<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT Filed Pursuant to
(To Prospectus dated November 8, 1996) Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration No: 33-51449
$300,000,000
BellSouth Capital Funding Corporation
THIRTY YEAR 6.04% DEBENTURES, DUE NOVEMBER 15, 2026
Issued under a Support Agreement with
BellSouth Corporation
----------------
Interest payable May 15 and November 15
----------------
The Debentures will not be redeemable prior to maturity at the option of
BellSouth Capital Funding Corporation (the "Company"). The Debentures will
be redeemable at the option of the holders thereof on November 15, 2001
and November 15, 2006 at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued
interest. See "Description of the Debentures-- Redemption." The
Debentures will be represented by one or more global securities
registered in the name of a nominee of The Depository Trust
Company, as depositary (the "Depositary"). Beneficial
interests in the Debentures will be shown on, and transfers
thereof will be effected only through, records maintained
by the Depositary and its participants. Except as
described herein, Debentures in definitive form will
not be issued. The Debentures will trade in the
Depositary's Same-Day Funds Settlement System. All
payments of principal and interest on global
securities will be made by the Company in
immediately available funds. See
"Description of the Debentures--Book-Entry
System."
----------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
----------------
PRICE 100% AND ACCRUED INTEREST, IF ANY
----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITING
DISCOUNTS AND PROCEEDS TO
PRICE TO PUBLIC(1) COMMISSIONS(2) COMPANY(1)(3)
------------------ -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Debenture.................. 100.00% .60% 99.40%
Total.......................... $300,000,000 $1,800,000 $298,200,000
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from November 14, 1996.
(2) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
(3) Before deduction of expenses payable by the Company estimated at $200,000.
----------------
The Debentures are offered by the Underwriters named below, subject to prior
sale, when, as and if accepted by the Underwriters and subject to approval of
certain legal matters by Davis Polk & Wardwell, counsel for the Underwriters.
It is expected that delivery of the Debentures will be made on or about
November 14, 1996 through the book-entry facilities of the Depositary against
payment therefor in immediately available funds.
----------------
MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
Incorporated
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
LEHMAN BROTHERS
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
SALOMON BROTHERS INC
November 8, 1996
<PAGE>
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICES OF THE DEBENTURES
OFFERED HEREBY AT LEVELS ABOVE THOSE WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
PROCEEDS OF THE OFFERING
The proceeds from the sale of the Debentures offered hereby (the
"Debentures") are expected to be as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Gross Proceeds............................................. $300,000,000
Less--Underwriting Discounts and Commissions............... 1,800,000
Expenses................................................ 200,000
------------
Net Proceeds............................................ $298,000,000
============
</TABLE>
The Company intends to apply the net proceeds toward the permanent
refinancing of a like principal amount of commercial paper.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBENTURES
GENERAL
The Debentures will be issued under an Indenture dated as of August 1, 1992
(the "Indenture") among the Company, BellSouth Corporation ("BellSouth") and
The Bank of New York, as successor to Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A. (the
"Trustee"). Provisions of the Indenture are more fully described under
"Description of Securities" in the attached Prospectus to which reference is
hereby made.
The Debentures will mature on November 15, 2026. Interest on the Debentures
will accrue from November 14, 1996 and will be payable semiannually on each May
15 and November 15, beginning May 15, 1997, to the persons in whose names the
Debentures are registered at the close of business on the May 1 or November 1
prior to the payment date at the annual rate set forth on the cover page of
this Prospectus Supplement.
The principal of, and interest on, the Debentures are to be payable at the
office or agency of the Company in New York, New York (the "Paying Agent").
REDEMPTION
The Debentures will not be redeemable at the option of the Company prior to
maturity.
The Debentures will be redeemable on November 15, 2001 and November 15, 2006
(each a "Redemption Date"), at the option of the holders thereof, at 100% of
their principal amount, together with interest payable to the date of
redemption. Less than the entire principal amount of any Debenture may be
redeemed on either Redemption Date, provided the principal amount which is to
be redeemed is equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000.
