<PAGE>
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)
Registration No. 333-59607
PRICING SUPPLEMENT NO. 1
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 1998, AND PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT DATED
SEPTEMBER 9, 1998)
[LOGO]
$30,000,000
MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES
6.02% SERIES DUE 2008
--------------------
Interest Payable March 1 and September 1
------------------------
New Notes of the 6.02% Series due 2008 will be unsecured obligations of
Madison Gas and Electric Company ("Company"). Interest on the New Notes will be
payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing March
1, 1999. The New Notes will be redeemable as a whole, at any time, or in part,
from time to time, at the option of the Company, at a redemption price equal to
the sum of (a) the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount thereof and (ii)
the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal
and interest thereon from the redemption date to the maturity date, computed by
discounting such payments, in each case, to the redemption date on a semi-annual
basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the
Treasury Rate (as defined herein), plus 15 basis points, plus (b) accrued
interest on the principal amount thereof to the redemption date. See
"Description of New Notes."
------------------------
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 PRICING SUPPLEMENT, THE
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITING
PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC (1) COMMISSIONS (2) COMPANY (1)(3)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Note...................................... 100% .65% 99.35%
Total......................................... $30,000,000 $195,000 $29,805,000
</TABLE>
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from September 14, 1998.
(2) See "Underwriting."
(3) Before deducting expenses of issuing the New Notes, which are payable by the
Company.
------------------------
The New Notes are offered by the Underwriter, subject to prior sale, when,
as and if delivered to and accepted by the Underwriter, and subject to its right
to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of the New
Notes will be made in New York City on or about September 14, 1998.
------------------------
FIRST CHICAGO CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
---------------
The date of this Pricing Supplement is September 9, 1998.
<PAGE>
THE UNDERWRITER MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR
OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE NEW NOTES. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY INCLUDE THE
PURCHASE OF NEW NOTES PRIOR TO THE PRICING OF THE OFFERING FOR THE PURPOSE OF
MAINTAINING THE PRICE OF THE NEW NOTES, THE PURCHASE OF NEW NOTES FOLLOWING THE
PRICING OF THE OFFERING TO COVER A SHORT POSITION IN THE NEW NOTES OR FOR THE
PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING THE PRICE OF THE NEW NOTES, AND THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTY
BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING" HEREIN.
------------------------
USE OF PROCEEDS
The proceeds from the issuance and sale of the New Notes will be used for
general corporate purposes and to repay short-term debt incurred to finance
capital expenditures. The weighted average interest rate and maturity for the
short-term indebtedness to be repaid are approximately 5.6% and 20 days,
respectively.
DESCRIPTION OF NEW NOTES
The following information concerning the New Notes supplements and should be
read in conjunction with the statements under "Description of Notes" in the
accompanying Prospectus. Capitalized terms not defined in this Pricing
Supplement are used as defined in the accompanying Prospectus.
GENERAL
The New Notes will be issued under the Indenture dated as of September 1,
1998 from the Company to Bank One, N.A., Trustee. The New Notes will be the
first series of Notes issued under the Indenture.
The New Notes will bear interest at the rate per annum specified in their
title as set forth on the cover page of this Pricing Supplement. The New Notes
will mature on September 15, 2008. The New Notes will be issued as Book-Entry
Notes. See "Description of Notes--General" and--Book-Entry System" in the
accompanying Prospectus.
REDEMPTION PROVISIONS
The New Notes will be redeemable on or after the Initial Redemption Date as
a whole, at any time, or in part, from time to time, at the option of the
Company, at a redemption price equal to the sum of (a) the greater of (i) 100%
of the principal amount of the New Notes and (ii) the sum of the present values
of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon from the
redemption date to the maturity date, computed by discounting such payments, in
each case, to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day
year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate, plus 15 basis
points, plus (b) accrued interest on the principal amount thereof to the date of
redemption. The Initial Redemption Date for the New Notes is September 14, 1998.
"Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per
annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable
Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as
a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for
such redemption date.
"Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security
selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to
the remaining term of the New Notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at
the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in
pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the
remaining term of
PS-2
<PAGE>
such New Notes. "Independent Investment Banker" means a Reference Treasury
Dealer appointed by the Trustee after consultation with the Company.
"Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (i)
the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third
Business Day preceding such redemption date, as set forth in the daily
statistical release (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York and designated "Composite 3:30 p.m. Quotations for U.S.
Government Securities" or (ii) if such release (or any successor release) is not
published or does not contain such prices on such Business Day, the average of
the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations actually obtained by the Trustee for
such redemption date. "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect
to the Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as
determined by the Trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable
Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount)
quoted in writing to the Trustee by the Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m.
on the third Business Day preceding such redemption date.
"Reference Treasury Dealer" means First Chicago Capital Markets, Inc. and
its successors; provided, however, that if First Chicago Capital Markets, Inc.
shall cease to be a primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City
(a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Company shall substitute therefor another
Primary Treasury Dealer.
Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but no more than 60
days before the redemption date to each holder of the New Notes to be redeemed.
If, at the time notice of redemption is given, the redemption moneys are not
held by the Trustee, the redemption may be made subject to their receipt on or
before the date fixed for redemption and such notice shall be of no effect
unless such moneys are so received.
Upon payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date
interest will cease to accrue on the New Notes or portions thereof called for
redemption.
PS-3
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Terms Agreement entered into
pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement of which this Pricing Supplement is a part, First
Chicago Capital Markets, Inc. ("Underwriter") has agreed to purchase the New
Notes.
The Terms Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriter
thereunder are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by counsel and
to various other conditions. The nature of the Underwriter's obligations is such
that it is committed to purchase all of the New Notes offered hereby if any are
purchased.
The Company has been advised by the Underwriter that it proposes to offer
the New Notes to the public initially at the offering price and on the terms set
forth on the cover page of this Pricing Supplement and to certain dealers at
that price, less a concession not in excess of .40% of the principal amount of
the New Notes. The Underwriter may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a
concession not in excess of .20% of the principal amount of the New Notes to
certain other dealers. After the initial offering to the public, the offering
price and other selling terms may be varied by the Underwriter.
In order to facilitate the offering of the New Notes, the Underwriter may
engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of
the New Notes. Specifically, the Underwriter may overallot in connection with
the offering, creating a short position in the New Notes for its own account. In
addition, to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the New Notes,
the Underwriter may bid for, and purchase, the New Notes in the open market.
Finally, the Underwriter may reclaim selling concessions allowed to a dealer for
distributing the New Notes in the offering, if the Underwriter repurchases
previously distributed New Notes in transactions to cover short positions, in
stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize
or maintain the market price of the New Notes above independent market levels.
The Underwriter is not required to engage in these activities, and may end any
of these activities at any time.
The Company has been advised by the Underwriter that it presently intends to
make a market in the New Notes offered hereby; however, it is not obligated to
do so and any market making may be discontinued at any time. There can be no
assurance that an active public market for the New Notes will develop.
The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriter against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
PS-4
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 1998)
[LOGO]
$30,000,000
MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
MEDIUM-TERM NOTES
DUE FROM NINE MONTHS TO 30 YEARS FROM DATE OF ISSUE
---------------------
Madison Gas and Electric Company (the "Company") may offer from time to time
its Medium-Term Notes (the "Notes"), having an aggregate initial offering price
not to exceed $30,000,000. The Notes will be offered in varying maturities from
nine months to 30 years from their date of issue and may be subject to
redemption at the option of the Company or repayment at the option of the
Holder, in each case, in whole or in part prior to the Stated Maturity thereof
as specified in a Pricing Supplement to this Prospectus Supplement and the
accompanying Prospectus (a "Pricing Supplement"). Each Note will rank as senior
unsecured debt, be registered as to principal and interest and be denominated in
United States dollars. The Indenture contains certain restrictions on the
issuance by the Company of first mortgage bonds and on certain other mortgages
or liens on property of the Company and its Subsidiaries. See "Description of
Notes--Restrictions on Secured Debt" in the accompanying Prospectus.
Each Note will bear interest at a fixed rate (a "Fixed Rate Note"), which
may be zero in the case of certain Notes issued at a price representing a
discount from the principal amount payable at maturity (a "Zero-Coupon Note"),
or at a variable rate (a "Floating Rate Note") determined by reference to the
Commercial Paper Rate, LIBOR, Prime Rate or Treasury Rate or such other interest
rate formula (the "Interest Rate Basis") as may be specified in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, as adjusted by a Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any,
applicable to such Notes. In addition, the Notes may be issued as "Original
Issue Discount Notes," "Amortizing Notes" or "Reset Notes." See "Description of
Notes"in the accompanying Prospectus. Unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, interest on Fixed Rate Notes will be payable
semi-annually on each March 1 and September 1 (each an "Interest Payment Date"
with respect to such Fixed Rate Notes) and at Maturity. Interest on Floating
Rate Notes and, in the case of Amortizing Notes, interest and principal, will be
payable on the dates specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement (each an
"Interest Payment Date" with respect to such Floating Rate Notes) and at
Maturity.
Each Note will be represented by either a global security (a "Book-Entry
Note") registered in the name of a nominee of The Depository Trust Company
("DTC" or the "Depositary"), or a certificate issued in definitive form (a
"Certificated Note"), as specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
Beneficial interests in Book-Entry Notes will be shown on, and transfers thereof
will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC and its participants.
Owners of beneficial interests in Book-Entry Notes will be entitled to physical
delivery of Certificated Notes only under the limited circumstances described
under "Description of Notes--Book-Entry System." Unless otherwise specified in
the applicable Pricing Supplement, Notes will be issued in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
--------------------------
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,
THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS OR ANY PRICING SUPPLEMENT HERETO. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRICE TO AGENT'S COMMISSION OR PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC (1) DISCOUNT (2) COMPANY(2) (3)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Note............................ 100% .125% - .750% 99.250% - 99.875%
Total............................... $30,000,000 $37,500 - $225,000 $29,775,000 - $29,962,500
</TABLE>
(1) Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, Notes will
be sold at 100% of their principal amount.
(2) The Company will pay to the Agent named below (the "Agent,") a commission
ranging from .125% to .750% of the principal amount of any Note, depending
on its Stated Maturity, sold through the Agent. The Agent, acting as
principal, may also purchase Notes at a discount for resale to one or more
investors or one or more broker-dealers (acting as principal for purposes of
resale) at varying prices related to prevailing market prices at the time of
resale, as determined by the Agent, or, if so agreed, at a fixed public
offering price. The Company has agreed to reimburse the Agent for certain
expenses. The Company has agreed to indemnify the Agent against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under applicable federal and state
securities laws. See "Supplemental Plan of Distribution."
(3) Before deducting offering expenses payable by the Company estimated at
$120,000.
--------------------------
The Notes are offered on a continuing basis by the Company through the
Agent, which has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit offers to
purchase the Notes. The Company has reserved the right to sell Notes directly to
investors on its own behalf, and on such sales no commissions will be paid. The
Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange, and there can be no
assurance that the Notes will be sold or that there will be a secondary market
for the Notes. The Company reserves the right to withdraw, cancel or modify the
offer made hereby without notice. The Company or the Agent that solicits an
offer to purchase may reject any such offer to purchase Notes in whole or in
part. See "Supplemental Plan of Distribution."
--------------------------
FIRST CHICAGO CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
---------------
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is September 9, 1998.
<PAGE>
SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Notes are offered on a continuing basis by the Company through the
Agent, which has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit offers to
purchase the Notes. The Company will pay to the Agent a commission of from .125%
to .750% of the principal amount of each Note, depending upon its Stated
Maturity, sold through the Agent. The Distribution Agreement between the Company
and the Agent permits the Company to offer Notes through agents other than the
Agent. The name of any such other agent and the terms of any such offering will
be set forth in the applicable Pricing Supplement. The Company will have the
sole right to accept offers to purchase Notes and may reject any such offer in
whole or in part. The Agent will have the right, in its discretion reasonably
exercised, to reject in whole or in part any offer to purchase Notes received by
the Agent. The Company also may sell Notes to the Agent, acting as principal, at
a discount to be agreed upon at the time of sale, for resale to one or more
investors or to one or more broker-dealers (acting as principal for purposes of
resale) at varying prices related to prevailing market prices at the time of
resale, as determined by the Agent, or, if so agreed, at a fixed public offering
price. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, if any
Note is resold by the Agent to any broker-dealer at a discount, such discount
will not be in excess of the discount or commission received by the Agent from
the Company. In addition, unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, any Note purchased by the Agent as principal will be purchased at
100% of the principal amount thereof less a percentage equal to the commission
applicable to an agency sale of a Note having an identical Stated Maturity.
After the initial public offering of the Notes, the public offering price (in
the case of Notes to be resold on a fixed public offering price basis), any
concession and the discount may be changed. The Company also reserves the right
to sell Notes directly to investors on its own behalf in those jurisdictions
where it is authorized to do so or as otherwise provided in the applicable
Pricing Supplement. In such circumstances, the Company will have the sole right
to accept offers to purchase Notes and may reject any offer to purchase Notes in
whole or in part. In the case of sales made directly by the Company, no
commissions will be paid.
The Agent may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the
Securities Act. The Company has agreed to indemnify the Agent against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to
payments which the Agent may be required to make in respect thereof. The Company
has agreed to reimburse the Agent for certain of its expenses, including, but
not limited to, the fees and expenses of counsel to the Agent.
The Company has been advised by the Agent that it may from time to time
purchase and sell Notes in the secondary market, but that it is not obligated to
do so. There can be no assurance that there will be a secondary market for the
Notes or liquidity in the secondary market if one develops. From time to time,
the Agent may make a market in the Notes.
The Agent and its affiliates may engage in transactions with and perform
services for the Company in the ordinary course of business.
S-2
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
[LOGO]
MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
MEDIUM-TERM NOTES
DUE FROM NINE MONTHS TO 30 YEARS FROM DATE OF ISSUE
------------------
Madison Gas and Electric Company (the "Company") may offer from time to
time, at prices and on terms to be determined at or prior to the time of sale,
its unsecured Medium-Term Notes (the "Notes"), having an aggregate initial
offering price not to exceed $65,000,000, subject to reduction in the event of
sales of shares of Common Stock offered by separate prospectuses under the
registration statement referred to below of which this Prospectus is a part.
Each Note will rank as senior unsecured debt, be registered as to principal and
interest and be denominated in United States dollars.
Specific terms of the Notes in respect of which this Prospectus is being
delivered will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement (as
supplemented by any applicable pricing supplement relating thereto, a
"Prospectus Supplement"), together with the terms of the offering of the Notes,
the initial offering price and the net proceeds to the Company from the sale
thereof. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth, among other
matters, the following with respect to the particular Notes: the aggregate
principal amount, authorized denominations, maturity date or dates, rate or
method of calculation of interest and dates for payment thereof, and any
redemption, prepayment or sinking fund provisions.
------------------------
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 OR ANY
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT HERETO. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
------------------------
The Company may sell Notes directly to purchasers or through agents
designated from time to time by the Company or to or through underwriters or a
group of underwriters which may be managed by one or more underwriters. If any
agents of the Company or any underwriters are involved in the sale of Notes in
respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered, the names of such agents or
underwriters and any applicable commission or discount will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. The net proceeds to the Company from the sale
of Notes will be the public offering price of such Notes less such discount, in
the case of an offering through an underwriter, or the purchase price of such
Notes less such commission, in the case of an offering through an agent, and
less, in each case, other expenses of the Company associated with the issuance
and distribution of such Notes.
------------------------
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS SEPTEMBER 8, 1998
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The Company has filed
with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the Notes offered hereby and certain other securities. This
Prospectus does not contain all information set forth in the Registration
Statement and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and the
exhibits thereto for further information with respect to the Company and the
Notes offered hereby. Such reports, proxy statements, Registration Statement and
exhibits and other information can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at its Northeast Regional Office located
at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and Midwest
Regional Office located at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such material can be obtained at
prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The Company is subject to the electronic
filing requirements of the Commission. Accordingly, pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Commission, certain documents, including annual and quarterly
reports and proxy statements, filed by the Company with the Commission have been
and will be filed electronically. The Commission maintains a World Wide Web site
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants (including the Company) that file electronically with the
Commission at http://www.sec.gov.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K, for the year ended December
31, 1997 and the Quarterly Reports of the Company on Form 10-Q for the quarters
ended March 31 and June 30, 1998 are incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus. All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the termination of the offering of the Notes contemplated hereby shall be deemed
to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be made a part
hereof from the respective dates of filing of such documents. Any statement
contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
in this Prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
the Registration Statement and this Prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained in this Prospectus, in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or in any
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of the Registration Statement or this
Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person, including any
beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon written
or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the documents referred
to above which have been incorporated in this Prospectus by reference, other
than certain exhibits to such documents. Such requests should be directed to
Terry A. Hanson, Vice President-- Finance, Madison Gas and Electric Company,
Post Office Box 1231, Madison, Wisconsin 53701-1231 (Telephone: (608) 252-7923).
