<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 1999
Registration No. 333-66461
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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AMENDMENT NO. 2
To
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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ASPECT TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
California 94-2974062
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1730 Fox Drive
San Jose, California 95131-2312
(408) 325-2200
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
Registrant's principal executive offices)
James R. Carreker
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Aspect Telecommunications Corporation
1730 Fox Drive
San Jose, California 95131-2312
(408) 325-2200
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of agent for service)
Copies to:
Jon E. Gavenman
Brooke Campbell
Venture Law Group
A Professional Corporation
2800 Sand Hill Road
Menlo Park, California 94025
(650) 854-4488
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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
following box. [_]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an Offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same Offering. [_]
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same Offering. [_]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE(1)
<TABLE>
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<CAPTION>
Proposed Proposed
Title Of Each Class Amount Maximum Maximum Amount Of
Of Securities To Be To Be Offering Price Aggregate Registration
Registered Registered Per Unit(2) Offering Price(2) Fee
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Zero Coupon Convertible
Subordinated
Debentures due 2018... $276,016,900 100% $276,016,900 $76,733
Common Stock, $.01 par
value(3).............. 2,404,935 -- -- --
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</TABLE>
(1) The registration fee was paid with the initial filing. Due to a reduction
in the amount of securities registered, Aspect should be credited in
future filings for the $59,487 of additional fees paid with the initial
filing.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee. This
fee is calculated on the basis of the proposed offering price of the
debentures alone, unless Aspect will receive additional consideration when
holders of the debentures exercise their option to convert. In this case,
the maximum amount which may be received shall be added to the to the
proposed offering price of the debentures.
(3) This number represents the number of shares of common stock that are
initially issuable upon conversion of the zero coupon convertible
subordinated debentures due 2018 registered under this registration
statement. In addition, pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and as a result of the debentures' antidilution
provisions, this number also represents the indeterminate number of shares
of common stock that may be issued from time to time when the debentures
are converted. Pursuant to rule 457(i) no registration fee is required for
these shares.
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this
registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with
Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement
shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said
Section 8(a), may determine.
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<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
$276,016,900
Aspect Telecommunications Corporation
Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2018 and
Shares of Common Stock Issuable Upon Conversion of the Debentures
The Debentures
. Aggregate principal amount at maturity: $276,016,900
. Common stock into which the debentures are convertible: 2,404,935 shares
This number excludes any additional shares of common stock that may be
issuable upon conversion due to antidilution protection.
. Yield to maturity: 6.0% per year
. Conversion rate: 8.713 shares of Aspect common stock per $1,000 principal
amount at maturity of debentures
. Date of maturity: August 10, 2018
Conversion
. Debenture holders can convert the debentures into Aspect common stock any
time prior to maturity.
The debentures and common stock offered in this prospectus involve a high
degree of risk. Consider carefully the risk factors beginning on page 8.
Once resold pursuant to this prospectus there will be no public market for the
debentures. Aspect common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "ASPT."
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any contrary
representation is a criminal offense.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may
not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an
offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
, 1999
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Aspect..................................................................... 3
Summary.................................................................... 4
Information Available to You............................................... 7
Risk Factors............................................................... 8
Use of Proceeds............................................................ 15
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges......................................... 15
Selling Securityholders.................................................... 16
Description of Debentures.................................................. 18
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations.................................. 38
Plan of Distribution....................................................... 44
Legal Matters.............................................................. 46
Experts.................................................................... 46
</TABLE>
2
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ASPECT
Aspect call-center products integrate telephone, data and internet
communications for our clients' customer-service operations, in order to
enhance agent productivity and improve customer service. Our solutions are
designed for reliable around-the-clock performance in critical business
applications, and include:
. telecommunications systems and software that automatically distribute
incoming phone calls to groups of customer service representatives, based
upon rules that match customer needs to customer service representative
skills
. software for integrating telecommunications systems with data systems
information to direct calls and deliver information to agents
. hardware and software that respond to voice and telephone keypad inputs
. software to help customers navigate web sites and conduct transactions over
the world wide web
. software for monitoring and reporting call-center performance
. forecasting and planning software applications for predicting call-center
load, and for planning workforce schedules.
We also consult, train, and deliver systems integration services to help
organizations effectively plan, integrate, staff and manage call centers. We
market our products and services worldwide to organizations in a broad array of
industries including financial services, government, healthcare, retailing,
technology, telecommunications, and transportation.
We are incorporated in the State of California. Our principal executive offices
are located at 1730 Fox Drive, San Jose, California 95131 and our telephone
number is (408) 325-2200.
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SUMMARY
The Debentures...................... . $276,016,900 principal amount at
maturity of zero coupon convertible
subordinated debentures due 2018.
. We will not pay periodic interest on the
debentures. See "Description of
Debentures--General."
Yield to Maturity of Debentures..... . 6.0% per year compounded semi-annually,
calculated from August 10, 1998.
Conversion.......................... . You have the option to convert the
debentures into our common stock at any
time prior to maturity.
. You can convert the debentures into
common stock at a conversion rate of
8.713 shares per $1,000 principal
amount at maturity. The conversion rate
will be subject to adjustment if
certain events occur. See "Description
of Debentures--Conversion of
Debentures."
. The debentures are convertible into
2,404,935 shares of our common stock.
This number does not include shares of
common stock that may be issued when
the debentures are converted due to
their antidilution provisions.
. You must exercise the option to convert
before the debentures reach maturity
and before we redeem them.
Subordination....................... . The debentures are subordinate in right
of payment to all existing and future
senior indebtedness.
. The debentures are also effectively
subordinate in right of payment to all
of our subsidiaries' indebtedness and
other liabilities.
. At September 30, 1998 we had
approximately $62.8 million of senior
indebtedness outstanding. Approximately
$58.3 million of this debt related to
foreign exchange contracts.
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. At September 30, 1998 our subsidiaries
had approximately $46.9 million of
indebtedness and other liabilities.
This number includes trade and other
payables outstanding. It does not
include intercompany liabilities and
liabilities that are not required to be
reflected on a balance sheet by
generally accepted accounting
principals. See "Description of
Debentures--Subordination of
Debentures."
Original Issue Discount............. . The debentures are being offered at
original issue discount for Federal
income tax purposes equal to the excess
of the principal amount at maturity of
the debentures over the amount of their
issue price.
. We will not make periodic payments of
interest on the debentures.
Nonetheless, you should be aware that
accrued original issue discount will be
included periodically in your gross
income for Federal income tax purposes.
This will take place prior to
conversion, redemption, other
disposition or maturity of the
debentures, whether or not such
debentures are ultimately converted,
redeemed, sold or paid at maturity. See
"Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
. You should be aware that you will be
responsible for the payment of taxes
that may be due even though you may not
receive any cash payment at the time as
original issue discount is included in
your gross income.
Sinking Fund........................ . None
Redemption at the Option of the
Company............................. . We cannot redeem the debentures before
August 10, 2003.
. After August 10, 2003, we can redeem all
or part of the debentures for cash at
any time.
. Redemption prices are equal to the issue
price plus accrued original issue
discount to the date of redemption. You
can find a table on page 26 that lists
the redemption prices. See
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"Description of Debentures--Redemption
of Debentures at the Option of Aspect."
Fundamental Change.................. . You may redeem the debentures if Aspect
experiences a fundamental change.
. The fundamental change redemption price
is equal to the issue price plus
accrued original issue discount to the
date of redemption, subject to
adjustment in certain circumstances.
You can find a table on page 26 that
lists the redemption prices. See
"Description of Debentures--Redemption
at the Option of the Holder Upon a
Fundamental Change."
Purchase at the Option of the
Holder.............................. . We will purchase the debentures at your
option on August 10, 2003, August 10,
2008 and August 10, 2013 for a purchase
price equal to the issue price plus
accrued original issue discount to the
date of purchase. We may elect to pay
the purchase price in common stock
instead of cash if certain conditions
are met. You can find a table on page
29 that lists the purchase prices. See
"Description of Debentures--Purchase of
Debentures at the Option of the
Holder."
Use of Proceeds..................... . We will not receive any of the proceeds
from the sale by selling
securityholders of the debentures or
the conversion shares.
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INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO YOU
Aspect files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and
other information with the SEC. You can inspect and copy the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 of which this prospectus is a part, as well as reports,
proxy statements and other information filed by Aspect, at the public reference
facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following regional offices of the SEC:
7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center,
500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. You can obtain
copies of such material from the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. You can call the SEC
at 1-800-732-0330 for information regarding the operation of its Public
Reference Room. The SEC also maintains a World Wide Web site at
http:\\www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and
other information regarding registrants, like Aspect, that file electronically.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the debentures and
common stock being registered. This prospectus is part of a registration
statement that we have filed with the SEC. To see more detail, you should read
the exhibits and schedules filed with our registration statement.
The SEC allows this prospectus to incorporate by reference certain other
information that Aspect files with them, which means that we can disclose
important information to you by referring to those documents. The information
incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and
information that Aspect files later with the SEC will automatically update and
replace this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed
below and any future filings made by Aspect with the SEC under Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 until we have
sold all of the securities that we have registered.
(1) Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997;
(2) Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998;
(3) Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998,
as amended by Form 10-Q/A filed on or about January 19, 1998;
(4) Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
1998, as amended by Form 10-Q/A filed on or about January 19, 1998;
(5) Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on March 5, 1998, May 22, 1998
and August 5, 1998;
(6) Our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on July 24, 1998, as amended by
Form 8-K/A filed on or about January 19, 1998; and
(7) The description of our capital stock contained in the Registration
Statement on Form 8-A which was filed with the Commission on March 22,
1990.
If you make a request for such information in writing or by telephone, we
will provide to you, at no cost, a copy of any or all of the information
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus is a part. Requests should be addressed to: Aspect
Telecommunications Corporation, 1730 Fox Drive, San Jose, California 95131-
2312, Attention: Investor Relations (telephone number (408) 325-2200).
7
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RISK FACTORS
An investment in the securities offered in this prospectus involves a high
degree of risk. You should not make an investment in these securities if you
cannot afford to lose your entire investment. Before purchasing these
securities you must consider carefully the following risk factors as well as
the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus. Some of the statements contained in this prospectus and the
documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus contain projections of
results of operations and financial condition or state other forward-looking
information. You should read the cautionary statements in this prospectus as
applying to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this
prospectus. Our actual results may differ materially from our projections.
The risks set forth below, among others, could have a material adverse effect
on our business, operating results or financial condition. Please refer to the
documents listed in Information Available to You for a discussion of additional
risks that affect our business generally.
Our Revenues and Operating Results are Uncertain and May Fluctuate. Because
there is uncertainty in our operating results and failure to achieve
anticipated revenues could directly impact our ability to perform our
obligations related to the debentures, investors should be aware of the
variability of our revenues.
There are many reasons for this variability including:
. reduced demand for our products and services, as was the case in the
quarterly period ended December 31, 1998.
. a limited number of large systems or multisystem orders accounting for a
significant portion of product revenues in any particular quarter
. the timing of consulting and systems integration projects
. dependence on new customers for a significant percentage of product
revenues
. fluctuations in the results of operations of existing operations,
recently acquired subsidiaries, newly established business units or
distributors of our products or services
. mix of products and services and channels of distribution
. changes in market growth rates for different products and services.
In addition, our products typically represent substantial capital commitments
by customers, involving a long sales cycle. As a result, customer purchase
decisions may be significantly affected by a variety of factors including:
. trends in capital spending for telecommunications products
. market competition and the availability or announcement of alternative
technologies
. the degree to which call transaction processing is mission-critical for
customers.
Our Revenues are Dependent on a Small Number of Products. Sales and
installations of Aspect automatic call distribution systems account for a
substantial portion of net revenues. Investors should be aware that there is
risk related to our product concentration that in the event of a demand
8
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shortfall and resulting negative impact on revenues we may be unable to perform
our obligations related to the debentures. Demand for our products could be
adversely affected if any of the following occurred:
. failure to meet customer specifications
. problems with system performance, system availability, installation or
service delivery commitments.
Technology is Rapidly Changing. The market for our products and services is
subject to rapid technological change and new product introductions. Current
competitors or new market entrants may develop new, proprietary products with
features that could adversely affect the competitive position of our products.
We may not successfully anticipate market demand for new products or services
or introduce them in a timely manner which could negatively impact our
financial condition and results of operations. As a result, we may be unable to
perform our obligations under the debentures.
Our Market is Intensely Competitive. The intensely competitive nature of our
market could affect our financial condition and results of operations if we are
unable to maintain our market share. As a result, we may be unable to perform
our obligations under the debentures.
Our competition includes companies that sell:
. automatic call distributor systems
. private branch exchange systems that include automatic call distributor
features; and
. computer-telephony integration software.
Our competitors include companies such as:
. systems integrators
. telephone operating companies that market automatic call distributor
functionality
. participants in the problem tracking and resolution software market
. companies with technologies which independently balance calls across
several call centers; and
. interactive voice response companies.