The Depositary or its nominee, as registered holder of the Debentures, will
be entitled to tender the Debentures on a Redemption Date for repayment. During
the period from and including the September 15 to and including the October 15
next preceding a Redemption Date, the Depositary will receive instructions from
its participants (acting on behalf of owners of beneficial interests in the
Debentures) to tender the Debentures for repayment under the Depositary's
procedures. Such tenders for repayment will be made by the Depositary, provided
that the Depositary receives instructions from tendering participants by Noon
on the applicable October 15. The Depositary will notify the Paying Agent by
the close of business on such October 15 as to the aggregate principal amount
of the Debentures, if any, for which the Depositary shall have received
instructions to tender for repayment. OWNERS OF BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN
DEBENTURES WHO WISH TO EFFECTUATE THE TENDER AND REPAYMENT OF SUCH DEBENTURES
MUST INSTRUCT THEIR RESPECTIVE DEPOSITARY PARTICIPANT OR PARTICIPANTS A
REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME IN ADVANCE OF THE APPLICABLE OCTOBER 15.
S-2
<PAGE>
If at any time the use of a book-entry only system through the Depositary (or
any successor securities depositary) is discontinued with respect to the
Debentures, tenders for repayment of any Debenture on a Redemption Date shall
be made according to the following procedures. The Company must receive at the
principal office of the Paying Agent, during the period from and including the
September 15 to and including the October 15 next preceding a Redemption Date:
(i) the Debenture with the form entitled "Option to Elect Repayment" on the
reverse of the Debenture duly completed; or (ii)(x) a telegram, telex,
facsimile transmission or letter from a member of a national securities
exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or a
commercial bank or a trust company in the United States of America, setting
forth the name of the registered holder of the Debenture, the principal amount
of the Debenture, the amount of the Debenture to be repaid, a statement that
the option to elect repayment is being exercised thereby and a guarantee that
the Debenture to be repaid, with the form entitled "Option to Elect Repayment"
on the reverse of the Debenture duly completed, will be received by the Company
not later than five business days after the date of such telegram, telex,
facsimile transmission or letter; and (y) such Debenture and form duly
completed are received by the Company by such fifth business day. Any such
notice received by the Company during the period from and including such
September 15 to and including such October 15 shall be irrevocable. All
questions as to the validity, eligibility (including time of receipt) and the
acceptance of any Debenture for repayment will be determined by the Company,
whose determination will be final and binding.
For all purposes of this section, if such October 15 is not a business day,
it shall be deemed to refer to the next succeeding business day.
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM
The Debentures will be represented by one or more global securities (the
"Global Security"). The Global Security will be deposited with, or on behalf
of, the Depositary and registered in the name of a nominee of the Depositary.
Except under circumstances described below, the Debentures will not be issuable
in definitive form.
Upon the issuance of the Global Security, the Depositary will credit on its
book-entry registration and transfer system the accounts of persons designated
by the Underwriters with the respective principal amounts of the Debentures
represented by the Global Security. Ownership of beneficial interests in the
Global Security will be limited to persons that have accounts with the
Depositary or its nominee ("participants") or persons that may hold interests
through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the Global Security
will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only
through, records maintained by the Depositary or its nominee (with respect to
interests of participants) and on the records of participants (with respect to
interests of persons other than participants). The laws of some states require
that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities
in definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to
transfer beneficial interests in the Global Security.
So long as the Depositary or its nominee is the registered owner of the
Global Security, the Depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be
considered the sole owner or holder of the Debentures represented by the Global
Security for all purposes under the Indenture. Except as provided below, owners
of beneficial interests in the Global Security will not be entitled to have
Debentures represented by the Global Security registered in their names, will
not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of Debentures in
definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under
the Indenture.
Principal and interest payments on Debentures registered in the name of the
Depositary or its nominee will be made to the Depositary or its nominee, as the
case may be, as the registered owner of the Global Security. None of the
Company, the Trustee, any paying agent or the registrar for the Debentures will
have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to
or payments made on account of beneficial interests in the Global Security or
for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such
beneficial interest.
S-3
<PAGE>
The Company expects that the Depositary for the Debentures or its nominee,
upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest, will credit immediately
participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their
respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the Global Security
as shown on the records of the Depositary or its nominee. The Company also
expects that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interest in the
Global Security held through such participants will be governed by standing
instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held
for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name,"
and will be the responsibility of such participants.