2
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
The Company, a Wisconsin corporation organized as such in 1896, is a public
utility located in Madison, Wisconsin. It is engaged in generating and
transmitting electric energy and distributing it to approximately 117,000
customers throughout 250 square miles in Dane County. The Company also
distributes and transports natural gas to approximately 97,000 customers
throughout 975 square miles in Dane, Columbia, Iowa, Juneau, Monroe and Vernon
counties. The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 133
South Blair Street, Post Office Box 1231, Madison, Wisconsin 53701-1231, and its
telephone number is (608) 252-7000.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Except as may be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement, the Company intends
to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes for its general corporate
purposes, including the financing of capital expenditures, the refinancing of
indebtedness, and possible business investments and acquisitions. Pending such
applications, the net proceeds would be temporarily invested in marketable
securities.
RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the unaudited ratios of earnings to fixed
charges of the Company for each of the years 1993 through 1997 and for the six
months ended June 30, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)...................... 4.15x 4.49x 4.23x 2.71x 4.02x
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 1998
---------------------
<S> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)...................... 3.95x
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) For the purpose of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
earnings have been calculated by adding to income before interest expense,
current and deferred federal and state income taxes, investment tax credits
deferred and restored charged (credited) to operations and the estimated
interest component of rentals. Fixed charges represent interest expense,
amortization of debt discount, premium and expense, and the estimated
interest component of rentals.
3
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
GENERAL
The Notes offered hereby will be issued under the Indenture dated as of
September 1, 1998, as supplemented from time to time (the "Indenture"), between
the Company and Bank One, N.A., as trustee (the "Trustee"). The Indenture is
subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The
summary contained herein of certain provisions of the Notes is subject to and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the Indenture and
the forms of Notes (including the definitions of certain terms therein), each of
which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, to which
exhibits reference is hereby made. Certain capitalized terms used below but not
defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture. Unless
otherwise noted, section references below are to the Indenture.
The Notes are the only securities that may be issued under the Indenture.
The Indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of Notes that may be issued
under the Indenture, but the aggregate initial offering price of the Notes that
may be issued under this Prospectus is limited to $65,000,000 subject to
reduction in the event of sales of Common Stock under the Registration Statement
of which this Prospectus is a part. The Notes will be denominated in United
States dollars, and payments of principal of, premium, if any, and any interest
on the Notes will be made in United States dollars. Currency amounts in this
Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement are stated in United States dollars.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Notes
will have the terms described below.
The general provisions of the Indenture do not contain any provisions that
would limit the ability of the Company to incur indebtedness or that would
afford holders of Notes ("Holders") protection in the event of a highly
leveraged or similar transaction involving the Company. However, the general
provisions of the Indenture contain certain restrictions on mortgages and liens.
See "Restrictions on Secured Debt" below. Reference is made to the applicable
Prospectus Supplement for information with respect to any deletions from,
modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenants of the
Company that are described below, including any additional covenants or other
provisions providing event risk or similar protection.
All of the Notes need not be issued at the same time, and may vary as to
interest rate, maturity and other provisions. (Section 2.05) The Notes are
offered on a continuing basis and will mature on a day from nine months to 30
years from their date of issue, as selected by the initial purchaser and agreed
to by the Company, and may be subject to redemption at the option of the Company
or repayment at the option of the Holder prior to Stated Maturity (as defined
below). See "Redemption and Repayment" below.
Each Note will be represented by either a global security (a "Book-Entry
Note") registered in the name of a nominee of the Depositary or a certificate
issued in definitive form (a "Certificated Note"), as specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. Beneficial interests in Book-Entry Notes will
be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records
maintained by DTC and its participants. Owners of beneficial interests in
Book-Entry Notes will be entitled to physical delivery of Certificated Notes
only under the limited circumstances described herein. See "Book-Entry System"
below. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, Notes
will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
(Section 2.04)
Payments of interest and principal (and premium, if any) to Beneficial
Owners (as defined below under "Book-Entry System") of Book-Entry Notes are
expected to be made in accordance with the procedures of the Depositary and its
participants in effect from time to time as described below under "Book-Entry
System."
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
principal of and any premium and accrued interest on all Notes shall be payable
as follows:
(a) On or before 10:00 a.m., New York City time, of the day on which any
payment of principal, accrued interest or premium is due on any Book-Entry
Note pursuant to the terms thereof, the Company will deliver to the Trustee
immediately available funds sufficient to make such payment. On or before
10:30 a.m., New York City time or such other time as shall be agreed upon
between the
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Trustee and the Depositary, of the day on which such payment is due, the
Trustee will deposit with the Depositary such funds by wire transfer into
the account specified by the Depositary. As a condition to the payment at
the Maturity of any part of the principal and any applicable premium of any
Book-Entry Note, the Depositary will surrender, or cause to be surrendered,
such Book-Entry Note to the Trustee, whereupon a new Book-Entry Note will be
issued to the Depositary.
(b) With respect to any Note that is not a Book-Entry Note, principal,
any premium and accrued interest due at the Maturity of such Note will be
payable in immediately available funds when due upon presentation and
surrender of such Note at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee,
currently c/o First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as agent for the
Trustee, 14 Wall Street, 8th Floor, Suite 4607, New York, New York 10005,
PROVIDED that such Note is presented to the Trustee in time for the Trustee
to make such payment in such funds in accordance with its normal procedures.
Accrued interest on (and, in the case of Amortizing Notes, as defined below
under "Amortizing Notes", installments of principal of) any Note that is not
a Book-Entry Note (other than accrued interest or such installments payable
at Maturity) will be paid by a clearinghouse funds check mailed on the
Interest Payment Date; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if any Holder of Notes, the
aggregate principal amount of which equals or exceeds $10,000,000, provides
a written request to the Trustee on or before the applicable Record Date for
such Interest Payment Date, accrued interest (and such installments of
principal) shall be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds to
a bank within the continental United States or by direct deposit into the
account of such Holder if such account is maintained with the Trustee.
(Section 2.11)
Notwithstanding anything in this Prospectus to the contrary, unless
otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement , if a Note is an
Original Issue Discount Note (as defined below under "Original Issue Discount
Notes"), the amount payable on such Note in the event the principal amount
thereof is declared to be due and payable immediately as described below under
"Description of Notes-- Events of Default" or in the event of redemption or
repayment thereof prior to its Stated Maturity, in lieu of the principal amount
due at the Stated Maturity thereof, will be the Amortized Face Amount of such
Note as of the date of declaration, redemption or repayment, as the case may be.
The "Amortized Face Amount" of an Original Issue Discount Note will be the
amount equal to (i) the principal amount of such Note multiplied by the Issue
Price (as defined below) specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement plus
(ii) the portion of the difference between the dollar amount determined pursuant
to the preceding clause (i) and the principal amount of such Note that has
accreted at the yield to maturity specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement (computed in accordance with generally accepted United States bond
yield computation principles) to such date of declaration, redemption or
repayment, but in no event will the Amortized Face Amount of an Original Issue
Discount Note exceed the principal amount stated in such Note. (Section 1.03)
Each Note will bear interest at a fixed rate (a "Fixed Rate Note"), which
may be zero in the case of a "Zero Coupon Note", or at a variable rate (a
"Floating Rate Note") determined by reference to the Commercial Paper Rate,
LIBOR, Prime Rate or Treasury Rate or such other interest rate formula (the
"Interest Rate Basis") as may be specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement as adjusted by a Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any (as defined
herein), applicable to such Notes. The Prospectus Supplement relating to each
Note will describe, among other things, the following items: (i) the price
(expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount thereof) at which
such Note will be issued (the "Issue Price"); (ii) the date on which such Note
will be issued (the "Original Issue Date"); (iii) the date on which such Note
will mature (the "Stated Maturity") and whether the Stated Maturity may be
extended by the Company, and if so, the Extension Periods and the Final Maturity
Date (each as defined below under "Extension of Maturity"); (iv) whether such
Note is a Fixed Rate Note or a Floating Rate Note; (v) if such Note is a Fixed
Rate Note, the rate per annum at which such Note will bear interest, if any, the
Interest Payment Date or Dates, if different from those set forth below under
"Fixed Rate Notes" and whether such rate may be changed by the Company prior to
Stated Maturity; (vi) if such Note is a Floating Rate Note, the Initial Interest
Rate, the Interest Rate Basis, the Interest Reset Dates, the Interest
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Payment Dates, the Index Maturity, the Spread, if any, the Spread Multiplier, if
any (all as defined herein), the maximum interest rate, if any, the minimum
interest rate, if any, and any other terms relating to the particular method of
calculating the interest rate for such Note, and whether any such Spread and/or
Spread Multiplier may be changed by the Company prior to Stated Maturity; (vii)
whether such Note is an Original Issue Discount Note, and if so, the yield to
maturity; (viii) whether such Note is an Amortizing Note, and if so, the basis
or formula for the amortization of principal and/or interest and the payment
dates for such periodic principal payments; (ix) the record date or dates for
determining the person entitled to receive payments of interest, principal and
premium, if any (a "Record Date"), if other than as set forth below; (x) whether
such Note may be redeemed at the option of the Company, or repaid at the option
of the Holder, prior to Stated Maturity and, if so, the provisions relating to
such redemption or repayment; (xi) any sinking fund or other mandatory
redemption provisions with respect to such Note; (xii) whether such Note will be
issued initially as a Book-Entry Note or a Certificated Note; and (xiii) any
other terms of such Note not inconsistent with the provisions of the Indenture.
Certificated Notes may be presented for payment and for registration of
transfer or exchange at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, currently c/o
First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as agent for the Trustee, 14 Wall
Street, 8th Floor, Suite 4607, New York, New York 10005. (Section 6.02)
All percentages resulting from any calculation with respect to any Notes
will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a
percentage point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upward
(e.g., 9.876545% (or .09876545) would be rounded to 9.87655% (or .0987655)), and
all dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculation on any Notes will
be rounded to the nearest cent with one-half cent being rounded upward. (Section
2.04)
As used herein, "Business Day" means, unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or
Friday that in The City of New York is not a day on which banking institutions
are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close and,
with respect to Notes as to which LIBOR (as defined below under "Floating Rate
Notes--LIBOR Notes") is the applicable Interest Rate Basis is also a London
Business Day. As used herein, "London Business Day" means any day on which
dealings in deposits in United States dollars are transacted in the London
interbank market. (Section 1.03)
RESTRICTIONS ON SECURED DEBT
The Notes will constitute unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the
Company, and will rank on a parity with the Company's other unsecured and
unsubordinated indebtedness, but will rank junior to the first mortgage bonds of
the Company ("First Mortgage Bonds") which were issued under the Indenture of
Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of January 1, 1946, between the Company and
First Wisconsin Trust Company (now known as Firstar Trust Company), as trustee,
and indentures supplemental thereto ("Bond Indenture").
The Bond Indenture constitutes a direct first mortgage lien upon
substantially all of the fixed property, and upon the permits and licenses,
owned by the Company, subject to "permissible encumbrances" (as defined in the
Bond Indenture). The Bond Indenture contains provisions subjecting to the lien
thereof fixed property, and permits and licenses, which the Company may
subsequently acquire, subject, however, to "permissible encumbrances" and to
liens existing or placed upon such property at the time of acquisition thereof
by the Company.
The Company has covenanted in the Indenture that while any of the Notes are
outstanding, it will not (i) issue any additional First Mortgage Bonds, or (ii)
subject to the lien of the Bond Indenture any property which is exempt from such
lien, unless the Company concurrently issues to the Trustee under the Indenture,
a First Mortgage Bond or Bonds in the same aggregate principal amount and having
the same interest rate or rates, maturity date or dates, redemption provisions
and other terms as the Notes then outstanding and thereby give to the holders of
all outstanding Notes the benefit of the security of such First Mortgage Bond or
Bonds. (Section 4.01) At such time as the Trustee under the Indenture is the
only holder of First Mortgage Bonds outstanding under the Bond Indenture, the
Trustee will surrender such
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First Mortgage Bonds to the Company for cancellation and the Bond Indenture will
be discharged and defeased. (Section 4.07).
In addition, the Company has covenanted in the Indenture that neither the
Company nor a Subsidiary will create or assume, except in favor of the Company
or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (as defined below under "Certain Definitions"), any
mortgage, pledge, or other lien or encumbrance upon any Principal Facility (as
defined below under "Certain Definitions") or any stock of any Regulated
Subsidiary (as defined below under "Certain Definitions") or indebtedness of any
Subsidiary to the Company or any other Subsidiary whether now owned or hereafter
acquired without equally and ratably securing the outstanding Notes. This
limitation will not apply to the lien of the Bond Indenture or certain permitted
encumbrances described in the Indenture, including (a) purchase money mortgages
entered into within specified time limits; (b) liens extending, renewing or
refunding any liens permitted by clause (a) of this covenant; (c) liens existing
on acquired property; (d) certain tax, materialmen's, mechanics' and judgment
liens, certain liens arising by operation of law and certain other similar
liens; (e) certain mortgages, pledges, liens or encumbrances in favor of any
state or local government or governmental agency in connection with certain
tax-exempt financings; (f) liens to secure the cost of construction or
improvement of any property entered into within specified time limits; and (g)
mortgages, pledges, liens and encumbrances not otherwise permitted if the sum of
the indebtedness thereby secured does not exceed the greater of $20,000,000 or
10% of Common Shareholders' Equity (as defined below under "Certain
Definitions"). (Section 6.06)
INTEREST AND INTEREST RATES
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement , each
Note (other than a Zero Coupon Note), will bear interest from and including its
Original Issue Date or from and including the most recent Interest Payment Date
to which interest on such Note has been paid or duly provided for at a fixed
rate per annum or at a rate per annum determined pursuant to an Interest Rate
Basis stated therein and in the applicable Prospectus Supplement , that may be
adjusted by a Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, until Maturity and the principal
thereof is paid or made available for payment. Unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, interest will be payable on each Interest
Payment Date and at Maturity. "Maturity" means the date on which the principal
of a Note or an installment of principal becomes due and payable in accordance
with its terms and the terms of the Indenture, whether at Stated Maturity, upon
acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise. Interest (other than defaulted
interest which may be paid to the Holder on a special record date) will be
payable to the Holder at the close of business on the Record Date next preceding
an Interest Payment Date; provided, however, that the first payment of interest
on any Note originally issued between a Record Date and the next Interest
Payment Date will be made on the Interest Payment Date following the next
succeeding Record Date to the Holder on such next succeeding Record Date and
interest payable on the Maturity date, including, if applicable, upon
redemption, shall be payable to the person to whom principal is payable.
Interest rates, interest rate formulae and other variable terms of the Notes
are subject to change by the Company from time to time, but no such change will
affect any Note already issued or as to which an offer to purchase has been
accepted by the Company. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the Interest Payment Dates and the Record Dates for Fixed Rate Notes
will be as described below under "Fixed Rate Notes." The Interest Payment Dates
for Floating Rate Notes will be as specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, and unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, each Record Date for a Floating Rate Note will be the fifteenth day
(whether or not a Business Day) preceding each Interest Payment Date.
Each Note (other than a Zero Coupon Note) will bear interest at either (a) a
fixed rate or (b) a floating rate determined by reference to an Interest Rate
Basis which may be adjusted by a Spread and/or Spread Multiplier; provided that
the interest rate in effect for the ten days immediately prior to Stated
Maturity will be the interest rate in effect on the tenth day preceding such
Stated Maturity. Any Floating Rate Note may also have either or both of the
following: (i) a maximum interest rate, or ceiling, on the rate
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<PAGE>
of interest which may accrue during any interest period, and (ii) a minimum
interest rate, or floor, on the rate of interest which may accrue during any
interest period. The applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to each Note will
designate either a fixed rate of interest per annum on the applicable Fixed Rate
Note or one or more of the following Interest Rate Bases as applicable to the
relevant Floating Rate Note: (a) the Commercial Paper Rate, in which case such
Note will be a "Commercial Paper Rate Note," (b) LIBOR, in which case such Note
will be a "LIBOR Note," (c) the Prime Rate, in which case such Note will be a
"Prime Rate Note," (d) the Treasury Rate, in which case such Note will be a
"Treasury Rate Note," or (e) such other Interest Rate Basis or formula as may be
specified in such Prospectus Supplement.