As the hardware requirements for a traditional call center diminish, other
companies, including companies offering alternative or complementary
technologies, may obtain a significant position in the call transaction
processing market. For example, the anticipated convergence of voice and data
over a single network could result in increased competition for us.
In addition, many current and potential competitors, including Lucent
Technologies, Inc., Northern Telecom Limited, Rockwell International
Corporation, and Siemens Business Communication Systems Inc., have longer
operating histories, considerably greater resources, and larger customer bases
than Aspect. We expect to encounter significant competition from these and
other sources.
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Acquisitions and Investments May Be Difficult and Disruptive. In the past
several years we have made a number of acquisitions and have made minority
equity investments in other companies. These acquisitions and investments can
be costly and disruptive and the inability to successfully integrate a new
business or technology into our business could impact our financial condition
and results of operations. As a result, we could be unable to perform our
obligations under the debentures. We may continue to make such acquisitions and
investments and there are a number of risks that future transactions could
entail. These risks include the following:
. inability to successfully integrate or commercialize acquired
technologies or otherwise realize anticipated synergies or economies of
scale on a timely basis
. diversion of management attention
. disruption of our ongoing business
. inability to retain key technical and managerial personnel for both
companies
. inability to establish and maintain uniform standards, controls,
procedures, and processes
. governmental or competitive responses to the proposed transactions
. impairment of relationships with employees, vendors, and/or customers
including, in particular, Voicetek's original equipment manufacturers and
value-added reseller relationships.
In addition, acquisitions or investments we make may result in significant
write-offs, the creation of goodwill or the issuance of additional equity or
debt securities.
We May Be Sued for a Variety of Matters, Including Intellectual Property
Infringement, Securities Law Violations, Employee Claims and/or Product
Liability Claims. Any claim brought against the Company would likely have a
financial impact, both because of the impact on our common stock performance
and the disruption and diversion of management attention such a claim would
cause. Investors should be aware that future litigation could render us unable
to perform our obligations under the debentures. There has been extensive
litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights in our
industry and we are periodically notified of such claims by third parties. For
example, in March 1997, Lucent filed a lawsuit alleging that we infringed four
of Lucent's U.S. patents. In its complaint, Lucent sought to enjoin us from
allegedly continuing to infringe the Lucent patents and sought an unspecified
amount of compensatory damages, treble damages for alleged willful
infringement, and interest, expenses, and attorneys' fees. On February 4, 1998,
we filed a lawsuit asserting that Lucent infringed seven Aspect patents. Lucent
responded by filing for a declaratory judgment regarding these Aspect patents.
On February 27, 1998, we announced that we had entered into a patent cross-
license agreement with Lucent, under which each party agreed to dismiss our
patent lawsuits against each other, released each other from claims of past
infringement, and settled our patent disputes. Under the agreement, we paid
Lucent a one-time fee and, for the duration of the cross-license agreement,
will pay royalties that are not expected to be material to our future results
of operations. As part of the settlement, we recorded a non-recurring charge of
$14,000,000, approximately $0.17 per diluted share, for the quarter and year
ended December 31, 1997.
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We believe that many companies in our industry intend to use patent portfolio
litigation to generate revenues. In the future, claims asserting infringement
of patent or proprietary rights may be asserted or prosecuted against us.
Although we periodically negotiate with third parties to establish patent
license or cross-license agreements, such negotiations may not succeed.
Moreover, even if we negotiate license agreements with a third party, future
disputes with such parties are possible. If we are unable to resolve an
intellectual property dispute through a license, settlement or successful
litigation, we could be subject to damage assessments and be prevented from
making, using, or selling certain products or services.
In the future, we could become involved in other types of litigation, such as
shareholder lawsuits for alleged violations of securities laws, claims by
employees, and product liability claims. Any litigation could result in
substantial cost to us and diversion of our effort.
Our Intellectual Property May Be Copied, Obtained or Developed By Third
Parties. Our success depends in part upon our internally developed technology.
Despite the precautions we take to protect our intellectual property,
unauthorized third parties may copy or otherwise obtain and use our technology.
In addition, third parties may develop similar technology independently.
Infringements on our intellectual property could materially affect our
financial condition and results of operations. The financial impact of third
party patent infringement and the related disruption and diversion caused by
our remediation efforts could render us unable to perform our obligations under
the debentures.
We May Have Problems Coping with Year 2000 Issues. Many computer systems are
expected to experience problems handling dates around the Year 2000.
We believe the most reasonably likely worst case Year 2000 scenarios include
the following:
. Customers could change their buying patterns in a number of ways,
including accelerating or delaying purchases of, or replacement of, our
products and services.
. We could experience a disruption in service to our customers as a result
of the failure of third party products, including the following:
. Third party products which are non-compliant and are incorporated into
our products could cause our products to fail. A breakdown in telephone, e-
mail, voicemail, the World Wide Web or file transfer programs could impact
the responsiveness of our help desk;
. Year 2000 problems at a number of our suppliers including banks,
telephone companies and the United States Postal Service could have a
pervasive impact on our business as a whole; and/or
. Product features that rely on date parameters, such as dependent
routings and operating reports, could malfunction.
Our products may not contain all of the necessary date code or other changes
to operate in the Year 2000. Any failure of such products to perform could
result in:
. claims and lawsuits against us;
. significantly impaired customer satisfaction resulting in customers
withholding cash owed to us and delaying or canceling orders; and/or
11
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. managerial and technical resources being diverted away from product
development and other business activities.
Any of the above stated consequences, in addition to others that we cannot
yet foresee, could have a significant adverse impact on our business, operating
results and financial condition.
We Have Significant Debt Obligations. We incurred $150 million of principal
indebtedness, $490 million principal at maturity, from the sale of the
debentures in the August 1998 private placement. This new debt resulted in a
ratio of long-term debt to total shareholder's equity of approximately 47% at
September 30, 1998. As a result of the sale of the debentures, we have
substantially increased our principal and interest obligations. The degree to
which we are leveraged could materially and adversely affect our ability to
obtain additional financing and could make us more vulnerable to industry
downturns and competitive pressures. Our ability to meet our debt service
obligations will depend on our future performance, which will be subject to
financial, business, and other factors affecting our operations, many of which
are beyond our control.
Our Stock Price is Volatile. The price of the debentures and the conversion
shares may be subject to significant volatility. You cannot consider our past
financial performance a reliable indicator of performance for any future period
and should not use historical data to predict future results or trends. For any
given quarter, a shortfall in our operating results from the levels expected by
securities analysts or others could immediately and adversely effect the price
of the debentures and the conversion shares. If we do not learn of such
shortfalls until late in a fiscal quarter, there could be an even more
immediate and adverse affect on the price of the debentures and the conversion
shares. In addition, this volatility could be exacerbated by the relatively low
trading volume of our common stock. Further, the market price of the debentures
and the conversion shares may decline.
We operate in a rapidly changing high-technology industry. In the past and
recently, the high technology industry has exhibited significant stock market
volatility. If the price of our common stock declines rapidly, we may become
subject to class action securities litigation. Litigation would be a costly
diversion for our management team.
You May Not Be Paid on the Debentures. The debentures are not secured by our
assets and are subordinated in right of payment to all of our existing and
future senior indebtedness. In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or
reorganization and in certain other events, we will not be able to pay our
obligations with respect to the debentures until all senior indebtedness has
been fully paid. The debentures are effectively subordinated to all of the
liabilities of our subsidiaries since we are a shareholder of our subsidiaries
and will only receive funds as a shareholder after our subsidiaries have repaid
all obligations to their creditors. We may not have sufficient assets remaining
to pay amounts due on any or all of the debentures then outstanding. The
indenture does not prohibit or limit us or our subsidiaries from incurring
additional senior indebtedness, other debt or other liabilities. Our ability to
pay our obligations on the debentures could be adversely affected if we or our
subsidiaries incur more debt.
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The following sets forth our indebtedness at September 30, 1998 to which the
debentures are subordinated:
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
Senior indebtedness.............. $62.8 million
Indebtedness of subsidiaries..... $46.9 million
</TABLE>
Both we and our subsidiaries expect that from time to time we will incur
additional indebtedness to which the debentures will be subordinated. See
"Description of Debentures -- Subordination of Debentures."
Limitations on Repurchases and Redemptions of Debentures. On each August 10,
2003, August 10, 2008 and August 10, 2013, we will become obligated to
purchase, at the debenture holder's option, any outstanding debenture, subject
to certain conditions. In addition, upon a fundamental change, each holder will
have the right, at the holder's option, to require Aspect to redeem all or a
portion of such holder's debentures. We may not have sufficient funds to pay
the repurchase price on any purchase date or the redemption price in the event
of a fundamental change. If we did not have sufficient funds on a purchase
date, we could be required to issue shares of common stock at valuations based
on then prevailing market prices, if we met certain conditions.
Future debt to which we may become a party could contain covenants that
restrict our right to repurchase or redeem the debentures. We may then have to
refinance such debt or seek the consent of then-existing lenders to repurchase
or redeem the debentures. If we were unable to either refinance the existing
debt or redeem the debentures, we would be in default under the debentures,
which may in turn cause us to default on other debt and would likely prohibit
or restrict payment on the debentures. Additionally, if a fundamental change
would constitute an event of default under senior indebtedness then
outstanding, the indenture's subordination provisions would likely prohibit or
restrict payments to the holders of debentures.
The term fundamental change applies to certain types of transactions and does
not include all events that could adversely affect Aspect. Even though we are
required to redeem the debentures in the event of a fundamental change, holders
still may not be protected in the event that we are involved in certain types
of highly leveraged transactions, reorganizations, mergers or similar
transactions. See "Description of Debentures -- Redemption at Option of the
Holder Upon a Fundamental Change."
You May Not Be Able to Sell Your Debentures. The debentures were issued in
August 1998 in a private placement to a small number of institutional buyers
and were designated for trading on the Portal Market. However, following their
resale pursuant to this prospectus, there will be no public market for the
debentures. As a result, you may be unable to sell your debentures. We do not
intend to list the debentures on any national securities exchange or on The
Nasdaq Stock Market.
An active trading market for the debentures may not develop or last, in which
case the trading price of such debentures could be adversely affected. In that
case, debenture holders may have difficulty in reselling the debentures or may
be unable to sell them at all. If a public trading market develops for the
debentures, the debentures' future trading prices will depend on many factors,
including, among other things, prevailing interest rates and the market price
of the shares of our common stock.
13
<PAGE>
Rating of Debentures. We believe that it is likely that one or more rating
agencies may rate the debentures. If the debentures are rated by a rating
agency and the assigned rating is lower than generally expected by investors,
or if it is subsequently reduced, the market price for the debentures would be
materially adversely affected.
14
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale by the selling securityholders
of the debentures or the conversion shares.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth, for the periods shown, the ratio of earnings
to fixed charges. This ratio is computed by dividing fixed charges into
earnings before income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of
interest expense, including amortization of original issue discount and debt
issuance costs, as applicable, and the estimated portion of operating lease
rental expense which represents the interest factor, deemed to be one-third of
lease payments.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months
Fiscal Year Ended December Ended
31, September 30,
--------------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
<CAPTION>
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
----- ---- ---- ----- ----- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges... 12.6x 8.0x 9.6x 13.9x 25.8x 31.2x 13.8x
</TABLE>
- --------
15
<PAGE>
SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS
Aspect originally issued the debentures in a private placement. The
debentures were resold by the initial purchasers thereof to qualified
institutional buyers (within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act)
or other institutional accredited investors (as defined in Rule 501 (a) (1),
(2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act) in transactions exempt from
registration under the Securities Act. The debentures and the conversion shares
that may be offered pursuant to this prospectus will be offered by the selling
securityholders. The following table sets forth certain information concerning
the principal amount of debentures beneficially owned by each selling
securityholder and the number of conversion shares that may be offered from
time to time pursuant to this prospectus.
The number of conversion shares shown in the table below assumes conversion
of the full amount of debentures held by such holder at the initial conversion
rate of 8.713 shares per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of debentures.
This conversion rate is subject to certain adjustments. Accordingly, the number
of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the debentures may
increase or decrease from time to time. Under the terms of the indenture,
fractional shares will not be issued upon conversion of the debentures. Cash
will be paid in lieu of fractional shares, if any. As of September 30, 1998,
Aspect had 51,156,055 shares of common stock outstanding.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Amount of Number Of Percent of
Debentures Percentage Of Conversion Common
Beneficially Owned Debentures Shares That Stock
Name That May Be Sold ($) Outstanding (%) May Be Sold Outstanding
---- -------------------- --------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Salomon Brothers Asset
Management, Inc. ...... 122,706,900 25.0% 1,069,145 2.1%
Deutsche Bank Securi-
ties................... 50,500,000 10.3% 440,006 *
J.P. Morgan & Co.