If the Depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
depositary and a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90
days, the Company will issue Debentures in definitive form in exchange for the
entire Global Security. In addition, the Company may at any time and in its
sole discretion determine not to have the Debentures represented by the Global
Security and, in such event, will issue Debentures in definitive form in
exchange for the entire Global Security. In any such instance, an owner of a
beneficial interest in the Global Security will be entitled to physical
delivery in definitive form of Debentures represented by the Global Security
equal in principal amount to such beneficial interest and to have such
Debentures registered in its name. Debentures so issued in definitive form will
be issued as registered Debentures in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof, unless otherwise specified by the Company.
Settlement for the Debentures will be made by the Underwriters in immediately
available funds. All payments of principal and interest on Global Securities
will be made by the Company in immediately available funds.
UNDERWRITING
Under the terms of and subject to the conditions contained in an Underwriting
Agreement dated November 8, 1996, the Underwriters named below have severally
agreed to purchase from the Company, and the Company has agreed to sell to
them, the respective principal amount of the Debentures set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
UNDERWRITER AMOUNT
----------- ---------
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.......................... $ 60,000,000
Goldman, Sachs & Co........................................ 60,000,000
Lehman Brothers Inc. ...................................... 60,000,000
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated.............................................. 60,000,000
Salomon Brothers Inc....................................... 60,000,000
------------
Total................................................... $300,000,000
============
</TABLE>
The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters
thereunder are subject to approval of certain legal matters by counsel and to
various other conditions. The nature of the Underwriters' obligations is such
that they are committed to take and pay for all of the Debentures if any are
taken.
The Underwriters propose to offer the Debentures in part directly to the
public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus Supplement and in part to certain dealers at such price less a
concession of .40% of their principal amount. The Underwriters may allow, and
such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of .20% of the principal
amount of the Debentures to certain other dealers. After the initial public
offering, the offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the
Underwriters.
The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
S-4
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
$1,027,265,000
BELLSOUTH CAPITAL FUNDING CORPORATION
DEBT SECURITIES
ISSUED UNDER A SUPPORT AGREEMENT
WITH
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
BellSouth Capital Funding Corporation (the "Company") may offer its debt
securities (the "Securities"), in one or more series, at such initial public
offering prices as will result in aggregate net proceeds to the Company of up
to U.S. $1,027,265,000 on terms to be determined at the time the Securities
are offered for sale. When a particular series of the Securities is offered, a
prospectus supplement ("Prospectus Supplement"), together with this
Prospectus, will be delivered setting forth the terms of the Securities,
including, where applicable, the specific designation, aggregate principal
amount, currency (including composite currencies such as the ECU),
denominations, maturity, rate of any interest (or manner of calculation
thereof) and time of payment thereof, whether the Securities are issuable in
registered form or bearer form or both, any redemption provisions, the initial
public offering price, the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, any
compensation to such underwriters, dealers or agents and any other specific
terms in connection with the offering and sale of such series.
All of the Securities will have the benefit of a Support Agreement dated as
of October 15, 1987, as amended as of August 1, 1992 (the "Support
Agreement"), between the Company and BellSouth Corporation ("BellSouth"), the
parent company and sole shareholder of the Company. In the Support Agreement,
BellSouth has agreed to ensure the timely payment of principal, premium, if
any, and interest owed on the Securities; however, no holder of the Securities
will have recourse to or against the stock or assets of BellSouth
Telecommunications, Inc. (the "Telephone Company") or any interest of
BellSouth or the Company in the Telephone Company.
----------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
----------------
The date of this Prospectus is November 8, 1996
<PAGE>
NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, BELLSOUTH OR ANY UNDERWRITER. NEITHER THE DELIVERY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE
COMPANY OR BELLSOUTH SINCE THE DATE HEREOF. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SECURITIES IN
ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
BellSouth is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), and in accordance therewith
files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"). Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed
by BellSouth can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities of
the SEC, Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, DC
20549, as well as at the following SEC Regional Offices: Room 1102, 13th
Floor, 7 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10048 and Suite 1400, Northwestern
Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60661-2511. Such material
can also be inspected at the New York, Boston, Midwest, Pacific and
Philadelphia Stock Exchanges. Copies can be obtained from the SEC by mail at
prescribed rates. Requests should be directed to the SEC's Public Reference
Section, Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, DC
20549. Copies of the above documents which have been electronically filed
through the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system are
publicly available through the Securities and Exchange Commission's website
(http://www.sec.gov).