Notwithstanding the determination of the interest rate as provided below,
the interest rate on the Notes for any interest period shall not be greater than
the maximum interest rate, if any, or less than the minimum interest rate, if
any, specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The interest rate on the
Notes will in no event be higher than the maximum rate permitted by New York or
other applicable law, as the same may be modified by United States federal law
of general application. Under present New York law, the maximum rate of interest
is 25% per annum on a simple interest basis. This limit may not apply to Notes
in which $2,500,000 or more has been invested.
FIXED RATE NOTES
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, each
Fixed Rate Note (other than a Zero Coupon Note) will accrue interest from and
including its Original Issue Date at the annual rate stated on the face thereof,
as specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise specified
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, payments of interest on any Fixed Rate
Note with respect to any Interest Payment Date or Maturity will include interest
accrued from and including the Original Issue Date, or from and including the
most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly
provided for, to but excluding such Interest Payment Date or Maturity. Fixed
Rate Notes may bear one or more annual rates of interest during the periods or
under the circumstances specified therein and in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
interest on Fixed Rate Notes will be computed and paid on the basis of a 360-day
year of twelve 30-day months.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Interest Payment Dates for Fixed Rate Notes, including Fixed Rate Amortizing
Notes, will be semi-annually on each March 1 and September 1 and the Record
Dates will be each February 15 and August 15 (whether or not a Business Day) and
the Stated Maturity. In the case of Fixed Rate Amortizing Notes, Interest
Payment Dates may be quarterly on each March 1, June 1, September 1, and
December 1, if specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, and the Record
Dates will be each February 15, June 15, August 15 and November 15 (whether or
not a Business Day) next preceding each such Interest Payment Date. If the
Interest Payment Date or Maturity for any Fixed Rate Note is not a Business Day,
all payments to be made on such day with respect to such Note will be made on
the next day that is a Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on
the due date, and no additional interest will be payable on the date of payment
for the period from and after the due date as a result of such delayed payment.
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FLOATING RATE NOTES
The interest rate on each Floating Rate Note will be equal to the interest
rate calculated by reference to the specified Interest Rate Basis (i) plus or
minus the Spread, if any, and/or (ii) multiplied by the Spread Multiplier, if
any. The "Spread" is the number of basis points (one basis point equals
one-hundredth of a percentage point) specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement as being applicable to such Note, and the "Spread Multiplier" is the
percentage of the Interest Rate Basis (adjusted for any Spread) specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement as being applicable to such Note. The
applicable Prospectus Supplement will specify the Interest Rate Basis and the
Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any, and the maximum or minimum interest
rate, if any, applicable to each Floating Rate Note. In addition, such
Prospectus Supplement will contain particulars as to the Calculation Agent
(unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, The First
National Bank of Chicago (in such capacity, the "Calculation Agent")), Index
Maturity, Original Issue Date, the interest rate in effect for the period from
the Original Issue Date to the first Interest Reset Date specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement (the "Initial Interest Rate"), Interest
Determination Dates, Interest Payment Dates, Record Dates, and Interest Reset
Dates with respect to such Note.
Except as provided below or in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Interest Payment Dates for Floating Rate Notes, including Floating Rate
Amortizing Notes, will be (i) in the case of Floating Rate Notes that reset
daily, weekly or monthly, the third Wednesday of each month or the third
Wednesday of March, June, September and December of each year, as specified on
the face thereof and in the applicable Prospectus Supplement; (ii) in the case
of Floating Rate Notes that reset quarterly, the third Wednesday of March, June,
September and December of each year as specified on the face thereof and in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement; (iii) in the case of Floating Rate Notes that
reset semiannually, the third Wednesday of each of two months of each year, as
specified on the face thereof and in the applicable Prospectus Supplement; and
(iv) in the case of Floating Rate Notes that reset annually, the third Wednesday
of one month of each year, as specified on the face thereof and in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement and, in each case, at Maturity. If any Interest
Payment Date, other than Maturity, for any Floating Rate Note is not a Business
Day for such Floating Rate Note, such Interest Payment Date will be postponed to
the next day that is a Business Day for such Floating Rate Note, except that, in
the case of a LIBOR Note, if such Business Day for such Floating Rate Note is in
the next succeeding calendar month, such Interest Payment Date will be the
immediately preceding London Business Day. If the Maturity for any Floating Rate
Note falls on a day that is not a Business Day, all payments to be made on such
day with respect to such Note will be made on the next day that is a Business
Day with the same force and effect as if made on the due date, and no additional
interest will be payable on the date of payment for the period from and after
the due date as a result of such delayed payment.
The rate of interest on each Floating Rate Note will be reset daily, weekly,
monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually (such period being the "Interest
Reset Period" for such Note, and the first day of each Interest Reset Period
being an "Interest Reset Date"), as specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
the Interest Reset Date will be, in the case of Floating Rate Notes which reset
daily, each Business Day for such Floating Rate Note; in the case of Floating
Rate Notes (other than Treasury Rate Notes) which reset weekly, the Wednesday of
each week; in the case of Treasury Rate Notes which reset weekly, the Tuesday of
each week, except as provided below; in the case of Floating Rate Notes which
reset monthly, the third Wednesday of each month; in the case of Floating Rate
Notes which reset quarterly, the third Wednesday of each March, June, September
and December; in the case of Floating Rate Notes which reset semiannually, the
third Wednesday of each of two months of each year, as specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement; and in the case of Floating Rate Notes which
reset annually, the third Wednesday of one month of each year, as specified in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement; provided, however, that the interest rate
in effect from the Original Issue Date to but excluding the first Interest Reset
Date with respect to a Floating Rate Note will be the Initial Interest Rate (as
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement). If any Interest
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Reset Date for any Floating Rate Note is not a Business Day for such Floating
Rate Note, such Interest Reset Date will be postponed to the next day that is a
Business Day for such Floating Rate Note, except that in the case of a LIBOR
Note, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar month, such
Interest Reset Date will be the immediately preceding London Business Day. Each
adjusted rate will be applicable on and after the Interest Reset Date to which
it relates to but excluding the next succeeding Interest Reset Date or until
Maturity.
The interest rate for each Interest Reset Period will be the rate determined
by the Calculation Agent on the Calculation Date (as defined below) pertaining
to the Interest Determination Date pertaining to the Interest Reset Date for
such Interest Reset Period. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, the "Interest Determination Date" pertaining to an
Interest Reset Date for (a) a Commercial Paper Rate Note (the "Commercial Paper
Interest Determination Date") or (b) a Prime Rate Note (the "Prime Interest
Determination Date") will be the second Business Day immediately preceding such
Interest Reset Date. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the Interest Determination Date pertaining to an Interest Reset Date
for a LIBOR Note (the "LIBOR Interest Determination Date") will be the second
London Business Day immediately preceding such Interest Reset Date. Unless
otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Interest
Determination Date pertaining to an Interest Reset Date for a Treasury Rate Note
(the "Treasury Interest Determination Date") will be the day of the week in
which such Interest Reset Date falls on which Treasury bills would normally be
auctioned. Treasury bills are usually sold at auction on Monday of each week,
unless that day is a legal holiday, in which case the auction is usually held on
the following Tuesday, except that such auction may be held on the preceding
Friday. If an auction is so held on the preceding Friday, such Friday will be
the Treasury Interest Determination Date pertaining to the Interest Reset Period
commencing in the next succeeding week. If an auction date falls on any Interest
Reset Date for a Treasury Rate Note, then such Interest Reset Date will instead
be the first Business Day immediately following such auction date. Unless
otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the "Calculation
Date" pertaining to any Interest Determination Date will be the earlier of (i)
the tenth calendar day after the Interest Determination Date or, if such day is
not a Business Day, the next day that is a Business Day, or (ii) the Business
Day immediately preceding the applicable Interest Payment Date or Maturity, as
the case may be.
"Index Maturity" means, with respect to a Floating Rate Note, the period to
Stated Maturity of the instrument or obligation on which the interest rate
formula of such Floating Rate Note is calculated, as specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, each
Floating Rate Note will accrue interest from and including its Original Issue
Date at the rate determined as provided in such Note and as specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, payments of interest on any Floating Rate Note with
respect to any Interest Payment Date will include interest accrued from and
including the Original Issue Date, or from and including the most recent
Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, to
but excluding the Interest Payment Date or Maturity. With respect to Floating
Rate Notes, accrued interest is calculated by multiplying the face amount of a
Note by an accrued interest factor. This accrued interest factor is computed by
adding the interest factors calculated for each day from and including the
Original Issue Date, or from and including the last date to which interest has
been paid or duly provided for, to but excluding the date for which accrued
interest is being calculated. The interest factor for each such day (unless
otherwise specified) is computed by dividing the interest rate applicable to
such day by 360, in the case of Commercial Paper Rate Notes, LIBOR Notes and
Prime Rate Notes or by the actual number of days in the year, in the case of
Treasury Rate Notes.
The Calculation Agent will calculate the interest rate on the Floating Rate
Notes, as provided below. The Trustee will, upon the request of the Holder of
any Floating Rate Note, provide the interest rate then in effect and, if then
determined, the interest rate which will become effective as a result of a
determination made with respect to the most recent Interest Determination Date
(defined below) with respect to
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such Note. For purposes of calculating the rate of interest payable on Floating
Rate Notes, the Company has entered into or will enter into an agreement with
the Calculation Agent. The Calculation Agent's determination of any interest
rate shall be final and binding in the absence of manifest error.
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATE NOTES
Each Commercial Paper Rate Note will bear interest at the interest rate
(calculated with reference to the Commercial Paper Rate and the Spread and/or
Spread Multiplier, if any) specified in the Commercial Paper Rate Note and in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
"Commercial Paper Rate" means, with respect to any Commercial Paper Interest
Determination Date, the Money Market Yield (calculated as described below) of
the rate on such date for commercial paper having the Index Maturity specified
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement as published by the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System in "Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected
Interest Rates" or any successor publication of the Board of Governors
("H.15(519)") under the heading "Commercial Paper." In the event that such rate
is not published prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the Calculation Date
pertaining to such Commercial Paper Interest Determination Date, then the
Commercial Paper Rate with respect to such Commercial Paper Interest
Determination Date will be the Money Market Yield of the rate on such Commercial
Paper Interest Determination Date for commercial paper having the Index Maturity
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement as published by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York in its daily statistical release "Composite 3:30 P.M.
Quotations for U.S. Government Securities" or any successor publication
("Composite Quotations") under the heading "Commercial Paper." If by 3:00 P.M.,
New York City time, on such Calculation Date such rate is not published in
either H.15(519) or Composite Quotations, then the Commercial Paper Rate with
respect to such Commercial Paper Interest Determination Date will be calculated
by the Calculation Agent and will be the Money Market Yield of the arithmetic
mean of the offered rates (quoted on a bank discount basis) as of 11:00 A.M.,
New York City time, on such Commercial Paper Interest Determination Date of
three leading dealers of commercial paper in The City of New York selected by
the Calculation Agent for commercial paper having the Index Maturity specified
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement placed for an industrial issuer whose
bond rating is "AA," or the equivalent, from a nationally recognized securities
rating agency; provided, however, that if the dealers selected as aforesaid by
the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the
Commercial Paper Rate with respect to such Commercial Paper Interest
Determination Date will be the Commercial Paper Rate in effect immediately prior
to such Commercial Paper Interest Determination Date.
"Money Market Yield" will be a yield (expressed as a percentage rounded, if
necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percent) calculated in
accordance with the following formula:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
D x 360
Money Market Yield = -------------- x 100
360 - (D x M)
</TABLE>
where "D" refers to the per annum rate for commercial paper, quoted on a bank
discount basis and expressed as a decimal; and "M" refers to the actual number
of days in the period for which accrued interest is being calculated.
LIBOR NOTES
Each LIBOR Note will bear interest at the interest rate (calculated with
reference to LIBOR and the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any) specified in
the LIBOR Note and in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
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Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, "LIBOR"
means, with respect to any LIBOR Interest Determination Date, the rate
determined by the Calculation Agent in accordance with the following provisions:
(i) With respect to any LIBOR Interest Determination Date, LIBOR will be
either: (a) if "LIBOR Reuters" is specified in the Note and the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, the arithmetic mean of the offered rates (unless the
specified Designated LIBOR Page (as defined below) by its terms provides only
for a single rate, in which case such single rate will be used) for deposits in
United States dollars having the Index Maturity specified in the Note and the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, commencing on the second London Business Day
immediately following such LIBOR Interest Determination Date, which appear on
the Designated LIBOR Page specified in the Note and the applicable Prospectus
Supplement as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on that LIBOR Interest Determination
Date, if at least two such offered rates appear (unless, as aforesaid, only a
single rate is required) on such Designated LIBOR Page, or (b) if "LIBOR
Telerate" is specified in the Note and the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
rate for deposits in United States dollars having the Index Maturity specified
in the Note and the applicable Prospectus Supplement, commencing on the second
London Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Interest Determination
Date, which appears on the Designated LIBOR Page specified in the Note and the
applicable Prospectus Supplement as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on that LIBOR
Interest Determination Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if fewer than two
offered rates appear on the Designated LIBOR Page with respect to LIBOR Reuters
(unless the specified Designated LIBOR Page by its terms provides only for a
single rate, in which case such single rate will be used), or if no rate appears
on the Designated LIBOR Page with respect to LIBOR Telerate, whichever may be
applicable, LIBOR with respect to such LIBOR Interest Determination Date will be
determined as if the parties had specified the rate described in clause (ii)
below.
(ii) With respect to any LIBOR Interest Determination Date on which fewer
than two offered rates appear on the Designated LIBOR Page with respect to LIBOR
Reuters (unless the specified Designated LIBOR Page by its terms provides only
for a single rate, in which case such single rate will be used), or if no rate
appears on the Designated LIBOR Page with respect to LIBOR Telerate, as the case
may be, the Calculation Agent will request the principal London office of each
of four major banks in the London interbank market selected by the Calculation
Agent to provide the Calculation Agent with its offered rate quotation for
deposits in United States dollars for the period of the Index Maturity specified
in the Note and the applicable Prospectus Supplement, commencing on the second
London Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Interest Determination
Date, to prime banks in the London interbank market as of 11:00 A.M., London
time, on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date and in a principal amount that
is representative for a single transaction in United States dollars in such
market at such time. If at least two such quotations are provided, LIBOR with
respect to such LIBOR Interest Determination Date will be calculated by the
Calculation Agent and will be the arithmetic mean of such quotations. If fewer
than two quotations are provided, LIBOR with respect to such LIBOR Interest
Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of the rates quoted as of 11:00
A.M. New York City Time, on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date by three
major banks in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent for loans
in United States Dollars to leading European banks, commencing on the second
London Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Interest Determination Date
having the Index Maturity specified in the Note and the applicable Prospectus
Supplement in a principal amount that is representative for a single transaction
in such United States dollars in such market at such time; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that if the banks so selected by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as
mentioned in this sentence, LIBOR with respect to such LIBOR Interest
Determination Date will be LIBOR in effect immediately prior to such LIBOR
Interest Determination Date.
"Designated LIBOR Page" means either (a) the display on the Reuters Monitor
Money Rates Service for the purpose of displaying the London interbank rates of
major banks for United States Dollars (if "LIBOR Reuters" is specified in the
Note and the applicable Prospectus Supplement), or (b) the display
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on the Dow Jones Telerate Service for the purpose of displaying the London
interbank rates of major banks for United States dollars (if "LIBOR Telerate" is
specified in the Note and the applicable Prospectus Supplement). If neither
LIBOR Reuters nor LIBOR Telerate is specified in the Note and the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, LIBOR for United States dollars will be determined as if
LIBOR Telerate (and page 3750) had been chosen.