Inc.(1) ............... 15,000,000 3.1% 130,695 *
Aristeia International,
LLC.................... 14,354,000 2.9% 125,066 *
Aristeia Trading,
L.L.C.................. 10,646,000 2.2% 92,758 *
Argent Classic
Convertible Heritage
Fund (Bermuda) L.P..... 10,000,000 2.0% 87,130 *
Highbridge Capital
Corporation............ 9,000,000 1.8% 78,417 *
Argent Convertible
Heritage Fund Ltd...... 5,000,000 1.0% 43,565 *
General Motors Employees
Domestic Group Pension
Trust.................. 5,000,000 1.0% 43,565 *
National Union Fire
Insurance Company of
Pittsburg.............. 5,000,000 1.0% 43,565 *
The Zazove Convertible
Fund L.P. ............. 3,500,000 * 30,495 *
South Dakota Retirement
System................. 3,000,000 * 26,139 *
State of Connecticut
Combined Investment
Funds.................. 2,905,000 * 25,311 *
Vanguard Convertible
Securities Fund,
Inc. .................. 2,750,000 * 23,960 *
Winchester Convertible
Plus, Ltd. ............ 2,400,000 * 20,911 *
Chrysler Corporation
Master Retirement
Trust.................. 2,175,000 * 18,950 *
OCM Convertible Trust... 2,175,000 * 18,950 *
Orrington Investments
Limited Partnership.... 1,800,000 * 15,683 *
Foundations Account No.
1...................... 1,790,000 * 15,596 *
Orrington International
Fund Ltd............... 1,200,000 * 10,456 *
Raytheon Company Master
Pension Trust.......... 1,190,000 * 10,368 *
Delta Airline Master
Trust.................. 1,115,000 * 9,714 *
LLC Account No. 1....... 810,000 * 7,057 *
State Employees'
Retirement Fund of the
State of Delaware...... 720,000 * 6,273 *
OCM Convertible Limited
Partnership............ 460,000 * 4,008 *
Westfield Life Insurance
Company................ 400,000 * 3,485 *
Partner Reinsurance
Company, Ltd. ......... 320,000 * 2,788 *
First Mercury Insurance
Company................ 100,000 * 871 *
Total................. 276,016,900 56.3% 2,404,935 4.7%
</TABLE>
- --------
* Less than 1%.
(1) J.P. Morgan & Co. Inc. beneficially owns 152,695 shares of Aspect common
stock.
16
<PAGE>
The preceding table has been prepared based upon the information furnished to
Aspect by the selling securityholders named therein.
None of the selling securityholders has had any position, office or other
material relationship with Aspect or its affiliates within the past three
years.
The selling securityholders identified above may have sold, transferred or
otherwise disposed of, in transactions exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act, all or a portion of their debentures since
the date on which the information in the preceding table is presented.
Information concerning the selling securityholders may change from time to time
and any such changed information will be set forth in supplements to this
prospectus if and when necessary. Because the selling securityholders may offer
all or some of the debentures that they hold and/or conversion shares pursuant
to the offering contemplated by this prospectus, no estimate can be given as to
the amount of the debentures or conversion shares that will be held by the
selling securityholders upon the termination of this offering. See "Plan of
Distribution."
17
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF DEBENTURES
The debentures were issued under an indenture dated as of August 10, 1998,
between Aspect and State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A., as
trustee. The form of indenture and the registration rights agreement have been
filed as exhibits to the registration statement. The following are summaries of
all material portions of the debentures, the indenture and the registration
rights agreement. They are qualified by reference to the provisions of the
debentures, the indenture and the registration rights agreement, including the
definitions of certain terms that are not defined in this prospectus. Wherever
particular provisions or defined terms of the indenture, or of the form of
debenture which is a part thereof, or registration rights agreement are
referred to, such provisions or defined terms are incorporated herein by
reference. References in this section to Aspect are solely to Aspect
Telecommunications Corporation and not to its subsidiaries.
General
The debentures are unsecured obligations of Aspect limited to $490,000,000
aggregate principal amount at maturity. The debentures will mature on August
10, 2018. The debentures were issued in the initial private placement at an
original issue price of $306.56 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity. This
represented an original issue discount of 69.344% from the principal amount
thereof payable at maturity.
The debentures are being offered at a substantial discount from their
principal amount at maturity and will therefore have original issue discount
for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See "Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
There will be no periodic payments of interest on the debentures. The
calculation of the accrual of original issue discount, the difference between
the issue price of a debenture and the principal amount at maturity of a
debenture, in the period during which a debenture remains outstanding will be
compounded semi-annually using a year composed of twelve 30-day months. Such
accrual will commence on the issue date of the debentures. Maturity,
conversion, purchase by Aspect the option of a holder or redemption of a
debenture will cause original issue discount and interest, if any, to cease to
accrue on such debenture under the terms and subject to the conditions of the
indenture. Aspect may not reissue a debenture that has matured or been
converted, purchased by Aspect at the option of a holder, redeemed or otherwise
canceled except for registration, transfer, exchange or replacement of such
debenture.
The principal amount at maturity of each debenture is payable at the office
or agency of the paying agent, initially the trustee, in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, or any other office of the paying agent
maintained for such purpose. Debentures may be presented for conversion or
exchange into common stock at the office of the conversion agent. Debentures in
definitive form may be presented for exchange for other debentures or
registration of transfer at the office of the registrar. Initially, the trustee
will be the paying agent, the conversion agent and the registrar. Aspect will
not charge a service charge for any registration, transfer or exchange of
debentures. However, Aspect may require the holder to pay for any tax,
assessment or other governmental charge to be paid in connection with any
registration, transfer or exchange of debentures.
18
<PAGE>
Form, Denomination and Registration
The debentures are issuable in fully registered form, without coupons, in
denominations of $1,000 principal amount and multiples of $1,000.
Global Debenture; Book-Entry Form. Debentures sold by the selling
securityholders pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus
forms a part may be represented by a global debenture. The global debenture
will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New
York, New York and registered in the name of Cede and Co. as DTC's nominee.
Except as set forth below, the global debenture may be transferred, in whole or
in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its
nominee.
Purchasers of the debentures may hold their interests in the global debenture
directly through DTC if such holder is a participant in DTC, or indirectly
through organizations which are participants in DTC. Transfers between
participants will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules
and will be settled in clearing house funds. The laws of some states require
that certain persons take physical delivery of securities in definitive form.
Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests into the global
debenture to such persons may be limited.
Persons who are not participants may beneficially own interests in the global
debenture held by DTC only though participants, or certain banks, brokers,
dealers, trust companies and other parties that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. So
long as Cede, as the nominee of DTC, is the registered owner of the global
debenture, Cede for all purposes will be considered the sole holder of the
global debenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in
the global debenture will not be entitled to have certificates registered in
their names. Such owners will not receive or be entitled to receive physical
delivery of certificates in definitive registered form and will not be
considered the holders of the global debenture.
Payment of original issue discount and interest, if any, on and the
redemption price and the purchase price of the global debenture will be made to
Cede, the nominee for DTC, as the registered owner of the global debenture.
Payments will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds on the
payment date therefor. Neither Aspect, the trustee nor any paying agent will
have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to
or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global
debenture. In addition, neither Aspect, the trustee nor the paying agent will
be responsible for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating
to such beneficial ownership interests.
Aspect has been informed by DTC that, with respect to any payment of
interest, if any, on and the redemption price or the purchase price of, the
global debenture, DTC 's practice is to credit participants' accounts on the
payment date therefor. These payments will be in amounts proportionate to the
participants' respective beneficial interests in the principal amount
represented by the global debenture as shown on the records of DTC. DTC will
not credit participants' accounts if DTC has reason to believe that it will not
receive payment on such payment date. Payments by participants to owners of
beneficial interests in the principal amount represented by the global
debenture held through such participants will be the responsibility of such
participants. This is currently the case with securities held for the accounts
of customers registered in street name.
19
<PAGE>
Because DTC can only act on behalf of participants, who in turn act on behalf
of indirect participants and certain banks, the ability of a person having a
beneficial interest in the principal amount represented by the global debenture
to pledge such interest to persons or entities that do not participate in the
DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interest, may be
affected by the lack of physical certificates evidencing such interest.
Neither Aspect nor the trustee, nor any registrar, paying agent nor
conversion agent under the indenture, will have any responsibility for the
performance by DTC or its participants or indirect participants of their
operations. DTC has advised Aspect that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a holder of debentures, including, without limitation, the
presentation of debentures for exchange as described below, only at the
direction of one or more participants to whose account with DTC interests in
the global debenture are credited. In addition, DTC will only take action in
respect of the principal amount of the debentures represented by the global
debenture as to which such participant or participants has or have given such
direction.
DTC has advised Aspect as follows: DTC is a limited purpose trust company
organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the Federal
Reserve System, a clearing corporation within the meaning of the Uniform
Commercial Code and a clearing agency registered pursuant to the provisions of
Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities for its
participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions between participants through electronic book-entry changes to the
accounts of its participants. This practice eliminates the need for physical
movement of certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers,
banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and may include certain other
organizations. Certain of such participants, or their representatives, together
with other entities, own DTC. Indirect access to the DTC system is available to
others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through,
or maintain a custodial relationship with, a participant, either directly or
indirectly.
Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate
transfers of interests in the global debenture among participants, it is under
no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such
procedures may be discontinued at any time. If DTC is at any time unwilling or
unable to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by
Aspect within 90 days, Aspect will cause the debentures to be issued in
definitive registered form in exchange for the global debenture.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to participants, by
participants to indirect participants and indirect participants to beneficial
owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or
regulatory requirements that may be in effect from time to time. Redemption
notices shall be sent to Cede, as nominee of DTC. If less than all of the
debentures are being redeemed, DTC will reduce the amount of interest of each
participant in such debentures in accordance with its procedures.
Certificated Debentures. Holders of debentures may request that certificated
debentures be issued in exchange for debentures represented by the global
debenture. Furthermore, certificated debentures may be issued in exchange for
debentures represented by the global debenture if no successor depositary is
appointed by Aspect as set forth above under "Global Debenture, Book-Entry
Form."
20
<PAGE>
Subordination of Debentures
As set forth in the indenture, the debentures are subordinate in right of
payment to the holders of all existing and future senior indebtedness. Such
subordination will not prevent the occurrence of any event of default under the
indenture.
Upon any distribution of assets of Aspect upon any:
. dissolution
. winding up
. voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy
. insolvency
. liquidation
. reorganization
. receivership
. similar proceeding relating to Aspect or its property or
. an assignment for the benefit of creditors or any marshaling of Aspect's
assets or liabilities,
the holders of senior indebtedness will be entitled to receive payment in full
before the holders of debentures will be entitled to receive any payment in
respect of the debentures.
Until all obligations with respect to senior indebtedness are paid in full by
payment satisfactory to the holders of senior indebtedness, no payment shall be
made to the holders of debentures. By reason of the subordination, if any of
the events set forth above occur, holders of senior indebtedness may receive
more, ratably, and the holders of debentures may receive less, ratably, than
Aspect's other creditors.
If the debentures are declared due and payable prior to maturity because of
an event of default, then Aspect must promptly notify holders of senior
indebtedness of such acceleration. Aspect may not pay monies owed pursuant to
the debentures until 120 days have passed after such acceleration occurs. After
120 days have passed, Aspect may pay the debentures only if the terms of the
indenture otherwise permit payment at that time.
Aspect also may not make any payment on the debentures if:
(1) a default in any payment obligations in respect of senior indebtedness
occurs and is continuing, without regard to any applicable period of
grace (whether at maturity or at a date fixed for payment or by
declaration or otherwise); or
(2) any other default occurs and is continuing with respect to designated
senior indebtedness that permits holders of the designated senior
indebtedness as to which such default relates to accelerate its
maturity and the trustee receives a notice of such default from Aspect
or from a representative for any issue of designated senior
indebtedness. Payments on the debentures may and shall be resumed:
21
<PAGE>
. in case of a payment default, the earlier of the date on which such
default is cured or waived or ceases to exist; and
. in case of a nonpayment default, the earlier of the date on which
such nonpayment default is cured or waived or ceases to exist or 179
days after the date on which the applicable payment blockage notice
is received by the trustee, if the maturity of such designated
senior indebtedness has not been accelerated, and in either case
only if the terms of the indenture otherwise permit payment at that
time.
No new period of payment blockage may be commenced pursuant to a payment
blockage notice until 365 days have elapsed since the initial effectiveness of
the immediately prior payment blockage notice. No nonpayment default that
existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any payment blockage
notice to the trustee shall be, or shall be made, the basis for a subsequent
payment blockage notice unless such default has been cured or waived for a
period of 90 or more days. Any action of Aspect or any of its subsidiaries
occurring subsequent to delivery of a payment blockage notice that would give
rise to any event of default under senior indebtedness under which an event of
default previously existed or was continuing at the time of delivery of such
payment blockage notice shall constitute a new event of default for this
purpose. Any breach of a financial covenant giving rise to a nonpayment default
for a period ending subsequent to the date of delivery of the respective
payment blockage notice constitutes a new event of default for this purpose.