The Company is not subject to the informational filing requirements of the
SEC, and no documents have been or will be filed by the Company under the
Exchange Act.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents have been filed by BellSouth with the SEC (File No.
1-8607) and are incorporated herein by reference:
(1) BellSouth's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1995.
(2) BellSouth's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March
31 and June 30, 1996.
(3) BellSouth's Current Reports on Form 8-K for January 22, April 18, July
17 and October 17, 1996.
All documents filed by BellSouth pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior
to the termination of the offering of any series of Securities shall be deemed
to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof
from the date of filing of such documents.
COPIES OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS (EXCLUDING EXHIBITS) MAY BE OBTAINED UPON
REQUEST WITHOUT CHARGE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER OF BELLSOUTH, 1155
PEACHTREE STREET, N.E., 15G03, ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30309-3610 (TELEPHONE NUMBER
404-249-2945).
2
<PAGE>
BELLSOUTH CAPITAL FUNDING CORPORATION
The Company was incorporated in 1987 under the laws of the State of Georgia
and has its principal executive offices at 1155 Peachtree Street, N.E.,
Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3610 (telephone number 404-249-2000). The Company is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of BellSouth.
The Company's purpose is engaging in financing activities that will provide
funds for use by BellSouth in connection with its own diversification and in
support of the activities of the subsidiaries of BellSouth ("Diversified
Subsidiaries") other than the Telephone Company but including such
subsidiaries of the Telephone Company whose operations are not subject to
regulation by tariff. The Company will raise funds through the offering and
sale of debt securities (the "Securities") in the United States, European and
other overseas markets and lend the proceeds to BellSouth or the Diversified
Subsidiaries. The Company will not engage in any separate business operations.
On October 14, 1987, the SEC issued an order exempting the Company from the
provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), provided
that the Company complies with the provisions of Rule 3a-5 under such Act and
that the Securities remain entitled to the benefits of the Support Agreement.
See "Support Agreement" and "Use of Proceeds."
SUPPORT AGREEMENT
Pursuant to the Support Agreement, BellSouth has agreed to cause the Company
to maintain a positive tangible net worth as determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. The Support Agreement also provides
that BellSouth shall own, directly or indirectly, all the outstanding voting
capital stock of the Company throughout the term of the Support Agreement.
If the Company is unable to pay when due the principal, interest or premium,
if any, owed on any of the Securities, BellSouth shall provide funds to the
Company to assure that the Company will be able to pay when due such
principal, interest or premium, if any. The Support Agreement provides that in
the event of any default by BellSouth in meeting its obligations under such
Support Agreement or in the event of default by the Company in the timely
payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, owed on any Securities,
holders of Securities or a trustee acting on their behalf shall be entitled to
proceed directly against BellSouth, except that no holder of Securities or
trustee acting on their behalf will have recourse to or against the stock or
assets of the Telephone Company or any interest of BellSouth or the Company in
the Telephone Company. Dividends declared and paid to BellSouth by the
Telephone Company, which in 1995 aggregated approximately $1.6 billion, are
not subject to this limitation. BellSouth's non-Telephone Company net book
assets, which would also be available to holders of Securities under the
Support Agreement, aggregated approximately $4.6 billion at June 30, 1996.
Neither BellSouth nor the Company will be able to amend or terminate the
Support Agreement so as to adversely affect the rights of holders of
Securities without the written consent of all the holders of the then
outstanding Securities maturing in more than one year. The holders of
Securities maturing in less than one year shall have the benefit of the
Support Agreement without giving effect to any such amendment or termination
until the Securities held by them have been retired.
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
BellSouth was incorporated in 1983 under the laws of the State of Georgia
and has its principal executive offices at 1155 Peachtree Street, N.E.,
Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3610 (telephone number 404-249-2000).
The Telephone Company serves, in the aggregate, approximately two-thirds of
the population and one-half of the territory within Alabama, Florida, Georgia,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and
Tennessee. The primary businesses conducted by the Diversified Subsidiaries
are wireless and international communications services and advertising and
publishing products.
3
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds from the sale of the Securities will be used to provide
funds for the Diversified Subsidiaries and in connection with the
diversification activities of BellSouth.