PRIME RATE NOTES
Each Prime Rate Note will bear interest at the interest rate (calculated
with reference to the Prime Rate and the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if
any) specified in the Prime Rate Note and in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, "Prime
Rate" means, with respect to any Prime Interest Determination Date, the rate on
such date as published in H.15(519) under the heading "Bank Prime Loan." In the
event that such rate is not published prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on
the Calculation Date pertaining to such Prime Interest Determination Date, then
the Prime Rate with respect to such Prime Interest Determination Date will be
calculated by the Calculation Agent and will be the arithmetic mean of the rates
of interest publicly announced by each bank that appears on the Reuters Screen
USPRIME1 as such bank's prime rate or base lending rate as in effect with
respect to such Prime Interest Determination Date. If fewer than four such rates
appear on the Reuters Screen USPRIME1 with respect to such Prime Interest
Determination Date, the Prime Rate with respect to such Prime Interest
Determination Date will be calculated by the Calculation Agent and will be the
arithmetic mean of the prime rates quoted on the basis of the actual number of
days in the year divided by 360 as of the close of business on such Prime
Interest Determination Date by at least two of the three major money center
banks in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent. If fewer than
two quotations are provided, the Prime Rate with respect to such Prime Interest
Determination Date will be determined on the basis of the rates furnished in The
City of New York by the appropriate number of substitute banks or trust
companies organized and doing business under the laws of the United States, or
any state thereof, having total equity capital of at least $500,000,000 and
being subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority,
selected by the Calculation Agent to provide such rate or rates; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that if the appropriate number of substitute banks or trust companies
selected as aforesaid are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Prime
Rate with respect to such Prime Interest Determination Date will be the Prime
Rate in effect immediately prior to such Prime Interest Determination Date.
"Reuters Screen USPRIME1" means the display designated as page "USPRIME1" on
the Reuters Monitor Money Rate Service (or such other page which may replace the
USPRIME1 page on the service for the purpose of displaying the prime rate or
base lending rate of major banks).
TREASURY RATE NOTES
Each Treasury Rate Note will bear interest at the interest rate (calculated
with reference to the Treasury Rate and the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if
any) specified in the Treasury Rate Note and in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
"Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any Treasury Interest Determination Date,
the rate resulting from the most recent auction of direct obligations of the
United States ("Treasury bills") having the Index Maturity specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, as such rate is published in H.15(519) under
the heading, "Treasury bills--auction average (investment)" or, if not so
published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Calculation Date pertaining
to such Treasury Interest Determination Date, the average auction rate on such
Treasury Interest Determination Date (expressed as a bond equivalent, on the
basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, and applied on a daily basis)
as otherwise announced by the United States Department of the Treasury. In the
event that the results of the auction of Treasury Bills having the
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specified Index Maturity are not reported as provided above by 3:00 P.M., New
York City time, on the Calculation Date pertaining to such Treasury Interest
Determination Date, or if no such auction is held in a particular week, then the
Treasury Rate with respect to such Treasury Interest Determination Date will be
calculated by the Calculation Agent and will be a yield to maturity (expressed
as a bond equivalent, on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable,
and applied on a daily basis) of the arithmetic mean of the secondary market bid
rates, as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on such Treasury
Interest Determination Date, of three leading primary U.S. government securities
dealers selected by the Calculation Agent for the issue of Treasury bills with a
remaining maturity closest to the Index Maturity specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the dealers selected as
aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this
sentence, the Treasury Rate with respect to such Treasury Interest Determination
Date will be the Treasury Rate in effect immediately prior to such Treasury
Interest Determination Date.
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT NOTES
The Company may from time to time offer Original Issue Discount Notes. The
Prospectus Supplement applicable to certain Original Issue Discount Notes may
provide that Holders of such Notes will not receive periodic payments of
interest. For purposes of determining whether Holders of the requisite principal
amount of Notes outstanding under the Indenture have made a demand or given a
notice or waiver or taken any other action, the outstanding principal amount of
Original Issue Discount Notes shall be deemed to be the amount of the principal
that would be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Stated
Maturity thereof as of the date of such determination. See "General."
"Original Issue Discount Note" means (i) a Note that has a "stated
redemption price at maturity" that exceeds its "issue price" (each as defined
for United States federal income tax purposes) by at least 0.25% of its stated
redemption price at maturity multiplied by the number of complete years from the
Original Issue Date to the Stated Maturity for such Note (or, in the case of a
Note that provides for payment of any amount other than the "qualified stated
interest" (as so defined) prior to maturity, the weighted average maturity of
the Note) and (ii) any other Note designated by the Company as issued with
original issue discount for United States federal income tax purposes.
AMORTIZING NOTES
The Company may from time to time offer Notes for which payments of
principal and interest are made in installments over the life of the Note
("Amortizing Notes"). Interest on each Amortizing Note will be computed as
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise specified in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement, payments with respect to an Amortizing
Note will be applied first to interest due and payable thereon and then to the
reduction of the unpaid principal amount thereof. A table setting forth
repayment information with respect to each Amortizing Note will be attached to
such Note and to the applicable Prospectus Supplement and will be available,
upon request, to subsequent Holders.
RESET NOTES
The Prospectus Supplement relating to each Note will indicate whether the
Company has the option with respect to such Note to reset the interest rate, in
the case of a Fixed Rate Note, or to reset the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier,
in the case of a Floating Rate Note (in each case, a "Reset Note"), and, if so,
(i) the date or dates on which such interest rate or such Spread and/or Spread
Multiplier, as the case may be, may be reset (each an "Optional Interest Reset
Date") and (ii) the formula, if any, for such resetting.
The Company may exercise such option with respect to a Note by notifying the
Trustee of such exercise at least 45 but not more than 60 calendar days prior to
an Optional Interest Reset Date for such Note. If the Company so notifies the
Trustee of such exercise, the Trustee will send not later than 40
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calendar days prior to such Optional Interest Reset Date, by telegram, telex,
facsimile transmission, hand delivery or letter (first class, postage prepaid)
to the Holder of such Note a notice (the "Reset Notice") indicating (i) that the
Company has elected to reset the interest rate, in the case of a Fixed Rate
Note, or the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, in the case of a Floating Rate
Note, (ii) such new interest rate or such new Spread and/or Spread Multiplier,
as the case may be, and (iii) the provisions, if any, for redemption of such
Note during the period from such Optional Interest Reset Date to the next
Optional Interest Reset Date or, if there is no such next Optional Interest
Reset Date, to the Stated Maturity of such Note (each such period a "Subsequent
Interest Period"), including the date or dates on which or the period or periods
during which and the price or prices at which such redemption may occur during
such Subsequent Interest Period.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, not later than 20 calendar days prior to an
Optional Interest Reset Date for a Note, the Company may, at its option, revoke
the interest rate, in the case of a Fixed Rate Note, or the Spread and/or Spread
Multiplier, in the case of a Floating Rate Note, provided for in the Reset
Notice and establish a higher interest rate, in the case of a Fixed Rate Note,
or a Spread and/or Spread Multiplier resulting in a higher interest rate, in the
case of a Floating Rate Note, for the Subsequent Interest Period commencing on
such Optional Interest Reset Date by causing the Trustee to send by telegram,
telex, facsimile transmission, hand delivery or letter (first class, postage
prepaid) notice of such higher interest rate or Spread and/or Spread Multiplier
resulting in a higher interest rate, as the case may be, to the Holder of such
Note. Such notice will be irrevocable. All Notes with respect to which the
interest rate or Spread and/or Spread Multiplier is reset on an Optional
Interest Reset Date to a higher interest rate or Spread and/or Spread Multiplier
resulting in a higher interest rate will bear such higher interest rate, in the
case of a Fixed Rate Note, or Spread and/or Spread Multiplier resulting in a
higher interest rate, in the case of a Floating Rate Note, whether or not
tendered for repayment as provided in the next paragraph.
If the Company elects prior to an Optional Interest Reset Date to reset the
interest rate or the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier of a Note, the Holder of
such Note will have the option to elect repayment of such Note, in whole but not
in part, by the Company on such Optional Interest Reset Date at a price equal to
the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding
such Optional Interest Reset Date. In order for a Note to be so repaid on an
Optional Interest Reset Date, the Holder thereof must follow the procedures set
forth below under "Redemption and Repayment" for optional repayment, except that
the period for delivery of such Note or notification to the Trustee will be at
least 25 but not more than 35 calendar days prior to such Optional Interest
Reset Date. A Holder who has tendered a Note for repayment following receipt of
a Reset Notice may revoke such tender for repayment by written notice to the
Trustee received prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the tenth calendar
day prior to such Optional Interest Reset Date.
EXTENSION OF MATURITY
The Prospectus Supplement relating to each Note will indicate whether the
Company has the option to extend the Stated Maturity of such Note for one or
more periods of from one to five whole years (each an "Extension Period") up to
but not beyond the date (the "Final Maturity Date") specified in such Prospectus
Supplement.
The Company may exercise such option with respect to a Note by notifying the
Trustee of such exercise at least 45 but not more than 60 calendar days prior to
the Stated Maturity of such Note (including, if such Stated Maturity has
previously been extended, the Stated Maturity as previously extended) in effect
prior to the exercise of such option (the "Pre-Exercise Stated Maturity Date").
If the Company so notifies the Trustee of such exercise, the Trustee will send
not later than 40 calendar days prior to the Pre-Exercise Stated Maturity Date,
by telegram, telex, facsimile transmission, hand delivery or letter (first
class, postage prepaid) to the Holder of such Note a notice (the "Extension
Notice") relating to such Extension Period, indicating (i) that the Company has
elected to extend the Stated Maturity of such
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Note, (ii) the new Stated Maturity, (iii) in the case of a Fixed Rate Note, the
interest rate applicable to such Extension Period or, in the case of a Floating
Rate Note, the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier applicable to the Extension
Period, and (iv) the provisions, if any, for redemption of such Note during the
Extension Period, including the date or dates on which or the period or periods
during which and the price or prices at which such redemption may occur during
the Extension Period. Upon the sending by the Trustee of an Extension Notice to
the Holder of a Note, the Stated Maturity of such Note will be extended
automatically, and, except as modified by the Extension Notice and as described
in the next two paragraphs, such Note will have the same terms as prior to the
sending of such Extension Notice.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, not later than 20 calendar days prior to the
Pre-Exercise Stated Maturity Date for a Note, the Company may, at its option,
revoke the interest rate, in the case of a Fixed Rate Note, or the Spread and/or
Spread Multiplier, in the case of a Floating Rate Note, provided for in the
Extension Notice and establish a higher interest rate, in the case of a Fixed
Rate Note, or a Spread and/or Spread Multiplier resulting in a higher interest
rate, in the case of a Floating Rate Note, for the Extension Period by causing
the Trustee to send by telegram, telex, facsimile transmission, hand delivery or
letter (first class, postage prepaid) notice of such higher interest rate or
Spread and/or Spread Multiplier resulting in a higher interest rate, as the case
may be, to the Holder of such Note. Such notice will be irrevocable. All Notes
with respect to which the Stated Maturity is extended will bear such higher
interest rate, in the case of a Fixed Rate Note, or Spread and/or Spread
Multiplier resulting in a higher interest rate, in the case of a Floating Rate
Note, for the Extension Period, whether or not tendered for repayment as
provided in the next paragraph.
If the Company extends the Stated Maturity of a Note (including, if such
Stated Maturity has previously been extended, the Stated Maturity as previously
extended), the Holder of such Note will have the option to elect repayment of
such Note, in whole but not in part, by the Company on the Pre-Exercise Stated
Maturity Date (including the last day of the then current Extension Period) at a
price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to
but excluding such date. In order for a Note to be so repaid on the Original
Stated Maturity Date, the Holder thereof must follow the procedures set forth
below under "Redemption and Repayment" for optional repayment, except that the
period for delivery of such Note or notification to the Trustee will be at least
25 but not more than 35 calendar days prior to the Original Stated Maturity
Date. A Holder who has tendered a Note for repayment following receipt of an
Extension Notice may revoke such tender for repayment by written notice to the
Trustee received prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the tenth calendar
day prior to the Original Stated Maturity Date.
RENEWABLE NOTES
The applicable Prospectus Supplement will indicate whether a Note (other
than an Amortizing Note) will mature at its Pre-Exercise Stated Maturity Date
unless the term of all or any portion of any such Note is renewed by the Holder
in accordance with the procedures described in such Prospectus Supplement.
COMBINATION OF PROVISIONS
If so specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, any Note may be
subject to all of the provisions, or any combination of the provisions,
described above under "Reset Notes," "Extension of Maturity" and "Renewable
Notes."
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REDEMPTION AND REPAYMENT
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Notes will not be subject to any sinking fund. The Notes will be redeemable at
the option of the Company prior to the Stated Maturity thereof only if an
Initial Redemption Date is specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement
("Initial Redemption Date"). If so specified, the Notes will be subject to
redemption at the option of the Company on the date or dates and at the prices
specified in such Prospectus Supplement. The selection of Notes or portions
thereof to be redeemed prior to their Stated Maturity shall be in the sole
discretion of the Company. Each Note which by its terms is redeemable prior to
its Stated Maturity may be redeemed by the Company in whole or in part without
also redeeming any other Note which is redeemable prior to its Stated Maturity.
The Company may exercise any such option by causing the Trustee to mail a notice
of such redemption at least 30 but not more than 60 calendar days prior to the
date of redemption in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture. In the
event of redemption of a Note in part only, such Note will be canceled and a new
Note or Notes representing the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the
name of the Holder thereof. (Section 3.02)
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, a Note
will not be repayable prior to Stated Maturity at the option of the Holder. If
so specified, a Note will be repayable at the option of the Holder, in whole or
in part, on a date or dates prior to Stated Maturity and at a price or prices
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, plus accrued and unpaid
interest to but excluding the date of repayment.
In order for a Note that is repayable at the option of the Holder to be
repaid prior to Stated Maturity, the Trustee must receive at least 30 but not
more than 45 calendar days prior to the repayment date (i) the Note with the
form entitled "Option to Elect Repayment" on the reverse of the Note duly
completed or (ii) a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission, hand delivery or
letter (first class, postage prepaid) from a member of a national securities
exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial
bank or trust company in the United States setting forth the name of the Holder
of the Note, the principal amount of the Note, the principal amount of the Note
to be repaid, the certificate number or a description of the tenor and terms of
the Note, a statement that the option to elect repayment is being exercised
thereby and a guarantee that the Note to be repaid with the form entitled
"Option to Elect Repayment" set forth in the Note duly completed will be
received by the Trustee not later than five Business Days after the date of such
telegram, telex, facsimile transmission, hand delivery or letter and such Note
and form duly completed are received by the Trustee by such fifth Business Day.
Exercise of the repayment option by the Holder of a Note will be irrevocable,
except that a Holder who has tendered a Note for repayment may revoke such
tender for repayment by written notice to the Paying Agent received prior to
5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the tenth calendar day prior to the repayment
date. The repayment option may be exercised by the Holder of a Note for less
than the entire principal amount of the Note provided that the principal amount
of the Note remaining outstanding after such repayment is an authorized
denomination. Upon such partial repayment such Note will be canceled and a new
Note or Notes for the remaining principal amount thereof will be issued in the
name of the Holder thereof.
While any Book-Entry Note is represented by one or more global Notes (each,
a "Global Note") held by or on behalf of the Depositary, and registered in the
name of the Depositary or its nominee, any such option for repayment may be
exercised by the applicable Participant (as defined below under "Book-Entry
System") that has an account with the Depositary, on behalf of a Beneficial
Owner of the Global Note or Notes representing such Book-Entry Notes, by
delivering a written notice substantially similar to the above-mentioned form
duly completed to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office (or such other
address of which the Company will from time to time notify the Holders), at
least 30 but not more than 60 calendar days prior to the date of repayment.
Notices of election from Participants on behalf of Beneficial Owners of the
Global Note or Notes representing such Book-Entry Notes to exercise their option
to have such Book-Entry Notes repaid must be received by the Trustee by 5:00
P.M., New York City time, on the last day for giving such notice. In order to
ensure that a notice is received by the Trustee on a particular day, the
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Beneficial Owner of the Global Note or Notes representing such Book-Entry Notes
must so direct the applicable Participant before such Participant's deadline for
accepting instructions for that day. Different firms may have different
deadlines for accepting instructions from their customers. Accordingly,
Beneficial Owners of the Global Note or Notes representing Book-Entry Notes
should consult the Participants through which they own their interest therein
for the respective deadlines for such Participants. All notices shall be
executed by a duly authorized officer of such Participant (with signatures
guaranteed) and will be irrevocable. In addition, Beneficial Owners of the
Global Note or Notes representing Book-Entry Notes shall effect delivery at the
time such notices of election are given to the Depositary by causing the
applicable Participant to transfer such Beneficial Owner's interest in the
Global Note or Notes representing such Book-Entry Notes, on the Depositary's
records, to the Trustee. See "Book-Entry System." (Section 3.04)
If applicable, the Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1
under the Exchange Act, and any other securities laws or regulations in
connection with any such repayment.
REPURCHASE
The Company may at any time purchase Notes at any price or prices in the
open market or otherwise. Notes so purchased by the Company may be held or
resold or, at the discretion of the Company, may be surrendered to the Trustee
for cancellation.