The debentures are obligations exclusively of Aspect. Since a portion of the
operations of Aspect are conducted through subsidiaries, the cash flow and the
consequent ability to service debt, including the debentures, are dependent
upon the earnings of its subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings
to, or upon loans or other payments of funds by those subsidiaries to, Aspect.
The subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no
obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amount pursuant to the
debentures or to make any funds available therefor, whether by dividends, loans
or other payments. In addition, the payment of dividends and making of loans
and advances to Aspect by its subsidiaries may be subject to statutory or
contractual restrictions, are contingent upon the earnings of those
subsidiaries and are subject to various business considerations.
Any right of Aspect to receive assets of any of its subsidiaries upon their
liquidation or reorganization, and the consequent right of the holders of the
debentures to participate in those assets, will be effectively subordinated to
the claims of that subsidiary's creditors. The only exception would be if
Aspect is itself recognized as a creditor of such subsidiary. In that case
Aspect's claims would still be subordinate to any security interests in the
assets of such subsidiary and any indebtedness of such subsidiary senior to
that held by Aspect.
At September 30, 1998, Aspect had approximately $62.8 million of indebtedness
outstanding that would have constituted senior indebtedness. Of this amount,
approximately $58.3 million related to foreign exchange contracts. Aspect's
subsidiaries had approximately $46.9 million of indebtedness and other
liabilities, including trade and other payables, outstanding, but excluding
intercompany liabilities and liabilities of a type not required to be reflected
on a balance sheet in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
to which the debentures would have been effectively subordinated. The indenture
does not limit the amount of additional indebtedness, including senior
indebtedness, which Aspect can create, incur, assume or guarantee, nor does the
indenture limit the amount of indebtedness which any subsidiary can create,
incur, assume or guarantee.
22
<PAGE>
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the trustee or any holder
of the debentures receives any payment of any kind in contravention of the
subordination provisions of the indenture before full payment of the senior
indebtedness, then such payment will be held by the recipient in trust for the
benefit of, and paid over to, holders of senior indebtedness or their
representatives. These payments can be made in any form of consideration but
must take into account any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of
senior indebtedness.
Aspect is obligated to pay reasonable compensation to the trustee and to
indemnify the trustee against certain losses, liabilities or expenses incurred
by it in connection with its duties relating to the debentures. The trustee's
claims for such payments will generally be senior to those of holders of the
debentures in respect of all funds collected or held by the trustee.
Conversion of Debentures
A holder of a debenture may convert it into Aspect common stock at any time
prior to maturity. However, the holder may convert it only until the close of
business on the last trading day prior to the redemption date unless Aspect
defaults in the payment of the redemption price. A debenture in respect of
which a holder has delivered a purchase notice exercising the option of such
holder to require Aspect to purchase such debenture may be converted only if
such notice is withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the indenture.
Similarly, a debenture in respect of which a holder is exercising its option to
require redemption upon a fundamental change may be converted only if such
holder withdraws its election to exercise its option in accordance with the
terms of the indenture. A holder may convert its debentures in part so long as
such part is $l,000 principal amount at maturity or an integral multiple of
$1,000.
The initial conversion rate is 8.713 shares of common stock per $1,000
principal amount at maturity of debentures, subject to adjustment upon the
occurrence of certain events, as described below. A holder entitled to a
fractional share of common stock shall receive cash equal to the then current
market value of such fractional share.
On conversion of a debenture, a holder will not receive any cash payment
representing accrued original issue discount. Aspect's delivery to the holder
of the fixed number of shares of common stock into which the debenture is
convertible, together with the cash payment, if any, in lieu of a fractional
share of common stock, will be deemed to satisfy Aspect's obligation to pay the
principal amount of the debenture including the accrued original issue discount
attributable to the period from the issue date to the conversion date. Thus,
the accrued original issue discount is deemed to be paid in full rather than
canceled, extinguished or forfeited. The conversion rate will not be adjusted
at any time during the term of the debentures for such accrued original issue
discount.
To convert a certificated debenture into common stock, a holder must:
(1) complete and manually sign the conversion notice on the back of the
debenture (or complete and manually sign a facsimile thereof) and
deliver such notice to the conversion agent;
(2) surrender the debenture to the conversion agent;
(3) if required, furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents;
and
(4) if required, pay all transfer or similar taxes.
23
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the indenture, the date on which all of the above requirements
have been satisfied is the conversion date.
The conversion rate is subject to adjustment under formulae as set forth in
the indenture in certain events, including:
(1) the issuance of Aspect common stock as a dividend or distribution on
the common stock;
(2) certain subdivisions and combinations of the common stock;
(3) the issuance to all holders of common stock of certain rights or
warrants to purchase common stock;
(4) the distribution to all holders of common stock of capital stock,
other than Aspect common stock, or evidences of Aspect's indebtedness
or of assets. This includes securities other than common stock, but
excluding those rights, warrants, dividends and distributions referred
to in clauses (1) and (3) above or paid in cash;
(5) distributions consisting of cash, excluding any quarterly cash
dividend on the common stock to the extent that the aggregate cash
dividend per share of common stock in any quarter does not exceed the
greater of:
. the amount per share of common stock of the next preceding quarterly
cash dividend on the common stock to the extent that such preceding
quarterly dividend did not require an adjustment of the conversion
rate pursuant to this clause (5) (as adjusted to reflect
subdivisions or combinations of the common stock); and
. 3.75 percent of the average of the last reported sales price of the
common stock during the ten trading days immediately prior to the
date of declaration of such dividend, and excluding any dividend or
distribution in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of Aspect
(6) payment in respect of a tender offer or exchange offer by Aspect or
any subsidiary of Aspect for the common stock to the extent that the
per share consideration exceeds the current market price per share of
common stock on the trading day next succeeding the last date on which
tenders or exchanges may be made; and
(7) payment in respect of a tender offer or exchange offer by a person
other than Aspect or any subsidiary of Aspect in which, as of the
closing date of the offer, the board of directors is not recommending
rejection of the offer.
If an adjustment is required to be made as set forth in clause (5) above as a
result of a distribution that is a quarterly dividend, such adjustment would be
based upon the amount by which such distribution exceeds the amount of the
quarterly cash dividend permitted to be excluded pursuant to clause (5) above.
If an adjustment is required to be made as set forth in clause (5) above as a
result of a distribution that is not a quarterly dividend, such adjustment
would be based upon the full amount of the distribution. The adjustment
referred to clause (7) will only be made if both the amount of the tender would
increase the offeror's ownership of common stock to more than 25% of the total
shares
24
<PAGE>
of common stock outstanding, and if the value of any other consideration
included in such payment per share of common stock exceeds the current market
price per share of common stock on the business day next succeeding the last
date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or
exchange offer. The adjustment referred to in clause (7) above will generally
not be made, however, if as of the closing of such offer, the offering
documents with respect to such offer disclose a plan or an intention to cause
Aspect to engage in a consolidation or merger of Aspect or a sale of all or
substantially all of Aspect's assets.
The indenture provides that if Aspect implements a stockholders' rights plan,
such rights plan must provide that upon conversion of the debentures the
holders will receive, in addition to the common stock issuable upon such
conversion, such rights whether or not such rights have separated from the
common stock at the time of such conversion.
No adjustment in the conversion rate will be required unless such adjustment
would require a change of at least 1% in the rate then in effect: provided that
any adjustment that would otherwise be required to be made shall be carried
forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment.
Except as stated above, the conversion rate will not be adjusted for the
issuance of common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for
common stock or carrying the right to purchase any of the foregoing.
In the case of either:
. any reclassification of the common stock, or
. a consolidation or merger involving Aspect or a sale or conveyance to
another corporation of the property and assets of Aspect as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety,
if holders of common stock shall be entitled to receive any form of
consideration with respect to or in exchange for such common stock, the holders
of the debentures then outstanding will be entitled thereafter to convert such
debentures into the kind and amount of consideration which they would have
owned or been entitled to receive had such debentures been converted
immediately prior to such transaction. This assumes that a holder of debentures
would not have exercised any rights of election as to the consideration
receivable in connection with such transaction.
In the event of a taxable distribution to holders of common stock or in
certain other circumstances requiring an adjustment to the conversion rate, the
holders of debentures may, in certain circumstances, be deemed to have received
a distribution subject to United States income tax as a dividend. In certain
other circumstances, the absence of such an adjustment may result in a taxable
dividend to the holders of common stock. See "Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
Aspect from time to time may to the extent permitted by law increase the
conversion rate by any amount for any period of at least 20 business days.
Should Aspect increase the conversion rate, Aspect shall give at least 15 days'
notice of such increase, if the board of directors has made a determination
that such increase would be in Aspect's best interests, which determination
shall be conclusive. Aspect may, at its option, make such increases in the
conversion rate, in addition to those set forth above, as the Board of
Directors deems advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to
25
<PAGE>
holders of common stock resulting from any dividend or distribution to stock,
or rights to acquire stock, or from any event treated as such for income tax
purposes. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations."
Redemption of Debentures at Aspect's Option
No sinking fund is provided for the debentures. Aspect will not have the
option to redeem the debentures prior to August 10, 2003. Beginning on August
10, 2003, Aspect may redeem the debentures for cash as a whole at any time, or
from time to time in part, upon not less than 30 days' nor more than 60 days'
notice of redemption given by mail to holders of debentures. The debentures
will be redeemable in multiples of $l,000 principal amount at maturity.
The table below shows redemption prices of debentures per $1,000 principal
amount at maturity thereof at August 10, 2003 and at each August 10 thereafter
prior to maturity and at maturity on August 10, 2018, which prices reflect the
accrued original issue discount calculated to each such date. The redemption
price of a debenture redeemed between such dates would include an additional
amount reflecting the additional original issue discount accrued since the next
preceding date in the table to the actual redemption date.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(2) (3)
(1) Accrued Original Redemption
Debenture Issue Discount Price
Issue Price at 6.00% (1)+(2)
----------- ---------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
August 10, 2003......................... $306.56 $105.44 $ 412.00
August 10, 2004......................... 306.56 130.53 437.09
August 10, 2005......................... 306.56 157.14 463.70
August 10, 2006......................... 306.56 185.38 491.94
August 10, 2007......................... 306.56 215.34 521.90
August 10, 2008......................... 306.56 247.13 553.69
August 10, 2009......................... 306.56 280.85 587.41
August 10, 2010......................... 306.56 316.62 623.18
August 10, 2011......................... 306.56 354.57 661.13
August 10, 2012......................... 306.56 394.83 701.39
August 10, 2013......................... 306.56 437.55 744.11
August 10, 2014......................... 306.56 482.86 789.42
August 10, 2015......................... 306.56 530.94 837.50
August 10, 2016......................... 306.56 581.94 888.50
August 10, 2017......................... 306.56 636.05 942.61
August 10, 2018......................... 306.56 693.44 1,000.00
</TABLE>
If less than all of the outstanding debentures held in certificated form are
to be redeemed, the trustee shall select the debentures held in such form to be
redeemed in principal amounts at maturity of $1,000 or integral multiples
thereof by lot, pro rata or by another method the trustee considers fair and
appropriate. If a portion of a holder's certificated debentures is selected for
partial redemption and such holder converts a portion of such debentures, such
converted portion shall be deemed to be the portion selected for redemption.
Debentures registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be redeemed as
described under "--Form, Denomination and Registration--Global Debenture; Book-
Entry Form."
26
<PAGE>
Redemption at Option of the Holder Upon a Fundamental Change
If a fundamental change occurs at any time prior to August 10, 2018, each
holder of debentures shall have the right, at the holder's option, to require
Aspect to redeem any or all of such holder's debentures. Holders can exercise
this request on the date that is 45 days after the date of Aspect's notice of
such fundamental change. The debentures will be redeemable in multiples of
$1,000 principal amount at maturity.
Aspect shall redeem such debentures at a price equal to the issue price plus
accrued original issue discount to the repurchase date; provided that if the
applicable price in connection with the fundamental change is less than the
reference market price, Aspect shall redeem such debentures at a price equal to
the fundamental change redemption price multiplied by the following fraction:
Applicable Price
-----------------
Reference Market Price
Aspect shall mail to all holders of record of the debentures a notice of the
occurrence of a fundamental change and of the redemption right arising as a
result thereof on or before the tenth day after the occurrence of such
fundamental change. Aspect shall deliver to the trustee a copy of such
applicable price of reference market price notice. To exercise the redemption
right, holders of debentures must deliver, on or before the 30th day after the
date of Aspect's notice of a fundamental change, the debentures to be so
redeemed, duly endorsed for transfer, together with the form entitled "Option
to Elect Redemption Upon a Fundamental Change" on the reverse thereof duly
completed, to Aspect, or an agent designated by Aspect for such purpose.