The Company will remit to BellSouth or the Diversified Subsidiaries the cash
or cash equivalents raised by the Company as soon as practicable after receipt
thereof, but in no event later than six months after the Company receives such
cash or cash equivalents. In the interim, the Company will invest any funds
held by it only in securities permitted by Rule 3a-5(a)(6) of the SEC under
the 1940 Act.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of
the Securities of any series to which any Prospectus Supplement may relate.
The particular terms and provisions of the series of Securities offered by a
Prospectus Supplement, and the extent to which such general terms and
provisions described below may apply thereto, will be described in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to such series.
The Securities are to be issued under an Indenture dated as of August 1,
1992 among the Company, BellSouth and The Bank of New York, as successor to
Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A. (the "Trustee").
The following summaries of certain provisions of the Securities, the
Indenture and the Support Agreement do not purport to be complete and are
subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all
provisions of the Indenture and the Support Agreement, including the
definitions therein of certain terms. Particular sections of the Indenture
which are relevant to the discussion are cited parenthetically. Capitalized
terms used in this Prospectus which are defined in the Indenture shall have
the same meaning herein as in the Indenture. The term "principal" when used
herein includes, when appropriate, the premium, if any, on any series of
Securities.
GENERAL
The Indenture does not limit the amount of Securities which may be issued
thereunder, and additional debt securities may be issued thereunder up to the
aggregate principal amount which may be authorized from time to time by, or
pursuant to, a resolution of the Company's Board of Directors, by a Company
Order signed by two Officers of the Company or by a supplemental indenture.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement for the following terms of the
particular series or issue of Securities being offered hereby: (i) the title
of the Securities of the series; (ii) if denominated in other than United
States dollars, the currency of payment of the principal of and interest on
the Securities of the series; (iii) any limit upon the aggregate principal
amount of the Securities of the series; (iv) the date or dates on which the
principal of the Securities of the series will mature; (v) the rate or rates
(or manner of calculation thereof), if any, at which the Securities of the
series will bear interest, the date or dates from which any such interest will
accrue and on which such interest will be payable, and, with respect to
Securities of the series in registered form, the record date for the interest
payable on any interest payment date and the basis upon which interest shall
be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;
(vi) the place or places where the principal of and interest on the Securities
of the series will be payable; (vii) any redemption or sinking fund
provisions; (viii) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of
the principal amount of Securities of the series which will be payable upon
declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof; (ix) whether the
Securities of the series will be issuable in registered (and if so, whether
such securities will be issuable as registered global Securities) or bearer
form or both, any restrictions applicable to the offer, sale or delivery of
Securities in bearer form ("Unregistered Securities") and whether, and the
terms upon which, Unregistered Securities will be exchangeable for Securities
in registered form ("Registered Securities") and vice versa; (x) if and under
what circumstances the Company will pay additional amounts on the Securities
of the series held by a person who is not a United States person in respect of
taxes or similar charges withheld or deducted and, if so, whether the Company
will have the option to redeem such Securities rather than pay such additional
amounts; (xi) any index used to determine the amount of payments of principal
of and interest on the Securities of the series; (xii) any depositary (a
"Depositary") with respect to the
4
<PAGE>
Securities of such series; and (xiii) any additional provisions or other
special terms not inconsistent with the provisions of the Indenture, including
any terms which may be required by or advisable under United States laws or
regulations or advisable in connection with the marketing of Securities of
such series. (Sections 2.01 and 2.02.)
Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, Registered
Securities will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples
thereof, and Unregistered Securities will not be offered, sold or delivered in
the United States or to United States persons in connection with their
original issuance. Any special federal income tax considerations applicable to
Unregistered Securities will be described in the Prospectus Supplement
relating thereto.
To the extent set forth in the Prospectus Supplement, except in special
circumstances set forth in the Indenture, interest on Unregistered Securities
will be payable only against presentation and surrender of the coupons for the
interest installments evidenced thereby as they mature at a paying agency of
the Company located outside of the United States. (Section 2.05(c).) The
Company will maintain a paying agent outside the United States to which the
Unregistered Securities may be presented for payment and will provide the
necessary funds therefor to such paying agent upon reasonable notice. (Section
2.04.)
Registration of transfer of Registered Securities may be requested upon
surrender thereof at any agency of the Company maintained for such purpose and
upon fulfillment of all other requirements of such agent. Unregistered
Securities and the coupons related thereto will be transferable by delivery.