OTHER PROVISIONS
Any provisions with respect to the determination of an Interest Rate Basis,
the specifications of an Interest Rate Basis, calculation of the interest rate
applicable to, or the principal payable at Maturity on, any Note, its Interest
Payment Dates or any other matter relating thereto may be modified by the terms
as specified on the face of such Note, or in an annex relating thereto if so
specified on the face thereof, and/or in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM
DTC will act as securities depositary for the Book-Entry Notes. The
Book-Entry Notes will be issued as fully-registered securities registered in the
name of Cede & Co. (DTC's partnership nominee). One fully-registered Global Note
will be issued for each issue of the Notes, each in the aggregate principal
amount of such issue, and will be deposited with DTC. If, however, the aggregate
principal amount of any issue exceeds the maximum principal amount (if any)
permitted by DTC, one Global Note will be issued with respect to such maximum
principal amount and an additional Global Note will be issued with respect to
any remaining principal amount of such issue.
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities
that its participants ("Participants") deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates
the settlement among Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers
and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry
changes in Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical
movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants ("Direct Participants")
include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its
Direct Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock
Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access
to DTC's system is also available to others such as securities brokers and
dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect
Participants"). The rules applicable to DTC and its Participants are on file
with the Commission.
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Purchases of Book-Entry Notes under DTC's system must be made by or through
Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Book-Entry Notes on
DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each
Book-Entry Note ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and
Indirect Participants' records. A Beneficial Owner will not receive written
confirmation from DTC of its purchase, but such Beneficial Owner is expected to
receive a written confirmation providing details of such transaction, as well as
periodic statements of its holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant
through which such Beneficial Owner entered into such transaction. Transfers of
ownership interests in the Book-Entry Notes are to be accomplished by entries
made on the books of Participants acting on behalf of the Beneficial Owners.
Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership
interests in Book-Entry Notes, except in the event that use of the book-entry
system for one or more Book-Entry Notes is discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Global Notes deposited by
Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC's partnership nominee,
Cede & Co. The deposit of Global Notes with DTC and their registration in the
name of Cede & Co. effect no change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no
knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Book-Entry Notes; DTC's records
reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such
Book-Entry Notes are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners.
The Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings
on behalf of their customers.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct
Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct
Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as
may be in effect from time to time.
Redemption notices for Book-Entry Notes shall be sent to Cede & Co. If less
than all of the Book-Entry Notes within an issue are being redeemed, DTC's
current practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each
Direct Participant in such issue to be redeemed.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will consent or vote with respect to Book-Entry
Notes. Under its usual procedures, DTC will mail an "Omnibus Proxy" to the
issuer as soon as possible after the Record Date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede
& Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose
accounts the Book-Entry Notes are credited on the Record Date (identified in a
listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
Principal and interest payments on the Book-Entry Notes will be made to DTC.
DTC's practice is to credit Direct Participants' accounts on the payable date in
accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records unless DTC has
reason to believe that it will not receive payment on the payable date. Payments
by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions
and customary practices, as in the case of securities held for the accounts of
customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the
responsibility of such Participants and not of DTC, the paying agent or the
Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect
from time to time. Payment of principal and interest to DTC is the
responsibility of the Company or the paying agent, disbursement of such payments
to Direct Participants is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such
payments to the Beneficial Owners is the responsibility of Direct and Indirect
Participants.
A Beneficial Owner must give notice to elect to have its Book-Entry Notes
purchased or tendered, through its Participant, to the paying agent, and must
effect delivery of such Book-Entry Notes by causing the Direct Participant to
transfer the Participant's interest in the Book-Entry Notes, on DTC's records,
to the paying agent. The requirement for physical delivery of Book-Entry Notes
in connection with a demand for purchase or a mandatory purchase will be deemed
satisfied when the ownership rights in the Book-Entry Notes are transferred by
Direct Participants on DTC's records.
If DTC is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or if
DTC ceases to be a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to Section 17A of the
Exchange Act, and, in either case, a successor depositary
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is not appointed by the Company within 90 days, or if any Notes are represented
by a Global Note at a time when an Event of Default with respect to the Notes
shall have occurred and be continuing, the Company will issue individual
Certificated Notes in exchange for Book-Entry Notes represented by Global Notes.
In addition, the Company may at any time, and in its sole discretion, determine
that one or more Book-Entry Notes will no longer be represented by one or more
Global Notes and, in such event, will issue individual Certificated Notes in
exchange for Book-Entry Notes represented by such Global Notes.
The Company may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry
transfers through DTC (or a successor Notes depositary). In that event,
Certificated Notes will be printed and delivered in exchange for the Book-Entry
Notes represented by the Global Notes held by DTC.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that the Company believes to be reliable, but the
Company takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. So long as DTC or its
nominee is the registered owner of a Global Note, DTC or its nominee, as the
case may be, will be considered the sole Holder of the Notes represented by such
Global Note for all purposes under the Indenture. Except as provided above,
owners of beneficial interests in a Global Note will not be entitled to have the
Note represented by such Global Note registered in their names, will not receive
or be entitled to receive physical delivery of such Note in certificated form
and will not be considered the owners or Holders thereof under the Indenture.
The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take
physical delivery of such securities in certificated form; accordingly, such
laws may limit the transferability of beneficial interests in a Global Note.
None of the Company, the Trustee, any paying agent, any agent or underwriter
or the registrar for the Notes will have any responsibility or liability for any
aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
ownership interests in a Global Note or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. (Section
2.12)
EXCHANGE, REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER
Notes will be exchangeable for registered Notes of like aggregate principal
amount and of like Stated Maturity (as defined below under "Certain
Definitions") and with like terms and conditions. Upon surrender for
registration of transfer of any Note at the office or agency of the Company
maintained for such purpose, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee, one or more
new registered Notes of the like aggregate principal amount of such
denominations as are authorized for Notes of a like Stated Maturity and with
like terms and conditions. No service charge will be made for any transfer or
exchange of Notes, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to
cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
(Section 3.05)
The Company shall not be required (i) to register, transfer or exchange
Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the
day of the transmission of a notice of redemption of Notes of a like Stated
Maturity and with like terms and conditions selected for redemption and ending
at the close of business on the day of such transmission, or (ii) to register,
transfer or exchange any Note so selected for redemption in whole or in part,
except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. (Section 3.05)
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under the Indenture, "Event of Default" with respect to any Note means any
one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and
whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law,
pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or
regulation of any administrative or governmental body): (1) default in the
payment of any interest upon any Note when it becomes due and payable, and
continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; (2) default in the payment
of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Note at its Maturity;
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(3) default in the performance or breach of any covenant or warranty in the
Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or
whose breach is elsewhere in the Indenture specifically dealt with), and
continuance of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has
been given to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by
the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding, a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it
to be remedied; (4) default (i) in the payment of any principal of or interest
on any Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (other than
Notes), aggregating more than $10,000,000 in principal amount, when due after
giving effect to any applicable grace period or (ii) in the performance of any
other term or provision of any Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary of
the Company (other than Notes) in excess of $10,000,000 principal amount that
results in such Indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to
the date on which it would otherwise become due and payable, and such
acceleration shall not have been rescinded or annulled, or such Indebtedness
shall not have been discharged, within a period of 15 days after there has been
given to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the
Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding, a written notice specifying such default or defaults; (5) the entry
against the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of one or more judgments,
decrees or orders by a court from which no appeal may be or is taken for the
payment of money, either individually or in the aggregate, in excess of
$10,000,000, and the continuance of such judgment, decree or order unsatisfied
and in effect for any period of 45 consecutive days after the amount thereof is
due without a stay of execution; (6) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization with respect to the Company; or (7) any other Event of Default
with respect to the subject Note described in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. (Section 8.01)
The Indenture requires the Company to file with the Trustee, annually, an
officer's certificate as to the Company's compliance with all conditions and
covenants under the Indenture. (Section 6.04) The Indenture provides that the
Trustee may withhold notice to the Holders of Notes of any default (except
payment defaults on any Note) if it determines that the withholding of such
notice is in the interest of the Holders of such Notes. (Section 8.12)
If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes at the time outstanding
occurs and is continuing, then in every case the Trustee or the Holders of not
less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may
declare the principal amount (or, if any Notes are Original Issue Discount
Notes, the Amortized Face Amount) of all the Notes to be due and payable
immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given
by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or Amortized
Face Amount) shall become immediately due and payable. Upon payment of such
amount in United States dollars, all obligations of the Company in respect of
the payment of principal of the Notes shall terminate (except as otherwise
provided in the Indenture or the Prospectus Supplement). (Section 8.02)
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, in case an Event of Default with respect to the Notes shall occur and
be continuing, the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of its
rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the
Holders of the Notes unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee
reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities
which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
(Section 9.03). The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
Notes shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee under the Indenture, or
exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the
Notes, unless the Trustee determines that the proceeding or action so directed
may not lawfully be taken, would involve the Trustee in personal liability or
would be unduly prejudicial to other Holders of Notes. (Section 8.11)
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to the
Notes has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due
has been obtained by the Trustee as provided
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in the Indenture, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Notes then outstanding, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may
rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if (1) the Company has
paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum in United States dollars sufficient to
pay (A) all overdue installments of interest on all Notes, (B) the principal of
(and premium, if any, on) any Notes which have become due otherwise than by such
declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed
therefor in such Notes; (C) to the extent that payment of such interest is
lawful, interest upon overdue installments of interest on each Note at the rate
borne by such Note, and (D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee and the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee,
its agents and counsel; and (2) all Events of Default with respect to the Notes,
other than the nonpayment of the principal of the Notes which have become due
solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as
provided in the Indenture. No such rescission and waiver will affect any
subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon. (Section 8.02)
MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION
The Indenture provides that the Company may not consolidate with or merge
into any other corporation or convey, transfer or lease its properties and
assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, (1) unless the corporation
formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person
which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and
assets of the Company substantially as an entirety (the "successor corporation")
is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States or
any State or the District of Columbia and expressly assumes by a supplemental
indenture the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any)
and interest on all Notes and the performance of every covenant of the Indenture
on the part of the Company to be performed or observed; (2) unless immediately
after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event
which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default,
shall have occurred and be continuing; (3) if, as a result of any such
consolidation or merger or such conveyance, transfer or lease, properties or
assets of the Company would become subject to a mortgage, pledge, lien, security
interest or other encumbrance which would not otherwise be permitted by the
Indenture without making effective provision whereby the Notes then outstanding
and any other indebtedness of the Company then entitled thereto will be equally
and ratably secured with any and all indebtedness and obligations secured
thereby, the Company or such successor corporation or Person, as the case may
be, will take such steps as will be necessary effectively to secure all Notes
equally and ratably with (or prior to) all indebtedness secured thereby; and (4)
unless the Company has delivered to the Trustee an officers' certificate and an
opinion of counsel each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance,
transfer or lease and such supplemental indenture comply with the provisions of
the Indenture and that all conditions precedent therein provided for relating to
such transaction have been complied with. (Section 12.01)
MODIFICATION OR WAIVER
Without the consent of any Holders, the Company and the Trustee, at any time
and from time to time, may enter into a supplemental indenture for any of the
following purposes: (1) to make such provision in regard to matters or questions
arising under the Indenture as may be necessary or desirable and not
inconsistent with the Indenture or for the purpose of supplying any omission,
curing any ambiguity, or curing, correcting or supplementing any defective or
inconsistent provision; PROVIDED that such provisions may not adversely affect
the interests of Holders of outstanding Notes created prior to the execution of
such supplemental indenture in any material respect; (2) to change or eliminate
any of the provisions of this Indenture; PROVIDED that any such change or
elimination shall become effective only when there is no outstanding Note
created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture which is entitled
to the benefit of such provision; (3) to secure the Notes; (4) to establish the
form of Notes as permitted by the Indenture or to establish or reflect any terms
of any Note determined in accordance with the Indenture;
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(5) to evidence the succession of another corporation to the Company, and the
assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company in the
Indenture and in the Notes; (6) to grant to or confer upon the Trustee for the
benefit of the Holders any additional rights, remedies, powers or authority; (7)
to permit the Trustee to comply with any duties imposed upon it by law; (8) to
specify further the duties and responsibilities of, and to define further the
relationships among, the Trustee, any Authenticating Agent and any paying agent;
(9) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all
or any Notes (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all
Notes, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the
benefit of such Notes), or to surrender a right or power conferred on the
Company in the Indenture; and (10) to add any additional Events of Default (and
if such Events of Default are to be applicable to less than all Notes, stating
that such Events of Default are expressly being included for the benefit of such
Notes). (Section 13.01)
With the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the Notes then outstanding that would be affected by the particular
supplemental indenture, the Company and the Trustee, may at any time and from
time to time, enter into a supplemental indenture for the purpose of adding any
provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of
the Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of such
Notes; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no such supplemental indenture may (i) change the
Stated Maturity of any Note; or reduce the rate of interest on any Note; or
change the method of calculating interest, or any term used in the calculation
of interest or the period for which interest is payable, on any Floating Rate
Note; or reduce the principal amount of any Note or any premium thereon, or
reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Note that would
be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof,
or adversely affect the right of repayment or renewal, if any, at the option of
the Holder; or change the currency of payment of any Note; or change the date on
which any Note may be redeemed; or adversely affect the rights of any Holder to
institute suit for the enforcement of any payment of principal of or any premium
or interest on any Note; in each case without the consent of the Holder of each
Note then outstanding that would be affected thereby, including Notes for which
an offer to purchase has been accepted by the Company, or (ii) reduce the
aforesaid percentage of the principal amount of Notes, the Holders of which are
required to consent to any such supplemental indenture, or the percentage in
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, the consent of the Holders of
which is required for any waiver of certain past defaults or Events of Default
under the Indenture or the consequences thereof, in each case without the
consent of the Holders of all of the Notes then outstanding. (Section 13.02)
Prior to any declaration accelerating the Maturity of the Notes, the Holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may on
behalf of the Holders of all the Notes waive any past default or Event of
Default under the Indenture and its consequences, except a default (1) in the
payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Note, or (2) in
respect of a covenant or provision hereof which pursuant to the second paragraph
under "Modification or Waiver" cannot be modified or amended without the consent
of the Holder of each Note then outstanding that would be affected thereby. Upon
any such waiver, such default will cease to exist, and any Event of Default
arising therefrom will be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of the
Indenture and the Notes, but no such waiver will extend to any subsequent or
other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
(Section 8.11)
The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with the covenants
in the Indenture described above under "Restrictions on Secured Debt" (and if so
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, any covenant not set forth in
the Indenture but specified in such Prospectus Supplement to be applicable to
any Note, except as otherwise provided in such Prospectus Supplement), if before
the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding either waive such compliance in
such instance or generally waive compliance with such covenants, but no such
waiver may extend to or affect any covenant except to the extent expressly so
waived, and, until such waiver becomes effective, the obligations of the Company
and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such covenant will remain in
full force and effect. (Section 6.07)
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DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
The Indenture may be discharged, subject to certain terms and conditions,
when (1) either (A) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered have been
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, or (B) all such Notes not theretofore
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable, (ii)
will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or (iii)
are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory
to the Trustee for the giving of notice by the Trustee, and the Company, in the
case of (i), (ii) or (iii) of this subclause (B), has irrevocably deposited or
caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for such purpose
an amount in United States dollars, U.S. Government Obligations maturing as to
principal and interest in such amounts and at such times as will ensure the
availability of United States dollars, or a combination of United States dollars
and U.S. Government Obligations, sufficient to pay and discharge the entire
indebtedness on such Notes for principal (and premium, if any) and interest to
the date of such deposit (in the case of Notes which have become due and
payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, in the event a petition for relief under any applicable
federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law is filed with
respect to the Company within 91 days after the deposit and the Trustee is
required to return the deposited money to the Company, the obligations of the
Company under the Indenture with respect to such Notes will not be deemed
terminated or discharged; (2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all
other sums payable under the Indenture by the Company; (3) the Company has
delivered to the Trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel each
stating that all conditions precedent therein provided for relating to the
satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture with respect to the Notes have been
complied with; and (4) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an opinion of
counsel or a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that Holders
of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes as a result of such deposit and discharge. (Section 5.01)
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS
So long as any of the Notes remain outstanding, the Company will maintain in
the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, an office or agency where the
Notes may be presented for registration of transfer and for exchange as in the
Indenture provided, and where, at any time when the Company is obligated to make
a payment upon Notes (other than a payment which it is permitted to make by
check), the Notes may be presented for payment, and will maintain at any such
office or agency and at its principal office an office or agency where notices
and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes or of this Indenture
may be served; PROVIDED that the Company may maintain at its principal executive
offices, one or more other offices or agencies for any or all of the foregoing
purposes. The Company has appointed the Trustee as agent of the Company for the
foregoing purposes. (Section 6.02)
REGARDING THE TRUSTEE
The Trustee is one of a number of banks with which the Company maintains
ordinary banking relationships and from which the Company has obtained credit
facilities and lines of credit.