Aspect will comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4 and any other tender
offer rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable in connection
with the redemption rights of debenture holders in the event of a fundamental
change.
The redemption rights of the holders of debentures could discourage a
potential acquiror of Aspect. The fundamental change redemption feature,
however, is not the result of management's knowledge of any specific effort to
obtain control of Aspect by any means or part of a plan by management to adopt
a series of anti-takeover provisions.
The term fundamental change is limited to certain specified transactions and
may not include other events that might adversely affect Aspect's financial
condition. In addition, holders may not be protected by the requirement that
Aspect offer to repurchase the debentures upon a fundamental change in the
event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, merger or similar
transaction involving Aspect.
No debentures may be redeemed at the option of holders upon a fundamental
change if there has occurred and is continuing an event of default described
under "Events of Default, Notice and Waiver" below. However, debentures may be
redeemed if the event of default is in the payment of the fundamental change
redemption price with respect to such debentures. In the event of a fundamental
change and exercise by holders of the debentures of their associated rights to
require Aspect to redeem all or a portion of their debentures, Aspect may not
have sufficient funds to pay the redemption price for all the debentures
tendered by the holders thereof. The terms of future debt
27
<PAGE>
arrangements could prevent redemption of the debentures. If a fundamental
change occurs at a time when Aspect is prohibited from redeeming the
debentures, Aspect could ask existing lenders to consent to Aspect's redemption
of the debentures or could attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain
such prohibition. If Aspect does not obtain such a consent or repay such
borrowings, Aspect would remain prohibited from redeeming the debentures. In
such case, Aspect's failure to redeem debentures required to be redeemed under
the terms of the indenture would constitute an event of default under the
indenture and would likely constitute a default under the terms of any other
indebtedness of Aspect outstanding at such time. In such circumstances, or if a
fundamental change would in and of itself constitute an event of default under
agreements governing senior indebtedness then outstanding, the subordination
provisions in the indenture would likely prevent holders from being paid.
Purchase of Debentures at the Option of the Holder
On August 10, 2003, August 10, 2008 and August 10, 2013, Aspect will become
obligated to purchase, at the option of the holder thereof, any outstanding
debenture for which a written purchase notice has been delivered by the holder
to the office of the paying agent. The paying agent will initially be the
trustee. This period will begin at any time from the opening of business on the
date that is 20 business days prior to such purchase date until the close of
business on such purchase date. If the purchase notice is withdrawn during the
period, Aspect will not be obligated to purchase. Aspect's purchase obligation
will be subject to certain additional conditions.
The purchase notice shall state:
(1) the certificate numbers of the debentures to be delivered by the holder
thereof for purchase by Aspect;
(2) the portion of the principal amount at maturity of debentures to be
purchased, which portion must be $1,000 or a multiple thereof;
(3) that such debentures are to be purchased by Aspect pursuant to the
applicable provisions of the debentures; and
(4) in the event that Aspect elects to pay the purchase price in common
stock but does not end up satisfying the conditions to payment and
ultimately has to pay the purchaser in cash, whether the holder would
choose:
. to withdraw such purchase notice as to some or all of the debentures
to which it relates; or
. to receive cash in respect of the entire purchase price for all
debentures subject to such purchase notice.
If the holder fails to indicate such holder's choice with respect to the
election described in clause (4) above, such holder shall be deemed to have
elected to receive cash for the entire purchase price for all debentures
subject to such purchase notice. For a discussion of the tax treatment of a
holder receiving cash or common stock pursuant to its election to tender its
debentures to Aspect on a purchase date, see "Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
28
<PAGE>
Any purchase notice may be withdrawn by the holder by a written notice of
withdrawal delivered to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the
purchase date. The notice of withdrawal shall state the principal amount at
maturity and the certificate numbers of the debentures as to which the
withdrawal notice relates and the principal amount at maturity, if any, which
remains subject to the purchase notice.
The purchase price payable in respect of a debenture shall be equal to the
issue price plus accrued original issue discount to the purchase date. The
table below shows the purchase prices of a debenture as of the specified
purchase dates. Aspect may elect to pay the purchase price payable, as of any
purchase date, in cash or common stock or any combination of cash or common
stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Purchase Date Price
------------- -----
<S> <C>
August 10, 2003...................................................... $412.00
August 10, 2008...................................................... $553.69
August 10, 2013...................................................... $744.11
</TABLE>
If Aspect elects to pay the purchase price, in whole or in part, in common
stock, the number of shares to be delivered in respect of the portion of the
purchase price to be paid in common stock shall be equal to such portion of the
purchase price divided by the market price of the common stock. However, no
fractional shares of common stock will be delivered upon any purchase by Aspect
of debentures through the delivery of common stock in payment, in whole or in
part, of the purchase price. Instead, Aspect will pay cash based on the market
price for all fractional shares of common stock.
Aspect will give notice not less than 20 business days prior to the purchase
date to all holders at their addresses shown in the register of the registrar.
Aspect will also give notice to beneficial owners as required by applicable
law. This notice will state, among other things:
. whether Aspect will pay the purchase price of the debentures in cash or
common stock, or any combination of cash or common stock. The notice
will specify the percentage of each, and
. if Aspect elects to pay in common stock, in whole or in part the method
of calculating the market price of the common stock.
Upon determination of the actual number of shares of common stock in
accordance with the foregoing provisions, Aspect will publish such
determination in a daily newspaper of national circulation.
Aspect's right to purchase debentures with common stock is subject to the
satisfaction of various conditions, including:
. the registration of the common stock under the Securities Act, if
required, and
. compliance with other applicable federal and state securities laws, if
any. If such conditions are not satisfied by a purchase date, Aspect
will pay the purchase price of the debentures to be purchased on such
purchase date entirely in cash. Aspect will comply with the provisions
of Rule 13e-4 and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act
which may then be applicable and will file a Schedule 13E-4 or any other
schedule required thereunder in connection with any offer by Aspect to
purchase debentures at the option of holders.
29
<PAGE>
Payment of the purchase price for a debenture for which a purchase notice has
been delivered and not withdrawn is conditioned upon book-entry transfer or
delivery of such debenture, together with necessary endorsements, to the paying
agent at its office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, or any
other office of the paying agent, at any time after delivery of such purchase
notice. Payment of the purchase price for such debenture will be made promptly
following the later of the purchase date or the time of book-entry transfer or
delivery of such debenture. If the paying agent holds money or securities
sufficient to pay the purchase price of such debenture on the business day
following the purchase date, then, on and after such date, such debenture will
cease to be outstanding and original issue discount on such debenture will
cease to accrue. This will be the case whether or not book-entry transfer of
such debenture is made or such debenture is delivered to the paying agent, and
all other rights of the holder shall terminate, other than the right to receive
the purchase price upon delivery of the debenture.
No debentures may be purchased at the option of the holder for cash if there
has occurred, prior to, on or after the giving by the holders of such
Debentures of the required purchase notice, and is continuing an event of
default described under "Events of Default; Notice and Waiver" below, other
than a default in the payment of the purchase price with respect to such
debentures.
If Aspect becomes obligated to purchase any outstanding debenture on a
purchase date, there can be no assurance that Aspect would have sufficient
funds to pay the purchase price on that purchase date. In such a case, Aspect
could be required to issue shares of common stock to pay the purchase price at
valuations based on then prevailing market prices for all the debentures
tendered by the holders thereof. Any future credit agreements or other
agreements relating to other indebtedness, including senior indebtedness, to
which Aspect becomes a party may provide that the maturing of any obligation to
purchase the debentures would constitute an event of default thereunder and may
restrict or prohibit the repurchase of the debentures. In the event a purchase
date occurs at a time when Aspect is prohibited from repurchasing the
debentures, Aspect could seek the consent of its then existing lenders to
repurchase the debentures or could attempt to refinance the borrowings that
contain such prohibition. If Aspect does not obtain such a consent or repay
such borrowings, Aspect would remain prohibited from repurchasing the
debentures. Aspect's failure to repurchase debentures required to be
repurchased under the terms of the indenture would constitute an event of
default under the indenture and would likely constitute a default under the
terms of any other indebtedness of Aspect outstanding at such time, including
senior indebtedness. In such circumstances, the subordination provisions in the
indenture would likely prevent Aspect from making payments to debenture
holders.
Mergers and Sales of Assets by Aspect
Aspect may not consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey,
transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to
another person, unless, among other items:
. the resulting, surviving or transferee person, if other than Aspect, is
organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state
thereof or the District of Columbia;
. such successor person assumes all of Aspect's obligations of Aspect
under the debentures and the indenture; and
. Aspect or such successor person shall not immediately thereafter be in
default under the indenture.
30
<PAGE>
Upon the assumption of Aspect's obligations by such person in such
circumstances, subject to certain exceptions, Aspect shall be discharged from
all obligations under the debentures and the indenture. Certain such
transactions which would constitute a fundamental change would permit each
holder to require Aspect to redeem the debentures of such holder as described
under "--Redemption at Option of the Holder Upon a Fundamental Change."
Events of Default; Notice and Waiver
The indenture provides that, if an event of default specified in the
indenture shall have happened and be continuing, either the trustee or the
holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the
debentures then outstanding may declare due and payable:
. the issue price of the debentures; plus
. the original issue discount on the debentures and any liquidated damages
under the registration rights agreement accrued to the date of such
declaration.
In the case of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, the issue price
of the debentures plus the original issue discount accrued thereon to the
occurrence of such event shall automatically become and be immediately due and
payable. Under certain circumstances, the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount at maturity of the outstanding debentures may rescind any
such acceleration with respect to the debentures and its consequences.
Interest shall accrue at the rate of 6.00% per annum and be payable on demand
upon a default in the payment of the issue price, accrued original issue
discount, accrued liquidated damages, if any, or any redemption price,
purchase price or fundamental change redemption price to the extent that
payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable.
Under the indenture, events of default are defined as:
(1) default in payment of:
. the principal amount at maturity,
. issue price,
. accrued original issue discount,
. accrued liquidated damages, if any,
. redemption price,
. purchase price or
. fundamental change redemption price
with respect to any debenture when such becomes due and payable, whether
or not payment is prohibited by the provisions of the Indenture, provided
that in the case of any failure to pay liquidated damages, such failure
continues for a period of 30 days;
(2) Aspect's failure to comply with any of its other agreements in the
debentures or the indenture upon the receipt by Aspect of notice of
such default by the trustee or by holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount at maturity of the debentures then
outstanding and Aspect's failure to cure such default within 60 days
after receipt by Aspect of such notice; or
(3) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency.
31
<PAGE>
The trustee shall give notice to holders of the debentures of any continuing
default known to the trustee within 90 days after the occurrence thereof;
provided that, except in the case of a default as described in clause (1)
above, the trustee may withhold such notice if it determines in good faith
that withholding the notice is in the interests of the holders.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the
outstanding debentures may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the trustee. Any such direction shall not be in conflict
with any law or the indenture and shall be subject to certain other
limitations. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the
indenture at the direction of such holders, the trustee shall be entitled to
receive from such holders or which might be reasonable security indemnity
satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities incurred by it
in complying with any such direction. No holder of any debenture will have any
right to pursue any remedy with respect to the indenture or the debentures
unless:
(1) such holder shall have previously given Aspect and the trustee written
notice of a continuing event of default;
(2) the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount at maturity
of the outstanding debentures shall have made a written request to the
trustee to pursue such remedy;
(3) such holder or holders have offered to the trustee reasonable
indemnity satisfactory to the trustee;
(4) the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of
the outstanding debentures have not given the trustee a direction
inconsistent with such request within 60 days after receipt of such
request; and
(5) the trustee shall have failed to comply with the request within such
60-day period.
However, the right of any holder:
(1) to receive payment of:
. the principal amount at maturity,
. issue price,
. accrued original issue discount,
. redemption price,
. purchase price,
. fundamental change redemption price
and any interest in respect of a default in the payment of any such
amounts on a debenture, on or after the due date expressed in such
debenture;
(2) to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payments or
conversion; or
(3) to convert debentures shall not be impaired or adversely affected
without such holder's consent.
The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity
of the outstanding debentures may waive an existing default and its
consequences, other than:
. any default in any payment on the debentures;
. any default with respect to the conversion rights of the debentures; or
32
<PAGE>
. any default in respect of certain covenants or provisions in the
indenture which may not be modified without the consent of the holder of
each debenture as described in "--Modification" below.
Aspect will be required to furnish to the trustee annually a statement as to
any default by Aspect in the performance and observance of its obligations
under the indenture.