(Section 2.08.) To the extent not described herein, principal and interest
will be payable, and the transfer of Registered Securities of a particular
series will be registrable, in the manner described in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to such series.
Securities may be issued under the Indenture as Original Issue Discount
Securities to be offered and sold at a substantial discount from the principal
amount thereof. Special federal income tax, accounting and other
considerations applicable thereto will be described in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to such Original Issue Discount Securities. "Original
Issue Discount Security" means any Security which provides for an amount less
than the stated principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon
declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof or upon the occurrence and
continuation of an event of default. (Section 1.01.)
REGISTERED GLOBAL SECURITIES
The Registered Securities of a series may be issued in the form of one or
more fully registered global Securities (a "Registered Global Security") that
will be deposited with a Depositary or with a nominee for a Depositary
identified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series. In such case,
one or more Registered Global Securities will be issued in a denomination or
aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal amount
of outstanding Registered Securities of the series to be represented by such
Registered Global Security or Securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in
whole or in part for Securities in definitive registered form, a Registered
Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary for
such Registered Global Security to a nominee of such Depositary or by a
nominee of such Depositary to such Depositary or another nominee of such
Depositary or by such Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary
or a nominee of such successor.
The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any portion
of a series of Securities to be represented by a Registered Global Security
will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series.
BellSouth anticipates that the following provisions will apply to all
depositary arrangements.
Upon the issuance of a Registered Global Security, the Depositary for such
Registered Global Security will credit, on its book-entry registration and
transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the Securities
represented by such Registered Global Security to the accounts of persons that
have accounts with such Depositary ("participants"). The accounts to be
credited shall be designated by any underwriters or agents
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participating in the distribution of such Securities. Ownership of beneficial
interests in a Registered Global Security will be limited to participants or
persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial
interests in such Registered Global Security will be shown on, and the
transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained
by the Depositary for such Registered Global Security (with respect to
interests of participants) or persons that hold interests through participants
(with respect to interests of persons other than participants) in accordance
with the procedures of the Depositary.
So long as the Depositary for a Registered Global Security, or its nominee,
is the registered owner of such Registered Global Security, such Depositary or
such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder
of the Securities represented by such Registered Global Security for all
purposes under the Indenture. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial
interests in a Registered Global Security will not be entitled to have the
Securities represented by such Registered Global Security registered in their
names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of such
Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders
thereof under the Indenture.
Principal and interest payments on Securities represented by a Registered
Global Security registered in the name of a Depositary or its nominee will be
made to such Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered
owner of such Registered Global Security. None of the Company, BellSouth, the
Trustee or any paying agent for such Securities will have any responsibility
or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests in such Registered Global Security
or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such
beneficial ownership interests.
The Company expects that the Depositary for any Securities represented by a
Registered Global Security, upon receipt of any payment of principal or
interest, will immediately credit participants' accounts with payments in
amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the
principal amount of such Registered Global Security as shown on the records of
such Depositary. The Company also expects that payments by participants to
owners of beneficial interests in such Registered Global Security held through
such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary
practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of
customers registered in "street names" and will be the responsibility of such
participants.
If the Depositary for any Securities represented by a Registered Global
Security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary and a
successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company or BellSouth within 90
days, the Company will issue such Securities in definitive form in exchange
for such Registered Global Security. In addition, the Company may at any time
and in its sole discretion determine not to have any of the Securities of a
series represented by one or more Registered Global Securities and, in such
event, will issue Securities of such series in definitive form in exchange for
all of the Registered Global Security or Securities representing such
Securities.
EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES
Registered Securities may be exchanged for an equal aggregate principal
amount of Registered Securities of the same series and date of maturity in
such authorized denominations as may be requested upon surrender of the
Registered Securities at an agency of the Company maintained for such purpose
and upon fulfillment of all other requirements of such agent.
To the extent permitted by the terms of a series of Securities authorized to
be issued in registered form and unregistered form, Unregistered Securities
may be exchanged for an equal aggregate principal amount of Registered or
Unregistered Securities (containing identical terms and provisions) of the
same series and date of maturity in such authorized denominations as may be
requested upon surrender of the bearer Securities with all unpaid coupons
relating thereto (except as may otherwise be provided in the Securities) at an
agency of the Company maintained for such purpose and upon fulfillment of all
other requirements of such agent. (Section 2.08(b).) As of the date of this
Prospectus, it is expected that the terms of a series of Securities will not
permit Registered Securities to be exchanged for Unregistered Securities.
