supplement.
We may agree to indemnify underwriters, dealers and agents who participate
in the distribution of Debt Securities against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the 1933 Act. We may also agree to contribute to payments
which the underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make in respect of
such liabilities.
We may authorize dealers or other persons who act as our agents to solicit
offers by certain institutions to purchase Debt Securities from us under
contracts which provide for payment and delivery on a future date.
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We may enter into such contracts with commercial and savings banks, insurance
companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable
institutions and others. If we enter into such agreements concerning any series
of Debt Securities, we will indicate that in the Prospectus Supplement.
In connection with an offering of Debt Securities, underwriters may engage
in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the
Debt Securities. Specifically, underwriters may over-allot in connection with
the offering, creating a syndicate short position in the Debt Securities for
their own account. In addition, underwriters may bid for, and purchase, Debt
Securities in the open market to cover short positions or to stabilize the price
of the Debt Securities. Finally, underwriters may reclaim selling concessions
allowed for distributing the Debt Securities in the offering if the underwriters
repurchase previously distributed Debt Securities in transactions to cover short
positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities
may stabilize or maintain the market price of the Debt Securities above
independent market levels. Underwriters are not required to engage in any of
these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Emerson Electric Co. and
subsidiaries as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended September 30, 1997 incorporated by reference herein,
have been incorporated herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP, independent certified public accountants, incorporated by reference herein
and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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