Registration Rights
Aspect has entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial
purchasers pursuant to which Aspect, at its expense, for the benefit of the
holders, has filed with the SEC the shelf registration statement, of which this
prospectus forms a part, covering resale of the registrable securities. Aspect
will use its best efforts to cause the shelf registration statement to become
effective as promptly as is practicable, but in any event within 180 days of
such first date of original issuance and to keep the shelf registration
statement effective until the earlier of:
. the sale pursuant to the shelf registration statement of all the
securities registered thereunder; and
. the expiration of the holding period applicable to such securities held
by persons that are not affiliates of Aspect under Rule 144(k) under the
Securities Act or any successor provision, subject to certain permitted
exceptions.
Aspect will be permitted to suspend the use of this prospectus under certain
circumstances relating to pending corporate developments, public filings with
the SEC and similar events for a period not to exceed 30 days in any three-
month period and not to exceed an aggregate of 90 days in any 12-month period.
Aspect will agree to pay predetermined liquidated damages as described herein
to holders of debentures and holders of common stock issued upon conversion of
the debentures if the shelf registration statement is not timely filed or made
effective or if the prospectus is unavailable for periods in excess of those
permitted above. Such liquidated damages shall accrue until such failure to
file or become effective or unavailability is cured:
. in respect of any debenture, at a rate per annum equal to 0.25% for the
first 90 day period after the occurrence of such event and 0.5%
thereafter of the applicable principal amount (as defined) at maturity
thereof; and
. in respect of any shares of common stock into which the debentures have
been converted, at a rate per annum equal to 0.25% for the first 90 day
period and 0.5% thereafter of the then applicable conversion price.
A holder who sells debentures and common stock issued upon conversion of the
debentures pursuant to the shelf registration statement generally will be
required to be named as a selling stockholder in the related prospectus,
deliver a prospectus to purchasers and be bound by certain provisions of the
registration rights agreement that are applicable to such holder (including
certain indemnification provisions).
Aspect will pay all expenses of the shelf registration statement, provide to
each registered holder copies of such prospectus, notify each registered holder
when the shelf registration statement has become effective and take certain
other actions as are required to permit, subject to the foregoing, unrestricted
resales of the debentures and the common stock issued upon conversion of the
debentures.
33
<PAGE>
Aspect has agreed in the registration rights agreement to give notice to all
holders of the filing and effectiveness of the shelf registration statement by
release made to Reuters Economic Services and Bloomberg Business News. Selling
securityholders have received a form of notice and questionnaire to be
completed and delivered by a holder to Aspect at least three business days
prior to any intended distribution of registrable securities pursuant to the
shelf registration statement. Holders are required to complete and deliver the
questionnaire prior to the effectiveness of the shelf registration statement so
that such holder may be named as a selling securityholders in the related
prospectus at the time of effectiveness. Upon receipt of such a completed
questionnaire, together with such other information as may be reasonably
requested by Aspect, from a holder following the effectiveness of the shelf
registration statement, Aspect will, as promptly as practicable but in any
event within five business days of such receipt, file such amendments to the
shelf registration statement or supplements to the related prospectus as are
necessary to permit such holder to deliver such prospectus to purchasers of
registrable securities, subject to Aspect's right to suspend the use of the
prospectus as described above. Aspect has agreed to pay liquidated damages in
the amount set forth above to such holder if Aspect fails to make such filing
in the time required or, if such filing is a post-effective amendment to the
shelf registration statement required to be declared effective under the
Securities Act, if such amendment is not declared effective within 45 days of
the filing thereof. Any holder that does not complete and deliver a
questionnaire or provide such other information will not be named as a selling
securityholder in the prospectus and therefore will not be permitted to sell
any registrable securities pursuant to the shelf registration statement.
The summary herein of all material provisions of the registration rights
agreement is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all
the provisions of the registration rights agreement.
Modification
Modification and amendment of the indenture or the debentures may be effected
by Aspect and the trustee with the consent of the holders of not less than a
majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the debentures then
outstanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such amendment may, without the
consent of each holder affected thereby:
(1) reduce the principal amount at maturity, issue price, purchase price,
fundamental chance redemption price or redemption price, or extend the
stated maturity of any debenture or alter the manner or rate of accrual
of original issue discount or interest, or make any debenture payable
in money or securities other than that stated in the debenture;
(2) make any change to the principal amount at maturity of debentures whose
holders must consent to an amendment or any waiver under the Indenture
or modify the indenture provisions relating to such amendments or
waivers;
(3) make any change that adversely affects the right to convert any
debenture or the right to require Aspect to purchase a debenture or the
right to require Aspect to redeem a debenture upon a fundamental
change;
(4) modify the provisions of the indenture relating to the subordination of
the Debentures in a manner adverse to the holders of the debentures; or
(5) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment
with respect to, or conversion of, the debentures.
34
<PAGE>
The indenture also provides for certain modifications of its terms without
the consent of the holders. No amendment may be made to the subordination
provisions of the indenture that adversely affects the rights of any holder of
senior indebtedness then outstanding, unless the holders of such senior
indebtedness, as required pursuant to the terms of such senior indebtedness,
consent to such change.
Taxation of Debentures
See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations" for a discussion of certain
tax considerations relevant to a holder of debentures.
Information Concerning the Trustee
Aspect has appointed State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A.,
the trustee under the indenture, as paying agent, conversion agent, registrar
and custodian with regard to the debentures.
Certain Definitions
Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the prospectus.
The term applicable conversion price means, as of any date of determination,
the applicable principal amount per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of
debentures as of such date of determination divided by the conversion rate in
effect as of such date of determination or, if no debentures are then
outstanding, the conversion rate that would be in effect were debentures then
outstanding.
The term applicable price means:
. in the event of a fundamental change in which the holders of the common
stock receive only cash, the amount of cash received by the holder of
one share of common stock; and
. in the event of any other fundamental change, the average of the last
reported sale price for the common stock during the ten trading days
prior to the record date for the determination of the holders of common
stock entitled to receive cash, securities, property or other assets in
connection with such fundamental change, or, if there is no such record
date, the date upon which the holders of the common stock shall have the
right to receive such cash, securities, property or other assets in
connection with the fundamental change.
The term applicable principal amount means, as of any date of determination,
with respect to each $1,000 principal amount at maturity of debentures, the sum
of the initial issue price of such debentures ($306.56) plus accrued original
issue discount with respect to such debentures through such date of
determination or, if no debentures are then outstanding, such sum calculated as
if such debentures were then outstanding.
The term designated senior indebtedness means any particular senior
indebtedness in which the instrument creating or evidencing the same or the
assumption or guarantee thereof, or related agreements or documents to which
Aspect is a party, expressly provides that such senior
35
<PAGE>
indebtedness shall be designated senior indebtedness for purposes of the
Indenture; provided that such instrument, agreement or other document may place
limitations and conditions on the right of such senior indebtedness to exercise
the rights of designated senior indebtedness.
The term fundamental change means the occurrence of any transaction or event
in connection with which all or substantially all common stock shall be
exchanged for, converted into, acquired for or constitute solely the right to
receive any form of consideration which is not all or substantially all common
stock listed, or, upon consummation of or immediately following such
transaction or event, which will be listed, on a United States national
securities exchange or approved for quotation on The Nasdaq National Market or
any similar United States system of automated dissemination of quotations of
securities prices.
The term indebtedness means, with respect to any person and without
duplication:
(1) all indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities, contingent or
otherwise, of such person for borrowed money;
(2) all reimbursement obligations and other liabilities, contingent or
otherwise, of such person with respect to letters of credit, bank
guarantees or bankers' acceptances;
(3) all obligations and liabilities, contingent or otherwise, in respect of
leases of such person;
. required, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles, to be accounted for as capitalized lease obligations on
the balance sheet of such person; or
. required, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles to be accounted for as an operating lease, provided
either (A) such operating lease requires, at the end of the term
thereof, that such person make any payment other than accrued
periodic rent in the event that such person does not acquire the
leased real property and related fixtures subject to such lease, or
(B) such person has an option to acquire the leased real property
and related fixtures, whether such option is exercisable at any time
or under specified circumstances;
(4) all obligations of such person, contingent or otherwise, with respect
to an interest rate swap, cap or collar agreement or other similar
instrument or agreement;
(5) all direct or indirect guaranties or similar agreements by such person
in respect of, and obligations or liabilities, contingent or otherwise,
of such person to purchase or otherwise acquire or otherwise assure a
creditor against loss in respect of, indebtedness, obligations or
liabilities of another person of the kind described in clauses (1)
through (4) above;
(6) any indebtedness or other obligations described in clauses (1) through
(4) above secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien or other encumbrance
existing on property which is owned or held by such person, regardless
of whether the indebtedness or other obligation secured thereby shall
have been assumed by such person; and
(7) any and all deferrals, renewals, extensions and refundings of, or
amendments, modifications or supplements to, any indebtedness,
obligation or liability of the kind described in clauses (1) through
(6).
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The term reference market price shall initially mean $18.917 and in the event
of any adjustment to the conversion rate pursuant to the provisions of the
indenture, the reference market price shall also be adjusted so that the
reference market initial reference price shall be equal to:
Initial Conversion Rate
Initial Reference Price X ---------------------------
Adjusted Initial Conversion Rate
The market price means the average of the sale prices of the common stock for
the five trading day period ending on the third business day prior to the
applicable purchase date, if the third business day prior to the applicable
purchase date is a trading day or, if it is not a trading day, then on the last
trading day prior to such third business day, appropriately adjusted to take
into account the occurrence during the period commencing on the first of such
trading days during such five trading day period and ending on such purchase
date of certain events that would result in an adjustment of the conversion
rate under the indenture with respect to the common stock.
The sale price of the common stock on any date means the closing per share
sale price, or if no closing sale price is reported, the average bid and ask
prices or, if more than one, in either case, the average of the average bid and
average ask prices, on such date as reported in the composite transactions for
the principal United States securities exchange on which the common stock is
traded or, if the common stock is not listed on a United States national or
regional stock exchange, as reported by The Nasdaq National Market. Because the
market price of the common stock is determined prior to the applicable purchase
date, holders of debentures bear the market risk with respect to the value of
the common stock to be received from the date of determination of such market
price to such purchase date. Aspect may elect to pay the purchase price in
common stock only if the information necessary to calculate the market price is
reported in a daily newspaper of national circulation.
The term senior indebtedness means the principal of, premium, if any,
interest, including all interest accruing subsequent to the commencement of any
bankruptcy or similar proceeding, whether or not a claim for post-petition
interest is allowable as a claim in any such proceeding, rent and end of term
payments payable on or in connection with, and, to the extent not included in
the foregoing, all amounts payable as fees, costs, expenses, liquidated
damages, indemnities, repurchase and other put obligations and other amounts to
the extent accrued or due on or in connection with indebtedness of Aspect,
whether outstanding on the date of the indenture or thereafter created,
incurred, assumed, guaranteed or in effect guaranteed by Aspect, including all
deferrals, renewals, extensions or refundings of, or amendments, modifications
or supplements to, the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term
senior indebtedness does not include:
(1) indebtedness evidenced by the debentures;
(2) indebtedness of Aspect to any subsidiary of Aspect, a majority of the
voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by Aspect;
(3) accounts payable or other indebtedness to trade creditors created or
assumed by Aspect in the ordinary course of business; and
(4) any particular indebtedness in which the instrument creating or
evidencing the same or the assumption or guarantee thereof expressly provides
that such indebtedness shall not be senior in right of payment to, or is pari
passu with, or is subordinated or junior to, the debentures.
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CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a general discussion of certain material U.S. federal income
tax considerations relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the
debentures and conversion shares to U.S. holders, and certain material U.S.
federal income and estate tax considerations relating to the purchase,
ownership and disposition of the debentures and conversion shares to non-U.S.
holders. The discussion is a summary only and does not purport to be a complete
analysis of all the potential tax considerations relating thereto. This
discussion is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
existing and proposed Treasury Regulations, and judicial decisions and
administrative interpretations thereunder, as of the date hereof, all of which
are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, or different
interpretations. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge one
or more of the tax consequences described herein, and Aspect has not obtained,
nor does it intend to obtain, a ruling from the IRS or an opinion of counsel
with respect to the U.S. federal tax consequences of acquiring or holding
debentures and conversion shares.
The discussion does not purport to address all tax consequences that may be
important to a particular holder in light of the holder's circumstances, such
as the alternative minimum tax provisions of the tax code, or to certain
categories of investors, such as certain financial institutions, insurance
companies, tax-exempt organizations, dealers in securities, or persons who hold
debentures or common stock as part of a hedge, conversion or constructive sale
transaction, straddle or other risk reduction transaction, that may be subject
to special rules. This discussion is limited to purchasers of debentures who
hold the debentures and any common stock into which the debentures are
converted as capital assets. This discussion also does not address the tax
consequences arising under the laws of any foreign, state or local jurisdiction
or U.S. estate and gift tax law as applicable to U.S. Holders.
Persons considering the purchase of a debenture should consult their own tax
advisors as to the particular tax consequences to them of acquiring, holding,
converting or otherwise disposing of the debentures and common stock, including
the effect and applicability of state, local or foreign tax laws.