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
Set forth below is a summary of certain defined terms as used in the
Indenture. Reference is made to Article One of the Indenture for the full
definition of all such terms.
"Common Shareholders' Equity," at any time, means the total common
shareholders' equity of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries,
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal
quarter of the Company for which financial information is then available.
"Holder" means the person in whose name a Registered Note is registered in
the Note register.
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"Indebtedness" means with respect to any person (i) any liability of such
person (a) for borrowed money, or (b) evidenced by a bond, note, debenture or
similar instrument (including purchase money obligations but excluding trade
payables), or (c) for the payment of money relating to a lease that is required
to be classified as a capitalized lease obligation in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles; (ii) any liability of others described in the
preceding clause (i) that such person has guaranteed, that is recourse to such
person or that is otherwise its legal liability; and (iii) any amendment,
supplement, modification, deferral, renewal, extension or refunding of any
liability of the types referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above.
"Maturity" when used with respect to any Note means the date on which the
principal of the Note or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as
provided therein or in the Indenture, whether at the Stated Maturity or by
declaration of acceleration, call for redemption, repayment at the option of the
Holder or otherwise.
"Outstanding" when used with respect to Notes, means, as of the date of
determination, all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered under the
Indenture, except as provided in such Indenture.
"Principal Facility" means the real property, fixtures, machinery and
equipment relating to any facility owned by the Company or any Subsidiary (which
may include a network of electric or gas distribution facilities or a network of
electric or gas transmission facilities), except any facility that, in the
opinion of the Board of Directors, is not of material importance to the business
conducted by the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
"Regulated Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary which owns or operates
facilities used for the transmission or distribution of electric energy and is
subject to the jurisdiction of any governmental authority of the United States
or any state or political subdivision thereof, as to any of its: rates;
services; accounts; issuances of securities; affiliate transactions; or
construction, acquisition or sale of any such facilities, except that any
"exempt wholesale generator", "qualifying facility", "foreign utility company",
and "power marketer", each as defined in the Indenture, shall not be a Regulated
Subsidiary.
"Subsidiary" means any corporation of which at least a majority of the
outstanding stock having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect a
majority of the directors of such corporation, irrespective of whether or not at
the time stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or
might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency, is at the
time, directly or indirectly, owned or controlled by the Company or by one or
more Subsidiaries thereof, or by the Company and one or more Subsidiaries.
"U.S. Government Obligations" means securities that are (i) direct
obligations of the United States for the payment of which its full faith and
credit is pledged, or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by
and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States the payment of
which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the
United States, which, in either case under clause (i) or (ii), are not callable
or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a
depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect
to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or
principal of any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the
account of the holder of a depository receipt; PROVIDED that (except as required
by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount
payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the
custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment
of interest on or principal of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such
depository receipt.
"Wholly-Owned Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of which all of the outstanding
voting stock (other than directors' qualifying shares) is at the time, directly
or indirectly, owned by the Company, or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries
of the Company or by the Company and one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries.
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UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following summary describes the principal United States federal income
tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Notes to
beneficial owners ("holders") of Notes purchasing Notes at their original
issuance. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), legislative history, administrative pronouncements, judicial
decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury Regulations (including
Treasury Regulations which set forth rules applicable to debt instruments issued
with "original issue discount", the "OID Regulations"), changes to any of which
subsequent to the date hereof may affect the tax consequences described herein.
Any such change may apply retroactively.
This summary discusses only the principal United States federal income tax
consequences to those holders holding Notes as capital assets within the meaning
of Section 1221 of the Code. It does not address all of the tax consequences
that may be relevant to a holder in light of the holder's particular
circumstances or to holders subject to special rules (including pension plans
and other tax-exempt investors, banks, thrifts, insurance companies, real estate
investment trusts, regulated investment companies, dealers in securities or
currencies and persons so treated for federal income tax purposes, persons whose
functional currency (as defined in Section 985 of the Code) is other than the
United States dollar, and persons who hold Notes as part of a straddle, hedging
or conversion transaction). This summary also assumes that a taxpayer obtains
any necessary consent of the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") before changing a
method of accounting.
Persons considering the purchase of Notes should consult their tax advisors
with regard to the application of United States federal income tax laws to their
particular situations as well as any tax consequences to them arising under the
laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction.
As used herein, the term "United States Holder" means a beneficial owner of
a Note who or which is, for United States federal income tax purposes, (i) a
citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership or
other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or
of any political subdivision thereof, or (iii) generally, an estate or trust
described in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code. The term also includes certain
holders who are former citizens or long-term residents of the United States
whose income and gain from the Notes will be subject to United States taxation.
TAXATION OF INTEREST
The taxation of interest on a Note depends on whether it constitutes
"qualified stated interest" (as defined below). Interest on a Note that
constitutes qualified stated interest is includible in a United States Holder's
income as ordinary interest income when actually or constructively received, if
such Holder uses the cash method of accounting for federal income tax purposes,
or when accrued, if such Holder uses an accrual method of accounting for federal
income tax purposes. Interest that does not constitute qualified stated interest
is included in a United States Holder's income under the rules described below
under "Original Issue Discount," regardless of such Holder's method of
accounting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, interest that is payable on a Note
with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from its issue date (a
"Short-Term Note") is included in a United States Holder's income under the
rules described below under "Short-Term Notes."
FIXED RATE NOTES
Interest on a Fixed Rate Note will constitute "qualified stated interest" if
the interest is unconditionally payable, or will be constructively received
under Section 451 of the Code, in cash or in property (other than debt
instruments of the Company) at least annually at a single fixed rate.
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FLOATING RATE NOTES
Interest on a Floating Rate Note that is unconditionally payable, or will be
constructively received under Section 451 of the Code, in cash or in property
(other than debt instruments of the Company) at least annually will constitute
"qualified stated interest" if the Note is a "variable rate debt instrument"
("VRDI") under the rules described below and the interest is payable at a single
"qualified floating rate" or single "objective rate" (each as defined below). If
the Note is a VRDI but the interest is payable other than at a single qualified
floating rate or at a single objective rate, special rules apply to determine
the portion of such interest that constitutes "qualified stated interest". See
"Original Issue Discount--FLOATING RATE NOTES THAT ARE VRDIS," below.
DEFINITION OF VARIABLE RATE DEBT INSTRUMENT (VRDI), QUALIFIED FLOATING RATE AND
OBJECTIVE RATE
A Note is a VRDI if all of the four following conditions are met. First, the
"issue price" of the Note (as described below) must not exceed the total
noncontingent principal payments by more than an amount equal to the lesser of
(i) .015 multiplied by the product of the total noncontingent principal payments
and the number of complete years to maturity from the issue date (or, in the
case of a Note that provides for payment of any amount other than qualified
stated interest before maturity, its weighted average maturity) and (ii) 15% of
the total noncontingent principal payments.
Second, the Note must provide for stated interest (compounded or paid at
least annually) at (a) one or more qualified floating rates, (b) a single fixed
rate and one or more qualified floating rates, (c) a single objective rate or
(d) a single fixed rate and a single objective rate that is a "qualified inverse
floating rate" (as defined below).
Third, the Note must provide that a qualified floating rate or objective
rate in effect at any time during the term of the Note is set at the value of
the rate on any day that is no earlier than three months prior to the first day
on which that value is in effect and no later than one year following that first
day.
Fourth, the Note may not provide for any principal payments that are
contingent except as provided in the first requirement set forth above.
Subject to certain exceptions, a variable rate of interest on a Note is a
"qualified floating rate" if variations in the value of the rate can reasonably
be expected to measure contemporaneous fluctuations in the cost of newly
borrowed funds in United States dollars. A variable rate will be considered a
qualified floating rate if the variable rate equals (i) the product of an
otherwise qualified floating rate and a fixed multiple (I.E., a Spread
Multiplier) that is greater than 0.65, but not more than 1.35 or (ii) the
product described in clause (i) plus or minus a fixed rate (I.E., a Spread). If
the variable rate equals the product of an otherwise qualified floating rate and
a single Spread Multiplier greater than 1.35 or less than or equal to 0.65,
however, such rate will generally constitute an objective rate, described more
fully below. A variable rate will not be considered a qualified floating rate if
the variable rate is subject to a cap, floor, governor (I.E., a restriction on
the amount of increase or decrease in the stated interest rate) or similar
restriction that is reasonably expected as of the issue date to cause the yield
on the Note to be significantly more or less than the expected yield determined
without the restriction (other than a cap, floor or governor that is fixed
throughout the term of the Note).
Subject to certain exceptions, an "objective rate" is a rate (other than a
qualified floating rate) that is determined using a single fixed formula and
that is based on objective financial or economic information that is neither
within the control of the Company (or a related party) nor unique to the
circumstances of the Company (or a related party). For example, an objective
rate generally includes a rate that is based on one or more qualified floating
rates or on the yield of actively traded personal property (within the meaning
of Section 1092(d)(1) of the Code). Notwithstanding the first sentence of this
paragraph, a rate on a Note is not an objective rate if it is reasonably
expected that the average value of the rate during the first half of the Note's
term will be either significantly less than or significantly greater than the
average
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value of the rate during the final half of the Note's term. An objective rate is
a "qualified inverse floating rate" if (a) the rate is equal to a fixed rate
minus a qualified floating rate and (b) the variations in the rate can
reasonably be expected to reflect inversely contemporaneous variations in the
cost of newly borrowed funds (disregarding any caps, floors, governors or
similar restrictions that would not, as described above, cause a rate to fail to
be a qualified floating rate).
If interest on a Note is stated at a fixed rate for an initial period of one
year or less, followed by a variable rate that is either a qualified floating
rate or an objective rate for a subsequent period, and the value of the variable
rate on the issue date is intended to approximate the fixed rate, the fixed rate
and the variable rate together constitute a single qualified floating rate or
objective rate.
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT
Original issue discount ("OID") with respect to a Note is the excess, if
any, of the Note's "stated redemption price at maturity" over the Note's "issue
price." A Note's "stated redemption price at maturity" is the sum of all
payments provided by the Note (whether designated as interest or as principal)
other than payments of qualified stated interest. The "issue price" of a Note is
the first price at which a substantial amount of the Notes in the issuance that
includes such Note is sold for money (excluding sales to bond houses, brokers or
similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters,
placement agents or wholesalers).
As described more fully below, United States Holders of Notes with OID that
mature more than one year from their issue date generally will be required to
include such OID in income as it accrues in accordance with the constant yield
method described below, irrespective of the timing of receipt of the related
cash payments. A United States Holder's tax basis in a Note is increased by each
accrual of OID and decreased by each payment other than a payment of qualified
stated interest.
The amount of OID with respect to a Note will be treated as zero if the OID
is less than an amount equal to .0025 multiplied by the product of the stated
redemption price at maturity and the number of complete years to maturity (or,
in the case of a Note that provides for payment of any amount other than
qualified stated interest prior to maturity, the weighted average maturity of
the Note). If the amount of OID with respect to a Note is less than that amount,
the de minimis OID that is not included in payments of stated interest is
generally included in income as capital gain as principal payments are made. The
amount includible with respect to a principal payment equals the product of the
total amount of de minimis OID and a fraction, the numerator of which is the
amount of such principal payment and the denominator of which is the stated
principal amount of the Note.
FIXED RATE NOTES
In the case of OID with respect to a Fixed Rate Note, the amount of OID
includible in the income of a United States Holder for any taxable year is
determined under the constant yield method, as follows. First, the "yield to
maturity" of the Note is computed. The yield to maturity is the discount rate
that, when used in computing the present value of all interest and principal
payments to be made under the Note (including payments of qualified stated
interest), produces an amount equal to the issue price of the Note. The yield to
maturity is constant over the term of the Note and, when expressed as a
percentage, must be calculated to at least two decimal places.
Second, the term of the Note is divided into "accrual periods." Accrual
periods may be of any length and may vary in length over the term of the Note,
provided that each accrual period is no longer than one year and that each
scheduled payment of principal or interest occurs either on the final day of an
accrual period or on the first day of an accrual period.
Third, the total amount of OID on the Note is allocated among accrual
periods. In general, the OID allocable to an accrual period equals the product
of the "adjusted issue price" of the Note at the beginning
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of the accrual period and the yield to maturity of the Note, less the amount of
any qualified stated interest allocable to the accrual period. The adjusted
issue price of a Note at the beginning of the first accrual period is its issue
price. Thereafter, the adjusted issue price of the Note is its issue price,
increased by the amount of OID previously includible in the gross income of any
holder and decreased by the amount of any payment previously made on the Note
other than a payment of qualified stated interest. For purposes of computing the
adjusted issue price of a Note, the amount of OID previously includible in the
gross income of any holder is determined without regard to "premium," and
"acquisition premium." as those terms are defined below under "Premium and
Acquisition Premium."
Fourth, the "daily portions" of OID are determined by allocating to each day
in an accrual period its ratable portion of the OID allocable to the accrual
period.
A United States Holder includes in income in any taxable year the daily
portions of OID for each day during the taxable year that such Holder held
Notes. In general, under the constant yield method described above, United
States Holders will be required to include in income increasingly greater
amounts of OID in successive accrual periods.
FLOATING RATE NOTES THAT ARE VRDIS
The taxation of OID (including interest that does not constitute qualified
stated interest) on a Floating Rate Note will depend on whether the Note is a
"VRDI," as that term is defined above under "Taxation of Interest--DEFINITION OF
VARIABLE RATE DEBT INSTRUMENT (VRDI), QUALIFIED FLOATING RATE AND OBJECTIVE
RATE."
In the case of a VRDI that provides for qualified stated interest (as
described above under "Taxation of Interest--Floating Rate Notes"), the amount
of qualified stated interest and the amount of OID, if any, includible in income
during a taxable year are determined under the rules applicable to Fixed Rate
Notes (described above) by assuming that the variable rate is a fixed rate equal
to (i) in the case of a qualified floating rate or a qualified inverse floating
rate, the value, as of the issue date, of the qualified floating rate or
qualified inverse floating rate, or (ii) in the case of an objective rate (other
than a qualified inverse floating rate), the rate that reflects the yield that
is reasonably expected for the Note. Qualified stated interest allocable to an
accrual period is increased (or decreased) if the interest actually paid during
an accrual period exceeds (or is less than) the interest assumed to be paid
during the accrual period.
If a Note that is a VRDI does not provide for qualified stated interest as
described above, the amount of interest and OID accruals are determined by
constructing an equivalent fixed rate debt instrument, as follows.
First, in the case of a Note that provides for interest at one or more
qualified floating rates or at a qualified inverse floating rate and, in
addition, at a single fixed rate, replace the fixed rate with a qualified
floating rate (or qualified inverse floating rate) such that the fair market
value of the Note, so modified, as of the issue date would be approximately the
same as the fair market value of the unmodified Note.
Second, determine the fixed rate substitute for each variable rate provided
by the Note. The fixed rate substitute for each qualified floating rate provided
by the Note is the value of that qualified floating rate on the issue date. If
the Note provides for two or more qualified floating rates with different
intervals between interest adjustment dates (for example, the 30-day Commercial
Paper Rate and quarterly LIBOR), the fixed rate substitutes are based on
intervals that are equal in length (for example, the 90-day Commercial Paper
Rate and quarterly LIBOR, or the 30-day Commercial Paper Rate and monthly
LIBOR). The fixed rate substitute for an objective rate that is a qualified
inverse floating rate is the value of the qualified inverse floating rate on the
issue date. The fixed rate substitute for an objective rate (other than a
qualified inverse floating rate) is a fixed rate that reflects the yield that is
reasonably expected for the Note.
Third, construct an equivalent fixed rate debt instrument that has terms
that are identical to those provided under the Note, except that the equivalent
fixed rate debt instrument provides for the fixed rate
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substitutes determined in the second step, in lieu of the qualified floating
rates or objective rate provided by the Note.
Fourth, determine the amount of qualified stated interest and OID for the
equivalent fixed rate debt instrument under the rules (described above) for
Fixed Rate Notes. These amounts are taken into account as if the United States
Holder held the equivalent fixed rate debt instrument. See "Taxation of
Interest" and "Original Issue Discount--FIXED RATE NOTES," above.