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LIEN ON ASSETS
If at any time the Company mortgages, pledges or otherwise subjects to any
lien the whole or any part of any property or assets now owned or hereafter
acquired by it, except as hereinafter provided, the Company will secure the
outstanding Securities, and any other obligations of the Company which may
then be outstanding and entitled to the benefit of a covenant similar in
effect to this covenant, equally and ratably with the indebtedness or
obligations secured by such mortgage, pledge or lien, for as long as any such
indebtedness or obligation is so secured. The foregoing covenant does not
apply to the creation, extension, renewal or refunding of purchase-money
mortgages or liens, or to the making of any deposit or pledge to obtain the
benefits of any law relating to workers' compensation, unemployment insurance,
old age pensions or other social security, or with any court, board,
commission or governmental agency as security incident to the proper conduct
of any proceeding before it. (Section 4.02.)
Neither the Indenture nor the Support Agreement restricts BellSouth from
pledging or otherwise encumbering any of its assets.
SUCCESSOR ENTITIES
Neither the Company nor BellSouth may consolidate with or merge into, or
transfer or lease its property and assets substantially as an entirety to,
another entity unless the successor entity is a United States corporation and,
in the case of the Company, assumes all the obligations of the Company under
the Securities and any coupons related thereto and the Indenture and, in the
case of BellSouth, assumes all the obligations of BellSouth under the
Indenture and the Support Agreement. Thereafter, except in the case of a
lease, all such obligations of the Company or BellSouth, as the case may be,
shall terminate. (Sections 5.01 and 5.02.)
BellSouth or a subsidiary thereof may assume the payment of the principal of
and interest on all Securities and any coupons and the performance of every
covenant of the Indenture on the part of the Company. Upon such assumption,
BellSouth or such subsidiary shall have the same rights and obligations as the
Company under the Indenture, and the Company shall be released from its
liability thereunder. (Section 5.03.)
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The following events are defined in the Indenture as "Events of Default"
with respect to a series of Securities: (i) default in the payment of interest
on any Security of such series for 90 days; (ii) default in the payment of the
principal of any Security of such series; (iii) failure by the Company or
BellSouth for 90 days after notice to it to comply with any of its other
agreements with respect to the Securities of such series set forth in the
Indenture in any supplemental indenture under which the Securities of that
series may have been issued (other than covenants relating only to other
series) or in the Support Agreement; and (iv) certain events of bankruptcy or
insolvency of the Company. A payment default with respect to one series is not
a default with regard to any other series of Securities issued pursuant to the
Indenture. (Section 6.01.) If an Event of Default occurs with respect to the
Securities of any series, and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at
least 25% in principal amount of all of the outstanding Securities of that
series may declare the principal (or, if the Securities of that series are
Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as
may be specified in the terms of that series) of, and any accrued interest on,
all the Securities of that series to be due and payable. Securities of all
other series will be unaffected. Upon such declaration, such principal (or, in
the case of Original Issue Discount Securities, such specified amount) and
interest will become due and payable immediately. (Section 6.02.)
Securityholders may not enforce the Indenture, the Securities or the Support
Agreement, except as provided in the Indenture and the Support Agreement.
(Section 6.06.) The Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it
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before it enforces the Indenture, the Securities or the Support Agreement.
(Section 7.01(e).) Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Securities of each series affected may direct the
Trustee in its exercise of any trust power with respect to Securities of that
series. (Section 6.05.) The Trustee may withhold from Securityholders notice
of any continuing default (except a default in payment of principal or
interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interests.
(Section 7.05.)
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture and the Securities may be
amended or supplemented by the Company, BellSouth and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
Securities of each series affected by the amendment or supplement, and
compliance with any provision may be waived with the consent of the Holders of
a majority in principal amount of outstanding Securities of each series
affected by such waiver. However, without the consent of each Securityholder
affected, an amendment or waiver may not (i) reduce the amount of Securities
whose holders must consent to an amendment or waiver; (ii) reduce the rate of
or change the time for payment of interest on any Security; (iii) reduce the
principal of, or change the fixed maturity of, any Security; (iv) waive a
default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any Security; (v)
make any security payable in money other than that stated in the Security;
(vi) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on
or with respect to any Securities; or (vii) amend or terminate the Support
Agreement to the detriment of the Securityholders. (Section 9.02.)