U.S. Holders
As used herein, the term U.S. Holder means a holder of a debenture or
conversion shares that is:
(1) for United States federal income tax purposes, a citizen or resident of
the United States;
(2) a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or
under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision
thereof;
(3) an estate, the income of which is subject to United States federal
income taxation regardless of its source; or
(4) a trust, the administration of which is subject to the primary
supervision of a court within the United States and which has one or
more United States persons with authority to control all substantial
decisions.
A non-U.S. holder is any holder other than a U.S. holder.
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Original Issue Discount on the Debentures. The debentures have been issued at
a substantial discount from their stated redemption price at maturity. For
federal income tax purposes, the excess of the stated redemption price at
maturity of each debenture over its issue price constitutes original issue
discount. The issue price of the debentures will equal the initial price at
which a substantial amount of the debentures is sold, not including sales to
initial purchasers or placement agents, including the initial purchasers. U.S.
holders of the debentures will be required to report original issue discount as
taxable ordinary income as it accrues, in accordance with the constant yield
method described below, before receipt of the cash attributable to such income,
regardless of such U.S. holder's regular method of accounting for United States
federal income tax purposes. A U.S. holder of a debenture must include in gross
income for federal income tax purposes the sum of the daily portions of
original issue discount with respect to the debenture for each day during the
taxable year or portion of a taxable year on which such U.S. holder holds the
debenture. The daily portion is determined by allocating to each day of each
accrual period a pro rata portion of an amount equal to the adjusted issue
price of the debenture at the beginning of the accrual period multiplied by the
yield to maturity of the debenture determined by compounding at the close of
each accrual period and adjusted for the length of the accrual period. The
adjusted issue price of a debenture at the start of any accrual period will be
the issue price of the debenture increased by the accrued original issue
discount for each prior accrual period. Under these rules, U.S. holders will
have to include in gross income increasingly greater amounts of original issue
discount in each successive accrual period. A U.S. Holder's original tax basis
for determining gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of a Debenture
will be increased by any accrued original issue discount includable in such
U.S. holder's gross income.
There are several circumstances under which Aspect could make a payment on a
debenture which would affect the yield to maturity of a debenture, including,
as described under "Description of Debentures," the payment of liquidated
damages, or certain redemptions or repurchases of a debenture. According to
treasury regulations, the possibility of a change in the yield will not be
treated as affecting the amount of original issue discount required to be
realized by a holder, or the timing of such recognition, if the likelihood of
the change, as of the date the debt obligations are issued, is remote. Aspect
intends to report on the basis that the likelihood of any change in the yield
on the debentures is remote. Aspect also intends to report on the basis that
there is no alternative payment schedule that would minimize the yield on the
debentures to Aspect.
Aspect or a paying agent will be required to furnish annually to the IRS and
each U.S. holder information regarding the amount of original issue discount
attributable to that year.
Market Discount. Any principal payment or gain realized by a U.S. holder on
disposition or retirement of a debenture will be treated as ordinary income to
the extent that there is accrued market discount on the debenture. The amount
of market discount on a debenture for a holder will equal the excess of the
adjusted issue price of such debenture over the initial tax basis of such
debentures in the hands of such holder. To the extent a holder exchanges or
converts a debenture into common stock in a transaction that is otherwise tax
free, any accrued market discount will carry over and generally be recognized
upon a disposition of the common stock. Unless a U.S. holder irrevocably elects
to accrue market discount under a constant-interest method, accrued market
discount is the total market discount multiplied by a fraction, the numerator
of which is the number of days the U.S.
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holder has held the obligation and the denominator of which is the number of
days from the date the holder acquired the obligation until its maturity. A
U.S. holder may be required to defer a portion of its interest deductions for
the taxable year attributable to any indebtedness incurred or continued to
purchase or carry a debenture purchased with market discount. Any such deferred
interest expense would not exceed the market discount that accrues during such
taxable year and is, in general, allowed as a deduction not later than the year
in which such market discount is includable in income. If the holder elects to
include market discount in income currently as it accrues on all market
discount instruments acquired by the U.S. holder in that taxable year or
thereafter, the (i) interest deferral described above will not apply and (ii)
market discount will not carry over into common stock as described above. Any
such election is terminable only with the consent of the IRS and applies to all
market discount bonds acquired during or after the year for which it is made.
Acquisition Premium. A U.S. holder will be considered to have acquisition
premium to the extent the U.S. holder's initial tax basis in a debenture is
greater than (x) the adjusted issue price of such debenture but less than (y)
the stated redemption price at maturity of such debenture. Acquisition premium
may offset the amount of original issue discount received on such debenture
that the U.S. holder is required to include in income.
Sale, Exchange or Retirement of the Debentures. Upon the sale, exchange or
retirement of a debenture, including as a result of a tender upon the
occurrence of a fundamental change, and, except as discussed in the next
paragraph on a purchase date, a U.S. holder will recognize gain or loss equal
to the difference between the sale or redemption proceeds and the U.S. holder's
adjusted tax basis in the debenture.
If a U.S. holder elects to exercise its option to tender the debentures to
Aspect on a purchase date and Aspect issues common stock in satisfaction of all
or part of the purchase price, the exchange of the debentures for common stock
should qualify as a reorganization for federal income tax purposes. If the
purchase price is paid solely in common stock, except in the case of a
fractional share described below, a U.S. holder shall not be required to
recognize any gain or loss realized. If the purchase price is paid in a
combination of common stock and cash, other than cash received in lieu of a
fractional share, gain, but not loss, realized by the U.S. holder would be
recognized, but only to the extent of the cash received. A U.S. holder's
initial tax basis in the common stock received would be equal to such U.S.
holder's adjusted tax basis in the debenture tendered (except for any portion
allocable to a fractional share of common stock, increased by the amount of
gain recognized, other than with respect to a fractional share, and decreased
by the amount of any cash received, except cash received in lieu of a
fractional share. The holding period for common stock received in the exchange
will include the holding period of the debenture tendered to Aspect in exchange
for common stock. The receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of common
stock should generally result in capital gain or loss, measured by the
difference between the amount of cash received for the fractional share and the
U.S. holder's tax basis in the fractional share interest.
A holder's adjusted tax basis in a debenture will generally equal the
holder's cost of the debenture increased by any original issue discount
previously included in income by such holder with respect to such debenture and
decreased by any payments received thereon. Except to the extent of any accrued
market discount, gain or loss realized on the sale, exchange or retirement of a
debenture
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will generally be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or
loss if the debenture is held for more than one year. For individual U.S.
holders, under recently enacted legislation, gain on most capital assets held
by an individual U.S. holder more than one year would be subject to a maximum
U.S. federal rate of tax of 20%.
Conversion of Debentures. A U.S. holder's conversion of a debenture into
common stock will generally not be a taxable event, except with respect to cash
received in lieu of a fractional share. A U.S. holder's basis in the common
stock received on conversion of a debenture will be the same as the U.S.
holder's basis in the debenture at the time of conversion, exclusive of any tax
basis allocable to a fractional share, and the holding period for the common
stock received on conversion will include the holding period of the debenture
converted. The receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of common stock
should generally result in capital gain or loss, measured by the difference
between the cash received for the fractional share interest and the U.S.
holder's tax basis in the fractional share interest.
Dividends; Adjustment of Conversion Price. Dividends, if any, paid on the
common stock generally will be includable in the income of a U.S. holder as
ordinary income to the extent of Aspect current or accumulated Aspect profits.
If at any time Aspect makes a distribution of property to shareholders that
would be taxable to such shareholders as a dividend for federal income tax
purposes and, pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the indenture, the
conversion rate of the debentures is increased, such increase may be deemed to
be the payment of a taxable dividend to U.S. Holders of debentures. If the
conversion rate is increased at Aspect's discretion or in certain other
circumstances, such increase also may be deemed to be the payment of a taxable
dividend to U.S. holders of debentures.
Sale of Common Stock. Upon the sale or exchange of common stock, a U.S.
holder generally will recognize capital gain or capital loss, except to the
extent of any accrued market discount not previously included in income, equal
to the difference between the amount realized on such sale or exchange and the
holder's adjusted tax basis in such shares. Such capital gain or loss will be
long-term capital gain or loss if the cumulative holding period of the common
stock, including the holding period of a debenture converted to such common
stock as described above, is more than one year. Individual U.S. holders may be
subject to certain maximum rates of tax on the sale of common stock. See "--
Sale, Exchange or Retirement of the Debentures."
Non-U.S. Holders
The following discussion is a summary of the principal United States federal
income and estate tax consequences resulting from the ownership of the
debentures or common stock by non-U.S. holders.
Withholding Tax on Payments of Principal and Original Issue Discount on
Debentures. The payment of principal, including any original issue discount
included therein, of a debenture by Aspect or any paying agent of Aspect to any
non-U.S. holder will not be subject to United States federal withholding tax,
provided that in the case of payment of cash in respect of original issue
discount (i) the non-U.S. holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or
more of the total
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voting combined power of all classes of Aspect stock , (ii) the non-U.S. holder
is not a controlled foreign corporation that is related to Aspect within the
meaning of the tax code and, (iii) either (A) the beneficial owner of the
debenture certifies to the applicable payor or its agent, under penalties of
perjury, that it is not a U.S. holder and provides its name and address on
United States Treasury Form W-8, or a suitable substitute form, or (B) a
securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that
holds customers' securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business,
and holds the debenture certifies under penalties of perjury that such a Form
W-8, or suitable substitute form, 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. Except to the extent otherwise
provided under an applicable tax treaty, a non-U.S. holder generally will be
taxed in the same manner as a U.S. holder with respect to original issue
discount on a debenture if such original issue discount is effectively
connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. holder. Effectively
connected interest received by a corporate non-U.S. holder may also, under
certain circumstances, be subject to an additional "branch profits tax" at a
30% rate, or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate. Such effectively connected
original issue discount will not be subject to withholding tax if the holder
delivers an IRS Form 4224, and, beginning January 1, 2000, a Form W-8, to the
payor.
Dividends. Dividends, if any, paid on the common stock to a non-U.S. holder,
and, after December 31, 1999, any deemed dividends resulting from an adjustment
to the conversion rate, see "U.S. Holders--Dividends; Adjustment of Conversion
Price" above, generally will be subject to a 30% United States federal
withholding tax, subject to reduction for non-U.S. holders eligible for the
benefits of certain income tax treaties. Currently, for purposes of determining
whether tax is to be withheld at the 30% rate or at a reduced treaty rate,
Aspect will ordinarily presume that dividends paid to an address in a foreign
country are paid to a resident of such country absent knowledge that such
presumption is not warranted. Under Treasury Regulations effective for payments
after December 31, 1999, holders will be required to satisfy certain applicable
certification requirements to claim treaty benefits. Except to the extent
otherwise provided under an applicable tax treaty, a non-U.S. holder generally
will be taxed in the same manner as a U.S. holder on dividends paid, or deemed
paid, that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in
the U.S. by the non-U.S. holder. If such non-U.S. holder is a foreign
corporation, it may also be subject to a United States branch profits tax on
such effectively connected income at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be
specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
Gain on Disposition of the Debentures and Common Stock. A non-U.S. holder
generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax on gain
realized on the sale, exchange or redemption of a debenture, including the
exchange of a debenture for common stock, or the sale or exchange of common
stock unless:
(1) in the case of an individual non-U.S. holder, such holder is present in
the United States for 183 days or more in the year of such sale,
exchange or redemption and either (A) has a tax home in the United
States and certain other requirements are met, or (B) the gain from the
disposition is attributable to an office or other fixed place of
business in the United States;
(2) the non-U.S. holder is subject to tax pursuant to the provisions of
U.S. tax law applicable to certain U.S. expatriates;
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(3) the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a United States
trade or business of the non-U.S. holder; or
(4) in the case of the disposition of common stock, Aspect is a U.S. real
property holding corporation. Aspect does not believe that it is
currently a United States real property holding corporation or that it
will become one in the future.
U.S. Federal Estate Tax. A debenture held by an individual who at the time of
death is not a citizen or resident of the United States, as specially defined
for United States federal estate tax purposes, will not be subject to United
States federal estate tax if the individual did not actually or constructively
own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of Aspect
stock and, at the time of the individual's death, payments with respect to such
debenture would not have been effectively connected with the conduct by such
individual of a trade or business in the United States. Common stock held by an
individual who at the time of death is not a citizen or resident of the United
States, as specially defined for United States federal estate tax purposes,
will be included in such individual's estate for U.S. federal estate tax
purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty otherwise applies.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
U.S. Holders. Information reporting will apply to payments of interest or
dividends on or the proceeds of the sale or other disposition of the debentures
or shares of common stock with respect to certain noncorporate U.S. holders,
and backup withholding at a rate of 31% may apply unless the recipient of such
payment supplies a taxpayer identification number, certified under penalties of
perjury, as well as certain other information or otherwise establishes an
exemption from backup withholding. Any amount withheld under the backup
withholding rules is allowable as a credit against the U.S. holder's federal
income tax, provided that the required information is provided to the IRS.