Fifth, make appropriate adjustments for the actual values of the variable
rates. In this step, qualified stated interest or OID allocable to an accrual
period is increased (or decreased) if the interest actually accrued or paid
during the accrual period exceeds (or is less than) the interest assumed to be
accrued or paid during the accrual period under the equivalent fixed rate debt
instrument.
FLOATING RATE NOTES THAT ARE NOT VRDIS
The tax treatment of Floating Rate Notes that are not VRDIs ("Contingent
Notes") is as follows. First, the Company is required to determine, as of the
issue date, the comparable yield for the Contingent Note. The comparable yield
is generally the yield at which the Company would issue a fixed rate debt
instrument with terms and conditions similar to those of the Contingent Note
(including the level of subordination, term, timing of payments and general
market conditions, but not taking into consideration the riskiness of the
contingencies or the liquidity of the Contingent Note), but not less than the
applicable federal rate (the "AFR"), announced monthly by the IRS, based on the
overall maturity of the Contingent Note. In certain cases where Contingent Notes
are marketed or sold in substantial part to tax-exempt investors or other
investors for whom the prescribed inclusion of interest is not expected to have
a substantial effect on their U.S. tax liability, the comparable yield for the
Contingent Note, without proper evidence to the contrary, is presumed to be the
AFR.
Second, solely for tax purposes, the Company constructs a projected schedule
of payments determined under the OID Regulations for the Contingent Note (the
"Schedule"). The Schedule is determined as of the issue date and generally
remains in place throughout the term of the Contingent Note. If a right to a
contingent payment is based on market information, the amount of the projected
payment is the forward price of the contingent payment. If a contingent payment
is not based on market information, the amount of the projected payment is the
expected value of the contingent payment as of the issue date. The Schedule must
produce the comparable yield determined as set forth above. Otherwise, the
Schedule must be adjusted under the rules set forth in the OID Regulations.
Third, under the usual rules applicable to OID and based on the Schedule,
the interest income on the Contingent Note for each accrual period is determined
by multiplying the comparable yield of the Contingent Note (adjusted for the
length of the accrual period) by the Contingent Note's adjusted issue price at
the beginning of the accrual period (determined under rules set forth in the OID
Regulations). The amount so determined is then allocated on a ratable basis to
each day in the accrual period that the United States Holder held the Contingent
Note.
Fourth, appropriate adjustments are made to the interest income determined
under the foregoing rules to account for any differences between the Schedule
and actual contingent payments. Under the rules set forth in the OID
Regulations, differences between the actual amounts of any contingent payments
made in a calendar year and the projected amounts of such payments are generally
aggregated and taken into account, in the case of a positive difference, as
additional interest income, or, in the case of a negative difference, first as a
reduction in interest income for such year and thereafter, subject to certain
limitations, as ordinary loss.
The Company is required to provide each holder of a Contingent Note with the
Schedule described above. If the Company does not create a Schedule or the
Schedule is unreasonable, a United States Holder must set its own projected
payment schedule and explicitly disclose the use of such schedule and the reason
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therefor. Unless otherwise prescribed by the IRS, the United States Holder must
make such disclosure on a statement attached to the United States Holder's
timely filed federal income tax return for the taxable year in which the
Contingent Note was acquired, in which case the market discount will be
considered to be zero.
Prospective holders of Contingent Notes should carefully examine the
applicable Pricing Supplement and should consult their tax advisors regarding
the federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of such
Notes. See also the discussion regarding Contingent Notes under "Sale, Exchange
or Retirement of the Notes" below.
OTHER RULES
Certain Notes having OID may be redeemed prior to maturity or may be
repayable at the option of the holder. Such Notes may be subject to rules that
differ from the general rules discussed above relating to the tax treatment of
OID. Purchasers of such Notes with a redemption feature should consult their tax
advisors with respect to such feature since the tax consequences with respect to
OID will depend, in part, on the particular terms and the particular features of
the purchased Note.
The Treasury Regulations relating to the tax treatment of OID contain
certain language ("aggregation rules") stating in general that, with some
exceptions, if more than one type of Note is issued in connection with the same
transaction or related transactions, such Notes may be treated as a single debt
instrument with a single issue price, maturity date, yield to maturity and
stated redemption price at maturity for purposes of calculating and accruing any
OID. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Company does not expect to treat different types of Notes as being subject to
the aggregation rules for purposes of computing OID.
MARKET DISCOUNT
If a United States Holder acquires a Note having a maturity date of more
than one year from the date of its issuance and has a tax basis in the Note that
is, in the case of a Note that does not have OID, less than its stated
redemption price at maturity, or, in the case of a Note that has OID, less than
its adjusted issue price (as defined above under "Original Issue Discount--Fixed
Rate Notes"), the amount of such difference is treated as "market discount" for
federal income tax purposes, unless such difference is less than 1/4 of one
percent of the stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the number of
complete years to maturity (from the date of acquisition).
Under the market discount rules of the Code, a United States Holder is
required to treat any principal payment (or, in the case of a Note that has OID,
any payment that does not constitute a payment of qualified stated interest) on,
or any gain on the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of, a Note as
ordinary income to the extent of the accrued market discount that has not
previously been included in income under the election described in the following
paragraph. Thus, partial principal payments are treated as ordinary income to
the extent of accrued market discount that has not previously been included in
income. If such Note is disposed of by the United States Holder in certain
otherwise nontaxable transactions, accrued market discount will be includible as
ordinary income by the United States Holder as if such Holder had sold the Note
at its then fair market value.
With respect to Notes with market discount, a United States Holder may not
be allowed to deduct immediately a portion of the interest expense on any
indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or to carry such Notes. A United
States Holder may elect to include market discount in income currently as it
accrues, in which case the interest deferral rule set forth in the preceding
sentence will not apply. Such an election will apply to all debt instruments
acquired by the United States Holder on or after the first day of the first
taxable year to which such election applies and is irrevocable without the
consent of the IRS. A United States Holder's tax basis in a Note will be
increased by the amount of market discount included in such Holder's income
under such an election.
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In general, the amount of market discount that has accrued is determined on
a ratable basis. A United States Holder may, however, elect to determine the
amount of accrued market discount on a constant yield to maturity basis. This
election is made on a Note-by-Note basis and is irrevocable.
The application of the foregoing rules may be different in the case of
Contingent Notes. Accordingly, prospective purchasers of Contingent Notes should
consult with their tax advisors with respect to the application of such rules to
such Notes.
PREMIUM AND ACQUISITION PREMIUM
If a United States Holder purchases a Note for an amount in excess of the
sum of all amounts payable on the Note after the date of acquisition (other than
payments of qualified stated interest), such Holder will be considered to have
purchased such Note with "amortizable bond premium" equal in amount to such
excess, and generally will not be required to include any OID in income.
Generally, a United States Holder may elect to amortize such premium as an
offset to qualified stated interest income, using a constant yield method
similar to that described above (SEE "--Original Issue Discount Notes"), over
the remaining term of the Note (where such Note is not redeemable prior to its
maturity date). In the case of Notes that may be redeemed prior to maturity, the
premium is calculated assuming that the Company or the United States Holder will
exercise or not exercise its redemption rights in a manner that maximizes the
United States Holder's yield. A United States Holder who elects to amortize bond
premium must reduce such Holder's tax basis in the Note by the amount of the
premium used to offset qualified stated interest income as set forth above. An
election to amortize bond premium applies to all taxable debt obligations then
owned and thereafter acquired by such Holder and may be revoked only with the
consent of the IRS.
If a United States Holder purchases a Note issued with OID at an
"acquisition premium," the amount of OID that the United States Holder includes
in gross income is reduced to reflect the acquisition premium. A Note is
purchased at an acquisition premium if its adjusted tax basis, immediately after
its purchase, is (a) less than or equal to the sum of all amounts payable on the
Note after the purchase date other than payments of qualified stated interest
and (b) greater than the Note's "adjusted issue price" (as described above under
"Original Issue Discount--FIXED RATE NOTES").
If a Note is purchased at an acquisition premium, the United States Holder
reduces the amount of OID otherwise includible in income during an accrual
period by an amount equal to (i) the amount of OID otherwise includible in
income multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the excess of
the adjusted tax basis of the Note immediately after its acquisition by the
purchaser over the adjusted issue price of the Note and the denominator of which
is the excess of the sum of all amounts payable on the Note after the purchase
date, other than payments of qualified stated interest, over the Note's adjusted
issue price.
As an alternative to reducing the amount of OID otherwise includible in
income by this fraction, the United States Holder may elect to compute OID
accruals by treating the purchase as a purchase at original issuance and
applying the constant yield method described above.
The application of the foregoing rules may be different in the case of
Contingent Notes. Accordingly, prospective purchasers of Contingent Notes should
consult with their tax advisors with respect to the application of such rules to
such Notes.
SHORT-TERM NOTES
In the case of a Short-Term Note, no interest is treated as qualified stated
interest, and therefore all interest is included in OID. United States Holders
that report income for federal income tax purposes on an accrual method and
certain other United States Holders, including banks and dealers in securities,
are required to include OID in income on such Short-Term Notes on a
straight-line basis, unless an election is made to accrue the OID according to a
constant yield method based on daily compounding.
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Any other United States Holder of a Short-Term Note is not required to
accrue OID for federal income tax purposes (unless it elects to do so) with the
consequence that the reporting of such income is deferred until it is received.
In the case of a United States Holder that is not required, and does not elect,
to include OID in income currently, any gain realized on the sale, exchange or
retirement of a Short-Term Note is ordinary income to the extent of the OID
accrued on a straight-line basis (or, if elected, according to a constant yield
method based on daily compounding) through the date of sale, exchange or
retirement. In addition, United States Holders that are not required, and do not
elect, to include OID in income currently are required to defer deductions for
any interest paid on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry a
Short-Term Note in an amount not exceeding the deferred interest income with
respect to such Short-Term Note (which includes both the accrued OID and accrued
interest that are payable but that have not been included in gross income),
until such deferred interest income is realized. A United States Holder of a
Short-Term Note may elect to apply the foregoing rules (except for the rule
characterizing gain on sale, exchange or retirement as ordinary) with respect to
"acquisition discount" rather than OID. Acquisition discount is the excess of
the stated redemption price at maturity of the Short-Term Note over the United
States Holder's tax basis in the Short-Term Note. This election applies to all
obligations acquired by the taxpayer on or after the first day of the first
taxable year to which such election applies, unless revoked with the consent of
the IRS. A United States Holder's tax basis in a Short-Term Note is increased by
the amount included in such Holder's income on such a Note.
ELECTION TO TREAT ALL INTEREST AS OID
United States Holders may elect to include in gross income all interest that
accrues on a Note, including any stated interest, acquisition discount, OID,
market discount, DE MINIMIS OID, de minimis market discount and unstated
interest (as adjusted by amortizable bond premium and acquisition premium), by
using the constant yield method described above under "Original Issue Discount."
Such an election for a Note with amortizable bond premium will result in a
deemed election to amortize bond premium for all debt instruments owned and
later acquired by the United States Holder with amortizable bond premium and may
be revoked only with the permission of the IRS. Similarly, such an election for
a Note with market discount will result in a deemed election to accrue market
discount in income currently for such Note and for all other debt instruments
acquired by the United States Holder with market discount on or after the first
day of the taxable year to which such election first applies, and may be revoked
only with the permission of the IRS. A United States Holder's tax basis in a
Note will be increased by each accrual of the amounts treated as OID under the
constant yield election described in this paragraph.
EXTENDIBLE NOTES, RENEWABLE NOTES AND RESET NOTES
If so specified in an applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to a Note,
the Company or a holder may have the option to extend the maturity of a Note (an
"Extendible Note") or to renew such Note. See "Description of Notes--Extension
of Maturity" and "Description of Notes--Renewable Notes." In addition, the
Company may have the option to reset the interest rate, the Spread or the Spread
Multiplier with respect to a Note. See "Description of Notes--Reset Notes." The
treatment of a United States Holder of Notes to which such options apply will
depend, in part, on the terms established for such Notes by the Company pursuant
to the exercise of such option by the Company or a holder. Upon the exercise of
any such option, the United States Holder of such Notes may be treated for
federal income tax purposes as having exchanged such Notes (the "Old Notes") for
new Notes with revised terms (the "New Notes"). If such holder is treated as
having exchanged Old Notes for New Notes, such exchange may be treated as either
a taxable exchange or a tax-free recapitalization.
Regulations under Section 1001 of the Code (the "Section 1001 Regulations")
generally provide that the exercise of an option provided to an issuer or a
holder to change a term of a debt instrument (such as the maturity or the
interest rate) in a manner such as that contemplated for Extendible Notes,
Renewable
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Notes and Reset Notes will create a deemed exchange of Old Notes for New Notes
if such exercise modifies such terms to a degree that is "economically
significant." With respect to certain types of debt instruments, under the
Section 1001 Regulations a deemed exchange for tax purposes occurs if the
exercise of such an option alters the annual yield of the debt instrument by
more than the greater of (i) 25 basis points or (ii) 5 percent of the annual
yield of the debt instrument prior to modification. The exercise of an option
that changes the timing of payments under a debt instrument creates a deemed
exchange under the Section 1001 Regulations (whether or not the annual yield is
altered) if there is a "material deferral" of scheduled payments. In this
connection, the Section 1001 Regulations generally provide that a deferral of
scheduled payments within a safe-harbor period which begins on the original due
date for the first deferred payment and extends for a period not longer than the
lesser of five years or 50 percent of the original term of the debt instrument
will not be considered to be a material deferral.
If the exercise of the option by the Company or a holder is not treated as
an exchange of Old Notes for New Notes, no gain or loss will be recognized by a
United States Holder as a result thereof. If the exercise of the option is
treated as a taxable exchange of Old Notes for New Notes, a United States Holder
will recognize gain or loss generally equal to the difference between the issue
price of the New Notes and such Holder's tax basis in the Old Notes. However, if
the exercise of the option is treated as a tax-free recapitalization, no loss
will be recognized by a United States Holder as a result thereof and gain, if
any, will be recognized to the extent of the fair market value of the excess, if
any, of the principal amount of securities received over the principal amount of
securities surrendered. In this regard, the meaning of the term "principal
amount" is not clear. Such term could be interpreted to mean "issue price" with
respect to securities that are received and "adjusted issue price" with respect
to securities that are surrendered. Legislation to that effect has been
introduced in the past. It is not possible to determine whether such legislation
will be enacted in the future, and, if enacted, whether it would apply to a
recapitalization occurring prior to the date of enactment.
The presence of such options may also affect the calculation of interest
income and OID, among other things. For purposes of determining the yield and
maturity of a Note, if the Company has an unconditional option or combination of
options to require payments to be made on the Note under an alternative payment
schedule or schedules (e.g., an option to extend or an option to call the Note
at a fixed premium), it will be deemed to exercise or not exercise the option or
combination of options in a manner that minimizes the yield on the Note.
Conversely, a holder having such option or a combination of such options will be
deemed to exercise or not exercise such option or combination of options in a
manner that maximizes the yield on such Note. If both the Company and the holder
have options, the foregoing rules are applied to the options in the order that
they may be exercised. Thus, the deemed exercise of one option may eliminate
other options that are later in time. If the exercise of such option or options
actually occurs or does not occur, contrary to what is deemed to occur pursuant
to the foregoing rules, then, solely for purposes of the accrual of OID, the
yield and maturity of the Note are redetermined by treating the Note as having
been retired and then reissued on the date of the occurrence or non-occurrence
of the exercise for an amount equal to its adjusted issue price on that date.
Depending on the terms of the options described above, the presence of such
options may instead cause the Notes to be taxable as Contingent Notes under the
OID Regulations. See "Original Issue Discount--FLOATING RATE NOTES THAT ARE NOT
VRDIS."
THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION OF EXTENDIBLE NOTES, RENEWABLE NOTES AND RESET
NOTES IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. ADDITIONAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
MAY ARISE FROM THE OWNERSHIP OF SUCH NOTES IN LIGHT OF THE PARTICULAR FEATURES
OR COMBINATION OF FEATURES OF SUCH NOTES AND, ACCORDINGLY, PERSONS CONSIDERING
THE PURCHASE OF SUCH NOTES ARE ADVISED AND EXPECTED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN
LEGAL AND TAX ADVISERS REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE OWNERSHIP AND
DISPOSITION OF SUCH NOTES.