The Indenture may be amended or supplemented without the consent of any
Securityholder (i) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the
Indenture or in the Securities of any series; (ii) to secure the Securities
under the circumstances set forth under "Liens on Assets" set forth above;
(iii) to provide for the assumption of all the obligations of the Company or
BellSouth, as the case may be, under the Securities and any coupons related
thereto and the Indenture in connection with a merger, consolidation or
transfer or lease of the Company's or BellSouth's property and assets
substantially as an entirety as provided for in the Indenture; (iv) to provide
for the assumption by BellSouth or a subsidiary thereof of all obligations of
the Company under the Securities and any coupons related thereto and the
Indenture; (v) to provide for the issuance of, and establish the form, terms
and conditions of, a series of Securities or to establish the form of any
certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of the Indenture
or any series of securities; (vi) to provide for uncertificated Securities in
addition to or in place of certificated Securities; (vii) to add to rights of
Securityholders or surrender any right or power conferred on the Company; or
(viii) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any
Securityholder. (Section 9.01.)
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
BellSouth and certain of its affiliates maintain banking relationships in
the ordinary course of business with the Trustee and certain of its
affiliates.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
GENERAL
The Company may sell the Securities being offered hereby: (i) directly to
purchasers, (ii) through agents, (iii) through dealers, (iv) through
underwriters or (v) through a combination of any such methods of sale.
The distribution of the Securities may be effected from time to time in one
or more transactions either (i) at a fixed price or prices, which may be
changed, (ii) at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, (iii) at prices
related to such prevailing market prices or (iv) at negotiated prices.
Offers to purchase Securities may be solicited directly by the Company or by
agents designated by the Company from time to time. Any such agent, which may
be deemed to be an underwriter as that term is defined in the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), involved in the offer or sale of
the Securities
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in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered will be named, and any
commissions payable by the Company to such agent will be set forth, in the
Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus
Supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the
period of its appointment (ordinarily five business days or less).
If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the Securities in respect of which
this Prospectus is delivered, the Company will sell such Securities to the
dealer, as principal. The dealer, which may be deemed to be an underwriter as
that term is defined in the Securities Act, may then resell such Securities to
the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of
resale.
If an underwriter or underwriters are utilized in the sale, the Company and
BellSouth will execute an underwriting agreement with such underwriters at the
time of sale to them and the names of the underwriter will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement, which will be used by the underwriters to make resales
of the Securities in respect of which the Prospectus is delivered to the
public.
Underwriters, dealers, agents and other persons may be entitled, under
agreements which may be entered into with the Company and BellSouth, to
indemnification against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act.
DELAYED DELIVERY ARRANGEMENTS
If so indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the Company will authorize
underwriters, dealers or other persons acting as the Company's agents to
solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase Securities from the Company
pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date or
dates. Institutions with which such contracts may be made include commercial
and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies,
educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases such
institutions must be approved by the Company. The obligations of any purchaser
under any such contract will not be subject to any conditions except that (a)
the purchase of the Securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited
under the laws of the jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject and (b)
if the Securities are also being sold to underwriters, the Company shall have
sold to such underwriters the Securities not sold for delayed delivery. The
underwriters, dealers and such other persons will not have any responsibility
in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Walter H. Alford, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of BellSouth,
is passing upon the legality of the Securities for the Company. Mr. Alford may
be deemed to beneficially own 34,953 shares of BellSouth Common Stock,
including interests through various BellSouth employee benefit plans.
On behalf of dealers, underwriters or agents, Davis Polk & Wardwell is
passing upon certain legal matters in connection with the offering of the
Securities.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of BellSouth included in its Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, and incorporated by reference
herein, have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent
accountants, to the extent and for the periods indicated in their report
relating to such financial statements, which is also incorporated by reference
herein, and have been so included in reliance upon the report of Coopers &
Lybrand L.L.P., given upon their authority as experts in auditing and
accounting.
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