Non-U.S. Holders. Aspect must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S.
holder the amount of any dividends paid to, and the tax withheld with respect
to, such holder, regardless of whether any tax was actually withheld. Copies of
these information returns may also be made available under the provisions of a
specific treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the
non-U.S. holder resides.
Under current Treasury Regulations, backup withholding and information
reporting will not apply to payments of principal, including cash payments in
respect of original issue discount, on the debentures by Aspect or any agent
thereof to a non-U.S. holder if the non-U.S. holder certifies as to its non-
U.S. holder status under penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an
exemption, provided that neither Aspect nor its agent has actual knowledge that
the holder is a U.S. person or that the conditions of any other exemptions are
not in fact satisfied. The payment of the proceeds on the disposition of
debentures or shares of common stock to or through the United States office of
a United States or foreign broker will be subject to information reporting and
backup withholding unless the owner provides the certification described above
or otherwise establishes an exemption. The proceeds of the disposition by a
non-U.S. holder of debentures or shares of common stock to or through a foreign
office of a broker will not be subject to backup withholding or information
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reporting. However, if such broker is a U.S. person, a controlled foreign
corporation for United States tax purposes, or a foreign person, 50% or more
of whose gross income from all sources for certain periods is from activities
that are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, or, in the case
of payments made after December 31, 1999, a foreign partnership with certain
connections to the United States, information reporting requirements will
apply unless such broker has documentary evidence in its files of the holder's
non-U.S. status and has no actual knowledge to the contrary or unless the
holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Recently finalized Treasury
Regulations would modify the application of the information reporting
requirements and the back-up withholding tax to non-U.S. holders effective
January 1, 2000.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Aspect will not receive any of the proceeds of the sale of the debentures
and the conversion shares offered hereby. The conversion shares may be sold
from time to time to purchasers directly by the selling securityholders.
Alternatively, the selling securityholders may from time to time offer the
conversion shares through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents who may
receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from
the selling securityholders and/or the purchasers of the conversion shares for
whom they may act as agent. The selling securityholders and any such broker-
dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of the conversion shares
may be deemed to be underwriters, and any profits on the sale of the
conversion shares by them and any discounts, commissions or concessions
received by any such broker-dealers or agents might be deemed to be
underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. To the extent
the selling securityholders may be deemed to be underwriters, the selling
securityholders may be subject to certain statutory liabilities of, including,
but not limited, to Sections 11, 12 and 17 of the Securities Act and Rule 10b-
5 under the Exchange Act.
The registrable securities offered hereby may be sold from time to time
directly by the selling securityholders or, alternatively, through
underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. If the conversion shares are sold
through underwriters or broker-dealers, the selling securityholders will be
responsible for underwriting discounts or commissions or agent's commissions.
Such conversion shares may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed
prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices
determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. Such sales may be
effected in block transactions:
(1) on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the
conversion shares may be listed or quoted at the time of the sale
(including the Nasdaq National Market in the case of the common stock);
(2) in the over-the-counter market;
(3) in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the
over-the-counter market; or
(4) through the writing of options.
In connection with sales of the conversion shares or otherwise, the selling
securityholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which
may in turn engage in short sales of the
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conversion shares in the course of hedging in positions they assume. The
selling securityholders may also sell conversion shares short and deliver
conversion shares to close out short positions, or loan or pledge Securities to
broker-dealer that in turn may sell such securities
To Aspect's best knowledge, there are currently no plans, arrangements or
understandings between any selling securityholders and any underwriter, broker-
dealer or agent regarding the sale of the conversion shares by the selling
securityholders. There is no assurance that any selling securityholder will
sell any or all of the conversion shares offered by it hereunder or that any
such selling securityholder will not transfer, devise or gift such conversion
shares by other means not described herein.
The outstanding common stock is listed for trading on The Nasdaq National
Market under the symbol ASPT. Aspect does not intend to apply for listing of
the debentures on any securities exchange or for quotation through Nasdaq.
Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the development of liquidity or
any trading market for the debentures. See "Risk Factors--You May Not Be Able
to Sell Your Debentures."
There can be no assurance that any selling securityholder will sell any or
all of the debentures or conversion shares registered pursuant to the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. In addition, any
securities covered by the registration statement of which this prospectus forms
a part that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A of the
Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 or Rule 144A rather than pursuant to
this prospectus.
The selling securityholders and any other person participating in such
distribution will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and
the rules and regulations thereunder, including, without limitation Regulation
M which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the conversion
shares by the selling securityholders and any other such person. Furthermore,
Regulation M of the Exchange Act may restrict the ability of any person engaged
in the distribution of the conversion shares to engage in market-making
activities with respect to the particular conversion shares being distributed
for a period of up to five business days prior to the commencement of such
distribution. All of the foregoing may affect the marketability of the
conversion shares and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-
making activities with respect to the conversion shares.
Pursuant to the registration rights agreement entered into in connection with
the offer and sale of the debentures by Aspect, each of Aspect and the selling
securityholders will be indemnified by the other against certain liabilities,
including certain liabilities under the Securities Act, or will be entitled to
contribution in connection therewith.
Aspect has agreed to pay substantially all the expenses incidental to the
registration, offering and sale of the conversion shares to the public other
than commissions, fees and discounts of underwriters, brokers, dealers and
agents.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the debentures and the
conversion shares offered hereby will be passed upon for Aspect by Venture Law
Group, A Professional Corporation, Menlo Park, California.
EXPERTS
The financial statements and the related financial statement schedule
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from Aspect's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their reports, which are
incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance
upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in
accounting and auditing.
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Neither the Company nor any other authority has authorized anyone to give
information beyond what is set forth in this prospectus. Sales of the
securities described in this prospectus are not directed at anyone in any
jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation of such securities is not
authorized, or in which the person making the offer or solicitation is not
qualified to do so, or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer
or solicitation. The information contained in this prospectus is correct as of
the date of this prospectus. Neither delivery of this prospectus nor any sale
made pursuant to this prospectus shall imply that the information contained in
this prospectus is correct as of any time after the date of this prospectus.
----------------
Aspect Telecommunications Corporation
$276,016,900
Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated
Debentures Due 2018
and Shares of Common Stock Issuable
Upon Conversion Thereof
----------------
Prospectus
----------------
, 1999
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table sets forth the various expenses payable by the
Registrant in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities
being registered hereby. Normal commission expenses and brokerage fees are
payable individually by the Selling Securityholders. All amounts are estimated
except the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SEC registration fee............................................. $ 76,733
Legal fees and expenses.......................................... $ 70,000
Accounting fees and expenses..................................... $ 25,000
Miscellaneous fees and expenses.................................. $ 5,000
--------
Total.......................................................... $176,733
</TABLE>
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 317 of the California Corporations Code allows for the
indemnification of officers, directors, and other corporate agents in terms
sufficiently broad to indemnify such persons under certain circumstances for
liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the
Securities Act. Article IV of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation and
Article VI of the Registrant's Bylaws provides for indemnification of the
Registrant's directors, officers, employees and other agents to the extent and
under the circumstances permitted by the California Corporations Code. The
Registrant has also entered into agreements with its directors and officers
that will require the Registrant, among other things, to indemnify them
against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or
service as directors to the fullest extent not prohibited by law.
In addition, the Registrant carries director and officer liability insurance
in the amount of $20 million.
In connection with this offering, the Selling Securityholders have agreed to
indemnify the Registrant, its directors and officers and each such person who
controls the Registrant, against any and all liability arising from inaccurate
information provided to the Registrant by the Selling Securityholders and
contained herein.
Item 16. Exhibits.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description of Document
------- -----------------------
<C> <S>
4.1* Indenture, dated August 10, 1998, by and among the Company and
State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A., as
Trustee, including the form of Debenture.
4.2* Form of Debenture (included in Exhibit 4.1).
4.3* Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 10, 1998, by and among
the Company, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Credit Suisse
First Boston Corporation.
5.1* Opinion of Venture Law Group, A Professional Corporation.
12.1 Statement re: computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
23.1* Consent of Venture Law Group, A Professional Corporation (see
Exhibit 5.1).
23.2 Independent auditors' consent--Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.3 Independent auditors' consent--PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
24.1* Power of Attorney.
25.1* Statement of Eligibility Under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of a
Corporation Designated to Act as Trustee on Form T-1.
</TABLE>
- --------
* Previously filed.
II-1
<PAGE>
Item 17. Undertakings.
1. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10 (a) (3) of the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act");
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-
effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which is registered) and any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range
may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 424 (b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and
price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering
price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the
effective registration statement; and
(iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
material change to such information in the registration statement;
provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (1)(i) and
(1)(ii) above shall not apply if the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by these clauses is contained in periodic reports
filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") that are incorporated by
reference in this registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Act, each
such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.
2. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Act, each filing of the registrant's
annual report pursuant to Section 13 (a) or Section 15 (d) of the Exchange Act
that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
3. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to be
delivered with the prospectus, to each person to whom the prospectus is sent
or given, the latest annual report, to security holders that is incorporated
by reference in the prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the
requirements of Rule 14e-3 or Rule 14c-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934; and, where interim financial information required to be presented by
Article 3 of Regulation S-X is not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or
cause to be delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given,
the latest quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by reference in
the prospectus to provide such interim financial information.
4. Insofar as indemnification of liabilities arising under the Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
II-2
<PAGE>
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
5. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Act, the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form
of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424 (b) (1) or (4)
or 497(h) under the Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Act, each
post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Aspect
Telecommunications Corporation certifies that it has reasonable grounds to
believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has
duly caused this amendment to the registration statement be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Jose,
State of California, on January 20, 1999.
ASPECT TELECOMMUNICATIONS
CORPORATION
By: /s/ Eric J. Keller
__________________________________
Eric J. Keller
Vice President, Finance and Chief
Financial
Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment
to registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
* Chairman, Chief Executive January 20, 1999
____________________________________ Officer and Director
James R. Carreker (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Eric J. Keller Vice President, Finance and January 20, 1999
____________________________________ Chief Financial Officer
Eric J. Keller (Principal Financial Officer
and Principal Accounting
Officer)
* Director January 20, 1999
____________________________________
Debra J. Engel
* Director January 20, 1999
____________________________________
Norman A. Fogelsong
Director
____________________________________
James L. Patterson
* Director January 20, 1999
____________________________________
John W. Peth
*By: /s/ Eric J. Keller
____________________________
Eric J. Keller,
Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description of Document
------- -----------------------
<C> <S> <C>
4.1* Indenture, dated August 10, 1998, by and among the Company
and State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A.,
as Trustee, including the form of Debenture.
4.2* Form of Debenture (included in Exhibit 4.1).
4.3* Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 10, 1998, by and
among the Company, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation.
5.1* Opinion of Venture Law Group, A Professional Corporation.
12.1 Statement re: computation of ratio of earnings to fixed
charges.
23.1* Consent of Venture Law Group, A Professional Corporation (see
Exhibit 5.1).
23.2 Independent auditors' consent--Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.3 Independent auditors' consent--PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
24.1* Power of Attorney.
25.1* Statement of Eligibility Under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939 of a Corporation Designated to Act as Trustee on Form
T-1.
</TABLE>
- --------
* Previously filed.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 12.1
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NINE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
1997 1998 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
----------- ------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges:
Earnings:
Income from continuing operations
before taxes $53,173 $ 50,005 $18,812 $28,343 $38,081 $59,828 $60,278
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Fixed Charges:
Interest charges 199 1,666 887 3,172 3,188 2,774 293
Interest factor of operating rents 1,524 2,240 738 877 1,240 1,871 2,142
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total fixed charges 1,723 3,906 1,625 4,049 4,428 4,645 2,435
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings, as adjusted $54,896 $ 53,911 $20,437 $32,392 $42,509 $64,473 $62,713
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 31.9x 13.8x 12.6x 8.0x 9.6x 13.9x 25.8x
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.2
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Amendment No. 2 to Registration
Statement No. 333-66461 of Aspect Telecommunications Corporation on Form S-3 of
our reports dated January 14, 1998 (February 27, 1998 as to Note 15) and March
24, 1998, appearing in and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on
Form 10-K of Aspect Telecommunications Corporation for the year ended December
31, 1997.
We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the
Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Jose, California
January 18, 1999
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration
statement of Aspect Telecommunications Corporation (the "Company") on Form
S-3 of our report, which includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the
Company's ability to continue as a going concern, dated March 25, 1998, on
our audits of the financial statements of Voicetek Corporation as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for each of the two years in the period
ended December 31, 1997, which report is included in the Company's filing
on Form 8-K/A.
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
January 19, 1999