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INTEGRATION OF NOTES WITH OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Any United States Holder of Notes that also acquires or has acquired any
financial instrument which, in combination with such Notes, would permit the
calculation of a single yield to maturity or could generally constitute a VRDI
of an equivalent term, may in certain circumstances treat such Notes and such
financial instrument as an integrated debt instrument for purposes of the Code,
with a single determination of issue price and the character and timing of
income, deductions, gains and losses. (For purposes of determining OID, none of
the payments under the integrated debt instrument will be treated as qualified
stated interest.) Moreover, under the OID Regulations, the IRS may require in
certain circumstances that a United States Holder who owns Notes integrate such
Notes with a financial instrument held or acquired by such Holder or a related
party. United States Holders should consult their tax advisors as to such
possible integration.
SALE, EXCHANGE, REDEMPTION OR RETIREMENT OF NOTES
A United States Holder generally will recognize gain or loss upon the sale,
exchange, redemption or retirement of a Note equal to the difference between the
amount realized upon such sale, exchange, redemption or retirement and the
United States Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Note. Such adjusted basis in
the Note generally will equal the cost of the Note, increased by OID,
acquisition discount or market discount previously included in respect thereof,
and reduced (but not below zero) by any payments on the Note other than payments
of qualified stated interest and by any premium that the United States Holder
has taken into account. To the extent attributable to accrued but unpaid
qualified stated interest, the amount realized by the United States Holder will
be treated as a payment of interest, taxable as ordinary income. Generally, any
gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if the Note was held as a capital
asset, except as provided under "Market Discount" and "Short-Term Notes". The
maximum tax rate for non-corporate taxpayers on adjusted net capital gain is
20%. Adjusted net capital gain is generally the excess of net long-term capital
gain (the net gain on capital assets held for more than 12 months) over net
short-term capital loss (the net loss on capital assets held for 12 months or
less). Net short-term capital gain (net gain on assets held for 12 months or
less) is subject to tax at the same rates as ordinary income. Capital losses are
deductible by non-corporate taxpayers only to the extent of capital gains for
the taxable year plus $3,000. Capital gains are subject to tax at the same rates
as ordinary income for corporate taxpayers. Capital losses of corporate
taxpayers are deductible only against capital gains.
The sale, exchange, redemption or retirement of a Contingent Note may be
subject to special rules different than those described in the preceding
paragraph and under which, except in certain circumstances, gain or loss on the
sale, exchange or retirement will be ordinary income or loss. United States
Holders of Contingent Notes should consult their tax advisors regarding the
application of these rules to their particular situations.
NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
Under current United States federal income tax law, and subject to the
discussion of backup withholding in the following section, payments of principal
and interest (including OID) with respect to a Note by the Company or by any
paying agent to any beneficial owner of a Note that is not a United States
Holder (hereinafter, a Non-United States Holder) will not be subject to the
withholding of United States federal income tax, provided, in the case of
interest (including OID), that (i) such Holder does not actually or
constructively (under the applicable attribution rules of the Code) own 10% or
more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company
entitled to vote, (ii) such Holder is not for federal income tax purposes a
controlled foreign corporation related, directly or indirectly, to the Company
through stock ownership, (iii) such Holder is not a bank receiving interest
described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code and (iv) either (A) the beneficial
owner of the Note certifies, under penalties of perjury, to the Company or
paying agent, as the case may be, that such Holder is a Non-United States Holder
and provides such Holder's name and address, or (B) a securities clearing
organization, bank or
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other financial institution that holds customers' securities in the ordinary
course of its trade or business (a "financial institution") and holds the Note,
certifies, under penalties of perjury, to the Company or paying agent, as the
case may be, that such certificate has been received from the beneficial owner
by it or by a financial institution between it and the beneficial owner and
furnishes the payor with a copy thereof. A certificate described in this
paragraph is effective only with respect to payments of interest (including OID)
made to the certifying Non-United States Holder after the issuance of the
certificate in the calendar year of its issuance and the two immediately
succeeding calendar years. Under temporary Treasury Regulations, the foregoing
certification may be provided by the beneficial owner of a Note on IRS Form W-8.
On October 14, 1997, the IRS published in the Federal Register final
regulations (the "1997 Final Regulations") which affect the United States
taxation of Non-United States Holders. The 1997 Final Regulations are currently
expected to become effective for payments after December 31, 1999, regardless of
the issue date of the instrument with respect to which such payments are made,
subject to certain transition rules (see below). The discussion under this
heading and under "Backup Withholding and Information Reporting," below, is not
intended to be a complete discussion of the provisions of the 1997 Final
Regulations, and prospective purchasers of the Notes are urged to consult their
tax advisors concerning the tax consequences of their acquiring, holding and
disposing of the Notes in light of the 1997 Final Regulations.
The 1997 Final Regulations provide documentation procedures designed to
simplify compliance by withholding agents. The 1997 Final Regulations generally
do not affect the documentation rules described above, but add other
certification options. Under one such option, a withholding agent will be
allowed to rely on an intermediary withholding certificate furnished by a
"qualified intermediary" (as defined below) on behalf of one or more beneficial
owners (or other intermediaries) without having to obtain the beneficial owner
certificate described above. "Qualified intermediaries" include: (i) foreign
financial institutions or foreign clearing organizations (other than a United
States branch or United States office of such institution or organization) or
(ii) foreign branches or offices of United States financial institutions or
foreign branches or offices of United States clearing organizations, which, as
to both (i) and (ii), have entered into withholding agreements with the IRS. In
addition to certain other requirements, qualified intermediaries must obtain
withholding certificates, such as revised IRS Form W-8 (see below), from each
beneficial owner. Under another option, an authorized foreign agent of a United
States withholding agent will be permitted to act on behalf of the United States
withholding agent, provided certain conditions are met.
For purposes of the certification requirements, the 1997 Final Regulations
generally treat, as the beneficial owners of payments on a Note, those persons
that, under general United States federal income tax principles, are the actual
taxpayers with respect to such payments, rather than persons such as nominees or
agents legally entitled to such payments. In the case of payments to an entity
classified as a foreign partnership under United States federal income tax
principles, the partners, rather than the partnership, generally will be
required to provide the required certifications to qualify for the withholding
exemption described above. A payment to a United States partnership, however, is
treated for these purposes as payment to a United States payee, even if the
partnership has one or more foreign partners. The 1997 Final Regulations provide
certain presumptions with respect to withholding for holders not furnishing the
required certifications to qualify for the withholding exemption described
above. In addition, the 1997 Final Regulations will replace a number of current
tax certification forms (including IRS Form W-8 and IRS Form 4224, discussed
below) with a single, revised IRS Form W-8 (which, in certain circumstances,
requires information in addition to that previously required). Under the 1997
Final Regulations, this Form W-8 will remain valid until the last day of the
third calendar year following the year in which the certificate is signed.
The 1997 Final Regulations provide transition rules concerning existing
certificates, such as IRS Form W-8 and IRS Form 4224. Valid withholding
certificates that are held on December 31, 1998 will generally remain valid
until the earlier of December 31, 1999 or the date of expiration of the
certificate under the
36
<PAGE>
law in effect prior to January 1, 1999. Further, certificates dated prior to
January 1, 1998 will generally remain valid until the end of 1998, irrespective
of the date that their validity expires during 1998. The IRS has announced that
the 1997 Final Regulations will be amended to provide that valid withholding
certificates that are held on December 31, 1999, will generally remain valid
until the earlier of December 31, 2000, or the expiration of the certificate
under the law in effect prior to January 1, 2000.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, interest described in Section 871(h)(4) of
the Code will be subject to United States withholding tax at a 30% rate (or such
lower rate as may be provided by an applicable income tax treaty). In general,
interest described in Section 871(h)(4) of the Code includes (subject to certain
exceptions) any interest the amount of which is determined by reference to
receipts, sales or other cash flow of the issuer or a related person, any income
or profits of the issuer or a related person, any change in the value of any
property of the issuer or a related person or any dividends, partnership
distribution or similar payments made by the issuer or a related person.
Interest described in Section 871(h)(4) of the Code may include other types of
contingent interest identified by the IRS in future Treasury Regulations.
If a Non-United States Holder is engaged in a trade or business in the
United States and interest (including OID) on the Note is effectively connected
with the conduct of such trade or business, the Non-United States Holder,
although exempt from the withholding tax discussed above, will be subject to
United States federal income tax on such interest (including OID) in the same
manner as if it were a United States Holder. In lieu of the certificate
described above, such Holder will be required to provide a properly executed IRS
Form 4224 in order to claim an exemption from withholding tax. In addition, if
such Holder is a foreign corporation, it may be subject to a branch profits tax
equal to 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax
treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year,
subject to various adjustments. For this purpose, interest (including OID) and
gain (see below) on a Note will be included in the earnings and profits of such
Holder if such interest (including OID) is effectively connected with the
conduct by such Holder of a trade or business in the United States.
Generally, any gain or income (other than that attributable to accrued
interest or OID) realized upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or
other disposition of a Note will not be subject to United States federal income
tax unless (i) such gain or income is effectively connected with a trade or
business in the United States of the Non-United States Holder or (ii) in the
case of a Non-United States Holder who is a nonresident alien individual, the
Non-United States Holder is present in the United States for periods aggregating
183 days or more in the taxable year of such sale, exchange, retirement or other
disposition and either (a) such individual has a "tax home" (as defined in
Section 911(d)(3) of the Code) in the United States and certain other
requirements are met or (b) the gain is attributable to an office or other fixed
place of business maintained by such individual in the United States.
Under the 1997 Final Regulations, withholding of United States federal
income tax with respect to accrued OID may apply to payments on a taxable sale
or other disposition of a Note by a Non-United States Holder who does not
provide appropriate certification to the withholding agent with respect to such
transaction.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING
Under current United States federal income tax law, information reporting
requirements apply to interest (including OID) and principal payments made to,
and to the proceeds of sales before maturity by, certain non-corporate United
States Holders with respect to Notes. In addition, a 31% backup withholding tax
will apply if (i) the non-corporate United States Holder fails to furnish such
holder's Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") (which, for an individual, would
be his or her Social Security Number) to the payor in the manner required, (ii)
the non-corporate United States Holder furnishes an incorrect TIN and the payor
is so notified by the IRS, (iii) the payor is notified by the IRS that the
non-corporate United States Holder has failed properly to report payments of
interest and dividends or (iv) in certain
37
<PAGE>
circumstances, the non-corporate United States Holder fails to certify, under
penalties of perjury, that it has not been notified by the IRS that it is
subject to backup withholding for failure properly to report interest and
dividend payments. Backup withholding will not apply with respect to payments
made to certain exempt recipients, including corporations, tax-exempt
organizations, qualified pension and profit-sharing trusts and individual
retirement accounts, provided that they establish entitlement to an exemption.
In the case of a Non-United States Holder, under current Treasury
Regulations, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply to
payments of principal, premium and interest (including OID) made by the Company
or any paying agent thereof on a Note with respect to which such holder has
provided the required certification under penalties of perjury that it is a
Non-United States Holder or has otherwise established an exemption.
Under current Treasury Regulations, (i) principal or interest payments
(including OID) on a Note collected outside the United States by a foreign
office of a custodian, nominee or other agent acting on behalf of a beneficial
owner of a Note and (ii) payments on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement
or other disposition of a Note to or through a foreign office of a broker are
generally not subject to backup withholding or information reporting. However,
if such custodian, nominee, agent or broker is a United States person, a
controlled foreign corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, or
a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income is effectively connected with
the conduct of a United States trade or business for a specified three-year
period, such custodian, nominee, agent or broker may be subject to certain
information reporting (but not backup withholding) requirements with respect to
such payments unless such custodian, nominee, agent or broker has in its records
documentary evidence that the beneficial owner is not a United States person and
certain other conditions are met or the beneficial owner otherwise establishes
an exemption.
In general, the 1997 Final Regulations do not significantly alter the
substantive backup withholding and information reporting requirements described
above. As under current law, backup withholding and information reporting will
not apply to payments to a Non-United States Holder of principal, premium and
interest (including OID) on a Note if such Non-United States Holder provides the
required certification to establish an exemption from the withholding of United
States federal income tax or otherwise establishes an exemption. Similarly,
unless the payor has actual knowledge that the payee is a United States Holder,
backup withholding will not apply to (i) payments of interest (including OID, if
any) made outside the United States to certain offshore accounts and (ii)
payments on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of a
Note effected outside the United States. However, information reporting (but not
backup withholding) will apply to (i) payments of interest made by a payor
outside the United States and (ii) payments on the sale, exchange, redemption,
retirement or other disposition of a Note effected outside the United States if
payment is made by a broker that is, for United States federal income tax
purposes, (a) a United States person, (b) a controlled foreign corporation, (c)
a United States branch of a foreign bank or foreign insurance company, (d) a
foreign partnership controlled by United States persons or engaged in a United
States trade or business or (e) a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross
income is effectively connected with the conduct of a United States trade or
business for a specified three-year period, unless such payor or broker has in
its records documentary evidence that the beneficial owner is not a United
States Holder and certain other conditions are met or the beneficial owner
otherwise establishes an exemption.
Backup withholding tax is not an additional tax. Rather, any amounts
withheld from a payment to a holder under the backup withholding rules will be
allowed as a refund or a credit against such holder's United States federal
income tax, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of
information reporting and backup withholding to their particular situations, the
availability of an exemption therefrom, and the procedure for obtaining such an
exemption, if available.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company may sell the Notes in and/or outside the United States: (i)
through underwriters or dealers; (ii) directly to a limited number of purchasers
or to a single purchaser; or (iii) through agents. The Prospectus Supplement
with respect to the Notes being offered (the "Offered Notes") will set forth the
terms of the offering of the Offered Notes, including the name or names of any
underwriters or agents, the purchase price of the Offered Notes and the proceeds
to the Company from such sale, 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 used in the sale, the Offered Notes 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 Notes
may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented
by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more underwriters.
The underwriter or underwriters with respect to a particular underwritten
offering of Notes, or, if an underwriting syndicate is used, the managing
underwriter or underwriters, will be set forth on the cover of the applicable
Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in the Prospectus Supplement
relating thereto, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the Offered
Notes will be subject to conditions precedent and the underwriters will be
obligated to purchase all of the Offered Notes if any are purchased.
If dealers are utilized in the sale of Offered Notes in respect of which
this Prospectus is delivered, and if so specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the Company will sell such Offered Notes to the dealers as
principals. The dealers may then resell such Offered Notes to the public at
varying prices to be determined by such dealers at the time of resale. The names
of the dealers and the terms of the transaction will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
The Notes 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
Offered Notes in respect to 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.
Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled under agreements entered
into with the Company to indemnification by the Company against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution
with respect to payments which the underwriters, dealers or agents may be
required to make in respect thereof. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be
customers of, may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, the
Company in the ordinary course of business.
LEGAL MATTERS
Legal matters with respect to the Notes will be passed upon for the Company
by Stafford, Rosenbaum, Rieser & Hansen, Madison, Wisconsin, and by Sidley &
Austin, Chicago, Illinois, and for any underwriters, dealers, purchasers or
agents by Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue, Chicago, Illinois. The Company is advised
that as of July 21, 1998, an attorney at the firm of Stafford, Rosenbaum, Rieser
& Hansen, who has participated in the preparation of this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement, and who will participate in the rendition of the firm's
opinions with respect to the Notes and Bonds, owned beneficially 6,525 shares of
the Company's common stock.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of
the Company and its subsidiaries included (or incorporated by reference) in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997,
incorporated by reference herein, have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, independent accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto,
and are so incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the authority of
said firm as experts in accounting and auditing matters.
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NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS
PRICING SUPPLEMENT, THE 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 THE UNDERWRITER. THIS PRICING SUPPLEMENT, THE
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES
DESCRIBED IN THIS PRICING SUPPLEMENT, THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, OR THE
PROSPECTUS OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH
SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PRICING SUPPLEMENT, THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, OR
THE PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE
INFORMATION HEREIN OR THEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE
OF SUCH INFORMATION.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
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<S> <C>
Pricing Supplement
Use of Proceeds......................................................... PS-2
Description of New Notes................................................ PS-2
Underwriting............................................................ PS-4
Prospectus Supplement
Supplemental Plan of Distribution....................................... S-2
Prospectus
Available Information................................................... 2
Incorporation of Certain Documents
by Reference.......................................................... 2
The Company............................................................. 3
Use of Proceeds......................................................... 3
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges..................................... 3
Description of Notes.................................................... 4
United States Federal Income Tax
Consequences.......................................................... 26
Plan of Distribution.................................................... 39
Legal Matters........................................................... 39
Experts................................................................. 39
</TABLE>
[LOGO]
$30,000,000
MADISON GAS
AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES
6.02% SERIES DUE 2008
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P R I C I N G
S U P P L E M E N T
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FIRST CHICAGO CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
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SEPTEMBER 9, 1998
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